Archive for October, 2008

There’s been a lot of talk about the investment opportunities in the foreclosure market of late. Obviously, there are a lot of great deals out there (as you’ll find out if you attend our upcoming free class: How to steal a foreclosure).In the meantime, however,  here’s some info on whether foreclosured properties are worth biding on that we posted in our press room.Buying a foreclosure comes with some additional challenges, but with the right mindset–and the right agent–you can find a great house for a deal.

Last month I reviewed a house in Washington, DC, before and after it was staged for an episode of Get It Sold on HGTV.

It was a great experience and one that I’ll be lucky enough to repeat–next month I’m taping another episode!

We’ll post more information on the shows when they air this spring.

From  Associated Press: Apartment rents stable across U.S.

In the San Francisco Bay area, with one of the highest housing prices in the country, average rents for the third quarter were $1,637, or 1.2 percent higher than the $1,618 they cost per month in the second quarter.

In the Riverside-San Bernardino area of southern California, which has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country, rents were $1,157 in the third quarter, slightly down from $1,162 in the second.

We’ve helped many clients buy real estate in the Washington, DC, area with in-law suites or English basements. They then apply the rent they make from that apartment to offsetting part of their mortgage payment.

Municipalities have different regulations regarding rental units though. But if you decide to take this investment-minded approach to buying a home, Brandon Green Companies is happy to provide you with guidance.

(Via The Housing Chronicles)

While we hate to see our friends and clients leave the area, Brandon Green Companies can help you find that great piece of real estate away from Washington, DC.

We have an extensive database of real estate contacts in many cities throughout the United States. And if we don’t know of anyone in the city where you’re looking to move, we’ll be happy to vet them on your behalf–at no charge to you!

E-mail info@brandongreen.com for more information.

Finally, a little good news from the housing market:

Washington Post: Stocks Gain on Surprise Rise in New Home Sales

Sales of new single-family homes rose by 2.7 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 464,000 homes. Economists had expected sales would drop from the August level.

New home sales are a leading indicator for the country’s economy. While one month does not make a trend, hopefully the August sales figures will be the start of one.

Planned renovations to Washington, DC’s libraries have been getting attention on both local and national blogs of late:

DC Metrocentric: Georgetown Library Renovations

Dwell Blog: Adjaye Tapped for Two DC Branch Libraries

A redesigned Georgetown Public Library (which was damaged by a three-alarm fire in April 2007), Washington Highlands branch in in Southwest, and Francis A. Gregory library in Southeast should be good for property values in all three neighborhoods (more so with the last two).

But, as the post on Dwell and comments on DC Metrocentric point out, planned improvements are not the same as actual improvements.

Chef Geoff’s restaurant offers casual, yet sophisticated cuisine and an atmosphere perfect for patrons dedicated to excellent food at a fair price.

As a special offering to the Brandon Green Companies family, Chef Geoff’s invites you to lunch, Sunday brunch, or dinner.  Mention that Brandon Green Companies sent you and receive a glass of house red or white as compliments from Geoff.

Downtown: 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wesley Heights: 3201 New Mexico Ave. NW, Washington, DC  20016

Reservations are encouraged. Please contact Ralph Johnson, Chef Geoff’s fantastic Director of Service and Beverage, with any questions at ralphj@chefgeoff.com.

We are thrilled to host Linda de Marlor from Tax Masters Inc. to bring you up to date on everything you need to know about the rapidly changing tax environment. Whether you own a small business, just bought your first home, or have a complicated return with multiple deductions, this class will help you!

Linda has worked with more than 2,000 clients in 50 countries and is a regular on ABC Radio, CNN, C-SPAN, and NPR.  If you thought taxes were boring, you haven’t heard Linda.

Where and when:
Our office in Adam’s Morgan:  2410 17th St. NW, Suite 200
November 18, 2008
6:30 p.m.

Seating is limited so please e-mail Amber@BrandonGreen.com to reserve your seats.

There are some deals out there people!  We are shocked at the deals we are finding for our clients.  Find out how you can get a piece of the action–and why it matters who you choose to represent you to buy real estate property.

Where and when:
Our office in Adam’s Morgan: 2410 17th St. NW, Suite 200
November 11, 2008
6:30 p.m.

Seating is limited so please e-mail amber@brandongreen.com to reserve your seats.

Seriously, it matters who you choose to represent you in the sale of your home.  If you ever had any doubt, check out the following blogspot which oh so accurately catches the lousy photos permeating the real estate world.   A friend of mine pointed me to this site and I think it is spot on!  http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/

Why do realtors post such bad pictures or none at all?  My sense is it is for one of the following reasons:

1.  A photographer costs money - it is cheaper to use a digital camera and most Realtors aren’t professional photographers.
2.  Some Realtors simply don’t understand yet that the buyer rules out properties immediately with no photos or bad photos.
3.  There is nothing good to photograph!  Foreclosures are especially in bad shape.

Our philosophy is to portray the home for what it is.  There is a buyer for every piece of real estate - at the right price.