We checked out the property. It may just be a little too much for us to fix up. The disclosure says there are no wetlands restrictions on the property and the mineral rights are included but some things really stood out. The smaller house needs a new roof, has an oil furnace and needs new windows. The larger house needs both bathrooms remodeled, has radiator heat, the basement is for a 5' tall person and the garage door needs replaced. There are a lot of "unknowns" listed on the disclosure that are rather important to know the answer to. This may be a no-go from the get-go.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
We checked out the property. It may just be a little too much for us to fix up. The disclosure says there are no wetlands restrictions on the property and the mineral rights are included but some things really stood out. The smaller house needs a new roof, has an oil furnace and needs new windows. The larger house needs both bathrooms remodeled, has radiator heat, the basement is for a 5' tall person and the garage door needs replaced. There are a lot of "unknowns" listed on the disclosure that are rather important to know the answer to. This may be a no-go from the get-go.

That sounds like a money pit of “hell no”.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beancooker,

I just noticed that the disclosure is only for the little house. I asked the realtor for the disclosure of the other house and there isn't one. I fear they're hiding something. Probably lead paint.

The realtor said the property was under contract three times this year and buyers immediately backed out each time.

Mark, that’s more red flags than most hurricane warnings produce…

Run. I also don’t think close physical proximity is the answer, based on everything you shared.

It kind of sounds like your seeing all of the logical side of it, including the risks (debt). I've always been risk averse -- and certainly have missed great opportunities because of that, but in this case, I'm seeing enough reason to place your faith in God and go at it. Either with this property, or in a similar arrangement.

Would Mark be on the adjacent property in a different house, but not assisted living in this example?

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
Would Mark be on the adjacent property in a different house, but not assisted living in this example?

That's correct but he'd also be eligible for more services to help him learn to take care of himself and assistance would be available.

However, the red flags are piling up. Probably going to pass on this one.

quote:

I fear they're hiding something. Probably lead paint.

The realtor said the property was under contract three times this year and buyers immediately backed out each time.

Several years back there was a two story "house" down the street from one of my rental houses for sale by a bank that foreclosed on it for $160,000. Would have taken about $40,000 worth of work to make into a 2, 3, or 4 unit apartment building. One day I'm driving by and I see a truck with a small drill rig on the back boring holes into the ground. I stop and talk to the guy doing the drilling, and he hands me a tube and says to smell it.

Gasoline. This house used to be a small store with fuel pumps, and the owner lived above. This store closed long before I was familiar with the area, so I had no idea. The fuel tanks were never removed, and had leached into the ground. Guy who had it under contract backed out. Out of curiosity I called the bank and they offered it to me for $8,000. I had researched things a bit, and although there were some ways around it, the information I came up with would require me to remediate the property at my expense. That was a no-go, so I passed.

Shortly thereafter another guy came in and swooped it up for the $8,000. He said he put about $50,000 into it for a total of $58,000. It has a large downstairs unit of 1,600 sq. ft., and two upstairs unit of 800 each. Between the 3 he gets $2,500 a month, and has been doing so (probably more now) since 2006. So not counting taxes, insurance, and maintenance, that's about $480,000 out of his $58,000 investment, and he still owns the property outright. Everybody knows about the fuel tanks and nobody cares. Feds don't care. County doesn't care.

Moral of the story: It doesn't matter how much a property is suffering so long as it has the potential and can be purchased right. If you're interested, low ball them. They may just take it.

A no-go from the get-go. I guess so!

Mark, all the best to you and your family.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
The realtor said the property was under contract three times this year and buyers immediately backed out each time.

Sounds like when they got the inspection results, the used-food hit the fan. Your instinct - heading for the exit on this one - is spot-on.

With the new revelations, the obvious answer is run like hell away before yesterday.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
A short while back my son had another autistic rage incident and it's been suggested that we move him into a group home. We toured a couple and decided against them so far. First he'd be too far away from us and second the group homes left a lot to be desired in cleanliness and organization. That's to be expected from government facilities. ...

We toured another group home last week and it was much nicer. A clean place with a much more capable staff. It was a larger place with less clients (3 versus 5 at the other place). It's still 30 miles away which bothers me but it's do-able.

However, during the interview and tour Marky was visibly nervous and he continually stated that he's not moving in, he's going to live with father (he still only calls me father). It's heartbreaking but I think he's going to have to just man up and give it a try.

His step-mom, my wife, is still hoping we'll find a place so that he doesn't have to go to the group home. She's feeling guilty about it. I completely understand and I'm trying to encourage her that Marky's relationship with us will only get better. She's more heartbroken than I am.

I have a feeling that when we move Marky's bed, computer and TV to the new place he won't even want to visit us very often.

Is there an option or enough space where you are for a studio apartment? Basically a self sufficient "he shed?"

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:
Is there an option or enough space where you are for a studio apartment? Basically a self sufficient "he shed?"

Not really. It's a city lot and we already built a garage in the back yard.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
I have a feeling that when we move Marky's bed, computer and TV to the new place he won't even want to visit us very often.

That is very likely, given what you've stated so far. Not being an ass, just another person with a kid on the spectrum at home.

It sounds like you found a good facility, and I don't think anyone should have any guilt over using it given the circumstances.

Oth he may adapt and be fine there. I understand to a degree the situation you are in Mark123. It is about all of you though. And I think you are on the right track. I applaud you for trying to do the right thing, for all the right reasons.
Group homes provide a valuable service.

Couple of questions Who is running the group home? An agency or organization. How long have they been running the facility? Drop in a time or two with little notice, perhaps in the evening.
Competent house parents are important.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Couple of questions Who is running the group home? An agency or organization. How long have they been running the facility? Drop in a time or two with little notice, perhaps in the evening.
Competent house parents are important.

Here is a link to their site: http://www.theabdd.org/

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sounds good. Wisconsin had those services as well. These homes integrated well into the community. Transportation to various community events was provided and psychological services at the mental health center were provided for those who needed it. Sounds like some folks in Pennsylvania care about these folks and that is good to hear. Let us know how it works out for you.

Moving date for Marky is 12-27 and to be honest, I’m having a rough time. He visited for an evening and said he had a good time but he still looks shocked/confused when I talk about him moving. He then says he wants to go. None of this makes me feel ok though.