All Forum Posts by: Scott VandenBerg

Dell Schlabach, AWESOME! Did you replace the original doors and/or drawer faces? If so, did you order them or use a local cabinet builder? Cost?
Donald Hendricks, I think that if I paint I will add trim. Thanks for the tip on TSP. Would that clean them up well with out damaging the existing finish if I wanted to leave them as is?

I need some advice on this kitchen:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8DMu23KeE5yTXlBVE1ydjZ0Vms/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8DMu23KeE5yNGlqbEF0bGdseUk/edit?usp=sharing
The agent I plan to list with, and knows my market well (I think), says to do new appliances, counter tops and hardware and leave the cabinets as is. I do plan on removing the hanging cabinets above the bar that separate the kitchen from the dining. Almost all of my comps have these same 1950's plywood cabinets - most have been painted. I think I'll be able to modify the cabinets to fit a new range with microwave hood, fridge, and dishwasher and not need to do anything to the finish.
Or, I am capable of doing a professional paint job on them in a dark brown. I haven't been able to find many pictures of this being done and I am nervous to try it. If it ends up looking bad, I'll have wasted time, money, and need to replace them anyhow...
Some points:
- All other trim in the house is in great shape and will remain unpainted.
- 3 bed, 2 bath (adding the 2nd with the rehab), 1,940 sq. ft main
- 80k purchase, 21K renovation and holding costs. Expected ARV original cabinets: 135K (150K is about tops for the neighborhood).
Please share your thoughts - looking to maximize my ROI! Thank you!

Daniel Hornsby, Are you trying to find "motivated" sellers (facing foreclosure) or are you trying to hit that person that has plenty of equity and might just decide to sell cheap? Just studying different strategies, thanks!
Can anyone else speak to the effectiveness of Dan's approach?

Daniel Hornsby I think the letter is good. My questions:
1) What is your goal? Are you trying to buy below market value? Rehab, wholesale, or hold? - whatever makes sense?
I just wonder if your "message" speaks to what you are trying to do.
2) For my own info, and because I am working on a similar project I think: Why did you choose list source? Do you know if you can get a list with pre-foreclosure and a certain amount of equity? Cost? sorry to answer your question, with a question :), thanks for the info!