Why You Should Buy Grandma’s Minneapolis Duplex

I haven’t seen one in quite some time, but my favorite Minneapolis duplexes for myself or my clients to buy are what I think of as those that were owned by “grandma”.

What’s a grandma duplex or house?

Most often, it’s very dated. It may have olive green carpeting. Curtains with valences. There may be wallpaper, and the original pink, yellow or green bathroom plumbing fixtures and tile from the 1950’s or ’60’s.

It often has wood cabinets with big silver knobs on the front. Perhaps the linoleum in the kitchen even has a worn spot where someone frequently pushed back their chair.

The reason I love these properties is they are often comparatively easy value-add opportunities. Grandma, or grandpa often believed their duplex or home to be their most valued possession.

As such, they always took care of the big ticket items that aren’t  fun to spend money on. Think furnaces, roof, and sometimes windows. Most often, they also spent countless hours taking care of those little maintenance items found in every duplex, which, when left unattended, turn into a mountain of tasks.

These properties are not only immediately livable for an owner-occupant, but can also be updated relatively quickly updated and ready for a tenant.  Wood cabinets can be painted, the hardware changed and a backsplash and new countertop added. Swap out the appliances. There’s most likely hardwood under the carpet, so it’s a matter of removing it and refinishing the floor. Change the light fixtures. Resurface the tub and tiles and of course, change out the window treatments.

If you’re in the market for a sure-fire fix and flip or hold opportunity, and you see that telltale green carpeting, seize the opportunity.

And if you haven’t found one yet, give me a call. I saw a single-family home that checked all these boxes just last week.