Services Provided

Marketing Property For Investment

My program gets results.  I specialize in marketing investment and commercial property.  First, my assistant and I collect and verify all pertinent property data and then present it in a way that provides the investor with the information needed to reach a decision to own your property.  Second, we establish the target market for your property; that is, we determine the demographics of the most likely buyer your property.  Then, we directly contact the target market employing marketing strategies such as telephone calls, faxes, email, post card mailings, internet advertising, multiple listing, newspaper advertising, signage, and marketing sessions.

Structuring Tax-Deferred Exchanges

For clients with changing investment needs, this is an exciting way to satisfy the client's life changes while preserving capital and saving a bundle on federal and state capital gains taxes.  A common example is illustrated by a recent transaction where my client owned 30 single family rental houses.  In his mid-60's, he wanted a more predictable income stream with less risk and less management headache.  I was able to identify a buyer and negotiate a sale of the 30 houses to an investment group.  I then identified a commercial property in Florida that is absolute net-leased to a national chain store for 20 years.  Rather than selling the 30 houses, the transaction was structured as a tax-deferred exchange.  Thus, the owner achieved a 9.2% cash-on-cash first-year return on his equity and saved over $250,000 in capital gains taxes!

Assisting in the Acquisition of Property

Working as a broker on behalf of a client desiring to acquire additional property requires the broker to be disciplined, hard working, conscientious, and to hold the best interests of the client in high regard.  A successful property acquisition program begins with a thorough understanding of the client's needs and objectives.  First, I work with the client to understanding and agree on the criteria for accepting or rejecting property.  My assistant and I then identify properties most likely to satisfy the need and begin negotiating with owners.  Through my database and experience, I identify properties currently on the market as well as those that may be available for acquisition but are not currently on the market.

Consulting - Lead Paint Compliance

Maryland has been a leader in the national problem of lead-based paint in housing contributing to the poisoning of children.  For investors and landlords, lead-based paint has become a litigation nightmare.  Maryland's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, passed into law in 1994, has made huge gains in the reduction of both lawsuits against landlords and the poisoning of children.  Understandably, many landlords and property owners have not complied with the law because they are (a) loathe to succumb to additional regulation by the government, and/or (b) nobody took the time to explain to them the programs requirements and benefits.  Ben Frederick III, CCIM, with over 15 years experience in lead-based paint risk management, served on the Board of the Property Owners Association at the time this law was being formed and is familiar with its requirements and its benefits.  He is now in a position to assist and educate landlords and property owners on the practical and economical application of this law.  Those who comply receive the benefit of limited liability in the event of a potential lawsuit. 

Consulting - Broker's Opinion of Value and Tax Assessment Appeal

Ben Frederick III has helped many owners of investment properties save thousands of dollars on property tax bills through effective representation at tax assessment appeal hearings before both the assessor and the Property Tax Appeals Board.  If you received a notice from the state that your tax assessment is being increased and you are not happy with the increase, Ben Frederick III can help you appeal the decision and ask for a reduction.

Many lending institutions and investors  desire a quick, inexpensive way to understand the market value for income-producing and commercial properties.  Ben Frederick III, with over 28 years experience in marketing, managing, and appraising real property can perform this service responsibly and economically.