All Forum Posts by: Marian Smith

@Michael Rodriguez 84 Lumber used to sell kits. Those would give you an idea of framing/shell costs. The association of builders puts out an annual cost survey/outline for new builds by area with average costs for grading, slab, framing, everything including interior finishes. That would also give you an idea.

@Steve Balinski Paint hardens over time...cures. if you followed the primer instructions for recoat times and also the paint you should be good. Maybe just let the doors dry and harden up before installing. Maybe a week for close to a full cure. Fresh paint scratches pretty easily.

@Greg K. So you are saying owners with delinquent FHA loans now have the option of selling via an FHA approved short sale but only for 4 months?

@Bryan Senker I could see this working with very modern furniture and a few large modern wall art accents. I think as long as it looks clean...and is clean...people will be open to staying in a place quite different from what they would choose for their own home, even welcome a short colorful experience. If it looks like an intentional design motif it will look like a professional "boutique" rental. Think sparse and ikea not garage sale furnishings. My only reservation would be the appeal to the younger market and possibly a "party" place look. Opinion worth price paid.

@Tony Ferrero Home Depot has in stock preformed laminate countertops in a patterned white.

@Ferris Anthony For appraisal purposes, capital improvements but not as much as they cost. If you rehab your improvements as a package will add value...total bathroom remodel with new tile, floor, vanity top and fixtures...your appraiser should be able to add the cost/value to your purchase price. Adding value for obtaining higher rents is similar but you have to know your market for payback on improvements.

@Forrest Faulconer Maybe baby boomer investors who bought entry level homes as investments during 2008-2013. Now they have a choice of selling for top dollar and paying capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes only to put the proceeds in a .8% CD or hold as a cash flowing inflation hedge and allow their kids to inherit the property on a stepped up basis.

@Matt Higgins I'm thinking your adage refers to investing in stocks. In real estate I have read "prices are sticky on the way down," which makes sense because it is difficult to sell for less than what you owe, foreclosures take time, many owners opt to wait it out or rent (reluctant landlords), and lenders often have the wherewithal to operate in their own best interest so they get a bpo , buy their collateral at foreclosure auction vs selling below the bpo and in some markets will hire asset managers to light rehab prior to offering their reo on the mls...in an attempt to be made whole. The last cycle peaked in 2006 and took 4-5 years to hit bottom. From what I am seeing today, re appears to be an elevator on the way up and a long ramp down. Not saying we will not head down that ramp in 2021. I kind of think it inevitable, but who knows. If Biden wins and creates a homebuyer credit the market might get even crazier.

@Dylan Barnard Best time to plant a tree? 10 years ago. Yes, resale value. Plant two and hope one makes it. I like cedar elm as the leaves are very small. Texas native. Fall is a great time to plant. might put a plastic collar around the trunk for protection against string trimmers. I bend a metal gutter grid.

@Simon Obas Flips here are almost always quartz in a solid color with very nice backsplashes. new built homes have either or.