Worcester, MA Newbie

Worcester, MA Newbie

Worcester, MA · Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 0 votes

When I graduated college, I thought buying a house was something I would do much later on in life as it was not something I wanted to think about or spend money on at the time. A couple years passed and I stumbled upon the BP Podcast which changed my entire perspective on real estate. Throughout the past year I have spent countless hours listening to podcast episodes, watching YouTube real estate videos, and reading books/guides/forum posts. 

Even though I am a newbie by all metrics, I think it is finally time to formally introduce myself to the BP community as an aspiring real estate investor. After spending the better part of a year learning about the different strategies and niches available, I can safely say my interest lies in the Wholesaling and the Buy and Hold strategies. Now, I know there is a collective sigh on the other side of the screen thinking: "another new guy interested in wholesaling" but I believe it can be done, so long as there is integrity and proper education/preparation. 

That being said, there are many gaps in my knowledge which I would love to hear from the community about. Some questions off the top of my head are:

1) Aside from years of experience, what is an accurate way to estimate rehab costs as a wholesaler? I read an article which lays out a simple formula of multiplying the sqft of the property by the rehab cost per sqft. What are the strategies other investors are using that you have found successful?

2) Double vs. Simultaneous closings vs. Assignments. I believe there is a subtle difference between double and simultaneous closings regarding escrow but what has been the general experience of MA wholesalers with any of these 3 strategies for closing deals?

Please feel free to reach out at any point, either by the comments below. Apologies for the long post but I look forward to engaging with the community and getting to work with some of you  in the near future!

Regards,
Jerry Carranza

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Real Estate Agent · Denton, TX · Member since 2016 · 75 posts · 54 votes
6y

Hi Jerry and welcome to the forum (officially). I can't help with the second question as I live and invest in the DFW area, but I'd be happy to weigh in on the rehab budget question. The article you pointed to is a great way to find the numbers but I use a slight variation of that:
I calculate somewhere around $12 to $14 per square foot depending on the finish level first. Then I go through 6 major systems/features (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roof, windows and foundation) for defects or issues. If any of these systems/features need replacement/maintenance, I add these numbers to the first estimate. That will give you a rough estimate on rehab costs. It may be difficult to estimate some of the major system repairs initially, but you should be able to get an idea of cost by asking around here or talking with some contractors.

Remember that construction materials, labor and certain issues with homes will likely vary depending on geography. 

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  • Real Estate Agent · Denton, TX · Member since 2016 · 75 posts · 54 votes
    6y

    Hi Jerry and welcome to the forum (officially). I can't help with the second question as I live and invest in the DFW area, but I'd be happy to weigh in on the rehab budget question. The article you pointed to is a great way to find the numbers but I use a slight variation of that:
    I calculate somewhere around $12 to $14 per square foot depending on the finish level first. Then I go through 6 major systems/features (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roof, windows and foundation) for defects or issues. If any of these systems/features need replacement/maintenance, I add these numbers to the first estimate. That will give you a rough estimate on rehab costs. It may be difficult to estimate some of the major system repairs initially, but you should be able to get an idea of cost by asking around here or talking with some contractors.

    Remember that construction materials, labor and certain issues with homes will likely vary depending on geography. 

  • Worcester, MA · Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    6y

    Hey @Troy Ramey! Thanks for weighing in and also for the warm welcome. When you run through the big ticket items, are you doing so with an inspector?

    Thanks

  • Ned CareyPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    6y

    @Jerry Carranza as far as I am concerned a double close and a simultaneous close are the same thing. I believe people use them interchangeably. I don't make a distinction and I have been doing this 15 years.

    If you want to split hairs a double close could mean you close on the property and resell it at a later day maybe even the next day but a simultaneous close would be one close right after the other only minutes apart.  I guess you could say the a simultaneous close is a double close but a double close in not necessarily simultaneous.

    An assignment means you sell your contract to someone else and then they close on the original contract with only one closing.

    Regarding estimating that comes with experience. I believe an important part of that is knowing your market. Look at LOTS of properties and deals. You need to know the level of finishes and the overall quality of rehabs that buyers and tenants expect.  Can you get away with sheet vinyl floors or do you need high quality vinyl plank flooring, or expensive ceramic tile and hardwood floors. Can you get away with painting the cabinets or do you need to replace them. If you replace the cabinets is a cheap grade good enough or do you need top quality with slow close drawer and doors.  All these things can dramatically affect your costs. 

    So go look at lots of deals especially other investor deal and pick there brain about what they paid and what things cost. 

  • Ned CareyPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    6y

    PS welcome to BP.

  • Real Estate Agent · Denton, TX · Member since 2016 · 75 posts · 54 votes
    6y

    @Jerry Carranza, no I've never used an inspector for rental properties. A lot of it comes down to experience and risk tolerance. I made some mistakes in the past but nothing life changing.

    If you don't feel comfortable doing that I suggest finding someone that knows a little more about those systems and taking them with you, or taking lots of pictures and asking for help here. On the other hand, you may be able to find an "investor friendly" inspector that can assist. 

  • Realtor · Boston MA · Member since 2018 · 44 posts · 23 votes
    6y

    Warm welcome from a Worcester flipper and landlord. Love the rental market here more than anything else. Let me know if you want to bounce any questions off me 

  • Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2020 · 26 posts · 24 votes
    6y

    Welcome to BP! As others have mentioned, estimating the rehab costs come with time and experience. If you prefer to lean on someone else for the time being while you learn, I would suggest networking with people in your area who are experts. Best of luck!

  • Real Estate Agent · Worcester, MA · Member since 2018 · 519 posts · 410 votes
    6y

    Jerry,

    I see about 5-10 multis a week, over 1100 in the last 3 years.  would be glad to go through a bunch of houses with you and show what we look for in the good and the bad in Worcester to help your education!

    Brian

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