All Forum Posts by: Nate Hananger

Hey Paul,

I have a close friend who does exactly what you do from the sound of it. 

Due to Google changing their requirements, a lot of his clients have had to re-do everything with his help primarily because Google is demanding more and more businesses disclose a physical address. It used to be that a simple mailbox at a mail shop that doesn’t use “PO Box” was a quick fix. However, Google, especially for Google My Business, is now insisting that photos of the store front with a legitimate business sign be provided for verification. 

This is a problematic requirement for real estate investors because many of us are individuals, not brick-and-mortar. Leasing commercial space is not necessary to win in the real estate investing business. 

With that said, how do you bypass Google’s stricter policies and still successfully rank someone to the top of search results if they are a mobile business operating in multiple cities or states? 

My take is: it’s not for me. I think there are plenty of more lucrative opportunities. 

The note example is pertaining to the purchase of promissory notes. Banks sell notes all the time. Some of those notes are connected to properties that have gone through tax sales. Sometimes banks overlook that part because the pool is so large. And then they throw in the note for cents on the dollar, or free. So again, you get a note like that for next to nothing, and then you claim the overages because you’ve taken the position of the lien holder. Much easier than trying to persuade a previous homeowner to split overages with you, in my opinion. 

A colleague of mine, Rey Isidro, works a similar niche helping enforce judgments. On occasion, when someone holding a non-performing judgment just wants to rid themselves of the hassle, he'll offer to buy out his or her interest at a discount. Then he'll go collect.  

I am surprised so few mention doing the same thing with overages. 

I know some who'll buy note pools, have some that've gone through a tax deed sale thrown in for cents on the dollar (or even free) knowing there are unclaimed overages, and then file a claim now that they hold a lien on the property. A free note turned into $20K - $70K from a little paperwork and a few months of waiting? Does it get any easier?   

I am in the process of potentially investing in debt (i.e: promissory notes, overages, judgments, etc.) to broaden my portfolio. Specifically buying from individuals who are owed money in various forms. I used to broker such sales before the 2008 crash so I know it can be very lucrative. 

My first step is to get some legal advice regarding how to purchase discounted debt in accordance with whatever laws apply. And then secondly, just prepping the documents and possibly having the attorney act as the escrow. Does anyone know what type of attorney would deal with such things? 

Ted is definitely legit. He has a very easy-to-understand way of explaining tax liens and deeds. Great team of veteran investors who help coach. Quick customer service where you can actually talk to a live human rather than an automated dial system. 

Took his 3-day course January of 2018 and have made quite a bit of successful deals because of his strategies. 

I'm familiar with the geotech review and topography because down here we have the Hollywood Hills, where mega-mansions are built on the oddest terrains. 

This morning I heard back from the Boise Planning Department. All of the local utilities companies in Boise now refuse to provide any kind of installation in the Terra Nativa subdivision. So, that's where it stops. 

It's sad too because others have messaged me telling me that the former developer skipped town after his negligence. Supposedly some basic preparation, standard when building on a hill, could've prevented what happened. 

Oh well. 

So I am an out-of-state investor and Boise was on my radar recently. Several lots were in negotiations until my due diligence informed me of a local problem - the Terra Nativa subdivision settlement from sliding land tearing homes apart. 

I can’t find any news besides articles from over a year ago, when the settlement was reached. It was a mere $250K split between multiple homeowners who had to abandon their homes. 

I looked on Zillow and some listings are still for sale in that area. Others sold recently. I’m waiting to hear from the realtors about those to see if they’ll bring up the settlement or just assume I‘m a naive buyer. 

Anyone dealt with property in that area? Are all of the homes scheduled for demolition with no future building plans being considered? If that’s the case, why are the current owners keeping their listings active? 

Also, does anyone know what the zoning code A-1 is? I couldn’t find it anywhere in the zoning code index. 

I own a third-acre lot in Olympia, WA near Black Lake. It is also near wetland and a wildlife refuge. 

According to the county, whoever wants to build on it would need to schedule a “Reasonable Use Exception” (RUE) hearing with the county. 

Alternatively, one might also be able to have a septic design and biology survey conducted to bypass this hearing. 

Here’s the kicker - two homes have already been built on lots even closer to the areas of concern than my lot. They have the same soil type as my lot (“Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes). They are also within “100 foot buffer of shoreline management areas.”

So my first question would instinctively be - wouldn’t lots closer to wetland or a wildlife refuge be scrutinized MORE than those further way? The verbiage on the official county website make it sound like a proximity issue. 

Second, would it make economical sense to pay for a septic design survey and biology review before selling the lot? Because this is near a body of water, prospective buyers made need extra reassurance that the county would be more likely to approve whatever design they present. 

Any feedback from others who’ve faced similar scenarios would be much appreciated. 

I would never assume anything, Ray. 

The "balance" or tax overage amount, from what I have seen, is usually a separate procedure. Previous home owners must typically approach the county and claim what is their's within a certain time frame, or else the county keeps it. 

And as far as unpaid liens go, each county has their own policy about what liens or encumbrances are able to stick to the property after a tax sale. 

Some might have better answers than that on here, but I would highly recommend contacting the same department that held the tax lien sale and ask them these questions. 

Is a Contract for Deed the best instrument in California for owner financing?

I have this weekend to do my homework before speaking with an attorney on Monday. This will be my first owner financed sale in California.

The main goals: Control and protection, Ensuring that in the event of foreclosure the process is quick and non-judicial.

Anyone who has carried back a note in this state who can share their insights would be much appreciated. 

Also, in your experience, what has been a realistic fee to pay an attorney for reviewing and occasionally revising a Contract for Deed (or alternative instrument) prior to a sale?

Thanks in advance.