All Forum Posts by: Brad Clarizio

Ha-yes, I actually am jealous. We are due for 2" of snow on Sunday and 8" on Tuesday. I looked at Scottsdale's weather for the next 10 days and it hurt my heart knowing I'd be in this frozen tundra.  That realtor has the right idea for sure. 

I'm hoping that by opening up my search to 200k, I can get something that would fit me- I'm 28 with a girlfriend and live in a very "hip" area of Columbus (think old school bars, trendy food, etc.). Is there an area of Scottsdale like that? Honestly, the reason I'm doing a condo for 4 months a year is to see if Arizona is a state I want to live in long term. I just don't want to go all in (and  turn my properties over to someone) only to come crawling back to Columbus. 

Yep- my lender is licensed in Arizona. First thing I checked :) 

Wow- this is some awesome info. Thanks so much everyone! 

I actually spoke to my Columbus-based lender last night and he indicated I'm easily good for up to 200k, and since it's a second residence, I only have to put 5%- score. So, that appears to open up my search much more. It looks like based on the feedback above,  Scottsdale and Tempe are my 2 targets. I'd personally prefer Scottsdale as it seems to be an easy transition from Columbus. 

PS: today was 11 degrees driving into work. :) 

Thanks @Colleen F.! 

I haven't given a ton of thought to what I'm into- I am trying to look at this as an investment than I can enjoy myself for 3-4 months a year. That said, I guess I'm asking like what are the good areas to buy a condo for 150k? Where will I maximize my value? There are areas in Columbus (Ohio) where you can get a mansion for 150k- obviously I have no desire to live there, ha! 

As far as what I want to do when I'm there- just explore. My girlfriend and I love to hike and be outdoors (a huge reason we've discussed this move, as we really can't do that in the winter here), but we also like nightlife, so we don't want to go to a retirement area (which I've heard in some cases could be considered Fountain Hills). 

Hey everyone,

I am currently an investor in Columbus, OH (where I am born and raised, and currently living). In the last few months, I've gotten this wicked urge to get the heck out of Ohio- at least for 3-5 months during the winter. 28 years of gray, dreary skies is taking it's toll :).

My role at my full time job is one that, luckily, allows me to work from home or remotely if needed. As the wheels are turning, I've decided (at least I think) to be a snow bird, starting next winter. Arizona has always been a state on my radar, and as it's the sunniest state in the US and doesn't participate in Daylight Savings Time, I think it's the state I've chosen to "bird" to. 

So why I am here:

1) My budget is approximately $150,000, and ideally, I'd like to buy a condo. I own 12 properties here in Columbus and I'm lucky enough to be in a position to finance this condo with 20% down, so I've allocated 30-35k for a down payment. 

2) I have never visited Arizona, but am planning a trip in May. 1 day of the trip will be allocated to checking out real estate, and ultimately seeing what my budget will get me. What are the areas I MUST see? I would like to stay around Scottsdale, and I've taken a liking to Fountain Hills.

3) To play off the point above, what is going to be my rest return for AirBnB'ing this place the rest of the year? I am looking to live here from December-April, so from May-November, what area is best to get at least my mortgage ($600-700) covered per month? Is Fountain Hills going to attract 10 nights worth of stays at $70 each? Or is there another area that's better?

4) What should I absolutely know about Arizona? And, am I bat-crap crazy? 

Thanks for all your input! 

Have a title company do it. Mine charges like $200 each.

PM Title in Grove City. Ask for Daniella and let her know Brad sent you. 

Jeeze- thousands to remediate? I had a duplex done in Columbus last year and it was $500 TOTAL, for both sides. 

I don't like the heat treatment- specifically on older homes where it can warm the wood trim, windows, etc. Mine was a spray application and *knock on wood*, it has worked every time. 

Hey folks- starting a major rehab in Columbus and our architect is 6 weeks behind. We need drawings done in the next 4 weeks, so looking for recommendations from personal experiences. The house is in Old Town East. 

For those in Columbus, where are you finding success with re-fi's? I have used FC Bank for years but they no longer do those loans. I have 2 properties with nearly 200k in value I want to cash out. 

Hey Medina,

Welcome to the site! BiggerPockets is full of information (as you've already seen) and can answer just about any of your questions. 

Are you targeting rentals, wholesaling or flipping? SFH or multi? Specific areas? These are all things you'll want to answer before you dive in so you can concentrate on being the expert at one thing.

Best of luck!

-Brad

I told you to offer over asking....you will learn some day my friend. :)

But on a more serious note, this stuff happens man. I can't begin to tell you how many offers I've put in and not heard anything back on, rejected, etc. It's a numbers game. I think your issue is (and I've told you this before, and you have a good reason that rhyme's with life), but I think you over analyze. Some of my best deals have come from just saying "screw it" and going for it. Rarely will you lose money on a rental, it might just take more time to regain it back.