All Forum Posts by: Josi Colley

@Benjamin Seibert were you looking to flip or buy and hold? I'm looking at a duplex to BRRRR if possible, but I'm not sure of the area myself. The rents were much lower than I originally estimated, which was a bummer. Still considering it though.

@Kris Mann which bank are you using? I'm northern VA and in search of a lender that doesn't require seasoning. Thanks!

Chris Vee, I built my house in Loudoun County. From my experience you're not going to get the answer you're looking for without more detail. Specifically, site costs and actual house plans. The tricky question is which comes first, the house plan or identifying the lot. We chose to find the lot first then design our house around our views. 

@Mack Lane 

How was your experience with auction.com?

Damien, I just financed a VA loan and was told they aren't limiting the VA entitlement anymore. Why not just use another VA loan for your purchase? Is this not right? Curious.

Could you raise the rent to cash flow a little better and hold it?

@Bob Prisco yes lets hope karma prevails on this one. 

@John Chapman I couldn't agree more with you that this is an insane lawsuit. Unfortunately, we were foolishly hoping for a quick resolution to this mess by going to small claims court. They claimed that we didn't leave the house in "broom swept condition" per the contract and took a picture of underneath the washer and dryer that we left them. We've had a cleaning lady come once a month for the last 3 years and even she never swept under the washer and dryer. We had 3 witnesses ready to testify in small claims court to the condition of the house, but unfortunately they wouldn't hear our case. At this point, we're concerned that they may go after us for more than the deposit, which doesn't seem out of the question giving the events up to now. 

@Matt Clark 

I believe Small Claims court is just a more informal court where lawyers are not present, and yes, apart of General District court. If the defendant wants to be represented by an attorney, 'before the judge decides the case, the defendant has the right to remove the case to the general district court by completing the Removal to General District Court form on the back of the civil warrant and giving it to the clerk or judge.'

The house was sold "As-Is". Taking this as a big lesson learned. Never rent back! Going to use this as motivation to fail forward. 

Thanks for all the responses. 

Thanks for the reply Ron. When we were getting the info from the bailiff at court he told my husband it's a whole different ball game. 

We sold our house with a 30 day rent back and $1500 security deposit. Now the buyer's are making false claims and seeking to keep our security deposit. We took them to small claims court with 3 subpoenaed witnesses (friend, neighbor, house cleaner) all ready to testify on our behalf that we left the house per the contract. They sent their attorney to pull it out of small claims court and move it to General District Court where they can have representation. This was a scare tactic to get us to settle. They know they don't have a case against us if it goes in front of a judge. We're pretty sure their attorney is a family friend and doing this pro bono! So, they're not out of pocket. 

We've called 3 lawyers and would have to pay $300-400 just to get advice and see if it's worth pursuing. I'm reluctant to go to just any lawyer for advice, and especially at that rate. I at least want to know they have experience with this. 

Any advice? recommendations?

If there’s a chance of a location closer to Round Hill I’d be interested as well.