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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
Conrad will sell the house. Ultimately, Conrad could have lived in Lawrence after his freshman year for free.
"Anything you can save living out of state obviously helps. Corrad said, "in the state you have to
The investment property lason Flohrs family purchased at 1812 Maine St. came with a greater responsibility.
Flohrs, Overland Park senior, spent more than three months renovating his one-bedroom, one bathroom on Main Street that was built in 1966. Flohrs was forced to live in the front half of his house while the back was gutted during the renovation.
"For the first month I was there I didn't have cold water." Flohrs said. "My kitchen sink was my bathroom sink and bathtub, like half a step above roughing it here."
The house has been expanded to include three new bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen and a laundry room after more than $40,000 in renovations.
Flohres has since moved elsewhere in Lawrence, but his sister Jennifer is living in the renovated house with two roommates. The family originally purchased the house using college funds saved for both Jason and Jennifer, and their father paid the remaining amount. The Flohres plan to sell the house in August 2008 and expect to make
a profit. The good news for Flohrs is that a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home a few doors down recently sold for $175,000. He hopes the renovations and the house's location near campus will help it sell for a larger amount. If the Flohrs' house were to sell for the same amount, the family would split $40,000 in profit after renovation costs.
He also said he had to be more careful with college guests, as the owner of the hotel would.
But playing landlord doesn't come without worries for students investing in real estate properties. Conrad said collecting rent checks from friends — or roommates who have become friends — can be rough.
"We try to keep track of who were inviting and betting in." Conrad said, "especially when I have an email."
APARTMENT GUIDE Just dogging around
Kansan staff writer Matt Elder can be contacted at melder@kansan.com.
But for Marcus Walker, Hays junior and Conrad's roommate, the personal relationship with his landlord has offered several otherwise unavailable amenities.
"Jessie e-mails my dad at the end of every month with the bill, and reminds him about the payment," Walker said. "That way we haven't run into any problems."
**Mistakes**
Houses offer students more space and the opportunity to enjoy benefits that an apartment does not allow like setter.
Gage Management
Offering a large variety of houses, apartments, duplexes, & townhomes. Close to campus and downtown. Available for Now and August 1st. Some with utilities paid. Caring and concerned management with same day maintenance to take care of all your housing needs.
(785) 842-7644
2201 W.25th St. Suite R
www.gagemgmt.com
River City Homes
"Quality Rentals In West Lawrence"
Two, Three and Four bedrooms. Well Maintained town homes. Two-car garages and Fireplaces. Lawn care and all appliances furnished. Owner/managed.
$325 - $415/BD
785. 749.4010 or 785.979.3550
www.rivercity4rent.com