real estate investing silver spring md: Most Unexpected Expenses in Real Estate Investing - 01/15/13 02:16 AM
Most Commonly Overlooked Expenses in Montgomery County, MD Real Estate Investing / Image Credit: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Buying investment properties in Montgomery County , MD takes serious financial commitment that requires special attention and knowledge.  Making rash decisions can cost you, taking you out of the black and into the red.
Some of the most common expenses that real estate investors in Montgomery County, MD overlook are:
Rise in Fees
Rise in Taxes
Rise in Special Assessments
Unexpected Repairs
While no one is expecting you to have a crystal ball, simply anticipating these potential increases can make a huge difference.  Certain things, such a condo … (3 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: 2013 Tax Changes for Real Estate Investors in Montgomery County, MD - 01/08/13 02:57 AM
2013 Tax Changes for Real Estate Investors in Montgomery County, MD / Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net Now that Congress has finally reached a Fiscal Cliff Deal, real estate investors in Montgomery County, MD might have some adjustments to make.
As of January 1, 2013 the capital gains tax increased to 20 percent for individuals who have a taxable income and/or adjusted net capital gain in excess of $400,000 ($450,000 for couples)...but that's not all.  Last year, a 3.8 investment tax was passed with the Medicare overhaul that also took effect on the 1st. 
There's a lot to this 3.8 percent tax.  First, it applies … (0 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: New 3.8% Medicare Tax on Real Estate Investment Income - 11/27/12 08:38 AM
A new 3.8 percent tax will be imposed on some investment incomes starting January 1, 2013.  The details regarding this tax are very specific and will not affect everyone the same.  However, this is what the National Association of Realtors knows so far:
The tax will apply to some incomes derived from interest, dividends, rents (less expenses) and capital gains (less losses). Only individuals with an adjusted gross income above $200,000 or couples (who file jointly) with an adjusted gross income above $250,000 will be subject to this tax. The new tax applies to the lesser of: -              the investment income amount OR
-              the … (1 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: Buy Real Estate Investment Properties Before 2013 to Increase Your ROI - 11/20/12 01:55 AM
In the world of real estate investing, cold months are often met with a groan.  Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and heavy winds can wreak havoc on Silver Spring, MD homes and their owners.  However, these next few months bring promise of great opportunities as well.
·         Less Demand
With fewer buyers actively searching homes, you'll have less competition and more bargaining power.
·         Spring Ready
Since it's not uncommon for rehab properties to require several months worth of renovations, now is the perfect time to start a new project and have it ready for the spring market.
·         Lower Prices
As I mentioned before, you'll have … (0 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: Market Report for Real Estate Investors in Silver Spring, MD - 11/13/12 09:33 AM
The National Association of Realtors is predicting continued home value increases based on current market trends of low inventory, high demand, and reduced foreclosure activity.  In addition, real estate economists also anticipate residential rental rates to rise over the next few years due in part to inflation, and in part to the number of displaced Americans who are still recovering from the housing crisis.
Specifically, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun recently stated that he expects...Continue Reading Market Report for Real Estate Investors in Silver Spring, MD
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real estate investing silver spring md: Cashflow Potential vs. Location - 11/06/12 04:05 AM
If you are in the business of real estate investing, you are probably familiar with the mantra:  location, location, location.  You can change the color of the walls, the interior furnishings...even a home's layout, but you cannot change the location.
A home's proximity to reputable schools, shopping, business centers, amenities and entertainment add significant value to the rent amount.  Tenants are often times willing to compromise on size, upgrades and general finishes of a home in order to live in desirable neighborhoods. 
But is there ever an instance when cashflow potential can trump location?  Continue Reading Cashflow Potential vs. Location
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real estate investing silver spring md: How to Get Investment Financing for Silver Spring, MD Real Estate - 10/29/12 11:22 PM
Getting investment financing for Silver Spring, MD real estate can be tricky.  Thanks to stringent lending practices and wary banks, investors face more hurdles than owner-occupants when trying to get a loan. 
Despite the fact that one in every five homes is sold to a real estate investor, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency still mandates that financing for single family rentals is treated the same (with respect to risk) as commercial real estate loans, not residential loans. 
According to a recent bulletin released by the OCC, “Borrowers may finance multiple properties through one or more financial institutions but underwriting standards and the complexity … (0 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: Foreclosures in Silver Spring, MD - 10/21/12 11:18 PM
If you’re a real estate investor who would like to search foreclosures in Montgomery County, MD, then you might be interested in a concise market report:
Silver Spring is leading the way with...Continue Reading
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real estate investing silver spring md: How Renters Insurance Protects Landlords - 10/15/12 12:47 AM
Sometimes, especially in lower income properties, landlords will opt out of requiring tenants to get renters insurance.  This is not only a huge risk for the tenants, it’s also a huge risk for the landlord and the reason can be summed up in one word:  LIABILITY.
Let’s assume a couple hypothetical scenarios where the tenant does not have renters insurance:  Continue Reading
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real estate investing silver spring md: Successful Real Investors are Small Business Owners - 10/08/12 03:38 AM
Investing in Silver Spring, MD real estate has become increasingly popular since the housing crash in December, 2007.  Some enter into this field with a strong business background and/or experience to rely on, and some are completely new to it.  Some have a defined set of long-term goals, and some are just looking to make a little money on the side.  Whether you are investing to supplement a current income or to forge a new career path, there is one characteristic that all successful real estate investors have – an entrepreneurial spirit.
If you want to make money investing in real … (1 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: Real Estate Investors are Stabilizing the Real Estate Market - 10/01/12 03:53 AM
Thanks to an abundance of determined home buyers – a large portion of which are real estate investors – home prices are still rising.  While the hot ticket items continue to be distressed properties, the benefits of this strong demand are spilling over into traditional sales as well.
The median sales price of homes in Silver Spring, MD has increased from $285,000 in August 2011 to $311,000 in August 2012.  The total amount of available inventory has been cut in half during this same time frame.  The average number of days a home is on the market has also reduced by 17 percent … (1 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: Questions to Ask when Interviewing Property Managers - 09/24/12 11:45 AM
Purchasing investment properties in Silver Spring, MD have many unique challenges that require a comprehensive understanding on behalf of both the investor and the Silver Spring Realtor, but buying a property is only half of the process.  For many investors, the second half involves property management – an equally important, yet equally challenging component.
If you plan on using a professional property manager for your rental property, then here are some questions you need to ask when interviewing candidates:
Experience An experienced property manager will know how to handle tenant issues, maintenance issues, minimize vacancy, etc.  When interviewing candidates, find out exactly how long … (2 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: Reduce your Rude Renter Risk - 09/17/12 03:45 AM
Any seasoned real estate investor who also operates as a landlord can tell his/her fair share of tenant horror stories.  From bathroom floodings to poorly trained pets, the range of problems that can result from a bad tenant is limitless.
So, what can you do to avoid leasing your prized property to a terrible tenant?
Check for false information in the application.  Cross reference the employer’s contact information given in the application to the employer’s contact information given by Google.  If the individual applying to rent your home has something to hide, you’ll know if they give you incorrect supervisor names … (2 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: What NOT To Do When Listing a Home for Rent - 09/10/12 12:40 AM
With the current rental market being so strong, real estate investors are snatching up Silver Spring, MD homes right and left.  Some of those properties are renovated and flipped for a profit, while others are rented out to provide the investor a steadier stream of income.  If you fall into the latter category, then here is some valuable advice from a professional Realtor in Silver Spring, MD.
Showing Prematurely If you purchased a distressed property in Silver Spring, MD, then more than likely the home needs some work.  Make sure that all renovations and repairs are complete before showing the property … (2 comments)

real estate investing silver spring md: Renovations Done Right - 09/03/12 01:57 AM
In the current economy, real estate investing is more appealing than ever before.  Investors can purchase distressed properties in Silver Spring, MD for far less than market value.  However, these homes are often in worse condition than homes listed as traditional sales, especially if vacant for any period of time.
When purchasing a home to renovate, it’s important to conduct a home inspection even if the contract does not contain a home inspection contingency.  If a home buyer if competing with other buyers in a bidding war, it’s not uncommon for offers to contain few to no contingencies in an effort … (0 comments)

 
Emcee M. Arah, Realtor w/Architectural Dimension, AHWD CRS B-Arch (Remax Excellence - Silver Spring, MD)

Emcee M. Arah

Realtor w/Architectural Dimension, AHWD CRS B-Arch

Silver Spring, MD

More about me…

Remax Excellence - Silver Spring, MD

Address: 10230 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 200, Silver Spring, MD, 20903

Office: 8006663705 x208

Mobile: (301) 452-5252

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