All Forum Posts by: Don Gouge

Work as much as you can and save every penny you can. In the meantime study and make sure your credit is in top notch shape. I know this is probably not the answer you wanted but it works. It worked for me.

One year is common because it is required by law. Extended warranties can be purchased for not a lot of money.

Agents will push you. Their job is to herd people. Nothing happens in a deal until the money is brought to the table. You are the one bringing the money. NEVER forget that!

A person put that in the form and a person can remove it. 

My college days are well past me and in the time since I have learned that people move into and out of your life. As your interests change often your friends will also. These friends may get back with you in a few years when they start seeing your success.

Cost of construction is pretty high right now. It's difficult to build a sfh and cash flow. If you own the lot you might be able to cash flow but that is really just the lot doing that for you. Perhaps you might be better off selling the land and investing it in other ways.

@Jack B. some people just like to make money. The enjoyment is in making it.

If this house has been gutted to the studs I have my doubts it can be completed for 15k. kitchen and bath fixtures, appliances, floor covering, drywall, trim and paint will eat up this amount. Electrical and rough plumbing will cost you more. No mention of exterior. What is the heating and cooling source? You can apply for permits in your name if you are listed as the owner. I would not advise doing the electrical unless you are a licensed electrician. Too much liability. If you buy the house you want to use a title company to handle the transaction and to issue title insurance. They will find any liens if they exist.

Let me go ahead and be the snarky one here. I do not appreciate people coming here for advice and telling others before hand what they don't want to hear. I say tell them the truth.  If telling the truth bothers you or receiving advice you don't like just go ahead and block me.

I have been a contractor for 25 years so I know the cost of doing business. Contractors are really like the variety of materials you will use in a house. You can spend over $3000 on a refrigerator or $500. Both will keep your food cold. I have seen low priced contractors that do a great job as well as high priced ones that were hacks. It often amuses me when I get a quote from a guy that has a small crew and he spends the entire day riding around in a new 70k truck and he talks about covering overhead. Match your contractor to your job.