All Forum Posts by: John DeVito

Check the zoning for your county. Mother daughter status usually expires when the title is transferred. Also, if you can figure out the egress for c/o check to see if you can have a kitchenette as opposed to a kitchen. In other words, kitchen with micro and frig. Just no stove or dish washer. 

On the other note, run your municipals. Most of the time if nothing shows up, it's because they didn't file. A lot of people get that backwards. If they files, it'll be there. If it's not, chances are it's not supposed to be. 

If you agreed in writing on change orders and he has none, than he has nothing. You're still tied to the same original deal as is he. I wouldn't pay him a cent. As a contractor, I don't do anything without approval above the original scope unless I want to throw in an extra. Which a lot of times I do just because...

tiling on the wall, it's best to use type 1 mastic. About 14 bucks a gallon. Get yourself a 1/16" v notch trowel ( 4 bucks ) both at lowes or Home Depot. I would buy a cheap wet saw since you don't have the experience for a straight cutter or grinder. Main thing you want to be concerned with is the outlets within the back splash. The tabs on them need to be in front of the tile so the outlet covers sign flat. Some folks use outlet spacers to build them out. Not sure about your area. Lastly, keep in mine the average height of a back splash is 18-18 1/4" high. Usually when using either 2", 3", or 6" tile you can get away with no cuts along the top where wall cabinets are. You mentioned a granite backsplash. Usually 4". Keep that in mind. Just trying to save you the cuts being a novice. Good luck and by all means feel free to message with any questions. 

Zillow is however, good for the average person to run their own quick comps because you can filter it for sold listings meeting your criteria. 

@Par Attaran

Zillow is only as accurate as the data that is recorded. If the recorded data is inaccurate or incomplete, that's what you will get. Each property is completely individual with them. It really is that simple. 

Some will be accurate. Some won't. Just as Steven said, it's a guideline. 

go to your local planning board meetings. That's a good start. Also, be observant of what the area is doing. Check school district numbers. Home ownership ratio to renters. Look around large vacant land. See how it's zoned. Keep an eye on corner lots at intersections in commercial areas. It's hard to speculate bug being observant of your area and planning board meetings. Can give you a prospectus of the future for the area. 

wouldnt go to this one without your attorney. 

I have my attorney do anything like that based on what I ask for. My attorney charges Around 250 to draft. The house my wife and I just sold, my attorney charged me 850 to close. The one we are purchasing ( private residence ) not too sure. 

Done the owners have clear title. I would have your attorney check that out 

Theses houses are usually distressed. My favorite houses to look at because usually you go in knowing you're doing everything. Main things to look fir aside from roof and foundation as noted already, check mechanicals. Were they under water. Check where septic is and leach feilds. Is there anything on it that shouldn't be. Also check municipals. A lot of times people who walk away from property may also have the character to things without permits. If it's not on the assessment but it's on the property, than they first film for it. You certainly don't want the expense of taking something down because it was never permitted, unless you accounted for it. Also check finished basements, garages, sheds, extra bedrooms and baths. You don't want this to show up at the sale after you've rehabbed it because you thought it was suppose to be there. Example. If a house has 1.5 baths but the half bath looks added, make sure it was allowed. Don't just finish it because it'll come back to haunt you. 

Thanks Dacia. Goshen has really cleaned up again. The village is probably the nicest village in the county. It was falling for a bit but came back very strong. Lego land is trying to come into Goshen. Lots of bickering on each side. We shall see