All Forum Posts by: Debbie Thomas

Thank you @Nathan Gesner and @Matt R. for your thoughts.  Yes it is volatile.  The real estate attorney that I spoke with that owns a title company in Austin said that the transaction is just like a cash sale.  Literally the trade takes minutes through Bitpay, so the seller will receive the funds in USD.  I actually have a Bitcoin investor looking at the property this week. The first Austin property that was sold in Bitcoin was in 2017.  So I do think more of these transactions are happening than we realize.

I just had a webinar with a lender today about offers over the appraised value - Many in Austin are going for $100K over asking.  He said that as long as you're able to bring the extra money down, it won't change the loan. Then he showed a graph of how long it takes to break even.  In our example is was 3 years with a conservative 3% annual increase (But Austin has been 10-12% per year.)  So the question is...How long do you plan to hold the property?  I agree with @Steve K. that the 10K appraisal gap makes the higher offer not as strong if the realtor in fact knows that the appraisal is much lower.  Are you working with a realtor? Maybe they can check to see if there are any pending properties in the area and what those offers were.  The lender from the webinar mentioned trying to delay the closing if there are higher comp properties that are pending so they can close and be used in the appraisal. Not sure any of this is useful...it's just what we discussed today. good luck!

I have an off-market lake front 76-acreage property in Austin, TX. The asking price is $16.9M.  I have been talking with the seller about accepting Bitcoin (It's now up to $50K.) I spoke with a Real Estate Attorney and a title company in Austin that have both had Bitcoin transactions.  I was just wondering if anyone out there has experienced this?  They said the contract is done as a CASH deal.  The Bitcoin is exchanged to USD through Bitpay. I'd love to hear from someone who has done a Bitcoin Real Estate transaction!

Fabulous opportunity to get into this amazing Mediterranean style villa with beautiful top of the canyon views of golf course, hills, and city lights. Custom features throughout featuring travertine tile, granite, and marble flooring. Beautiful gourmet kitchen with commercial appliances. This is a must see! ~ too many upgrades to name! Four large master suites with private terraces (One is handicap accessible.) 

Sales Price: $1,800,000 [RealAVM $1,905,629]

Down Payment: $500,000

Monthly Payment: $7,794.16 [ $1,300,000 @ 6% interest amortized over 30 years.]

Balloon Payment: 7 years’ balance: $1,199,101.10

I took Cody's Clever Investor online program and absolutely love it! I love the videos and all of the paper documents to use and adapt. I've used his recommendations for buying lists and I use his mail order recommendation ( that has templates already uploaded.) I got my first deal by using his postcards with minor adaptions and made nearly $30k. I declined their mentoring program because I'm in Austin and didn't want a mentor in Phoenix. I am thinking of going to their 2016 Summit this month (if I can get reasonable flights). Austin has been a tough market because of competition. I'm very conservative in my offers. 

I started with the same situation as you...some money in an IRA, but that's it. I rolled some over into a Roth IRA at a custodian who does real estate, etc. My first deal was a subject to so I was able to use $30k to rehab. It's a little tricky though because you have to do a joint venture with your IRA and show receipts to withdraw from the IRA. I thought it sounded easier than it was. But all said and done, I will profit about $30k, which has to be divided between my IRA and my LLC. I wanted to do a joint venture because I didn't want all the money going back into the IRA. Your rules may be different because you're 59. I am not 59 yet so I get penalized for early withdrawal.

This property is NO LONGER available.

Million Dollar Lake Front Owner Finance Deal!

16421 Lake Loop, Austin, TX 78734

Sale Price: $1.4m

ARV $1.9m – 2.2m (excellent condition - no repairs needed)

Down Payment $350K (plus closing and assignment fee)

$1,050,000 owner financed

5% interest (amortized over 30 years)

$5636.63/monthly payment

5 year balloon

400’+ Lakefront on Deep Hurst Cove/Lake Travis, in Lakeway/Austin, Texas.

It is an amazing investor deal as it is 3 lots, which could be broken up and sold. Lots in the area have gone for $625K-$700K

You enter the gates to a circular drive, Koi fish ponds, cascading waterfalls, magnificent trees, flower gardens. Stunning 1st level open design with Glorious views! Workshop, Guest House & Tennis Court!

4478 Sq Ft

3BR

3 ½ Bath

2.22 acres

Please contact me if you are interested in learning more. I can send pictures and the land survey upon request.

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Debbie Thomas

Most title companies in Texas are associated with a real estate attorney. I would feel comfortable that they have built in protection and will consult the attorney with any questions. 

Don't you have to be a veteran for a VA loan? My husband and I were going to use an FHA loan for a duplex in Austin. We found that MANY people don't accept FHA for these investment properties and our choices were limited. Did you find the same true for VA loans due to the time needed to get inspections and close?