The tenants who have lived 16+ years at one of our units are moving out. The stove, range hood, and fridge were purchased by the previous landlord but are definitely 16+ years old. We are trying to buy a new set before the new tenants move in.
I am wondering where do you usually find good bargains? We have a Sears outlet store in town, selling appliances with minor dents. But I am also exploring other options.
Hi Wendy. One thing I would caution you against is bargain-hunting. You don't want bargains in this business. You want dependable, long-lasting appliances whose cost includes delivery and the removal of the old appliance.
Depending on your budget, but here is couple of ways for you to consider:
If you live in a big metropolitan city, I would look into Offer Up or similar Apps, because you can find a fairly new appliances for a fraction what it would cost you if you buy brand new.
Otherwise, I buy all my appliances from Home Depot. It comes with a free installation and all that for convenience.
Rental Property Investor · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y
Our Sears Outlet closed down but before they did I loved them and bought all my appliances there. I bought a really nice refrigerator for my first home that became a rental for 1/2 off. Sure there was a large scratch down the right side but the wall doesn't seem to mind looking at it. A lot of people recommend used appliances however I prefer new. The cost savings aren't worth the risk to me of having to replace appliances more often as I highly value my time. There is a market for used though so if yours still work someone will be willing to pay for them. Maybe not much for 16 year old appliances but something is better than nothing and at least they will be gone.
Rental Property Investor · Concord, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 3k+ votes
4y
SFHs 1-10, I bought used off CL. Good deals but it does not scale. Now Lowes and HD w/ 10% Mil discount. For class B and up, stainless is worth the marginal extra cost.
Our Sears Outlet closed down but before they did I loved them and bought all my appliances there. I bought a really nice refrigerator for my first home that became a rental for 1/2 off. Sure there was a large scratch down the right side but the wall doesn't seem to mind looking at it. A lot of people recommend used appliances however I prefer new. The cost savings aren't worth the risk to me of having to replace appliances more often as I highly value my time. There is a market for used though so if yours still work someone will be willing to pay for them. Maybe not much for 16 year old appliances but something is better than nothing and at least they will be gone.
Our Sears outlet technically closed down, but somehow it changed to a different name and still does the same business. We are very lucky I guess.
SFHs 1-10, I bought used off CL. Good deals but it does not scale. Now Lowes and HD w/ 10% Mil discount. For class B and up, stainless is worth the marginal extra cost.
Thanks Terrell! I agree! I am getting stainless for sure.
Investor · Kennesaw, GA · Member since 2018 · 98 posts · 127 votes
4y
I recently got a good deal on 6 stainless steel fridges from Best Buy. Normally we go with Lowe's or Home Depot. Going to have to check out Costco now...
Property Manager · Charlottesville, VA · Member since 2019 · 30 posts · 18 votes
4y
We use Lowes because of the Lowes for Pros discount. Free haul away as well. We have also had success with them paying for any damage the installers caused without too much headache.
Hi Wendy. One thing I would caution you against is bargain-hunting. You don't want bargains in this business. You want dependable, long-lasting appliances whose cost includes delivery and the removal of the old appliance.
Naperville, IL · Member since 2018 · 330 posts · 357 votes
4y
Normally Lowes or HD. However, in the last year we generally end up at Sears Outlet, now called American Freight, because of wait times/supply chain issues. I think we've bought six appliances during the pandemic from them. They are NOT cheaper, though, at least not recently. It was more scratch and dent with Sears, with AF it's "new but no packaging" and you have to make sure you're getting everything that would have come with new. Just this week we bought a DW. Lowe's had the same one for $749 but six weeks at least until delivered. AF had it for $775 but claimed retail was $999. I could not find it listed retail any higher than the $749 Lowe's had. But I'm not asking my tenant to wait six weeks for a dw, and the current one was 18 years old, so not going to fix it either. So I'm glad they are there for "buy it now" inventory, but it's not a money saver.
Real Estate Agent · McAllen, TX · Member since 2017 · 382 posts · 281 votes
4y
Best Buy has good discounts if it's around any holiday. Even president's day. As far as where I buy them, I give it a quick look around facebook marketplace to see if there is anybody just trying to get rid of their appliances. If I can't finde anything a I go to a local used appliances lot and buy whatever looks in the best shape.
Saint Simons Island, GA · Member since 2017 · 34 posts · 64 votes
4y
Wendy, We have a company called Coastal Appliances on the mainland that has been in business for many many years. Walk-in and immediately talk with someone. They carry most of what Lowe's carry and offer the same price. While a veteran and can use 10% off at Lowe's or Home Depot, NO THANK YOU. After experiencing hell in trying to apply a warranty once with Lowe's I said never again after all the time spent on the phone. I will pay a bit extra money, pay for the extended warranties and use a reputable local appliance store. They deliver, set up take away, making life easy and enjoyable in dealing with appliances. Just my $.02. Buy local/family owned if at all possible.
Property Manager · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2017 · 108 posts · 149 votes
4y
@Wendy Jiang I don't see any post mentioning brand. You'll find a lot of great deals on new Samsung and LG appliances but talk to any appliance repair tech and they will recommend staying away from these two brands. Just google "class action lawsuit Samsung/LG" and you'll find many articles to read.
We've had the best luck with the Whirlpool brands including Maytag and Amana. We only manage A/B detached single family homes so we don't use Hotpoint.
Rental Property Investor · Charlottesville, VA · Member since 2016 · 45 posts · 39 votes
4y
Many communities have a small appliance company that buys scratch and dents from major regional distributors, wholesalers or manufacturers. They operate out of storage units or cheap warehouse space. Their inventory won’t include matching units but it’s new and they sell at a discount. The one in my area backs up their sales with a guarantee if something is internally damaged. Find that outfit in your area. Craig’s LIst, FB Marketplace or a Google search will help you find one. Avoid the temptation to buy used equipment however shiny. We avoid Samsung and LG as we’ve found their replacement parts are pricey. Also, if you have an appliance repair guy who is your go-to, consult with him/her/them.