All Forum Posts by: Paul Kubin

I'm working with an agent who is investor friendly and has set me up with a lender for an FHA loan pre-approval. I haven't signed any partnering agreements with said agent and I don't have any concerns about the lender he is directing me to for pre-approval, but I'm thinking 'Hey, this is a big transaction, so it might be wise to shop around.'

So that's my question: iIs there any reason I shouldn't use a broker of my own and see if there's a better loan available?  Would such an agent (one who has these kind of things all lined up for me) be bothered if I used him to find a property, but not his lender?  Thanks!

I agree with the above.  I'm not a cat person, but I got one because it was all my son wanted in the world.  I rent, so I take care to make sure there is no damage to the place or smell.  I think if the tenant looks good, an extra deposit is the way to go.  If the cat is that important to a tenant, they will be glad to put up a deposit.  And a deposit is for a purpose: if there's damage from the pet when they move out, you're compensated.  

@Dan Maciejewski

$20,000 or $20,500 and the peace of mind that you will get the deal

Versus

$18,500 and the potential risk of losing the deal.

That’s easy math where I come from.

Those are great ideas, Troy!  Who would lent feel great giving a bonus love to someone who worked hard for them?

So in the interest of transparency, would you recommned that I just come out at tell a prospective agent that I may be working with other agents / more than one agent?  And if so, that sounds different to me than using two agents who are in the same territory or competing space.  I'm guessing that wouldn't be appreciated.  Would you agree?

Good point, Nicky.

How might go about discussing with an owner who is renovating a house the possibility of sale before it is ready for the market?

Example:

The house across the street from me belonged to an old lady who shared it with her drug addicted son. As you might expect, the house got trashed over the years. The house deteriorated for years. Finally she died and he was forced out. The other adult children of the owner are now renovating the house prior to sale. It was gutted and re-roofed and they are now putting in sheet rock.

Seems there might be an opportunity if someone were to approach them and ask if they were open to selling before they’re finished, obviously at a reduced price. Not something in my stage I’m likely to do, but I’m wondering how someone would go about this.

1) What would you ask me people who are preparing the house for sale? For example, would you say something like:“I’m interested in buying your house, would you ever entertain an offer before it is ready for market?”

2) If they said “Maybe,” what would be your next move?

3) How would you value the house in an unfinished state?

Thank you everybody for your thoughts. So far the forum has been extremely helpful!

That wasn't mine comment.  It was @Wale Lawal 's.

@Jacob Pereira - I'm in Northern California.  I have no interest in wasting anyone's time.  Trying to do plenty of homework now so that when I'm ready my offers will be solid and serious.  

@Johnathan R. - Interesting.  Do do you not put much stock in agents that specialize in working with investors?  I realize, of course that anyone can call themselves a specialist in anything.  But from some of the other forum posts it looks like there are definitely some agents who get the investing side.