All Forum Posts by: Heather Thompson

Hi Barry,

It's two years later now, did yo end up investing in trust deeds? If so, how did you do it? I'm looking at doing the same, buying out of state loans so that I can have 100% of the 1st lien position.  Looking at a company called Secured Investment Corp.  Anything you can tell me is appreciated!  Thanks!

Hi All,

I'm looking to  invest some of my money and am about to purchase a few 1st lien out of state trust deeds through a company called Secured Investment Corp.  Is there anyone out there that has invested in one of these trust deeds that can tell me they didn't get ripped off? I'm paranoid that I don't know anyone who has done this.  They offer an equity fund, but you have to be vested as a certified investor.  If you purchase an entire trust deed (an entire loan secured by a 1st lien position on a house), then you don't need to be accredited.  The return rates are good (9.5-11% ), of course I understand the risk is I could end up owning a house out of state if they default on loan.  I'm fine with that risk.  I just want to make sure the company I am dealing with is legit.  I did do some research online and all I could find was a little trouble with Dept of Bus Oversight in the past over not properly disclosing something.  Looks like they are affiliated with many off shoot companies including Coco Bank, and maybe some real estate education programs that some people are calling shady.  I'm interested in experience with Secured Investment loan funding as an investor specifically. 

Also, what ways are other people investing in trust deeds?  Thank you!

http://home.securedinvestmentcorp.com

Best,

Heather Thompson

Hi Kevin, I'm an investor here in San Rafael as well. What is the square footage, how many bedrooms and what area of San Rafael? 

It's hard if not impossible to make numbers work for a hold investment on any property in this area right now. Why not flip it and wait until the market corrects to purchase your long term hold properties if you want local rental properties? 

As I'm sure you know, the ARV wildly depends on what level of remodel you do. The current Marin market supports highly renovated properties. Your ARV could fluctuate by $200-$300k or more depending on what you do (or don't do). Uninspired cheap design with minimal done= so so outcome and you may actually sit on market. Go above and beyond and make them the house of their dreams (within reason) and you'll have a bidding war on your hands.

Without even knowing the area or square footage, as a person who watches the market here daily, I think that any house in San Rafael that you can get into in the 6s that isn't a tear down, is a deal.

Hi Todd,

Thanks for the offer, but I am going to stay local for ease of code compliance within plans. Thanks though. 

Hi All,

I'm into my next project, an Eichler in San Rafael, North Bay, Marin County CA, Bay Area and I am looking for someone who can draw up plans quickly. They don't need to be an architect, preferably not. I need some simple engineering also done for a wall of pano doors on the back wall of glass to backyard and a partial wall removal from kitchen to living room. Prefer someone who knows current code guidelines for City of San Rafael. 

I'm also on the market for a new general contractor..please be within a reasonable distance of San Rafael and able to start remodel the last week of May until done. 

Anyone?

Best,

Heather Thompson

Sweet Life Homes, LLC.

Thanks for the input guys. Buying agents are only "free" for buyers in one sense. If you want to pay less than what the seller wants to receive, a good way to get there is by eliminating agents fees from the transaction. I can offer $40,000 less to a seller in a cash offer without an agent and the seller will get the same amount (assuming it's not currently listed on the MLS). I'm looking into a getting a cookie cutter offer drafted by a real estate attorney so that I can just re enter the offer with a different dollar amount and street address. I'll let you know if I succeed. And yes, I heard its' about $500 vs. $30,000 or $40,000 to be going through agents..

Hi All,

I've been watching the SFHs for rent and would like to make some cash offers on a few.  I'd prefer to not have to pay an agent the 3% to write the offer. It is cheaper to have an attorney write the offer? Is there a format I can use to do it myself that has protection clauses written in? What do you investors who know what you are doing do??? Thank you!!!!!

Ha ha no J, i"m looking for two separate agents, one for Vallejo and one for Hayward and San Leandro area. 

I'm looking for a solid real estate agent to work with in San Leandro, Hayward East Bay Area, CA. I want someone who can easily and accurately calculate ARVs on prospective properties and who knows how to select homes that work financially for flipping, i.e. are priced below median price per sq ft, etc..Agent must be local to Vallejo, I need someone who know the neighborhoods really well.

Any agents out there who can help me? I'm specifically interested in 3/2 or 3/1 SFHs for flipping, Thanks guys!

Hi BP,

I'm looking for a solid real estate agent to work with in Vallejo, CA. I want someone who can easily and accurately calculate ARVs on prospective properties and who knows how to select homes that work financially for flipping, i.e. are priced below median price per sq ft, etc..Agent must be local to Vallejo, I need someone who know the neighborhoods really well.

Any agents out there who can help me? I'm specifically interested in 3/2 or 3/1 SFHs for flipping, Thanks guys!