All Forum Posts by: Greg Behan

If the house isn't represented by an agent then you would make an offer directly to the homeowner.  You really don't need to pay an agent to fill out the paperwork the title company does most of it anyway....  at least in PA

that's ugly !!    I would strip it and start new and just do it right from the start.

#not_all_contractors_are_shady  :)

Anyway long story short it sounds like you have the classic example of the contractor who isn't so strong on the business end.  What that would mean in your shoes is you might have to baby sit him a bit and be on top of a few things he probably should be.  If you feel he is a good trustworthy contractor that will complete the work in a professional matter and you have a good relationship with him it might be worth it.  If you're too busy to be checking on his permits and making sure what he says is getting done is getting done (and done right) then I'd strongly consider one of the other contractors.  

I normally don't do itemized bids either.  It's too competitive around here and people try to take advantage of contractors just as much as contractors try to take advantage of people (sad really on both ends).  So I simply say this is the job you asked me to quote, this is my price for everything.  I don't change that price "to beat the other guy" either.  If he's cheaper fantastic hopefully he knows what he's doing too.

Whether or not he should still have a shot comes down to your choice really.  Have you worked with him before?  Is he a quality worker? Is he efficient?  Are any of the other contractors highly recommended and possibly a better option?

It's really impossible to quote a list like this...  Although lists make things sound so simple and easy I never quote a job without seeing it.   And the whole "what do you think it would cost roughly" or "ballpark me" makes me cringe.    That being said it sounds like you got a few estimates already with your 15-20k statement.  That's gonna be what it's gonna cost and if it doesn't seem right get another estimate or two.  Have a few reputable contractors out get a few prices and go for the best value (not necessarily the cheapest guy)

I agree with Scott....  Plan grass if it's just the yard and not really a garden.  Till the dirt plant seed and then hay it.  even if the grass is only sprouting at the time of listing I would imagine home buyers would understand.  Although it's not ideal...

That is a very broad question.  The answer really depends on your market though.  If you're flipping malibu you should do a high end finish.  If you're renting in Compton you could probably go builders grade 

@jason young    look into your local board of assessment they might have property records online or you might have to go to the county courthouse.  Either way if you see a house that appears vacant look up the property owner in property records the owners name and address are on record. 

I was looking at a private sale once and this lady got really weird all of a sudden talking about how her husband just died and all she does is cry now and she asked me to lend her 5000 dollars and I could hold some plates for collateral haha.  She just totally changed personalities halfway through the tour and it was kind of erie.  Total hoarder house too so some random plate she grabbed she told me was so valuable and I could see it for 20k if she didn't pay me back haha.   

Eugene, you are definitely wanna do a little more reading around before making any large moves. It is POSSIBLE to get good deals off the MLS but in most markets there is a lot of competition on the MLS which drives prices up plus realtor costs. Personally I have never bought a flip off the MLS just because they are too expensive. A wholesaler is somebody who gets a house under contract without any intention of purchasing it for themselves. Instead they get the deal under contract factor in a profit for themselves and find a rehabber who would like to purchase it for a flip. There can be deals this way especially if you get a good relationship going with a good wholesaler but at the same time I personally haven't done deals this way either. Often times the wholesale deals in my area aren't that great of deals and normally aren't my style of house. They are the middle man the deed goes from the old homeowner to you.

The 70% rule is how some people calculate their purchase price. They take ARV multiply it by .7 and deduct rehab costs to get their purchase price. It's just a method of coming up with your numbers... there are other ways too

There are too many different ways to do it to call one the best especially considering each market is very different. Personally I like Driving for dollars and sticking in the private market. MLS is normally way too expensive for me.