Author Topic: Washing Machine in Rental Home (Chicago Suburbs) - help in picking a new one  (Read 3675 times)

cbr shadow

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We have a rental property where the washing machine died and isn't worth repairing. 
I'm looking for a replacement and thought I'd use the highly skilled MMM landlord crew to give me a recommendation.  My only requirement is that it's white and not too expensive.
I'm hoping to stick to local retailers like Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, or HH Greg. 
Any brands/models or even better, specific deals?  I have a rental manager to coordinate the install since I'm currently living in Australia.

I'm in the NW Suburbs of Chicago.

Thanks!
-Ryan

Drifterrider

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"Not too expensive" means different things to different people.

What kind of washer did you have?  What were the features?  Same tenants or new tenants?

If the washer you have is high end and the tenant hasn't changed, they might expect a high end washer (and might be paying rent to support that).

If that isn't true, I would go for three water levels, temperature select, and basic wash cycles.  Most people never use all (most) of the features on a washer. 


Another Reader

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All new washing machines are HE (high efficiency).  From my research, the new top loading HE machines are terrible.  Read the reviews at Lowes and Home Depot. They are unreliable and don't get the laundry clean.  Although it's more of a hassle, try Craigslist or your Nextdoor website to find a 3 or 4 year old top loader that fills completely and uses an agitator.  The ideal seller is someone "upgrading" to the pearl automotive paint front loaders.  Buy their old set before they realize what a big expensive mistake they made!

My opinion is that old-style washing machines will become the US equivalent of 1950's cars in Cuba.  Since you won't be able to buy new machines that will do the job, there will be a market for the old ones.  Eventually there will be people specializing in rebuilding them and those machines will cost more than the new ones.

Drifterrider

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Where are you living that all new machines are "HE"?

Lowe's is full of standard top loaders.

therethere

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Whatever you do don't get the cheapest "Hotpoint" Brand. We went through 2 or 3 of them in our rental until  our landlord finally smartened up and paid a little more. I think the amount he paid for repairmen to come over to diagnose it cost more than the washer itself.

Another Reader

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Look carefully at the specs and the reviews.  They are top loaders, but with impellers instead of agitators.  The machine takes in about three or four inches of water and tries to circulate it through the clothes.  Doesn't work and lots of defects/repairs.

Lowes and Home Depot in both California and Arizona only carry these machines.  If I could buy the cheap Whirlpool top loaders from a few years ago, I would cross state lines....

Agree on the Hotpoint.  Bought a cheap Hotpoint dryer for a rental and the dial broke the first week.  Hotpoint is made by GE, and I'm not enthralled with GE appliances either.

matchewed

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Depending on the washing machine it may very well be worth repairing. The old school washer's that Another Reader is referencing are incredibly easy and cheap to repair.

Kaydedid

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You may need to look at a dedicated appliance store, but Speed Queen washers are DH's favorite.  He's an industrial mechanic and knows machinery, and said these machines are still built the way they used to be-solid but simple.  They are pricey, but easily and cheaply repairable, and built to last unlike most modern appliances.  If your considering something for the long term that can take some abuse, check this brand out.

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Tom Bri

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Also look into the 'scratch-and-dent' section of the store. All big appliance stores have machines that are damaged in transit, and they are usually much cheaper than pristine machines. As long as the damage is only a superficial blemish, should be fine.

clarkfan1979

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If you want the most basic washer, you can usually get one on-line through Lowes or Home Depot for $300 with delivery included. They usually charge $25 for new hoses. If it's a higher end rental in which a fancier washer is needed, then I would look at used appliance places. A $1200 washer would sell for $300-$400 at a used appliance place with a 1-2 year warranty.

I have a $1250 stainless steel refrigerator in one of my rentals that I got for $350 used. The house shows so much better than the competition and I can get more interest and more rent.

MaikoTsumi

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Check craigslist for repair/dealers selling used washers.  I'm sure you have them in your area.  What they do is pickup broken or unwanted appliances and fix them up and sell them for $100-$150.  Local guy here will deliver and setup for no additional cost. 

NoNonsenseLandlord

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I buy new front load machines.  Generally from Lowes, where I get free delivery and installation.  Easy, peasy.

Mine typically cost ~$600 per machine.  Whirlpool machines.

rothwem

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Check craigslist for repair/dealers selling used washers.  I'm sure you have them in your area.  What they do is pickup broken or unwanted appliances and fix them up and sell them for $100-$150.  Local guy here will deliver and setup for no additional cost.

This guy knows whats up.  Appliances depreciate like crazy, but they work FOREVER.  You should be able to buy a decent set off craigslist for ~$300.  Don't be the chump that pays $1000 for a new one.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!