All Forum Posts by: Terry Portier

lol, I'll double check the state last I did I am ok OF up to 10. Interesting I have been watching some that have built 'air tight' mass walls like ICF (I dont like) to the new DOE 2012 IECC code coming to all states, that in the NE cold bitter climate zone are off the grid on solar or geo, using new electric HVAC ductless single zoned called 'minisplits' some though wish they had installed another zone or two or 'air handlers'....nice about these besides being 97% efficient is each room can be set at a different temp unlike forced air that is becoming obsolete due to low efficiency and leaky ducts in unconditioned space robing u-bills.

@John

Good ideas, my design has reduced suppliers and construction trades need by 2/3 but, the other 1/3 mainly out of state shipped in is up for grabs. I'm thinking of getting media coverage to promote myself and local university involved. The designs I am considering (IE: Goggle image "ram earth" check out the naturally beautiful 12" wall colors, and other variations of foam and concrete monolithic walls/roof are very different than conventional 2 x 4 wood insulated framing, so I may struggle with comps, code, banks, insurance, appraisers, altho I did read that banks are starting to consider e-bills when qualifying as in Energy Efficency Mortgage (EEM), FAA backed etc....Such as shame the stick/wood we use is the norm, better is outside the box and unacceptable or a battle. Id build a prototype gather e-bills, compare to construction cost, determine pay back period I hope is zero no greater than 3 years. There are also insurance and tax brakes with green homes.

Hear ya, maybe hold on to much cash and leverage. Yes I can build these designs in less than 90 no prob. Speaking of fires these structures are fire proof, tornado-hurricane, insect, mold, mildew, earthquake, prove too.

I can get 1/4- 1/2 lots all utilities for around $10-15 K should I just pay cash?

I been away for a while designing my first spec home and forgot everything I learned. I have enough free cash $100K to build my prototype design lot included. What would be the best way to stretch that so I can keep on building? I want to keep the prototype live in & collect a year worth of energy bills which if all goes right will be close to net-zero in climate zone 4. Of course if someone wants to take my word on the u-bills I'll sell/profit. Here in KS if I don't go LLC I can owner finance up to ten, or maybe lease purchase, or? I know all the risk of doing business outside an LLC lets not turn this into another one of those threads. :) I can also qualify for loans, got good credit criteria.

Thanks in advance for any help.....

I was talking to a title company yesterday told her about the news on home sales dropping 6% from last year and asked if she had seen that in her office. She said she has been holding steady and that “we here in the Midwest are on the bottom of food chain”. Not sure what food chain she was referring to but, I have heard that rational from realtors last year and nothing changed. I’m not sure what revelation they are waiting for but, just goes to show how the average worker in the RE industry has no clue what they are talking about with markets doing well a few hours away in the “Midwest”.

This morning I seen that in our state of KS 75% of children are on government funded lunch programs since their families meet the poverty level income criteria. Also, I know the state has given business tax breaks like no state tax on non-w2 income to get more business to incorporate here.

So I am thinking it is the poverty level market that would be a nice target to invest in, more less a neighborhood, or investment type, people need a roof over their heads regardless.

@Bill Gulley Sorry to put you on the spot with my silly questions, I realize now alot depends on the market I am struggling to figure out being here :) Maybe I should go to the guru and see if they even know any of this or are just passing through town trying to sell bunch of bs that don't work? Hmmmm, tempting :)

@Bill Gulley

Hey Bill I hope this note finds you well....We are neighbors 3 hrs away I see with different markets. What would be your approach in yours and mine? A formula for success? From a GURU!!

Funny thing I just seen an ad on TV for some REI guru on "how to flip houses using others people money" coming here and would take your advice any day of the week than his. I'd go if you were the speaker :)

FYI: I have a successful construction company(rennovations, storm damage restorations) here just looking for ways to integrate REI into this market and yours when it gets there. I think I am going to start studying for my RE license and get it so I can get into the MLS and see what is going, not be dependent on agents, get more familiar with my market. Possibly sell some of my own builds and rehabs. Looking at building energy efficent homes better than any builder, or rehab and flip maybe hold not sure about the landlord junk yet maybe as a last resort if it makes sense I got good cash flow.

According to the latest report home sales down here by 6% from last year according to local news anyway.

My favorite,

"My reaction when I see a person dishing out advice on a subject they’re clearly clueless about"

LLCs come to mind ;)

Good news BP is not alone here :)

I would have added when someone clearly does not know how to use or over uses the @ function :) I love being @ ed to death, makes me feel special ;)

Call around to some Equipment rental companies for a on-site remote water heater used in construction.

You REI need to realize I and my subs will estimate your projects within $50....you can not do that no matter what you think you don't know.

I estimate 5-10 homes a day do u?