All Forum Posts by: Patsy Waldron

If you are ready to actually buy any of these properties, why not present an offer? Everyone says that they crunch numbers on 100 properties, make 10 offers and (maybe) have 1 accepted. Make offers (verbally, if you are more comfortable starting out that way) and see what the sellers say. My first property, a 4plex, was that way- I made a low offer thinking there was no way the sellers would even consider it, but they countered.... And within a day we met halfway and had a deal! The moral of the story- don't decide ahead of time that you know what the sellers are thinking or are willing/not willing to consider. Just make offers based on your numbers. Most of them may be rejected (if too many are accepted... maybe you are offering too high), but a couple may stick and then you are are on your way! Good luck.

Everything and everyone I have ever read said to NEVER pay in advance, especially if he is already behind. He will just blow you off after he gets the money.

Definitely 2 bedrooms! Wider tenant base- singles, roommates, young family, someone who wants an office. Higher rent potential, too.

Wow, FANTASTIC tool, @Sunny Burns!! I am going to link this with my personal finance spreadsheet to keep track of my finances, and come loan application time, it will be ready to go!! Thanks for sharing!

Totally agree. Many people need help imagining what living in the house would look and feel like. Staging does that.

When I sold my house last year, I packed up all our belongings and stored them in a storage area in the basement but left the furniture and some (impersonal) wall art. We got two full-price offers within one week and went into contract. Buyers loved the staging and even asked if we would leave a few things (I left them some curtains). It makes a difference!

@Chris Seveney

You sound knowledgeable, so I am going to pigggy-back onto the OP's question and ask my own- approximately how much would it cost to add central air to a 1,100 sq.ft home with a basement?

@Colton S. 

I bet she does! I have one who loves to rub his back on rugs and low pile carpet. :)

@Colton S.

Nice carpet... Adorable dog!!!

Wow, what a difference! Great job on the rehab, house looks awesome.

Definitely line up financing first. Once you have a good idea of what you qualify for (loan amount, interest rate, term), you will be in a better position to make offers and negotiate. Frankly, most sellers won't even consider an offer that doesn't have a pre-approval attached, or if you can't produce it within a few days. It shows the seller you are serious if you have financing already arranged.