Mistakes I See First-Time Investors Make in the Capital Region

Buying your first investment property is exciting, but in the Capital Region I often see first-time investors make the same avoidable mistakes. I bought my first three-unit property at 23 and went on to purchase additional properties before opening my real estate company in Troy. Through my own experience—and working with investors locally—I’ve seen what works and where people get tripped up.

Here are the most common mistakes I see.

1. Underestimating Property Taxes

Property taxes vary widely across the Capital Region and can significantly impact cash flow. Two similar-looking deals can perform very differently once taxes are factored in. Understanding taxes at the neighborhood level is essential before running the numbers.

2. Chasing the Cheapest Deal

Lower price doesn’t always mean better investment. Cheaper properties often come with higher maintenance costs, tenant challenges, and slower appreciation. Strong investments balance price, condition, location, and long-term demand—not just purchase price.

3. Overlooking Building Condition

Much of the Capital Region’s housing stock is older, which requires careful evaluation. Deferred maintenance, heating systems, roofs, and plumbing can quickly change a deal. A thorough inspection and realistic repair budget are critical.

4. Misjudging the Rental Market

Rents aren’t the same across Troy, Albany, or surrounding areas. Online estimates don’t always reflect what tenants actually pay or the condition needed to achieve top rents. Local knowledge matters more than generic rent calculators.

5. Focusing Only on Cash Flow

Cash flow is important, but it’s not the whole picture. Many strong investments combine modest cash flow with appreciation potential, tax advantages, and long-term rent growth. The best deals consider where a neighborhood is headed—not just today’s numbers.

6. Not Building the Right Team

First-time investors often try to navigate everything alone or work with professionals who don’t specialize in investment property. Having the right agent, lender, and inspector can prevent costly mistakes and protect your long-term returns.

A Local Perspective

Successful investing in the Capital Region comes down to understanding the market, respecting the numbers, and getting guidance from people who’ve done it before.

Thinking About Your First Investment?

If you’re considering buying an investment property in the Capital Region and want honest guidance from a local investor and broker, let’s connect and talk strategy. I’ll help you evaluate opportunities, avoid common pitfalls, and invest with confidence.

Preparing your home for spring

As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, it's the perfect time to prepare your home for the spring season. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready for the new season:

1. Do a deep clean Spring cleaning is a tradition for a reason! Take the opportunity to give your home a deep clean. Dust all surfaces, wash the windows, and vacuum or mop the floors. Clean out the closets and donate any items that you no longer need. A fresh and clean home can help to boost your mood and get you in the spring spirit.

2. Organize your outdoor space As the weather warms up, you'll want to spend more time outdoors. Get your outdoor space ready by cleaning and organizing your patio or deck. Sweep away any debris or dirt, and clean any outdoor furniture. Consider adding some potted plants or a fresh coat of paint to give your outdoor space a new look.

3. Check your HVAC system Before the weather gets too hot, have your HVAC system inspected and serviced. This will ensure that it's running efficiently and effectively, and it will help to prevent any breakdowns during the hot summer months.

4. Refresh your decor Switch out your heavy winter decor for lighter, brighter items that reflect the season. Add some fresh flowers or plants to brighten up your home. Change out your bedding, throw pillows, and rugs for lighter colors and fabrics.

5. Tackle any home maintenance tasks Spring is a great time to tackle any home maintenance tasks that you've been putting off. Check for any leaks, cracks, or other issues around your home, and have them repaired. Clean out your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Inspect your roof for any damage or wear and tear.

Preparing your home for the spring season can help to boost your mood and get you ready for the warmer months ahead. By following these tips, you can get your home in tip-top shape and enjoy all that the season has to offer.

How to choose the right real estate agent

Buying or selling a home can be a complex and stressful process. That's why choosing the right real estate agent is so important. A good agent can help guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and help you find the perfect home or buyer. But how do you choose the right real estate agent for you? Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:

1. Look for experience: A good real estate agent will have years of experience working in the industry. Look for agents who have been in business for at least a few years and who have a successful track record of buying and selling homes in your area.

2. Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for referrals to real estate agents they have worked with and who they trust. You can also look for online reviews and testimonials from past clients.

3. Check for licensing and credentials: Before hiring an agent, make sure they are properly licensed and have any necessary credentials or certifications. You can check with your state's real estate licensing board to ensure they are in good standing.

4. Look for local knowledge: A good real estate agent will have a deep understanding of the local market, including trends in pricing, inventory, and buyer preferences. Look for agents who are knowledgeable about your neighborhood and surrounding areas.

5. Evaluate communication skills: A good agent should be able to communicate clearly and effectively, keeping you informed throughout the process. Look for agents who are responsive and who listen to your needs and concerns.

6. Consider their marketing strategy: If you're selling a home, it's important to choose an agent with a strong marketing strategy. Look for agents who have a solid online presence, use professional photography and staging, and who have a strong network of contacts in the industry.

7. Trust your instincts: Finally, trust your instincts when choosing a real estate agent. You should feel comfortable and confident working with them and trust that they have your best interests at heart.

In summary, choosing the right real estate agent requires a bit of research and due diligence. Look for experienced, licensed agents with local knowledge and strong communication skills. Consider their marketing strategy and trust your instincts when making a decision. With the right agent by your side, you can navigate the buying or selling process with confidence and ease.

5 tips for preparing your home for sale and staging it for potential buyers:

• Declutter: It's important to get rid of any clutter in your home before you start showing it to potential buyers. This includes removing personal items, such as family photos and knick-knacks, as well as excess furniture or decor. A clutter-free home will make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.

• Clean: Make sure your home is spotless before any showings. This means deep cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen, dusting all surfaces, and vacuuming or sweeping the floors. A clean home will not only make a good impression on potential buyers, but it will also help to eliminate any unpleasant odors.

• Depersonalize: While it's important to keep some decor in your home to make it feel inviting, you should remove any personal items that may be distracting or off-putting to potential buyers. This includes things like political or religious memorabilia, as well as anything that is overly bold or controversial.

• Update: Consider making updates to your home that will appeal to potential buyers. This could include painting the walls a neutral color, replacing outdated light fixtures, or installing new hardware on cabinets and doors. Small updates can go a long way in making your home feel more modern and move-in ready.

• Stage: Finally, consider hiring a professional stager to help showcase your home's best features. A stager can help arrange furniture and decor in a way that maximizes space and highlights your home's unique selling points. This can be especially helpful if you're selling a vacant home or if your current furniture doesn't show off your home's best attributes

5 top things to look for when buying a home

• Location: Consider the location of the home, including proximity to schools, shopping, entertainment, and your place of work. Also, think about the safety of the neighborhood, noise levels, and any potential environmental factors (such as flood zones or high crime rates).

• Size: Think about the size of the home and how it will fit your needs. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as the size of the living areas and outdoor space. Don't forget to factor in potential future needs, such as room for a growing family or space for a home office.

• Condition: Take note of the overall condition of the home, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems. It's important to have a professional inspection to uncover any potential issues that may require costly repairs.

• Style: Consider the style of the home and whether it fits your personal taste and lifestyle. Think about factors such as the layout, architectural features, and design elements.

• Price: Finally, consider the price of the home and whether it fits within your budget. Factor in additional costs such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential repairs or renovations. It's important to have a clear understanding of the total cost of ownership before making an offer on a home.

How to stage your home for a successful sale

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. That's why home staging is so important. Home staging is the process of preparing your home for sale by making it look as attractive and appealing as possible to potential buyers. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips on how to stage your home for a successful sale.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize: One of the first things you should do when staging your home is to declutter and depersonalize. This means removing all personal items, such as family photos and religious items, and getting rid of any excess clutter. This will help potential buyers see the space as their own and visualize themselves living in the home.

2. Clean and Repair: Make sure your home is clean and in good repair before you start staging. Clean the windows, dust the shelves, and fix any broken items. Small repairs and touch-ups can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home.

3. Neutralize the Decor: Neutral colors and decor can appeal to a wider range of potential buyers and make the home feel more spacious. Consider repainting walls in neutral colors, such as beige or gray, and replacing any bold or bright accents with neutral accents.

4. Maximize Space: Maximizing the space in your home is key to making it look and feel larger. Remove large pieces of furniture and arrange the furniture in a way that makes the space feel open and inviting.

5. Highlight the Home's Features: Highlight the best features of your home, such as large windows, fireplaces, or built-in bookshelves. These features can help potential buyers see the potential of the space and fall in love with your home.

6. Accessorize: Accessorizing your home with decorative items, such as flowers, candles, and vases, can add warmth and personality to the space. Make sure the accessories complement the decor and don't overpower the room.

7. Proper Lighting: Proper lighting is important for showing off your home's best features. Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light, and add additional lighting, such as lamps, to highlight specific areas of the room.

In conclusion, staging your home for a successful sale is an important step in the home-selling process. By decluttering, cleaning, neutralizing the decor, maximizing space, highlighting the home's features, accessorizing, and providing proper lighting, you can make your home more attractive and appealing to potential buyers.