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BlogArrowBiggerPockets Real Estate PodcastArrowJust Because it Looks Good, Doesn’t Mean it Is Good!
BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

Just Because it Looks Good, Doesn’t Mean it Is Good!

Ben Leybovich
Expertise: Mortgages & Creative Financing, Personal Development, Landlording & Rental Properties, Personal Finance, Real Estate News & Commentary, Real Estate Deal Analysis & Advice, Real Estate Investing Basics, Business Management, Commercial Real Estate
175 Articles Written
Just Cause it Looks Good, Doesn't Mean it Is Good!

Sometimes I am busy…that’s an understatement of the century!  But, truly, some weeks I just find myself looking for a short cut as it relates to my post.  Translation – you are getting a video 🙂

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In real estate, almost nothing is as it seems.  Something that looks gorgeous and totally belongs in the space aesthetically, may actually cause a lot of heartache down the road.  Knowing this requires perspective, which, as you know is a function of experience.  For all of you newbies, in this video I discuss two of the most common pitfalls that many of you don’t think about.

Related: 8 Pieces of Advice Newbies Can’t Afford to Ignore

Check it out:

 

By Ben Leybovich
Ben has been investing in multifamily residential real estate for over a decade. An expert in creative financing, he has been a guest on numerous real estate-related podcasts, including the
Read more
Ben has been investing in multifamily residential real estate for over a decade. An expert in creative financing, he has been a guest on numerous real estate-related podcasts, including the BiggerPockets Podcast. He was also featured on the cover of REI Wealth Monthly and is a public speaker at events across the country. Ben is the creator of Cash Flow Freedom University, the author of House Hacking, and a noted Multifamily Underwriting coach. Through his company, Source Capital LLC, Ben currently operates $40M of multifamily real estate. Learn more about him at JustAskBenWhy.com.
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11 Replies
    Gualter Amarelo
    Replied over 6 years ago
    Hey Ben, Thanks for taking the time to remind us that paneling is the sign of something amiss. In my area paneling was primarily used to encapsulate lead paint so pretty much every property has it. My solution is usually to come in and paint it with a nice bright color or worse case I’ll do another layover with 1/4 drywall (this is reserved for higher end rentals). I’ve gone to the studs before and I just find the whole process cumbersome and expensive. If it ain’t broken don’t fix it! Obviously if there are structural or utility issues you can’t just paint it when your done, but doing a layover on one wall (assuming the issue is localized) can save you allot of money and headaches. I love seeing the old wood colored paneling because it deters most sellers and I know how to make it pretty again! Thanks again for your quick post Ben. It’s good to see your face now and then, lol. Cheers!
    Ben Leybovich
    Replied over 6 years ago
    I’m getting prettier as I age – don’t tell Patrisha I said so 🙂 Thanks indeed for watching Gualter!

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    Mike
    Replied over 6 years ago
    The Russian accent definitely makes your videos more entertaining than your writing. Not that your writing is bad, Its just cool to mix it up with a cold war feel to it. I don’t even know if I am making sense… Anyways, nice tip!
    Ben Leybovich
    Replied over 6 years ago
    I’m confused – either you just told me that I suck at writing, or that I have a sexy Russian accent. Not sure if I am pissed or flattered 🙂 Thanks for watching, Mike!

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    Ben Leybovich
    Replied over 6 years ago
    I’m confused – either you just told me that I suck at writing, or that I have a sexy Russian accent. Not sure if I am pissed or flattered 🙂 Thanks for watching, Mike!

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    Ben Leybovich
    Replied over 6 years ago
    I’m confused – either you just told me that I suck at writing, or that I have a sexy Russian accent. Not sure if I am pissed or flattered 🙂 Thanks for watching, Mike!

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    Sharon Vornholt
    Replied over 6 years ago
    Nice tips Ben. As the former owner of a home inspection company, you speak the truth. Sharon
    Ben Leybovich
    Replied over 6 years ago
    Thank you, Sharon 🙂

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    Sharon Tzib
    Replied over 6 years ago
    I agree – nice to see your smiling face. You had me chuckling at the “how do I know part.” Perspective indeed…..
    Ben Leybovich
    Replied over 6 years ago
    LOL – thanks, Sharon!

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    Sharon Tzib
    Replied over 6 years ago
    I agree – nice to see your smiling face. You had me chuckling at the “how do I know part.” Perspective indeed….. Reply Report comment

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