All Forum Posts by: Tami DuBose

I love these stories. I love vetting tenants, vetting borrowers, vetting deals. I always thought it would be cool to be a private investigator. Now, I'm doing it without a license. I've called employers, family members, the SEC, looked at public records, & all the social media outlets. If my gut tingles, I know I'm going to 'cut' them. I just like backing up my gut.

Of course, I have made some monster mistakes - despite my gut.

It's part of the real estate investor journey. And, without these mistakes, I wouldn't have much to talk about at parties.

@Jeremy H. - @Ned Carey is correct. That lien doesn't affect her ability to rent the house out. Prairieville rental property is a premium for the right location. We have excellent schools.

Feel free to call me. I'm reading "found out". . ."after she got those years filed". How new is this 'lien'? Has she seen it on her credit report? Just wondering if she might be ahead of the actual filing. How does she know the lien is actual public record? Or, have they threatened that the lien is coming?

If she's ahead of the lien, & there are no public traces of it being filed - transfer that house out of her name - Shhh - did I just put that in writing?

Call me 225.773.711one

@Jessica Kegler, I'd like to know what agent is telling you this. I've been in Baton Rouge a VERY LONG TIME, working in this industry even longer. I bet their broker never heard of such nonsense. I'd like to call their broker with this insight. Feel free to call me 225.773.711one

@Brandon Johnson, I think the consensus is "she has to go." You have plenty on your plate. If you need help, let me know. I have a way with telling people they have to go & they still like me.

@Jessica Fatel, every parish's permit process is different. I encourage you - before purchasing a flooded/gutted house to rehab, call that parish's permit office to confirm the extent of the permit process. I pulled permits for 4 of my East Baton Rouge properties (not a GC, just me) for post flood reconstruction. I did NOT need electrical or plumbing (well, that's what I told them.) Electric always requires a licensed electrician.

I manage my projects, but I don't flip. I buy/hold.

I wouldn't partner with a GC. Yet, that could motivate him. Bonuses are also a good motivator.

I hope your friend has some real pull with contractors as anyone with a reputation is booked up for the next year.

@Richard McCray, @Brandon Johnson & @Robert Leonard might offer some additional insight as we're all working on properties in the flooded areas. 

You're also welcome to call me for their contact info.

Side note on partnerships - They're a quick way to lose a friend. EVERYTHING must be in writing. I'm sure there are a number of posts in BP about partnerships.

@Jim Brophy, like @Rip Rittell, Lane Bennett does my hard money loans & can be very creative when needed. Chad Reynolds is a sharp guy & a fellow investor. Pat Miller at Preferred Title does my personal buy/hold. His "closing secretary" Connie previously owned her own title company in Florida before marrying a Louisiana beau. Lucky for Pat.

Feel free to ask any title company for a list of their typical fees. Remember, here in Louisiana, title attorneys fall under regulations by the insurance commissioner. Fees are usually within a few hundred dollars of each other. If not, call them out (if you're stuck with them). 

Find an attorney with whom you can create a relationship &  a few extra dollars may not matter when you realize your calls are returned & emails have responses.

Good luck.

Oh, as for inspectors, as @Robert Leonard noted, prices range 300-500 - the greater the sq footage, the greater the price. Kevin Dinkle, Kiel Harton & Eric Burns are all reputable inspectors.

@Ean Savoy, WCK Foundation is a locally owned, christian family company 225.66four 5956. They do slab foundation work. For pier/beam (above the ground), call Doug Prewitt ASure Foundation 225.27eight 9471. He's old school, hard working. 

Call me anytime. Tami

@Kristen Caccavo - staging is a great idea in that price range. Also, professional pics for MLS. I'm assuming as an agent, you're listing it. Yes, homes sell faster if they are staged. Still, if you're pricing it below comps, you may not need to stage it. As you know, before the flood, inventory was low. Houses are moving.

@Richard McCray has used staging. I don't know whom he uses.

Robyn Eunice of Supreme Realty stages. You can find her on FB. Don't let the fact that she's a fellow agent keep you from calling her. She is one of the most loved people in GBRAR. 

I hope this helps. Feel free to call me for Robyn's number. My number is below.

@Kevin Polito, in Louisiana, I pay $300-400 for an elevation certificate. Also, I buy my flood insurance through private insurance & NOT through a typical agent who quotes directly through FEMA.

I'm excited to announce a new meetup group for Louisiana Hard Money & Private Money . We had our first meet/greet this month to feel out the response. A dozen people attended. I was proud of that.

The response was enough to prompt reserving a room in Gonzales for the next meeting. If you're in the area, please, join us.

Tami DuBose, your Louisiana Hard Money Maven, serving East Baton Rouge, Ascension & Livingston parishes.