Live & Flip

Thank you burgular

This post is a shout out to the crooks in my neighborhood.  Thank you for breaking my backdoor window.  Had it not been for you I would have never even thought to replace it.  In my quest to fix the broken window and every window replacement company quoting me close to $200 for a 19 inch by 15 inch double pane window, I started searching Lowes.  I happened across the same exact door that I have.  Only this door had a full window with mini blinds in it.  Noticing it was an insert, I promtly order...

No Third Rental Yet

I was unable to refi on my third rental.  I needed another 13k in liquid assets in order to make this happen.  To be honest, I'm not entirely disapointed.  What started out as a good deal has really turned into a sour one.  Mostly due to the amount I would have to bring to closing.  Originally it was just closing costs.  Then fannie mae dropped refi from 80% to 75% and during the long delay to refi the house dropped 10k in value.  Mostly due to investor interest and flippers in my rental area.  ...

Lots going on

I'm failing a bit at my goal for one blog post a week.  I really just need to set time aside each week.  Lately my time management has not been great.  SO I have to resort to an  update again.My rental is still vacant, but I have a section 8 tenant that is approved and nearly ready to move in.  This is a little property and my new property manager handles plenty of sec 8 tenants.Speaking of property manager, they have taken quite a headache and time sink off my shoulders already.  I estimate I s...

Snowstorms and Property Management

This is just a quick update on what is happening. On my rental that had the water leak, I had another issue.  A 30+ year old Russian olive tree couldn't take the weight off a recent very wet snow storm.  The whole tree fell over.  It appeared to be rotted near the center of the trunk.  I have spent my evenings doing tree removal.  It has taken 3 trips so far and I have removed about 2/3 of the tree.  I went out and bought an electric chainsaw.  Don't laugh, that little 3 Hp bugger has gone th...

Playin in the Dirt

Now that springtime is upon us I can't help but play in the yard.  Yard work drives me.  Inside the house is ok, but my time is best spent in the yard.  In my backyard I have two cloths line poles that are likely original.  There is also a concrete path that follows the lines.  The layout is similar to most homes in the area.  Since I have a modern dryer in the house, there is no need for the line.  If I ever had to dry closes outside, I have string and a tree.  One pole is near the house and wi...

Progress Report 4/2

I thought now would be a good time to check up on what I have accomplished and take a look at where I am headed. My own home. -I contacted a buyers agent.  Found a house (3/1) in an older neighborhood.  I picked up the house for 90k with a VA loan.  Current market value is 125k.  -Minor repairs throughout.  Replaced the locks.  Bringing the lawn back to life.  It looks pretty good actually. -Security system. -Replaced the original furnace circa 1954. -New gate.  Slightl...

Unplanned Addition

Meet Wendell. He's the reason for my next project.  A new gate.  Btw, for those wondering, he is a 1 year 3 month Australian Cattle dog mix (blue healer). I got him from the Denver Dumb Friends League.  Its an outstanding shelter in my area.  The previous owners dropped him off because he kept stalking their older cats.  Cats don't like to be herded apparently.  Who knew! I want to keep my house with that cottage feel.  I think a standard double swing gate gives off a fortress feel.  I...

New Furnace

After a two week delay my furnace was finally installed. The delay came from incorrect measurements.  I had three bids on the property.  Two bidders told me my gas meter would have to be moved in order to get the new furnace into the crawl space.  The third never mentioned that the meter would be problem.  By chance the third guy was the one I asked to install my new furnace. Salesmen are not installers.  The installers took one look at the crawl space opening and said the furnace would not f...

Finally time to post again

I do apologize for no post in awhile, but frankly I had very little to post on.  This is a live and flip, so I'm doing what I can within my budget.   So what could have possible caused me to wait this long to post?  Obviously something kinda expensive.  You guessed it, a new furnace. So the here's the scoop.  When I purchased the house, my home inspector told me the furnace was an older model about 20 years old.  We had a cold day this summer (45 degrees at night), so I decided to test the fu...

Peace of Mind

I had my security system put in yesterday.  The main reason is simply peace of mind.  My neighbors all have security systems or at least signs for security systems.  Crooks generally take the path of least resistance, the house with no security system.  That left me more vulnerable then if none of my neighbors had one.  Since my neighborhood is still recovering from some of its dark days, it was really a no brainer.  It took the gentleman about 4 hours to install.  Fairly professional job.  Ever...