jeffw@ISM780.UUCP (11/19/85)
Can somebody out there recommend a good (read 'understandable by the person who knows nothing about real estate investments') book on buying residential property, both developed and undeveloped? I'm interested in buying property to build on at some point in the future, but I've heard that leaving it around in an undeveloped state is unwise financially - something to do with taxes. (This might be a requirement if the property to be purchased is on the northern California coastline where building moratoriums are currently being enforced in some areas.) Along these same lines I'd like to find out when property is considered 'developed' - is it when the land is graded and made suitable for construction or is it when a structure is completed? Other items of interest are: 1) how to go about engaging geologists, building and electrical contractors, city inspectors, etc., etc., how to determine their reputability, and guidelines for reasonable rates for their services, 2) basic problems to look for in existing structures that might hint at major problems, 3) problems to look forward to in moving a structure from another location to my property, 4) general tax, insurance, and mortgage information. I'd also like to solicit comments about solar powered/heated homes and pre-fab geodesic dome houses from any of you out there that have constructed same. Did the solar powered systems live up to expectations? Were they worth the cost? Are the geodesic dome houses comfortable to live in? Are there any pitfalls to watch out for in buying/constructing one? Does anyone have recommendations for companies to buy from (on the West Coast) with respect to solar energy systems and geodesic dome houses? thanks, jeff wise INTERACTIVE Systems Corp. decvax!cca!ima!ism780!jeffw