Garages-add much value?

[Terry Hoefer]

While looking for duplexes in Wisconsin, some have no garage, but are otherwise desirable rentals. I know when I think back to my years as a young renter in Wisconsin, my dream was to have garage access. I would have stayed longer at a place with a garage. How does this affect the amount of potential rent, and is it ever a good idea to build a garage to attract tenants with decent cars. Or would the cost of adding one not be worth the expense?

[Joel Katsma]

I have a few rentals in WI and I will definitely say that having a garage is a big selling point - I don't think I would buy one without, unless the numbers were spectacular.  With the winters we get here, it would be a struggle to find decent renters ($600 - $900 range) without a garage.