All Forum Posts by: Benjamin Ervin

 Hey, Travis.  Pensacola is definitely an awesome place.  Navy Fed has had a big impact on the housing market in the surrounding areas (northern end on 32526 in particular).  The real benefit Pensacola has seen from NF setting up shop here is the number of jobs it has provided.  It adds some more diversity to the employment sources here.  

Bill, great story.  Very motivating.  You and I share similar goals in real estate.  Bringing your kids along for the journey, in particular.

Here's to continued success going forward.

 Mark, we assumed it was when we bought the house.  We actually had an architect come out to check on the wall before we started the project so he could draw up the plans for how to remove and replace with proper structural support.  Interestingly enough, the way this particular house was built with trusses, it was constructed to move all of the load to the exterior walls.  So in theory, you could remove every interior wall in this house and live in one big box if you wanted!  We saved quite a bit on our original budget thanks to this.

 Hey, Harry - thank you.  To be clear, I've never served in the military.  I work as a government contractor for the Navy.  While I do think what I do has a positive impact in supporting our Sailors, I would never take any credit from those to which it is truly owed.

 Hey, Bill.  We used painted pine boards for the bedroom ceilings and hardi for the planks.  I highly suggest using a good primer before painting.

 I would hardly call my post "results".  I used the term PROJECTED figures purposefully.  I understand we have a long way to go before getting to the closing table.

 Thanks, Vicki!  We actually did use some staging materials (fireplace mantle, dishes for the glass cabinets, etc.)  I think it makes a huge difference for virtually no cost.  We might consider a larger stage if the house doesn't sell, but we are generating a lot of interest so far, so I am trying to stay patient.

 Beibei, get educated and get started!  It is the fear of not getting started that drove me to take the plunge.

 Thanks, Tamela! No, we didn't use a designer.  That was all my wife.  I married well!

 James, I actually did most of the trim work myself. That said, we have a really good carpenter who we intend to use going forward.  As we continue to scale, I'd like to somehow arrange for him to get his GC.  I like the idea of funding that for him with the intention of bringing him on to run all of our rehabs.  He's that kind of a guy.