All Forum Posts by: Mitch VanDeveer

@Robert Slatkin  thanks for starting such an awesome thread. 

I am relocating to the Puget Sound area towards the end of this year as well,  it's time to say good bye to the desert.  As a general contractor looking to expanded into development the Pacific Northwest offer a great deal more for the long term.  My plans include a couple of fix and flips while i put together a small residential ground up project.  It's difficult to work out the specifics with having you feet on the ground so any information provided is greatly appreciated!

@Chris Newman I'm currently in research mode and wouldn't be willing to purchase anything till i arrive in the area.  That being said i would be interested in information regarding off market tear downs.  I'll send you a PM with my email address. @Natalie Kolodij i wouldn't tear down a anything that's 100 years old if it could be saved;)

@Doug N. I would love any information you'd be willing to share!  Also could you define LDMR builder lots?  I looked up the zoning but what is a "builder lot"  Is the infrastructure already installed? How many sqft.

@Ryland Taniguchi In the wholesaling side of your business do market to greater area or is it more concentrated to Seattle.  I'll also send you a PM with my info to be added to your list.  

@Troy Fisher Will do!!  Phoenix has many areas that are comparable in price to the Seattle area.  It looks like low inventory is going to keep pushing your market for a while.

@Account Closedundefined

Thanks for the tip!

@Chanté Owens

The majority of the good oppurtunities here in phoenix are in the expensive parts for town.  How long ago did you relocate? Are you still happy with the decision?  Thanks I'll check out the local reia, I a member here in Phoenix.

Do you do commercial insurance?  If so, what companies are currently writing policies for General Contractors in Washington?

@Troy Fisherundefined

I'll have to check out the meet up when i get to town around the 1st of October. 

Thanks for the info!

Long story short.  I currently resided in Phoenix and make my living as a residential and commercial general contractor.  I spent about six months managing a commercial project in Oregon in 2013 with a couple ventures up to Seattle.  We fell in love with the area and began discussing a potential relocation.  Fast forward to today and the decision has been made to make the leap around the 1st of October.  We have a larger motor home that would double as our residence for 2-3 months while made some decisions on an area to put down roots.  

How's the spec home market in the area?

I would like to get back into building but we'll be in a market so I think it would be advantageous to possibly team up with a small local developer with area expertise.

Any Seattle developers or new home builders out there want to connect or if you are up for a phone conversation send me a private message i would love to talk

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks, Mitch VanDeveer

As a general in phoenix i take between a 20-30% deposit from new clients on all residential projects.  I tell investors if you want good pricing we complete your rehab with your money not mine.  In addition to that I use milestones in my schedule I provide to my client for progress payments based upon completion and the last 10% is not paid until the punch list is signed off.  I agree with @Mike F. that if you have checked into his references, contractors license, length of time in business and done your online research on him and the company you shouldn't worry about your deposit.

Hi, a contractor will know more about permits and the process.  Also what part of town is the house in?  Im a contractor and might be also be a buyer.  If you'd like send me a pm with your contact info and we can discuss 

Thanks, Mitch 

The best way to find out anything from the City is to show up in person and not leave until you have the answers you're looking for.

@Account Closed Don't feel to bad about your schedule I've worked on project in many different states over the years and Texas was by far the most difficult to keep a schedule. As far as the schedule goes we budget one week per 10k in rehab costs here in Arizona but in Texas it might be as bad as 5-6k per week until you build relationships with subs.  

Budgeting: Where did your original rehab budget come from?  Did you have any general contractors bid the project?  Almost every rehab i have completed runs over budget due to unforeseen issues, that's why we budget a contingency percentage on every project.  That percentage varies depending on the age and size of the project. It starts at 5% and goes up from there mainly on the age, the older the property the higher the %. 

Good Luck!!

The post states "Before a sale is completed, a real estate agent or inspector working for Opendoor visits the home to make sure the description was accurate."   In my interpretation they will offer more money than the average investor then go back during the inspection period with a significant offer price reduction to be able to buy where they should of in the first place.   Once seller reviews begin populate the internet with statements that they don't actually purchase properties for the original offer price their offers will have to come down into a normal range like the rest of us! 

I would be more than happy to discuss your contracting needs.  I've been a contractor for over 10 years and in the business for 20. C-602-339-6950

Thanks