All Forum Posts by: Karen Margrave

You're obviously familiar with those areas and know those markets, so that's a good start. There's some deals that come up there, just make sure you know the neighborhoods, and do comps. Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

Personally I'd stay away. It's a can of worms, with no way of knowing what costs will eventually be. Huge risk! If you want to gamble, go to Vegas, at least you'll have fun!

Go down to the building dept and ask how long it takes to get permits through. Ask what has to be done for the structure to be considered "new' construction. New has many more benefits, as remodeling an old house, you still are selling a remodeled old house.

How extensive is the mold, etc. In Texas can you do that work or do you need specialized contractor to come in and do it?

Are there any homes that have sold recently in the neighborhood? If so, were they bought by investors to rehab and resell? What did they sell for? If you're not sure, call the listing broker and say you're an owner/builder that bought in the neighborhood, and are doing comps, ask them if they can give you info. Most will be happy to do that, wanting to get the listing when it's finishedAlso, ask what they think a home, once completed would go for, etc.

Have a few contractors come over and give you estimates on the things you're not experienced in. (electrical, plumbing, etc.) then use them, it will save you money and liability, in the long run.

Basically, ask alot of questions from different people, and weigh all the options! Good luck.

In parts of Orange County, CA it's 30-60 days! and there are NO REOs to speak of.

It doesn't matter how good your case is, the question is do you want to waste the time and money it will take to fight this? Cut your losses.

Unfortunately, the Democrats have been running California for 60 years, it is what it is, so aside from voting to change things, we need to make the best of it! California is a HUGE state, with incredible natural resources, from the northern end with Mts. Shasta and Lassen. Lake Shasta with 365 miles of shoreline, on the coast we have the Redwoods, in the central part of the state there are beautiful wineries, there's the bay area, in the eastern central mountains there's Yosemite, then the valley with hundreds of thousands of acres of prime farmland, and southern California with beaches, amusement parks, sports teams, cultrual centers, etc. The coastline stretches hundreds of miles from north to south and we have the desert!

California leads the world in new technology, medical research, and many other things.

Many parts of Caifornia will always offer good investment potential. Other parts are depressed with some of the highest unemployment in the country, but will rebound. No other state can boast of having as much as California does! Southern California, especially Orange County is one of the brightest spots in the country in regard to value. Though California has issues, I would never think of moving anywhere else... so please, don't knock our California!!

Congratulations! It came out great. Your floors are beautiful, paint job looks great, tile is fantastic and the outside ozzes with charm! My only suggestion would be on the next one, keep your style consistent, such as color and style of cabinets. Other than that... perfect!

You want to use a name that gets as broad an audience as possible. Maybe: Lone Star Investments, South Texas Investment Properties, or for your cards you can just do your names and tag line about wholesaling, investors, real estate or ? Are you licensed? You may need to put licensing info.

Whatever business name you choose, make sure you check to see if there are other companies with that name, are there fictitious business names filed for the name in your area, corporations, etc., ALSO type it in as a url address www. ?? to see if it comes up or if anyone owns the domain.

Good luck! Enjoy the journey, and never be afraid to ask for help! Nobody...no matter how many years they've been doing this knows it all...some just think they do!

Homestyler is a basic drag and drop program, that easily adds, and connects rooms etc. and allows you to view how the room would look. The renderings are basic, but it does give you a good idea what your layout looks like and how it would live. For detailed renderings, you'd need somethng that allows more detail... and more time to learn!

I think to have a successful site, BP has to have professional standards. Requiring people to adhere to the standard is the only way you're going to build a site that stays relevant and timely. Paying for the "Pro" membership in order to post ads seems like it would be a good investment for the access to active investors. In fact... I better upgrade myself! And.. Joshua, YOU are doing a great job with this site! Thank you.