All Forum Posts by: Christopher Dunson

@Account Closed

Thank you Steven, I appreciate it a lot. 

@Marelyn Valdes

At the time the work was done, he was not licensed for anything at all, nor is there any signed document of any sort.
@Marelyn Valdes

@Brian Pulaski

I am having a hard time grasping how he would have the upper hand with no signed docs of any sort, nor a license at time of work. He has also been in the US for less than a year and doesn't know how things work very well.

@Christopher Brainard

Aside from the above points, I am under the impression that a lien has to be filed perfectly to be valid. One of those requirements is being licensed. Also, you mention a good point about him not being able to accept payment for more than $1000, which most likely would not hold up on his end as well. I just don't understand how he can put a lien for 2x the amount of work done, and then tack on $4k for fun(which he wont have any proof for), have no signed docs, no license at time of work, and still have the upper hand.

I do appreciate though the points where I can be put at fault. The attorney I had, is not a real estate attorney. I have been calling attorney's, and getting a couple of different courses of action all saying this situation is easily in my favor. I am not looking to get involved with an attorney who will tell me anything in light of picking up the case knowing he will be paid no matter win or lose. Does anybody have any recommendations?

@Christopher Brainard Luckily, everything is permitted to the best of my knowledge.

@Brian Pulaski, There is no signed contract, and he is not a contractor, he got his handyman license though after the project was completed.

@Account Closed I read people who have done work on a property liening for more than what is owed can cause them problems. I think that is pretty bad business with someone who has paid you over $100k in a 7 mo period. He was aware if you read my above post of all circumstances before getting into the deal with me. But, you're right, I need to run a business correctly. Any pointers are appreciated.

@Brian Pulaski

@Account Closed

I have thought about calling a lawyer, but I'm honestly trying my best not to screw this guy over. I am also concerned that it will hold up sale of the property. I have heard that one can set the funds aside in escrow until it is settled and proceed with the sale, but not sure if this is the best action to be taken.

I have someone who had no license when doing work for me, and now has a handyman's license organizing and subcontracting work on my flip. Initially, I told him that I may have to wait to pay him $15000 for work done until the house sells. He said that's perfectly fine. I have done 3 projects with this guy, and never had a problem. This is a first. I was able to pay him for everything up until we had about $4500 left. We had a disagreement, when I told him I have to wait till the home sells for the rest, and he left without finishing. He only finished around $2000 of work. Later he told me I owe him $4500, I need to pay him, and he'll finish the work. I told him I want to pay him, but he will have to wait. He put a lien on my property for all of the work including the unstarted and unfinished work plus $3500 for nothing. I cannot sell the home, therefor I cannot pay him.

I have since finished the remaining work with somebody else, and got a leaky roof( which he subcontracted out, and then would not give me the phone number to call, nor did he send the roofer back). There are numerous things I later found besides the roof that are done badly or unfinished, ex: 10 outlets not working, or not grounded, or reversed.

I have an offer on the house to close in 28 days, and am looking for quick solution, and or long term action, as trying to mediate the situation with him face to face seems to be costing me and getting me nowhere. Thank you.

@Wayne Brooks

@Bill S.

I am in the same situation to the T except for that the person I had organizing and working on the flip did not have any license during the projects we have done, but now has a handyman's license, and also, there are no contracts, only bids, with no signatures by either party. There is also work that he is claiming that was either done badly, or that he did not do at all ex: hanging lights, and roof done ended up leaking. I am glad I know about the escrow option, but am looking for future insight as I have read that in some states, with no license, you can claim all work done by the person with no license, and make him give you all money back. Let me know if I should make a new post.
@Bill S.

@Steven Norton , please keep posted how this turns out for you.

One of my real estate agents put in an offer on a 4 plex, I am HML financing, and we are planning on her (the agent) bringing the cash to close. Contract is already accepted, but not yet in escrow. I realize the agent cannot have an interest in the property, so we are looking for the best possible solution business wise, tax wise, and cost efficient before during and after the transaction. Some things to consider as well as options I've thought up to create the best method are listed below:

1)Giving the contract to another agent in the building while still keeping the majority of the commission.

2)Units have their own parcel #'s, so same day close of her purchasing on separate contract one of the units from my LLC in turn giving me the down payment to close the financing with HML.

3)Both of us have our own individual LLC's in which we are the 100% sole owners.

Honestly I have so many ideas going through my head right now but in reality, I don't know how to work around this situation. Some creativity is definitely needed. Thanks in advance.

@Redgy Saint-Germain

I think this podcast is very helpful with managing your time wisely when submitting multiple offers on properties.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/bp-podcast-197starting-10k-buying-52-units-3-years-chris-heeren/

BiggerPockets Podcast 197: Starting with $10k and Buying 52 Units in 3 Years with Chris Heeren

BiggerPockets Podcast 197: Starting with $10k and Buying 52 Units in 3 Years with Chris Heeren

@Redgy Saint-Germain

Hello Redgy,

Personally, I think it is a waste of time to see every property that interests you. Speaking in general for this current economy, there are multiple offers on practically every good deal on the MLS. If you see every property your interested in, your bound to waste hours of yours and your agents time. I would advise analyzing the property and area your property is in and finding a price that is worth it FOR YOU to purchase and then making an offer with your agent. If the seller shows interest at your price, then maybe it is worth going to see. If not, move on, or counter until it no longer makes sense for you. That way there is almost no wasted time for you or your agent. Otherwise you will most likely see 20+ properties and possibly not receive a single accepted offer, which for me, gets old real fast.