All Forum Posts by: Ann Folan

I think there are lots of reasonable reasons why I would not approve a sublease. It honestly has never come up for us and I did not think it was much of a thing here in Chicago but maybe it is in some areas? I would release someone from a lease and find my own screened tenant before I would allow a sublease. Too much drama and potential chaos over what might be one months missed rent between tenants.

Crazy is not protected and not worth it. Too bad it doesn't show up in tenant screening!

@Art Maydan For future reference, I would check your lease. We us the standard Chicago Association of Realtors lease and it expressly prohibits subleasing the property without prior written consent of the landlord and even then does not terminate the obligations of the original tenant (I just double checked the ones signed this week to make sure :).

We build high end homes in Chicago - I know it is done elsewhere but we have never sold a home without appliances in Chicago or the suburbs. Personally, I would stick with the subzero/wolf, thermador, etc appliances if that is your buyer (which will not be any cheaper). Or if a slightly lower bracket the higher end GE/KitchenAid package. 

I know the fridge you are talking about but I am not sure about Samsung appliances other than that. Make sure they have a whole package of appliances you can use, you do not want to mix manufacturers in a high end home. Weird but true. If they do have all the appliances you need then I would consider it. Price compare the 2 complete packages and go from there. Just my 2 cents but hope it helps.

Yes - we use blown-in cellulose between floors in all out new construction. Spray foam is great for insulation, useless for sound reduction, blown-in cellulose in much better for sound quality.

I am from the neighborhood (nw side born and raised) and I will keep my ears open for anything off market. As I am sure you know, $500k is going to be tough in some of those neighborhoods - we lived in Edison Park for 10 years and property is insane there now! But all great neighborhoods.

So glad you asked this question! I have looked into it a couple of times and cannot quite figure out how exactly it works and whether or not it is truly worth it (tying up your capital for 2.5 years). Interested to see if anyone has any experience!

I was about to post the same advice as @Jerry N. - also try pouring hot water and bleach down any floor drains in the basement. Those traps dry out and it stinks to high heaven but it is an easy fix! 

@Jeff Smith I will definitely check it out. We tend to be very hands on landlords (we own a construction company) but we already have a few other investment properties in mind so I can see it getting very sticky, very quickly! Love the online payment idea. Thanks for the recommendation!

Best avenue to add an electronic option to rent collection? I know I have seen previous posts on this topic but I cannot find anything by searching. I recall there are some online services to automate rent collection or perhaps an app? 

Anyone have knowledge of any of these services? I would like to give the "hand me a check" option as well as a "send me the money electronically" option. Any pros and cons would be appreciated -- jumping back into rentals after a few years out of it. First re-habbed 3-flat ready to rent in the next 30 days!

Thanks folks!

Unless that garage is grandfathered in as an existing coach house or you have 2 separate PIN numbers on the property there is little to no way you will get zoning to add an apartment above the garage. The City banned decks on top of garages (although that ban has been lifted recently) I cannot see a scenario where they would let you have an apartment.