Let's play should I buy this property!!!

Let's play should I buy this property!!!

Real Estate Agent · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2016 · 159 posts · 82 votes

Greetings, 

After listening to many BP podcasts, I'm finally trying to do my first deal. The property I'm interested in is a "C-" property in a "C-" neighborhood.  Google map the area if you'd like. It's on Berry Hill St. Harrisburg, PA. It's a 3 unit multi-family (one one bedroom, and two efficiency apartments), with a detached garage. It is fully rented and brings in $1350/mo. On paper is smashes the 2% rule (3.3%).

The seller wanted $49.9K. I offered $34K. He countered at $41k. I accepted 41K contingent on mortgage and inspection. SO, I walked through with the home inspector today. The property has SIGNIFICANTLY more problems than I expected. Soon it will need a new furnace, water heater, and roof. It has some faulty wiring and needs a little masonry work. Also, the out-door steel stairs to reach the efficiency apartments are wobbly and rusty, and the 2nd floor balcony does not look or feel very stable. 

The home inspector estimated that it would cost 10-15k to fix these problems. Now I'm a little unsure whether this is still a good deal. 

 Should I counter with a lower offer?

Should I ask the seller to do some of the repairs himself?

Should I do a 203k FHA loan and take a hit fixing the stuff myself? AND/OR

 Should I do something else?

Please advise wise BP member,

Joe C. 

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  • Real Estate Agent · Mechanicsburg, PA · Member since 2014 · 529 posts · 217 votes
    10y

    renegotiate for a lower price. If the owner is not willing too, I would walk. Most of the homes in Harrisburg are built in the 1900s. I would imagine as soon as you start messing with things your Renovation budget will surpass your estimation.

  • Real Estate Agent · Harrisburg, PA · Member since 2016 · 159 posts · 82 votes
    10y

    Yes, It's an old house. Thanks for your advice, Christian! 

  • Investor · Hummelstown, PA · Member since 2013 · 50 posts · 37 votes
    10y

    @Joe Chirdon  City of Harrisburg, I would look for 15K Unit in decent shape with only handy man type repairs etc.  The fact that they are not 1 bedrooms is less positive to me.  I would expect even more capital for repairs than what you see.  Its always the case.  Check out what part of berry hill too.  Trulia has good crime maps.  Also keep in mind City of Harrisburg Water, Sewer Trash will probably be a landlord expense.  Highly unlikely that it is metered separately.  I would stick closer to your 35K offer.  There are a lot of investors that are tired of the city of Harrisburg and are stuck because they are underwater.

    Any C class property in city of Harrisburg 3% rule should be your minimum to even look at the deal.  Hope that helps

  • Investor · Allen Park, MI · Member since 2014 · 98 posts · 36 votes
    10y
    Are the utilities separate or are you paying heat, water and electric? If yes, then the 3.3% is probably more like 1.8%. I would renegotiate. They will come down. Heck I would have countered at 36-37k since the owner went from 49 to 41 right away. Lots of deferred maintenance means you probably aren't making money for 2 years. Good luck!
  • Jeff CopelandBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Tampa Bay/St Petersburg, FL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    I was a little surprised to see a financing contingency at such a low purchase price. What kind of loan are you planning to get and have you spoken to your lender about the dollar amount? Most mortgage lenders won't/can't lend below about $60-75k.

    Copeland Morgan LLC4.770 Reviews
  • PA · Member since 2010 · 339 posts · 168 votes
    10y
    Most is Berry Hill is pretty rough. The spreadsheets will look great but it is likely that the property will underperform. My first property was in a similar type of neighborhood and I made dramatically less monthly income than my spreadsheets predicted. I did pretty well when I sold it because I rehabbed 12 or the 22 units, but in my opinion, it wasn't worth it. I recommend finding a better neighborhood and paying a little more. You will make more money and experience much less frustration and heartache.
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