Bob Szymkiewicz's Page

This month realtor.org has several excellent articles on investment property. This article covers cash flow and return on investment. These are both eminently important when selecting a property. I too consider these factor when purchasing an investment property. However, my main criteria are can I afford it if it goes un-rented and could I live in the property if I… Continue

The Charlotte Business Journal is reporting signs of life in our housing market. Good signs indeed. The average sales price is up and closing are up. Anecdotal experiences form agents indicate we are coming back to life...showings are up and buyers are writing offers. Click here for the complete story.

Charlotte housing data shows monthly gains
C… Continue

What a great time to buy a home in the Charlotte area. Mortgage rates are at historic lows and many sellers now realize they have to price their property correctly. This article in the Charlotte Observer covers the first time home buyers tax credit which was authorized by the economic stimulus package. The law allows for a tax credit which is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price or $8,000 whichever is greater. Couples ea… Continue

Perhaps the sky is not falling after all. As this article, in the Charlotte Observer, points out crime in my district, the Central District, is down 14.8% in 2008. Our district had the third best improvement from 2007 and the other districts saw improvement as well. This article speaks to sharp decline in crime in… Continue