Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of a name is "Mad Puppy" for an investment company?
Yes, we acknowledge that it is unusual! But after watching the success of companies like Go Daddy we decided that the name isn't what matters, its the integrity of the people involved. Besides, even though real estate investing IS a serious business, we have fun with it as well. The name is a college nickname of Chris Furgerson; the nickname was given to him by a friend while he played on the Grand Valley State University baseball team in the mid-70's.

Why don't I just buy the house and rent it myself?
You can! And our agents can help you complete your purchase if that's your desire.

What happens to the commission when the property is bought?
For putting the transaction together our agents need to be compensated. If you choose to keep the property for yourself the commission is treated the same as any other earned by a real estate broker. However, if you choose to sell to Mad Puppy, as the commission is figured into the net to the Seller in HUD and foreclosure transactions it is really Mad Puppy who is paying the commission and paying interest back to you for the higher amount. The broker's portion of the commission is immediately deposited in an account used for repairs and making payments to our investors.

Is it legal?
Perfectly. Its really just two simple, every day real estate transactions: you buy the house from the seller, whether an individual, a bank, or HUD, and MPI buys the house from you and pays you monthly payments. As simple as it gets!

Why not get a mortgage?
That is an option for you. However, many of the homes we will be buying will need repairs; some will not qualify for financing. Required repairs can affect the appraisal. Plus, when you add in the potentially large amount of closing costs associated with a mortgage closing, several thousand dollars worth, it can change the dynamics of the original idea of buying the home in the first place.

What are the tax ramifications?
We are REALTORS, not accountants, nor attorneys for that matter. We believe this is a good, viable, safe investment. However, every investor's situation is different. We VIGOROUSLY urge you to check with any professionals you need to feel comfortable BEFORE you enter into our business agreement.

What kind of return am I looking at?
That depends on each individual transaction, of which you will be FULLY advised before your pen hits the paper to go ahead. We will answer ALL questions you have beforehand, and the ones we can't answer we will put you in touch with professionals who have the answer. In general, the return to investors is a fixed rate between 7 & 20% per annum, and you WILL know EXACTLY what that rate is, again, before you sign anything!

How do I know these houses are safe investments?
The bubble has already burst. We will only buy low-priced homes that don't need a ton of work, that we believe are at the bottom of their value range. Remember, it is in MPI's best interest to buy as low as possible and have safe investments, too. Worst case scenario is Mad Puppy Investments goes bankrupt and you stop getting monthly payments. HOWEVER, as you still are the owner in fee simple of the property the property's ownership would revert back to you, including repairs and upgrades already made by MPI, and as the property was bought at the bottom of the market you may be able to turn right around and sell it at a sizable profit!

Who picks the properties?
It is the responsibility of Mad Puppy Investments to find the properties. You as the investor would have total access to the property for inspection, and all details of our transaction in place BEFORE you commit to get involved.

How involved do I have to be, or can I be?
Up to the point of the closing between you and Mad Puppy you can be involved as little or as much as you want. After the closing and MPI owns the property you just sit back and collect your monthly payments! No hassles, no stress, no anything!