Property Ladder Junkie Whore Style

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. 

Comments

[JennShady]

I believe in Molokai!

[linda]

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!