All Forum Posts by: Dawn Jett

I would continue to list with your flat-fee broker. Realtors want their commission protected when bringing in a buyer. If it's listed in the MLS, a Realtor with a client whose needs match your property will ask to show it. No need to contact the buyer's agent directly.

Dawn

As a real estate broker who lives in San Tan Valley since well before it was called San Tan Valley, just one street over from Queen Creek, values are quickly rising all over. Usually the market slows down at this time, but it's still going strong. When choosing a home to live in, I would choose the one with the lower cost. May pay a little higher taxes, but I'd rather spend $30,000 less on a home than save $100/year on taxes. For an investment property, as a property manager, I have worked with lots of tenants, and never once has a tenant said, I must stay on the Queen Creek side (unless it's because of a particular school their child attends). Now, there's a huge difference between buying/renting in the northern part of Queen Creek and San Tan Valley as opposed to off of Hunt Highway.  I have had many tenants not want to live as far south as communities of San Tan Heights, Morning Sun Farms (in Queen Creek) as well as Johnson Ranch and Copper Basin (San Tan Valley). Had nothing to do with which county, but more of a distance factor. I used to own a home in Copper Basin but now live a bit farther north, though still in San Tan Valley. Those few miles makes a huge difference, except when I have to go to my investment properties in Coolidge and Casa Grande. LOL

Please feel free to contact me, if you have any questions. I know the area very well and would welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Dawn

Hi Seth,

Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

Dawn

That in itself is a good story and a great example of how an investor can help a troubled homeowner. Many, two I have dealt with in the last few weeks, I would clearly agree with the vulture status. Of course, many professions have both good and bad. What matters is if you can hold your head up with a clear conscience, look your kids in the face with no guilt, and make sure the karma bus won't be making a stop at your door step.  

Dawn

Welcome to BP, Solomon! You are right in between the ages of both of my sons. You will learn a lot being on this site, and as I've told many other newbies, read everything you can on real estate investing. Both the library and book stores have a wealth of information.  If you learn one thing from each book or article you read, it's worth it.

That being said, here comes the mother in me. There is no reason you cannot be an investor AND stay in college. Go back to school and learn to invest on the side. You can never replace a good education. You may not learn exactly what you need to be an investor, but you should never put all of your eggs in one basket.  I'm a very busy and experienced investor, but I also have three other businesses for income AND a college education. My degree has nothing to do with investing. Go back to school.

I truly wish you all the best!!

Dawn

Welcome to BP! 

I learned a lot about investing from lurking on sites such as this, reading a ton of books in the library and book stores, and watching other investors in action.

Good luck! Feel free to post any questions. There's a wealth of information and years of experience on this site.

Dawn

If it cash flows, rent it out for a few years.  The property will appreciate in value, which you'll enjoy a little extra cash and some nice tax breaks. 

On the flip side (no pun intended), if you sell, then you can move onto another flip with no tenant headaches. 

I have a number of rentals and also do fix and flips, so I benefit from both.

I thin it's a winner either way. 

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

Dawn

Ugh! Phoenix is so difficult for me, especially at that time. If you have an east valley meeting, I'll be there. But definitely good luck! 

Dawn

Always as an LLC entity.

Dawn

How old is the roof? A/C? Water heaters? Sump pumps (I know they are used in Maryland, but not sure farther south). If not new or nearly new, I would get a home warranty. Well worth it. Pays for itself in one repair.

Are all utilities paid separately? Water? Sewer Trash? Here in AZ, most duplexes and larger multiplexes are on single meter/bill.

Dawn