All Forum Posts by: Hannah Costello

@Jill F. Yes, sorry major typo lol. I meant a dual system for 1, 600 sq. ft apartment

@Bill Brandt sorry, I meant 600 sq. Ft apartment

@Hannah Costello Oops sorry, I meant 600 sq ft. Apartment!

I am getting ready to switch from oil to electric. I got two quotes for a heat pump/mini split hook up. I will only be getting 2 mini split units installed for a 600 unit apartment. The first quote came I got was for $13,000, and the second for $10,700. Both of these seem so high, but I’m not sure to expect? Is this normal pricing? Located in South Eastern PA for reference.

Also, would electric baseboards be cheaper to install? I know the mini splits are supposed to be less expensive to use, but if the tenant is paying, does the difference in monthly utility costs really make up for the difference in installment costs? Thanks for your help!

@Bruce Woodruff and thank you for the info!

@Bruce Woodruff I do care about that. However, I keep seeing stuff about mini splits not being good for colder climates like PA.. what do you think about that?

@Travis Timmons this is great info!! Thank you. I know some of the electric companies give rebates, I will look into that and the financing.

Hello! I recently purchased a duplex in Reading PA. The top unit is electric baseboards, but the bottom unit is oil - hot water heat. I do not want to put the high costs of oil on the tenant and would like to convert to natural gas or electric ASAP. I was originally considering natural gas. There is an available gas line and UGI will hook up for free, I just cover the furnace install. However, the turn around time for this is up to 12 weeks, if it gets approved by the borough.. I would like to convert sooner than that to avoid the high oil heating costs that will come this winter. 

I am seriously considering heat pump/mini splits. I rented a unit before that had them and my electric bill was relatively low in the winter months. Then there's electric baseboard heat.. I am looking for the most cost efficient and timely option. I am willing to spend a little more if it means lower utility bills for my tenants. I have two estimates scheduled for this week, but if anyone has any idea of pricing for this please let me know! 

This is a 1 bedroom unit and is around 500-600 sq ft. And also, I have 2 100 amp panels - one for each unit, would this need to be upgraded? 

Thank you so much for your help (:

Are there any mortgage types out there that will finance new entrepreneurs? I know you need the 2 years of tax returns. But what if you only have 1 year of not so hot income, but are showing great income via bank statements for the current year?

And if there aren’t any mortgages for the self employed without 2 years of returns, are there lenders who will take the average of the 2 years, so how does that work?

Any and all advice is appreciated!

There is a property that is definitely a duplex, but the previous owners did not keep up with the duplex permit. So the listing says it is now zoned as a single family until someone renews the permit. If you use a conventional 3% first time buyers loan for this will you run in to any issues with loan approval or even appraisal?

For reference the listing says “This property could be set up to be a DUPLEX if permit is obtained or can be used as a single family home.”

Located in Norristown PA

Thank you in advance!