All Forum Posts by: Jeff Kushner

@Travis Griffin Welcome to BP!  I'm new here myself and am already amazed at the amount of information and advice that perfect strangers are willing to share.

As I have yet to do my first real estate deal/transaction, would you mind sharing the details of your 20% ROI rehab here in FL? When, where, how... did you conduct the entire deal from PA? Since I'm (at least planning to be) actually in FL, maybe I could be of assistance as boots-on-the-ground for any future deals here?

Looking forward to hearing more!

-Jeff

@Andrew Schaefer  I too laughed at your "serious face profile pic!"  Kidding, of course, but I did LOL when reading the last bullet point.  Welcome to BP!  I'm relatively new here myself, but am already amazed at the level of support and knowledge that members here are willing to give to pretty much a complete stranger!  

I highly encourage that you engage in as as many conversations as you see fit and interact with as many people as possible in order to maximize this amazing resource. If you haven't already, setting up keyword alerts to notify you directly when topics such as 'Florida,' 'Orlando,' 'IRS,' and 'tax' are discussed will probably keep you more than busy...your inbox will fill up! Your professional experience in the wonderful world of taxes might make the 'Tax, Legal Issues, Contracts, Self-Directed IRA' forum located in the 'Financial, Tax, and Legal' category of the forums a good place to hang out as well.

@Steven J. I personally don't consider any of the information I find here on BP "free."  I agree that there is no up-front financial contribution required to access the plethora of information here on BP; that is why I have committed to "pay-it-forward" and share my own experiences and knowledge gained once I become active in real estate investing as many others here on BP do.  The fact that you are active in welcoming new members to the site is indicative that you feel the same way.

@John Moore All very good points!

My reasoning in considered not using a buyer's agent was that since I found the property and think* that I have a handle on comps that the hard part was out of the way.  If I approached the buyer directly (without an agent) the thought was that I could offer a slightly lower price on the property to save the seller from having to pay the commission.   We're only talking about a $50k property though, so am I just being a cheap-skate?!?!

Of course a buyer's agent should value add to the process of completing the transaction in my best interests as efficiently as possible.  I have no aversion what-so-ever to paying for services rendered (in one way or another), especially since I'm fully aware that I don't know what I don't know…

Any differing opinions out there or this a relatively simple question already answered in entirety?

My fellow BPers…

QUESTION: What are the benefits of using a real estate agent to secure the purchase of a piece of land with no existing structures?

I am looking to build a steel building/garage/workshop in south Florida. I found a piece of property through Realtor.com (listed on the MLS) in a very specific location in south Florida that I am interested in. I've done basic research (county appraiser website) and comps (as available on Realtor.com 'recently sold' search feature) and would like to contact the owner/broker for additional information on the property.

It seems that a lot of people on this site speak directly with owners of properties in their search for deals, but I'm curious if that is just because the properties aren't listed on the MLS or because of the level of knowledge/experience of the people on this site.

I have never purchased real estate before so have no personal experience with agents and the benefit of working with one, especially if I have already located the property of interest myself.  Should I contact an agent referred to me by a friend who is active in the area or just go ahead and contact the broker directly that is listed on Realtor.com?  What assistance/benefit should I expect from a real estate agent in the circumstance I've described?  What reasons, if any, should I not contact the owner/broker directly for more information on the property?

Any and all thoughts/opinions on this matter would be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

Welcome to BP! @Jason Forbes

I also just joined BP (within the week) and am already making great contacts in the south Florida area. Best of luck finding a property that meets your needs. Have you set up 'keywords' yet? There is a pretty consistent flow of posts related to Florida...

@Katharine Chartrand, @David P., @Wayne Brooks, @Michael Lemieux, @Chadi Dahabra, & @Brandon Turner: Thanks for the welcome messages!

@David P. I completely agree with everything you wrote, especially the above. I asked to be held accountable half jokingly and half to illicit as many responses as possible ;)

As for mentors, I don't want to come right out and ask something for nothing. As I develop relationships and become more familiar with this site, I will definitely be looking for mentors. I just want to be clear that I am interested in offering my time/effort in exchange for the opportunity to learn as well. Thanks again for the advice and support.

Jeff

@Jerry Padilla ,@James Wise , & @Brandon Turner : Thanks for the welcome messages!

(I posted the below introduction under a different title and forgot to put my location in the title as Josh recommended, hence the re-post. Whoops!)

Hey everybody!

Just announcing my presence here on BP…

I've been researching REI for a couple of years but have yet to get serious about actually doing it. I have lead a relatively nomadic life since getting out of the military almost 10 years ago (where has the time gone!?!) and I am tired of making excuses to myself for why I haven't put all the knowledge that I have accrued listening to countless real estate related podcasts and audiobooks to use.

It's time to make this happen.

I feel fortunate to have found this site and expect anyone reading this post to hold me accountable for accomplishing my goals. (kidding, of course, only I can hold myself accountable, but it takes a village, right?)

I'll be calling Lake Worth, FL home (a little town just south of West Palm Beach, just north of Boynton Beach) so anyone in that neck of the woods or familiar with the south Florida market, feel free to say hello :)

On a side note, I feel like I got a little carried away writing my profile, so let me know if you have any suggestions as to how I can shorten it (if deemed necessary…). Thanks!