All Forum Posts by: Suzane Ivas

Thank you everyone for the information.  So much to take in.  Cant buy prefab counters from HD or Lowes because of the backsplash attached.  They seem to be only for counters that are up against a wall and my kitchen layout unfortunately is U shape with walls on 2 sides only.  I am still shopping around and can see both sides of the argument.  Most of the granite places charge the same.  Floor n Decor have prefab counters in engineered stone which look great starting at $10.95 this week.   A steal. But again the sizes are for counters that are against a wall.  If I could use these I would definately go for them as there are many colours to choose from.  Likewise Ikea have a new laminate counter that looks very close to soapstone sequoia.  Again...size doesnt suit.  Not wide enough for a counter with overhang, made mainly for walls.  Will keep this in mind next time I do a renovation to take more consideration in the layout.

The A B & C grading of property is very subjective.  This could either be a A- or B+.  lol.  But doesnt fit into either A or B fully.  I use amazon to buy my kitchen handles.  The price is much better than HD or Lowes.

fyi I am looking to get $900 to $1000 rent for this property.  I paid $60k and my renovations will be around $18 to $20K depending on my level of finish.  Needed everything. The location is great and capital improvements are in progress for the street.

The A level granites that I have been shown in Florida are hideous in colour so I have a hard time choosing.  The ones that are more modern are always in the higher price range.  New age laminates are wonderful but they are also up there in price.  Back home in Australia, there is a new product which is being used called pressed laminate and pressed porcelain.  Doesnt look anything like laminate but it isnt something that i know much about other than they look great.   I'm not really used to using granites as we dont use them in australia.  Mainly concrete, ceaserstones, marble, quartz and the latest laminates.   So as for my quote of $2000 for granite, is that too much to pay for 46 sqft?

Thanks Deanna.   The sink advice is good too.

Hi, I am nearing completion of a rental property and need to decide whether to use laminate or granite.  The price I was quoted for 47 sq ft of laminate installed starts at $1300 for A level through to $1500 for C level.  The price for granite,  a very nice grey one is $2000.  I plan on holding on to this property for a while since the street directly outside the property is undergoing a revitalization plan upgrade.  In my mind, looking into the future, the price of the property will improve significantly as there are no others in the area at this price even right now.  So do I invest the extra money into a better counter now or stick with the laminate to save costs.  I doubt granite will make any difference to the rental price per month right now but will probably help to sell the property in a few years. 

Any help would be appreciated,

Cheers,
Suzy

My accountant in Florida is telling me that the interest i pay on my refinance loans  on my properties cannot be claimed as tax expenses.  This seems crazy to me.   Can anyone please explain this further? 

Kind regards

Suzy

Just one question.  How do I get the name of the Banks attorney? @Francis Lamadrid

At those odds its worth trying.  Thanks.

Thanks for the post.  Is this something you have had success with?

Gutted!  Lol.  

Thanks. Have heard some people have had luck contacting banks direct and many so called courses recommend doing this.   Maybe it's not as common as I thought.