Dave McDonald

This is great news! I had originally read up on the forbearance and saw that lump sum repayment requirement from many institutions. The reason many people are trying a forbearance is because finances have changed due to no control of their own, in this very unique and unprecedented time in history. I don't see many businesses 'back paying' or people's financial situations turning IMMEDIATELY around when back to work in the new 'normal' world in which we will be living. So gla...d to see more common sense assistance out there. Please don't be shy about reaching out to your financial institutions to discuss options. For those in the market now, or for those who plan to be for whatever reason in the future, I strongly encourage you to look to a REALTOR and discuss your plans. I would be honored to be the call you make to help guide you through this process, but implore you to find someone you can TRUST through it all...even if it's someone else. Stay safe and healthy!

A commitment to something isn’t always easy. Being dedicated is sometimes hard. But that’s what I choose to do. I take the commitment with good and bad, easy and hard. Running today in the rain wasn’t easy. It was cold, wet, and a big toe went numb. As a husband, my wife deserves my dedication to her whole self. As a father, my kids need to know I am committed to them and their dreams. As a runner, I need to dedicate time almost every day to stay in running shape and avoi...d injury. As a REALTOR, I choose to dedicate my time to my clients and their dream of their first/next home. Sometimes things are hard. Choose someone (significant others, friends, REALTOR) who will commit to you and your dreams, and do the hard stuff. With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, if you aren’t ‘in love’ with your current home, or want to fall in love with your first, commit to calling me and let’s make some change happen #cbrb #realestate #dedicate #commit #coldwellbanker #REALTOR #Valentinesday #vday

What's your favorite project and/or worst #FAIL? Great outcome, but initially diving off the back of a rental truck parked on a hill to avoid a pallet full of retaining wall block while attempting to unload said block and hitting my hand with a rubber mallet more than I'd like to admit might be the top project (at least most memorable). #DIY #Remodel #DIYFAIL #Itried #Sorryhoney #canwecallsomeonenow #ImOK

This drastic change in temperature and rainy fall day has me feeling like... Photo credit: my 8-year old. #afiremaybeneeded #fall #willstilllistyourhousetohelpyoufindahome... #needwarmth #honeycanweturnontheheat?!?! See more

So, I'm truly curious... What have you underestimated? For me, aside from how strong my wife is :), I typically forget about the removal/disposal of older items as an actual cost in projects. I try to accomplish a lot on my own and often forget about that and sometimes get frustrated figuring out how to dispose of certain things like appliances, paint cans, or large items that may not be able to be 'taken out with the trash'. Not only is there the cost of the products, there... is the hidden cost of materials (screws, glue, tape, mud, brushes, etc...) and specialty tools required, if any. Also permits may be required for certain projects. I would always suggest contacting your municipality's building and zoning department to check on these requirements. Then, disposal for certain items may be a cost to factor in depending on what type of project is underway. If you are hiring someone to do it, there is the cost of labor (time IS money...) and any extra labor THEY need to hire, any specialty equipment needed, etc... I do ALWAYS suggest to get more than one quote and truly weigh the scope of each quote. Is disposal included in the quote? Is there an extra cost if the project gets delayed by either you or the contractor due to hidden issues that may need to be remedied during the project? Is there any warranty with the work performed? Don't always just go with the cheapest quote. Quality DOES come at a cost. But seriously...what has been your favorite project, did you do it yourself, and did you 'come in at budget' or was there some initial sticker shock?