All Forum Posts by: Violet Sinclaire

It's business, don't take it personal. In a hot market, the seller has the upper hand. They have all the power and buyers usually have to grovel, sadly.

We got lucky with our investment purchase because the listing agent wasn't very good and the previous buyer canceled out of the deal, so seller was extra motivated to sell to next in line.

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Purchase price: $335,000
Cash invested: $100,000

My first investment property is a single family home that needs some love. I purchased this with the intention of fixing it up, adding square footage, and adding my touch of modern design & glam.
We plan on renting this out and reaping the tax benefits.
New metal roof, kitchen remodel, new appliances, adding a W/D, re-framing upstairs, adding a 4th bedroom, new paint, added a deck, new fence, etc. We did it all and we DIY-ed most of it ourselves to save money on labor. Sweat equity, baby!

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

I found it via Redfin, I was tracking this market for ~6 months.
This property hits all of our criteria so we submitted an offer within an hour of seeing it in person.

How did you finance this deal?

10% down vacation home loan

How did you add value to the deal?

Sweat equity and fixing most of the things ourselves.
When we had to hire, we paid for labor.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

DIY life is not for the faint of heart!! Harsh winter conditions aka snow is terrible.

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

Yes, a FAST and responsive lender.

I was indecisive and kept switching majors because I didn't know what I wanted to do or be when I grew up. It turns out, I just didn't want to work for anyone, I wanted to be my own boss. I wish I was either taught or learned about investing and financial freedom sooner. Here are some things I would say to my younger self: 

1.) Anything is possible, if you can dream it, you can manifest it and make it happen.

2.) Don't let fears, other people's opinions, and feeling "not good enough" hold you back.

3.) Create friendships and network naturally. Treat others well. 

4.) You don't need that expensive BA degree in Marketing when you're going to get your Real Estate license and become a Realtor anyway.

5.) Start investing ASAP.

6.) Find a life partner to build with, don't date around out of boredom. 

7.) Use the internet to find great communities like Bigger Pockets ;-)