Realtors for Investors

As of Friday, October 10, 2008 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is down 40.3% since October 9, 2007.  This was showcased in an excellent front page article in The Wall Street Journal on Friday October 10, 2008.  In fact seeing that article motivated me to lead a Free 60 minute Seminar on “Smart Places to put your cash in this scary and confusing time.”  I am hosting the first one at Legacy Real Estate offices - 800 Bethlehem Pike, Erdenheim, PA 19038.  The seating is limited so if you are interested - please call 215.836.8000 to reserve your spot.

In the last 100 years, there have been 3 major bear cycles.  The Great Depression lasted for 13 years from 1929-1942.  The second one lasted 16 years from 1966-1982.  This one started in 2000 and who knows when it will end.  What many people don’t see is that a 40% drop in the DJIA will now take an 80% increase to get back to 0%.  There is a new base and that base is now what has to rise by gains at a rate of double the loss just to get back to the same old base.

The reliable time tested alternative to the stock market is rental/income real estate.  Rental income properties don’t have the volatility of the stock market.  Even if the value of the property drops, the return based on rental income doesn’t.  People can use cash, self-directed IRA’s, 401Ks and othe vehicles to buy specific real estate that can generate a 6-15% return.  Think of it like buying a stock for the dividend that it pays out. 

That’s what rental income properties provide.  Except there is more reliability in receiving rents than receiving a dividend right now….  Then, when the price of the property goes up, there’s an even higher return.  this is why rental income properties are a reliable time tested alternative and the smart place to put your cash in this scary and confusing time. 

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!