All Forum Posts by: Jean Bolger

You'll have good options along the corridor of the yet-to open Aurora light rail line stations. The prices aren't as good as they were a while ago (obviously) but  a lot of the retail buyers are still seeing the inconvenience of the construction rather than the potential. LMK if you want me to set up a search  for you like Bill was talking about.

I know the house you mean. IMO it's still a bit high. They had it listed for a while at 300 and have recently dropped, I'd throw a lower offer at them and see if you can get something started.

You'll get a bajillion opinions from us here on bP I'm sure! There's the 'buy and never sell' crowd, the 'get out of debt at all costs' crowd, the  'leverage it to the max' crowd... 

I agree w/ Matt- the most productive approach would be to spend some time thinking about your longterm financial goals and the life you ultimately want (is your current work a job or a vocation?) and make a plan based on that. The numbers only matter in how they help or hinder you achieving that life. 

Real estate investing isn't for everybody, but it can be a tremendous way to build up your financial security outside of your employment income. And this site is great for learning about ways to do that!

My choice would  be to replace them. But get replacements custom sized to fit in the current frames so you maintain as much of the old look as you can. I'd guess that finding someone to refurbish the old ones would be tricky and expensive, but that is just a guess. The added comfort/sound insulation will help retain tenants. I had some properties in that neighborhood with old windws and it was OK(ish) but as that area gets fancier people are expecting more.

Do a search on this site, you'll find a lot of opinions. Mostly bad though.
Most of the "guru" real estate programs are just seminar upsell rackets. Real estate is not complicated, but it is very very local. Sp be careful about listening to what someone who flies in to do a seminar tells you about your market

There are a lot of excellent books on investing, and a lot of experienced professional on this site who will give you advice for free. If I were you, I'd save the money you'd spend on L.U. and put it towards your first property

Yes it's hard to find a good cash flow property, but it's not impossible. It helps if you are willing to consider properties that are not zoned as duplexes but have a "mother in law" unit or accessory dwelling space.

You really don't want to hold a live-in property in an LLC, btw. You'll lose your homeowner tax advantage, and probably your low down payment loan options as well

That's an interesting dynamic. If the PM is the former owner, and an old-timer to boot, I can imagine he'd be resistant to change. By proposing changes you are, in effect, saying to him "you could have done this better..." Awkward.

I have no idea whether he's right about the futility of repositioning or if you are right with your vision. But I would have doubts about you ever being able to fully get him on board to try your plan.

hmmm, interesting. he's coming in at more like 8/ft for me and it's a one story, no scaffolding job over OSB that's in fine shape. Maybe I'll see if he'll come down, but I think I'll try a few other places first. 

I agree. I think you're going to have a hard time finding something else that will suit your needs/wants so well with the proceeds from a sale. Yes, LoHi is hot, but so is everywhere else. If you could get into a place you liked that would take your monthly out of pocket down below $700/mo then it would make sense, but that's not too likely.

Thanks @Jonathan Harris - that's who I did speak to... it was almost 11,500 for a 1000sq ft house. Seemed like a lot? but I haven't priced stucco before