Three State land baron???

[MikeTangas]

Well maybe soon.

If all goes well the wife and I should add a third property to the "portfolio" (fancy financial jargon). Took a while to find a suitable abode, started out real low on the price scale and quickly realized at those prices there was more work than I intended to put forth - a lot of structural work. I upped my search parameters regarding price and started to find probables. Seemed like everytime I would decide and tend an offer someone else beat me to the punch. Of course I was trying to get in for the least amount so I shied off from any potential bidding wars.

Came across a candidate, but the price was almost 20K over my top price. Gave some serious consideration to a few facts before tending an offer. The house had been on the market for almost 6 months without a bite...obviously over priced. The price started out at 109.9K, the dropped to 89.9K. I let the house sit another week and got ballsey...offered up 65K.

The seller let the offer sit until the end of the 24 hour period then threw out a counter of 79.9K. Countered back at 70K, again the seller let it sit for the full day and came back at 75K. This time I was the one who let the offer sit while I considered continuing the horse trading. Marysville is a small town and word was out that the seller was talking at a price much lower than asking, I couldn't wait any longer so we agreed at 75K even. More than I initially intended to spend but still leaves me a payment less than renting.

It needs some work but it's all stuff I can handle. Downside is there is no garage, we'll have to see how things go maybe I'll be able to spring for one. As it stands I should do well when it comes time to liquidate.

The big house in California, the acreage in Wisconsin and soon a three bedroom 1100 sq/ft house in Michigan. Maybe I'll end up with a house in every State before this gig is over .

I have to admit this was the most fun I have had horse trading on a property. Not sure why, but I had a very carefree attitude which I think gave me the cojones to to take my time and open low. A very no pressure land deal all the way around.