All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@James Sinclair

Agreed. From a GC's perspective a shoddy tradesmen can destroy a whole team.

@Brandon Sturgill

I might suggest checking out the "podcasts". In my opinion at the end of the day. Even after running all the numbers I always say "How does this property best fit into my overall REI plan". I hope you have one...

Best of luck

Jeff

@Jeni Lu

Great question. As both a GC and singular tradesmen professional I concur with Michael. If you have a good relationship with a GC that has awesome referrals and he understands your true plan and end an goal in the beginning hiring a GC is the best way to go. As you move forward then go with individual tradesmen once you start to understand the ins and outs of construction.

Time is money and if you run across issues you are not familiar with during the renovation process it may set you back weeks, months and etc there fore affecting your bottom line.

The difference between myself and others in my market is the people I invest with is "we have a plan for everything" and even with that we often must adapt during the process. If not for all the professionals I am surrounded with being here in NJ I would get swallowed up. But because of these people that are all aboard when it comes to the plan and exit strategy (which may include holding a property) we thrive.

@Salvatore Lentini

. If you google " "USPS every door direct mail" not only will you get the post office site but a ton of companies that offer the pieces that fit into the program. You can go wild with design and layout. The size can be huge also so it really stands out in the mailbox.

Strong Suggestion: this type marketing is very specific. You really need to know the demographics of the area you are marketing to. MAKE SURE YOU DO. if not this will be a waste of money. This marketing product should be just a small part in your overall marketing arsenal spelled out in your REI plan.

@Michael Jobe said I'm interested. Did you send the normal "I Buy Houses" post cards or was your message more in-depth? Personal I think.(I am debating on sharing). The message that "I" am buying personally not acting as an intermediary/wholesaler or Realtor. No scams - I let them know point blank I am interested in their home because it is tired and they just might not be keeping it up the way they should through examples of homes I have fixed in the area I hold and rent out. My homes are castles as compared to theirs so I am never worried about "well why should I sell to you I can rent myself" They could but the cost for them to repair and headache of renting often convinces them to sell to me. I am very gentle and figure out there needs (why they are selling) then I create a plan that works for both of us. @Michael Jobe said Were all 500 post cards to different houses or did you send multiple cards to a certain set of houses?Only 526 cards to the zone i picked out of many on the usps website for the areas i was interested in.

Hope that helps. Jeff

@Eddie Werner . Thx

@Justin Baker I agree with @Matthew Paul. Go online to "behmdesign" garage plans and you can get a good material cost (not inc permits,mechanicals, footings). Garages are huge deals here in NJ. Interesting tidbit. If I leave or find a home with a garage foundation with just the sill plate I can rebuild/repair a new one the same foundation no matter where it is on the property (regardless of zoning) in most cases. If I have to install a new foundation/pad/and sill plate then I must to conform to then current zoning and land use regs. (more restrictive). I had found/dugout and re-guvinated a foundation of garage/barn that was torn/fell down and got permission to use that footprint to "re-build"/ "renovate" a huge 6 car barn on a 75 x 100 lot that housed a 1200 sq ft ranch.

Much better. Go online "USPS every door direct mail" there are different programs. I used the one in which I sent a slightly over sized post card (printed both sides) to the areas I wanted. (they have an interactive map that show you the very targeted zones) I actually received a number of inquiries but I moved on the two I new worked for me as no brainers. I might pursue another. The ROI on this campaign was through the roof. Remember this was my first one so I have no historical history data. Even though I am going to become a household name in this area In one month I am going to try another area that fits my criteria. I never touched a single postcard all the design and drop ship to the Post office was handled online. Very easy.

I mailed only 500 (appx.) postcards that cost me about $95.00 bucks to my target area and I signed 2 purchase contracts today. This program is awesome and is great if you know the areas you want to target. For the cost and for what my results were and my estimates for return (1 to be a flip the other a hold) I am going to hit this same area 2x a month till everyone knows my daughters pet goldfish name... "flipper"

Tell me about Downtown Pitt. Any good mixed use areas close to med center or stadiums? Any other areas close by that are up and coming for mixed use purposes? Residential store front with rental residential apts above.

Jeff