All Forum Posts by: Alonso Figueroa

Aside the from the MLS, and resources exclusive to real estate professionals

What FREE TOOLS would you recommend to make comps in analyzing a deal?
eaxmple: Zillow, Redfin, government crime report sites, google maps/time machine, public tax records, etc

PAID TOOLS?
example: Rentometer, BiggerPockets calculators,

Thanks for your input!

Quote from @Eliott Elias:

Here are some questions you should ask them 

• How long have you been in this business?
• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured?

 This is a great resource thanks Elliot

Quote from @Elizabeth Palma:

Hey! On Facebook, there's a group called ConnectWiseKC where they have a verified contractor list so you can find everything from cleaning to general contractors and more, you should give it a go if no one is answering here!

Thanks for the recommendation. Ill give it a look.

Originally posted by @Allen L.:

The guys that can do it cheaply, you can't find them easily by googling. Try something like Angie's List if you don't know many people in the area, a few of those companies tend to be *much* cheaper because they're just starting up. You can also ask around on FB, there are usually contractor groups.

OH! The FB groups method sounds promising! Thanks

@Henry Clark

I has those same 5 questions you listed. I called the 2 companies that gave the me quotes to ask for an itemized list of the expenses so that I can understand the costs more clearly. They put me in touch with the guys who went to measure and they said they had to re-measure everything because the quotes they originally gave me was for french drain systems. They still have not contacted me about going to re-measure.

I think my next move is to wait a few more weeks and call the same companies (plus a few more) and SPECIFICALLY request estimates for fill dirt and grading only.

@Gintaras Kuzma Thank you.

My (non-professional) research has led me to the same conclusion about KC.I have a few months experience as long-distance landlord, BUT I did a ton of research (podcasts, youtube, blogs) on tips to make it easier and pitfalls. Fortunately there is a a good selection of resources for info on this kind of investing.

It also helps that I have some extended family that lives in the area and are fairly knowledgeable about the neighborhoods! But I try not to bother them too much.
 

I haven't seen it myself. But from the inspector's photos the current grading looks like its fairly neutral, as in not sloping towards the foundation. Ive asked the tenants to keep an eye out for standing water around the foundation. I hope they actually report back with photos!

From what I can tell, all that is needed is a dirt fill and regrading - no sprinklers no burying downspouts. A simple job in my mind,

Listening to podcast since early '20. Joined as free member in May. Upgraded to Pro last week!

My main holdup was probably my self image. I didn't see myself as an "actual" investor even though I have one cashflowing property. Fortunately, I recently reconnected with college buddy and found out he too was into REI. We bonded over BP and he mentioned that he was considering becoming a Pro member. I thought to myself, " I better do it before he does, there is no way I'm going to be outdone by Nic!" hahaha

No but seriously,
When I see people I know personally start to "make moves",  my competitive nature explodes out of its shell and I suddenly unearth secret caches of motivation!

CONTEXT
I need to regrade the area around my foundation per my inspector's report. (fortunately this was the biggest issue he found) I got estimates from local KC landscapers. Some estimates included a french drain and/or swales, but after speaking with the inspector and the other landscapers only regrading is necessary.

Most of the estimates came in at $4500+. I'm no expert, but that strikes me as WAY TOO MUCH for adding and shaping dirt around the foundation. For scope of the project, the house is approx 1000sqft on a slab, w/ crawl space, and is on flat land - not a hill, nor is there a hill nearby.

I have considered doing it myself, but I live in California and cannot afford to take a week off from my job to do this. (which kinda
bums me out because I love getting my hands dirty)

QUESTION
Does $4500+ sound right for a simple regrading? Do regrading projects sometimes get complicated and necessitate extra maneuvers or special considerations/machinery that brings up the cost? Could these companies be using secret landscaper techniques that maintain the integrity of the slope for 50 years thereby saving $$ in the long run?

I found your ordeal with this shifty seller and your cautious approach to the situation harrowing and instructive. Thanks for sharing! I'm glad to know you got more opinions from mold companies and dodged a bullet.