Every waking moment right now is consumed with getting an investment property ready for sale. I've watched my sister do it for years now, so I figured it was my turn. Besides, I want a pool for next summer. So since I can have no other thoughts until the rehab is completed, I thought I would record what I've learned so far:
- Make a budget and try to stick to it no matter what.
- Dog urine wreaks.
- Some people live like animals and I'm becoming less certain that it was the dogs that urinated all over the house.
- Ask anyone and everyone you know who they know that knows how to do something you need done. I've saved over $4000 in potential labor costs and immeasurable blisters on my hands just by doing this.
- Sometimes you get what you pay for.
- Every $100 trip to Lowe's adds up fast.
- 1 pallet of sod covers about 500 square feet.
- A yard is always bigger than it looks.
- Not all sod is created equal. Factor in whether your yard gets full sun, shade or partial shade when ordering your sod.
- Do not taunt the sod man.
- True friends will come over and paint with you.
- True friends who come over and paint with you deserve a grilled hamburger or steak depending on how much they paint.
- Just because you always see construction people drinking beer from a cooler every day after 4pm doesn't mean you should too.
- Find a color palette and stick to it.
- Always ask if you can get a designer color matched in a lower grade base paint which means half the cost. Saving $40 is also worth flirting in my book.
- Fill your nail holes before you paint.
- Don't be a sucker, kick the old lady out of the house the day you sign the closing papers. It doesn't matter that she fixed the oven prior to closing. Bring a box to hand to her after the closing.
- Take "before" photos. After you get a room looking all clean and shiny, you'll never convince visitors that "they should have seen it before the work".
- The neighbor across the street with vines growing on the house, baby blue trim and a foyer filled with crap is indeed crazy. Don't talk to the crazy neighbor across the street or make her feel comfortable enough to come talk to you.
- Keep your eyes on the prize.
- Keep telling yourself that you are not afraid to file bankruptcy.
- Pray to Gawd that the sod cutter you left sitting out in the backyard for the lawn crew will be there tomorrow morning.
- Never leave equipment like a sod cutter sitting outside overnight.
- Ask friends if they know anyone with a sod cutter.
I'll keep updating as I learn more.
I believe in Molokai!
Posted by: JennShady | August 09, 2006 at 09:12 AM
At least if you do have to file bankruptcy, it won't be a total loss -- look at all the valuable wisdom you've accumulated!
Posted by: linda | August 20, 2006 at 03:14 PM