All Forum Posts by: Karen Margrave

@Cory Hinton are people moving because of lack of economic opportunity? Are they moving to areas with newer homes? Are homes that have been remodeled selling or renting ? Are rents low or high?

It's important to understand the market in order figure out where it's going.

@Shane Womboldt Agents want to sell houses, that's how they get paid. For some reason they think they're wasting their time showing you property and that's what needs to be addressed.

You didn't mention price range. Are you paying cash? Are you getting a loan? If so, have you been pre approved and have a letter showing you can get the loan? What type of loan? It may be property won't meet guidelines, so ask.

Let them know your schedule and ask when they can show you properties.

It may be they don't want you bringing a contractor as it requires more time. Here in CA once an offer is accepted Buyer has 17 day inspection period where buyers at their expense can have all inspections done, then request repairs from the seller (which they're not required to do), and then make a decision on whether to move forward.

They don't need to get too deep into the weeds, but you do want to know the main materials. If you have a specific budget you have to fit in, you need to let the contractor know what that is, and then find out what they can offer for that price, or if it's possible. If you are wanting it to match the house and want it to have specific finishes, then the contractor needs to know what specifically you want bid. 

If you already have the plans, etc. it should indicate what is called for on things like siding, etc., type of roof material, etc. When asking for bids make sure you tell them what you want used in bid (granite or tile countertops, flooring - vinyl, carpet, laminate, etc., wood cabinets or composite, etc.) On a small building like that it's not that hard to figure it all out.

@Amalfi Duran give them a sweetheart deal on rent during reno. Have set hours for work. Respect tenants home. You jumped the gun.

@Bruce P. When you're comparing bids you want to always make sure you are comparing apples to apples as far as quality of materials, etc. If one person is bidding formica and the other granite, if one is bidding under counter sinks the other set in, one a tankless water heater the other a standard, one laminate the other engineered wood, one a 30 year roof another tile, it makes a big difference on what you get in the final product, and what the appraisal comes in at. 

Has anyone built the automated garages with the lifts, etc.? Cost per space? Land needed to develop per space? Are there investors interested in this niche? 

@Michelle Reid in hot markets you're more than likely not going to find motivated seller websites. You need to get the names of property owners and track them down.

@Ken Mucha did you know there's a BP meetup in Bend?

@Nick Scapellati if you can post the floorplan, we may be able to help figure out a master suite.

@Lisa Sluss what's the agreement with your broker concerning selling your property? Most times brokers require agents sell their homes through their office.

Curious, what does a showing agent get paid?