All Forum Posts by: Britt Abbey

The endless upstate definition debate.... can we at least agree that Stewart’s coffee and milk are the best?

Sometimes the juice just isn't worth the squeeze...  a lightbulb lit 8 hours per day might add $1.50 to your monthly bill.  

Spencer - if the right deal presents itself in Watertown take it...caveat being the "right deal". 

Watertown gives lots of reason for concern due to the rapid and continued increase in housing stock (building of newer apartments).  The major concern, if/when number cuts take place, your best perspective tenants (military) will have the choice between your 100 year old duplex or brand new housing.  If a lower rental rate can still be profitable the deal is still good.  Personally, I think rental rates in and around Watertown are going to have to take a haircut.  Demand has been so high, that rates are based on Basic Housing Allowance alone, as soldiers would rather rent a three bedroom house in fair condition than stay in a hotel.  As more and more housing stock comes into play supply will continue evening out.  If numbers shrink, we'll be on the other side supply/demand curve.

Faith in humanity temporarily restored... 

Faith in Whirlpool appliances at a new low.

It turns out the machine was allowing free washes, and with a replacement part should be back up and running.  Unfortunately, even though it's only been used for 2 months, the warranty has already expired (90 days for commercial appliances).

The washer is priced higher than the dryer by 0.50$, but still both are lower than the local laundromat.  Why cheat one machine but not the other?  Both upset the same mechanisms (same brand, matching models).

The camera option may be the best bet.  It may also deter other bad behavior.

Thanks for the possible scenarios... I've been in each unit within the last week so we can rule out the portable washing machine.

After hunting season (insert "you might be a redneck" joke here), I'll move one of my trail cameras into the laundry if the problem persists.  I guess my only other option is to add padlocks onto the cash boxes on top of the regular keyed entry.

I've just recently added a coin-op washer and dryer to a 4 unit.  The first month went well, and being a little OCD, I counted the coins in each box.  The usage of the two machines matched 100%.

I just emptied out month 2's bins, and found that the coins in the washer represented only 1/10 of the usage of what was found in the dryer.  The usage of the dryer was on pace with what was used last week, but the washer was used far less.

Inherently, this doesn't seem probable.  There was no sign that the machine had been tampered with or jimmied open... and if it were, why wouldn't they have taken from both machines?   I can's imagine a situation where all 4 tenants have elected to hand wash their clothes and use the dryer (there is no utility sink in the laundry room).

Can you think of any reasons why the dryer would be used that much more/washer used that much less?... or am I just being naïve, and somebody figured out a way into the cashbox.

Get a different bank.  I live and work upstate (Watertown area), and there are banks/credit unions that offer 15 and 30 year fixed rate mortgages at similar or slightly higher than conventional rates for non-owner occupied 1-4 family investment properties.  25% down is the norm in my area.

I can't recommend any in your area, but I'm sure they exist.

"Upstate" is not a singular neighborhood (and for that matter, there's great debate over what is considered "upstate".  Personally I consider it to include only areas north of Interstate 90 (Thruway) or Syracuse north.

That said property values will vary greatly even throughout my narrower definition of the term. I suggest you hire an appraiser (my personal preference over a real estate agent/broker for this situation) to do help determine your current market value and ARV.

Unless it's a 1 in a million property, there will be comparable sales within reasonable distance (25 miles?) that will eliminate the need to consider sales out of state.  Remember - real estate is local....

(full disclosure, I hold both an appraiser's certification and associate broker's license... and live upstate).

1)  Don't let your tenants paint.

2) What does your local law say...ie Can a tenant legally hold back payment for something not being repaired?

3) How long has it been left untreated since the tenant brought this to your attention. Has he been unrealistic and blown up after 24 hours or have weeks gone by since you were notified?