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All Forum Posts by: Sara C.

Sara C. has started 14 posts and replied 127 times.

Post: Friend becoming a Tenant

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

Hi @Dale Abella! Looks like you're a Pro member - BiggerPockets has state specific leases you can download here on the site. I would start there!

Post: Newbie real estate investing in Atlanta, GA

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

@Alan Matthews I think Zillow can do ok for ARV as long as you ignore Zestimates and focus on homes that have sold in the last 180 days. That should give you a pretty accurate picture.

Also, agree with @Canesha Edwards about figuring out your niche! It may change, but at least having a more narrow focus for your first project will likely help you move forward faster. 

Post: Newbie real estate investing in Atlanta, GA

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

Welcome @Alan Matthews

There's a BiggerPockets inspired meet up in Buckhead once a month. I believe @Vincent Crane can you give you the info on how to get plugged into that. 

Beyond that my advice would be to analyze deals daily and get really comfortable with the numbers of the different scenarios as well as figuring out your financing approach. 

Post: ATL Real Estate Agent Recommendation, please

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

@Felicia Bridges let me know if you have questions! My speciality is in-town Atlanta, Decatur, Tucker, Clarkston, Scottdale, etc. 

Good luck!

Post: Norcross/Gwinnett County Realtor

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

@Brandon Coon I'm responding late to this but let me know if you still need any help. I just listed a home in Gwinnett earlier this month and had a contract in 2 days. It's a hot area right now!

Post: 1st Ever Fix & Flip

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

@Azeez K. sorry for the late response! This one took us 8 weeks start to finish. Thank you!!

Post: Tips on finding a great handyman.

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

@Joshua Biondi I've had the best luck on my local neighborhood listserv or the local Next Door. See what your neighbors are doing... even if they're not investors, you might someone great that way. Good luck!

Post: Home flipping in metro Atlanta

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

@Calla Gruss I've done fix and flips around Decatur, North Decatur (30033) and Tucker (just barely OTP) with great success. Feel free to DM me if you want more information or want to narrow down your search! 

Post: 1st Ever Fix & Flip

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

@Kevin Polite thank you! This one is in North Decatur, in the Northlake area. 

Post: 1st Ever Fix & Flip

Sara C.Posted
  • Realtor
  • Decatur, GA
  • Posts 133
  • Votes 90

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Purchase price: $235,000
Cash invested: $40,000
Sale price: $322,000

My first true fix and flip. Found this home off market through a letter—it was a tired landlord and her last tenant had just moved out. Cosmetic updates only—was a great first project. Nice class A/B neighborhood. Profited ~$20,000 in the end (with commissions, holding costs and closing costs)—which I consider excellent considering how much I learned.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I found this off-market and did all the negotiating with the seller. I was driving the neighborhood and saw trash and furniture at the street—it was clear someone had just moved out, so I left a letter. The owner was ready to sell, retire and live off the proceeds of the sale.

I used my realtor at the time (I am now licensed) transactionally to draft the contract for us.

How did you finance this deal?

I took out a HELOC on my personal residence to fund the downpayment for conventional financing and renovation costs.

How did you add value to the deal?

New kitchen, 2 new baths, paint, refinishing hardwoods, new fixtures, curb appeal.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

I wish I had bought lower. It really is true, that you "make your money when you buy."

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

If you're in the Atlanta area, I work with the Moore Team @ Fairway Independent Mortgage—very investor friendly. DM me for more information if you'd like a connection.