All Forum Posts by: Scott Upshaw

thanks for the feedback. Im a contractor so the structural stuff doesnt bother me...just wanted to figure who i should try to contact to try and purchase the property and what steps i should take..house is in a very desirable area so if the numbers are right it could potentially be a good deal.

Wonder if you guys can give me any tips. I came across a vacant property that has been sitting for years. After doing some research I came across some records of the property. I will list  my research and some advice on how to proceed would be great.

1. tax bills is still to the address of the property

2. Its going into forclosure

3. There was a quit claim from husband to wife back in 2012

4. did a skip trace for phone numbers and I believe the property owner is dead

5. trustee information is a law firm

6. from what I can see there is very high equity in the property.

I spoke with a neighbor and he told me it was a nasty divorce situation and the house has been abandoned for years. Said a property preservation company comes every couple of months and pumps water out of the basement. Looked in the windows and it is full of mold.

Should I try to contact the law firm and see if we can work out a deal? Some advice would be great.. House is in a very desirable town with top notch school systems. Thanks in advance.

If it is asbestos...either leave it alone...sheetrock over it or call an abatement team. I would not advise doing it yourself. You can bring it home on your clothes to your family. I watched my mom die a slow painful death do to mesothelioma (caused by asbestos). Not something you want to play around with.

I would do that bathroom with midgrade stuff for about 13-15k including everything. What part of new jersey you talkin?

Just a thought.. is it possible that hes charging that much because of hazardous materials? Given the age of the home..it is possible that there is lead paint or asbestos roof? Other than that...ur getting ripped off.

What is it you are getting denied for? and why does your architect not know the local codes? ive been contracting quite some time now and have never had a set of plans denied from the twshp.

As a contractor. I can tell you there is no magic formula for that. You just need to know your numbers and build a relationship with a contractor who knows his stuff..break each category down and have a round about number for each. For instance.

Hardwood flooring. $1.80 sqft installed labor only

Tile flooring. $4.00 a sq labor only

Paint..150 a room..labor only 

And so on and so on

Hope this helps

where is this monthly meet up held?