All Forum Posts by: Hannah Thomas-Cunniff

Thanks, @Jose Vazquez!

@Chris Haas I noticed that Flying Hills population increased 100+% in the last ten years, and I wanted to figure out why.  So, I started doing some research and ended up contacting an agent who put me on a list for the areas surrounding Reading.  The numbers didn't work for the properties I was seeing in Flying Hills, but I noticed that the poverty levels were pretty low in some of the surrounding areas.  So, it's pretty much numbers based, but when I drove through Mohnton, it felt like a nice little town. Pretty much, it was totally random that I came across Mohnton. 

The taxes certainly are much better than NJ, but still don't quite compare to those in SC or similar areas.  However, it would be my first property, so I want it to be something that I can be more actively involved in and will be more of an in-person learning experience.

Do you invest in the Reading area?

I've read articles about how Reading housing prices continue to rise, but the number of violent crimes is also increasing. The areas around Reading seem pretty safe, and with some decent CAP rates. However, I'm not willing to put my life on the line as an investor. I've looked at crime maps, and crime seems to be concentrated in Reading. However, every area has cultural nuances that an out-of-towner couldn't possibly understand at first glance.

Am I buying a huge headache if I invest in Mohnton, Mount Penn, Flying Hills?  Will I be desperately searching for renters who are employed,  have decent credit, no criminal records, and can pay the 1st/last/security deposit? Am I off-base thinking folks can pay $950 for 3 bedrooms + utilities?  Are there areas that are gentrifying? Like Flying Hills - the population increase is off the charts.

I've found a property in Mohnton that looks like it has potential.  And, I am putting in the offer, but I am absolutely getting cold feet as a first time investor.  I feel like I'm about to jump into the deep end without ever having a swim lesson. Perhaps someone could send an inner tube (aka advice) my way so I do a little less thrashing. Thanks!

I feel like I'm missing something about Easton, PA... specifically the Wilson Borough area.  It has good schools, low crime, and it's near the hospital. However, why do people pay close to $1k a month in rent when they can buy a half of a twin and pay roughly the same $1k for their mortgage? What is driving this rental demand? Thanks!

Thanks, @Tonye Jack!  I hadn't found that site yet, and it gives a good overview of towns.

I'm a novice investor who is researching areas in Pennsylvania to invest.  My basic requirements to look for are:

• Population Growth
• Solid industries in place and economic growth
• Median housing prices are more than what a renter could typically afford
• Decent schools (Class B)
• Not a war zone (Class B)

Obviously, I'm looking for the golden nugget... and wherever I find it, do you heavily consider Median Age of the population? Are there any red flags if the population is either very young or very old?  

This sounds like a great initiative! Thank you for kicking it off!

I would love to hear an update on what happened with this Salvation Army owned property.  I recently came across one myself, and would love to hear more before I jump into researching how to purchase it.