Chapter 26
Chapter 26
T he distance between James’ and ZsaZsa’s homes was approximately an hour drive. It gave James enough time to think about what he and his father had discussed. It felt good to talk it out with someone who would look at it from both sides. From the natural urges of a man to want to be with the woman that he loves to the consequences that could cause problems in the future. He got two things out of the conversation. He and ZsaZsa needed to have a blunt discussion about their sex life, and it was time for him to speak with a member of her family about his intentions. Since her parents were not available, his plan was to speak with her brother Prince LaVeré. LaVeré was a close college friend of his father’s and they had remained close friends, therefore he knew LaVeré, and the prince knew him. He did not really have any concerns about speaking with LaVeré about ZsaZsa for that reason. However, like he told his father he would be speaking to the man about his baby sister, hell his only sister. He wasn’t quite sure how the conversation was going to go. But it was a conversation that could not be put off any longer. He was halfway through his ride when the speaker in his car indicated a call was coming through from Elliott.
“Hey Elliott, what’s up?”
“So, you had a conversation with your dad about ZsaZsa?”
“Your dad just couldn’t help himself could he,” James laughed.
Elliott’s laughter echoed throughout the car. “Man, he could not wait to tell me about the conversation and all the things that he would have shared with you if he had been allowed to stay.”
“Our dads are hilarious. They’re pretty cool dudes, and to be honest most things that they share with us are good info. But there are times when we simply need one answer and get a million.”
“Yes, that is their way. Never answer a question with a simple word. A lesson has to be taught every time,” Elliott chuckled. “Did the talk help?”
“It did. I’m on my way to Richmond now. I’m going to stop to see ZsaZsa on my way and have a talk with LaVeré.”
“Good luck with that. I know you can handle it. What’s happening in Richmond?”
“I’m meeting with Xavier and Zack about the B-more project,” James replied. “Xavier has some designs he wants to go over with me, and I hope to get a few nuggets from Aunt Nikki.”
“She deals with high end real estate, right?”
“Yes, mostly in New York but more recently they have done a few projects in the UK. I know this is on a much smaller scale budget wise, however, any info I can get on this would be helpful. In fact, let me call ahead and see if she’ll be around today.”
“Cool but look man I wanted to give you a heads up. I’ve been doing a little research on the company that’s been buying up the property in the area that you’re looking at. On paper they seem to be on the up and up, however there’s some transactions that appear to be a little shady. Calvin is the one who could really go behind the scenes and see what we can find. I’m gonna turn the information over to him. We’ll let you know what we come up with.”
“Thanks man. Anything that you can uncover would be helpful. I want to go in with a plan and a check in hand. Any additional information will make me better prepared for whatever they may throw at us. I’m pretty sure they’re not going to be happy with our plans. Their goal is to make money. Ours is about helping people save their homes and their legacy.”
“I think your plan is better simply because money is not your motivating factor. For that reason, I’m looking forward to the outcome. However they come at us, I hope they’re ready for what comes back at them. I’ll talk to you later. Good luck with your conversation with LaVeré.”
“Thanks man I appreciate that. Check you later.” James disconnected the call and then pushed the button to call his aunt Nicole.
“Aunt Nikki, I need to talk with you about financing these properties.” James said as she answered his call.
“I was wondering when I was going to get invited in this deal of yours.”
“You knew it was coming,” James smiled at the censure in Nikki’s voice.
“Xavier and Zack get in at the beginning and I’m a second thought is that what you’re telling me?” Nikki teased.
“First, I had to determine if the plans were feasible. Now that I have that in place, I need to look at the financial end of the project.”
“Here’s my question for you. Is this a one-time get in, save these homes? Or is this something that you’re planning on doing as an ongoing project?”
James thought for a moment before he answered. “From the research that I’ve done, this type of thing is happening all over in our urban neighborhoods. Families who have lived there for generations are losing their homes because of it. I am going to be looking at other areas where this is happening across the country. If what we do here is successful, I think we can take it to other places. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a place that I can call home. No matter where I live, where I go or how long I’m away, I know I can always come home. We all know that feeling. I think it’s important that other families have that level of comfort to know they always have a place to call home. So, no to your question. It is not a one-time project. I see this as something that I will be working towards for a good portion of my life.”
“Then I suggest that you go in big. From what Xavier shared of your project, phase one will be ten homes and phase two would be an additional ten. I say go in and get control of all of them off the jump, including the strip mall. If this other company is looking to purchase those homes, you need to beat them to the punch. Also, James Jr. keep this in mind, a number of people in real estate play dirty. Be aware and prepare accordingly.”
“Elliott and I just had somewhat of a similar conversation. The guys and I are ready for whatever they bring our way. As for the houses, six of them are occupied, the two on the main street then four more on the back street. All the others are vacant.”
“Then go in with a cash payment on the fourteen homes that are vacant. Give the city an offer they cannot refuse. As soon as you have the opportunity to speak with the other homeowners about what you are doing with the neighborhood, make them a part of your plans.”
“I spoke with two of the homeowners and I know for a fact they have no plans of selling their homes now or in the future. They are more than willing to accept our assistance in remodeling their homes. That leaves four that I need to convince to allow us to help them with the back taxes and with renovations.”
“Excellent. There are times when words are good, however, action is always better.” Nikki advised. “Show the neighbors by renovating the houses right next to them. While your construction teams are working, they can see the changes that are coming about. If those changes are good, they’re going to want a piece of the action. That’s when you talk with them. The other company is going to come at them with big money offers so you’re going to have to offer them something more.”
“Are you in Richmond?” James asked.
“Yes, I’m here. Faith isn’t feeling too well, so I’ll be staying close to home until she feels better.”
“I’m sorry to hear about Faith. Is she going to be okay?”
“Yes, I think she just may have a little sniffle.”
“I’m on my way to Richmond. I’m going to make a stop to see ZsaZsa and then I’m coming down to meet with Zack and Xavier. It would be great if I could have a few minutes of your time so we can talk more about this project.”
“I’ve been ready to talk since you first told us about it.”
James laughed. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”
“See you when you get here.”
James disconnected the call. He thought about Nikki’s statement about letting her in on this project. He was certain, as soon as word got out in the family about what he was planning on doing everyone was going to want a piece of the project. That was something he had to think about. Everyone in the family had their own niche. He had taken his time to look at all areas of the law. The one he felt was the most interesting was civil rights. When people say the word civil rights, they automatically think of the struggle that African Americans have gone through in the country. However, to his way of thinking civil rights hits everyone. And if anyone had any doubts about that, all one has to do was take a look at the women’s movement that’s going on right now. The laws that are taking effect does not take into account the color of your skin those laws are against all women. The current housing issue is one that had really captured his attention. For a country as rich as the United States, he could not understand why there were so many homeless families, men, women and children. The further he looked into it the more he noticed how people were being pushed from their neighborhoods, from their homes. It really came to light as he worked on the situation for Taylor. That’s what drew him to this area of the law. He wanted to stop that from happening.
With all of that in mind, he wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could handle the financial end of this on his own. The proceeds from the vacant homes he purchased, renovated and sold would provide income for him, ZsaZsa and their future family. Those homes that were occupied would be slow in showing a profit, but would over time. Somewhere down the road, as they took on more projects, more financing would be needed. Allowing others to invest in the projects may be the best option. Yes, that was something he would really need to consider.