I buy home all over the Augusta, GA area in the 30901, 30904, 30906, 30907, and 30909 zip codes.

Are you thinking about investing in Augusta real estate? Are you already an investor in Augusta, and are waiting for that bargain property to pick up at a discount in this current housing market? Well what are you waiting for?

Augusta has always been a great place to invest in real estate, because of its very low cost of living. The “numbers” on rental properties are outstanding compared to other parts of the country. Want to see an example? Well let’s look at this  property that just sold at 2047 Starnes St. Augusta, GA 30904 in the Harrisburg neighborhood. A 1200 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 1 bathroom home sitting on .2 acres of land just sold for $15,000 just last week. Now, I bet you are asking… What work was needed? First let’s talk about what work was not needed. The property already had central heat and air, new kitchen cabinets, large bathroom vanity, and all bathroom fixtures still in place. Now for what work was needed: Subfloor and floor had some damage, new kitchen appliances, and the entire home could have used some updating in the form of paint. The repair costs could have ended up totaling $10-15,000. This brings our total for the home to about $30,000. In this particular section of Harrisburg you can look to rent a 3 bedroom 1 bathroom home for around $600-$650 a month. If you add a bathroom, you could potential rent this home for $700 a month. Now that is what I call bargain Augusta real estate! Purchase a home for $30,000 and receive $600 a month in rent. You will find that there are not many places in the country where you will be able to find that kind of return for your money. There are several other things you should consider when purchasing an investment property, such as: insurance, property taxes, closing costs or hard money lending costs, construction costs, refinance costs, etc. Check out these    Augusta, GA Investment Properties available now.

That all being said, this current housing crisis is giving Augusta investors the opportunity to find extreme bargains on already cheap real estate. I have personally purchased two homes in the Harrisburg area, and am looking for my next property. Visit the Augusta area section of my website for more information on Harrisburg and the surrounding areas.

Harrisburg is not the only area that is in a convenient location to many Augusta attractions that provides investment opportunities. Augusta’s rich history of homes provides excellent investment opportunities all over the city. The government is in place to improve the city’s infrastructure, but does not have th e money to go out and purchase dilapidated homes in hopes of a profit. This niche is where real estate investors in Augusta have an opportunity to work alongside the city government to improve the city, as well as, be rewarded with a profit at the end of a successful real estate deal.

If you have any questions about real estate investing in Augusta, or want want to invest in Augusta real estate click “Augusta Investors list” for more information.

The Augusta real estate market has been resilient in this recent market downturn. Many parts of the country have seen declines reach 30% to 40%, while Augusta has seen most properties stabilize or increase in value. The biggest factor affecting the Augusta housing market is lending. The country’s housing crisis has affected the entire country’s lending institutions; four or five years ago you did not need several applications, proof of income, high credit score, etc. to be approved for a home loan. 2009 will be a critical year for housing prices across the country.

Augusta’s downtown real estate market is in a unique situation. Augusta’s downtown, along with the rest of Augusta, has seen prices stabilize or slightly depress. The biggest difference from five years ago to today is Augusta’s government involvement. A medical practice, Christ’s Clinic, is currently raising money to renovate their building between 2^nd and 3^rd on Greene Street. There are also plans being discussed to revamp Augusta’s Theatre District on Broad Street. Augusta’s construction on infrastructure is already evident, and is set to be completed in 2010. In addition, the White’s Building is Augusta’s new upscale condos that are right in the middle of the downtown action. All of these exciting improvements have set the base for Augusta’s downtown real estate market to be set for a strong recovery.

There are several properties in downtown Augusta currently for sale, and some being renovated. The biggest factor currently affecting Augusta’s real estate market is the current state of the national lending institutions. Do you want to live downtown, but are having trouble with financing? Here are a few tips for getting financing.

1. Meet with a mortgage broker (contact www.augustarealestateinvesting.com for more information about sponsored Augusta mortgage brokers). Many real estate professionals can let you know what you need to do to improve your credit score and get financed.
2. Ask sellers about Rent-to-Own or Owner Financing options. In this market, these terms are becoming more and more popular. With sellers wanting some immediate cash flow, and buyers are trying to purchase a home today these options sometimes prove to be the best solution.
3. City sponsored and government loan programs. Have you heard that first time home buyers are now receiving a $7,500 tax credit?

Have you looked into moving downtown Augusta lately? Check out this 3 Bedroom 2 and a half Bath on Ellis Street. 315 Ellis Street (click on 315 Ellis Street for more information)

If you have any questions about Augusta downtown real estate or home financing feel free to contact me using the Contact Page.

Here are a few quick flip tips to help you get started. I will be posted a much more extensive blog that will go into more detail. You can use the contact information page on my site to get with me for more information in the time being.

In this market, with so much inventory on this market, your property has to POP to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Here are a few tips below to get you started, but like I mentioned before… Feel free to contact me any time.

Flip Tips to “FLIP-YOUR-HOUSE”

Pre-Flip:

• Budget ahead of time
• Have a crew already in placed (recommend crew always helps)

Mid Flip:

• Think about energy efficient improvements
• Bedrooms – Paint, crown molding
• Kitchen – cabinets, appliances (energy efficient)
• Floors – check under carpets for hardwood
• Curb appeal – lawn care
• Miscellaneous – change all electrical covers (as cheap as 88 cents)

Post Flip:

• Marketing -

1. Use a great Realtor®
   
2. Take out local paper ads
   
3. Hold open houses
4. Spread the word with the neighbors

• Staging -
  

1. CLEAN
2. Furnish
3. Decorate
4. Maximize attributes
5. Minimize flaws
6. Help define space