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All Forum Posts by: Marcela Hoag

Marcela Hoag has started 5 posts and replied 56 times.

Post: Tips and Tricks for Finding More Affordable Materials for your Flips and Rentals!

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32
Quote from @Julien Jeannot:

Great tips.

On the furnishing sides of things, a lot of stores will have a business owner discount. Just got to ask for it and sometimes have a LLC.


 Did not know that one. What kind of discounts do you usually see from that? 

Post: Tips and Tricks for Finding More Affordable Materials for your Flips and Rentals!

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32
Quote from @Nathan Harden:

I am in the middle of a current flip as we speak. Some great tips in your post!

On my previous flips, I have found that the Clearance section is your friend! I have never spent over 70cents a sqft for laminate flooring. On my current flip, I found flooring at Home Depot for 64 cents a sqft. I pick up the flooring myself and deliver it to the property a couple of days prior to install (so the floors can acclimate). This saves money because usually when a contractor tells me that they have the "hook up", the hook up is still more expensive than the Home Depot clearance rack. 


 Oh wow that sounds like a great deal! How thick was the flooring?

Post: Tips and Tricks for Finding More Affordable Materials for your Flips and Rentals!

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32

Hello everyone, 

I thought I'd make a quick post for some of the newer investors here in the Greater Seattle and Tacoma areas who need to find affordable solutions to sourcing materials and finishes. Since rates are crazier than ever, holding costs can build up quickly, and it's more important than ever to maximize the value of the materials you're using to maintain your margins!

1. Regardless of where you decide to purchase materials, ask about contractor pricing and make sure that store knows you're a flipper/investor.
You can easily save 15%+ by making it known you're a flipper or an investor. This can save you A LOT in the short and long term, especially for big ticket items like flooring, tiling, paint, kitchens/bathrooms, etc.

2. If you're using a contractor, ask what kind of savings they have available at different stores. Since they have a longer history of purchases, they may have access to even bigger discounts than you!

3. There are a variety of stores around the area that sell like new or good quality materials from other construction projects, like Second Use, Habitat for Humanity, and more. Oftentimes, builders end up not using all their materials, and can't return them for a refund. They use these types of stores and organizations to recoup their costs or for tax write-offs. You can find flooring, tile, cabinets, mini-splits, finishes, and more. Recently, my husband and I found brand new high-end tile that was 80% off compared to Floor & Decor. These stores are also great for outfitting your rentals with furniture.

Feel free to add your own tips, and ask me any questions you have! 

Marcela

Post: Investor Friendly Agent

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32

Welcome aboard!

Post: PNW real estate noobie

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32

Congrats on your first big project! 

I'm down in Tacoma right now, if you're ever thinking of investing further south, let me know! Happy to answer any questions you have!

Post: Invest locally in Seattle, out of state, or something else?

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32

I'm in Seattle, and we avoid the city like the plague. Currently we are focusing on South King County (Des Moines) and Pierce County (Tacoma). Lots of opportunity south and north of Seattle, especially if you're not looking for something turnkey. 

Check out East Tacoma around https://maps.app.goo.gl/WXfByPMTtYq8jqww7


There's new developments all around here, nice and quiet neighborhoods.

Post: Getting more tenants on AirBnb?

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32
Quote from @Gregory Boulet:

Hello everyone,

Iā€™m a superhost in Lacey, WA near Olympia but this month is slow and temporarily lowered my nightly rates. Any ideas on how to increase the occupancy for my rooms? Affordable ways? All feedback is much appreciated!


-Greg 


 Hi Greg,

Have you had professional photos taken for the listing?

Post: How do we feel about fish?

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

Over 50% of all renters have a pet. Instead of cutting your market in half, I recommend finding ways to allow pets while reducing risk and increasing income.

I allow fish tanks up to 20 gallons (275 pounds). 

The biggest danger is a leaking tank that causes water damage, but it hasn't happened to me yet. If a fish tank is in an upstairs apartment, a leak would cause damage to the downstairs apartment and double your repair costs (or more).


 Hi Nathan,

How have you successfully mitigated risk? Super curious, because my husband and I are always dealing with tenants with pets and the associated headaches, haha.

Post: New investor here

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32

I just wrote a forum post about it, hopefully it will provide some guidance. 

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1135245-quick...

Post: Quick Guide for those starting out as investors!

Marcela Hoag
Agent
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Seattle, WA
  • Posts 59
  • Votes 32

Becoming a successful real estate investor requires a systematic approach and a solid understanding of the market. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

1.
Learn About Real Estate: Research past and current markets, and understand how people profit from real estate investing. Read books, attend seminars or courses for detailed insights. šŸ“š
2. Explore Strategies:
Study various investment approaches such as house flipping, rentals, investment groups, and crowdfunding.
3. Analyze Locations:
Consider location preferences of your target audience for successful investing.
4. Define Your Role:
When opting for a real estate strategy involving buying homes for resale or renting, your role holds substantial sway over your rental or flip profits.
5. Create a Plan:
Develop a professional investment plan, outlining goals, costs, revenue, and ROI. Define group roles if applicable. šŸ—’
6. Secure Financing:
Choose funding methods like personal funds, mortgages, or loans.
7. Make Your First Purchase:
Invest according to your plan and target audience. šŸ˜
8. Execute Your Strategy:
Implement chosen strategies efficiently, whether flipping or renting.
9. Evaluate Earnings:
Calculate profits by deducting costs from gross gains, including assets and income. šŸ’°

Reach out if you have further questions, would love to connect!