All Forum Posts by: Steve Smithy
Steve Smithy has started 11 posts and replied 131 times.
Post: 99 Chapin Ter Springfield, MA

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
Any more details about the property? Cashflow/etc?
Post: Closing a house with boarder closed?

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
Unfortunately if you can't get a notary it sounds like you might lose the property. My only idea is to assign the property to someone else if you can transfer the funding too.
Post: Tax Question With Big Impact

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
Sounds like you have your answer, you can try messaging @Marina Draper from Real Estate Accounting Pro and see if she knows.
Post: Rehab & Sell, Rehab & Rent Out, or Just Sell?

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
My first impression is that with 3 separate parties involved a renovation isn't worth it. Just do the basic cosmetic things, then sell. You can paint the interior, put drywall over the holes, etc.
Post: Use an Home Inspector on Rehab Projects

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
I've had mixed results with home inspectors. Overall they check for things, but their report isn't something I would use to check construction progress. Personally, I'd learn as much as I could so that I could check progress myself!
Post: Help me analyze this deal

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
What is your question about the deal? At first glance it looks ok, but I would be wary of the repair costs. I'd get a 2nd opinion first.
Post: Water leakage into the units underneath my unit

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
This is for their insurance, it would be up to their insurance to contact your insurance company.
Post: Investing on an F1 VISA - am I infringing the law?

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
Well I don't know that the visa status affects owning property necessarily, however I don't think a bank would give a loan to someone that doesn't have permanent residence or work status. If you leave, then they have to seize the property and that likely makes it harder. I would think that if you have a large enough down payment then you ought to be able to find a bank that would do it though, as that would minimize their risk but the amount is likely enormous.
I would definitely setup a separate entity to put money related to the property into if it goes that far. I would also get pre-approved before making offers so you don't waste anyone's time.
Post: Cash Reserves for Future Down payment vs. for Vehicle

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
When you apply for the loan the bank will look at your monthly cashflow. So if you have an extra $500/mo loan for the vehicle they are going to figure that translates to something like $75,000 less purchase power for the house.
That's why your friends say to not have a vehicle loan, because it lowers your purchasing power towards a mortgage.
Post: Am I right in thinking this is a bad deal?

- Boston, MA
- Posts 149
- Votes 57
Run from that shady deal. So many red flags, I don't even want you to waste time thinking about it!