Project Flipadelphia: Preparing to Close

Immediately following the auction, I had to find a lawyer to help me close. Finding a lawyer was no easy ordeal as I wanted one that could speak Chinese. I had the ambition and the means, but not the experience so I struggled. I called many, many offices. More than once, they would hang up on me because I couldn't explain my situation clearly. Lesson here: Hi, my name is Juliana and i bought a residential property in an auction. I already signed the purchase of sale agreement. Now I am looking for an attorney to help me run a title report and close the deal. Done. 

A lot of offices will try to cheat and overcharge if you sound inexperienced. Know your situation. In my case, I made it a point to tell them that I did NOT take out a mortgage. That means the attorney does MUCH less work. 

I started research on inspectors, general constractors, and insurance. I started my search online using YELP and google for much of the time. I generated 5-7 companies and started calling them one by one. I HAVE TO BE PREPARED. I don't like sounding dumb. I prepared myself for each call with a list of must-ask questions.  During one call, an inspector actually said "You missed the most important question of all. You should be asking if I'm insured. Are we insured for general liability? For errors and omissions?" I thanked him for the tip and lol started including that Q. Stay classy folks. I know that I am new but this is where everyone starts. Don't take it personal when someone gives you advice. 

Everyone had references. Aside from the internet, my lawyer had inspectors as well. Using his name, I spoke to the inspector who gave me references to general contractors. Using his name, the general contractor was much more open toward me. The name is such a powerful thing. When you come from somewhere familiar, the first impression is much more powerful. Even with my lawyer, I had used a name. 

At the while, I was detangling the web of INSURANCE, a true pain in the rear. I'm 24, I don't think I have ever purchased insurance period. Yet, here I am shopping for flood, home, builders, or whatjamacallit. 

In the process of telling people, someone introduced me to the show Flip or Flop on HGTV about flipping houses. I think I saw maybe half of an episode and shut it off. First, I'd rather be doing it than watching it. Second, their profit was WAY less than I'm anticipating for mine. They had to split profits with other people! That sucks. 

Project Flipadelphia is just about to take off and I have already learned so much. I'm excited to see the end!