All Forum Posts by: Angie Shires

@Trayven Cartwright

@Joseph Cacciapaglia has some great advice there...there is no such thing as the perfect time! Don't get paralyzed and fail to make a move! 

@Alyssa K. Sounds like you and your husband are well on your way to financial security, congratulations on what you've done so far, you should be proud!

I have to say that they money that you spend on a Realtor's commission is 100% worth it! You might interview another experienced Realtor and get their opinion of price and whether staging is necessary in your area. I'm in East Texas, we are rather rural, as well...but staging helps sell your home quicker and for closer (if not over) your asking price. 

While you may be able to sell your home FSBO, the question is should you. A good agent will help you price the home, represent, protect, negotiate, take the emotion out and move you smoothly to closing.

Good luck to y'all! 

@Trayven Cartwright Keep doing what you are doing...read, listen to podcasts, get involved in the forums...but most of all, start talking to people! Don't replace face to face, voice to voice contact with real live people! 

Go talk to Realtors, bankers, other investors, insurance agents, contractors, go to meet ups. The long and short of it is being interactive with people. So many times we hide behind a screen, but don't let your education replace being connected to people. 

One other suggestion is to fill out your profile here on BP, you will find that people here genuinely want to help one another...so help yourself by letting them get to know you! 

Good luck to you, hope all your dreams come true! 

@Casey Creighton Congratulations on successfully saving a considerable amount of money, that's smart decisions and hard work! 

Without a little more information about what you are wanting to do, it's hard to say what is best. What are your long term and short term goals? Are you looking to replace all of your income with REI?

I would really recommend filling out your profile completely, start connecting with others here on BP. Interact on the forums and read/listen to as much as you can! There is no silly question, but most answers can be found by browsing the forums! 

@Chase Keller I'm sending you a PM

@Richard Kelly Solar panels are not cheap, they may not be the most beautiful thing in the neighborhood but they look like they were professionally installed and in great shape. I'd leave it, it's not everyone's cup of tea...but it is a great selling point for a lot of people! IMHO

@Ernest Lathren

You might try another bank, or even two. Different banks may have different things to offer! A local bank or credit union will probably be your best chance at getting more creative financing.

@Shane Chiasson If you are inside the city limits, then you will need to pull a permit. It is a necessary evil, unfortunately. They seem expensive, but way better than the fine for not having one! 

@Mike Jacovelli Sounds like you should probably reserve the REI conversations for people who will help support you! Not everyone is going to understand.

Start meeting professionals in the area that you want to invest in. Doesn't really matter what profession, surround yourself with successful people. Begin with bankers, real estate agents, insurance agents, property managers, CPAs...be honest about just starting out and in the investigation phase. Start the conversations, ask the questions and before long you've people that you can talk to about REI. Don't forget that as you build these relationships, that you need to also bring value. Figure out how you can help these people that are helping you!

Don't forget to come to BP for support. Get on the forums regularly, post and get to know the people on here! We are here to support and encourage you! 

@Mike Jacovelli while I'm sure that can be discouraging, it might also be a good thing...as long as what you are receiving in genuine concern...People tend to discourage you when they feel like it is protecting you, so maybe spin it around this way: 

1) When they voice concerns about the information you're giving them, you can either dismiss it and change the subject (if they are being negative). 

2) Do they have any specific concerns that you should actually consider as relevant? If you respect their opinion, hear them out...we learn from others! 

3) Have you educated yourself to the point that you can explain it to others? Do you have enough information yourself?  Sometimes, that's the problem...if you are unsure, they will be unsure! When you are able to explain your plan to others, and tell them why it will work that will be your turning point! 

Remember that some people just want to argue with you, no matter the subject! Chin up, you've got this! Keep saving, learning and planning. Good luck!