“Michelle was our agent for both the rental and sale of our condo in Springfield. Her deep knowledge of the local market helped us so we only had it on the market for a brief…”
Natasha P.Landlord and seller · via Compass
Investment properties
See past the paint to what a property could be.
Buying a rental, a fix-up or a second property? I’ll help you weigh its condition, its potential and the improvements that make sense.
A practical eye
Condition, cost and potential
With an investment property, the house has to make sense on paper as well as in person. My construction and renovation background helps here. I can walk a property with you and talk through the likely repairs, the age of big-ticket items like the roof, HVAC and water heater, and what it would take to make it rent-ready or resale-ready.
I’m not a financial advisor, and I won’t promise a return. But I can help you ask the right questions, look at comparable sales and rents, and avoid the surprises that turn a good deal into a project you regret.
- Condition and repair walk-throughs
- Comparable sales and rents
- HOA and rental rule checks
- Help updating or selling a property you own
What we look at
The questions that matter
Condition
Roof, HVAC, water heater, windows, plumbing and electrical: which are near the end of their life, and what replacing them costs.
Potential
Cosmetic fixes versus structural work, layout changes that add value, and where an update earns its keep.
Rentability
What similar homes rent for, who the likely tenants are, and how location and commute affect demand.
Rules and fees
HOA and condo rules on renting, local requirements and fees that change the math.
Resale
How the property might sell later, and what buyers in that neighborhood tend to want.
Selling a rental
Ready to sell? I’ll help with timing around tenants, preparation and pricing.
Own a rental already?
Selling with tenants in place
Selling a rental takes a little extra planning: lease dates, notice, showings around your tenants and getting the home ready once it’s empty. I’ll help you work out the timing and the prep so the sale goes smoothly.
Client reviews
In my clients’ words
“We have been working with Michelle for 7 years! In fact we were one of her first clients. Through the years Michelle has assisted us with renting a home, buying our first home…”
Christina B.Renter, buyer and seller · via Google
“I have worked with Michelle several times since moving to the DC area and every experience has been fantastic. She is professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with.”
Springfield homebuyerRenter, then buyer · via Zillow
“We had some initial concerns as we needed to sell our home while living out of state. We’d been in communication with Michelle for a couple years until market conditions were…”
C. L.Seller living out of state · via Google
“Michelle is incredibly responsive. She typically responds to calls and texts within a matter of minutes, but at latest a few hours.”
Daniel H.Buyer · via Google
“Michelle worked with us for over a year, getting our house ready for sale in May of 2019. She was responsive in communications, prepared for all of our meetings and meticulous in…”
Charlotte and ShaneSeller · via Compass
Questions
Investor Questions
Can you help me find a rental property?
Yes. I’ll help you look at condition, likely repairs, what similar homes rent for and any HOA or condo rules on renting, so you can decide whether the numbers work for you.
Do you give investment or tax advice?
No. I’m not a financial advisor or accountant, and I won’t promise a return. I’ll give you the real estate side, such as condition, comparable sales and rents and improvement costs, and I’d encourage you to run the numbers with your own advisor.
Can I rent out a condo or a home in an HOA?
Often, but not always. Some associations limit rentals or require minimum lease terms. We’ll check the governing documents before you buy.
I own a rental with tenants. Can I still sell it?
Yes. It takes some planning around the lease, notice and showings. I’ll help you work out the timing and prepare the home once it’s empty.
Let’s talk
Looking at a property?
Send me the address. I’m happy to take a look and tell you what I think. Or call or text me at 703-489-1627.
Sizing up an investment property
What I look at before a client buys a rental or fix-up.
Read the Article