| Author | Message | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 381 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.203.219 Rating: N/A |
Just yesterday Susan and I made an official offer on a house sitting on an acre of land. It's not much but it's a LOT more than where we are now. It has a concrete driveway that is 275 foot long from the main entrance which is attached to a concrete pad that measures 75 feet long and 50 feet wide. It ALL has rebarb so breakage is slim. The previous owner was thinking about putting a building up but decided to move out instead! My question is, we would like to offer spaces for a couple, maybe three, busses to come and stay while visiting central Florida. We plan to have electric hook-ups and charge a fee less than the 500 bucks per month from the local RV lot. We would like to offer a 3 month maximum stay with NO mechanical work to be done (don't want any homesteaders) and pet friendly! It has an area to wash your bus and The lot has plenty of parking for toads as well. It is centrally located to all theme parks within a 50 mile radious! We know the area very well which is higher end homes with NO crime and the neighbors are very cool with the idea. It's not in a developement but more of a country setting on a 2 mile long street. Most existing home properties range from 1 acre to 5 acres so they are close but not real close! What do you think? Good idea or bad? Remember, I'm sort of retired from contracting floor work (unless of course I feel the need) so popping Kettle Corn is all I do now! Ace | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 509 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 207.30.189.42 Rating: N/A |
Ace, The biggest potential problem I see is renting space for RVs is may not be allowed by zoning. As long as no one complains, there will probably be no problems. However, if someone gets upset with you for any reason and calls zoning, they will invetigate. If they find anything not allowed by zoning codes, they will probably act accordingly. Jack | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 50 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 4.235.255.46 Rating: N/A |
"If they find anything not allowed by zoning codes," If you are in a single family zone (R-1) your RV / trailer park is out of luck. If you are zoned multi family , it will be harder to close you down. Insurance will be impossible if you are in violation of the Zoning. Motel zoning is what is needed. Unless you're on 15 acres and no one can see anything from a house or road,but then a Nudist Colony would be more fun! FAST FRED | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 382 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.203.219 Rating: N/A |
Jack I understand and that is why we have talked to all neighboring neighbors about this. I surely wouldn't want anything to happen that wpould cause problems for all, especially being the new guys on the block! It was just an idea and I know yourself and Earl and others have done things like this and figured since we had a little more room we could share it with those that want to stay for a while! Thanks for the input as I appreciate it coming from someone that has been there and done it! Rememeber goig from a cul-de-sac with a bus to a whole acre is getting to be exciting! Hope they take our offer!  Ace | ||
| R.J.(Bob) Evans (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member Username: Bobofthenorth Post Number: 120 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 142.165.179.234 Rating: N/A |
How close are you to Winter Haven? | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 383 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.203.219 Rating: N/A |
RJ we are 20 minutes IN trafic to WH and 15 if I take the short cuts! (less traffic) There is NO easy way to get to Cypress Gardens from here or anywhere for that matter. It takes about 45 minutes any way you go to get there ! FF I understand what your saying too. I just thought it would be nice to be able to share what space we would have to other but nuts on their travels. Not looking to build an rv park so to speak. Just a stop over spot for those looking to sight see and have a place to sleep cheaper than the REAL rv parks! Thanks... Ace | ||
| R.J.(Bob) Evans (Bobofthenorth)
Registered Member Username: Bobofthenorth Post Number: 122 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 142.165.179.152 Rating: N/A |
Let me know how it works out then - I'll be down there next spring to spend a week with Mr. Scarpa. | ||
| dilip & zoe (Vintagehounds)
Registered Member Username: Vintagehounds Post Number: 52 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.166.131.55 Rating: N/A |
let me know when your taking bookings. At least get immediate neighbors to sign something saying they are ok with it. if they change out (neighbors) you should make sure the new residents are signed up on that list too!! as for tenants I dont think youll get any problems but keep a shotgun handy in case they like staying too much!! JUS kidden.. | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 680 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 72.91.34.170 Rating: N/A |
Ace , you need to check Polk county land use codes or talk to them about "a property in general", not that one, and your plans - also be aware that the health dept. and state of Fla regulate RV parks. Now with that out of the way - you can probably get away with parking a certain number of RV's for certain periods of time if you DON'T charge for the space and have no sign of it being a business. That's not to say that these unnamed RV'ers couldn't GIVE you and Susan some money as a thankyou for your hospitality - currently I believe up to 10k per person per year is still tax free. Therefore there would be no need to report any of these gifts to Uncle Sam, have operating licenses, inspections, permits etc. Would certainly cut out all bookeeping. More than one way to skin this cat - HTH | ||
| dilip & zoe (Vintagehounds)
Registered Member Username: Vintagehounds Post Number: 55 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.166.131.55 Rating: N/A |
isnt skinning the cat the american way? | ||
| jim morrison (Jim_morrison)
Registered Member Username: Jim_morrison Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 72.142.29.218 Rating: N/A |
not just American we canucks just love to play with our gov., well they do teach us alot and how to do it lol | ||
| dilip & zoe (Dilip mostly) (Vintagehounds)
Registered Member Username: Vintagehounds Post Number: 56 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.166.131.55 Rating: N/A |
As a united statesian Im proud to say that the Canadians have been one of the most understanding People of the plight of the "American Way" " WE SALUTE YOU " !! | ||
| dilip & zoe (Dilip mostly) (Vintagehounds)
Registered Member Username: Vintagehounds Post Number: 57 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.166.131.55 Rating: N/A |
Sorry ACE., I love this sight so much that I keep getting off subject. Maybe to much time on my hands right now? | ||
| jim morrison (Jim_morrison)
Registered Member Username: Jim_morrison Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 72.142.29.218 Rating: N/A |
im so proud for you to say that , I THANK YOU , i've been though so much of the USof A and Mex, and seen and felt so much neg., toward my country and our way i always wondered, why but i hear this and just get chocked up , thanks , jim and proud to be a Canadian and a neighbor, ty jim | ||
| Manny (Buscrazyinfl)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazyinfl Post Number: 16 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 72.185.35.73 Rating: N/A |
Hey Ace...sounds like a nice place! Hope things work out for you and Susan. Is it near where you are now? If I'm ever in the "doghouse", I may take you up on your offer, ha ha....so save a spot for me and my Eagle. P.S. We tried some kettle corn at a festival in town this weekend, and yours is BETTER!!! Take care. | ||
| Tim McWhorter (Theredwriter)
Registered Member Username: Theredwriter Post Number: 71 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 68.246.238.112 Rating: N/A |
Ace, Please make sure you let us all know when you've got things ready...I'd be interested in securing a space when we are down in that area. I think it's a great idea. I think you can fly beneath the government radar. It seems to me that you aren't looking to open up a commercial campground, just a place for friends and family to stay. There's nothing wrong with that! Hope things go well for you! Tim | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 385 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.203.219 Rating: N/A |
Thanks guys! We should hear about our offer no later than Monday 5 pm est. I'm sure since we went in with a low ball offer that we probably get one of two things. One a flat out NO, or two, a counter offer! Hoping for a "ok" or a counter offer we can live with or close anyway! The listing agent (his) said he is REAL negotiable on the asking price since the 2500 sq foot house needs a complete kitchen update and to bring him an offer, which we did thru our agent! Even our agent said to offer a figure that was 25k lower than his asking price but being the cheapskate I am, I went another 15K below her suggestion which is 40K less than his asking price and figured I would hope for the best! I can do a lot with 40K or any amount in between. The most promising thing to the seller would be that we are already pre-approved with a good rate and affordable payment so maybe he'll jump at a quick "for sure" sale! The house is empty and one previous contract fell thru, so they say, two days before closing! If I can post a pic of the parking area, I will try to do so! Thanks again guys and wish us luck! Ace   | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 254 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 65.23.106.193 Rating: N/A |
Before you get too excited about RV parking, check the local zoning to see what is allowed. Might be that you find out why the other contract fell apart. . . You might find you will have to 'modify' your plan. You also might want to find a place with enough space to create your own RV park. You would be able to have retirement income from something you like. An awful lot of mights here. Good Luck | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 386 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.203.219 Rating: N/A |
Kyle thanks but the other c ontract fell thru due to lack of financing, (not enough money) and the young couple had no plans of a RV of any type in the near future. I know as for local zoning goes that I would have to first be inspected, permitted, and insured etc, etc., but I think for what I want to do I can do as others have suggested and that is to fly under the radar! I mean there is no law that says I can't have a friend or two stay over that just happen to have a bus! Gee, now that I think about it, the yard would be full of my friends, if they both came at the same time! I'm not too worried about what CAN happen as long as I don't get too greedy and try to make it a business which brings to mind that the previous owner DID in fact run a business from there. There were always small trucks (van type) and cars parked in the rear and one of the out buildings is a small a/c'd office type building of some sort! Thanks Ace | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 255 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 65.23.106.193 Rating: N/A |
Local zoning for me prohibits 'sleeping in RV' & only 1 RV (boat, camper, or motorhome etc) parked in the yard. Sure I've violated that law once or twice, but that won't prevent hassles IF they wanted to start random enforcement. Just trying to point out potential problems before money changed hands. BTW, the only time I've been a victim of random code enforcement was when a noseybody went riding thru & complained about a bunch of stuff. The b!tc# didn't even live in the area, so it ain't just the neighbors to worry about | ||
| John Harrelson (Jharl)
Registered Member Username: Jharl Post Number: 20 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 72.71.219.249 Rating: N/A |
I just wanted to park my ugly bus here and bring the property value of this thread down. Jack | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 387 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.203.219 Rating: N/A |
Oh well it might all be for nill anyway as we just received the counter offer which is NOT what we wanted to hear even though we went in knowingly low. His counter offer is still 15K higher than what our TOP offer would be and they tell us that there is another offer in the works. He already supposedly rejected an offer of what his counter offer is to us so our agent thinks he is pretty firm on his counter. All we can do now is try our Top offer and like I said, that is still 15K below his 1st counter. Bottom line is this: house and property is appraised at 248K his asking price is: 240K we offered as is condition: 200K (we knew was low) he countered with an offer of 230K (previsouly rejected offer, but the buyer wanted help with closing cost, where we don't) Our top offer will be 215K possibly 220K The agent said the only inviting thing about his price is the appraisel and the area that it is located! (VERY NICE AREA) 8am Tuesday will be our final offer and from the looks of it, we'll still be looking! Ace | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 423 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 64.136.49.228 Rating: N/A |
burn the house down | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 69 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.31.120.102 Rating: N/A |
I just wanted to park my ugly bus here and bring the property value of this thread down. Jack There is no such thing as an ugly bus. Len | ||
| Dilip&ZOE mostlyDilip. (Vintagehounds)
Registered Member Username: Vintagehounds Post Number: 58 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 67.166.131.55 Rating: N/A |
Len, could you give me a polite word to describe the beauty of mine. | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 256 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 65.23.106.193 Rating: N/A |
RE: could you give me a polite word to describe the beauty of mine. How's Experienced Classic? or Proven Road Warrior? or Endless Potential? It's a cool bus, others either get it or they need medication | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 70 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.30.254.149 Rating: N/A |
Old busses are like sex - the worst you ever had was wonderful. Len | ||
| David Hartley (Drdave)
Registered Member Username: Drdave Post Number: 715 Registered: 5-2005 Posted From: 67.78.176.54 Rating: N/A |
Ace, If you wanted to be farther north you could buy the 3.2 acres next to my house. Buses OK cause I already got one. They are asking 350k but might do less. Lots of room and off a main drag so traffic is fairly low. Or just buy my 1.5 acres and I will give you 3 more for FREE..( small catch is there's no road to it. ) $329k asking. 20 miles due west of daytona and 40 miles N.E. or Orlando. Well, You were shopping...heheeeeee... (Message edited by drdave on December 05, 2006) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 392 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.203.219 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Dave but no thanks! Unfortunately for Susan, she still has to report to Fed-Ex. Me on the other hand, have to stay at home and take care of Bud, watch the bus sitting in the driveway, walk to the mailbox and get the mail, lurk the BBS and uh, whatever else I can get into. Oh yea, do some laundry on laundry days! I can't go to a friends house because i'm already there. Anyway the update on the property deal is that we went in early this morning and counter offered his counter offer from yesterday. As of this writing, we haven't heard a word. Is that a good thing or is he trying to tell us something? I thought maybe he was thinking it over long and hard. Susan thinks his agent couldn't reach him today. She has to do everything in person because he doesn't have a fax and she works on the south side of town where he lives on the north side. It could be too that he's working another offer. His agent DID say that there was another one in the works but I really doubt it. Not everyone is as crazy as we are for wanting to take on a huge project like that other than a busnut and in these parts they are far and few between! Oh well, I guess we'll wait and see! Maybe tomorrow will bring SOME news anyway! Ace | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 44 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.232 Rating: N/A |
FWIW... the seller has no obligation to counter.  Best I can offer is relax... If the LORD wills it, it will be yours. If not, there may be a better "deal" down the road....as it were. RCB. (former CO and NM Broker) | ||
| JJ Woden (Jj_woden)
Registered Member Username: Jj_woden Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 65.19.246.49 Rating: N/A |
Yep Jack, that sure is an ugly bus .... Wanna trade? Mine is .... well ... "A Work in Progress!" JJ | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 61 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 4.235.206.44 Rating: N/A |
Property on FL is now down about 20% from the INSANITY of 05. In Miami over 85% of new condos were bought by speculators, with the glut the specs are walking away from their pre build deposits , and giving another 10% of the pre build price to GET OUT. Here the waterfront is getting more rational , a lot that was Asking $200,000 in 05, sold for $140,000 this year. Give a LOWER counter offer , not higher! FAST FRED | ||
| Nick Badame Refrigeration Co. (Dnick85)
Registered Member Username: Dnick85 Post Number: 67 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 66.174.79.229 Rating: N/A |
ACE and Susan, Lot's of luck with the Property. Nick & Michelle | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 398 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.13.2 Rating: N/A |
Still in limbo! The ole' guy has our offer on the table with money in hand so to speak as we are pre qaulified and ready to go. His agent say's they have another offer higher than ours, but would we be willing to go a little higher? Our offer is our highest that we will go and that's what we told them. Deal or no deal! So far the house sits idle and we have heard nothing! Now we wait and see if he really has another (higher) offer that is qualified. He already had one offer that fell thru due to NO MONEY! Also a little off topic. There is a cool site that you can go to called www.zillow.com You can check out your property value and anyone's around you plus you can see what your neighbor has in their back yard if you do a birds eye view! You can also do a view from different angles such as N. S. E. W. zand another feature is you can what it sold for previously along with past years taxes! It's pretty cool and I've had mucho fun with it! Ace | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 683 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 72.91.34.170 Rating: N/A |
Ace, he may be 'shopping' your offer or as you suspect the 'higher offer' may not be 'approved' - I always give only 24 hours if their in town or 48 hours if not to accept my offer - keeps them from shopping it -HTH | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Registered Member Username: Sffess Post Number: 667 Registered: 1-2002 Posted From: 67.142.130.29 Rating: N/A |
I agree with Niles, Ace. Pull your offer if he doesn't accept it. If you don't get it it won't be because you pulled the offer. If your realtor did not put an acceptance date on the contract, shame on him. The only way I will make an offer with more than two days for acceptance is if I am trying to help the seller and only mildly interested, ususally not the case in real estate. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 399 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.13.2 Rating: N/A |
Thanks! Susan and I agree that tomorrow we will pull our latest offer and let him do what he needs to do, either s&%t or get off the pot! Personally I feel that there ISN'T another offer because when we first inquired with our initial offer, we were told that he rejected a previous offer that was higher but those people didn't qualify so backon the market it went. Here we come along and do what has been posted here and with our last and final offer, his agent says to my agent that he has another offer inthe works but could we consider going up onour offer. Now I feel that IF he had a better offer than ours, WHY ask us to go higher unless of course there really isn't another higher offer and he's hoping for more money out of us and/or maybe he's just buying time using our offer/s to bait other potential buyers. We have never seen another offer of any kind other than word of mouth from his agent but he DOES have a written offer from us, I guess that can be used for other buyers. I don't know exactly how that works! Thanks for the heads up. Like I said, we will pull our offer first thing in the morning or at least make the offer null and void as of 5pm tomorrow! Then we'll see his cards one way or the other! Ae | ||
| Manny (Buscrazyinfl)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazyinfl Post Number: 18 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 72.185.35.73 Rating: N/A |
Ace, I think you are doing the right thing, and don't be discouraged if this doesn't work out. We had the rug pulled out from us when we were trying to get another bus, and we were so disappointed when things didn't work out, but we ended up getting something so much better. This may all work out....on YOUR terms, or else you will find something better. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 401 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.13.2 Rating: N/A |
Yea I said the same thing when i first got married and it all worked out for the better after she changed her name to plaintiff! I read that somewhere but can't remember where! Ace | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 403 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.13.2 Rating: N/A |
Update on property is when my agent called his agent to ask what was up with the last offer we made (since wenver heard back from them) she said that there was another offer at 5K over ours BUT the holdup was/is those people can't seem to find the qualified financing or in other words, get approved! My agent just told her to take our offer off the books but if he changed his mind in the near future, to get back with us! Ace | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 684 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 72.91.34.170 Rating: N/A |
Ace - Now if they call you back - go back to your original offer and STICK TO IT - see if you don't come smelling like a rose - HTH | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 406 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 72.187.200.223 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Niles but from hearing about the guy we are dealing with, I doubt he will take our offer or anyone else's for that matter if it's not his price that he wants! I think the highest offer he has received so far was 5k over what we offered (we offered 215K) but that offer is having a hard time coming up with the dough, so were told. His counter to them, as was us, was 230K, down from his 240K asking price! The computer still says nothing about a sale pending so it's still up for grabs! We figure if he wants to sell soon, he'll s&#t or get off the pot! After the first of the year, it could be a whole different ball game! That Zillow.com site says the property is valued at, or less than, what we offered! His starting price of 250K is based on the appraisel that is 248K which may have been done before the complete kitchen was ripped out. Who knows! I DO know it isn't worth what he's trying to get for it, kitchen or not! Ace | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.195 Rating: N/A |
So, Ace...just present another offer....and, if necessary, another, and.....so on. If your RE Agent has any knowledge of RE, she should encourage you to do so ( unless FL is not a Buyers Agent state). All has to do with...and you can quote me on this....anything is possible in a RE deal IF...big thing IF....the parties agree ( IE. I'll trade you my two Pigs for your property....deal, or no deal?) Best wishes...if you really want that property, go for it, keep going and when he (she, they) finally give in...or up, then you will know exactly where you stand. RCB | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 408 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.81.196 Rating: N/A |
Chuck thanks a lot for the encouragement but after figuring out what we can, and don't want to, afford we gave our top offer when we counter offered his counter offer. At that we're still 15K shy of making him happy. Just can't see giving in to a piece of property that one, we don't feel is worth what he is asking and two, giving in to a piece of property that needs work like it does and MAKING us work just for the property. As it is now we don't work JUST for where we live. We live very comfortable and can buy pretty much anything we want when we want. If we go over our budget just to acquire this home and land, then we will feel pressured where we don't now, IF that makes any sense! We feel we are kind of sitting in the cat birds seat so to speak and play his waiting game! He knows and we know that WE qualify! It's up to him to sell it or sit on it because so far, nobody else has qualified at HIS price! Time will tell and if it happens, Great, and if not, then it was meant to be! Ace | ||
| Jeff Johnson (Series60)
Registered Member Username: Series60 Post Number: 5 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 75.11.77.99 Rating: N/A |
Ace, I've been in the property rackets for many years. Here's what I've done when I wanted to offer substantially less than asking price. (By the way, I don't consider 215 from 240 all THAT low.) Submit a CASHIERS check for as much as possible (full offer price is best) along with your contract. You need to convince the seller that you are serious and that the deal will close for sure. Also, it's a little harder for him to return the money when he's holding it right in his hand. The caveat is that the agents will hold your money in escrow until the deal closes or falls apart. If you finance the property, you will get the money back at closing. This little trick has worked more miracles for me than any other. jj | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 46 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.58 Rating: N/A |
Good idea, Jeff...but as you know, a lot has to do with the agent and how they present the offer. A cashiers check is better than a personal check, but if you really want attention....do it with cash. As Jeff states " as much as possible". (be sure to get a separate receipt from your agent...preferably her brokers signature on it) Ace...I don't think I expalined clearly what I stated in my earlier post. Things change in people's lives on a daily basis. What the seller will do today is not what he will do tomorrow. I agree with Jeff; the difference in your figures is not that much. Other incentives are possibilities...you pay all closing costs....you pick up the tab for your title insurance... you pay the comission (all or to your agent)...many ways to skin a cat in the RE business. Remember, as long as the parties agree, anything (legal) goes. And, if you really want to get the agent's attention (both of them) get them to cut their comission about 50%. Now you should be getting much closer and they are positively involved in making the deal work! Agents can frequently help a deal along....or can really mess it up. It is best to at least know something about your agent's broker. A good broker is usually able to bring parties together, especially since you (my opinion) are so close . You still are in control and .....they work for you, right? They have an obligation to present any offer you wish to make. Whether it is done with enthusiasm or with disdain most often is the difference. Might also have a sit down with your agent and see how creative she might be. If she isn't....I'd think about a change... FWIW RCB | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Registered Member Username: Blue_velvet Post Number: 411 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 72.19.152.144 Rating: N/A |
Ace, we've been dabbling in real estate since we got married 15 years ago. We've walked away from so many properties, we lost count. Present your best offer and be willing to walk away. Sellers get emotional and don't realize that their first offer is almost always their best one... assuming some "bottom feeder" isn't just throwing a "lowball" their way. Give an offer at what you feel something is worth. DON'T offer something low assuming it will counter-counter. Let 'em know you don't play those games. If you're too far apart, walk away. Nothing helps your position like a bunch of inactivity on his property. He can court Buyers all day long that can't qualify or otherwise close a deal. So what? Could be his uncle. Sometimes you can get $ back on inspection items, esp. if you get a Seller's Disclosure that says something works and it doesn't... but your state may be contractually different. And I don't encourage folks to try to affect the sales price by trying to get a bunch of cash back on inspection (unless something is SERIOUSLY wrong and undisclosed). We've presented offers before that were rejected, and then found out later that the property sat for months and was later sold for thousands less than our offer. On one, we were within $1500 of each other on a $260k property, and neither one of us would budge. He sold SIX months later for $250k, while holding over $200k of a first and seconds on the place. And it makes me feel GOOD to know this bit of info. We didn't overpay AND he got stung for being stupid. Good! We've also presented offers that we full price and full of incentives like quick close, no contingincies, etc. on properties that were priced right. The place we're in now we got for $65k under appraisal, because we could get a bridge loan, do a quick close, and cash out the strapped sellers. They had the property tied up for months with higher offers that couldn't close due to financing or contingencies, and the market tanked in the meantime. We watched the sales price fall for months, then fianlly into our "wheelhouse" and then presented our offer we knew they couldn't refuse. We're now in a place we couldn't otherwise afford... by sticking our necks out financially. We have two other houses, one's for sale (now under contract) and one's rented out. There's NO WAY we should be carrying this kind of paper, but we've always made our payments on time and dealt with the risk. Do your homework, know the comps, know the value-add of remodelling, sweat equity, etc... but don't GIVE those away. Most importantly, be detatched. It's business. Keep a "poker face" in your dealings. If this one doesn't work out, the next one is probably even better for you. Take some time away from that property. Have your agent show you other properties, and let HIS agent know this. Time is on YOUR side, so work from a position of strength/ power. If the deal is meant to be... it's meant to be. Don't overpay for real estate, because the market sux now almost everywhere... and will probably be flat for many more moons. Heck, your bus is nice enough to live in for awhile if you can't find a property that's a good buy. Just some ramblin' Brian B. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 409 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.81.196 Rating: N/A |
Brian thanks for the story and tips! Funny because as I was reading your post, I received a weird phone call. It was the sellers agent, who I first called using MY name, not Susan's, who actually filled out the offer forms. She asked for RAY and knowing it was her from the caller ID, I said no that it was ACE. She said she was sorry and hung up. I thought it was strange and thought she mis-understood my name for RAY when I first called her and I immediately called her back. When I identified myself as the guy who inquired about the house on so & so street, she knew right away who I was. She again said she was sorry for calling but she was actually calling her brother RAY. I asked her if the house had been sold yet and she No, and asked if I was still interested. I said yes but the price was too high. She said to bring her an offer as the seller was negotiable. I said HOW negotiable. She said REAL negotiable. I then informed her that I already submitted an offer and it was turned down. She was surprised and asked what my offer was. When I told her it went thru my agent (Linda) and Susan actually submitted the offer in her name, she knew again right away that my offer was 215K. I told her that we had heard that there was another offer above ours but the potential buyers couldn't get the financing. She said Yes they are having a real hard time getting the funds togther. I reminded her that we were pre-qualified and 215K was our final offer. She then asked if we would go 220K and if so, she could sell the house. I quickly reminded her again that the house needed a lot of work and she agreed. I said 215K was our FINAL offer. She quickly said she had another call and would it be ok to call me back? I said sure! That was an hour ago. Now I figure, she either called me on purpose looking back at leads or really did make a mistake trying to call her brother RAY. And since she hasn't called me back as of this time, maybe she is talking to the seller! What's really weird is that she never has gotten back with MY agent (Linda) about us taking our offer off the books and that was 2 days ago. Last thing I want to do is get in a bidding war and that's almost what it feels like! She knows our final offer and that's where it stands unless of course it goes into 2007 and then I might offer less! LOL Oh well like Brian said, time is on our side! We don't need to move nor do we need to sell our home now. We found this nice home and property by accident while riding our bikes and thought it would be a nice place to hang out for a while! We'll see where it goes from here oh and my call to Linda got me a atta boy for saying all the right things! Ace | ||
| Jeff Johnson (Series60)
Registered Member Username: Series60 Post Number: 6 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 75.11.77.99 Rating: N/A |
You're much closer now...215K vs. their unofficial counter offer of 220K. Looks like things are going your way. Now is the time to make sure you really want the place. Jeff | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 410 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.169.212 Rating: N/A |
We have thought about it and feel that if it works out fine for us and if it doesn't, well nothing lost as we don't HAVE to move if you know I mean! It would be nice, but a lot of work. Work that would make it a very nice home for the three of us and a very nice bus port for our bus and anyone else that needs a place to stay for a bit. It's still close to everything yet has a country atmosphere. All the properties surrounding it are well kept and valued high. Yea we think if it happens in our favor, that we will like it alot! Time will tell! Were not pushing it. They know where we stand! Ace | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 47 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.209 Rating: N/A |
Ace...the fact that the seller agent called you....no matter the reason, should tell you something about your agent. Food for thought. If you are going to let the deal fall for $5,000... a little over 2% difference, seems to me you have been chasing your tail. Lotsa work and anxiety for nada. Do it your way. RCB | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 138 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.106.89 Rating: N/A |
Ace - We put an offer on a home, only to be $5k'd up each week. When we were 15k over what we felt we wanted to spend.... and the guy said his "other offer" could be beat if we'd go another $5k..... I told him to go ahead and take his "other offer". He did..... it was recorded as $4k less than the $5k more he had asked us for.... -we- could have had it for that lousy extra $5k... I've been kicking myself ever since (and it's been two years). (btw, the new owner/investor just resold it for $80k more) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 411 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.116.253 Rating: N/A |
Chuck what does that mean? My agent did all she could do. It was the sellers agent that called me directly instead of calling my agent! Like I said, I think the ole' gal called to just follow up on a lead from a phone call I originally initiated. We have never met. Only talked twice previous to yesterdays call from her. Once when I called about the house and once when she called me to appologize for not being able to keep our appointment to show me the house. Maybe, since every offer they have had other than ours (actually Susan's) which is higher than our offer has fell thru the cracks, she was getting desperate to find a buyer at a higher price and decided to go back and call leads, which MY original call could have been, to her! John, hope all is well on your end! As for the deal you describe? I know what your saying. Real Estate is a funny business. You never know what is going thru the sellers minds and some of the things they do is down right questionable! Ace | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Registered Member Username: Sffess Post Number: 668 Registered: 1-2002 Posted From: 67.142.130.36 Rating: N/A |
Last year you were interested in Tennessee Property. Its still a bargain away from Nashville. What you are describing would be well under $100K here. And you don't need the big driveway because you can drive on the land without sinking in. Jobs are tight here though. Helps to be retired. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 414 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.18.152 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Steve but with Susan just acquiring a promotion with her company it looks like we will be staying here for a while anyway. On another note, I kind of got bummed out early this morning when Susan and I went for a bike ride over by the property of course only to find it being shown to a family of many individuals. Two car loads! Don't know for sure if they had access to the inside or not but I do know people are looking at it. Now if they can get the funds or not is another thing. Were kind of hoping it doesn't sell until after we get back from Arcadia, then we might persue it further! Ace | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 417 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.213.75 Rating: N/A |
Update... Got a call tonight from our agent. She apparently got a call from the sellers agent that said his OTHER offer of 220K fell thru and he would meet us if we met him at 217K. Now with the holidays on top of us and vacationing in Arcadia next week, the timing just doesn't seem right but we told our agent that we would come in and write up a new contract meeting his 217K price with a stipulation that puts the closing further out than before like maybe early February! Any comments on our plans or any ideas? Is this the right thing to do or not? We kind of feel like he played us along holding out for a higher offer but he has finally come down to within reason of our Highest offer! Oh what a holiday this will be if this pans out! Dang I just thought... I might have to go back to work for a while until the dust settles IF it ever will! Ace | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 688 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 72.91.107.56 Rating: N/A |
If you want it, it would be the best thing for you to take it - I never get emotional about a Real Estate purchase - When they blow me off for a better offer than my original or any counter offers that WERE on the table, I go back to my original offer and STICK to it, but I usually offer an immediate closing. Hey, that's just me - I don't think you'll miss that extra 2K in your lifetime - FWIW | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 142 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.107.145 Rating: N/A |
If you really want it, offer the $217,000 with a closing ASAP. (contingent to a home inspection and title search/guarantee) (Message edited by john_mc9 on December 19, 2006) | ||
| Jim & Linda Callaghan (Jimc)
Registered Member Username: Jimc Post Number: 27 Registered: 2-2004 Posted From: 66.175.195.35 Rating: N/A |
Ace, What you are now considering amounts to $12.00 per month at todays interest rates. Do you want the house? Is it right for you? Obviously the $12 is not the issue, the issue as I see it is that he probably was screwing you around with the other offers. You have been working on this deal since December 2nd, that is two and a half weeks. Since you are going to Bussn , and it would be a hardship to close as soon as he wants, I would put off the closing for at least as long as he held you hostage with the suposed "other offer" BUT, if the house fits for you, GO FOR IT! JimCallaghan 4106 Wisconsin | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Registered Member Username: Blue_velvet Post Number: 412 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 72.19.152.144 Rating: N/A |
Ace, like what's been said... if you REALLY want the house/ property, $2k ain't much. If it were me, I'd stick to the $215k for "holding out on you." Who knows, he could "shop around" your offer for awhile after he has it. That's why it's customary to give a 24-48 window on offers. Something else you can ask for is a "Seller's Concession" to cover your closing costs. 2-3% is customary here. These inflate the price of the home OVER the contract price. The Seller still gets the same payout, and you'll pay a little more on your mortgage payments, but you get cash at the closing table to cover points, prepaids, title policy, etc. This is assuming the property will appraise for the higher amount, of course. Anyways, keep us posted. Brian B. | ||
| james con (Buford_busser)
Registered Member Username: Buford_busser Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 72.184.174.236 Rating: N/A |
good luck! (Message edited by buford_busser on December 21, 2006) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 421 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.44.124 Rating: N/A |
Thanks... We're going to need it Ace (Message edited by ace on December 21, 2006) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 422 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.44.124 Rating: N/A |
Ok well here's a new one! Just got a call from our agent. It appears that the old geezer that is selling the house has decided that because he has lowered the price to 217K down from his original 240K to us and 250K original listing, that he now wants to change the contract to "buyer to buy it as is" meaning that he does not want to be responsible, I think it's 1.5% of the cost, to the seller for any repairs that need to be done. Another day will be wasted because of his last minute changes! We still have the option to back out once the home inspection is done by Jan 21st if it doesn't meet our expectations and we will get our deposit back! Something funny about how he wants the inspections done pronto. He wanted it done quick before and now he wants to do this! Just can't figure out what his game is! Ace | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 486 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 64.136.49.228 Rating: N/A |
'as is'....means hidden problems...get a good inspector | ||
| airless in Mississippi (Airless_in_mississippi)
Registered Member Username: Airless_in_mississippi Post Number: 121 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.240.200.215 Rating: N/A |
Ace he has been sitting on a over priced house. Wait until you get back in January and then make deal on it if you still like it but make it your deal not his.... | ||
| jim morrison (Jim_morrison)
Registered Member Username: Jim_morrison Post Number: 49 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 72.142.29.218 Rating: N/A |
so true | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 423 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.156.158 Rating: N/A |
Well it may be a little over priced at HIS asking price in the condition it is in, but it's a very fair price at what we offered in the condition it is in so were hoping that the inspection of the house will not be too bad. Minor stuff I know to expect but it's the major stuff that worries me. The good thing is we can back out at any time AFTER the inspection and NOT lose our deposit. So with that, we really can't lose. The house is not really in that bad of condition. The biggest thing is it needs a complete kitchen and some updates to two of the three bathrooms. The master BR needs a different color paint and the ceramic tile going down the long hall way has to go but I know a good floor man that can do the job and pretty cheap too says Susan! The hardwood floors are in OK shape if you like plank flooring (I don't but Susan does) I can see an argument brewing on that one but as far as I'm concerned, she can do what she wants on the interior. I want to get started on the outside and maybe a big shop of sorts! I kind of think it's a done deal as of today but we will know for sure tomorrow and then we can schedule the inspection. By the way, Susan's BIL is CEO of Mid Florida Credit Union. He has looked at and had his mortgage dept look over the paperwork and the he personally has looked at the property and said it is well worth the price we are agreeing to and even if we have to put 20K into it over a period of time, we can't go wrong in the long run! Ace | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 689 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 72.91.107.56 Rating: N/A |
Ace - you can't go wrong with FLA real estate - a vacant 50' x 100' lot in Tampa will run you more than that - good luck with the inspection | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 426 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.156.158 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Niles, you and all the others have been a big help! I guess we'll find out today what the ole' geezer is wanting to do next or what he wants to change! If he wants to change anything else he can sit on it, AND this, as far as were concerned! Ace | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 128 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.125.9.251 Rating: N/A |
Check out the plumbing!Pay a plumber! Load a bus full at Jacks and we can do an inspection! | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Registered Member Username: Sffess Post Number: 675 Registered: 1-2002 Posted From: 67.142.130.35 Rating: N/A |
I sold my place Totally as is. It is a way for the seller to make sure that he doesn't get ripped off for repairs. The people that bought my place had just sold theirs and lost a lot to a seller that got picky and got every penny of the possible repair costs even though they were not really needed. After you do a good inspection, ask your realtor about a home warantee. Mine just paid for a new oven to replace a 30 year old oven. Oh, thats right, you alreay need a complete kitchen. Make sure you can put up that shop you want. The county is getting harder to do things in. On my former property they would allow no new buildings, not even a barn on a farm. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 428 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.61.150 Rating: N/A |
Steve thanks for the heads up. Just curious, who would I call or check with to see about buildings and such? We will be in the county but just outside the city limits. People all around there have buildings up as you can see in the one picture. That nice very large pole barn is just in the pasture behind our proposed property and there is another about 3 acres to the south of it with about a 1 mill home between them. Ace | ||
| airless in Mississippi (Airless_in_mississippi)
Registered Member Username: Airless_in_mississippi Post Number: 122 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.240.236.254 Rating: N/A |
County Codes enforcement/building permits. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 518 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 207.30.189.75 Rating: N/A |
Ace, Take the property legal description and/or address to the Polk County Zoning and Building Departments. Tell them exactly what you are planning and ask it is is OK to do that. If they are unsure, ask for a supervisor and request it put in writing. However, remember that codes change, what is OK today, may not be OK after January 1, 2007 Jack PS: We are setting up a "Pickin Tent" at Bussin' 2007. It will probably be close to your bus. | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Registered Member Username: Blue_velvet Post Number: 415 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 72.19.152.144 Rating: N/A |
As a former volunteer board member serving in a quasi-judicial Code Appeal process, here's my advice... Know thee the codes... know thee the planning regulations... know thee the "variance proceedures"... and know them better than your local bureaucrat... When speaking with any of "them"... be friendly, but be firm. Here's a good start for your County, Ace: http://www.polk-county.net/county_offices/land_dev/faq.aspx HTH, Brian | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 429 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.61.150 Rating: N/A |
Thanks again everyone! We will surely do just that! Jack, a pickin tent? How big is it? I had already planned on having one but only a 10x10 but hey go for it! I will sure save me the trouble! LOL Have you been practicing your fiddle? Susan said you better have been. I bought the sweetest mandolin and Clint, Susan and my teacher says, it's better than the one he plays and his was VERY expensive! He sure makes mine sound good that's for sure. Can't wait to get there, set-up camp, and relax and have some fun! See ya'll on the 26th... Ace, Susan & "Bud" | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 519 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 207.30.189.31 Rating: N/A |
Ace, The tent is 12 X 20. I have practiced a little (very little). I need to ask Susan a few questions about some very basic fiddle playing such as bowing technique, etc. See ya on the 26th. Jack (Message edited by JackConrad on December 23, 2006) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 430 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.61.150 Rating: N/A |
Ok good deal Jack! Susan would be delighted to help, I think! Well I say it's ok and that's good enough! Ace | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 435 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.85.119 Rating: N/A |
New Update: Got home from Arcadia, had a real blast as always. The next day, today, I had to meet the home inspector to do an inspection on the home and find it's good points and bad. Here's what he found: some minor leaky faucets a couple of leaky water valves under the sinks a couple of electrical outlets that are either broken or missing entirely in one room the wiring is backwards on one outlet some loose outlets some cracked ceramic tile needed trim work (complete remodel of kitchen) shower door and track missing from one bath towel bars missing in two baths one widow doesn't stay in the open position 4 jalousy windows in-operable (no cranks) front door doesn't lock bare (not hot) wires at NEW a/c unit all lights dim in the house when the jacuzzi is running water line to ice maker is broken good water pressure everywhere but one bath which is in old part of house has new stove top and new oven has large side by side fridge/freezer (not new) has one new a/c unit one old a/c unit has new water heater one thermostat works great in old part of house, other was set on 72 and went down to 62 so needs to be calibrated all ceiling fans work water has a well and pump worked great one toilet leaks and pump runs a lot one bath sink won't hold water very long Really quite minor or cosmetic BUT: the termite inspector came out at the same time and found... the entire house had no signs of termites nor has it ever had any but the bad news is the out building behind the house is wasted due to termites. It can't be saved or treated because it sits right next to the well pump and they are afraid of contaminating the well water. My options were to completely tear down the 14x18 building and take the chance on the termites moving to another food source like the house or treat it with a termite bait canister which sits about 8 inches into the ground. That would bring the termites to the bait canister and hopefully return to the nest to kill the queen! The playhouse at the end of the property has no termites but it does have what he called brown widow spiders. Not deadly but can aggravate the heck out of the nervous system. Simple treating does away with them bastards! Other than losing the one building the rest seems fairly easy and not too costly though we offered 2k higher than what we wanted to pay, would it be advisable to go back and offer lower for the replacement of the building we thought we were buying with the house and the 3K$ termite treatment. I kind of figure roughly that the repairs and loss are around 10K. I'm thinking we should go back to our original offer of 200K as is, take it or leave it! Any comments? Thanks Ace | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 148 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.108.39 Rating: N/A |
1. "one widow doesn't stay in the open position " Gotta' be gentler to 'er? 2. "I'm thinking we should go back to our original offer of 200K as is, take it or leave it! " Amen, Bro! That's yer gut feelin' screamin' at youse! I'd take time to listen carefully to it.... Ya ain't gonna' be happy otherwise! | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Registered Member Username: Blue_velvet Post Number: 417 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 72.19.152.144 Rating: N/A |
Ace, it sounds like an old home alright. Most of the stuff found is rinky-dink, and would keep you busy for just a few weeks. Seems you've already factored the kitchen remodel into your offer, so the BIG loss is the outbuilding. You might price a new one and depriciate it pretty good to figure what it's worth. Did the Seller have any property Disclosure Form (each state is different)? If so, I'd take the form and note what he said WAS functional/working and what your inspector(s) found the WAS NOT and itemize what you want repaired. Stick with the big stuff, so you don't seem like a PITA. Electrical is relatively big, once you pay the pros to do it... so ask for that. Same with plumbing. Loose and cracked stuff is usually "normal wear and tear", so you should probably ignore those things. THEN put a nice round figure for a "non-remedy"/ as-is condition... maybe explaining what each item would cost to fix. In most places, by law, he would have to alter his disclosure to jibe with what the inspectors found... should your deal fall through. Most Sellers are blissfully ignorant of this, until it's pointed out by a lawyer or Realtor. HTH, Brian Brown | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 467 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.59.243 Rating: N/A |
I guess I should have announced here that the home deal is done! We now own 2 homes. The one we lived in and the one be just purchased. We went to closing two mondays ago and since obtaining legal ownership, we have rebuilt the pantry, opened up a hallway on one end that was closed off by previous owner, closed off one bathroom door that was opened by previous owner(why have two doors), repainted the master bath, repainted the master Br, moved everything we could move that we didn't use on a daily basis from old house to new house, had Direct TV installed, and tore down the 14x18 wood frame out building. That took me 3 hours on Wed., 5 hours on Fri., 8 hours on Sat., and 8 hours on Sun.. It's down, cleaned up and hauled away except for the steel siding which will go to a friends scrap metal yard! We will start the NEW block building, well it would have been today but it's raining so looks like tomorrow. We'll start cutting out the existing slab for the footers and forming up the new ones. The building plans have changed slightly from being a 20x30 to being a 47x20. It will have two garage doors instead of one and one walk thru door along with a shingled roof using architechtual shingles on a 4-12 pitched roof. It will have water and electric after it's dried in which will be, if the weather cooperates, in about 3 weeks! Then I can feel like I'm moving when I finally move my 4x8 welding table, welders, lathe, milling maching, tanks, tools, tool boxes, etc. etc.! Up to this point it's been pretty easy but the hard part is going back home 2 blocks each night when finished working, especially after jumping in the large Hot Tub, which by the way is sooo relaxing! I already have my first "invited" bus nut potential stay-over arranged. Hopefully they will be able to come and stay the couple of days when they think they will be in town! Oh well, since it's raining, looks like I will have to force myself to move the BBQ grills and smoker today and put them in their designated places. Ace oh and thanks to Gary "Rust Bucket" LaBombard for reminding me to update everyone on our progress! | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 485 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 70.221.50.183 Rating: N/A |
Hello everyone! As you know from the other board I have been having a building/workshop built and along with that a few problems but nothing I can't take care of or handle! My next dilemma is putting electric IN the building. To start with there is a small breaker box mounted on the outside of the building that has ONE breaker (had others but were removed when we tore the old building down) that controls the water well pump and that is all! I want to install a larger breaker box on the interior of the building at the same location as the outside box and eliminate that box altogether. The outside box has TWO PVC pipes coming into it. One white that is the feed from the house and one GRAY that is buried in the footer to feed the well pump. I "THINK" I can elbow those two pipes and come thru the concrete block wall then UP the inside wall to the NEW larger box. Am I correct? OK if so, is there a limit on the placement of the interior box, such as height? Only thing I could find was that the breakers couldn't be more than 6'7" from floor, IF I read it right! I will be using metal conduit from the NEW box to feed everything else IN the building such as outlets and lights! Is THIS correct? Speaking of outlets! Do ALL the outlets have to be a certain distance from each other AND do they ALL have to be GFI outlets? Also do the outlets around the block wall have to be a certain height from the floor? These electrical codes are really confusing! Thanks! Ace | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 510 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.23.38 Rating: N/A |
Update on building which is kind of funny! Friday was a scheduled date for final inspection. The contractor who I am not really on good terms with right now because of faulty workmanship wants to get the final so he can obtain his final draw from us but... after Thursdays meeting with our attorney, we were advised to let him get the final and then NOT pay him any of the final draw. We were advised to use the money that is left and get the building fixed like it was supposed to be and whatever is left over then give it to him. I can agree to that and so it went. Friday the contractor was here at 8:30 am sharp. He told me while I was out there playing with Bud that he was waiting for the inspector. I say Ok and leave him alone. About 12:30 or so he is still there sitting in his truck! Then comes 1pm, 2pm and then 3pm and this guy is very determined and is still waiting. It's pretty hot here at that time as it was all day. I couldn't imagine him sitting there waiting that long so I called the building inspector's office and described the scenario. The girl said we were scheduled but we 26th on the day. I guess our contractor is sorry now he P O'd the inspectors the last time they were out. Anyway, about 4pm the inspector calls me back at my house and is surprised the contractor was still there waiting because he had left a message at his office telling him that he would NOT be out on Friday and has rescheduled it for this coming Monday. This contractor sat there for 7 1/2 hours and I had to be the one to tell him that they weren't coming. He thought I was joking! He was soaked from sweating in his truck all day not to mention very upset! Oh well! I think with any common sense he would have made a call like I did! Goes to show you what sense these Florida crackers really have! Wait he did come from up north somewhere! Michigan I think! NO I am not bashing people from Michigan before you guys get carried away on that one! Anyway, Saturday rolls around and we have our first visiting bus in here for service! A welding job on the front of an Eagle. Not a easy fix but I think it can be done ok. While it's here it may get a few rusted tubes replaced on the RR corner and maybe a new hitch! The existing one is strong enough only for a small trailer and golf cart but not really good enough to pull a car. Oh yea, the owner and I spent all day Saturday re-wiring the whole rear section with new wires and ends where needed and covered them ALL with wire loom! What a job that was but boy did it make a big difference! It looks sharp and every wire is safely concealed! Oh and after our vacation trip over Memorial day weekend, we may bring it back for some Rustproofing! Two buses now in the driveway along with a cargo trailer, a ford ranger, a ford van, a ford explorer, the new building, and still room for at least a couple or maybe three more buses! Any takers? LOL Can't wait until we get full 50 amp power though! That's the only thing lacking right now but very soon! Ace | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 572 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 70.220.229.150 Rating: N/A |
Update: my 50 amp service is in and up and running! Spent all day Sunday trenching earth and running conduit. Then had to pull wires. I purchased a 500 foot spool of number 2 copper wire. It wzas cheaper that way. I have about 100 or so feet left if anyone is interested. My shop power has been upgraded and I can run almost anything I want. Well to be honest I can run everything I have because everything I have is single phase. It sure is nice to be able to have a/c on in the bus during these hot days. Working on installing buddy seat about killed me. That's why it's not done yet but now with the a/c running, it will get done soon! Found out that Susan has a cousin that lives nearby (1.5 hrs) and she is married to a Certified, fully permitted, Florida electrician. They came up on Sunday and put ME to work along with the help of his wife and Susan! Had a cookout on our NEW grill and enjoyed the day! Life is great isn't it? Now to get to the next local rally which by the way is coming up real soon! Oh yea, if anyone is in Central Florida and wants to tag along, you can contact buscrazyinfl or Manny as I know him about the get together! See ya'll soon! Ace |