All Forum Posts by: Karen O.

Staying the course feels like the right thing despite how hard it is.

I hope this'll table any talk about turning the SocSec trust fund over to WS. 

Those of us with jobs & ER sponsored plans, don't have a choice as WS is our only option until we leave said jobs. 

Buying at a discount makes sense though not if you think things are going a lot lower.  Only problem: no ones knows where the bottom is.

A reminder that diversification is good.

It's a way, if you have no other connections.  

Usually, I prefer to ask for referrals from people I know. Then I check AL and Home Advisor to see if there are any reviews from past clients that can help narrow my search.

In all cases, I'd make the effort to get multiple quotes.

I've never had a job this big.  However, I agree with others who have said "You need both a new GC and a new architect".  

If your GC can't pull a permit for a structural job like this, they ought not to be your GC.  

And don't let the GC cut the beam.  It might be sized correctly for a flush/joist hanger installation.

Where does the govt or the bank come in? They don't.

The loan would be part of the deceased's estate.

Keep paying as defined in your written agreement until told otherwise by legal order.  If payments aren't reaching their destination, put them in escrow so you'll be prepared to catch up quickly when things get back on track.  Someone will come for it.

This isn't an issue to be concerned about.

Good luck.

Eric, 

"Everything will be alright please".  

You're supposed to be scared, excited and a little sick to your stomach and excited and pumped up, too.  It's like starting at a new school or a new job.  All those feelings exist because buying a house, whether to live in or as an investment, is a big deal.  

But, you're also working the numbers, considering the options.  You've decided on what you want and figured out how to pay for it.  You've got a plan and you'll work that plan and adjust it should the need arise.   And you've got BP tools and a community ready to help with answers to your questions.  Do you know how lucky you are?  Most of us didn't have this sort of resource when we bought our first or first 100 units.  

In time, it won't be scary and you'll wonder why you were so anxious.  

Then, you'll be ready for #2.  And even when you encounter problems, you'll get through them one step at a time.   

Good luck.  

Clarification please.  Did you invest $10k after buying for $244k with a 20% DP ($48.8k)?

Facing a cemetery suggests it's across the street.  

Some ppl will be turned off, but many will not.  

I own a house with the cemetery just past the backyard.  It's pretty, quiet, well maintained and the neighbors don't complain about large parties or borrow my tools.

Also thinking of a cemetery where a family member is buried...and it is surrounded by townhouses on 3 sides.  They always appear fully occupied.

In short, I don't think you will have a problem if your units are inviting.

Today's asphalt roofs typically last 15-25 years.  Other materials have different lifespans.  So, roof life will depend on the materials used, the condition of the underlayment and the climate.  Integrity of plywood, ice/water shields, etc. Sun, wind, rain, etc.  Physical damage is a separate.

After vetting, I'd hire a roofing contractor or 2 to get up there and assess the damage.  If they can ID it, limit the scope to it, guarantee their work and fix within the $ concession you got on the purchase, I'd go ahead with the repair.

If they say you need a full new roof, vet some more and get a 2nd and 3rd opinion.  And make sure they are apples to apples on material being used.  Tab vs architectural shingles, roofing paper vs full or partial ice/water shields, flashing, gutters, etc.

Good luck.

Yes.  

You are to blame for not being clear about your wishes. And he's also to blame for not asking how you want the tile installed.  

On the bright side, it doesn't look bad. In fact, it looks rather nice with the granite which is gorgeous.  Thankfully, he didn't install it in a diagonal, herringbone or stacked pattern.  

I would mention it to him so he knows in the future not to take such initiative.  But first, I'd decide if it's worth removing.  If an investment, I wouldn't bother to incur the additional cost or time. If your own house, and time and cost aren't an issue, you'll want it redone because it'll bug you.

If you leave it, consider having him install around the window, all the way to the soffit.  It should help make the wall look taller.

I paid $500 to remove a nasty above ground unit. Bleh! Gives me chills just thinking about it.

Replaced it with a crushed stone patio.  Just add fire pit and Adirondack chairs.