All Forum Posts by: Michael Gravallese

@William Huston go to the building dept and ask them what is up. If it has been sitting that long I’m sure all the permits are expired. They should be able to explain what is needed from you to get the project permitted again, and what, if anything that was approved, permitted, built and inspected is actually salvageable.

Good luck!

@Darrell Paden if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. How bad do you want it? Pretty much sums it up. Go for it!

@Brock Holliman I ageee. We build in Palm Beach county for about that too. $250 sq/ft is what you would pay for a high end waterfront home maybe

@Jeff Minser, start with what you know. Go to the building dept and check the status of the permits and work it backwards from there. Property appraisers office or tax records will uncover ownership info. Shouldn’t be difficult. Good luck

@Kai Van Leuven, I think there is an explanation rather than a loophole. Work it backwards and find out what it is. Research the lots or buildings you see this happening to, and then find some listings in that immediate area and see how they are being marketed, you maybe able to find some info from a good realtor that did their homework in figuring out the highest and best use for the property. I would also go to the city and ask them what you can and cannot do with your lot, and don’t be afraid to ask about the projects you see and are wondering about. There has to be a reason, find out what it is. Good luck

@Kai Van Leuven go to the city and see if they recently implemented an overlay district or revitilization zone in the area. They sometimes give density bonuses in these areas where they want to spur development. Variances very seldom work for density.

@Jim Macedon Finding the right builder is definitely a challenge, especially now since things are booming. Everyone is so busy that the crazy numbers are being thrown out there and the contractors are doing the work for the people willing to pay. Your job is to find that contractor more interested in a long term customer or “partner” rather than capitalizing on a quick hit. Offer to pay them fairly and maybe even share in part of the profits to get them excited and keep them interested. I would try and stay away from any builder that also develops. Last thing you need is to be in competition with them. Problem is in this economy, most are doing just that. Best of luck!

@Jim Macedon if you haven’t done a project like this before then abandon. Build a few single families then maybe a small commercial property or two. Make your mistakes, gain some valuable knowledge, amass some working capital, make some valuable connections, then take the bulls by the horns on a 36 unit building. BTW 85k for a lot that allows for a 36 unit building? Unless you brought a .357 to closing, that doesn’t sound right to me. Good luck!

@Bill Nolan. Equity Trust company customer here, very happy one. Opened an account in 2008, have done multiple translations and never once had a problem. They spell everything out on their website so you can manage expectations from there as far as timelines and fees for transactions. Good luck

@Wendy Vaidic I would speak to you attorney and reference the Bert Harris Act if the park is in Florida. I think it may only preserve the rights for the current owner but if the park is titled in a LLC or other corporate entity you may be able to simply buy the business instead of conveying the property and preserve the rights of the current owner. Good luck