All Forum Posts by: Laticia Braxton
Laticia Braxton has started 1 posts and replied 212 times.
Post: What is the best property management software for starters?!

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
Hey Justin. I use Buildium and although it's $45/month, it's well worth it to me with all of the features it offers. The accounting features are great, you have the online payment portal for rental applications (which you process through the software), rent payments and if you plan to manage properties for other investors, you are already equipped to pay them and send them any reports they need through the software. Reporting is super easy and easy to understand. You can get a 15-day free trial to see how you like it. Try it out for a couple weeks and let me know what you think!
Post: County Accessed Property Value Vs Listing price

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
Hi Oneil. As Thomas said, you absolutely cannot use the county assessment for valuing a property. You need accurate and up to date comps (recent sales - no older than six months with similar house type, square footage, amenities, etc.) in the immediate neighborhood of your subject property. You also should not trust Zillow because they are ridiculously inaccurate with most of the information they provide.
My best advice to you is to connect with a local REALTOR® in your area who is investor-friendly. He/she will be able to give you accurate pricing information based upon facts. Best of luck to you!
Post: Looking for a Baltimore Real Estate Agent that works w/ investors

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
I totally agree with Christopher regarding Bel-Air Edison and Cedonia (21206) which are both great investor markets. I would also suggest you look into a few areas of Baltimore County (Dundalk, Essex) and Harford County (Edgewood). Each of these areas regularly offer really good buy and hold opportunities. Best of luck to you!
Post: Where to buy in Maryland for Buy and Holds?

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
Good morning Sandra! If you ever decide to branch out a little further north, there are really good opportunities here in Harford County. Considering the distance, you would may need to hire a PM to help you out if it is too much of a hassle for you. We are also close to the new Amazon distribution center in Cecil County :-)
Best of luck to you!
Post: Applicant recently divorced with bad credit

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
That would definitely be a win-win! Good luck!
Post: Applicant recently divorced with bad credit

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
I agree with Eddie. Life happens. As long as her employment history is great and her income is sufficient to maintain the rent and her other expenses, I say give her a chance too. Just be sure to verify all of that with her actual employer.
I would probably start her with a one year lease with renewal options. If she pays as agreed year one, give her a two year extension on the lease. I would also ask to inspect her current home as soon as possible and don't giver her more than 24 hours between the time you ask and when you actually go to inspect. If she's a slob, you don't need the hassle of worrying that your property will be kept the same way. If her home is immaculate, she will most likely handle your property with the same care. Follow your instincts and best of luck to you!
Post: Property management info

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
You're more than welcome! You're not undoing it at all - same concept, just done virtually :-)
Post: Property management info

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
@Kristina Heimstaedt, it amazes me how many PMs don't actually go over the lease with tenants... just point and tell them to sign. I've come across a lot of tenants who don't realize what they've signed until it's too late. Of course they should read it, but the reality is a lot of them don't read or understand the lease and it's unfortunate. Glad to see someone else in the industry with an actual conscience, like yourself :-)
Post: How to address water usage/bill on duplex

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
I wholeheartedly agree with JD Martin. From a property manager standpoint, it is not harder but actually easier that way. Any good PM would prefer that you either have each unit metered individually or as JD said, sub-metered. Records/invoices/reconciliations are all more clean that way.
Post: East Baltimore Vs West Baltimore

- Real Estate Consultant
- Joppa, MD
- Posts 218
- Votes 178
Hi Nick. I am very familiar with the East Baltimore area but where exactly is your West Ba. property? Have you compared the crime rates in both neighborhoods? Which is closer to your personal residence (in case of an emergency unless you plan to get a PM to handle)? The rental won't be too much of an issue since you are going Section 8 and a 4 bedroom voucher will have the same value regardless of which house you choose but which would house would have the greater resale value should you decide to sell? Just a few things you want to consider...