All Forum Posts by: Nicole Pettis

@Michael Madden they are just off market. I've changed my strategy to direct mail. MLS is tough and the competition is definitely there. However I know 2 flippers that haven't really bothered with the MLS in years. Majority of their leads come from direct mail & signs. So there are plenty of deals to have, just have to change things up a little bit.

Great Job @Alex Applebee! Looks awesome!

I'm learning its difficult. Like @George P. mentioned sometimes they get stale at the end. My opinion is that most of them get into the independent contracting industry because they don't want to work for someone, but then they realize everything that goes with running their own business and its not the kind of stuff they want to do & you are still working for someone...the client;)

Or you can have someone like I do that doesn't want to listen to your direction and just do things how he wants them done, because he's been doing things for 20 years and doesn't want to listen to a rookie. 

Majority of contractors are difficult. There are some great ones, but like others have mentioned, they are so busy that its difficult to get them on your jobs. So its just part of the territory that we have to accept as flippers. Just always have a list of people so if one falls out you can call another. 

Good luck!

@Dawn Anastasi Love this thread(I have to start mine)! And thank you for posting about your windows. I realized that I will need to replace some of my windows and was kind of having a small meltdown, but then I came across your post and there you go! Menards it is!

Thank you!

Hello Everyone!

Our guest had to cancel, so this Saturday we will have an open forum of networking and brainstorming ideas for the group. I would love your suggestions on how we can improve the group, what subjects you would like to hear about and maybe you know someone that is rocking at the real estate thing and would like to speak at one of our meetings.

Please RSVP by voting or responding to this post.

Thank you!!

@Joseph Tabora

Welcome! As @Dawn Anastasi mentioned the Milwaukee peps are pretty active on here. And we are having our monthly meeting this Saturday @ 9am at the Stone Creek Coffee at 422 N 5th St, Milwaukee. So hope to see you there!

This is a great place to learn about real estate and wholesaling. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

@Vonetta Booker

I know you will get it sold. Grit and persistence go a long way and I know you have both:)
Just remember buyers can be very picky these days based on everything they see on HGTV, pinterest, Houzz and all of those other sites. Sometimes it sets them up with unrealistic expectations.

One more thing I thought of for staging. You might want to add a texture blanket over the couch. Add some natural wood touches for warmth(basket, simple crate, candle sticks) and some bright green apples in bowl in the kitchen. Adding levels of color and texture will help with the feel of the house. 

Hopefully this doesn't seem to frivolous. I know you already have a lot of time and money in the place. But I also know you want it sold;) Can't wait to hear how it goes!!

@Vonetta Booker

Great job!

Few things, just coming from a designers aspect. While the house looks great, maybe add a little more warmth and welcoming manner to the house. I would add some patio furniture on the front porch and a boxwood wreath to the front door. 

Then for the bedrooms. Maybe you should add some beds to show how they would look and fit in the rooms? Air mattresses and 5 gallon buckets are a cheap solution.

Then for the staging in the living room, I would pull the chairs and couch facing one another so it seems to be more of a conversation area. Right now it feels like everything is so spread out. 

 Also I noticed the sunroom wasn't included in the online photos. That might help bring in more buyers. 

And then maybe just market more. Put up flyers or bring in more buyer agents, add it to your FB feed if you haven't already. Send out postcards to the neighbors, maybe they know someone looking for a house.  Have another open house for buyer agents, get their input. As for comps, what were the DOM in your price range? 

My best advice is don't loose your confidence. Take a step back and figure out what you need to do to sell the property fast. I feel like if it was price that would be buyers major complaint, but that doesn't seem to be the case. It seems to be more size, so show them how things would work in those problem areas. 

Hope this helps:)

@Joel Owens

Hi Joel,

I think you have a good start, however I do have a question. I understand your target market, but what is the purpose of the site? Information or lead generation? Or both? Once I know that, I'll be able to give a little better feedback. 

Happy Saturday!

Nicole

@Brian Tremaine

Hello,

My suggestion would be to network and interview contractors. Find out what their hourly rate would be. Then I would go to Home Depot/Lowes or whatever home improvement store you have by you and get an idea of pricing on products. That way you have an idea of cost. Honestly those reality shows really aren't reality or for educational purposes. The only reason why I love to watch them is to get design ideas. 

If you are going to get into flipping, I really recommend J Scott's book on flipping and rehab costs.

http://get.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook/