Opinions on doubles (Dunmore: real estate, to rent, credit check)

[loveinbloom]

Hey all...

Yet again another question about house hunting. Does anyone have any opinions/info/stats on buying a double house. Not just purchasing one side but both. Thoughts on resale value etc etc. My knee jerk reaction is that it would be a great future investment, with me living on onside and my eldest children living on the other and once they moved out...renting it to supplement our income.

But since i do not have much experience with this type of home any insight would be helpful. The little ranch on Greenbush was not meant to be so now I am exploring this possibility. In my online reasearch I see they come in all shapes and sizes and are all over the city!

Input would be appreciated.

[kvysmom]

I used to live in one side of a double (we rented it when we were first married). It was well built (originally built as a double vs converted). We barely heard anything coming from the other unit, and all in all it wasn't bad. If you like privacy, then it may be a trade off, b/c of a shared yard, etc. But you are right, it is a good investment, b/c if you ever move, vs selling the house, you could rent both sides out (or have family rent as you stated) and be able to pay your mtg and then some. If you do rent to the general population, do your homework and run credit checks (will weed a lot of non payers out!) before agreeing to rent to them. Having a good tenant makes all the difference in regards to what it is like living in a double home. Good luck!

[DE_NePA]

You might not want to live right next door to your tenant. On the good side, you can monitor things. On the bad side, you'll know what's going on, and have little power to do anything about it.

[EnyaGirl]

Originally Posted by DE_NePA

You might not want to live right next door to your tenant. On the good side, you can monitor things. On the bad side, you'll know what's going on, and have little power to do anything about it.

Exactly. I was going to suggest she read up on the PA tenant laws so she could learn exactly what she'll have a say in, and what she'll be powerless to stop! My mom owns several investment properties in NJ, and I see the headaches she has to deal with constantly from her tenants. I'm actually in the part of the PA real estate course right now that deals with these laws, and it's not something I would never personally take on.

[loveinbloom]

Thank you all for your input...I am really thinking about using the double as a carrot to lure my daughter back here! She lived in Dunmore briefly and went back to the island. She is having such a hard time paying rent and going to school.

I will be sure to look into PA. tenant laws. I currently live in half of one and like it, but want to own so badly again...I feel like I am throwing my money away.

[sheena12]

What's your price range and where are you looking to live? I have seen quite a vew really nice doubles and if you want I can send you links to a few.

I hear you about your daughter. I was thinking of a double for the very same reason. To keep them close! ;-)

One thing I have noticed is that many of them are very plain and basic with few frills but there are some that have nice decorative touches lke stained glass windows and pocket doors.

[loveinbloom]

Originally Posted by sheena12

What's your price range and where are you looking to live? I have seen quite a vew really nice doubles and if you want I can send you links to a few.

I hear you about your daughter. I was thinking of a double for the very same reason. To keep them close! ;-)

One thing I have noticed is that many of them are very plain and basic with few frills but there are some that have nice decorative touches lke stained glass windows and pocket doors.

I have no set area...hubby is in a state of flux so to speak. If you have any links that would be great!