I just got a call from the realtor representing the property I am buying. They are diligently working away at the bank to OK the short sale offer I made and it looks like it is going to go through. Nothing definite yet but it looks good so far. My only concern is that this property has a septic problem that the previous owner threw in the towel on. Now it my be that the spread of the price I am paying compared to what he had already put in it is great enough to make the price of the septic worth it. but I really will not be able to know for certain until we start working on it. It also needs a new roof and I am sure a few other things that I can not yet see. but hey, that is the adventure, and I am ready to begin.

searching

I have been searching the MLS for properties with the intent of getting into either a fix and flip or a buy and hold and rent property. I have a pretty good idea of the locations that I feel I need to look in based on price and resale. Many of the properties that are listed as Foreclosures or REOs are in fairly poor condition. In most cases this would not be a problem as I intend on fixing most everything up anyway. I figure as long as mold has not set in and there were no major structural problems, than as long as it can be purchased at a good price, I can afford to fix it up.

I looked at a few places in several different neighborhoods in the Jacksonville area. Some are concrete block construction others are brick or wood. Most are on slabs but some are off grade. Each on has its advantages and disadvantages. With Florida being so humid, concrete block structures do not have the same climate problems or WDO problems a wood structure would have.

One investor I talked to had a page or two on his clip board and as he roamed the house he would check off pre-priced items. So by the end of his walk through he had a pretty good idea of what the project would cost. I have since adopted this policy.

What are some of the benefits that I bring to the table as a buyers representative.

1. First we need to evaluate the customers specific needs, desires. Working with the customer to find the property that fits all personal and financial requirements.

Since we all know that there is what we want and what we can afford and often times these are two different things it is a goos idea to know from the start what you can afford in todays economy.

2. Assist in establishing a relationship with an experienced lender. I have several lenders that I have worked with over time so I can help find the person who is the right fit for your situation.

3. Create property searches and auto searches on the Multiple Listing Service which will keep you up to date on the properties that fit you personal requirements.
If you are one who likes to run your own internet searches, I will set yo up with a Listing book account that will enable you to search on the MLS and change the parameters of your search as you go. Giving you as much flexability as we have to search properties.

4. Showings. Property showings. The showing always seems to be an interesting lesson in individual choice. Some customers like to be told everything that is going on around them and given a tour and some like to observe on thier own and just have me around to answer questions. I try to be sensative to the needs of the individual I am attending to a the time.

5. TBA

Well, as of last Friday I have a contract going for home sale. The best part is that this is not a short sale. Yesterday we did the inspection and the property passed with flying colors. Next we have to have the VA do an appraisal. I am going to call about that right now.

I am a little surprised that when we put a $145K bid on a short sale that was listed at $160K they want to wait ten days to see if anything else comes through. Have they no idea what the market is like out there. that was a fair offer for the situation.

Today was really nice we went to watch jack play soccer and then it was of to the Nocatee farmers market. that was very cool. Lots of goo food and music. Now I am just a little burnt from the sun. All I want is water and sleep.

I love my SG GT that my wife got for me for my 44th birthday. Best present ever!!!!

Well i have started to look at other blogs and i realize i have a lot to learn about blogging. If anyone ever reads my blog I am willing to learn anything you might have to offer. i would like to post more photos

I just changed Brokers. I am hoping for a little more interest than from where I was before. It always seemed like I was on the outside at the other place.

Please check out my web site and let me know what you think.

I am sitting in a blog class now trying to learn how to blog better. It is very interesting to hear different points of view on how to attract people to ones web site. Well, it is a pretty good time to buy in Jacksonville. See that, I just put the word "buy" and "Jacksonville" in the same page. this is supposed to help people find me. Let's see what happens.

Please check out my web site and let me know what you think.

Well, I just got back from a purchase and sale document signing. I read every word of that 9 page document to my customers. It took three hours but I am fairly certain there is no confusion as to my attempt to be thorough. Next time I will give them a copy a day or two ahead of time and just go over it briefly when we are together.

Please check out my web site and let me know what you think.

had a great morning today. I showed two vacant lots on the St. Johns River today. We met with the REALTOR representing the lots and went over the easments and property lines. We discussed the possibilities as to what could or could not be done with the land as two sepparate properties as well as if it were bought together as one. It was very pleasant out there. As a REALTOR I would like to specialize in riverfront property. Get to know more and more about the cities needs and peoples desires.

Please check out my web site and let me know what you think.

Today I showed a lovely house in San Marco to a couple and their two son's. It was a two story off grade, wood frame house originally built in 1932 with two additions. The garage had been turned into a laundry/storage room while a large family room with a fire place adorned the back side. The original wood floors were absolutely beautiful. I think they really liked it. Now they have to talk about it and take a day to decide. I feel this couple can appreciate the special aspects of this house, like the neighborhood and the architecture. It is a historical society house experiencing a short sale so it should always hold it's value for this couple. I will keep you posted.

Please check out my web site and let me know what you think.

Hello, my name is Christopher Hernandez, and I am starting my first Real Estate Blog. Yahoo!!
I primarily work in Jacksonville, Florida, where there are many things going on in real estate. Foreclosures, short-sales, Buying, selling; it's happening every day. I intend to start discussions about real estate in Jacksonville and how it affects us. I don't care if you are REALTOR or a buyer or a seller, I want your input on the questions raised. The more information we all share the better.