All Forum Posts by: Karen Margrave

It seems like it would be so fun owning properties in all of those places, but when watching on some of the HGTV channel stuff, prices seem like they're just as high in those areas as in America. As a builder I always wonder what their building codes are compared to ours. Do they insure title, etc. in the same way we do, etc. Also, it seems like you'd really need to do your homework as to local weather (hurricanes) political climate, etc. I'll have to follow these posts to get educated!

You can learn alot about green building and the different designations, LEED, Energy Star, etc. if you go to the website for Builder Online.

Orange County California is really tightening up. However; there are still a few foreclosures, there's one on the Newport Coast that is currently listed for sale for $37 million! Other than those types, investors have pretty much bought up the bank owned properties. One of the problems I see is that investors bought the foreclosures, and now we have to wait for them to come back on the market after they rehab them to get values established for many areas, so that homes can sell again at real prices and not be undervalued because of the foreclosures. Does that make sense?

OK so my idea of having a time limit for keeping posts went down in smoke. But, doesn't anyone but me get frustrated when you click on a link, to give input, or take part in the conversation, only to find out it's 5 years old?

Joshua, maybe on the Groups, require that if someone starts it they have to agree to moderate and have to stay involved. If it is inactive for a 6 months -year, take it down. My whole thing is having the site be relevant, and like seeing forums, groups etc. active. Maybe it's just me,?

Licensed agents have a standard of conduct set by law, and have more liability than a non licensed person. Licensed agents are considered experts. The question is, why would you not want to use a licensed agent?

Sorry, Way.... TMI for a business site. Just my opinion.

Jake, we're new to Orange County, and what I've found is that overall most of the people down here are very nice, and act professionally - and most speak English. I think your reaction was probably right, and the agent was if not acting in an illegal manner, definitely was rude and insensitive. One thing about this area is that there are people from all different ethnic backgrounds and cover the entire financial spectrum. The languages in just one neighborhood (no matter the dollar value of the area) are staggering. If you believe the agent is acting inappropriately, get your deal done so as not to involve your client in a situation that might not best represent them, close your deal, then afterwards discuss it with the agent. Maybe something like, "I'm sure you didn't mean anything by it and weren't serious, but when you said .... it made me feel very uncomfortable, and I'd never want you to think I dislike people of other ethnic backgrounds, or would in any way want anyone to give me or my clients preference over someone of another ethnic background based on that alone." That way he knows your feelings, and you don't back him into a corner, as he may have just been having a bad day, or made an error in judgment.

P.S. What really impresses me about this site is the attention you give it Joshua! There have been a few times I had a question, and you responded with lightening speed. I think Biggerpockets is one of the best real estate sites out there, with actual relevant information for novices to the most experienced, investors, developers, or lookeloos! So... THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK JOSHUA!

I'm less influenced by the "influence" number, than I am discouraged by the group, forums, blogs, etc. that haven't had any posts for years. This business is one that is time relevant due to changing markets, interest rates, etc., and I'd like to see posts removed after a period of a year, especially if there haven't been any new posts!

I'd say, stick with what you know! Land development can be simple, or one of the most complicated endeavors you can embark on. Things that used to be called "drainage" or "swamp land" now can be deemed homes to fairy shriimp, or listed as environmentally sensitive, and "wetlands". Rather than just the local building departments, you can get drawn into dealing with the Army Corp of Engineers, or the EPA, costing you valuable time and money.

When checking with the local departments, ask them about this stuff. They have (or at least in California we do) maps that show the environmentally sensitive areas. Unfortunately, nothing is the same as it used to be before, and land development is ground zero for the environmental movement.

Whatever you do, keep us posted!