All Forum Posts by: Jimmy Dumas

Hello Ted,
Welcome to BP. I am a licensed architect too and work in the NYC metro area. In my opinion, the architect/developer path is definitely the way to go. Also, I have found the BP community very friendly and supportive. Keep us posted !

@Cardwell Thaxton Thank you. It's good to be on board. Also, geographically we are very close. I will make a note to stay in touch.

@Karen Margrave I agree. Simplicity is so important. I have worked on the full spectrum too from high-end apartments in Manhattan to very plain two-family houses near the local college, Rutgers University. The range of experience has probably been invaluable to you like it has been for me. Also, It is great that you have your son involved. I am trying to raise my boys to be more aware of what I am doing.

Right now, my goal is design/build/investment/development in the moderately priced towns near public transportation. It seems to be the way to go around here. Thanks for commenting!

@Kristopher K.

I hear what you mean about the architect thing. Ultimately, if you know what you're doing, that is most important. Keep working towards your goal!

In NYC, there seems to be some up and coming design/build firms that have some impressive websites that are tackling that market successfully. That's where I hope to get to soon. I prefer the multifamily properties or even mixed-use.

I plan to stay active on this site.

@Steve K I have done a little design build before. But now I am fully embracing the concept and looking to do as much as I can coupled with real estate investing. We'll see how it goes. By the way, how's the Orlando market ?

@Jon Klaus I think it's a good opportunity. I'm looking at 1,800 sf with a Modified Queen Anne Victorian style... I would prefer modern but the project is supposed to fit in the neighborhood. No special features since this an entry level type home in this market. Thanks for asking.

@David T. You are right about costs. I used to run into homeowner clients that typically wanted their house or renovation project designed in a way that almost without fail would cost exactly twice their budget... Let's just say that I have developed a sensitivity towards budgets and will heed the fair warning. Time and money, spend it wisely. Thanks for your input.

A few months ago I responded to a Request for Proposal issued by the Economic Development Office in Roselle, NJ to potentially buy a few city-owned lots. After an initial proposal and presentation, it appears that they may provide the opportunity to build 3 to 5 single family houses. Even though I am looking to primarily invest in multifamily properties that require rehabbing, I will not turn down what I think is a good opportunity.

Here are the numbers for one house:

Land: $7,500

Hard Costs: $135,000

Soft Costs: $27,000

Total Development Costs: $169,500

Proposed Sales Price: $225,000

Interestingly, after all of these years designing for investors and homeowners, I find myself in a position to not only dictate the parameters of the design but also to take part in the profit. I’ll keep you posted on that particular project.

So, I’m not sure if there are many architects here on BP. If you are, are you looking to develop single family houses? If not, what is stopping you ?

Please share your thoughts.

@Charmaine M.

Thanks for saying hello. I was looking to join a real estate organization. However, this online site works much better with my schedule.

Hello @Brandon Turner ! I will do my best to jump in. It may take a little time to get up to speed.

I will look for those posts that you mentioned too. There is so much information to absorb.

Thanks. See you around the site!