All Forum Posts by: Charlie MacPherson

I've not gone through this personally, but I've consistently heard that a "professional tenant" can easily tie you up for 9 months.  That's one of the big drawbacks to buy & holds in Mass, and why I'll be focusing more on fix & flips when I start to move into the investing field.

I think a good group for "south of Boston" would be Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties.  

The Cape (Barnstable County) is its own world - in fact, it has its own MLS (Cape and Islands MLS), which the rest of the state has no direct access to.

Boston and Cambridge should definitely be grouped as one.

PS - I can just imagine some reader from Texas wondering how Plymouth and Cape Cod are different market areas when they're only divided by a bridge!

I and my agents use Daylite.  Sadly for PC / linux users, it's Mac only.  But there are good reasons for my choice.

1. Financial.  Daylite (www.MarketCircle.com) is a one-time fee of $300 per license.  The others that I looked at run $25 to $40 per month.  The 12 month-ish break-even was attractive.  

2. Robust accessibility.  The database lives on one of my computers (which is multiply backed up by Time Machine, Backblaze and a mirrored drive).  That means that unlike web-based systems (Top Producer, Salesforce, Maximizer, etc), I have complete access to my data whether or not I have wi-fi / cellular data access.  It also keeps my cell bill lower by not using data.

3. Speed.  Not being web based means it is ultra fast - especially compared to using a web-based system over cellular data.

4. Ease of use / filtering of contacts.  I'm a visual.  That means if I don't see it, it doesn't exit - and you can imagine the challenge that presents.  Daylite gives me multiple ways to view contacts, pipelines and tasks.

5. Syncs across multiple devices.  iMac, MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad.  Seamlessly.

6. Free real estate module reconfigures the database for you.  There are other modules for different industries.

7. Integrates mail, calendar, opportunity tracking, project management, mail merge and a lot more.

8. You can create and manage multiple databases with one license.  You might elect to set up a separate database for wholesale, another for buy & holds and a third for fix & flip.

I've used several CRMs and for al the reasons stated above, strongly recommend a look at Daylite.

I think it all depends on your local market conditions.

The biggest part to consider is whether you're artificially limiting yourself to the point that you're damaging your income and growth.

I just checked MLS in Plymouth County, MA - not too far from you. At the moment there are 2206 Single Family homes and 132 multi-family homes on the market. That's almost 17 times as many.

I get the concept of diving deep into a niche and trying to own it, but unless your market is radically different than mine, that may not be the best way to go.

YMMV.

I think Laurie Johnson has it right.  

Your first priority should be to learn the ropes.  Learn the legalities, the forms, the procedures.

Then you're ready for the next phase, where you can look for a better deal with more freedom.  Or, you might decide to stay where you are.

I recommend Henry Rappa, Jr.  We use him for all of our closings. 

I realize this is asking a lot, but I'm looking for a Title V contractor that will agree to get paid at closing.

Any connections or other ideas would be GREATLY appreciated!

I'm a rabid fan of BP, so I have a pretty good idea of what investors need in a property.

If you're looking for connections south of Boston, feel free to reach out.

I cover Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties on a regular basis.  I'll also cover Barnstable county for the right deals.

I was awarded "Top Listing Agent for 2014" as well as "Top Selling Agent", so you can have confidence that I'll put the hard work in to get your project sold - FAST.

SPECIAL OFFER - If you buy your rehab through me I'll discount the selling commission by 2% when it's done.

I'm looking forward to making new connections and helping you to do more deals!

If you're working with an agent that doesn't require some sort of Buyer's Broker agreement, you're probably working with a part-timer or someone who doesn't value their time.

My Investor / Flipper agreement only applies to properties I introduce, but also commits the flipper to remarket the property through me when the project is complete.

My time is too valuable to waste with people who have zero commitment.

As to dealing with the listing broker, it is CRITICAL to remember that a seller's agent is legally and ethically required to get the best possible deal for the seller.  

In other words, they are required to work against you when it comes to price and terms.

Yes, there are no doubt unethical agents who will screw the seller by accepting a lower offer so they get paid on both sides, but most of us (and I think it's the overwhelming majority of us) aren't about to risk fines, lawsuits or loss of license for an extra commission.

The photo of the sign might be useful, but what you're arguing over is a difference os $1300.  

Is that worth going to small claims court?  Only you can answer that.  What is your time worth?

You also have the responsibility to understand the contents of any contract you sign.

A side note - what somebody else made on the deal doesn't matter.