It never ends with this code crap. Still don’t have my permit. Every time they add something new. I think i am done with handymen– going to upgrade to contractors only. Can’t even call for a draw until we get the permit. The lender has 30k of my money that i can’t get to.

Found out that once you add bars to the windows, you now have to upgrade the windows in the bedrooms to present day code. So now i have to order 4 new windows.

Closing on a new one. Working on how to switch names in the middle of escrow so you can flip. Lots  of aggravation but i think i did it. This one is going to be sold at auction– can’t deal with more code.  Put up all cash rather than deal with hard money lender crap.

This is a trial and error method because things are so different this time. Once i get it right, it will be cookie cutter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UotGbauCSwY&layer_token=ffb5525e30bf1639

Now i find out the ceiling of the laundry room is one inch too short, Got to tear off the roof and redo.There is no way i could have known about this before i bought it. No code violations showing. Next one gets flipped.

Just found out the new property i am  under contract to buy needs to be inspected by code before we close. No way i am closing until i see that report, Sneaky realtor thought he would wait until 2 days before close to spring this on me. Checking to see if i can get my deposit back because of non-disclosure if i don’t like what code says.

Thank goodness i am leaving for vacation tomorrow. No phone or email for 8 days.

I found out that since i put bars on the windows i now have to follow all the latest code for windows. Which means i have to replace because a fireman has to be able to crawl through.The problem is i am getting conflicting opinions from contractors and the city about size of window and what kind. Some say double glazed is ok and some say it has to be title 24.(whatever the heck that is)

We are going to have a class on code regulations soon. We all need this.

When dealing with code, don’t use unlicensed people.  Basically when dealing with code– DON’T. Got a good lesson on video for you-COMING SOON.

All kinds of picky,picky stuff that has to be re-done because my guys were not code savvy.

Code guy looked at every little thing in the house. Illegal laundry room being done by LICENSED contractor.

I have rehabbed hundreds of houses and most always never bothered with code requirments. This is the first time i got in deep and boy am i sorry. From now on, i will stick to properties that i can rehab without calling in the gestapo.

Finding out tomorrow what has to be done.

Almost nothing passed except for garage conversion. New window should have been double pane (no one told us) so we have to put in a brand new one again. No wonder people do illegal work.

Jersy city has one, is Ca. next?

Great boost for sales. Things are looking up.

Do you realize that it took 7 years for the last downturn to happen and we have accomplished a 40% drop in only 2 years?

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2009/05/29/how-to-get-the-8000-first-time-home-buyer-credit-upfront/

Finally! Almost done everything else. Can’t go further without inspector. (what fun). Thank goodness i have my code lady Diahanne Paine to meet with him. I am clueless about code stuff.

Still waiting for code approval of my plans. Can’t go further. Frustrated because we are close to done on other stuff.

Getting ready to close on new deal.

Got 2 deals and need partners. If you have some cash to invest with me, contact me. I have different exit strategies that can work. I would love to holds some of these deals that will cash flow but 4 loans and i am done.

Still waiting for plans to be approved from City for “illegal” laundry room so we can go ahead. Section 8 going to pay us $2200 pr month.

These are not even bad ones. Got the formula now. Who wants to be my partner?

Here is the link from our bus trip with Pete Youngs.

http://kcet.org/socal/2009/05/time-to-buy.html?__utma=1.2605620693637657600.1243888182.1243888182.1243888182.1&__utmb=1.2.10.1243888182&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1243888182.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&__utmv=-&__utmk=164578879

 

Fast forward to 3:37 and you will see our clips.

This is a big deal and should be used in your ads to attract buyers,  Most do not know about it. This article explains how it works.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html?portlet7

for code to approve plans for “illegal” laundry room. Can’t go further with much until that.

Showed up on Sunday to whip my handyman into shape. I can’t get him to understand that this is now and that was then. You can’t take months to get the house done. I just had to write a big check to the hard money lender for the interest from 3–6 months.

Still making lots of offers that go pending before i even get to then. As i have said before it’s all in the backup. Things fall out of escrow right and left.

Someone sent this to me.

Snopes.com  says this is true.   See this site - http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp 


This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'. The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling fr om the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in  Arizona  ?' 

When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud inve stigation.. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number lis ted on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security.'

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works.   The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?' After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do, and hangs up. 

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question... Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.
< br> Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card  Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a 'Jason Richardson of Master Card' with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instruc ted by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening. 

 If this is a foreclosure lull, i hate to see what full force is. I have made so many offers but every one is pending by the time i send my offer in. i know folks are making blanket offers on everything without seeing them. I have been warned that the banks will put you on their you know what list if you do this but it is hard. Every morning i look at the new ones but can’t always get out there that day.

I really have to do a lot of followup because many fall out of escrow. Looking at joint ventures with partners to either put up money, do the work, or qualify for loans. If  you fit into one of the categories, email me.

L.A. is not as bad as most. Prices in already hard hit area are leveling off. More downturns to come in nicer areas. (gulp– where i live) Doing a refi and sick at the appraisal.

Read the full article

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2009/05/26/a-look-at-case-shiller-numbers-by-metro-area-9/

There are folks out there both past and present who put their lives on the line every day for you.

Take some time to focus on the fact that if it were not for these brave men and women we would not be free to do the things we do-like make money in real estate.

One of our own members, Lynette Jones, is right now training for her re-ploy to Iraq after spending years there already. Please keep her and the others in your prayers.

Lots of changes you should know about:

http://www.walletpop.com/credit/credit-cards/article/_a/bbdp/what-the-cardholder-law-means-to-you/490579?icid=main|htmlws-sb|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fcredit%2Fcredit-cards%2Farticle%2F_a%2Fbbdp%2Fwhat-the-cardholder-law-means-to-you%2F490579

New program just announced. More info at our upcoming foreclosure training on June 6,7.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/14/short-sales-treasury-depa_n_203608.html

Laundry room is illegal. Have to submit from scratch plans like I am adding a whole new room. Lesson: Check with cty to see EXACTLY what is permitted. Building and safety did not even catch this the first time.

 

I have a mentor too. He teaches me about business and marketing I hate to learn the hard way. I want to learn from someone else’s mistakes.

Anyone who wants to get ahead has mentors. I have a financial mentor and a trainer also.

Want to get ahead in real estate? Check out my mentoring program.