All Forum Posts by: Bill W.

I've sold mobile homes as both fixer uppers and repaired them so they are move-in condition.

After doing both and calculating returns, I come out way ahead selling them as fixers and now wont do much for repairs. The last home I spent $100 to have all the junk in the backyard away at that was it. I could have painted, installed new floors, installed appliances which were missing, etc and maybe squeeze out a small profit on those expenses if I'm lucky. Not worth it. I'd rather spend my time scouting for new deals than swinging a hammer.

Michael, Ok, I'm in the middle of option period and have a question. I got the inspection report and it was written in overly dramatic language saying there were major issues w/ the house. The report indicates that the foundation, roof, electric, HVAC need repair/replacement.

I've had contractors come out and say that the inspection report is over-the-top dramatic. Let's assume that things arent as bad as the inspection report says and only the HVAC needs attention. They work properly but are at the end of their life. All three are circa 1993.

Would it be reasonable to ask for money/replacement even if the items in question are functioning?

Bill

Michael and Dieter, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. I didn't know I could negotiate in simple email form and then I didn't know there is an amendment for formalizing the agreement. And yes, I am using TREC contracts so I will look up the amendment.

I have two contractors going over to the house tomorrow to give estimates on the work and will proceed based on the information obtained.

Thanks much.

Bill

I'm in the process of buying a house in Texas w/out an agent and need a bit of guidance. We've got a signed contract and I just had the inspection. There are a; couple of issues that are rather significant that I'd like to negotiate w/ the seller.

What is the way to open up negotiations in this stage of the purchase? What forms to use?

Paul, from what you've said, the lot rent would be my biggest concern. Given what you've said, I would expect someone willing to pay $1400 a month for the place - budget on the conservative end. So $1400 total housing payment minus $1000 lot rent leaves $400 payments for you. How do you feel about $400 monthly payments? Work the numbers and see if they are good for you.

Also, if you go through w/ the deal see if you can negotiate some free lot rent while you do the deal.

$1000 is off the charts high in my area. How does that compare to typical lot rent in this park's area? What does a typical 2/2 apartment rent for?

The difference between actual lot rent and the price for a typical apartment is usually around what you can expect your monthly payments to be.