Anybody buying condos for investments?

I noticed while in Eagle River last weekend that a lot of the condo units that went to the bank in foreclosure are now back on the market. Pretty good prices, $90K+ for new units on the chain with boat docks. 60/40 split (60 to owner) if in the rental pool, usually was 50/50 split.

Looks interesting.

HH
 

Dave_B

Active member
Can't speak for Wisconsin but, here in Michigan, condos are the worst real estate investment you can make. Values are a fraction of what they were, foreclosure rates are thru the roof, associations are in huge trouble due to the lack of income from dues and they are nearly impossible to finance as most have had their HUD, Fannie and Freddie approvals terminated.

They only time I would say to buy a condo is if you want to use it as a second home if it's on a lake or some other type of community, such as golf or skiing, where it has some type of amenity to it that you would enjoy. Look to put 20% down unless they are one of the few still approved.

To buy as an investment/rental property, bad idea at this time.

Dave
 

cyguy

New member
The previous poster makes some good points. However, rates are at historic lows and "what goes up...must come down" AND vica versa! I too think if you can plan on using the condo as a second home, it's on the water and in a market that traditional attracts tourists...it may be worth a look. Post a link to some of the real estate offerings!
 
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Dave_B

Active member
Looks like a nice place!

Funny enough, as nice as it is, Northernaire isn't Fannie or HUD approved. Financing would be tough but that looks like a nice "second Home" type of place.

Dave
 
The article I read said M&I bank got the property back a few years ago and a group of investors bought it from them. The location is awesome.

HH
 

dcsnomo

Moderator
Remember, there are two types of condos in a vacation area. The first is an apartment or townhouse type of condo where the residents run the association and the units may or may not be rented out. These are residential condos.

The other is a vacation condo where the unit is expressly designed as a transient rental property. Think of this as a resort with a front desk, operated by a professional staff. These seem to be hard to make money on, as there is the revenue split from rental, taxes, and maintenance assessments. If the association decides to re-carpet the lobby and re-stucco the pool you will be assessed. And, there are specific time limits as to the refurbishing of your unit. When it is time to refurbish, you get assessed.

The other issue is the amount of time an owner may occupy his own unit. Since these units are often considered sub-standard housing due to size, the municipality may limit owner time. Also, the association, which is in business to rent units, will often limit owner time, or even charge a nightly fee (yes, you may pay to use your own unit).

Vacation condos are seriously cheap in Door County. The reason is that the owners did not make enough money to offset the costs, and they caused negative cash flow. Now they need the money and will sell way below cost.

Still, a value is a value. Understand the costs and occupancy restrictions and you may be able to make it work. Just be prepared to write a lot of checks.

*****
Also, remember, if you buy into a vacation condo you are investing in a hotel. Look at it as a hotel and pay attention to how it is being run, how it is being marketed. Get the rental income statements for 3-5 years. Check the rooms. Look for dirt in the corners, look at the pool and spa. Read the Trip Advisor and Yelp reviews. Don't buy into a run down place just because it is a deal because you will pay to fix it.
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
Buy a condo because you want to keep it a loooooooooooong time. To buy as an investment/rental property, bad idea at this time as values still falling.
 

polarisrider1

New member
This is a trick question isn't it? Been there done that, lost some money. All depends on how many renters you can stuff in the place before Imigration swings by. Maintenance fees, taxes and the cost of the place will eat you alive. Happiest day was "dumping" rental condos in Saugatuck on the water. That year I learned about capital loss on income property. Don't do it.
 
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arcticgeorge

New member
real estate still dropping

About 2 weeks ago CNN had an expert on that said home prices are still dropping and expected to fall nearly 20% more in the next two years. They cant give the condo's away at Big Powderhorn (Powderhorn Mill) for $1400 bucks! They were listed last year on www.tax-sale.info and almost all were not bid on starting around $1400. The Mill has recently changed owners so we'll see what happens.
 

98panther

New member
Buy into one that is struggling and be prepared to be on the hook for anything the whole building might need. Empty units won't pay their share, especially if they have gone back to the bank. There is a highrise condo near here, that 10 years ago people were falling over each other to get. Now they are listed for near 20% previous prices and nobody is touching them.

They need an investor/buyer to take over most of the whole building, the city is probably going to get stuck bailing it out. Everyone is walking.

I would not touch one these days, unless it was for just pocket change I could afford to lose. then it might be worth a gamble. $1400 maybe, 90K no way
 
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