All Forum Posts by: Jean Bolger

That's a hard question to answer because there are many different types of properties that end up in foreclosure, and many different approaches to buying/selling them. Some of them will be easy transactions, some will be complicated. For example, if you're looking at HUD homes, you'll have one set of rules and conditions to be aware of, and if you buying at a foreclosure auction you'll have a whole other set of concerns.

@Dustin Zentz I agree- I'm always trying to convince my musician friends that it's worth putting effort into getting into some property. 

I do worry that Denver's current surge in prices is going to squeeze a lot of the 'artist class' out of Denver. That's what happened in Boulder County in the 90's, and why a lot of us ended up in Denver. And frankly, if I were a young artist faced with the prices here I would probably either move to a city like San Francisco or Seattle where there would be more established artistic outlets, or go to a place that had a considerably lower cost of living and a burgeoning creative scene (..Detroit?)

He can't really argue that those Fed Pacific panels are OK because they have worked "without issue". That probably means they don't cause the tenants 'problems" by tripping very often. Unfortunately, that's just the problem- they don't trip when they need to trip. I agree that any  landlord knowingly leaving these in place is taking on a huge liability. He's been lucky. I would focus on that issue and compromise by backing off on the boiler (assuming taking on that expense doesn't ruin your numbers)

For a first duplex I would say no. You'll end up with less than 10k on hand after you close and that can burn up in a hot second with big repairs like that. Don't let yourself get bogged down by bad choice right at the start (save it for later, lol)

Just because a seller has lowered the price considerably doesn't make the property a good deal. And also- you won't know until you walk away if they really won't go lower.

Glad you posted an update @Dustin Zentz. I remember reading your original post, and am delighted you've gotten off to such a strong start. 

It depends on what you are using your website for, and how import and or serious you need to look. www.MattGHeartSurgery.com? Um, nope. I think it's fine for real estate though, which is a people centered business

You've got a good point about nobody being able to spell your name-- unless you want to buy up the domains of all the possible misspellings and set them to redirect then you could really diminish people's ability to find you. I see you're an agent... if it's primarily an informational site to get clients to work with you then a friendly, accessible name like Matt G Realty might be good. Especially if your overall affect is more relaxed. If you're a very businesslike suit-and-tie guy, maybe not so much...

Maybe you need a tag line "Need a home? See Matt G!" or something like that. OK, I know it's a little cheesy, but you want something that will stick in people's minds -- and cheesy things do that!

42nd and Hooker is a very hot neighborhood, both for renters and homebuyers. According to the MLS they are pulling in 4,256/mo in rent, and the rents are pretty reasonable for the area. Yes there are places where you can buy at 20k a door, but Denver is not one of them, LOL (and the 20k units aren't the kind of places that rent for 1000+ a month.)

That place is certainly not a cash flow monster, but might be a good option for a 'house hacker' who really wanted to live in that neighborhood

I'd strongly suggest not starting with a fourplex as far away as Virginia, as someone starting out. Just the cost of getting out there to check up on it (and you will definitely have to do that) will eat up  a big chunk of your profit.

@Bryan O. 

Not  sure about the proper lingo, they're the one piece things with the dryer on top, usually smaller to fit in a closet type space.

Sorry, car & trucks somehow just isn't a category that draws me in. The "General" section, though, is great -- you never know what kind of awesome randomness will show up :)

Just though I'd mention that while I was  scrolling through appliances for sale on Craigslist today  (so, I am easily amused; don't judge me) I noticed  an oddly large number of those one piece apartment sized washer/dryers for sale. Just thought I'd mention it because at one point I was looking for one of those and had a hard time finding it, and the new ones are expensive.

hope this helps somebody :)

 George, I was referring to quite a while ago and was just using that to point out that fashionable areas change. If you can predict (guess??) the path of fashion you can do very well on investments. Right now that area is one of the priciest in the city. But it was downright scary at one point