All Forum Posts by: Julie Marquez

@Brent Salazar I can't believe how much Sedro has grown! There is also so much development going on and I'm still wondering what the skagit transit news it, probably just an increase in routes that is following the boom there.

@Jay Hinrichs I work for a custom home builder in Anacortes WA and I work with clients through estimating and selections, where their options are endless. We attract a different buyer, but there isn't much for the semi custom model in our small market either. I think that's a great niche you have

@Jay Hinrichs Keep sharing pic, it looks like a great development and I love that you offer semi custom finishes.

https://www.ivyridgeestatescan...

@Jay Hinrichs I enjoy a good construction story, especially here on BP. I come from the construction management world and love real estate, but could not find much new build information here on this site. My husband and I started with a god-awful old house rehab and then vowed to build new next. Now we build duplexes to add to our rental portfolio and I realize that I love the development side of the project - finding the land, planning, and putting together a project. I'm working with a friend for an 8 plex, and would love to be involved in a community plat and see what the life of a developer is like. As a 7 year old, I used to draw up floor plans and neighborhoods, and it's still a dream to be a part of something like that. Thanks for sharing your successful stories!

@Chris Sprinz I'd just start with some natural conversation and interest with the owner. Like how'd I'd approach you on this topic right now: What is the house like? What kind of neighborhood is it located? What do you like about the house? What do you plan to do with the house? Why do you want to buy the house? Do you even want to buy the house? Etc.

I have had great success with FSBO houses. The last house I bought was FSBO and once I made an appointment to see it, the seller wouldn't stop talking about the features and showing me everything. I didn't have to ask many questions, he told me everything, but towards the end of the conversation the questions were:

How did you come up with the price? How much interest have you gotten? Do you have closing paperwork (and details on that stuff)? Can you do owner financing?

And for this deal I did all the paperwork and he did seller financing! Good luck, but go in with an open mind and have a curious conversation with him and listen for his pain points or any issues you can help him solve.

@Prashant Acharya Hello and welcome! Learn and take action and you will become wealthy. I'm in Skagit County too, what is the WSDOT expansion in Sedro?

@Tanikia Washington Usually new construction costs are more expensive than fixing up an old house

@Jay Hinrichs When you do this are you paying for all new impact and hookups fees, or do you save something to avoid those fees?

@Jennie Berger I hear of more people looking into ICF construction. ICF = Insulated concrete forms

@Lindsay Massengale Welcome to Bigger Pockets and real estate investing. I say you have a leg up with your project manager and home building background. I'm a construction management grad and have always worked in construction, and I think it translates well to real estate. Your company looks really cool, some neat projects on your website. I work as an estimator for a custom home builder and I love my job too.

@Ryan Tall Congrats on your second property! I'm just speaking for Washington State, but our law has outline how to proceed in all of this. Before we screen a potential tenant, we have to show them our "rental screening criteria." It can range from a couple of things like good credit and no evictions, or be as detailed as you want. Mine is 2 pages and includes getting along with past landlords and neighbors. As you see, that is a huge and important part of the screening process. If I deny a tenant after they apply, the State tells me that I must send them a written letter with a reply.

Here's my advice to you: join your state rental housing coalition group. We have a couple in Washington www.rhawa.org and www.walandlord.org. The couple hundred dollar a year membership provides me with all the forms needed to proceed in a situation like yours. They guide me through the process with the right steps and fillable forms along the way. All the best!