All Forum Posts by: Carmeta French

I have been looking at and analyzing properties in my area. I know which towns/neighborhoods are 'asleep' right now, yet soon to awaken (due to expanding employment  and entertainment opportunities). I am hoping to build up some savings and invest in a project or two within the next 12-24 months.

I currently work in document & database management at a health insurance company. I have learned a LOT about CRM and Database management  through this step in my career. I feel that the skills learned from this job are a blessing from God and a good stepping stone towards my dream of owning and managing properties someday. My grandparents and great-grandparents owned several properties in Montpelier, VT when I was a kid, and I would go with my mom to the carpet and tile store, the paint store, etc... to pick up supplies for each turn-over. Then we'd sit in the apartments and find some project to do to help mom or stay out of her way <g>. She was a perfectionist and always wanted to make sure tenants felt like whatever unit she was doing was a good place to call 'home'. 

Using my current skills, Marketing, database, customer service, writing etc... what could I do in my spare time to add value to other investors who are building their business? I could hand write your letters, stamp and mail them so they look inviting to read. I could make emails, check out neighborhoods in my area for people looking to invest here, etc... or help negotiate deals face to face.  I have lots of experience in face to face customer service and people look to me for help even though I don't "work there" at whatever place I happen to be shopping or visiting. Haha!  

I have managed events and things like that, I just don't know where to begin or which skills  could add value to those of you who are already investing. 

Thanks for any suggestions! 

 Ok, I will create a new post when I get back from my trip (or while I'm there if there's down time) :) 

Specifically Schenectady... I drove through the city Last week for the first time in 20 years. It isn't quite as sketchy as I remember it! I bet it will become more attractive in the coming years.

If money were no object (and if I lived closer).  I'd buy entire blocks near Niagara falls. I was there just last week, my first time up close and personal on the American side. was very shocked and disturbed at what I saw so close to such a beautiful wonder!  Just a few blocks from the falls are neighborhoods that are falling to the ground, houses in such a sad state of repair it makes me sick. The streets were not well kept aside from the main street (which was tolerable).

 I would consider doing a public/private partnership with the city/state and  build a multiplex on the outside of the city, pay cash for keys to move people out of those homes  near the falls and into the multiplex. This would improve the standard of living for the people who are stuck in those neighborhoods. I would  then doze the city streets closest to the falls and were I mayor/governor I would offer incentives to bring in new hotels/casinos and public/private sponsor a nice sky tower like they have on the Ontario side. The tower could host kiosks for various companies and tourist information.   I see that the state of NY is sloooowly making the enviornmental changes near the falls that will improve conditions there. It is a start. But to have such blight so close to this wonder is a travesty! :) 

My daughter just moved to Rochester, NY. She is 22. The place seems to appeal to young adults from my area (Vermont). I know several young people who have moved to Utica, Syracuse and Rochester for studies or to be closer to areas that have better infrastructure & concerts than those of us in Northern New England. (I mean they have Volbeat and Slipknot coming to Buffalo this summer! :P ) The apartments that she and her hubby are looking at, are updated and have USB charging areas, granite counters and wifi included for 750-950/mo (1 br or 2 br) 

The City area has very cheap real estate, and I considered it. I just don't know if there's enough demand there yet, or if there ever will be. It seems like people who actually have money are moving south, and these kids who are happy to make 35-45K/year are putting down roots right on the outskirts of town. 

In my travels over the past couple of weeks I did see some towns that I would dump some money and time into if I could raise the capital to do so. I would market the heck out of one of those town and own a mix of airb&b and family rentals.  

I'm heading back to Rochester, Niagara, Buffalo areas next week. If you're interested in an outsiders' perspective on anything in particular, I'd be happy to drive through a few neighborhoods and get a feel. I'm going to N.F. for my primary business, but I'm excited to see what Real Estate could do for us, so I've been paying lots of attention to the markets that I've been traveling through.