Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Try Pro Features for Free
Start your 7 day free trial. Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties.
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: JonPaul Kessinger

JonPaul Kessinger has started 19 posts and replied 50 times.

Post: Looking for Property Manager

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17

Hey man, I just sent you a message. I am an investor and property manager in the Bridgeport/Clarksburg area. I would love to connect with you even if you do not still need one! My work number is (304) 931-2632 

Post: At what price point does a Cost segregation study become worth it?

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17

At what price point does a Cost segregation study become worth it? I have a property I am almost done with the remodel on and it will most likely appraise for 160k and have another that did for 140k. Would it be worth it for me to do one on both? Those properties are on the higher end of the scale for my area. Thanks!

Post: Starting a local meet up for the Bridgeport and Clarksburg area

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17

Is anyone interested in a meet-up in the Clarksburg Bridgeport WV area? I am new to the area and would like to get plugged into the network of investors here. 

Post: Starting a property management company

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17
Quote from @Allan Smith:

Easy vote for me, start now under broker.

just a heads up, property mgmt is known for not being a very profitable business. Unless you stick to managing high end units and use that for realtor leads. But by itself it's just not that lucrative. 


 I have heard that and have run some numbers in my area and think it would be worth it. I want to build several revues of income from real estate and want to do property management as a way to form relationships and trust with other investors in my area and of course make a little bit of money along the way. I am hoping to use PM along side being a realtor and investor. 

Post: Starting a property management company

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17

I'm excited to join this forum and learn from the experienced real estate professionals here. I have some questions about starting a property management company in the state of West Virginia, and I'd greatly appreciate your insights and advice on this matter.

Here's my situation: I'm currently in the process of obtaining my real estate license, and I plan to operate a property management company. I understand that in WV, I need to work under a broker for my real estate license. I have two options:

Option 1: Wait for two years and become my own broker.

Option 2: Start the property management company now and operate under the supervision of one of the brokers I know, who are willing to let me do so.

I'm hoping you can provide me with your valuable opinions and experiences to help me make an informed decision. Here are my concerns and questions:

  1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Option: I would like to hear about the pros and cons of both options. What are the benefits of waiting for two years and becoming my own broker? Conversely, what challenges might I face if I choose to start now under a broker's supervision?
  2. Potential Ownership Stake and Independence: I'm worried that if I start under a broker, they might demand a substantial share of my company, or it might be challenging to separate from the broker once the two years have passed if I was to become my own broker then. Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you handle the ownership structure and ensure future independence?
  3. Contracts and Client Relations: As I understand it, the broker would hold the contracts in option 2. How much control do you think I would have over my clients and business operations in such a setup? Is this a common arrangement in the property management industry, or are there alternatives that would allow me to retain more control?
  4. Best Practices and Legal Considerations: I want to ensure I'm following the best practices and adhering to all legal requirements for starting a property management company in WV. Are there any specific regulations or licensing nuances in the state that I should be aware of?
  5. General Tips for Starting a Property Management Company: Lastly, I'd love to hear any general tips or advice you have for someone embarking on this journey. Whether it's related to marketing, attracting clients, handling property inspections, or any other aspect, your wisdom would be highly valued.

I genuinely appreciate any feedback, advice, or personal experiences you can share. 

Thank you! 

Post: Maximizing Appraisal Value vs Only Increasing Perceived Value

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17
Quote from @Brad S.:

Appraisers (I am one) are going to classify the house for condition and quality. Then, they will attempt to find relatively similar recent sales to compare to your house. So, your goal should be to have the appraiser give the higher classification for the least amount of cost - to you. 

As you say there are few comps available, they will expand their search criteria back in time (possibly using sales from many years prior) and estimating a market trend adjustment (adjusting up for an appreciating market and vice-versa for a depreciating market, etc), they will go to other nearby neighborhoods (even if they are many many miles away) and find recent sales, adjusting for location (Superior/Inferior neighborhood - if warranted). 

So, using @Account Closed

On the appraisal front, let me give you the general definitions for the quality and condition classifications. You are most likely going to be in the Q3/Q4 and C3/C4 range

- Custom designed, could also be high-quality tract, high-quality details/ornamentation/interior refinements, high-quality workmanship/materials/finishes
generally high quality, individual or designer plans, above standard tracts or individual site, significant exterior. Ornamentation/well-finished interiors. workmanship/materials/finishes are above standard
standard plans, average ornamentation/refinements, materials/workmanship/finish are stock with some upgrades

- no deferred maintenance, no repairs required, most or all new building components, recently renovated/similar to new built
well-maintained, Limited deferred maintenance, partial updating/rehab
-normal deferred maintenance, adequate maintenance, minimal repairs required

Basically, if you fully rebuild the house or extensively remodel it, and change all utilities (all new plumbing lines, new electrical, new roof, etc.) you would be C2. Most remodels would be a high C3 or low C2. And most remodels will also be high Q3 and rarely Q2.

Ok, that is probably way more info than you wanted or needed.  :P

So, basically, my suggestions are to put granite or quartz (or some other "solid surface" countertops). I'd get the ones on the less expensive end - the appraiser most likely won't know the difference and will still see it as being "modernized." "Good enough" quality cabinets. Again, the appraiser most likely won't know the difference between solid wood cabinets, mdf or ? I personally would use a mid-line quality cabinet though, with soft-close drawers and plywood boxes and probably a shaker style door. You should be able to find them pretty inexpensive - but I'm spoiled, since I am close to a port. Stainless steel appliances - mid level. For basic properties, I like a micro-hood over the range - takes care of 2 appliances (microwave and hood).

See if you can find a good "big box" store for some other materials, like flooring and tile. We have Floor & Decor stores here (CA) which are great, but you may something similar. Home Depot, Lowes, etc, are ok, but there may be some that are better. 

Generally, I'd say go more mid-end on quality, no need to go high-end unless you are doing a high-end house and going for that clientele, but low end can sometimes be readily noticed.

Don't know if that helps, but good luck!

Post: Maximizing Appraisal Value vs Only Increasing Perceived Value

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17

Also being in a very mountainous terrain there are not as many houses in a 5-mile radius vs somewhere in the midwest.

Post: Maximizing Appraisal Value vs Only Increasing Perceived Value

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17
Quote from @Account Closed:
Quote from @JonPaul Kessinger:

As a new investor undertaking my first BRRRR project, I'm seeking advice on raising the appraisal value of a property without overspending on improvements that only enhance perceived value. I've encountered conflicting advice regarding strategies like painting, landscaping, and kitchen upgrades. I would greatly appreciate your insights on where to allocate my capital wisely. If sharing pictures of the property aids in your evaluation, please let me know.

Question: How can I strategically increase the appraisal value of my property while avoiding unnecessary expenses that solely impact perceived value? I want to make smart, cost-effective investments that yield the highest return on my capital. What recommendations do you have? I have to gut the kitchen and one bathroom so should I go higher end or just average? Should I spend a lot on Landscaping and painting the inside and outside of the house to increase the appraisal? The house is in a B neighborhood and there are not many comps close by (within 10 miles).

Thank you for your support and insights. I look forward to the responses and engaging discussions to come.

Best regards, 

JonPaul Kessinger 

Go to Redfin.com and put in the zip of the property. Then switch to SOLDS in the last three months. Then drill down to within 2 miles of your property. Then look at the photos of those properties. Some will have sold for more and some will have sold for less than the others.

Make a list of the types of countertops, lighting, colors, faucets, knobs, appliances, floor material, kitchen and bathroom sinks and so on. Baseboard, cove ceiling, landscaping, driveway and so on. Floor plan also plays into things but that's harder to change.

Look at the outside on google maps to see if the property is near the city dump or on a main arterial road or train tracks or high tension wire or backs up to a commercial area and so on. You can't change where the property is located so you have to adjust price for location because you can pour a lot of money into a poorly located property and not see ny return on the effort. Conversly, if your comps are located in a poor location and you are in a good location, you property is worth more and any rehab increases a lot more.

 Thanks for replying. I have tried that but no properties have sold in the last three months within an almost 6-mile radius of this house. Is it ok to get comps 6-15 miles away? The house is in a small town in southern WV where people aren't selling homes very often. Thankfully I am located between a larger town and the newest national park so it's a decent location for my area. 

Post: Maximizing Appraisal Value vs Only Increasing Perceived Value

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17

As a new investor undertaking my first BRRRR project, I'm seeking advice on raising the appraisal value of a property without overspending on improvements that only enhance perceived value. I've encountered conflicting advice regarding strategies like painting, landscaping, and kitchen upgrades. I would greatly appreciate your insights on where to allocate my capital wisely. If sharing pictures of the property aids in your evaluation, please let me know.

Question: How can I strategically increase the appraisal value of my property while avoiding unnecessary expenses that solely impact perceived value? I want to make smart, cost-effective investments that yield the highest return on my capital. What recommendations do you have? I have to gut the kitchen and one bathroom so should I go higher end or just average? Should I spend a lot on Landscaping and painting the inside and outside of the house to increase the appraisal? The house is in a B neighborhood and there are not many comps close by (within 10 miles).

Thank you for your support and insights. I look forward to the responses and engaging discussions to come.

Best regards, 

JonPaul Kessinger 

Post: Investor Friendly Title Company in West Virginia?

JonPaul Kessinger
Posted
  • Property Manager
  • Bridgeport WV
  • Posts 50
  • Votes 17

I live near Beckley WV and I really like BesTitle they have offices in Charleston and Beckley. Great people and easy to work with