All Forum Posts by: Brian Ragsdale

I live in NH, and my property managers are in Chicago and Danville (where our properties are), both do great jobs. We use skype and pictures for repairs....in this way, I have records of the changes.  

I would wait to see what the roofer says--this could be a deal breaker.  

Good luck, and thanks for sharing

Good Morning David....There is an attorney in Indianapolis who writes about crowdfunding, (please google him)...There are lots of regulations related to it, but if it continues to past muster in the legislative processes, this may be viable options in the future...I don't know much about it, but like the concept that lots of people can participate, because it opens up avenues for people to invest in real estate. 

The press release brings media attention, and this can be a win-win situation for everybody.  Media is a powerful way to create decisional frameworks.  By this I mean, we often think differently about things once the media becomes involves, it influences our decision making processes.  The difference, unfortunately, between right and wrong is now a culturally derived and global influenced concept. I am not saying that I agree with it, but drones are coming and we as a society will have to decide how we want to deal with them.

The municipality could work with "us" as the co-owners, the older folks in the community can gain respect and acknowledgement (because they see that if they might fall on hard times, someone might come with creative solutions), the bank might be persuaded to do the right thing or the next best right thing (banks owe us a great deal, particularly with the too big to fail fiasco), the college student gains experience for real world problems (this should help when looking for a job), and the heirs of the widow can be taken care of (this is important because children have memories and pass the stories down to their children). So much of the world's problem is related to how much we have forgotten this simple fact, children remember what happened to their loved ones.  We have to create a better world so that children do not grow up disheartened, devoid of caring and hope. 

The beauty of our country is that we should honor the legacies of immigrant and non-immigrant work---the average everyday people who we work with and see in the grocery stores.  I believe that there is a way to combine my social activist heart, my compassion as an artist and psychologist, and my investment goals.  

I have had lots of help along the way and feel blessed by all of the kindness that was shown to me.  Every field I entered someone opened their heart to touch me, see me, and to help me.  I also think that we can create a better world when we help others....not only teaching the person how to fish but making sure that the children in the village learn it to.

Sorry I was so long winded, the only way I want to be poobah is if I can share the poobah title with everyone. Everyone who took the time to write, to connect, to share.  

Ok, I am off to get my breakfast.....thanks for touching my heart.

Just an audience member, sitting here with my popcorn.  

Ok, sorry only trying to be witty.

Scenario 1:  I would call BoA and work out a deal with them, to pay them off and to secure new financing. 

Scenario 2:  I would co-own the property with the widow, explore crowdfunding the property or find angel investors.  Some of the cash flow would go to the widow for her retirement fund.  I don't want her to lose everything, and I want her heirs to benefit from the work of this couple. 

If Scenario Two is agreed to--then I would hire a college student to help me with a press release and marketing campaign.  There would be pictures of me and the widow, and the story of how I can work with older and wiser folks who may have come on hard times with developing partnerships. A win -win situation.  This campaign would also mention BoA if they agreed to participate, if not, I might do a follow up story.

We were married last year in NH...we are a gay couple who have proudly been together for 23 years--lots of love between us.  I am also wondering how our taxes will change because of this new tax status?  I am hoping for the better but from the looks of these responses, maybe not.  I am meeting with our accountant on Monday and should have more answers. Congratulations on getting your first home.  Houses are like people love them, accept them as they are, and don't forget to accessorize.

Congratulations, and I admired how you helped to rent the house for the brother.  I was inspired to read this story, and thank you for taking the time to share your success story.

You handled it so well....To me, trust is earned over time. I don't know South Florida but have met contractors like this in New England and Midwest. 

When I worked with seriously cruel and abusive parents (I am also a psychologist), the first thing I took off the table was TRUST.  I shared with them my rationale; the reason why trust would not be part of the relationship is that they have already shown that they don't know how to handle it.  Once manipulation was off the table we could work on solving their problems.

Apparently, given my associations, I have a crazy brain, and this is my crazy connection to this story.  

Hi Nerea--Welcome and please let me know how I might assist.  There are lots of neat places to find here.  Sincerely, Brian

@James Haffner Congratulations on posting this question.  The vibe and quirkiness of this place is the same feeling others will get when you try to rent it, or sell it. 

Rotting boards on the deck....the next question is how did they rot, through age, water or termites?  

Have you checked with the community college, housing bulletin board?  I would want to know how much others charge for similar renting scenarios like the one you described.  I am not sure where the 40k figure comes from, and would carefully itemize each line item. Can it be rented with fixing floors, and paint?  Hope this helps, and good luck 

Jacob and Sterling seem to be a really great development team.  I enjoyed the article as well. Congratulations and continued success.

Loved the article too.  I liked the idea of using the cloud as well.  One question I wondered is if you have back up contractors/handy people, or do you regularly use the same contractors?  Best, Brian