All Forum Posts by: Mags S.

@Byron w. So it seems 3 entrances into kitchen - that doesn’t leave a lot of space.  Depending on the wall and entry areas, could could do a base cabinet with upper cabinet.

 I did a galley (one wall) kitchen with cabinets on the one side. Across was a door going out to an enclosed shed and a window with the fridge next to it.  I added (actually took from my daughter) a rolling ikea cart that offered some countertop space and shelving.  https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/f...
(Note size - long and thin - useable space).  I started to cover the top with something since the wood piece was unfinished but didn’t.  The tenant used cutting board and had canisters sitting on it. 

Also consider staging a table and chairs in the room if room large enough. Often potential tenants need help in imagining how to make use of a space.

I have a similar unit (single family) in about a C, maybe a little higher.  I recently updated the kitchen similar to yours.  The kitchen looks fine on that wall. I wouldn’t even put in a microwave (I didn’t put one in). Microwaves are less than $100 - the tenant can provide. If they can’t provide their own or insist, they can’t afford the place is my feeling. 

Why do you think the kitchen ‘needs’ something? Other than the single upper cab looking a bit lost on an island, the kitchen seems rentable. I would put some blinds up in windows. I would not enlarge the fridge. 

If the sink area is the only counter space in the kitchen - that could be a problem.  I also did a galley kitchen but on a longer wall so there was more countertop space.  What’s on the other side of the room? 

I picked up some Luxury vinyl tile from Home Depot when I updated.  It’s pretty popular for flips and has held up well for the 3 years it’s been installed.  It’s a DIY product

@keith Hackett.  Still had same tenant so I left it at $75 late fee, however, next update I’ll prolly put a daily fee along with the late fee. I’ve noticed a daily late fee lately in other leases.

I would also consider the liability of having a deck in a rental. I would opt for some of the other improvements as noted above or additional appliances like in-unit washer/dryer.

I love mine in the rental. Twenty-five year warranty - broken piece, return for a replacement, no hassle but hold onto the receipt. I wait until their annual or bi-annual kitchen sale. I hire out the assembly and install to an ikea kitchen pro installer (traveling ikea installer for same price as local install costs) to avoid an install that’s less than perfect.  Tenants as you know can be tough on things.  I’ve done 2 of their cabinet styles. I believe the white shaker ones were midrange for price. I’m sold on them cause I don’t like replacing rental stuff but I like the places to look nice. 

@Nick Peraino. Be aware that many will self-disqualify after viewing your qualification. The ratio between interest inquiries and completed questionnaire will be big. Many will self-disqualify which is good for you - less due diligence on your end 

I don’t accept application fees.  I do as much due diligence as I can up front based on the application data, my instincts, etc. They acknowledge receipt of qualifying requirements which is a laundry list of items. When I find the best tenant potential, I speak with them about going thru the credit and background checks.  They pay the service provider directly. 

Ikea cabs are as nice or better than many RTA when installed properly.  What’s the arv of the flip?

What does your lease say would happen once the lease reached the end of the term? How much notice was required to terminate after the current lease expired?