All Forum Posts by: Michael Herr

This question is very location specific. I've never even heard of anyone using a realtor to list a residential rental around here. There are realtors that help people find rentals, but that's mainly the new realtors that have tons of time that are just hoping for future clients. I am led to believe it is common in bigger cities and out east. Sorry that's vague: ask locally.

Anytime I do a major rehab, I replace every shutoff in the house with a new quarter-turn shut off. Better to replace them all now than one at a time later. I generally replace every sink faucet with a delta faucet as well.

The functions I have noticed that don't work on android app. Auto-correct. (my Auto-correct, worka qirh every app except BP) Tags Quote: I can reply to the original post, but cant't reply/quote another post in the thread.

When I added a second mailbox to a duplex, I had to relocate the first one. They needed to be next to each other and the first one was in a non-conforming, but "grandfathered-in" location. Talk to the mail carrier if you can. They don't make the rules, but they are the first line of enforcement.

Adding an egress window can be relatively inexpensive or cost-prohibitive depending on several factors. How strict are building codes in your area? How high above the basement floor is the ground level outside? Are there any obstructions outside? (walkway, deck, underground utilities etc) Do you have an existing window to convert? How wide is that window? (adding height to a replacement window ia much cheaper tham adding width)

I like sheet vinyl for basements. Might also help "encapsulate" those tiles a bit. As long as they are in good repair: cover them.

I am very happy with eRentPayment. They have alot of features that I don't use. I sign one year leases and have them sign the eRentPayment authorization form at time of lease-signing. That authorizes eRentPayment to take the full rent amount from thier account and send it to mine (3 ish day delay) for the duration of the lease. It's $3/transaction, which is nothing compared to the cost to pickup a check. My favorite part is that inaction from both parties results in me getting paid. Set it and forget it payday.

The correct answer is just ask your tax guy. That being said, this is the DIY section. Disclaimer: I have no tax training. Am not a laywer, accountant, CPA, etc. It is not an expense. It must be depreciated. That being said: The de minimus safe harbor rule might apply. Limit was $500, now I think it's up to $2,500. That rule if it applies says that any expendeture up to $2,500 can be deducted as an expense in the first year.

Like others have said: 1) Do not use laminate in a bathroom ever. 2) Tile is the best most durable choice IF you have proper subfloor. Proper subfloor on tile is 3/4 T&G plywwod with 1/2 cement board. (or equivalent) Something less than that might work, but it might not. If you have the budget to do the subfloor, go title. If you don't go vinyl. Vinyl comes in many forms, but the in one right now is the luxury vinyl plank tile. The thicker click together version at HD is 100% waterproof and gets good reviews on these forums.

Might be location specific, but around here, if you have a radon system (with inspection proving the ppm count has been reduced under acceptance threshold), then there's no issue.