Grove Family Investments

How a handyman saved me.

Hey everyone!

The deal flow has been ramping up and more and more quality investments are coming into our inbox. Things are looking good. So, we found this amazing property in Pittsburgh. The pictures looked fantastic, the numbers on the spreadsheet added up, and by all measures, it seemed like a solid investment. But, before we jumped in, we did what we always do—we had a handyman check out the place. This step has saved us from a lot of potential headaches in the past, and it definitely did this time too.

He went through the house and, in just an hour, found issues that we couldn’t have spotted from looking at the photos.

1. Rodent Infestation: The house had a rodent problem that would need extensive extermination.
2. Unpleasant Odors: The whole place smelled like pee, pointing to serious sanitation issues.
3. Plumbing Problems: About half of the plumbing wasn’t working, so big repairs would be needed to make the house livable.
4. Structural Issues: One of the patios was tilting and almost falling apart, which was a major safety concern.
5. Electrical Hazards: Much of the wiring was ungrounded and super sketchy, needing a complete overhaul to be safe.

If we had gone ahead based on the initial impressions, we would have walked into a financial disaster. But thanks to our handyman’s thorough inspection, we dodged that bullet.

The Importance of Local Expertise

This experience highlights why you need boots on the ground with expertise as part of your team, especially when investing out of state. Pictures can lie, and numbers don’t tell the whole story. You need someone who can give you the real scoop on the property’s condition.

A good handyman can:

• Spot Hidden Problems: They catch issues that aren’t visible in photos or mentioned in the listing.
• Give Accurate Repair Estimates: Knowing what repairs will cost helps you decide if the investment is worth it. They also don’t have the same subconscious incentive to find big problems since it would be out of their scope of practice To do major projects.
• Connections: if you do need something done comment they know people in the area that can get the job done for you saving your time on your due diligence.
• Ensure Safety and Compliance: They make sure the property meets local safety codes and regulations, saving you from future legal troubles.

Building a Reliable Team

Real estate investing isn’t something you should do alone. Building a team of trusted professionals, including a skilled handyman, is key to success. Their expertise can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. In fact, it has been my experience that Investing is primarily a process of building connections with people. This makes the process much more enjoyable as well.

Wrapping It Up

In the real estate game, having reliable people who are local to the property on your team is an absolute must. They provide the critical insights needed to make smart decisions and protect your investment. So, the next time you’re eyeing a property, remember our Pittsburgh story and make sure you have the right people checking it out.

Invest smart, and never underestimate the power of having boots on the ground with the expertise to keep your investments sound. 🏡🔧

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Feel free to share your own stories or reach out to schedule a conversation if you would like to join us in future investments. Let’s invest wisely and build a successful real estate portfolio together! 🌟