All Forum Posts by: Crystal Smith

@francys crevier.  Not sure some folks have done all their research in PG county, so I would recommend you do your own research to determine what area improvements are being done and are forecasted.  Suitland in particular is preparing for a huge homeland security building specifically by the branch ave metro.  They have recently built a convenience road, added more upscale dealerships such as infinity, just built a huge beautiful apartment complex with about 800 units and that same builder will be back in a couple years to do another mixed use building with apartments and retail.   Streets are being paved etc.   As you already indicated an investor had purchased Iverson mall.  Is it hood in Suitland?...absolutely, no healthy food options, poor customer service etc.  Are there areas nearby that offer better options..I.e. Waldorf....absolutely.  I do think certain parts of the area will improve in a few years and certain parts will continue to be hood.....as is DC from block to block.  Keep in mind that not every investor knows everything about every area and I would do my OWN research before heeding advice of one who says oh those are just the worst areas in all of MD, as was Capital Hill years ago....which is still SE DC. 

I was in your same situation single woman...I lived in Crystal City in Arlington, for two years and was tired of paying hefty prices.  I can say that the neighborhood I live in is great, I have great neighbors in a quiet community and I can walk to the metro in about 8 min....oh and did I mention I live IN SUITLAND/camp springs.  I will say that if you have kids or are looking to do family planning you may want to research PG county school systems prior to making your decision.  ;)

  I totally understand your pain living in Arlington.  There is a lot of money to be made in PG county from rehabbing to rentals....do your OWN research and reach out to people working directly in that market!!!  Best wishes to you!

@Tyrell Perry Congratulations to you!  Thanks for detailing your experience for us.  Best wishes on your future endeavors!

@Celena G. Welcome Celena!  Best wishes to you on your real estate investment endeavors!

@Adrian Luckie and @Stephen Miller  Thank you so much for that info!!!!

@Lawrence Smith, a lot of investors find their contractors through word of mouth, but a lot of times, if they are currently using them and they are great contractors, they may not necessarily want to share them with us ;)  (lol).  I have heard a repeat suggestion of going to Lowes and Home Depot (prior to their opening) so maybe 7/8 a.m. and scouting for contractors there.  It was recommended to stay away from the 10/12:00 group of contractors as they are more than likely getting a late start OR they  have forgotten supplies that they need for the day which is wasting time on the project they are currently working on!  I've thought of subscribing to Angie's list as a source for contractors and was going to ask the BP family what they though of that, it's specific to each area and those contractors who subscribe certainly care about their reputation and want continuous work so in my mind it's not a bad option (and the yearly subscription is not expensive at all).  I still haven't completed my first deal so my info may not be that helpful, but I am trying to give my two cents where I can.  Best wishes to you!

Hey @Stephen Miller, sorry to impose on your thread (learning moment for me). I though there was a requirement to hold a HUD property for one year as a primary residence? Would assignment or rental be against the rule? Just asking, not trying to be a smarty. Thanks so much!

Hey Matt!  Thanks for your input, yes I see that NVR Homes was like a parent company, but I'm not sure that BBB is "all inclusive" of their complaints.  They have an A+ rating, but a resource to compare builders would be great!  Take care Matt.

Hello BP! 

I have a client that would like to get some additional information on the reputation of a particular builder for this area. Can anyone point me in the right direction of a good source to use and refer my client to?  I've checked out the BBB, but was wondering if there was another resource out there.  Thanks in advance!

Hey Agents!  I have a client that would like to get some additional information on the reputation of a particular builder for this area.  Can anyone point me in the right direction of a good source to use and refer my client to? Thanks in advance!

@Jennifer Nwadike..please do! ;)