All Forum Posts by: Karen Margrave

Go to someplace like Petco and ask. You just need to find something that neutralizes the amonia probably. Bleach might work, or something with baking soda. Or google it!

What is the highest amount you've ever paid for a property? What type of property was it? Where was it? What is the highest price you've sold a property for?

I moved from an area that was extremely HOT, with temperatures that could go up to 118 in summers. Every house has air conditioning. We put ceiling fans in every room (except bathrooms and kitchens) to help circulate air. It does also save on air conditioning on those days when it's not really hot. I'd say, replace with energy efficient fans!

Russ Walk, What an inspiration! I had to hand my laptop to my son to read. He works with us in doing real estate development, and I thought your story was too good to keep to myself. Congratulations, keep us posted on your new ventures! and.. even if your cash flow ends up being less than what you have right now, you're off to a great start to building a solid foundation.

Dave Meyer Ok please clarify (sorry if I've missed this) do you want to get the 2 lots and merge them into 1 parcel and build a SFH, or do you want 3 adjoining lots on which to build 3 seperate SFH? What is the trend of the neighborhood? How big would the house (s) be etc.? Is neighborhood owner occupied or rentals?

Dave Meyer Those lots are narrow, so I assume you're putting them together with your lot to give you a generous sized lot, which would make sense. However; in your original post you mentioned the zoning of multi family, so the question is "What is the highest and best use" of the property, once you acquire the other parcels?" What is the current trend for new construction in the neighborhood? Are properties being joined and developed as larger parcels with only one home, or are fourplexes or other multi family being built? You don't want to have a non conforming property, therefore; make sure what you want to do goes with what is happening in the neighborhood.

For value now, look at other similar lots in the area, that have sold, and base your price on that. Pricing is for how the lot is as it currently is zoned, and sits, not for future value. To gain future value requires an investment (zoning change, possible survey, etc.), though quite often sellers think they should get the
Credit for the work you will be doing!

DEVELOPMENT SECRET: One final thing most people don't know. If you buy a property that has a house, or once had a house on it, it's very possible that the building department will give you credit for fees paid by previous owners - Ask about it. In California we get credit all the time for that.

Chris Clothier THANK YOU! It's always great when someone is willing to offer real, practical advice, based on their business experiences. There are so many people on BP with various stages of experience, and no matter how experienced we may be in one area, there is always something new to learn in another. I appreciate your post, and learned something new.

You can buy property without using an agent. There are stock sales contracts you can buy online, that will pertain to your state. Only you know what your abilities are, and whether or not you are versed enough in real estate and the process to act as your own agent. Do you know what disclosures have to be asked for etc., understand the financing contracts that will be used, and the various things involved?

As for REOS and Short Sales, most of those are listed by agents. It is possible in some areas to search MLS to find the properties, and write your own offer if you're not an agent or member of MLS.

YOU CANNOT HOWEVER; BE PAID A COMMISSION IF YOU ARE NOT A LICENSED AGENT.

Remember, just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should! Sometimes the commission you save will look small compared to the costs involved if there's a problem.

In southern California the food trucks have routes with regular stops that they post online, so that people wanting their specific food can find them. Some have routes where they park at the large apartment complexes one night out of the month, etc.

It all depends on what your skill sets are. Are you good with budgeting and pricing products? Do you enjoy working with people? Can you function well under pressure and in a fast paced environment? Do you want to sell one specialty item or a larger menu? Google starting a food cart buisiness, there's lots of information online about starting up.

Please keep us posted if you decide to move forward!

Try Postlets. It sends to several major sites, and it's FREE!!
Plus, you can go in and edit your ad, change the look of the design, etc. I sold a spec house off my Postlets ad that had been sent to Trulia, in about a day!