All Forum Posts by: Lawrence Henkel III

Hello, I'm thinking about expanding my search area to buy rental properties to include Monroe Michigan. I live about 1/2 hour away and have never really explored it but I see some properties that look like they might work out. Is there anything I should know about this area? Is it worth my time and is there a market for rentals? Is there a crime problem? It seems nice enough I'm trying to figure out if there is a catch and why the houses seem to be so inexpensive.

No I would not. If you have to stretch to qualify a tenant you will more than likely regret it. Just my opinion and I'm new to all this but if they can't provide written documentation in my opinion it doesn't exist.

Hi Middy, I'm looking for a 2-4 unit property in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor. I am looking to live in one of the units. I prefer Ypsilanti but I would be ok with Ann Arbor if it is the right property. I'm already working with another realtor. I would be interested to see what you have available but I don't want to cut out my realtor. I understand if that does not fit into what you are looking to do. Thanks

Most of inkster is pretty rough. There are some ok areas but I would be very cautious.

Well I'm staying where we have all the fresh water. (With the exception of Flints water system being poisoned by the government) With the crazy weather and all the droughts in other parts of the country I think Michigan looks pretty good.

Welcome I'm just starting out in Ypsilanti too. I'm in the process of getting ready to sell my primary residence so I can purchase a multi-family to "house hack" to get started.

You will never be able to swipe a card at closing because when you make a purchase with a CC the retailer has to pay a transaction fee. (1% 2%)So the title company is not going to eat that fee so you can pay with a card and I believe in the contract they can't pass the fee on to the consumer.

Thank you all for the comments It has been helpful!

@Logan HicksYes I believe that is correct

@Shawn Thom I apologize It was in the title sort of "Painter Wants to charge by the hour?" To clarify Is it common for a Quote like this instead of a set price for the job?    The totals that he gave seems reasonable for the work that will be done but I have not seen a quote that could be so variable. The repairs are not holes in the walls the material that was used is when this house was built in 1935 is called Masonite It is from what I'm told post plaster pre-drywall. It was a bad idea it is a really soft particle board type of product.  All the seams are visible and he is going to try and smooth it out a bit. 

@Steve Vaughan Thank you that is great advise. I do believe he is experienced more with interior than exterior painting.

@Manolo D. Thanks I will do that.

@Mark Holencik It was more of the variable chargeing by the hour rather than a set price. I'm getting other quotes so I can compare prices I was just expecting a price for the job but what he is asking seems reasonable to me just wanted to know if this was normal.

@David Couch you are absolutely correct I know I'm not a painter and I can more effectively spend my time doing things that I'm good at and I believe in treating people with respect for what they do and paying them fairly. I want it done right and I'm willing to pay for that He also shows up when he says he will and has open communication and dialog throughout the process. When he did the garage he gave me a set price but he did do a by the hour for some carpentry work that he had to hire out.   

Welcome

I'm hoping to buy my first rental property in the next 6 months. I hear great things about the Ann Arbor REI club. I haven't been able to attend yet due to scheduling conflicts but I hope to soon.

Hope to see you around

Larry

Hello, This is on my primary residence that I'm getting ready to put on the market in the spring. So I used this guy to paint my garage over the summer and he was great. Did what he said he would communicated great and it looks great and I'm very happy with the results. I asked him for an estimate because we need the whole interior painted. The house is 2 bed / 1 bath 900sf. SFR "So it's too tuff for me to actually come up with a firm number. There is just too much repair work, so it's hard for me put a price on it. What I want to do is give you an estimated price, and I'll charge you by the hour @$30 per hour So I'll go room by room and price it out this way for you. OK let's start with the living room, (room size 17 x 17) With the ceiling repairs, and caulking the crown, then painting the ceiling with 1 coat of flat ceiling paint. Caulk trim and paint trim with 2 coats on base and 1 coat on door frames and windows, with Satin trim paint, then repair walls and paint with 2 coats of Matte finish. -Living room ceiling 4-6 hours 2 gallons $50 -trim 6-8 hours 1 gallon $50 -walls 8-12 hours 2 gallons $80 Living Room 18-26 hours ($540-$780) and under $200 in materials -Office including ceiling repair, caulking trim and wall reapir. (Room size 12 x 12) -Ceiling 2-3 hours 1 gallon $25 -trim 2-3 hours -walls 4-6 hours 2 gallons $80 Office 8-12 hours ($240-$360) $105 in materials I'll just say the Bedroom is about the same as the office. -Bedroom 8-12 hours ($240-$360) $105 in materials. (Room size 12 x 12) -Bathroom is pretty simple, ( ceiling only 6 x10) 2-4 hours ($60-$120) -Kitchen ( room size 14 x16) -Drop ceiling 6-10 hours 2 gallons $50 -Walls 3-6 hours 1 gallon $40 -cabinets 30-40 hours 2 gallons $100 -kitchen 39-56 hours ($1,170-$1,680) Materials around $200 I'll estimate 75-110 hours ($2,250-$3,300) And materials at around $700 So remember I can do as much or as little repair as you want me to do. I'm pretty confident I can be on the lower end of this estimate too."