All Forum Posts by: Christopher Keivit

Hi Bob -I don't know of sites where everything is in one spot, but some that I use are www.sri-taxsale.com and www.atfs.com (to buy assignments). Also check out www.bidbaltimore.com. That sale is on now. Good luck!

Hi Nancy - Will is correct on the insurance. In my 9-5 job we have a situation that now requires vacating and relocating the entire building because the BB's are so bad. In Illinois at least, neither renters nor property insurance will cover bedbugs. You will want to get a professional company in to see how bad they are, and do it quickly!!

Ibrahim - on point 1 - correct (if he's not showing all offers, then it is illegal in IL); point 2 - also illegal in IL (agents must present all offers); point 3 - unethical to say the least, illegal? not sure. That being said, I have to agree with Vince - your heart is in the right place, and personally, I would avoid the LA. Good luck!!!

Jake - I have to agree with your surprise. Aside from the potential racial overtones, what the listing agent did could border on illegal - by asking you to get your buyer to offer a higher price, he would move that to the front of the line. In Illinois, all offers are to be presented, with no "agent favor" given to one or the other. I am a licensed Broker in Illinois and this kind of activity upsets me. Sounds like a call to the local Board is in order!

Kaaren - thanks for your advice! I can tell by comments throughout BP you are very well respected. I'd like to get additional information about your services, and will contact you through your website.

Hi Pawel - as a former (over 6 years) condo manager in Chicagoland, here are some things to think about...how many other units are being rented (that may affect the ability to get financing if its over 10%), plan on holding the condo for a long time (the condo market is terrible right now!), if you are using a Realtor, ask if they can get a copy of the covenants, by-laws and budget. That will tell you virtually everything you need to know. And keep in mind that a lot of board members don't look too favorably on investor owners - they have a big concern about what kind of renters are going to come into the property, particularly if its in a distressed area.

Gwen - go to www.sri-onlineauctions.com. Right now, Louisiana and Indiana auctions are taking place.

Hi all - thanks for the great information here. I'm looking for your thoughts on the best vehicle for tax lien investing. Will an sdira work? I appreciate any advice.

Hi Lisa - I'm not sure of the DC laws, but in Illinois, my license has to be sponsored by my Managing Broker. Any advertising I do has to reflect that I am licensed and I need to indicate the name of my Managing Broker. As an investor, I have to advertise everything as "Broker-Owned" or disclose that I am a Broker. I don't run any sales through my Managing Broker becuase we only handle receiverships and not traditional sales.

As for on-line licensing, check with either the DC Board of Realtors or the National Association of Realtors. They should be able to provide a list of schools that do on-line education.

Good luck! As of yet, I have not found that it is better or worse to be a Broker/Investor, but others can chime in. I just find that there are a few more disclosures that you need to go through.

Brian - it sounds like a short sale may be your best bet. The issue with renting is whether or not your condo association will allow it.

There are several very good short sale experts on the site. I can provide one name and contact info in particular if you want to email or PM me off-line.