#My Smart Cousin

[mysmartcousin19]

THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF FLIPPING HOUSES: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Flipping houses has become a popular way for people to make a profit in the real estate market. It involves buying a property, renovating it and selling it at a higher price. While it can be a lucrative business, there are also risks involved.

At MY SMART COUSIN, we want you to get into property ownership! We can help by providing expertise and resources for budding Real Estate Investors and homebuyers of all stripes–especially those looking to buy a house for the price of a car! As Real Estate Investment Coaches, we work closely with aspiring real estate investors, focusing especially on Black and Brown folks and women, to position you for success in developing and executing your plan for investment and building generational wealth.

In this blog we’ll take a comprehensive look at the risks and rewards of flipping houses.

WHAT IS HOUSE FLIPPING?

House flipping is a real estate investment strategy that involves purchasing a property, renovating or upgrading it and selling it for a profit. The goal of house flipping is to buy a property below its market value, make improvements that increase its value and then sell it for a higher price. This can be a lucrative investment strategy if done correctly, but it is not without risks. Successful house flippers must carefully consider factors such as the local real estate market, the cost of renovations and the potential buying pool before making any investment decisions.

FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSE FLIPPING

There are several factors that can affect the success of a house flipping project. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:

Location: It’s not for nothing that the saying, ‘location, location, location’ exists. The location of the property is one of the most important factors to consider when buying and flipping a house. The reason is that properties in desirable locations that are close to amenities such as schools, shopping centers and transportation tend to sell faster and for higher prices.

Real estate market conditions: The state of the local real estate market can have a big impact on the success of a house flipping project. A strong seller’s market with low inventory and high demand can make it easier to sell a flipped property for a profit, while a buyer’s market with high inventory and low demand can make it more difficult to sell.

Renovation costs: The cost of renovating or upgrading a property is a major consideration when flipping a house. It’s important to accurately estimate the costs of repairs and upgrades to ensure that the investment will yield a profit.

Timeframe: The length of time it takes to complete a house flipping project is an important consideration. The longer the project takes, the more that carrying costs such as mortgage payments, property taxes and utilities will eat into potential profits.

Financing: Securing financing for a house flipping project can be challenging, especially for novice investors. It’s important to have a solid financing plan in place before embarking on a project.

Buyer demographics: Understanding the target buyer demographic for the property is important when flipping a house. Different types of buyers have different preferences and expectations, and the renovations and upgrades should cater to the preferences of the target demographic.

Seasonal trends: Seasonal trends in the real estate market can also affect the success of a house flipping project. For example, properties typically sell faster and for higher prices in the spring and summer months, while the market often slows down during the winter holidays.

REWARDS OF FLIPPING HOUSES

High profit potential: One of the main reasons people get into house flipping is the potential for high profits. If done correctly, flipping a house can result in a significant return on investment.

Flexibility: Flipping houses allows for flexibility in terms of work schedule and location. It can be done on a part-time or full-time basis and can be done from anywhere.

Creative outlet: House flipping allows for creativity in terms of design and renovation. It can be a great way to express your artistic side and create a beautiful living space.

Contributing to the community: Flipping houses can also have a positive impact on the community by improving the value and appearance of a property.

RISKS OF FLIPPING HOUSES

Market fluctuations: The real estate market can be unpredictable, and changes in the market can affect the profitability of a flip. Flipping houses in a declining market can result in major losses.

Unexpected expenses: Renovations can be unpredictable and unexpected expenses can add up quickly. It’s important to budget for unforeseen costs and have a contingency plan in place.

Time commitment: Flipping a house requires a significant time commitment, from finding the property to managing the renovation process. It’s important to have the time and resources to commit to the project.

Legal issues: Flipping houses can also come with legal risks such as zoning laws, building codes and contracts. It’s important to have a solid understanding of the legal requirements and consult with professionals when necessary.

STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL HOUSE FLIPPING

Research: Conduct thorough research on the real estate market and pay particular attention to local housing trends, property values and competition.

Financing: Secure financing for the purchase and renovation of the property. Consider all options and spend time evaluating mortgage loans, private lenders and partnerships.

Property selection: Choose a property that has the potential for profit based on location, condition and market demand.

Renovations: Plan and execute renovations that are both cost-effective and attractive to potential buyers.

Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy that showcases the property’s unique features and attracts potential buyers.

Sales: Close the sale and realize the profit.

FINAL THOUGHTS Flipping houses can be a profitable and gratifying business, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. By conducting thorough research, developing a solid plan, and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you’re looking to flip houses on a part-time or full-time basis, the rewards can be significant if done correctly.

[sharkylad]

Thinking about the fact that Mabel and Dipper didn't know they had two great uncles.

Yeah they are 12 and at 12 I had a shotty understanding of my family tree- But really? Nobody brought up their great uncle? Stanley? Especially since they'll be staying with his twin brother, Stanford?

Shermie never went to Stan's fake funeral, which to me means the twos relationship was strained on some level. If Shermie is older that means his view of Stan was poisoned in some way, that even as kids they weren't close. If the Shermie is younger then he never even got to meet Stan and all he knew about him was how he failed his family. Hell, people probably barely mentioned Stanley TO Shermie.

The fact that Stan had become a black stain upon the Pines family name makes me so vividly upset. Stanley faked his death and the family just- seemingly decided to strike him from the record. To pretend he didn't existed to spare themselves the sadness and shame.

Stanford and Shermie Pines. The only children worth mentioning of Filbrick and Caryn Pines.

It was never Stanford that was lost to the world. It was Stanley, ever since he had to leave New Jersy- it was always him that had to be struck from the record. Change his name, change his state, change his affiliations, destroy the remains of ghost that was Stanley Pines. Kill him so the family doesn't bring him up, doesn't ask questions, stops asking "Stanford" about his twin.

I just keep thinking about the fact that since the day he made one single mistake all the way up until Ford walks out of that machine- Stanley Pines was killed and did not exist. And Stan himself had no one to blame, he had to play the part in his own demise- He is the only one who ever knew Stanley was alive and has been for decades.

He lives in the multitudes of every personality he's ever taken, all in the hope that he himself can stop being Stanley Pines.

[strangersteddierthings]

Steve, Gareth and Chrissy are cousins AU (sad edition) [prologue] [part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Final Part]

"So," Robin says after they clink their molotov cocktails together, "do we also get to talk about the whole cousin situation now?"

Steve looks across the field, where Eddie and Dustin are defending themselves from invisible enemies. Gareth and Lucas are swinging the finished spears at each other while Erica shakes her head at them, working on a third. It looks like Nancy is showing Max the proper way to hold a shotgun, which isn't nearly as bizarre as it probably should be.

"What's there to talk about?"

"Are you doing okay?" Robin asks.

Steve doesn't mean to making a scoffing noise. It just leaves his body involuntarily. "No. But I'm not the only one not doing okay. Now that we know Vecna doesn't have to do the whole weeklong build up to murder town, that he could get any of us, as any time and he's just being a sadistic bastard-"

"Steve. He'll take the bait. If nothing else, we have to believe that."

Steve looks from Max to Gareth, then back to Robin. "Yeah. Right."

Robin is quiet for a moment, before her eyes flick away and back to him again. "Do you want to talk to Gareth? He was... God, Steve, it was awful, hearing him scream for you. While Vecna was... Anyway, I know you two are like avoiding each other for whatever reason, but I think you can let go of whatever it was."

"I just wanted to keep them safe, Robbie," Steve swallows down the sob that wants to break free. "I never wanted them involved in this. I was so scared that I'd somehow infect them with the Upside Down that I just kept them away and it took Chrissy anyway. It-it-"

"It hasn't taken Gareth, though," Robin says softly, cutting Steve's spiral off. "It hasn't taken him. But he needs you. I think you need him, too. You should talk. Before we drop him at the Creel house. Because."

She doesn't finish, but that's fine. Steve knows what she's saying. They could die today. Any one of them. Chrissy died without Steve making it right. He'd started to work on hanging out with Chrissy again, but it was all surface level. He didn't even apologize. With Gareth he could justify, however shitty that was to do, that he was staying away because Gareth asked him to.

Chrissy hadn't asked for Steve to step out of her life. He'd done that himself in '83.

He can't do right by Chrissy anymore, but he can try with Gareth.

He stands and Robin gives his knee two solid pats before he walks away.

"Dustin, you piss off Steve somehow?" Eddie asks.

Gareth, in the middle of facing off with Lucas, pauses to look around, which gains him a light tap to his side by Lucas' spear. Sure enough, Steve is stalking their direction with a grim determination on his face.

"What, why am I the one getting the blame?" Dustin says, offended.

"It is usually you," Lucas adds, which earns him a squawk of indignation from Dustin, who shoots back, "he could be coming to lecture you for making Erica do all the spear making!"

Steve doesn't approach either boy, though.

"Hey, can we talk?" Steve asks once he comes to a stop in front of him.

"Got some end of the world regrets, Harrington?" Gareth says, trying to keep his voice lighter than he feels. He wants to tease Steve, not bully him.

He must succeed because Steve gives a chuckle and says, "I don't think we have time for all the end of the world regrets, so, uhh, just the one for now."

"We're cool, dude," Gareth says, eyes flicking from Steve to Eddie. The kids know, Gareth told them himself, but Eddie doesn't. "I started it."

"Yeah, but I graduated and still pretended you didn't exist. Which isn't what you asked for."

Gareth shrugs, because he doesn't know everything but he knows enough. Learned this isn't anyone else's (besides Eddie and his) first rodeo or whatever. That there have been other times, dating back to the year Will Byers was lost for a week. "Dude. Seriously. We're cool. You've been dealing with... whatever the fuck this is. So, just, like promise to be around more once we all survive this."

Steve looks pained but before he can reply, Eddie cuts in, "I'm sorry. How do you know each other?"

Gareth looks to Steve, who just shrugs as if to say your friend, you responsibility and honestly? Fuck Steve Harrington. Keeps traumatizing secrets and pushes Gareth away and also throws him to the wolves. Except, this is the secret Gareth has been keeping from Eddie. He sighs and turns to Eddie. "Well, uh, Steve's my cousin. We used to be super close before I started high school. Actually, Steve here is the reason I joined Hellfire!"

Eddie seems to go through all 7 stages of grief before settling into a confused. "I'm sorry. Steve talked you into joining Hellfire?"

"That is not what I did!" Steve defends himself.

"God no. He just went into great detail about how loud and obnoxious and attention-grabbing the current president was, as if that would make me want to not meet you for some reason."

"It was a warning!" Steve yelps at the same time Eddie sing-songs, "You think I'm attention-grabbing, Harrington?"

Dustin, Lucas, and Erica are all laughing at Steve has he tries to sputter through what he meant by attention-grabbing ("It's hard to not pay attention when he's shouting from the top of a lunch table!"), and Gareth just watches on, amused.

After they fight an... evil wizard? Vecna or whatever his name is. Once this is over, Gareth is going to sit Steve down and make him tell him everything, but that can wait.

He wants to watch Steve flounder trying to defend himself from the accusations of watching Eddie just a bit too much back in high school.

Later, as they all pack up and load up in the RV, Nancy stops Steve from entering the RV, ushering everyone past until Gareth and Steve are the only ones left outside.

"Are we acknowledging that you're cousins, now?" she asks.

"You knew!?" Steve sounds surprised. Gareth's surprised, too.

Nancy just rolls her eyes. "Steve, I've been to your house." When that just makes Steve look confused, she rolls her eyes and says, "there are family pictures covering almost every inch of your living room."

"Why didn't you say anything sooner?" Robin pipes in, appearing in the doorway with an angry expression.

"It wasn't really my thing to talk about, was it?"

"Yeah, but did you even check in with Steve? If you knew, and knew what happened to Chrissy- you didn't even ask if he wanted to go to the funeral!"

"Robin!" Steve hisses.

Nancy doesn't look upset by whatever accusation Robin seems to be trying to make. "If Steve wanted to go, he could have said something. We aren't his keepers. But, also," her gaze goes from Robin to Steve, "I didn't want to pry or seem pushy. I figured you'd tell us when you were ready."

Robin frowns but doesn't say anything else, disappearing back into the RV. Gareth gestures for Steve and Nancy to go first, and then he's closing and locking the door behind him before heading to sit by Eddie along the back bench seat. A bunch of shit has been piled there, so Gareth shoves it off the seat and to the floor. The pile of things ends up being a hazard and he almost brains himself while turning to sit down; something under his foot slides and Eddie saves him, yanking him to fall onto Eddie. After some fussing and laughter from those around, Gareth gets seated and looks down to see what almost killed him.

It's a phone book.

Eddie leans in close once they're back on the road to town to whisper, "so, you just let me go on all those rants about King Steve and never once thought to tell me you were related?"

Gareth just gives him his best impression of a King Steve smirk and says, "I would have hate to have deterred you from talking about your favorite school subject."

It's worth seeing the scandalized look on Eddie's face, even as the man socks him in the leg for the comment. "I hate you, man."

Gareth rubs his leg and says, "you don't mean that."

There's a long silence from Eddie after that before he says, "you're right. I don't mean that. And. Uh. In case I don't- in case it goes south down there but ends up fine up here, I just-"

"No," Gareth growls. "Fuck you, Eddie. We're going to be fine. All you gotta do is shred on your guitar and get the hell out. You're going to be fine."

"You didn't see the bats."

"Eddie."

"Fine. It's gonna be fine," Eddie agrees and falls silent.

Gareth frowns at that. Eddie must really be worried, to not argue back like he usually does. Gareth's worried, too, but what can he do?

He thinks about his mom. When did he last tell her he loves her? If they don't succeed tonight, will he get a chance to say it again? Will anyone get a chance to say it again?

Gareth looks down at the phone book at his feet.

"Wait, does anyone have change for a payphone?" Gareth asks from somewhere behind him. Steve turns in his seat to look into the back of the RV.

"Uh, yeah," Robin digs into her pockets, but then narrows her eyes at Gareth and asks, "wait. Who are you calling?"

"I have to let my mom know I'm alive. Just... hear my voice," Gareth says. "She needs to know I'm okay. It's already been too long since last we talked and... after Chrissy she was..."

Robin's face drops into the guiltiest look Steve's ever seen on her face and she produces her wallet, dropping the whole thing into Gareth's open hand. "Yeah, no. Sorry. There's still plenty of time for a phone call before the end of the world. You better return my wallet, Cunningham."

"I'm not going to rob you, Buckley," Gareth says before ducking out the RV with Max, Lucas, and Erica.

Steve tries not to let the guilt well up in him as they drive away. Gareth had wanted to come with Team Kill Vecna but Steve had quickly argued against that. He wasn't going to let Gareth anywhere near the Upside Down.

So it was decided. Max, Lucas, Erica, and Gareth at the Creel house, Dustin and Eddie on distraction, and Nancy, Robin, and Steve were going to face down Vecna.

There was still hours to go before they'd try, with a time set for 9:20ish, since that's the time Vecna's been enacting his curse according to Eddie's broken watch. Plenty of time to fortify Eddie's house in the Upside Down, plus the almost 40 minute walk to the Creel house from Forest Hills.

This was going to work. It had to.

Max and Lucas opt for hiding around the back of the house, waiting for time to pass until it's closer to dark, and Erica said she was going to snoop around the abandoned playground, so Gareth decided to head to the payphone a couple of blocks down the street.

He makes it halfway there before Erica scares the shit out of him by saying, "why do you need a phone book?"

Gareth yelps and spins, stupidly trying to hid the book behind his back even though he knows she already saw it. "I- uh, no. No reason."

Erica eyes him and he's suddenly very aware of whatever Eddie saw in her that night at Hellfire, that let her join the club. She's pretty scary for a middle schooler. "Do I look stupid? Who are you calling." It's not a question. It's a demand.

"I'm going to try and get a hold of Eddie's uncle," Gareth answers, trying to sound like an authority figure. "Tell him he'll find Eddie at his home at eight tonight. I know you all are so used to not telling people but this is- we need a real adult and Wayne's an army vet. He'll know how to help. He'll want to help."

She purses her lips, stays quiet for a moment before she nods. "I'm usually surrounded by stupid people, but you're kind of not one. I've got more change if you need it."

Gareth calls the plant and asks to speak to Wayne Munson. It's a bit of back and forth before the secretary agrees, but only if Wayne agrees to speak to a Gareth Cunningham. The plant must be getting calls from angry locals.

"Are ya really Gareth, or are ya just wantin' ta yell at me for helpin' raise the devil incarnate?" Wayne sounds tired and Gareth feels bad for him.

"Eddie would love for you to call him that to his face when you see him again."

"Thank God, son," Wayne sounds relieved. He must recognize Gareth's voice. "Ya okay? No one's harrassin' ya, are they?"

"No. Listen Wayne, I'm going to say something crazy but please just listen and do your best to be casual. I know where Eddie is. Or, where he will be at eight tonight. He's.... not physically hurt but he's going to need you. He might hate me for telling you this but I had to."

There is a pause where all he hears through the phone is a long inhale followed by a slow exhale. "Mmm hmm. I appreciate yer concern and glad ta hear no one's botherin' ya just for knowin' Eddie."

Gareth is only confused for a moment before he realizes Wayne is trying to make this conversation sound routine from his end. "Just. He's going home. But please don't show up until after eight. If you... if you beat him home he might run. Try to keep you out of this, y'know?" Gareth is just lying now, but he's a teenage boy in a garage band that plays in a dingy bar at the edge of town. That is to say, he knows how to lie off the cuff.

"I read ya loud and clear. I'll let ya know as soon as Eddie's been found safe so ya can quit worryin'. I gotta get back to it, but thanks for reachin' out."

Gareth hangs up and looks to Erica. "Well. Let's hope I haven't ruined everything."

"Let's hope that you know Wayne as well as you think you do."

[several-ravens]

jon finally apologised to martin and tim so i like him now

[swanrobin-ceo]

WIP

[shallowrambles]

Look, I know Lisa’s behavior re: letting Dean, someone she hasn’t seen in nearly a decade, skulk around her child’s birthday party is best explained by him being The baby-daddy.

But here’s the rub: (1) the angels didn’t even sniff towards Ben and (2) Lisa is (relatively) honest. During the year Dean was actively with her, she would have likely told him. (Cause it’s no small thing.) Especially under The Truth curse where she ranted about the loss of loved ones/hunting. (My take: It’s a cheeky…red herring. Ben was hungry for a father-figure, and Dean’s relationship to him parallels Bobby Singer.)

So while it is a truth that would be kinder to Lisa’s behavioral health/motivations/etc, the latter plot points don’t support it. Yeah, I agree that it actually makes better sense as an initial explanation for her behavior in her intro ep. But these latter points transform her behavior’s root cause, leaning towards her as a (possibly chronic?) caretaker type of person.

We do see that she is caring! She’s got a caretaker persona from her first ep, driving her to help her neighbor. She’s a good friend! Because of the later plot points, we can assume this caretaker/gratitude aspect of her character is more the driver of her actions than hiding a paternity.

[ghost-bison]

anyone else hate those three snooty bitches with a passion

[twinknote]

enjoy this zoomed in low quality video of probably a raccoon attempting to break in to the cabin i slept in last night (you can see its little hand pawing thru a tiny hole in the wall)

[fizzytoo]

adrien and rua take amaya to meet rua's side of the family! rua's nephew, broderick, makes his introductions too!

[curiosity-killed]

i love my sister and for the most part, we are very close and genuinely like each other a lot but the one place where i'd just really, really, really like to see inside her brain is the part where she is still incredibly comfortable and cheerful—and even thinks it's really funny—talking about how much she didn't like me as a child while I'm like. yes. I am and was aware. and it sucked so so so much

[dootznbootz]

I know I write about how wild Penelope is (she is) but OdyPen is very likeminded. Odysseus is just as wild and out of pocket. It's just that we already KNOW that from the epics. He's a reckless idiotic genius, same with her. It's just that Penelope was under a lot of stress and was missing her other half and that's why only a lil bit of her crazy slipped out with her sneeze omen of death. Also, Homer trying to keep her "mysterious" even to the narrator as she's the only one who can "trick the trickster".

They're both fucking crazy in the best way. It's just that in the beginning this man was just head over heels so even when she was purposely saying and doing out-of-pocket shit to try and "freak him out" he thought nothing of it and just thought "Fuck yeah, that's hot wife shit." They're both fucking weird. Both have ADHD and are reckless and silly

Odysseus: Once me and my sister went off to the cliffs when we weren't supposed to, and we messed around too much and so a big rock in the side fell off. It freaked everyone out. We never told anyone. Soothsayer said it meant no one could fish on the sea for 2 days because of how it now has two points and the boulder landed in the ocean... Penelope: ... 😧 Odysseus,😅: Haha, I don't know why I said that. It sounded cooler in my head... shit Penelope: No,no, that's fucking cool. I've fucked around with some things but I don't think I've ever done that much damage. Did you see the big splash??? Odysseus:

I can't emphasize enough how weird they BOTH are. They're both menaces together. With the whole "A joy to Friends, and a disaster for their enemies." Except it's not just to their enemies. They just DO shit.

They'll literally screw someone over with a devious plan turning away laughing and then immediately walk into a rake like some sort of loony toons show. They'd fall for the ICUP trick and then go on a rant on how that's so stupid and not a real trick and then try and pull it on someone else. THAT SHIT

THEY'RE LIL SHITS

[mysmartcousin19]

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The latest trends in the real estate market. Who should attend the webinar? This webinar is for anyone interested in buying a new home, but thinks it’s out of reach. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade your existing home, this webinar is for you. How to book your free webinar To book your free webinar, simply click the link below and enter your email address. We will send you a confirmation email with the webinar details. 

Click here to book your free webinar! We look forward to seeing you there! Sentence Book your free webinar today and learn how to buy a new home for the price of a car and from whom to get the best home information. 

You dream of owning a new home, but you think it’s out of reach? Well, think again!With our free webinar, you’ll learn how to buy a new home for the price of a car. Bringing you the comforts of home for the price of a car and, within your course, showing you how to take advantage of government programs and incentives, how to negotiate with sellers, and how to finance your new home. We will also answer all your questions about the home buying process and take away your problems. 

Are you waiting for your free webinar? can buy a house for the price of a car. You will learn in the programme how to qualify for government programs and incentives that can help you buy a new home. How to negotiate with sellers to get the best possible price for your new home. How to finance your new home, even if you have bad credit. Common mistakes when buying a home and how to avoid them. The latest trends in the real estate market. 

Who should attend the webinar? This webinar is for anyone interested in buying a new home, but thinks it’s out of reach. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade your existing home, this webinar is for you. How to book your free webinar book your free webinar, simply click the link below and enter your email address. We will send you a confirmation email with the webinar details. Click here to book your free webinar! We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet Pam Hill. She is a Harvard and Dartmouth-educated entrepreneur and CEO of a multi-million dollar real estate company, a business and money expert, a former Fortune-500 executive, and the founder of My Smart Cousin.  Her main goal is to help Black and Brown folks, and especially women, understand their money, increase their accountability and build generational wealth.

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[imaginationblur]

NEW HOLO STICKERS!!

Tried something new with these and switched sticker producers, wanted just an overall better and higher quality and I think this is really it!

For the next week, use Code: HELLO30 if you buy more than 2 items in my shop 👀👀👀

[july-19th-club]

me age seven being sat down in front of the school’s district child psych lady and being given strange, simple spatial puzzles to solve and then long, complicated worksheets and hammering my way through them at the speed of light while having zero comprehension what their purpose was or why i was here: this is urgent! i have to get a good grade in Weird Puzzles, Or Else, something that is both normal to want and possible to achieve,

[todayisafridaynight]

y2 daigo dinner but make it healthy <- theres seltzer instead of booze <- this does not negate the heart attack in a can right next to it