All Forum Posts by: Manuel Sarabia

I would like a handyman who has a team that can work on these type of projects. I already have a contractor and would like to add another but I was wondering if there are other methods in acquiring good contacts besides the yellow pages/internet. A lot of these people don't really advertise. 

I think the correct term is gravel roof. I've seen it on a lot of the old houses in my area. Anyways, have you bought a house with this type of roof? If so, do you replace or keep? Have you tried both and have seen a difference in value? 

I typically go to my accountant but would like to save on the fee going forward.

I know what it would cost me just to build the dwelling. But I need to know where to start for the land purchase, fees, any inspections/permits/fees from the city in order to build, etc. I'm not sure if it's possible but I would like to arrive at an accurate number for the cost to build with everything included.

Apartments are almost non existent in the resale market and I am willing to buy the lot and build myself if I'm making a good return.

This property I'm buying is a bit weird. As common with most homes in my area, the condenser unit sits outside in the back of the house but the furnace is also outside right next to it. Everything is exposed and is asking for someone to take them. What can I do to minimize theft of the unit? And if someone does end up stealing it, what can I do about it?

 Do these funds have to be from the buyers?

I am selling a house to a relative. There was a reinspection that was needed to be done by the appraiser over small items such as water heater straps, and a CO2 detector. These items were corrected over 3 weeks ago and the lender notified me the buyers are ready for loan docs pending the final inspection by the appraiser. I let the lender know 3 weeks ago about the repairs but the appraiser hasn't even gone out yet.  The house is in the process of being renovated because I thought the reinspection cleared and a lot of things have been demo'd(closet doors our out, toilets, sinks, a wall was removed. Everyone in this deal screwed up including myself. The appraiser needs to go out and he will see a lot of exposed things about the house. Will he be noting these items as new repairs for another reinspection or will he sign off on the appraisal he already did for just the two items he listed?

I'm the seller. On day 31 with a VA buyer. Lender told me that the file has been submitted to underwriting. What is the turn around time? I'm assuming this is where the Underwriter signs off to proceed to closing barring any setbacks with the buyers credit?(Appraisal came in at value and the appraisal repairs were completed).

Is there a way to edit the original post? I forgot to add that the buyer claims I took advantage of the brother by making him signed the cancellation. But the brother agreed to the cancellation terms and it was explained to him again by escrow before he signed.

I was the seller in the transaction. No brokers involved. We used the California state purchase contract used by Realtors for the executed offer. Anyways, 45 day escrow period with the 17 day contingency to get loan approval. The transaction lasted for 110 days before I decided to pull the plug. Some time around day 60 the buyer had to leave the country for several months and left his brother with power of attorney for this property. Basically my contact was with the brother at this point, not the actual buyer.  because communication was difficult through phone or email with the original buyer. I decided the buyer could not close and it was time to cancel, and with me keeping the deposit. The brother agreed and signed the cancellation provided by escrow with the deposit released to the seller. ALl of a sudden I get an email from the buyer that he did not want to forfeit his deposit and that I used my brother. I explained to him that we were out of contract and that his brother agreed to cancel and release the deposit to me. Am I in any way wrong?

I'm about a week away from closing with the new buyer. Does the first buyer have a certain amount of time that he can take me to court for the deposit?($1000)