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All Forum Posts by: Kevin B.

Kevin B. has started 3 posts and replied 14 times.

Post: Networking/Asking advice from investors in Springfield, MA area

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

Hello Yixue, I'm just seeing this post - have you ended up finding a place?  Just curious.  I will send a colleague request as well, since I am currently live in the Northampton area, and own 2 rental properties in town.  I'm not on this platform very often, but am happy to connect and discuss the local market.  

Post: New Haven, CT/Yale Rental SFR 10 years excellent rental history

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

Hi!  what kind of lease option are you looking for?  Not familiar with the concept of sandwich lease.  can you elaborate?

Post: New Haven, CT/Yale Rental SFR 10 years excellent rental history

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

With 10 years of excellent rental history, this 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath remodeled home is close to universities (SCSU, Yale) and perfect for renting to faculty, staff, or post-docs and families.

Yale-affiliated families have rented this home for 8 of the last 10 years, providing a nice cash flow. Rents have averaged about $2,400/mo. (range of $2,200 the first year, up to $2,600)

Why sell? My parents are in their 80's, and I've moved back to western Massachusetts to look after them. My time, focus and energy has to be spent here, leaving little, if any of my time and focus for my New Haven properties.

If interested, inquire about the other 2bed/2 bath SFR in New Haven I own and vacated late last year. Renovations are now complete with a 2-year tenant moving in on June 1 at $1,800/mo. Near parks and beach, this 1,200 sq ft fenced in home is a real gem.

Package deal is possible!

Looking for more pics or numbers? just ask.

Jump Start your portfolio with two income producing properties!

Post: Investor friendly Cabinet/Coutntertop Dealer - MA CT NY RI VT NH

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

House Flippers, Investors, Real Estate Professionals in MA, CT, RI, NY,VT,NH - surrounding areas.

Valley Kitchens in Easthampton, MA is owned an operated by people like you - people who invest in real estate.  We flip houses, and we have some buy and holds.  We understand the needs of real estate investors and DIYers, because we ARE you. 

We all want quality products at an affordable price, all delivered with great service.  That's how we at Valley Kitchens can help. 

We sell cabinets, counter tops (granite, quartz, solid surface), vanities, closet organizers, sinks, and other accessories for the home. Need them quickly?  Some lines of cabinets can be delivered in as little as 5 - 7 days! 

Call or email for a free estimate for your project.  We can save you $$$ Let us help you make your next project a success!

Kevin Brigham,

Co-Owner, Valley Kitchens

[email protected]

203.314.1544 (cell)

413.527-1500 (showroom)

51A1 Holyoke St

Easthampton, MA 01027

Post: New Haven Rental Property Market

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

@John Hickey, you mention you've explored the Winchester/Science Park areas.  I actually work in Science Park, so I'm sure you passed my building! (25 - corner of munson and Winchester st)  That area is one of the most interesting in town!  If you have questions about it, I'm happy to discuss!  I've been working in that neighborhood for the last 7 years.  Lots is happening there. (though it's still a tricky area.)  

@Will Melton, I'm happy to meet up.  Saturdays I've recently been heading up to MA to check in on a flip project in Amherst, but perhaps next week I can do that after meeting in New Haven.  

Regards,

Kevin

Post: New and Eager Member - Tom P. from New Haven, CT

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

Hi Tom!  Welcome to BP!  This is a great site, and though I've only been on for a short time, I've found tons of answers I've been seeking, and even learned a lot I didn't know I needed to know!  Be sure to spend time watching the podcasts and read the blogs, as others have suggested.  There is a wealth of information on most any real-estate related topic you can imagine!  

Hope to see you around the site, and perhaps at the next meet-up.  I've never been, and also missed the last one.  Perhaps end of this month...though Thanksgiving travel might get in the way...One day!

Take care!

Post: New Haven Rental Property Market

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

@David T - The property I referred to in my post above is in Beaver Hills.  It borders Westville.  I hate to sound like a broken record, but it's tricky - some parts of Dixwell are scary - but Yale is investing heavily in that neighborhood, (two new residential colleges, sort of nearby...) so it could be up and coming.  Parts of Beaver Hills are gorgeous.  (My rental there is amazing!)  but other parts, a few blocks away are not as safe.

I haven't directly dealt with Section 8, but i have family who has.  It can be great (consistent paycheck which you can count on, jsome really great tenants, etc.) but it can be tricky too.  I'm sure you've heard about nightmarish situations.  if not, pull up a chair - I've heard some doosies.     It certainly is tempting though, to get involved in the Dixwell area.  There are many places that are a steal. It just takes the right personality to deal with some of the hassles of owning in low rent areas.  It can be VERY lucrative, I know.  

Areas like Fair Haven, Dixwell, and others will probably only attract low-rent and Section 8 tenants.  Some can be great.  But others can be very bad.  Fair Haven heights has some nicer parts...but honestly it can be a street by street basis in any of the neighborhoods in New Haven.  I've spent a lot of time here, and have friends who have invested here for the past 2 decades, so if you have questions about specific streets, let me know.  I'm happy share whatever info I have.  Good Luck!

Post: Hello from Western MA!!

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

Hi Robyn,

Welcome!  I'm Kevin, and I am originally from Northampton.  My parents still live there, and I manage the three-family house where they live.  Absolutely love Northampton.  It's a truly unique place. 

Living and investing in New Haven for the past 15 years, I'm slightly familiar with Bridgeport as well.  It's about 20 minutes south on I-95.  I've got some friends who live there.  It's a tough place.  I'd love to chat about it sometime!  

This site is fantastic, lots of resources.  Be sure to check the Blogs and Podcasts.  They are invaluable!  Hope to see you around the site.  Don't hesitate to reach out.  It's always nice to meet someone in Western  Massachusetts!

Kevin

Post: New Haven Rental Property Market

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

Hi!  I've owned property in New Haven for 15 years, and what @Zachary Mowery states is spot on.  

I've rented to Yale grad students and faculty, and now almost exclusively market to those affiliated with Yale.  It's a great market.

However, New Haven neighborhoods are tricky.  You definitely want to be familiar with them, or have someone with first-hand knowledge.  Homes valued at close to $1,000,000 are (right) around the corner from houses worth less than $100 - 150 K.  It's very tricky, like no where else I've seen.  

You'll have significantly more luck if your property is in the East Rock or Westville sections, but again - even in these sections, there are exceptions to the rule.  One of my properties borders Westville.  I've found I need to mention "close to Westville" or "borders Westville" in order to get people to take a look.  Once they come, they see an amazing house in a great area, but because they're told to only look for East Rock and Westville, they limit their searches...(Remember - most people coming to live here are coming for school, and might not have spent much time here at all. they're often relying on the advice of someone in the business office in the school or department they'll be attending.)

My final bit of advice relates to the housing window Zachary mentioned above.  He is absolutely right!  I found out about this the hard way!  Long story, but I missed the window this year, and had to wait 3 months before finding a tenant (at $400 less/month!)  In this case, I have made this lease end in May, so I will be "back on cycle" for June or July move-ins which are desired due to the academic cycle at Yale.  If you're not rented by June or July, you'll likely be scrambling in August, Sept, Oct, unfortunately.

Good luck with your investment!  Let us know if you have additional questions.  If not, let us know how it turns out!  ~Kevin

Post: Newbie from CT/MA - Howdy!

Kevin B.Posted
  • Investor
  • Northampton, Ma
  • Posts 16
  • Votes 6

@Elizabeth Colegrove  - thanks!  I'll definitely check your site and blog!  

Being in New Haven and owning in another state has presented it's challenges, but it's also been very rewarding!  

Luckily, I've got a few colleagues/friends with boots on the ground, so it's not too bad!  

I'm sure it will be increasingly easy with resources like this site and the people who form the community!  

Many times I can get so focused, I begin to see things from only my perspective.  It's important for me to hear alternative viewpoints.  Listening to many differing opinions can end up in lots of great discussions, and help me look at things from different perspectives.

As you can probably tell, I'm so happy I found these resources!  

Thanks again,

Kevin