All Forum Posts by: Roberto Westerband

@David Krulac

Given that you seem to have experience in PA, what has been your experience with credit unions in the area? 

On my trip to Lancaster, I don't believe I saw one large bank (aside from Wells Fargo). In NY, a good resource is credit unions. I'm wondering if the same applies in PA.

While I'm not currently looking at Pittsburgh areas, I'd like to know what your investing experience has been in Harrisburg. Also - are you familiar with any individuals who've invested in Lancaster or Scranton?

@Chris K. 

Thanks. I agree primary markets are going to appreciate more, but like you said, it comes with the opportunity cost of being more volatile. While I have invested in NY, I am looking to branch out into PA into tertiary and secondary markets. I see it the same as I would with a portfolio of ETFs (with both risky and risk-averse assets). 

Anyone else have experience in Lancaster or the surrounding areas?

Regards,
Roberto

@Chris K.

Very helpful insight. Thank you! 

Being that these are tertiary markets - would you say (in your opinion of course) that Lancaster is a more recession-proof type of market?

Have you personally invested in Lancaster or Wilkes-Barre?

Thanks @Jonathan Garrett 

Appreciate the feedback - will also look at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Hello BP World,

I went to Lancaster yesterday to look at some properties (single family and duplex). My overall outlook on the area was mixed. After researching the area, I've seen that the crime rate is very high compared to other areas of PA. Does anyone have experience investing in Lancaster, and can you give advice as to whether you've found this high crime rate to be true? Is it something that has been improving over the years?

I saw lots of trendy shops (hipster-ish), large development projects underway, and commercial/retail (Park City Mall etc.). 

I'm also interested in seeing Reading - would like to know if anyone has experience of the Reading area as well. 

Very interested in Class B properties at the moment.

Thanks!

Roberto

I'm looking for real estate agents that can provide walk-throughs of open houses in Manheim, PA on November 18th.

Regards,

Roberto

@Albert Bui 

Do you by any chance invest in properties in the north east? Interested to know how much you pay property management companies for covering escrow services etc. Also, are AIO loans typically only available for non-investment properties? 

What are good software tools for real estate analysis and statistics aside from REIS or CoStar?

What neighborhoods in Pennsylvania are close to financial hubs? What are the going rents in these areas?

@Rich Becker I spoke with Bethpage FCU. They do seem investor friendly; but I don't see them as a portfolio lender. I'm going to try and see in a few months once I see how high interest rates go up.