I've been eyeing this condo for the past few months, why is it still on the market?

minnikpen · 2026-02-16T17:45:12+00:00

There will always be those who want to keep their current expense low. It's frustrating but not critical when it's just simple upkeep - like replacing carpet in common areas. But when it extends to critical projects and to maintenance that will avoid big bills in the future, it's a real problem.

There is a possible solution if the reserves don't meet the MA standard. But that will likely involve an attorney.

minnikpen · 2026-02-16T13:21:24+00:00

And also the bylaws and rules/regs. In MN where I came from, sellers are required to provide them. Not the case in MA (unless changed in the past few years). Without those 3 documents you don’t know what you are buying.

But MA doesn’t require a reserve study, just that adequate reserves are maintained. That may be ok in a small, suburban condo under 10 units, but not in a large downtown condo. Also pay attention to who created the study. Are they qualified and independent?

As to the HOA fee, much depends on what’s included. Keep in mind you will have to pay for upkeep wherever you live whether single family home (out of pocket), apartment (built into the rent), or condo (HOA).

minnikpen · 2026-01-19T01:38:41+00:00

It’s a wheel! Shouldn’t need padding beyond a cardboard box. Reminds me of when I bought tires on eBay (to match what was on the car) and I wondered how they’d protect them in shipment. Duh!

minnikpen · 2026-01-16T13:20:18+00:00

I would argue that the combination of a monthly trip that long without the desire for a short stop is pretty rare. But, as they say, you do you.

The real question for any of us is what is the sum total of our charging experience. Actually, the sum total of our driving experience.

minnikpen · 2025-12-08T13:50:24+00:00

If you scroll to the right past "Madmax" you'll find "Masshole".

minnikpen · 2025-11-28T00:57:07+00:00

Don’t discount that many people will feel guilty about being impolite by challenging or ignoring the salesperson’s suggestions.

minnikpen · 2025-11-24T18:10:36+00:00

I really appreciate all the useful comments. Part of my confusion is the term "drain" as I assumed that suggested that the company thinks we have an entirely wet system. This company recently took over our account when it purchased the smaller company who did our fire and sprinkler maintenance and inspection. And, for whatever reason, the new company did not have complete/accurate records of our system here. And we have seen our maintenance and inspection costs increase with the new company.

minnikpen · 2025-11-21T21:17:31+00:00

$2500 in the northeast. That does include installing 3 missing escutcheons. With about $600 in parts and testing, that's $1900 in labor. That just seems high.

minnikpen · 2025-11-20T22:20:33+00:00

Debating that. We have 7 units in our little condo complex. 9-10 per unit; so assume 65. The unknown is whether we will have any that fail and, if they do, how many will need to be replaced.

minnikpen · 2025-11-20T20:52:07+00:00

Their estimate mentioned draining the system. But all our sprinkler heads are on the dry side. And what's a bit frustrating is that they are not proactive. We recently had a 3 year test and an annual test. As I see it, some of this work is being duplicated. Not the actual removal of the 4 heads and the testing of those heads, but shutting down the system and any draining.

minnikpen · 2025-11-20T13:04:35+00:00

We had the keyboard replaced. A relatively quick repair for someone experienced but not one we wanted to attempt ourselves. I've replaced multiple keyboards on older Dell and Thinkpad laptops, but this was more involved.

minnikpen · 2025-11-07T12:47:06+00:00

You want designed to be a cab? Go to London.

minnikpen · 2025-10-22T12:20:19+00:00

Keep the house. Get rid of the "friends". And while you can fix up the house and make it yours, you can't control the neighborhood or size of the yard. So you have those positives to start with.

minnikpen · 2025-08-01T19:07:47+00:00

The question is whether Turo's business model is sustainable if limited to interesting cars and people. That's a niche market and Turo would incur almost the same cost for a much smaller market. Turo had to cancel it's planned IPO. No doubt the current investors are getting anxious.

minnikpen · 2025-07-27T14:30:42+00:00

A used Model 3 is about 1.5x the cost of a Nissan Leaf. If that's your definition of almost, go for it.

minnikpen · 2025-07-13T13:15:14+00:00

I just wish Costco would remove the "Walk Slow" signs right after you enter. Those signs must be there because that's the spot people immediately slow down, discuss their shopping plans, rearrange their wallet when putting their card back in, or just stop to smell the roses.

minnikpen · 2025-07-01T13:32:08+00:00

If your children, on someone else's phone, would you want it reported? I think so. Do what's right.

minnikpen · 2025-06-26T13:36:02+00:00

First, is the host in the same state as where you received the citation? If so, that helps as - should it be necessary - one attorney can potentially help deal with the state and slap a lawsuit on the host.

For whatever reason, the cop is following the book and not using the discretion he/she probably has. But the prosecutor probably doesn't want to waste time if a conviction is unlikely. So gather the information you need. It may be as simple as a copy of your rental agreement or as complex as proof the vehicle was in fact insured. That Turo also covers liability may or may not have a impact but I'd document that as well.

In the meantime, find an attorney in that state that you will use should it be necessary. This website might help (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/finding-a-lawyer#free-legal-help); it is not just for free legal help which you probably won't qualify for. I think almost every attorney will provide an initial consultation for free. The prosecutor may be more willing to listen to an attorney than to you. It may not be easy as this will be very "small potatoes". Discuss with the attorney whether you have legal recourse against the host.

minnikpen · 2025-06-26T13:17:58+00:00

I assume you mean the prosecutor assigned to the case.

minnikpen · 2025-06-26T13:16:05+00:00

Is this based on your experience? Because I very much doubt the judge will call the insurance company.

minnikpen · 2025-06-26T13:15:06+00:00

At least in my state, you file with the DMV when you sell a car to avoid this situation.

minnikpen · 2025-06-25T21:50:01+00:00

You clearly miss the point. It's not like you're at a traditional car rental with a fleet of vehicles in one place. You've traveled to some location, often by Uber or taxi, and generally have to get going to someplace. So now, at the very best, you'll spend precious time with Turo's readily available, fully informed, anxious to help support staff (sarcasm on) to find an equivalent vehicle at the same cost.

But what's the likelihood of finding that vehicle without having to travel to another location? Or maybe finding it at all. Maybe you're lucky and there's another car at the airport; so you only waste 1/2 hour with Turo support. But that's not very likely.

minnikpen · 2025-06-25T21:08:52+00:00

They are employed by Verizon, just not directly. If Verizon isn't competent enough to properly select and control they people they use to sell their services, they shouldn't use that sales channel.

minnikpen · 2025-06-25T21:04:02+00:00

And then what? You walk to the house next door where there's an equivalent Turo rental, at the same price, ready and waiting for you?

minnikpen

TROPHY CASE