Search found 125 matches

by BillyK
Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?
Replies: 69
Views: 5287

Re: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?

My experience is that it is never enjoyable negotiating with Realtors on their own properties, particularly if it is a personal residence. They carry all of the same emotional baggage into the negotiations as a non-Realtor. So, it is really like negotiating with a FSBO unless they have the good sense to allow another agent in the brokerage to serve as their negotiator. So, your first step is not to view the seller as a Realtor, but rather a seller that may have more knowledge than a typical seller depending on their level of experience. If you use a buyer’s agent, you don’t want someone that is friendly with them, or that makes the mistake of negotiating with them on a professional level in the same manner as they would on a listing not own...
by BillyK
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quit claim deed has a lot of room for fraud
Replies: 28
Views: 3317

Re: Quit claim deed has a lot of room for fraud

A QCD only disclaims ownership. That would only be the first step in a fraud. The only way this could be fraud is when the current owner is impersonated in the QCD. Then they have to get ownership with another fraudulent document. Then the fraudster has to take out a loan against the property to cash in. That would be fraud against the lender, but the current owner would not be affected. This would be a far-fetched scheme. The most common real estate fraud is payment diversion at closing. I thought people also prefer QCD for transferring title to the spouse, relatives or close friends who you don't need to provide warranty by a statutory warranty deed. Technically you can quit your claim to the property you do not own, but if you do own ac...
by BillyK
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22618

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

Subagency may become common again. I am not sure on the exact timeline, but it wasn’t until somewhere in the 1990s when the concept of a buyer’s agent became prevalent. A seller paying another agent to serve as a fiduciary for the buyer including negotiating against their best interest always seemed somewhat dubious to me.

Sellers paying commissions to agents will still likely remain common. They are still going to want to maximize their property’s exposure to get the best price which includes paying a commission to other real estate brokerages. If subagency were to become more common, buyers will need to seek a real estate attorney to represent their best interest which many should still be doing while using a buyer’s agent.
by BillyK
Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quit claim deed has a lot of room for fraud
Replies: 28
Views: 3317

Re: Quit claim deed has a lot of room for fraud

Recording a fraudulent deed including a general warranty one doesn’t legally convey ownership to the grantee. It is an important point that seems to be frequently missed by many people concerned about title fraud. It creates a cloud on the title that needs to be cleared, but not a legal ownership. It happens most commonly with bad legal descriptions that may cause an overlap onto a neighboring property that requires a corrective deed with a proper legal description or an affidavit to remedy. Quitclaim are commonly misused when other better deed choices should be used such as a bargain and sale one. Quitclaim deeds don’t guarantee the grantor has an ownership interest. All it is doing is conveying whatever interest the grantor has - “if any”...
by BillyK
Sun Jan 07, 2024 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama
Replies: 96
Views: 17388

Re: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama

Properties that are dilapidated with essentially worthless improvements sell for land value less demolition and removal costs of the improvements. There may be possibly some salvage value. However, those costs can be quite expensive.

An investor isn’t going to pay the same for them as a vacant lots due to their considerable added costs. Proper appraisals would include those costs too.
by BillyK
Sat Nov 11, 2023 6:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Late Boomers (born 1960-65) study on having so little wealth...
Replies: 103
Views: 15604

Re: Late Boomers (born 1960-65) study on having so little wealth...

I was born in 1961 and fall in that demographic too. First started buying stocks and bonds in the mid 1980s. It has really been a good run as a disciplined, buy and hold investor. The 1987 stock market crash including Black Monday was an early learning opportunity for many of us as relatively inexperienced investors.

I hope the current younger generations are so fortunate as late boomers. We had great opportunities as investors to achieve our financial goals. I am really surprised that more late boomers haven’t posted what a good run it has been for us as investors in both stocks and bonds.
by BillyK
Wed Nov 01, 2023 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 47258

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

Sub agency will become more common again as it was in the past. The agent working the buyer will function as a sub agent of the seller. That better supports the seller paying a double commission to better expose their property to numerous brokerages. The odds have always been the listing brokerage wouldn’t bring the buyer. A buyer’s agent unless they are also a licensed attorney has never been able to give legal advice regarding real estate contracts. If they do provide legal advice, it is practicing law without a license. Any questions regarding contracts, or other legal advice are areas that the agent should always advise their client to seek legal counsel. Many buyers seem to have a misperception to the capacity a buyer’s agent may advis...
by BillyK
Fri Oct 20, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality men's leather belt?
Replies: 44
Views: 3769

Re: Quality men's leather belt?

I only buy my belts through Hanks Leather Goods at hanksbelts.com. They are made with full grain leathers and far superior to what you buy in big box stores. Plus, the have rugged, quality buckles that easily can be changed. They have a 100 year warranty on all belts and a large selection of types.

The quality difference and longevity of a belt From Hanks versus a Macys or Nordstroms is night and day.
by BillyK
Sun Oct 08, 2023 2:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Waterpik --cordless or corded?
Replies: 17
Views: 2872

Re: Waterpik --cordless or corded?

I have been using a Waterpik since I was a kid and had braces 50 years ago. I have had several cordless ones for traveling, but they have always been less powerful. They have smaller motors due to being compact. I always run them on their highest setting which you won’t when first using one, so a cordless one may be adequate for someone that uses lower settings. However, I definitely prefer those with cords. Plus, the cordless ones don’t hold as much water. Waterpiks are great to use first prior to flossing and brushing. So, it seems kind of gross to me to take one into the shower to use. Just think after eating some pretzels or chips and then flushing your mouth out in the shower! The Waterpik’s handle has an easy to use switch that turns ...
by BillyK
Tue Aug 15, 2023 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Health Club Members: what do you pay? Is it “worth” it?
Replies: 112
Views: 9997

Re: Health Club Members: what do you pay? Is it “worth” it?

Planet Fitness for $10 per month with their basic membership. A hard deal to beat. They have excellent equipment of every type, and it is extremely well maintained with good staff.

The nice thing about Planet Fitness health clubs in general is that they typically have members of all ages, body types and fitness levels, so that anyone can work out there and feel comfortable.
by BillyK
Fri Jul 07, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utility worker access on private property
Replies: 21
Views: 3139

Re: Utility worker access on private property

If you are in a subdivision, you sometimes need to look at the subdivision plat and notes. A lot of times the municipality requires as part of their subdivision plat approval that areas on the lots are dedicated for utilities. They won't show up on a deed search, since there isn't an actual recorded easement instrument, since instead it is a plat dedication.
by BillyK
Thu May 25, 2023 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Counter Top Coffee Roasting
Replies: 85
Views: 6387

Re: Counter Top Coffee Roasting

I have two types of roasters, an air one and a drum roaster. The air roaster is the easiest and fastest to use, but makes smaller quantities. The drum roaster produces the most smoke, but the air roaster still produces smoke and leaves a prolonged scent in your home. Unless, you like a very light roast, most people will roast into the second crack which is when it starts to produce the most smoke. People that roast in their kitchens, often use special vents to handle the extra smoke. The filter in a normal vent will become permeated with the smoke smell. 1 pound of green coffee beans typically equates to 12 ounces of roasted coffee. Price of green beans is often meaningless. A true Kona may be super expensive which I like to treat myself to...
by BillyK
Fri Apr 28, 2023 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dual agency [real estate office]
Replies: 24
Views: 2039

Re: Dual agency [real estate office]

There are different types of agencies including types of dual agencies between the state. It creates a lot of confusion and misinformation. This sounds like a case where the broker is able to designate two separate agents within the brokerage to represent each the buyer and seller. Real estate licensees are independent contractors and they compete against each other within their offices. In a small town agents from other offices may be better friends with each other than those within the same office. Many may not spend much time at all in the office with each other. Personally, this wouldn’t bother me in the slightest whether the agents have their licenses registered with the same broker, or two different ones. The agents operate in the sam...
by BillyK
Sun Apr 16, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33461

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

The one that I am wearing the most lately is an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra co-axial master chronometer 41 mm with a green dial and steel bracelet. It has the date dial at 6 o’clock which I prefer over 3 o’clock. I like that it has crystal glass on its caseback so that you can see the movement. It is a good all around watch that you can wear from casual to more formal. James Bond (Daniel Craig) wore an Aqua Terra in both Spectre and No Time to Die. Omega is a subsidiary of Swatch and gives you a lot of bang for the buck when compared on specifications to other Swiss luxury brands such as Rolex. It is somewhat model dependent, but purely on resale value Rolex easily beats out Omega. However, unlike Rolex models you can easily find Omega watch...
by BillyK
Tue Apr 04, 2023 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I pay off my mortgage and go uninsured?
Replies: 81
Views: 7753

Re: Should I pay off my mortgage and go uninsured?

It all depends on your home construction and location. I have been through multiple hurricanes through the years. The current home I am in took a direct hit from Hurricane Charley and also the latest beast of a storm Ian. Hurricane Charley eliminated the big trees around the home which tend to be one of the biggest risks during a hurricane. Charley resulted in a new roof and some porch damage. Ian did some damage to the 18 year old shingle roof, but barely much more over the deductible amount. However, due to the age of the roof, I went ahead and replaced it. The majority of damage that I see driving around after Ian is mostly just roofs needing replaced, fences down, pool frames and screens, and landscaping. Nearly $27,000 a year will go a...
by BillyK
Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: name on county tax records
Replies: 9
Views: 800

Re: name on county tax records

If the executor’s name is the same as your dad’s, I would double check the recordings to make sure that the last vesting deed of record was to your Dad. You want to make sure your family member acting in his capacity as executor didn’t do a switcheroo of the property to himself since the names are exactly the same. It would be easy to use the same address as your Dad’s on the tax record, plus many people pay their taxes online anyways.

If you have a copy of the tax card, they often list deed history toward the bottom of the page, if you haven’t already confirmed it for your assurance.
by BillyK
Thu Nov 17, 2022 3:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net worth estimate for land value - highest & best; or current use?
Replies: 22
Views: 1816

Re: Net worth estimate for land value - highest & best; or current use?

You value it with sales comps. You must research land sales nearby within the last 12 months. Must be same zoning. Should be similar size. Similar access and frontage to roads. Similar access to utilities. If you're not that familiar with your local market, then you need to hire appraiser to do it right. You can’t ignore the subject’s highest and best use if the current market demand is such that subdividing it into two 20 acre tracts maximizes it value as OP believes. Then it isn’t unrealistic to use smaller 20 acre comparable sales, technically less the cost to subdivide it. Yes, if a comparable sale has the similar characteristics as you describe, and the buyer knowingly purchased it based upon the ability to be subdivide it into two mo...
by BillyK
Wed Nov 16, 2022 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net worth estimate for land value - highest & best; or current use?
Replies: 22
Views: 1816

Re: Net worth estimate for land value - highest & best; or current use?

Personally, I would value them based upon their highest and best use. Treat your 50% interest in the 40 acre tract as a a smaller and more valuable 20 acre one for your net worth purposes. If you were to sell it, that is how you would market it.
by BillyK
Thu Nov 03, 2022 12:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 217809

Re: anyone else get shocked by the $20 per mutual fund fees and miss the notices? & disappointed with VG customer servic

I converted to the brokerage account as soon as I received notice from Vanguard. I am glad I did if they are now charging fees for those that didn’t. Personally, switching over made zero difference to me, or at least that I am aware!
by BillyK
Tue Nov 01, 2022 5:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift Worthy Coffee
Replies: 116
Views: 10585

Re: Gift Worthy Coffee

Alamo Pecan & Coffee Co. out of San Saba, Texas. alamopecan.com

They have wonderful gourmet coffee including flavored ones. I really like their Texas pecan flavored coffee. It smells so good in the bag. I roast a lot of my own coffee, so I am particular. They also have other goodies too, which make great gifts.
by BillyK
Sat Oct 29, 2022 1:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unethical Builder Behavior
Replies: 17
Views: 2212

Re: Unethical Builder Behavior

You said, “she called to tell you the offer wasn’t accepted” but what do you have in writing? You don’t want an open offer still sitting there with them since they certainly don’t seem trust worthy. Was there a time period for them to accept the offer, or it is it just vague such as time is of the essence? You definitely want to make sure that the offer is officially voided in writing, since you don’t want them still playing games with you. Hopefully, you didn’t give them a deposit, but if yes, you want to put in writing to them that since an agreement was not reached, you want your deposit back. As soon as someone puts time constraints on you to sign without allowing you time to have the agreement properly reviewed, run don’t walk. Next ti...
by BillyK
Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many of you are over-rebalancing?
Replies: 62
Views: 5575

Re: How many of you are over-rebalancing?

Personally, I just view rebalancing as a means for risk control rather than a method to increase returns. If the market is on a downward trajectory, or moves sideways for an extended period, I would rather keep my fixed income at its current percentage rather than dumping them them with hopes of higher equity returns. It just doesn’t seem necessary as a long term disciplined investor.

It is always tempting to take some type of action in a market downturn, but ultimately I always fall back on Jack Bogle’s sage advice, “Don’t do something, stand there.”
by BillyK
Thu Sep 22, 2022 11:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Zillow agents?
Replies: 22
Views: 3168

Re: Zillow agents?

Google "Zillow Agent Agreement (state name)" and you should find some legal info on your agreement. If you booked an appointment with them to take time out of their day to show you the house, shouldn't they be entitled to the commission? (I know you didn't interview them - but by booking the appointment thru them you chose to use them as your buyers agent versus calling your favorite real estate agent to arrange showing you the house). And of course your Wife's freind, an agent, would want to get involved so that they can claim the buyer's agent commission - but you have already contracted a zillow agent for this house (unless I am missing something). I Honestly did not know how Zillow worked. I thought at first we were booking a...
by BillyK
Thu Sep 22, 2022 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Zillow agents?
Replies: 22
Views: 3168

Re: Zillow agents?

Just showing someone a property isn’t necessarily procuring cause. Buyers show up all of the time on open houses, then come back with another agent to make an offer. Most likely what the Zillow agent sent your wife was nothing more than an information about brokerages type form that isn’t a form that commits you in any way to paying a commission. It just a state licensing requirement that spells out the types of agency relationships that exists, and it is required to be provided prior to any substantive real estate discussions. Most states have such a requirement. If your agent friend wishes to receive a commission as a buyer’s agent, the issue is between your agent (or their broker) and the Zillow broker. That isn’t something for you to be...
by BillyK
Thu Sep 22, 2022 5:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage purchase by check question
Replies: 24
Views: 2054

Re: Vanguard Brokerage purchase by check question

Mobile check transfer is the simplest way to handle a check. Sending a check by mail seems antiquated unless there is a particular reason you can’t. All you you need to do is load the Vanguard app on your cell phone and follow instructions.
by BillyK
Wed Sep 21, 2022 2:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Closing Work 401K
Replies: 6
Views: 827

Re: Closing Work 401K

Although, you will receive a paper check from your 401k provider, since you have an existing IRA with Vanguard, you can easily make a mobile deposit which expedites not having to send it. The last time I did it, it didn’t take long for Vanguard to process it so that the rollover monies were readily available in my MM account to invest into my funds.

Personally, whenever I am doing a transfer such as a rollover, I don’t give a thought to market swings since I just want to get the funds to my preferred location and then balance the monies into my preferred allocation. It is ultimately just a crapshoot whether you get lucky on your timing during the transfer.
by BillyK
Fri Aug 12, 2022 1:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Touchscreen Laptop or chrome book weights less than 2lbs?
Replies: 19
Views: 1513

Re: Touchscreen Laptop or chrome book weights less than 2lbs?

If you aren’t using it for a large amount of typing, the in-screen keyboard on the 12.9” iPad Pro works extremely well for two handed typing. It is seemingly huge, and the iPad has very good touch sensitivity. I type all kinds of correspondence on my iPad Pro’s screen. It isn’t anything remotely like trying to type on a smartphone screen, but rather far superior.
by BillyK
Sun Jul 17, 2022 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Realtor With Ulterior Motives, Bad Faith
Replies: 39
Views: 5888

Re: Realtor With Ulterior Motives, Bad Faith

Florida courts have held that sellers must disclose material facts that affect the value of the property which are not readily observable and are not known to the buyer. Furthermore, this also applies to real estate professionals. Johnson v. Davis, 480 So.2d 625 (Florida 1985) & Rayner v. Wise. A seller's disclosure is required in all residential real property transactions, so that disclosing the actual inspection report provided a strong safeguard that buyers couldn't refute. If you had a listing with the agent and a less than favorable inspection report was obtained, you could have addressed the issues by having the items repaired, or additional inspections performed. However, legally you are on weak grounds if you try to litigate aga...
by BillyK
Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chromedome maintinence
Replies: 18
Views: 3063

Re: Chromedome maintinence

The Pitbull is great. It makes shaving your head so quick, easy and convenient when using it every other day. It gives a nice close shave. I use the Pitbull every other day as recommended. You can shave wet or dry, but I prefer wet using gel shaving cream. A mistake I think many new users make with them is to push down too hard resulting in irritation, when you need to just let the blades glide and do the work. They offer a selection of blade types to try. I prefer the Forte 4 head pro blades which comes on the gold and platinum versions. I have the gold version which has a really good battery life. Then I recommend the platinum rinse stand to both rinse and store your shaver. I also have the travel case which is nice. The platinum version ...
by BillyK
Tue Jun 21, 2022 3:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best examples of rock 'n roll music genre ?
Replies: 185
Views: 13689

Re: Best examples of rock 'n roll music genre ?

Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Free Bird” - Southern Rock
by BillyK
Sun Jun 19, 2022 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: florida homeowners insurance non-renewal
Replies: 29
Views: 4158

Re: florida homeowners insurance non-renewal

I am located in SW FL and when my last insurance company left the state, I had to take Citizens Property Insurance Corp this year as the only homeowner’s option available. I am not located on the water or within a flood zone.
by BillyK
Wed Jun 08, 2022 12:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Phone Screen Protector
Replies: 14
Views: 1123

Re: Phone Screen Protector

sport wrote: Tue Jun 07, 2022 6:27 pm
runninginvestor wrote: Tue Jun 07, 2022 3:40 pm
sport wrote: Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:43 pm The screen blinks when the swipes described above are made. They just do not activate.
Which phone do you have? I'd also suggest looking at the settings to see if they have a "glove" mode or sensitivity setting. I've never had isues with the tempered glass protectors (and I would only get tempered glass protectors ver plastic). I don't have hands so I'v had to adjust settings at times bc some phones didn't register y iputs as well as others after using a screen protector. Some screen protectors i've looked at have had oor reviews tho regarding their ability to detect touch in general.
Galaxy A13. I don't see a sensitivity setting.
Settings - Display - Touch Sensitivity (turn on)
by BillyK
Tue Jun 07, 2022 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Land is mine on both sides of fence
Replies: 43
Views: 6027

Re: Land is mine on both sides of fence

If you are going to allow it, an encroachment easement is often used for such circumstances.
by BillyK
Sat Jun 04, 2022 1:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exercise at Home: what do you use?
Replies: 43
Views: 4340

Re: Exercise at Home: what do you use?

Kettlebells, steel clubs (clubbells), steel maces, Indian clubs, and Persian meels. They each provide an endless variety of movements, and I never get bored training with them.

There are many good YouTube videos that show how to train with non-traditional training tools. Mark Wildman, ZenKahuna, Coach Vaughn, Paul Tara Wolkowinski, Onnit, and others.

Almost anyone with stiff shoulders from spending a lot of time typing on a keyboard and using a mouse will benefit from a light pair of Indian clubs. They are wonderful for working out and stretching your shoulders.
by BillyK
Wed Jun 01, 2022 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When you decline dual agency as seller
Replies: 22
Views: 2494

Re: When you decline dual agency as seller

Dual agents aren't allowed to disclose confidential information between parties any more than a listing broker acting solely as your fiduciary. However, their advice to you is more restricted during negotiations. Dual agents aren't "supposed" to disclose confidential information. Without a meaningful way to determine if confidential information has been shared or an effective mechanism to enforce, "not allowed" is nothing more than marketing spiel used to lull the unsophisticated into complacency. I know there are some really good, truly ethical realtors out there, but the low standards of the profession overall and the willingness of the good to put up with the bad really impact overall perception of the profession. Du...
by BillyK
Wed Jun 01, 2022 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When you decline dual agency as seller
Replies: 22
Views: 2494

Re: When you decline dual agency as seller

My main concerns are: - disclosure of confidential information. Solution is to not share CI with agent, but this IMO reduces the value an agent provides. This concern is not limited to dual agency clearly. - canceling/slowing showings to buyers with another agent if they have a dual client with some interest. As far as I know timely showing potential buyers is not required - slowing process or not disclosing or accepting backup offers if we have a contract with dual agency. As far as I know in many states offers received after contract aren’t necessarily required to be presented In my mind, a reduced commission for dual agency may lessen the incentive for the latter 2 behaviors. The odds are that your listing broker won't be the brokerage ...
by BillyK
Wed May 11, 2022 11:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: is it sound and/or smart to invest in 100% equity if you can tolerate a fifty percent drop for a prolonged period?
Replies: 42
Views: 4136

Re: is it sound and/or smart to invest in 100% equity if you can tolerate a fifty percent drop for a prolonged period?

If I were to hold 100% equities, I wouldn’t use “only” a 50% drop for determining my risk tolerance. During the 2008 market crash, many Bogleheads with seemingly diversified equity portfolios with common tilts, as well as owning a percentage of individual stocks which is typical of many investors today, saw 60, 70, 80%, or more drops. The use of 50% may be a good ballpark estimate if an investor that is solely investing in broad market indexes such as a combination of the total U.S. and stock market indexes. However, if you tilt away significantly from the broad market weightings and possibly hold individual stocks, the use of only a 50% drop may be far too optimistic. 50% has become so commonly used for equity risk assessments that many in...
by BillyK
Sun May 08, 2022 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Appraisal comes in lower than offer
Replies: 74
Views: 8004

Re: Appraisal comes in lower than offer

Not quite how it works universally No? Why would you pay more than an objective third-party has determined the worth of the property to be? They usually go high rather than low. So if they're coming in under your offer, you're being dumb and that's your notice to stop being dumb. Normal rules of logic do not apply to the housing market in the hot areas…….until they do…….. You don't buy a property for more than what it appraises for. I'm not savvy, and even I know that. Appraisal usually lags the market by 6 to 9 months Real estate property appraisals capture the date of value which on a typical residential appraisal is the date the appraisal inspected the property. The appraisal shouldn't "lag" the market at all if the appraiser ...
by BillyK
Sat Apr 30, 2022 8:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906917

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

-11.33% YTD
by BillyK
Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to follow Jack Bogle’s “Don’t Peek” rule
Replies: 12
Views: 2312

Re: How to follow Jack Bogle’s “Don’t Peek” rule

Unless you just have one traditional IRA for example, and particularly no non-retirement accounts comprised particularly of equities, target funds may make rebalancing more complicated rather than less. As your non-retirement equity percentages increase in a bull market, then you will need to switch your target funds to more conservative ones to maintain your portfolio’s overall risk allocation; conversely, then you will need to do the opposite during a market crash. It just seems simpler, or at least to me to own the target fund’s individual components in the accounts of your choosing. Then rebalance as needed within each of the accounts. I can see a target fund as a great choice for someone that invested solely during their career in a 40...
by BillyK
Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fort Lauderdale trip
Replies: 19
Views: 1687

Re: Fort Lauderdale trip

An old Ft. Lauderdale classic since 1935 is a either a sightseeing tour or a dinner cruise on the Jungle Queen. It gives you a good water view of the Venice of America area. It leaves out of Bahia Mar Marina which is off of the 17th Street Causeway near A1A.
by BillyK
Tue Mar 22, 2022 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utility pole and new pool installation
Replies: 12
Views: 1659

Re: Utility pole and new pool installation

The utility company is responsible for repairing any resulting damages to your neighbor’s property for erecting the pole. That is standard language in easement instruments. You are offering to pay for something the utility company routinely handles in their day to day operations.
by BillyK
Tue Mar 15, 2022 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $30k check on the side of cash real estate deal?
Replies: 70
Views: 6239

Re: $30k check on the side of cash real estate deal?

Personal property such as home furnishings are not part of the real estate. Personal property comprising a fully furnished house shouldn’t be part of the the real estate purchase contract and its sale’s price. It skews the value of the real estate and throws off appraisals when financing is involved. It is simply not part of the real estate. That is why bill of sales are used. Inexperienced real estate agents often incorrectly include large amounts of personal property as part of the the real estate sale on the real estate purchase contract. The sale of the personal property should have nothing to do with the actual real estate closing. That is why many state licensing agencies encourage licensees to not get involved in personal property tr...
by BillyK
Sat Feb 05, 2022 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33461

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis?

Samsung Galaxy 4 watch. It pairs best with a Samsung phone.
by BillyK
Fri Jan 21, 2022 2:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard thinks retirees might want to keep 50% in equities
Replies: 51
Views: 11232

Re: Vanguard thinks retirees might want to keep 50% in equities

Most retirees will have Social Security, pensions, or both. As Mr. Bogle expressed that SS benefits are like a bond as part of the allocation strategy, so that a 50% equity allocation isn’t that particularly risky for many retirees.
by BillyK
Tue Jan 18, 2022 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Up and coming areas / towns near Austin
Replies: 24
Views: 3043

Re: Up and coming areas / towns near Austin

The Lockhart area. It is close to SH 130 which makes it nice for heading north and south while avoiding the traffic nightmare on IH 35. Plus, it has great BBQ.
by BillyK
Sat Jan 01, 2022 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Purchases of 2021?
Replies: 203
Views: 19287

Re: Favorite Purchases of 2021?

The 2021, new iPad Mini 6. Bought it on a whim since I already had a 2020, 12.9” iPad Pro. I just love it and find myself using it all of the time for media consumption and emails. Small, light and fast with a good screen, speakers and battery life.
by BillyK
Sun Dec 26, 2021 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Residential Property Boundary Markers
Replies: 26
Views: 2936

Re: Residential Property Boundary Markers

Most property lines don't abut the street/edge of pavement. If the right of way is owned in fee simple, the right of way line will exceed the edge of the pavement by however many feet are needed for the roadway design (drainage, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, utilities, buffer, etc.). Older roads may be built using easements rather deeds, so that the abutting property owners may actually own to the centerline of the roadway. Many property owners think that they own more roadway frontage width than they actually do, due to the right of way width. The fact that the surveyor is working inward 10' from the roadway is normal in most cases depending on the actual width of the right of way and whether it is owned in fee or not. Starting points used on...
by BillyK
Fri Dec 10, 2021 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Florida Property Sales Price Changed on Public Record
Replies: 40
Views: 2759

Re: Florida Property Sales Price Changed on Public Record

Sales price isn’t necessarily reflective of “market value” which is what the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser uses as the basis of their assessed value. That is why using sources such as Zillow may be extremely flawed in determining a property’s market value. The selling price may be quite meaningless unless it meets the necessary prerequisites of fair market value. Sales commonly occur between family, friends or associated entities for less than an actual fair market value. The same too when a seller is in a forced sale under duress. That is why appraisers need to determine the actual circumstances of a sale. The Palm Beach County Assessor’s office is quite aware of this distinction which is why they determine each property’s fair mark...