All Forum Posts by: Brian Ragsdale

@Stephanie Cabral Yes, I love 203 k, but watching every single line item is draining....and the 3 draws really stretches the contractor on the thin side.  I am selling my two other properties, and may go back to buying again with 203 k....I am hoping that the max of 4 -203 k is not over the lifetime and it only applies to current holdings.  I also have had to educate the underwriting folks about the program too.  If CT has energy rebates etc...in combination with 203 k...I think this is worth exploring.  Please feel free to ask me questions if I can be helpful I will.  Oh before I go my hubby likes the color --his feedback thus far is for it to be a little lighter.  I like the color because it is modern and neutral, yet sophisticated.  My husband is a JD too, but he really really really does not like practicing....even though he passed the bar in Nh and IL....

Just googled @Stephanie Cabral Dynasty Celadon, and love it too--a light gray green tint with a bit of whimsy is how I would describe it.  I might use it in our house...We have a huge 18 x 24 wall in a grand foyer...it has taken us 4 years to come up with a color and now I think this is it.  Thanks for your post, and I noticed you had a JD too--do you use your knowledge from law in changing any of the standard contract language? 

 All the best, and thanks for the play by play and lessons learned....YAYYYYYYY...I found a color for the foyer---cant wait to share it with my hubby.  

Ghetto motel, I guess you mean that people in this community may be struggling with multiple life circumstances. My tenants are at the core of my investment strategy and even greater what is in the heart of the people in that neighborhood...in a sense, I am investing in the future of the community and my economic wealth.  I am an emotional investor as well as one who uses the numbers to interact with my emotions.  This building sounds like an idea property to work with a local 501 c three in order to do some form of transitional housing...a win win for the community, and a way to distinguish your company as altruistic and caring, which I also will assume.  It can never be just about the money, because if that is all I care about, people will make sure that I get it, but also be cursing me behind my back. 

All that glitters is not gold....is what I would tell my 21 year old self.  

Take your time and have someone you trust give you their opinion. Remember that the seller has their interest, the realtor has their interest, and you have your interest.  if it is selling for $130 k, then the question is why haven't other folks jumped on it.

Being broke, been there and know what this feels like...Pulling the trigger may not take the pain away of being broke....even after all these years the feeling of being broke has never left me.

Peace and blessings, Brian

Most people know that we own houses, and that I love real estate.  So it feels good when people want to know more about my businesses.  I'm an artist, investor, and psychologist but always get the question is my art is in a gallery (it is not yet or may never be) and, it only gets tired or draining for me, because I can not yet say, "My work is owned by MOMA, or it hangs in the White House".  

I think they may be trying to connect and relate, and they may be thinking of selling their property to you.   People may be trying to qualify you.  There are always opportunities to switch the discussion to how you think of your work, to expand the conversation so to speak.  

So in my example, I thank them for complimenting my artwork (you never know who will become a buyer), or asking me about real estate (again, you never know who might buy)...and then ask them about what they do.  

I talk about having been an artist for 45 years and starting in real estate 20 years ago.....Learning to pivot has helped me.

I am located in Upper Valley, but Manchester is only an hour ride away!

Congratulations Jake. And thanks for sharing this. B

I had a similar challenge with Wells Fargo, because of the under 50K rule and predatory lending.  Perhaps talk to your local bank and ask the realtor for some names....they should know some possible lenders.  Good luck, Brian

I agree with all of the other postings, and do not have anything more to add here. 

 One of all time favorite books is "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. I think that success in real estate is no different than success in living; surrounding oneself with good advisors, looking into one's heart, cultivating a belief system, developing your talents, and choosing close friends very wisely. 

I would also ask to shadow the person who you most admire in real estate in your local area for two or three days.  If they won't allow you to shadow them, then I would ask them to have an informational interview.  

Good luck, and don't forget all that you have learned from living thus far.

So sorry that this happened. We meet all kinds of people along the way.

I would put this in the lesson learned category, and I would let the realtor know about the shadiness...and I would do something else, which is non-traditional and it may not belong here in Bigger Pocket, but I am going to speak on it. 

From my belief system...

I would send a pray up and out for her.....this will come back and not in a good way....