All Forum Posts by: John Griswold

 After the one year period, the Sherriff's deed clears all other encumbrances on the property in Georgia. So you don't have to worry about their liens after that period. Georgia isn't the easiest state to buy tax deeds, but it is pretty safe.

When I'm looking for someone local, I do the search on here, then start watching their posts to get a feel for standards. 

I could show you how to do an eval on site if you need help.

Do you feel comfortable doing evals yourself or would you like some local help? There is a hard money lender from Smyrna on here should you need one.

You're right Aaron. The specs make a difference. I was making assumptions, my mistake. Most investors that I know use 1/4" engineered floors on their properties which has quite a price difference than the 3/4" that Aaron mentioned. Before we answer your question correctly Emma, it would help to know what kind of quality you're looking for and what you're willing to spend.

Emma, a solid wood floor will cost considerably more than engineered and is much more mess and time consuming. 

Kudos on your ethics Kim! Whatever you change about the way you do business, keep up the openness and honesty! Word of mouth is the best advertisement, and if a seller knows you can close fast, they can recommend you to other people. May I ask how your rehab evaluation looks? Investors like to see solid facts and straight numbers to be willing to put their money out there, even if they like and trust you as a person.

I lived in Charleston for a few years. Its the only town I would consider owning investment property in from a distance. I would recommend getting more familiar with Mattoon before investing there though. Joni McClure from Neoga, IL is an awesome realtor and knows the area. 

Is the AC in the wall a necessity? If so, You might replace it with a newer black or white unit, then pick up some trim and frame it out like a fireplace with a mantle on top. make it look like it is supposed to be there ;) Since you will occupy and your tastes aren't Victorian, look up "black trim" on Houzz and it can help you find a balance.

Gorgeous house! First of all, paint: Consumer Reports on paint. The $28 paint at the bottom is a favorite of mine. Question 1. If you don't have floor sanding experience, don't even consider doing it yourself. Really. You could buff them a little,  but sanding and staining will empty your budget fast! Leave the posts white no matter what other colors you use. And don't ever paint trim to "match" stained wood, they will clash. 2. Thats a tough one. Consider who you are renting to and decide whether or not it will matter  to them. But yeah, its ugly. 3. I like modern style, but it doesn't go with the this house. Black looks incredible as trim paint and then placing a single black piece of furniture in that room. But you can find furniture that will go with the house for less $$$ than modern. White with neutral damask are your best bets. 4. Don't do more work than necessary on rentals. As a property owner, we can implement ideas we love, but not everyone will like it as much as we do. The fireplace is sweet! Not for this house though. More $$$ spent on your part, and the style doesn't match. With your good taste, you might want to consider doing lofts in an industrial building ;)

Just my opinions, feel free to trash, just don't bash. :)