All Forum Posts by: David Chwaszczewski

@Aristotle Kumpis

Send me info.

[email protected]

@Fantasia Bowser

I am originally from Eastampton NJ.  When looking at evaluating a property i always look at the BIG ticket items first.  Foundation, HVAC, Plumbing, Electric and Roof.  They have the biggest impact on us buying a property. I know in Willingboro most homes were built in the late 50's to early 70's.  If you invest there you will have to make sure that you familiarize yourself with local building codes.  I say this because its the little things that add up when you go to get a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) to sell the home.  You should call the township code enforcement and ask for common issues in the area you are looking at investing and see if they can help.

Good luck!

The address in fort mill is one of Wells Fargo's mortgage centers.  I live next to it. Just fyi.

I worked at Home depot over 15 years ago.  When i was hired i had helped with installing carpet with a friend so they put me in the Floor and Wall department.  I worked there for almost 4 years and by that time i knew all the basics of all departments, but became a flooring expert.  Home Depot did do training and most of my experience came from being self taught and getting involved with any projects i could get my hands on.  Fast forward to present day and i have built/renovated lots of homes and have a deep understanding of how all materials work and their purpose. 

I know you say BIG BOX STORES, but what about contractors who show up to bid on jobs  and you have to interview to see if they know what they are doing?

I think it comes down to the individual and not just the store itself.I think that if you have a great understanding of a trade you would not want to work for a few dollars an hour when you could have your own company making much more.  I have meet over the years some knowledgeable individuals in these stores who could work for a big company or themselves but chose not too.

 I am sure there are a ton of knowledgeable experts in these stores, but you just have to find them.

Just my 2 cents

@Adam Drummond I am a licensed builder in SC.  You have to have 1 year experience working with someone who is licensed.  As far as i know you don't have to work full time for them, just under them for at least a year.  If you can find someone who is licensed in your area and offer to help them part time that should work. After a year they sign off saying you meet the requirements.

The test is 2 parts.  The Business and ethics is 2 hrs and the builder test is 4 hrs.  I finished both in under 4 hrs and i didn't feel it was hard, just need to know where to find the answers to the questions.  

Any questions feel free to reach out.

Here in Charlotte prices seem to still be rising in most areas. On some projects we are doing we have been fortunate to get more then our initial ARV when we first analyzed the deal. I keep hearing about a large shadow inventory of homes that are just sitting unoccupied or home owner is in foreclosure that banks have not acted on yet, my understanding it is the 10yr ARM's coming up that will drive up foreclosures. If that is true it we could see a price reduction in home prices.

Is there an HOA? I would look into that and see if you can get a copy of the latest meetings before you buy a condo for a rental. HOA can make it hard for investors, especially if the board members reside in the community. Have you considered S8 as a rental option?

Great Tip @Joe McCall I am going to spend the morning setting this up.

Usually there will be a clause that you cannot sell the property for 90-120 days after you purchase the property.  You may want to get clarification on how long you must own it for before you can sell it.

One thing to consider is that if you have RR tracks in the back yard you may have a hard time renting to a family with younger children (safety reasons).  Even in a good neighborhood and school district.  We were looking at a home that sounds similar to the one you are looking at and that is why we passes on it.  I felt that I would not live there for that reason and that was enough for me.

Hope this helps!