My SECOND NEW house tour! Duplex investment bought by single woman $260k

[@Iriateayuda]

Girl!!! I'm just an internet stranger but I'm so proud of your journey! I've been watching you since your videos still had the amount you owed on your student loans and now you are a several home owner! You are such an imspiration! Keep up the great work!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!!

[@lisawilliams8073]

Will you please make a video about the home buying process when you already own an investment property and you want to buy another one. How do they determine how much you qualify for, do they take into consideration the rent you could potentially get or do you already have to have a renter? I’m also interested in how much per month will you be receiving for both units on your first property and if you’re going to stick with the $900 per month on the second one. I’m looking forward to watching the new videos as you start the renovation process. A video on moving from one duplex to the next would be nice too.

[@BudgetGirl]

Great idea!

[@camcam3087]

Yes yes yes. Looking to buy my second property also. Come November 2024 I’ll also be considered a first time home buyer since it’ll be 3 years since I last bought.

[@lorettacarroll6015]

The smaller unit with the mirror you asked about. How about a full length? That way the renter can also use it to check their outfits and etc.

[@noreenn6976]

Yes! Duplex diaries!

[@carolschristiancottage42477]

I started following you years ago and told my granddaughters to check out your channel. I told them you were going places, and they could learn from you. I was right! I just wish I had your energy.

[@BudgetGirl]

Wow, thank you!

[@sweetiee3704]

I've been watching you since your Hammond, LA days. I'm so amazed at how far you've come. You're living the dream and I'm so proud of you!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!!

[@ih458]

I am so happy for you!!!! Can't wait for the new season of Duplex Diaries! I would gut that kitchen... move the small fridge from the smaller unit to this one... putting it ilon the entry wall before that window.. Remove the wall between the kitchen and living room. Put in an island a little closer into the kitchen to make more visual space in the living room. Since its just the fridge on that it should be easy enough to remove. Looks like such a fun project!!!! I would love to have a planning video... Cause I have some ideas!!!!

[@ih458]

I suggested to move the smaller fridge over since it looks like the built-in would take a larger capacity refrigerator and the smaller would fit in by the window of the larger unit.

[@BudgetGirl]

I def considered tearing down the kitchen wall but it would be sooooo expensive!

[@ih458]

@@BudgetGirl let's get some quotes.... if its not load baring it wouldn't be too bad. I have a crew in austin that would come out.

[@BudgetGirl]

@@ih458 honestly you might be right, and I can’t get that out of my brain. I texted my contractor….. fingers crossed!!

[@ih458]

@@BudgetGirl why oh why does this make me so happy!!!!! Yay!!!!!!

[@mirjon169]

So excited for you Sarah! A proposal and now a new house. This is definitely your year. I wish I had made better choices years ago am 55 this month and starting over again. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the place.

[@BudgetGirl]

Try to remember that the valleys and lows are part of the long journey to where you wanna be. it's never too late - and i'm rooting for you and believe in you! I think we're winning as long as we don't give up.

[@mirjon169]

@@BudgetGirl Thank you! I often watch your older videos to get me motivated and wonder what you would have thought if someone had told you back then where you would be now. The world is your oyster and I look forward to seeing all the amazing things the future holds for you.

[@alexis_reloading6194]

I love watching your journey, I remember when you were in a tiny apartment that got infested due to neighbors and now you are a business owner and homeowner. Congratulations 🎊

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you for sticking with me for so long! The new place has some German cockroaches in the kitchen and my handyman asked how I planned to get rid of them. I said that’s easy as pie after living in infested rentals! I earned skills from that place!! No fear now!

[@Jenny-dg4sb]

I have a rental property where a previous tenant left and left the home infested with cockroaches. We had never had that happen before. Hired a local pest company to take care of that issue. He said, "I know this is gross , but as the cockroaches die, do not sweep them up. Leave them on the floor. They are cannibals and will eat the dead cockroaches., and the poison from the dead cockroaches will pass to the new cockroaches and kill them, too." I would sweep up 1/3 to 1/2 of them, but left the rest as he suggested. He said it would take two treatments at $50 each (in 2017). Sure enough, two treatments and the infestation was history. He also suggested washing down all walls and surfaces with bleach water because the cockroaches follow the smell of other cockroaches and washing with bleach water would kill the cockroach smell and prevent other cockroaches from coming in. It was a lot of work, but seven years later, there have been no more cockroaches in this home. Good luck and be sure to treat both sides of the duplex.@@BudgetGirl

[@BudgetGirl]

@@Jenny-dg4sb those are great tips thank you!

[@kikihammond5326]

@@BudgetGirl Do NOT move in until you get rid of all the roaches. I had an infestation after a worker came over to fix and appliance and he brought in a computer. I wasn't sure at the time, just thought I saw something run out of the computer. Days later I had an infestation and they went to all my appliances because they love appliances. It took a year of daily batteling. I did find the only stuff online that will work on germans and learned a lot about how they like grease/meat products, not sugar. Most other baits won't work on them. Never again. It takes just one pregnant roach.

[@barbarahughes6009]

Well done! I’m glad you bought a more traditional property,somehow it feels safer than vans and I’m glad it’s a duplex to offset the mortgage.

[@Sundayonthefarm]

Girl! You got a deal. The price seems almost unheard of in today’s market. You are amazing!

[@MrJohnSmalley]

Nice purchase! The 1 bedroom unit is definitely the star. I'm glad to see it's more or less in rental condition to offset that the 3 bedroom unit needs a more notable renovation demand even if it's more minor things. The shed sounds like a great idea. Hopefully, you will be ok in the long run with the less square footage. Or that just means you will be more adamant about getting that 3rd property sooner rather than later 😅.

[@BudgetGirl]

You’re on the nose on that!!! Idk how long Jacob and I can share a bathroom lol

[@freedominabudget]

It’s beautiful!! Congratulations friend!!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!!

[@AlicePhillips-jc7hr]

Congratulations, Sarah!!! Your financial and personal journeys have been so uplifting to watch, and I am thrilled for you. I'm an 80 year old grandmother with two granddaughters (19 and 24) that I hope will make financial decisions as wise as yours.

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you! I'm rooting for them!

[@KellieOConnor-l9k]

Looks great. I would remodel The larger kitchen to look like the smaller side. It is really nice.

[@katievickery8735]

Congratulations, yes to new reno diaries.

[@amoyclarke7785]

I’m a little emotional at how many incredible things you’ve done. I’ve been watching you since you were on your debt free journey and to see you now 😊 double high fives. The mirror in the bathroom I would take it down, frame it and put it back up so it’s centered on that wall or get a longer mirror to put on that wall. Also maybe change out the vanity on the smaller side to a double vanity. Can’t wait for another season of duplex diaries!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!!!

[@blathsilin]

Sarah, you are some woman! And it looks amazing. The single side is fabulous. Leave that mirror in the bathroom, it's very useful. Loads to do in the other side but at least you can make it what you like. You definitely won't feel bad getting rid of thst bathroom! Definitely worth the wait! You are a role model!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you very much! I’m excited for that bath to become amazing!

[@ashleyvbananas7662]

Great job Sarah! You have come so far! Proud of you!

[@conniemunroe3600]

You’ve come a long way! Congratulations!

[@QuietlyCrazi]

Congratulations!! I am so happy and excited for you. I've been watching you for a few years now and you are such an inspiration. Know what I'm even more excited about. though? You're just a hare's breath away from 100K!!

[@BudgetGirl]

sooooo close!!!!!!!! thank you!

[@paulahawkins3786]

Way to go! This is a great purchase- I suggest you totally redo the kitchen ( get new cabinets and put more storage shelves in the pantry) and totally gut and replace everything in the bathroom - there seems to be mold issues- mold can mess with your health) I love the idea of adding a girl shed - make it into a crafting studio for yourself - you will love it and when you rent the units out later you can up the rent - finally when you add fencing, make the front yard into an oasis - this will be an amazing home for you and a renter - good luck! PS keep the mirror in the bathroom - add molding around the sides ( use molding and have it cut to size at a hardware store)

[@pinkjellybean]

Was the house originally three bedrooms, bc it looks like they look living space away to make another bedroom. Either way I’d redo the kitchen, taking down a wall to open it up with an island/ dining area transition to living room. The entry way with the laundry doesn’t seem conducive to a dinning area and the u-shaped kitchen is taking up a disproportionate amount of space compared to the rest of the areas. Make a true entry\landing zone area around the front door and laundry.

[@stellaunger8568]

Spend the money for a really nice bathroom. If kitchen cabinets are sounds, just paint and save your money. Looking forward to watching your renovation choices. You set such a wonderful example for your viewers. ❤️😁🌹

[@luzloveslife]

So happy for you, and proud of you. Can’t express that enough. You’ve come such a long way. Truly an inspiration! I’m super excited to see how you make it your own. My favorite videos are your house tours.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!!

[@jenniferarcher3323]

It would be so nice if you made the 3 br side have similar cabinetry in the kitchen. You won't regret it and you will have a beautiful home to enjoy until your next adventure. I have said it before, but congratulations, and I am so SO proud of you and your success.

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you so much!

[@elainebusch9382]

had custom size bi-pass doors made at Home Depot. They worked perfectly

[@BudgetGirl]

ooh thank you! i'll check that out!

[@Johnsonfamily794]

We had doors made at Menards for our hall closet

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

This is really exciting. I love these videos.

[@BudgetGirl]

I'm so glad!

[@GoofballAdventures]

It is great! I’m so happy for you.

[@gail2297]

You are an awesome go getter! Personally, as a renter, I don't see anything wrong with the kitchen cabinets in the smaller unit. If you are planning to stay there, I would say make it like you want it. If one day it will become another rental unit, I would say maybe add some hardware to the doors and drawers and install a new counter top. You can probably frame out the opening to the washer/dryer opening to fit the doors you want. You go Budget Girl!!!

[@poodlegirl55]

Great choice. Not much to do on the smaller unit except remove that door and get it rented. On your unit the kitchen depends on what shape the inside of the cabinets are and if the drawers work. The outside just needs a better paint job with semi gloss and nice hardware, new counters and sink. But if they are not sturdy I would replace them now while you don't live there as that isn't something fun to live through. Congrats.

[@bridgetstowers1212]

I love it! It was worth the wait! I can't wait to see what renovations you make on this property. Congratulations, it's very cute!

[@PriDrummond]

That is great! It gives us all hope that perseverance in the buying property business pays off! :) Good luck!

[@cardma7356]

Congratulations, Sarah! This is beautiful and I can’t wait to see more duplex diaries. Did I miss something? I thought you were looking for a place that has space for your Ag Wagon. Maybe that is your next project because at the rate you’re going, you’ll soon own half the town! Go, Sarah.

[@BudgetGirl]

News on that soon! thank you!

[@lisahaffner3337]

Great job. Looking forward to another Reno season

[@bonniemiles7957]

Love it! So glad you found it and can't wait for the "duplex Diaries"

[@BudgetGirl]

Yay! Thank you!

[@haley4998]

A HUGE congratulations Sarah!! I have been watching since pretty much the beginning and it’s so motivating to see how much your life has changed for the better!! I have never had as much motivation as you to go full scorched earth but I am In a much better position financially now than I was back then! I love the new duplex. At first I thought you were going to say that you and Jacob were moving to the 1:1 haha that would have been quite a downsize but it’s really spacious and absolutely beautiful! I wish I lived in Texas I would so apply to be your tenant! One thing I would love to see is an independent video of the cost/incoming/outgoing breakdown of just your duplexes’ including how much it costs to get this one up and running and then monthly totals but totally get its your private business so only if that’s something you would be willing to Share at some point!

[@BudgetGirl]

I am working on that exact video!!!!

[@christinab9133]

Congrats 🎉❤❤❤

[@rhondacowley9818]

YAY! Congratulations! can't wait for all the Reno videos.

[@larissam6279]

Congratulations on your 2nd multi-family home. Awesome! Can you do a video about house hacking in general and go into detail about how a property would start paying for itself etc.?

[@BudgetGirl]

Great idea! I have one on my channel from the first duplex - how I pay $150/ month for my house! But yes to another! Check out my real estate playlist as well!

[@tiffanyfeliksa1628]

Yes! I love the Duplex Diaries :)

[@MomandBuggs]

Congratulations! I cant wait to see your progress

[@chelseycollins1499]

Congratulations!

[@AdriennesChannel]

Congratulations on the new property!!

[@pennynickels5216]

Wow! The 1/1 is lovely. I'd live there. I need a nice light filled spacious living room. I do also like my separate kitchen, however tiny. Great job finding the place in this market!

[@margaretbedwell3211]

It is a lovely place....both sides. I know you will make it the top of the line rental. So happy you were able to find a duplex in such great condition. Do you have a Habitat Restore in your area? That is a good place to check for vanities, sinks, bath tubs, windows, tile etc. as well as furniture, if you were to decide to rent it furnished. I would look there first before the big box stores. Have fun pulling it together. Have a Blessed day.

[@BudgetGirl]

I’m going to habitat this weekend to hunt! Great place!

[@margaretbedwell3211]

@@BudgetGirl I love that place...I took my friend there several years ago, she was looking for a white porcelain double cast iron sink for the kitchen. She was able to find it, used but in mint condition for $30.00. Needless to say, she was a happy camper. Good luck on your search.

[@innap2607]

Congratulations on a purchase. Can not wait to see renovations.

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you i'm excited!

[@erinwilliams2141]

Congrats! Honestly, paint and hardware could go a long way to transform the look of the kitchen cabinet doors. I’m a fan on using what you have first before you decide to get rid of them

[@lmiller9924]

Congrats! You will do a great job with the renovations - can’t wait to see upcoming videos on that journey 😊

[@HLpC4495]

Congratulations!! You’re killing it!

[@stephanieefany]

Yay! I loved the first Duplex Diaries and I have some home upgrades to do myself - this will be good motivation! The kitchen is a great space, if you have the budget I think put in an island so you can also use that for seating and prep space. And if you are building upward - do all the cabinets to maximise that vertical storage!

[@BudgetGirl]

I would love to add cabinets all the way up! If budget allows!

[@JodyLifeofAMom]

DUPLEX DIARIES!!! YAY!!! 🎉 You scared me with “single” in the title. Can’t wait to see how you transform this place. ❤

[@BudgetGirl]

Sorry to scare! Meant only as i bought it by myself as an unmarried woman with only my money!

[@Manu-pw1rv]

Yayay! More duplex diaries, congratulations!!

[@glitterstarbeau]

It's great! I hope you enjoy fixing if up.

[@lindatexas5906]

Awesome! Glad you waited for a better property to come along. Looking forward to seeing the renovations to your kitchen.

[@laurafarr2693]

Congratulations! So exciting! It looks so nice, I love it!

[@kerstinshadow2210]

Congratulations! Looking forward to another duplex diaries series.

[@BudgetGirl]

Yay! Thank you!

[@create_everything167]

I'm excited about another season 🎉

[@KT-zd3vl]

Congratulations Sarah! I love seeing all the exciting things you have accomplished. ❤

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!!

[@kerrybernard6865]

Yay for new duplex diaries!!!!!

[@geribriggs6713]

Well done I look forward to watching the Reno’s!

[@crowned1300]

I’m here for another Duplex Diaries! Congrats! 🎊🎉

[@Handbagqueen23]

Can’t wait for the Reno vids

[@blancaconteras6520]

Congratulations 🎊🍾🎈🎉! I’m so happy for you

[@lorrainemaccarelli4655]

Congratulations!!! What an awesome achievement!

[@jodie19831]

You can always use cabinet paint and counter top paint and save $$. Add handles

[@BudgetGirl]

Def adding handles! The counter is dead unfortunately- cut the heck up and split it in many places!

[@loriurich2276]

Wow! so happy for you - congrats!

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks so much!!

[@alaskanourished3812]

Love it! I'm sure your updates are going to be awesome, excited to follow along.

[@virginiabrewster8444]

It is really good to see you succeed!

[@wickedlynaughty7352]

So incredibly wonderful. Congratulations!!!

[@CM-qj2lp]

Congrats

[@audreyhunter7986]

CONGRATS!! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

[@Dioranma]

Congratulations Sarah 🎉. We are getting close to 100k. Can't wait 😊

[@BudgetGirl]

So close!

[@jungwhat]

Congratulations! Excited for Duplex Diaries!!

[@elliejellie22]

Congratulations...love the property. Can't wait to watch the newest Duplex Diaries.

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you so much!

[@mollymay509]

It’s fabulous!! Well worth the wait!!!

[@lindawilson290]

Congrats, Sarah. "All good things to those who wait."

[@lydiaguerra2731]

I'm very proud of you!!! Great investment. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@CK1000ism]

Given that it is a unit you will be living in--I would redo the whole kitchen with new cabinets and solid surface countertops. You will really enjoy it now and it will hold value better when you again house hack in a few years.!

[@BudgetGirl]

trying to figure out how to do that without sinking 20k into the kitchen! I'll figure something out! the base cabinets are in great shape, so hoping i can salvage something! new counters are a definite!

[@lasl5413]

Well done - brava!!!

[@keishapatterson5550]

Congrats!!!

[@Ang2us1]

Congratulations. Nice spaces.😊

[@gregnorthrop7525]

So excited for more duplex diaries!! Literally been waiting since the last one wrapped up!

[@melodyk.]

WOW!!! This is so exciting, Sarah! It is truly a delight to see your accomplishments! I‘m excited about Season 2 of the Duplex Diaries! You always have great ideas. One comment about the 1/1 - maybe take down the oddly placed side mirror in the bathroom to make room for decor, a towel bar or perhaps a smaller full length mirror. Again - so happy for you and congratulations!

[@BudgetGirl]

i'm so glad all yall hate that mirror too.. i didn't know why i didn't like it, but i'm glad to have back up!

[@janicew9]

Im so excited for you!!!! This is amazing

[@gaile2241]

Looking forward to duplex diaries

[@marinasilluminations]

I so love your videos! You’re so transparent and it’s very helpful!

[@jsmith3964]

You have a charm at picking nice places love it as far as fixing up I say it looks more than nice . Have a blessed 2024 .

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks, you too!

[@careyblignaut2165]

That is a good price for the property, AND minimal work! Life has been too busy and I missed a bunch of your videos, then saw this. Yay BG!!!

[@BudgetGirl]

Welcome back!

[@erinsymone1645]

You are just so inspiring to me. I’ve been watching since you (and I) were paying off student loan debt. I built up my emergency fund and contribute to retirement, but I’ve been slacking on getting into the housing market because my credit leaves much to be desired which has discouraged me for longer than it should have. Time to get back in the game for good this time!

[@BudgetGirl]

You got this!

[@lottiedah903]

Congrats! Can’t wait for season 2! ❤

[@donewithdebt4696]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉. The place looks amazing! So excited for duplex diaries season 2!!!! And yes I would remove that extra mirror in the bathroom. You can get a countertop vanity mirror for touch ups etc.

[@BudgetGirl]

Most people seem to not like that! I might remove it!

[@StephanieJoRountree]

Congrats! I was thinking about you the other day, realizing I hadn't seen any recent videos. Looking forward to seeing the updates to your new property.

[@BudgetGirl]

Welcome back! and thanks!

[@patricerelf961]

Congratulations! You've come such a long way. You're an inspiration. I love the new place.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thank you so much!

[@sunnysunshine6271]

You go girl ❤. I would keep the kitchen cabinets, just put nice handles on them. For the laundry room I would use soft foldable doors. Gotta watch the rest now!!! P.S. Just finished watching....how come you're moving? Your current home is so lovely.

[@BudgetGirl]

It is but to get the lower down payment and have more cash available to Reno, I have to live in one side of the new place. I can also get a lot more renting out the current side of the duplex than I would the new!

[@sunnysunshine6271]

@@BudgetGirl Gotcha, thanks 👍🏼

[@QuietlyCrazi]

Thoughts on the bathroom: Do you or Jacob take baths? I'd take that whole bathtub & shower out, tear down and re-drywall the walls (use a moisture barrier one), get a large pan and put in a rainfall shower (slightly off center) with a built in bench. You could even use some of the spacing for built in shelves. Wall & bench covering would be your choice... pebble, tile etc :) You could even put in the piping for a wall mounted, hand-held, removable shower head: perfect for washing pets, those hard to reach places and filling large buckets (and for any future renters, small children). I'm sure a plumber would know of a way to facilitate switching between the two shower heads.

[@nytasha7111]

Sounds beautiful but when they move again it will be harder to rent since families with kids want a tub.

[@sarahashleywilson]

I also love taking baths! I'll probably buy a soaking tub to put in!@@nytasha7111

[@wordhappyHazel]

Excited for you! Soz if someone's already suggested this, but for the laundry area, maybe consider removing the double door upper cupboard and get a stackable washer/dryer setup and a tall cupboard or custom shelf setup for the narrow space to the side of the washer/dryer.

[@BudgetGirl]

looking into that!

[@angelamills2964]

So exciting!!! You’ve been patient and found the perfect property!!! Can’t wait to follow along for the renovation!

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Congratulations, Sarah!!! That's fabulous!!! 🎉😃 You did really well! This is what patience brings! I'm so glad you found this and bought it! In re-doing the kitchen and bathroom of the half you and Jacob will live in, I'd replicate the kitchen and bathroom designs of the smaller side, which is done so nicely. That way, if you ever do rent out both sides, your tenants can feel that they matter to you equally. I'd make them as similar as possible, and you have such a clean, modern and lovely example to follow. Again, big congrats! I know you don't need me to be proud of you. You have your own pride! But, I'm still so proud of you! You've been a and are still being such a fantastic role model for so many people! You GO, girl!!! 🎆🌠🥳🫡

[@BudgetGirl]

I will always happily accept being cheered on! It has certainly pushed me all these years, thank you so much!

[@VeeAlee]

I like the mirror, it is useful. Yes I look forward to the new content on you renovating your new home

[@BudgetGirl]

Yay! Thank you!