., having to finish a project by a deadline or else facing a huge penalty when doing a reverse 1031 exchange, or to meet a deadline agreed with the city who will impose punitive fines if you miss it).This is also a good question to ask in a local real estate group such as RIREIG or Black Diamond REI, as I'm sure others will give different answers to this excellent question.Last minor note: Years ago someone told me it's a good practice, if you ARE going to get proof of insurance, to insist that the insurance company send it over to you directly (fax or email) since it's possible an unscrupulous contractor could alter an old certificate to change the date.

Our associates will price the needed material before negotiating with a contractor - that cost less his estimate less some labor is profit.Protect yourself:Don't give an up-front deposit - never - if they can't afford to buy materials for the job out of their pocket - you don't need to do business with them.Don't let the contract get ahead of you on draws - pay only after portions of the job is completed and inspected.Pay  attention to dead lines - a missed dead line could be an indication that he is on other jobs and yours is not so important anymore.Your contractor is NOT your friend - you have enough friends - KEEP it all about business and satisfying your needs FIRST.NEVER let a friend or relative be your contractor!!

Similarly if you come back after 5 days of thinking and decide you want to pay 0.75 points to buy it down to Y% rate, that 0.75 and Y% will be the 0.75 and Y% from the 'menu' of the day your rate was locked (for better or worse).On quick close California purchase transactions we generally do not have time to waste days on day-trading, so unless someone has specifically told me otherwise, I lock as soon as I have the contract in-hand (which says 30 day COE or 21 day, etc, right on it) & then present the menu because we've gotta move move move to meet our contractually obligated deadlines. 

Do I need to provide a deadline?

I give them time to think it over and let me know- 4- 6 weeks- and a second deadline to sign a lease by- another 4 weeks. 

I've been learning and chewing REI one bite a time.Don't be rushed into spelling out your GOALS yet because it is bound to change as you learn more.You are young and there is no need for artificial aggressive time deadlines, you will know when to take Massive Action !

I'm fully aware of the importance of a tight deadline and the the ability to put in the work.

You are young and there is no need for artificial aggressive time deadlines, you will know whento take Massive Action !

Clear deadlines need to be set or else the rehab will go on forever.

Because I bought it on "auction.com" there was a deadline to get it closed of course.