All Forum Posts by: Julie Marquez

Hi Rob. There are so many forum discussions on the topic of vacation rentals vs. long term rentals, keep searching for those threads. As with anything, there is a trade off. A nightly rental can provide more income, but can require more regular work. The purchasing of one would be similar to any other investment home, with 25% down or some house hacking method such as living in it and renting our another portion of the home as the vacation rental.

http://www.reapsweb.com/meetings/

@Lane Kawaoka I just worry what tiling will do to the height of the floors. Once you add layer over layer, are you creating uneven surfaces? 

The hardwood floors sound nice, definitely capitalize on those. A white gray is nice, just do everything the same color and keep the paint color/brand written down for future use. But I also think a plain white will be more timeless in 20 years, maybe grey is just trendy right now. You'll want touch-ups to be a breeze in the future.

Have you looked into providing laundry hookups in your units? If the plumbing and electrical is right, it could be not too expensive. Coin washer and dryers are pretty spending, and require maintenance. I'd suggest just offering hookups and tenants can bring in their own laundry units. But again, it all depends on your situation, but individual laundry hookups are what I'd want as a renter and an owner.

If you're considering tiling over the hardwood, I'd stay with the hardwood and save some money. 

Other things that might make a difference are in the curb appeal, a nice front door and a spectacular looking place from the exterior.

I love Zillow data, I think they are such a great resource. Thanks for sharing!

On another note, why do so many people disregard the zestimate? It seems to be credibly backed by real numbers.

Hi there! I know that there is a big REAPS group that meets out there, you should check them out. Welcome to Bigger Pockets, this is a great place to learn!

Hello Matt! You are starting off at a great place with Bigger Pockets. Just read everything on this website, listen to all the podcasts, and start applying that knowledge in your area. It would be great if you could meet up with people in your area too. Best to you!

I own rentals, but also rent myself (because I want to be in the Seattle core). As a renter, I can't be picky, but my favorite things are hardwood floors, a washer and dryer (must have), and a dishwasher. Do only neutral paint colors, just go with a standard warm white. You also need to pick finishes that are durable and not too expensive, and easy to rehab/repaint/refresh between tenants. It all depends on your area, check to see what your competition looks like.

@Ramon Cervantes What a positive list of affirmations. I believe saying these things will help them to be true. I like that you have written them out for the world to read, thank you for this. And all the best to you!

Congrats @Brandon Klotz on your purchase! What a big step into the real estate world! Are you doing the work yourself or hiring it out? Is this house going to be a rental or resale? Very smart of you to offer your services to learn and help out others as you get to your goal of having rentals for yourself. All the best to you!