All Forum Posts by: Justin V.

@Daniel Graham

Agreed! I need to stop buying chandeliers and light fixtures!

But... I can’t seem to help myself.

Also great spot for railing materials and special doors! So much cool stuff!

@Michael Cabaña

Here’s what I do:

Clean (professionally) and declutter (inside and out) before hand.

Have every light in the house on (including lamps) and all windows letting maximum light in.

Touch up paint

Make sure your curb appeal is solid: potted plants can go a surprisingly long ways.

I also email the list of improvements over before the appraisal inspection.

Try to build report during the brief showing.

I’ve never said, “use this comp”, but usually have a list to recommend as alternatives in my challenge email. I’ve seen some junk come up as comps and feel like it’s gloves off at that point.

Lastly, but more importantly: Avoid big banks. For my heloc, I tried US bank, but they came back laughably too low. I challenged it and they sent out another appraiser instead of raising the original. About that time I worked with a local lender instead. I was able to have them finish their appraisal about the same time as the second and it came in 25k higher than the 2nd and 60k higher than the original.

@Calvin Kwan

I’m always super happy I bought new with free delivery from Home Depot when I watch a couple of young in shape people haul them up a set of stairs to a 2nd floor duplex kitchen.

I’m in a b/b+ area too I think. I pay for slightly better than minimum stainless steel (ss) appliances, and stackable washers and dryers: fridge with gray sides instead of black (unless I’m putting it in a cabinet, then just make sure the handle is ss), but don’t splurge for an ice maker unless included (150ish more), Range has sturdy Grates with ss knobs, top and behind knobs (150 more) and is usually a 5 burner, dishwasher is solid ss with buttons on top ($100 more), over range microwave more stainless with a look similar to the range (25-50 more). Front load stackable washer dryers for the look and water savings (will splurge 200 more for gray if going to be freestanding in a kitchen. I don’t go for matching appliances, but they need to go together well. I also add a side panel to the stove if it’s the end of my cabinets.

Kitchen is usually my listing cover photo and tenants are attracted to them.

If something goes wrong, it’s nice to have the warranty. Once out of warranty I’ll troubleshoot but opt for new except for special cases. I think I have 6 of the same stove, so I’ll likely pay to understand the issue the first time if I can’t figure it out. After will depend.

@Joseph Hartley

Mint.com and credit karma really helped me learn financial literacy. Also need wallet.

@Justin Voegele

Or half the appraised value minus investments.*

@Tim Lewis

Tough spot. Have anyone you can partner with? Get money off your lines of credit and share profit with? Has to be quick and a win.

@Bruno Mauro

Ditch it. HOAs suck.

@Lorenzo Swinton

Cash out refi them both and buy 4-5 more just like them so long as they cashflow well at that point.

@Nate Stitchell

100% for it and then cash out refi out of it after the refi.

Don’t over leverage and keep enough cash out of the lock in case things go nuts. I’ve heard helocs were turned off during the housing market crash and no money can really slam halt your reno.

@Joe P.

Need any yard furniture for your home? I’d stage it with yard furniture, and outdoor rug and some potted plants which would also look very nice in my own back yard.

They’ll either be inspired and copy you or not care and do what they want.

Hurts when tenants let the lawn die or gardens go to waste. I imagine this will hurt much less.