What. So What. Now What. — A Framework We Use in Real Estate Investing
In real estate, emotions can move fast.
Markets shift.
Deals tighten.
Deadlines compress.
But reaction without structure leads to mistakes.
At HAS Holdings LLC, one of the simplest frameworks we use to stay grounded is:
What. So What. Now What.
It sounds basic — but when applied correctly, it keeps capital protected and decisions disciplined.
What?
This is the facts-only stage.
What are the actual numbers?
What is the purchase price?
What are the renovation costs?
What is the realistic ARV?
What does the title report show?
No hype. No projections dressed up as certainty. Just data.
When underwriting a deal, clarity starts here. If the “What” isn’t solid, nothing else matters.
So What?
This is where most investors skip too quickly.
So what do these numbers actually mean?
Is there enough margin?
Is the exit realistic in today’s market?
What happens if the timeline extends 30–60 days?
What is the downside scenario?
This stage is about interpretation and risk assessment.
Strong investors don’t just ask, “Can this work?”
They ask, “What could go wrong, and are we protected?”
That’s where disciplined underwriting separates professionals from gamblers.
Now What?
Once the facts are clear and the risk is understood, then action becomes simple.
Proceed.
Restructure.
Renegotiate.
Or walk away.
Sometimes the most profitable decision is the deal you don’t fund.
Execution only makes sense when it’s backed by structure.