All Forum Posts by: Sherry McQuage

 This answer is about what I would have said...appeal the tax appraisal for the land.  It isn't "fair" that they tax you like it's buildable land, yet won't let it be built upon.  Find a local attorney that deals with this type situation, and get their advice.  Best to you!

 I like the suggestion in the last paragraph!  Keep trying, learning, and "failing forward" and you'll figure out what works for you.  You could also keep talking to people about real estate, and eventually you'll find someone that has similar world views/risk views as you.  Or, if you know of someone who's already doing what you want to do, lean into the relationship and offer to help them (ask them what they need and do it) so you can learn by doing.

There's no "easy button"; I do like the idea of paying a mentor to speed up the learning curve, but that's not always feasible.  Keep learning (Bigger Pockets, talking to people about real estate) and you'll find what works for you.

Best to you!

Hello Zach,

Congratulations on becoming a parent soon!  It's a challenging "job" and so worth it.

My sister lives in Charlotte near Carrowinds.  I live in Pinehurst (golf mecca😂), and the UP Open will be happening here starting Monday June 10.  If you come to town, reach out and we'll meet up to talk real estate!

If you come across some deals in Moore County or surrounding counties, let me know.

Best to you!

For listings around $275k or less, I bring small staging items from home.  I have a collection of fake plants, pillows, bedding, air mattresses, pictures, etc. 

Really just depends on the house. Sometimes I'll invest in "virutal staging" (just disclose in the MLS that it's virtual).

Price, Location, and Condition are the 3 variables that affect how quickly a house will sell.  As the seller's market in my area swings more towards balanced, if one staging tactic doesn't work I'll try another.  Staging does help properties sell faster.

I can't speak about if HOA fees affect home prices, so much as I can mention that some buyers specifically look for no-HOA properties, or must factor in the HOA fee when deciding what monthly mortgage payment they can afford.

If a buyer's finances are tight enough that the HOA fees make them question if they can afford the property, then they're probably not the right buyers.

Some of my buyer clients just want to be in xyz neighborhood, and the HOA fee is just one of those things they know comes with the territory.

I serve Pinehurst, NC, which is internationally known as a mecca for Golf enthusiasts. At the higher end golf communities, HOA fees are expected and that's that.

Are you thinking about buying a property that has a high HOA fee?

 Hello Grace,

I don't know you...and I am also a female.  As much as I hate to admit it, many subs don't...respect women and will lie/deceive/misrepresent things, especially when they know you're new to this type of thing.  Hiring an experienced home inspector (who used to be a GC) sounds like a good idea.  

You will learn a lot no matter what route you use.  Also, since you are living in the property that you'll be renovating, please make sure you are not leaving yourself (and your possessions) at risk of theft or worse.

Hiring the expensive GC that you have confidence in will cost money.  Going with the less expensive GC will cost money in ways that can be really frustrating and expensive.  An experienced sub with good-looking work probably needs to be tried at a later date, not on your first addition/upgrade.

You could also keep asking people for other GC referrals..."if you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur," ---Red Adair

Best to you!

Very interesting solutions!  I will try the enzymes, and white vinegar with kitty litter next time.

I sold a house with beautiful wood floors...seller's cats would go to 3 specific corners and urinate.  Buyer had to have those sections of the floor replaced as they were too saturated to save...wood had turned black there.  Ugh!  At least the cats favored 3 corners, and not the entire floor area.😁

Ask the real estate agent, general contractor, property managers you intend to use.  They might know of some deterrents for a particular area that are effective.

Good luck!

 I understand why you suggest flat paint for walls....and I hate flat paint!  If you have kids or pets, flat painted walls absorb stains, sweat/slobber, and are difficult to wipe down without damaging the wall.  Eggshell for walls is my preference.  It's just my opinion.😁

Depends on if crawlspace or slab...depends on if you can find a dependable plumber you trust.  Keep in mind, many tradespeople are getting older and retiring and there's not many going into the business, so it could cost more to wait to replace.  Just a thought.

Depends on if you have cash reserves to cover the pipe replacement now; if not, you could save a certain amount each month to put towards eventual replacement.

I guess you just have to decide if you want to pay to have the pipes replaced now, or at an unexpected time in the future.  If there's not much else "wrong" with the property (or if it's relatively new), you might choose to go ahead and pay a plumber to get it over with.

Definitely use polybutylene pipes as a "negative" when negotiating the purchase price.

With inflation, tradespeople retiring, and the growing population moving to the area, it might well be less expensive to have them switched out sooner rather than later.  Only you will know which is better for your situation.  I like to "idiot proof" buy and holds to minimize repairs.

Best to you!