Article: It's Easier to Buy Than to Unload; With Tax Breaks Gone and Supply Outstripping Demand, Investment Properties Pose New Risks

Five years ago Bill and Karen Rozek of Ashton paid $205,000 for an investment property, a row house on 12th Street NW in the District with three apartments. They spent $30,000 on repairs and upgrades, but now are looking to sell the Logan Circle property.

"We were investment novices when we bought it and didn't mind {paying to fix it} because the market was still going up," Bill Rozek said. "But we no longer want an investment property, although it's breaking even on $1,900 in monthly rents."

In July the Rozeks put the building on the market for $175,000, well less than the $235,000 they have invested in it. Offered with an assumable mortgage of $156,000, the property has monthly bills ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!