All Forum Posts by: Judy Lipinski

The actual advice being given is much appreciated!

Ive never said I was complaining - Im learning. 

I want to treat whoever is helping me with respect and especially be sure to pay professionals for their time. Im a contractor in my own line of business, and I expect the same with my clients. Although there are times when I provide certain services knowing it leads to other deals.

The rates that I gave are what I was told. I didn't ask them to lower their rates.  I also talked to realtors and asked if they specialized in foreclosures and if they were interested in showing me these types of homes.

We are in Pittsburgh.  I wonder how that factors in when some of you are from cities where the cost of living is much higher?

Hi all - a few of you have asked why I don't source the deals myself.

Remember, I am new at this. I still have a lot to learn!

I have missed two houses so far that I was interested in because the numbers looked great. In both cases I could not reach the listing agent until it was already under contract. Weeks later.

With your advice, I will try and contact listing agents more often.

Ive started looking at Craig's list and I am now on 2 wholesalers email lists.

Whatever further advice you have - I am open to it!

Am I naive in thinking there is interest in building a relationship for future, bigger investments?

Im hearing 3.5% or a flat $2,000

When I get involved in a business - Im very passionate and dedicated. My expectations are high. I really want to find someone who works as hard as I do. Im concerned that Ive set the bar too high.  I know they have other clients. I dont expect them to drop everything to help me. But Id like to know what is a realistic expectation to have. 

I wanted to purchase two properties before the end of the year. Cash for good deals that need work. My husband will be doing work and we have identified a couple of contractors.  Perhaps my target price is lower than they care to deal with for commissions. Under $20k each.

I have talked to two agents.

One I met via Zillow - and he showed us properties 3 weeks ago. We had a family tragedy which delayed my hunt for a couple of weeks but now I want to hit it even harder.  Im interested in one property that has sewage/septic issues - and the agent was going to use his contact with seller to find out more.  Ive identified more properties and have asked him to coordinate with my husband because I am out of town. Its been a couple of days.

The other was recommended by a friend and we have talked on email and the phone.  He said he'd contact me Sunday but did not. I sent him a message Monday - it is now Tuesday. 

Maybe I did not convey how serious I am - or maybe the commissions are too low.

Id like to develop relationships and find a relator in Pittsburgh who will even help with houses not on the MLS.

Any suggestions? 

Judy

thanks all. on the foreclosure front, I've tracked down the owners address and mobile  phone number. he didn't respond to email... hoping to make something happen

Hi all,

I'm still new and seeking advice.

Sheriff sale on desirable property for taxes next week, I'll be out of state for work.

I went to the Allegheny County Real Estate office and they said there is only 1 mortgage.  started in 1990s, so I'm assuming at least some equity,  that mortgage is less than half of property values in the area. I was going to call for a title search tomorrow.

I'm meantime, I tracked down owners email

 we had mutual acquaintances.  no reply.

I used truthfinder website to track down his phone number.

So....trying to strategize.  

1. how hard to stop sheriff's sale?

2. what do I say to this guy?, other than I'd like to buy your property and stop the sheriff sale

3. can I contact the bank to talk to them directly?

advice appreciated 

Judy 

Hi all,

My husband Adam and I are moving forward with real estate investing. he is a stay at home dad, just recovered from back surgery, ready to do more remodeling.

I author and teach technology training courses on how to write software for websites and mobile apps. im really looking forward to being able to focus on real estate and not being beholden to client schedules. we have an almost 2 year old son.

I'm a workaholic, and although my business is doing well, and I can bring in money for deals, I hope to be able to shift my focus to real estate to have more time with family, residual income, and a sustainable future.

We have experience with renting, both good and bad. 

I'm reading up on the articles here on BP, trying to make informed decisions. we did a cash out refinance, and are selling a property. so we can pay cash for fixer uppers...We have been looking at foreclosures to hopefully get a couple of rentals going out of the cash we current have.

One friend in the business recommended a house he can't buy at this time for us  to flip, which could help lead to more purchases. he told us about the 1031 exchange, to reinvest the money into buying more.

TWO IMMEDIATE questions:

ONE - preforeclosures

how do I go about getting a house in preforeclosure? it's up for sheriffs auction Nov. 6th, and I was able to track down the owner through mutual friends in another state. the sheriff's notice also lists a bank. I have his email, and was going to ask him about his situation and what is owed. I could do a title search if he seems interested. any advice or articles? still trying to understand that strategy.

TWO - contractors

My husband is very handy and we know a few people that can do quality work. But even with people we know we have found it's very hard to find dependable people. 

Example, doing our own home remodel, the friend only showed up a few times when he should have been there for weeks. 

Has anyone developed a good method / contract for people to keep them motivated?

I've read, don't pay until the work is done. I've started getting estimates from multiple contractors, but I know we have saved thousands. I just know in future, I can't afford delays. I guess the answer might involve paying more, but I've had friends still get burned on drywallers especially.

Thanks, hoping to learn and eventually contribute!

Judy