All Forum Posts by: Kim Coleman

Hi @Reco Collins I've love to see some responses on this too. I've generally heard it's tough to do in Baltimore, especially given the possible inconsistency of Baltimore inspectors. 

Hi @Karen Smith Welcome to BP! Please do check out the podcasts and online training courses. There is alot to learn on the site. And as Ned says, many Baltimore investors on here as well. As for hot spots, Baltimore is block to block. Generally speaking for buy and holds, I want mostly homeowner blocks for my rentals. Driving for dollars means you're looking for signs of an abandoned property where a motivated seller might be involved. That appears everywhere in Baltimore! Lol Think about investing where you'll be comfortable going. Hope this helps.  

@Andre Brasser i have one. Send me a PM 

Thanks @Tarrin Lilly

@Joseph England what you've posted is very helpful.  Really good to know about doing the lead inspection BEFORE registering with the state of Maryland.  I'll be going for the "Full Risk Reduction" lead certificate.  Do we as investors simply contact a lead inspector of our choosing? Or does the City/State give us a list of providers? Or have staff for this?  Just wondering because I'm new to dealing with lead certs.  I like the approach of getting the inspection and fixing what comes up that way I'm not fixing stuff, miss something then have to restart.  But I assume there is additional cost (and time) involved for a re-inspection. Which one works for you?  REALLY good tip on the water usage history.

@Eric H. Thank you for your perspective as well.  I've been thinking similarly.  I'm used to managing myself so there's a part of me that wants to keep the control but also I need to make sure I understand the processes and how things work in Baltimore.  I don't like the feeling of...."I'm not sure, let me ask my property manager."  At the same time, in order for me to scale quickly and not spend my time on non value add activity, I think a property manager will make sense.  I just need one accessible and willing to answer all my questions along the way so I can learn the ropes.

Hi @Tyrone Smith please send me a PM. I have one who works in that area. 

@Russell Brazil that is very interesting about sellers in Dc not even allowing inspections! The seller did pay for treatment in this case and was did so without my request. 

@Tamara V. and @Emery Green Thank you so much!! This is very exciting and   scary time! I really appreciate the connections I'm making on BP, especially for the encouragement! 

Hello all I wanted to update you in the this situation.  The home Inspector found damage to joists in the basement. Some have been "sistored", where another beam was added for support. Two more with damage to one end have not been sistored. Of course those ends are on either side of the furnace flu, behind the water heater pipes, etc. Getting a contractor out tomorrow to see how much to repair the damaged ones. It looks like the cost is going to be in the speciality labor like plumber, electrician, hvac, etc to move and replace things in order to a the joist repairs. I could see the treatment holes and it doesn't appear the property was ever treated for termites before.  Remediation will include a one year warranty. And I'll need to inspect annually. Please do share any thoughts you have as I'm not even sure of the questions I should be asking! 

Thank you for the response and detailed information @Kyara G.! Those steps don't sound too overwhelming! I reorderd them a bit thinking i want insurance coverage from the moment I buy it. So I'll arrange that prior to closing just as if I was getting a mortgage.  

1. Get an insurance policy.

2.  Register with Baltimore City 

3. Register with Maryland

4. Turn on utilities in my name (they are currently on)

5. Get a lead certification 

A few questions on this - 

Since repairs are minimal and I hope to have it rented in 30 days do you know if I still need a "vacant" policy specifically? 

Am I registering the house as a rental with Baltimore and Maryland? Do they conduct an inspection? 

Hello BP Community.  I hope to be closing on my first Baltimore City investment property soon.  I'm of course overwhelmed by all the various things I need to do get ready for a tenant.  I'd like to query the very knowledgeable BP Baltimore community on steps to take as far as inspections, lead certifications, utilities, stuff I'm not even thinking of!, etc. (beyond obviously making repairs).  This might include order to events, like call city for inspection last, or perhaps it's best to call first.  Any department names you have would help us google numbers or even post them if you have them handy.

I've read many posts in the last few months that touch on some or all of thesee topics but looking to compile a more comprehensive list for me and others investing in Baltimore City.  If this already exists somewhere, please do point it out.  I searched and didn't find what I've described above.  Thanks in advance!