This house, more than any I have ever done, presented so many challenges in terms of its original layout. As we know, challenges are simply opportunities in hiding.

I think we did a pretty good job uncovering the opportunities. Check out the before and after video of this great rehab. I’d be happy to hear your comments.

How about a whole crap-pile of pictures for ya?

Post from: Craig Fuhr

House Flip Story: Hamilton Ave -- Before & After

So if you come across a smokin’ hot deal in Lanham, New Carrollton, District Heights, Landover, Landover Heights and even parts of Capital Heights -- you would be a fool if you didn’t go straight to CraigFuhr.com to shoot me an email in the little box on my home page (pictured to the left).

If you’re a wholesaler, the first thing you want to know when you sign that contract is that you’ve already got that contract sold. If you know me, and you know where I’m buying -- you can sleep all cozy at night knowing that you’ve got quick money coming once you sign your contract with the Seller.

Watch the video, find a deal -- then email me. How simple can I make it for you?

Post from: Craig Fuhr

I’m Buying Houses in PG County

I just received this very important email from my friend June Piper-Brandon; Kick-ass Realtor in Anne Arundel County. June’s all over AA County, but does a lot of business in Baltimore City as well. If you have rental properties in Baltimore City, you better read about this new law.

Here’ s the reprint from THIS article from the Baltimore CityPaper

By Erin Sullivan | Posted 3/3/2010
Per the Baltimore City Health Department, as of March 1 it’s mandatory that you have a carbon-monoxide detector installed in your home. We haven’t heard much about this ordinance which, according to information posted on the Department of Health’s website, was introduced in Jan. 2008 but only went into effect this year.

The press release announcing the law (dated Feb. 23, but sent out by automated Nixle.com notification service on March 2—a day after it went into effect) indicates that the law “follows the February 13th sickening of six passengers on a cruise ship docked in Baltimore.” Which is somewhat baffling, since the law would not have applied to the cruise ship since it’s not a city dwelling. Plus, the law actually passed 18 months ago, way before that ship even docked in town.

A basic carbon-monoxide detector will only set you back around $20, but if you’re really strapped for cash, Johns Hopkins Children’s Safety, located inside Children’s Admitting at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, has 250 of them to give away for free to those who qualify. According to Kisha Price, health educator at JH Children’s Safety, they’ve only given away about 50 so far. (If we had to guess, we’d say that’s probably because there hasn’t been much in the way of a public-education campaign about the new law or what it requires.) If you qualify for need-based programs like WIC, temporary cash assistance, and the like, you probably qualify for a free detector. Call (410) 614-5587 to set up an appointment to get one.

Even after the freebies are gone, Kidde says, “our center offers them pretty much for what we pay for them, or less.” The center’s also got reduced-cost fire alarms and other such safety implements.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

Baltimore City Requires CO Detectors

I know many highly successful real estate investors who practice this little tip on a daily basis, and the swear by it. Check out the video, and let me know what you think.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

Video-Tip: Doing More With To-Do Lists.

Even though its been vacant for some time, the house is in remarkable good shape. The problem is, she was broken into a few apartments, and the layout is beyond horrible. We won’t have to do a full gut, but because of the house’s sheer size, the rehab budget for this one is $70,000.00.

We’ll bust it up and make a gorgeous modern layout, add 3 full baths, and 2 1/2 baths. We’ll gut the kitchen, transform the attic into an fabulous owner’s suite, make the front porch into a all-season oasis, add some stone to the facade, replace all the windows…. You, know, we’ll do what we do!!!

Here’s the kinda lame before video. Stay tuned for more.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

House Flip Story: Diller Ave – Update 1

Baltimore is already a terrible city in which to be a landlord, but just when I start to think they can’t get any worse, they’re now looking to make the lead laws in Baltimore even more stringent. Read below:

Our lobbyist Bob Enten has asked our help in defeating Senate Bill 504, scheduled for a hearing on Thursday March 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

This bill would require owners to perform BOTH the 10-step risk reduction standard AND clearance lead dust tests in order to get a Full Risk Reduction Certificate from MDE. This would cost millions of dollars and would not result in the decrease of incidents of lead poisonings. MDE statistics show that over half the poisonings in 2008 occurred in the dwellings other than pre-1950 rental properties. In addition, the statistical trend – in reducing incidents of lead poisoning – has been steadily downward over the 14 years that the law has required us to perform either the 10-steps or lead dust clearance testing. MDE needs to concentrate efforts on enforcement of the existing law, not on making the law more difficult and costly for those who already comply.

There are two important swing votes in the JPR Committee:

1. Senator James Brochin of Baltimore County District 42 (telephone 410-841-3648; email jim.brochin@senate.state.md.us) – His District includes Towson, east to Harford Road,

and

2. Senator Norman Stone of Baltimore County District 6 (telephone 410-841-3587; email norman.stone@senate.state.md.us) – His District includes Dundalk.

This week, we need to send many emails and phone calls to both Sen. Brochin and Sen. Stone from property owners in their respective districts – asking them to vote against Senate Bill 504.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

Hey, Baltimore Landlords – New Law

This can be a lonely business, folks. I think all entrepreneurs feel like its them against the world, but there’s something about real estate investing that really makes you feel like you’re on a never ending roller-coaster. Those of us who ride the coaster well will be the most successful —- but, if you let the coaster ride you, you’ll never make it in this business.

Work through the peaks and the valleys. Don’t allow yourself to get too high nor too low. Master your roller-coaster and you will succeed as a real estate investor.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

Video-Tip: When You’re Down, Keep Working!

Anywho, we’ve made some serious progress on this place in just a few short weeks. We’re essentially ready for sheetrock. Check it out now, ’cause the next time you’ll see it, it will be a whole different place.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

House Flip Story: Mary Ave -- Update 2

Anyway, we picked up El-Crappo from a bank, of course. The original buyer flaked (he did not close) after he bid $10,000 over asking price. What an ass-hat! I wound up getting the house for $7,000.00 UNDER asking price. Hey, Ass-Hat -- I win. You lose. Game over!

Oh, did I mention the 15″ of water in the basement we found 1 day before settlement? Another great day!

Set up as multi-unit with a horrible layout, we will transform Mary from a 3/1 to a 4/2 with a killer modern, opulent and exquisite layout. Wait until you see the master-suite. It’s a room that just keeps giving. Long and short….my wife is pissed that I keep making houses nicer than the one we live in.

Check the video of all the before shots. Update 2 is already in the can, and will be coming soon.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

House Flip Story: Mary Ave -- Update 1

I shot a quick video with a brief story on how I got started with no money. I hope this helps you do the same.

Post from: Craig Fuhr

Video-Tip: Start Investing in Real Estate.