David Barr's Sarasota and Venice Real Estate Blog

My services to you as a real estate investor don't stop once you have acquired your property. If you are buying to fix up and flip, my expertise in working with buyers in all kinds of price ranges across my service area of Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties can help you maximize your return on investment. One of my customers is in the process of flipping now and asked my input on flooring replacement.  Another customer of mine is closing on an investment rental condo, and needs the flooring replaced as well. My recommendation on flooring replacement is tile.  Tile is inexpensive, durable, and easy to install on a concrete slab/subfloor.  Buyers see it as an upgrade and tenants like it because it's easy to clean.  My advice is to stay away from laminate flooring, even if it costs a little less. If you are trying to match different flooring, it's easier to match tile to tile than it is to match laminate or engineered wood floor colors and textures.

I just had a phone call with a listing agent regarding a showing for a condo that was tenant occupied. The tenant seemed to be setting the rules of when and how to show the property.  According to the listing agent, there was a "cat with an attitude" and the tenant was adamant that the listing agent provide access to all showings. Of course, the predictable "can you show it later?" question came up.  Ugggh.  It's really unfortunate that the seller put a lot of work into renovating this particular unit, and it's difficult to show. My advice to Sarasota property investors is to include a clause in your lease, making it crystal clear to tenants that they must allow showings and have the property ready to show with 24 hour notice.  Pets should be caged or put in a bathroom. Restricting showings on your investment property hurts it's value and results in longer time on the market.