Realtors for Investors

I think this time will go down as one of the best times to have invested in income real estate!  An investment property will generate rents & can operate like the dividend on a stock.  However, I can’t go and paint my stock certificate or upgrade it if its not paying rent (or a dividend).  Right now the market is slow and Cash buyers can get investment income properties cheaper.  When the market recovers, as all cycles do, investors will have received a decent return on their cash while it was generating rents & then a “bonus” return by the price of the building going up.  This understanding of the multiple facets of investing in real estate are what make it fun & a time tested alternative to the stock market.  The team of professional real estate agents at Legacy Real Estate work with cash buyers in finding them great, low hassle properties in safe neighborhoods. 

Restaurants are the easiest way to revitalize a business district!  Many upscale communities and towns, like Alhambra, CA have discovered this is one of the most effective ways to revitalize, maintain or raise the level of the area.  People that have had success in one community, like South Beach in Miami, Fl are now able to duplicate what works in other communities like the Miami Design District.  Even in Haddonfield, NJ (2004 Best of Philly: Revived Shopping District)  Restaurants played a critical role.

It is restaurants that can create traffic, the traffic brings retailers and then it is simple math….  The higher the demand, and since real estate is fairly limited in supply, the price goes up!  It is a developers/investors dream - rents go up, as rents go up, values go up.  Everyone wins! The community, neighboring businesses, property owners, investors and most importantly the Consumer!

After spending several years in Chestnut Hill being on most of the Boards and Committees (Business Association, Marketing Committee, Business Improvement District VP, Parking Foundation, Community Association VP, Aesthetics, Development and Review, Physical Division VP) I have personally seen so many reports and surveys that say the same thing - More Restaurants!

Having personally brought the Chestnut Hill Coffee Company, Bocelli’s Fine Italian Cuisine, Cuba Restaurant and Gallery all on the 8600 block of Germantown Ave. - I can see the difference it has made in bringing more foot traffic to Chestnut Hill.  This is one of the benefits of being an owner, investor & developer.  The Community Response has been powerfully positive!  This is especially evidenced by all the customers that are coming to these restaurants.

Restaurants bring people out to enjoy the finer things in life!  The simpler things that create fulfilment.  A good meal with family, friends, business associates.  A great cup of coffee, along with a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans (that were roasted on site on the 2nd floor) at a place that has now received International Recognition as a premier botique roastery.  In a location like Chestnut Hill, Upscale Restaurants and an award winning Cafe (Chestnut Hill Coffee Company) provide for more of the Community meeting, greeting and congregating.  It means people don’t have to leave their neighborhood to get fulfilled and they can bring others to their own community.

Want to make a difference and make money - look for opportunities like this to capitalize on where everyone wins!

I completely agree with a recent Forbes article, naming Chestnut Hill as one the top seven urban enclave’s in the country.  The author, Matt Woolsey, was brilliant in his pointing out the unique community I started calling home about 10 years ago.  What is also great is how incredibly affordable Chestnut Hill is.  Of all the seven neighborhoods Matt identified in the entire country, Chestnut Hill is the most affordable - therefore leaving plenty of room for upward rising in values of Real Estate.  The other thing that I loved in the article was that he pointed out how there are so few multi-units or apartments.  Being an investor and owner of many of these, I can agree that it is great to have so few.  It makes the ones that are here easy to rent, keep occupied, and the units are profitable with high quality tenants.   People with higher incomes and educations generally seek out locations like Chestnut Hill - this keeps vacancy low, turnover low and rents higher.  Not so great if you are looking for a value apartment - but really great as an investor or a renter.

As I have expanded from the Residential into the Commercial, the same has held true there!  The commecial corridor, although quite quaint and charming and beautiful is not thriving at its full potential.  This has certainly been turning around - but it has also created some great opportunities to come in, purchase commercial properties - apply some creativity, vision, passion and leadership and do two great things:  1. Make a difference in our local community.  2. Make money while doing it. 

The most fulfilling for me, personally, has been the first item - Making a difference in the Community of Chestnut Hill!  What has traditionally been a more conservative, old money, old community - has now been transforming to have more of the next generation of Chestnut Hill.  Almost 1/4 of the homes in Chestnut Hill have changed hands in the last 5 years and the newer residents are paying a lot more for their homes, putting in a lot of money in renovating these homes and then LOVE TO walk, stroll, shop and eat in Chestnut Hill!

There are an overwhelming number of people that have said “Great Job Sanjiv Jain!” keep it up.  Me and my team have worked hard and been very successful in getting a lot of non-chain exclusive & unique shops and restaurants to Chestnut Hill.  The list includes new businesses such as: Hideaway Music, Sanctuary, The Chestnut Hill Coffee Company, Cuba!, Penzy’s Spices, Boccelli’s Fine Italian Cuisine, and The Music Studio!  

There are several businesses that we introduced to Chestnut Hill that for a variety of reason’s weren’t able to make it - but they gave it a shot !  Also, the community of Chestnut Hill benefited from seeing if their offerings worked for them.  While I am saddened when anyone doesn’t make it - I am proud of supporting people in having pursued a dream!

Real Estate in Chestnut Hill is still a bargain, offering opportunities for investors to have stable upward capital appreciation as well as so much more if you can apply some creativity, passion, vision and leadership!

If you are someone that owns property, especially on Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill - contact my company and we would love to:  See if it is something that I, Sanjiv Jain, want to own, or through Legacy Real Estate, we can help you sell to others, or help you lease a Commercial space!

The overwhelming majority of people in Chestnut Hill are friendly, loving, welcoming, smart, caring and generous!  I am proud to call this my home and welcome many more to do so!