Looking for Guidance and Help to Get Out of a Baltimore Property

Looking for Guidance and Help to Get Out of a Baltimore Property

Member since 2018 · 19 posts · 13 votes

Hey everyone! I’m in a pretty bad situation, wondering if anyone has gone through something similar, and how they got through it. I bought a home from a PM company in Baltimore, MD. It was what we could afford and wanted to get into the real estate market before the interest rates went up and we did. However the property is not performing and it’s affecting our personal lives now. I’m trying to sell it at a discounted rate just to get out, but having no luck. It’s on a rough street, which I didn’t know at the time of purchase. The company said the usual ‘we’ll never sell you a home that we wouldn’t want to own ourselves.’ but that was a lie. I’ve tried selling it back to the company that sold it to me because they said they would, but now that the time has come they won’t. Tried lowering the sales price, it’s also up for rent. Which I don’t really want to deal with anymore because we did have tenants in there, but our first tenants stopped paying, trashed the house, and we evicted them. It took a long time and renovation to get it back to where it was.

This is our first investment property and it’s just gone so poorly. It’s going to kill our livelihood and I don’t know what to do. We’ve been dealing with this for over a year and a half now and I’m at a loss of what to do. I’ve tried talking to cash buyers, but the rates are so low that we would have nothing after selling it. I want out, but it feels like there’s not realistic option to do so. Has anyone else been through a situation like this? How did you get out? Was everything ok at the end or did it end you financially?

I worked for decades trying to get to this point and in less than 2 years all of that work has gone to waste. I did my best, researched, vetted, etc. If you’re here to just call me an idiot please don’t. I already feel like one, I just want advice on how to get out or if someone knows of options I can take for selling a home in Baltimore, MD. Any advice and help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Russell BrazilBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Robbin S Smith:

So sorry to hear this. I'm a local Baltimore realtor and I know for a fact that this market is red-hot and everything, and I mean anything, can be sold for the right price. As you have an agent it is unethical for me to try and recruit you, but just know that it CAN BE SOLD!!!


 The key there is "for the right price." Turnkey companies sell these properties to out of state investors at substantially higher than market price prices. So when the out of state investor needs to sell, the only way to do so is at market price, which can often mean a total loss of their investment, or sometimes even more.  Just cause the market is "red-hot" as you've said, doesn't mean people will over pay by 33%. 

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  • Property Manager · FL · Member since 2022 · 23 posts · 26 votes
    2y

    Hi Kayla, Sorry you are going through this.

    Without context on price point and other factors, it's hard to say definitively what the exact best course is, but I have seen investors off-load properties like this by seller financing. If your interest rate is solid then that's something of value that a potential buyer may want. 

    I'd research Lease-Option and Seller Financing to get a better understanding.

    I may also consult a different realtor that's local to your market to see how to get this home off your books

  • Member since 2018 · 19 posts · 13 votes
    2y

    @Jacob Brenyo Thanks so much for commenting and trying to help. I appreciate it! We owe $154k on the property and the interest rate is 4.25%, the monthly mortgage is $1050 with taxes and insurance. I’m not sure if that helps.

  • Property Manager · FL · Member since 2022 · 23 posts · 26 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    @Jacob Brenyo Thanks so much for commenting and trying to help. I appreciate it! We owe $154k on the property and the interest rate is 4.25%, the monthly mortgage is $1050 with taxes and insurance. I’m not sure if that helps.


     Rate is solid. Whats the expected monthly rent?

  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    2y

    Whats the address?

  • Member since 2018 · 19 posts · 13 votes
    2y

    @Jacob Brenyo I have it at $1600 right now. That’s the thing, people don’t want to rent there. They see it online, it’s nice inside, but the street it’s on is rough. I don’t know what to do.

  • Property Manager · FL · Member since 2022 · 23 posts · 26 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    @Jacob Brenyo I have it at $1600 right now. That’s the thing, people don’t want to rent there. They see it online, it’s nice inside, but the street it’s on is rough. I don’t know what to do.


     Ok so this would be profitable for a potential investor if you seller financed. I would explore that further. Alternatively you could sell at a loss and stop the bleeding so to speak. Its an ugly thing, but sometimes its best to cut losses and move on. The right agent will be a huge asset here. I would consider hiring someone else to help get this sold. 

  • Member since 2018 · 19 posts · 13 votes
    2y

    @Jacob Brenyo I do have a local realtor working with me right now. We communicate almost everyday. I do get the feeling that he doesn’t believe we can sell it because of the street it’s on, so it’s been kind of hard. Him seeming hopeless also makes me feel hopeless too.

  • Investor · Member since 2024 · 77 posts · 105 votes
    2y

    I am honestly not sure what the best course of action is in this situation, but I just want to say that you are NOT an idiot.

    Did you have any sort of written agreement with the PM company when you purchased? Was there any language in there regarding a buy back? Is there any legal way to hold them at least partially responsible?

    Your realtor needs to have your back here. If he's acting hopeless, then I'd say drop him and find one who will champion for you. You are not the first person to go through a situation like this... there has to be some sort of solution and someone willing to figure it out with you.

  • Property Manager · FL · Member since 2022 · 23 posts · 26 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    @Jacob Brenyo I do have a local realtor working with me right now. We communicate almost everyday. I do get the feeling that he doesn’t believe we can sell it because of the street it’s on, so it’s been kind of hard. Him seeming hopeless also makes me feel hopeless too.


     I Agree with Erica. The approach an agent takes can make all of the difference, if the agent is giving you that impression likely he is giving potential prospects that impression as well. 

    Honor whatever contract you have with them, but then I would consider a change. you can connect with investor friendly agents right here on BP.

    I have confidence you can get out of this property with the right approach. Too bad you aren't in my market or I could really help

  • Kevin PaulkPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2016 · 219 posts · 174 votes
    2y

    @Kayla M.

    Have your agent check in a mile or half mile radius for other investors in the area and try to reach out. See if you can strike a deal with somebody already investing in the area.

  • Member since 2018 · 19 posts · 13 votes
    2y

    @Erica Calella Thanks so much for the comment. I appreciate it! The buy back was a comment over the phone, nothing legally binding unfortunately. At the time I think he was just trying to keep my business because they were trying to rent it for me at the time. I have since moved on from them and working with a new PM. That’s where I’m at now.

  • Member since 2024 · 3 posts · 2 votes
    2y

    So sorry to hear this. I'm a local Baltimore realtor and I know for a fact that this market is red-hot and everything, and I mean anything, can be sold for the right price. As you have an agent it is unethical for me to try and recruit you, but just know that it CAN BE SOLD!!!

  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Robbin S Smith:

    So sorry to hear this. I'm a local Baltimore realtor and I know for a fact that this market is red-hot and everything, and I mean anything, can be sold for the right price. As you have an agent it is unethical for me to try and recruit you, but just know that it CAN BE SOLD!!!


     The key there is "for the right price." Turnkey companies sell these properties to out of state investors at substantially higher than market price prices. So when the out of state investor needs to sell, the only way to do so is at market price, which can often mean a total loss of their investment, or sometimes even more.  Just cause the market is "red-hot" as you've said, doesn't mean people will over pay by 33%. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Perry Hall, MD · Member since 2016 · 591 posts · 606 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    @Jacob Brenyo I do have a local realtor working with me right now. We communicate almost everyday. I do get the feeling that he doesn’t believe we can sell it because of the street it’s on, so it’s been kind of hard. Him seeming hopeless also makes me feel hopeless too.


    Baltimore is a tough city, especially for out of state investors. There are PMs and Agents/Realtors that specialize in the rougher parts of the city. If this current realtor isn't getting it done for you, I have a broker/PM that fits that description that I can connect you with if you'd like.


    There are also very active investor groups on Facebook if you want to try the FSBO route. You'll get lowballed like crazy and have to deal with a lot of tire kickers of course but if you know what it's worth you can probably find some serious buyers at a reasonable price.
  • Dan H.Pro Member
    Investor · Poway, CA · Member since 2015 · 7k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    @Jacob Brenyo Thanks so much for commenting and trying to help. I appreciate it! We owe $154k on the property and the interest rate is 4.25%, the monthly mortgage is $1050 with taxes and insurance. I’m not sure if that helps.

     What do you have it listed at?   Do you have a non-recourse loan?

    $1600/month rent with Piti being $1050 Will bleed cash in a war zone area.  

    If you cannot sell the house for close to $150k and have a non-recourse loan, you should analyze if it makes sense to walk away from the property.  This will effect your ability to obtain financing for quite a few years but may be worth considering.  

    as others have stated, if a RE agent does not believe they can sell the property, find a different agent that believes they can sell the property.  

    Good luck

  • Member since 2018 · 23 posts · 58 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Russell Brazil:

    Whats the address?


    I think knowing the address would help you get the best advice. There might be a pathway where you can hire a better PM (easier said than done) who gets better tenants and you can stabilize the property and catch your breath. But the likelihood of success with that depends on the specific street. I'd hate for you to go through this all again. If you for sure want to sell it, there's not much to do, the best offers you are getting are what it's probably worth. 

  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    2y

    @Kayla M.

    I'm very sorry to hear what you're going through. are you out of state? Have you actually seen it yourself in person since it was listed? Can you make a trip there and try to talk to your realtor in person? Maybe time the trip to line up with some local REIA meetings and see what other local investors think about price, timing, etc.?

    As others have said, if you post the address you will get more targeted advice about condition, price, photos, strategy, etc.

  • Developer · New York City, NY · Member since 2015 · 812 posts · 718 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    @Jacob Brenyo Thanks so much for commenting and trying to help. I appreciate it! We owe $154k on the property and the interest rate is 4.25%, the monthly mortgage is $1050 with taxes and insurance. I’m not sure if that helps.


    Why not fire the PM and get a new competent

    PM to fix this mess? If you sell, it will cost you a lot of $$$ Plus, you best asset is the interest rate.

  • Developer · New York City, NY · Member since 2015 · 812 posts · 718 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Robert M.:
    Quote from @Russell Brazil:

    Whats the address?


    I think knowing the address would help you get the best advice. There might be a pathway where you can hire a better PM (easier said than done) who gets better tenants and you can stabilize the property and catch your breath. But the likelihood of success with that depends on the specific street. I'd hate for you to go through this all again. If you for sure want to sell it, there's not much to do, the best offers you are getting are what it's probably worth. 


    Need to look around. Go for the independent PMs, not just a real estate agent offering property management on the side or one of those cookie-cutter franchises (PMI / RPM). I do not know much about Baltimore, or I would rec. some PMs to the OP.

  • Developer · New York City, NY · Member since 2015 · 812 posts · 718 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    @Jacob Brenyo I do have a local realtor working with me right now. We communicate almost everyday. I do get the feeling that he doesn’t believe we can sell it because of the street it’s on, so it’s been kind of hard. Him seeming hopeless also makes me feel hopeless too.


    So, one thing you need to learn about real estate investing is that it's a business, and it needs to be treated as such. Take the emotions out of it and put together a pros/cons list.  Then, put together another list for the property called income/expenses.

    Alternatively, I have another idea that may work. This is what I did when I was in a rough area. Have you considered renting it out through section 8?

    If your agent thinks he cannot sell the property, time to get a new agent.  I hear Russell Brazil might be able to help you out.  Very knowledgeable and has his ear to the ground around your area.

  • Rental Property Investor · Member since 2019 · 34 posts · 33 votes
    2y

    I also am thinking Section 8. 

    I would definitely reach out to other investors in the area. You can find them on them on the gov't website using the property search feature. Look for owners who don't live at the addresses in that neighborhood (these are the landlords). Offer them owner financing - sometimes you can even have them assume the mortgage (without triggering the due on sales clause) if it is serviced by a third party. Some of these investors in the neighbor also might be able simply to pay cash. 

    Good luck!

  • Dave KushPro Member
    Frankfort, IL · Member since 2022 · 204 posts · 133 votes
    2y

    Kayla, 

    I'm very sorry to hear about the situation. I won't lie....I made a bad purchase once and the results were similar. I was stuck with negative cash flow and not enough equity. 

    I tried for a very long time to manage or fix it. I couldn't. There is only one way out: sell. You may lose your down payment. That sucks, but you'll lose a lot more while you wait. If a cash buyer can give you a deal that gets you out, take it. The healing can't start until you do. 

    Good luck.... Keep us posted

    Dave

  • Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kayla M.:

    Hey everyone! I’m in a pretty bad situation, wondering if anyone has gone through something similar, and how they got through it. I bought a home from a PM company in Baltimore, MD. It was what we could afford and wanted to get into the real estate market before the interest rates went up and we did. However the property is not performing and it’s affecting our personal lives now. I’m trying to sell it at a discounted rate just to get out, but having no luck. It’s on a rough street, which I didn’t know at the time of purchase. The company said the usual ‘we’ll never sell you a home that we wouldn’t want to own ourselves.’ but that was a lie. I’ve tried selling it back to the company that sold it to me because they said they would, but now that the time has come they won’t. Tried lowering the sales price, it’s also up for rent. Which I don’t really want to deal with anymore because we did have tenants in there, but our first tenants stopped paying, trashed the house, and we evicted them. It took a long time and renovation to get it back to where it was.

    This is our first investment property and it’s just gone so poorly. It’s going to kill our livelihood and I don’t know what to do. We’ve been dealing with this for over a year and a half now and I’m at a loss of what to do. I’ve tried talking to cash buyers, but the rates are so low that we would have nothing after selling it. I want out, but it feels like there’s not realistic option to do so. Has anyone else been through a situation like this? How did you get out? Was everything ok at the end or did it end you financially?

    I worked for decades trying to get to this point and in less than 2 years all of that work has gone to waste. I did my best, researched, vetted, etc. If you’re here to just call me an idiot please don’t. I already feel like one, I just want advice on how to get out or if someone knows of options I can take for selling a home in Baltimore, MD. Any advice and help would be appreciated. Thanks.


     Easy answer, dump it and move on 

  • Investor · Center Moriches, NY · Member since 2016 · 86 posts · 32 votes
    2y

    Did you happen to buy the property for CR of Maryland?  I also went thru a nightmare situation with them for two years.  I ended up switching PM companies to RPM, and have had a better experience with them so far.

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    2y

    if your loan is 154k  then this prop probably appraised for loan purposes at 200k or so. and that price point is usually in a decent area or street.. But like @Russell Brazil mentioned without the exact address no one is going to be able to help you.. I have funded well over 100 props there and its a little tougher market than most for sure.

    I can have my clients give me feed back if you want to send me the address via PM

    Also I got stuck with a few props there when my first balt client imploded ( of course i was in them at wholesale levels) but I exited with ASHLAND auctions and we recouped generally speaking.

    Also Section 8 there pays a very large amount compared to most markets if your forced to keep it I would go that route you can get 1600  to 2k on section 8. 

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