All Forum Posts by: Susan K.

Ok, thanks for clarifying. 

My 2 cents, as a professional courtesy I think YOUR agent should have mentioned right away that he was related to the seller.  While it might not be a legal requirement, it is a professional courtesy.  In my state we only have to disclose we are related if we have a financial interest in the property, but if I was representing someone as their AGENT I would sure mention by the way this is my "FIL's" property.  

Just curious if your profit takes in account what you have to pay to Uncle Sam or are you doing 1031 exchange?

Nice reno.  My guess would be a combination of floor plan and price.  I can see a certain amount of people not comfortable with being able to see full view of the kitchen from the front entrance.  Especially a messy cook.  I'd also give it more time for that price range.  Not as many can afford a 500K house.

I love dogs and I vote no, no, no.  If anything you will upset the neighbors when they see 3 pitts in the yard.  As others said, review your asking rental price for the area and also make sure any photos you have advertising the property look really good.  Sometimes a bad photo will deter potential renters.

Make sure your contract is contingent on inspection, financing and appraisal.  Also, the equipment that comes with the sale, list the inventory as well in the contract.  Definitely get comps on the house from a local realtor. 

It might be less risky for you to start by investing where you live.  You can get on the ground and do your research and learn the market where you live in my opinion easier than out of state markets.  As far as contractors - same thing you can go look at their work if they are local, much harder to do long distance.  It takes a while to find honest, competent people.

If you have access to the property get it inspected before you make the offer.  Most banks will not let you put a contingency on the offer as the other poster stated, they sell it as is.

I took my class on-line and it was great.  Can't remember the school, but I had on-line practice exams that you take until you consistently score 90% or higher, then you are ready to sit for the exam.  It was good to be able to take the class in the comfort of my own home with no distractions.

I have taken continuing ed with Bob Hogue school and they are good as well.

I believe you can go on the State of FL DBPR site and pull a list of approved RE schools.  I would start there.

I agree Keller Williams would be a good starting point.  I started with them and they have great training and also a mentor program.  I am now with a transaction fee only broker which suits my needs at this time, since I've been licensed for quite a while.  Good luck.