All Forum Posts by: Julie Groth

I allowed my seller off the hook as they wanted to keep the property. I don't want to 'make' someone do something they don't really want to do.

Under my Assignment agreements, it does have clear language as to stepping into by shoes, as the buyer. 

However, I planned to do a double close on this one. My seller would not know that I planned to sell it a few hours later. My investor buyer does know, but our contract didn't have any language in it. He could, technically, sue me for specific performance.

I just had this happen which is why I'm posting this. Had a house under contract with seller. Then, had my investor buyer under contract. Seller backed out. My buyer understands. BUT...made me think that I needed language in my contracts with investor buyers to the effect "...this property is under contract for me to buy. If the purchase does not go through, then I'm under no obligation to sell it. And, buyer assumes responsibility for any costs that they incur: appraisals, title work, etc? 

Does anyone have language to that effect that wish to share?

I want to use it for houses I have for sale 'rent to own'. They can fill out their info, so to speak, when they call a number. Press 1 to tell me which street you saw the house, press 2 to tell me ...

I want to gather the information using a VA who will weed out the tire kickers and send me info on people who look good to buy.

Anyone use one they would recommend? For putting on signs for houses I have for sale.

I have the perfect person to help with my mailings. She will sign my name on the letter, fold them, stuff in envelope, put stamps and return labels on envelopes. 

How much should I pay per piece?

Thanks!

Ok, I know how to get a 2nd phone # (Google, others). I want to use the 2nd number on marketing materials. My 1st phone is my personal one, of course. Here's what I figured out so far:

1. People can call the 2nd number and listen to my recorded voice message. If they leave a message, then an email is sent to me with that recording.

What I don't know how to do:

(1) when I return the call, I want them to see the 2nd phone number as the one that shows up on their caller id? 

(2) how can I switch it so that I can answer the phone, if I want to?

What do you all do?

Thanks! Julie

I've spent a ton of time on BP looking for that answer. I found "answers" in terms of use this or that. But, what I'd really like to find is "someone" who has mailed thousands and carefully tracked results. I'd like to work with that someone.

I'm sure it will vary some by region but, pretty much, people are people. So, unless it is on the extremes, like high end or low (San Diego vs. small town Mississippi), I'm thinking that what works one place, will work in another.

It's certainly a better starting point that my random tries, and me starting all the tracking results from scratch.

There are also the mid-size firm. That's usually the ticket for me. Look, it takes awhile to find the perfect fit. One thing I also go by is my gut instinct. Do I trust this person? Things can go wrong, you change your mind, you find termite damage hidden in the walls. You want someone who will treat you fairly when the unexpected happens...as it will.

Has anyone done actual testing on their letters to find out what works, what doesn't? In terms of all of it, the type of letter, the envelope, etc. I know this is a valuable commodity if you have tested hundreds or thousands of letters.

I'll trade you (I"m a remodeling and green expert) or pay you.

I know, this proposal is a bit odd. :)

It's tempting to go with the one man band because it seems like they will be lower. Sometimes they are, but often times it is just that way upfront. The change orders are where it gets costly. Larger companies can sometimes be more efficient. The best way is to compare apples to apples when it comes to an estimate. I've found the best way (I've done 100+houses) is this way:

-hire a general contractor and get a fixed price for the whole thing.

-Get several estimates. Make sure that you have a clearly defined scope of work so you are comparing apples to apples. You will have to spend quite a bit of time typing one up, then you tell them that you want a fixed price for your scope. You can have a few alternates (options), like for the commercial juice bar. Smaller contractors often do not really know how to estimate. They are use to being paid daily or hourly. I DO NOT like to pay someone hourly or daily...it stresses me out to go to a jobsite and they are taking a break or doing something in an inefficient way.