All Forum Posts by: Susan Anthony

Originally posted by Joe Shively:

Moneypenny

The pellet stove does about 85% of our heating with the furnace kicking up the other 15%. Sometime I don't get around to filling the pellet stove(my wife doesn't like to mess with that stuff) so the furnace kicks on. If you kept on top of the pellet stove I would say that you could use it as your only source of heat. Always good to have a backup though. As far as price for the winter heating cost, this will be my first year with the pellet stove so I'll have to post something once the winter is over.

Thanks for the info, Joe. I know someone who is extremely thrifty, and they use a pellet stove to heat their home. So there must be something to that. The only potential problems I can see are if the pellets become difficult to get, the fire hazard, and possible carbon monoxide poisoning. One year in my area, the pellets were hard to get. Perhaps one is better off with a stove that can burn more than one fuel? I've seen those advertised for sale.

moneypenny

Originally posted by Joe Shively:

The pellet stove needs to be vented through a 3"-4" vent. Just like your dryer vent. No need for a chimney. As far as price per month goes I think it would depend on how much the pellets are in your area, the size of the home, and how high or low you have the stove set to. I would estimate that December we used around $75 worth of pellets. Our house is appx. 1200sqft

So were you able to heat you house solely with the pellet stove? And how much did it cost you to heat your house for the whole winter, if you don't mind me asking? Because we pay enough for oil to pay another mortgage in the winter.

moneypenny

Originally posted by Jeffrey Koenig:

Isnt the actual value of the property what you can sell it for?

Yes, exactly. An item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Unless it has sentimental or historic value, but even then, its value is debatable.

Originally posted by Lee V:

Originally posted by Just Don:

The drawback with having a license is you HAVE to disclose to ALL buyers and sellers. AND your prevented from making a deal less than actual value for property.

SOOOOOO 5 years from now some screw ball decides to clean you out because you made a nickel somewhere and they think you SCREWED them without a kiss!!

Really??? I thought once you disclose your role, if the seller accepts your price, the deal is done?

If it's all done legally, why would they be able to sue? And if they agree to sell the property at a certain price and it's all in a contract (that was not signed under duress) how would they have a legal leg to stand on? Besides, if you have a corporation for your real estate investments, and form sub s corporations for each property, there's not much they can sue you for- especially if everything is mortgaged. Whatever, I not going to let some nay sayer burst my bubble. That's why we have lawyers.

moneypenny

I saw some clips on YouTube by the author of this book about economics, and he seems really intuitive and on the ball. I'm thinking of using it for a book report in my American History class. Anyone here get to read it yet?

moneypenny

Originally posted by Joe Shively:

I live in PA and took my real estate licensing classes online and took the tests at the Real Estate Institute. I think it cost about $600. I hold my license with a local company and pay a small amount for office fee's. I my license basically for the MLS and to look at houses with lock boxes instead of contacting my agent and dragging them out.

Yes, that was my reasoning as well. Why not have every possible tool at your disposal to find the deals when they come on the market? And the networking opportunities are far greater for a real estate agent than just your average Joe. And who needs the phony nonsense you have to go through when you call an agent to go see a property? In addition, isn't it nice to earn yourself a commission? :D
Does PA have less initial outlay for real estate agents? I know the cost of real estate in some areas of PA is dirt cheap.

Moneypenny

I used to have an account with BOA, and they were one of the worst banks I have ever dealt with. Never again.

Originally posted by Mr_Investor:

I thought about it but I wondered if it was worth it just to access the MLS going through all the trouble and money just to get your RE license.

When I was a member of the local MLS, it was very enlightening to have access to all the information and search tools on there. However, it now costs $500 per year to be a member of the MLS, which is a pretty steep price to pay- especially if there is no return on your investment. And with the Association of Realtors fee of about $350, it gets very expensive. Where I live, they make you join both, or they take your salesperson's license away. It felt kind of like being mugged, before you even make a cent. And that amount doesn't even include the amount you spend on the real estate course (about $450-500 or more), and all the time it took to take the course (time off from work,etc.). Thankfully, now they have the courses online.
moneypenny

I got my NY state salesperson's license in 2004, and unfortunately found myself in an office with a broker who monopolized all of the action. I spent over $1000 just to get my real estate license and join the multiple listing service, never made a dime, then was told I had to shell out another $500 to join the local association of realtors. So I gave up.
But lately, I am inclined to get my salesperson's license again, and pursue my goals as an investor/future broker more aggressively. There are some amazing deals out there, if you're connected in the real estate community. And I'm going to find them!
Has any one else here become a salesperson in the hopes of being an insider in the real estate community?

Moneypenny :idea:

Originally posted by Tim Wieneke:

Well, you never know when preparedness will serve you - even in the little ways. I was in a car accident last Thursday. I'm alright aside from the neck that won't quit hurting (seeing chiro tomorrow), however my jeep is dead and I've spent pretty much each day since then in bed. With my stock of food and supplies I don't "need" to leave for anything while I heal up.

It's usually not the big things you're preparing for. It's usually stuff that has nothing to do with politics or markets or currency value. I'd prep more for an ice storm or a tornado than I would an apocalypse.

For kicks, here's a newscast from 1982. Sound familliar? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvwMZ-mTwks

Sorry to hear about your accident, Tim.