All Forum Posts by: Marian Smith

I have tried  carpet powder and it worked for a month or two but I no longer have access to the vacuum cleaner so buying a vacuum is about the same as buying $135 worth of flooring.  i am just having trouble imagining what happens when laminate flexes too much, the tongues break and the floor then separates I presume, but it aught to hold together for a year.  but I guess $135 isn't a huge gamble.  Worse case I'll have to lug it all to the dumpster.  sucks for the environment.

Hi, I am renting an apartment for a year and I want to put $.59 cent laminate over the carpet in a 13x13 den because it smells like musty dog when it rains outside--owner, when asked,  told me it is a no pet complex but whatever.  I am thinking this will work better than carpet deodorizesand will look better too.  The carpet is very low pile but I am sure there is a pad.  But I just need it to stay together a year....I think it will but thought maybe someone here has experience.  (I have installed plenty of 8mm laminate over felt but this is 7mm and carpet obviously is thicker than felt.)  There is a unit below me so I am sure the landlord won't want the carpet removed for sound deadening reasons andI am sure he won't pay anything either...reputation around here.  I have a rug but it s 5x7.

Sounds like Carmax, which has done very, very well..but with cars obviously.  I can see there being a market for this to some extent; people are busy, lazy and like immediate gratification--me included.  If most people put 3% down on a newish house and move in 7 years, all they can expect is to break even.  The appreciation and equity over 7 years are consumed by selling costs and the wear and tear on carpets, walls, appliances, roof, HVAC etc.  If they can move forward easily with 3% down for the next place by signing a piece of paper,  I can see the attraction.  Some flippers net very little per property but have high volume and do quite well.

Go to the auction at the courthouse steps. Arrive early and talk to anyone approachable who seems to know any of the other people there. Don't ask stupid questions but maybe ask if any of the buyers present routinely sell to other investors or do theyalways list on the MLS if they sell immediately--that way they know you're not competition because you do not have cash and/or are afraid of possible title issues. Maybe ask why the investors don't knock on doors and try to buy before the auction. afterwards ask one of the trustees if they would sell for opening bid if contacted within the same day or 24 hours. then let us know :-)

One guy here buys at auction, rips out the carpet and cleans, then sells as a fixerupper owner finance for 10% and at 40% above purchase price.  I have only seen a few of his, but what a business model.

I have routinely seen "$1500 carpet allowance with acceptable offer," on listings.   How do those work?  Or are some underwriters okay with carpet allowances.

 I often wondered why sellers never offered 10k for paint, flooring and counters because investors want twice that or more to buy a cosmetic flip.  But I can understand that banks consider the property over valued as collateral if the buyer gets a 10k "repair allowance" at best and an invitation for fraud in any case.

Not being argumentative, just trying to understand.  If it is the sales contract it is disclosed.  Does the bank not see the sales contract?

Is there any reason why the deal has to be included on the HUD? If it is an addendum, couldn't you expect the seller to fork over the money after closing much in the same way you expect the seller to leave behind the washer and dryer if that is in the contract? And if the seller does not, couldn't you file a claim and get a judgement? small claims court? it is a contract afterall.

Obviously no one checked the link---light construction/handyman.  I can't imagine why they call themselves flat fee unless they bill by the hour.  I use a plumber who bills by the hour and lately I think he takes his sweet time unless he gets a call and needs to go somewhere else, but it worked well in the beginning.  I think someone experienced who doesn't want to mess around with bids can make it a win-win.  I have used handyman by the hour too.  but only ones referred by someone who has used them.  But a large company?  you could try them on something small.

You should at least be able to have the amount deducted from the sales price at closing--not a rebate but the bank should be happy as it lowers the amount financed--no experience here, just thoughts.  Must be why people use special rehab financing, banks only loan more than market value if they can make sure the overage is put into the house and by  licensed contractors, but what a pain and added expense.