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Place, property, price and potential: why St. Louis is the smart choice for investors

As the second largest city in Missouri, St. Louis has a huge amount to offer when it comes to boosting your property portfolio Discovering an area that strikes the necessary balance between cost-effectiveness and tenant demand is like finding gold in the Mississippi River – which is why we are excited to be offering buy-to-let properties in St. Louis, Missouri, where the market is currently showing significant investment potential. St. Louis: Rome of the West Located in the east central area of Missouri on the Mississippi River, St. Louis is a thriving US hub. Among its many prominent manufacturing industries are automobiles, aircraft and space technology, metal fabrication, beer, steelmaking, chemicals, food processing, and storage and distribution. The city is home to several major corporations including Express Scripts, Peabody Energy, Ameren, Ralcorp, and Sigma-Aldrich, as well as a large medical and research community. It also has three professional sports teams: the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League, and the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League.  With so much to see and do in the city, it is little ownder that the St. Louis metropolitan area has seen its population grow to 2,913,673; the largest in Missouri and one of the largest in the United States  But what does this mean for investors? Here’s what you need to know about the current state of the housing market in 2019.  St. Louis’ Real Estate Market Remains Affordable While the latest data suggests that house prices have spiked in many parts of the country this year, St. Louis is NOT one of them – with a real estate market that continues to be one of the most affordable in the country.  A St. Louis real estate investor can buy a rental property for less than $40,000 and still get a great return on investment. Research from Business Insider found that property prices in Missouri were the 7th most affordable in the United States. House prices averaged $122 per square meter, compared to areas like Washington DC and Hawaii where the median price per square meter came in at upwards of $500. Yet the city also offers a great return on investment. Independent study estimates that St. Louis home values have risen by a more measured 2.8% over the past year and predicts that they will rise 5.7% in 2019. This indicates that St. Louis investment properties are seeing steady growth and real estate appreciation, making the St. Louis housing market profitable as a long-term investment.  Job Market and Population Growth Trends For many years, growth in the St. Louis housing market was limited by a relatively slow and sluggish job market. But this has changed dramatically in recent years. A study by Glassdoor, one of the world’s largest job and recruiting sites, found that out of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the US, St. Louis was the 2nd best city for jobs in 2018, coming second only to Pittsburgh.  This is good news for those looking to invest in real estate as the anticipated increase in demand indicates that there will be a steady growth in the rental market. The St. Louis housing market accommodates almost 3 million people, making it the 2nd largest city in Missouri and the 20th largest metropolitan area in the US. One of fastest-growing sectors of the city’s rental market are college students and graduates. In fact, St. Louis is one of the best cities in the US for recent college graduates, supporting Global Investments’ own study on the changing nature of the buy-to-let market and the increasing popularity of renting among young people. See our recent blog post here for more this.  Another recent study found that the average down payment for a St. Louis resident is 15%, which is another factor contributing to the higher number of renters in the city. For St. Louis real estate investors, this translates into a strong demand for rental properties. Buying to let in St. Louis now can result in a healthy cash flow and a strong return on investment in the future. One of the many things to consider before buying investment properties in any housing market is to check whether or not it’s landlord-friendly. Not all states in the US have equal rental laws and regulations. However, Missouri is far more landlord-friendly than other states in the Midwest – notably Illinois.   The Bottom Line At Global Investments, our assessment is that the current market conditions mean that now is an excellent time to be buying rental properties in the St. Louis real estate market. Property investors can find houses for sale at an affordable price and the rental demand is high – the perfect combination for positive cash flow real estate investing. If you think St. Louis could be the right location for your next investment, we have good news for you. Global Investments Incorporated have just teamed up with some of the biggest Asset Management companies, management companies and title company in the city and will be releasing new inventory in the coming days.   If you would like more information on the properties Global Investments Incorporated have to offer, don’t hesitate to contact a member of the team at [email protected]

Global Investments Incorporated in Shaker Square, Cleveland

This week Shemika gives you a tour of the famous Shaker Square. Shaker Square is the the oldest shopping district in Ohio and has a little something for everyone. There are restaurants, bars, designer boutiques, coffee shops, art stores, antique stores and it even has a cinema. Throughout Shaker Square’s long history, the Square has served as the anchor, the town center for urbane and diverse neighborhoods that surround the Square. Not only is Shaker Square listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but the Shaker Square Historic District became a Shaker Heights Landmark in 1980.

Rental market in Cleveland and Baltimore gets even stronger

If you ask most people what was their best investment during the course of their life, a lot of them would say their home. The general premise is that over time property tends to appreciate in value. Eventually you end up paying off the loan you received in the form of a mortgage and so down the road you have plenty of equity in the property. From an investment standpoint not a lot has changed over the years, the consensus still remains that investing in bricks and mortar is, generally speaking, the most popular form of investment. So, if this is the case then why are an increasing number of Millennials now choosing to rent as opposed to owning a property? In the United States, cities like Cleveland are witnessing a boom in the rental market, as the younger generation choose to pay for housing on a monthly basis rather than take on the burden of a mortgage. Having significantly increased our own presence in Cleveland over the last 18 months, a common question we are asked by buyers is, “Why is the rental market in Cleveland strong? If the property is good value for money then why are people renting and not buying themselves given our earlier premise?” From a logical standpoint this seems a fair question. But the answer is a complex one that takes into account a range of factors. Obviously, in life there will always be a percentage of people that cannot obtain the funds to buy a property, and this leaves them with no option but to rent. Similarly, banks have taken a more cautious approach to lending on property in recent years and are only willing to mortgage certain types of real estate. In the US, in particular, lending against low value properties is not as commonplace as it once was. However, surprisingly the primary reason for the increase in the rental market is neither of these. For the current Millennial generation, renting is simply a more appealing option than home ownership. Let me explain why. Firstly, in today’s world the average Millennial is much less likely to work in the city they grew up in. Through globalisation and technology, it has become easier and easier to find jobs in other cities or other countries for that matter. Thanks to the arrival of the Internet and social media, the world is now a small place and flexibility is valued ahead of settling and laying down roots for many. And thanks to a Packing up and testing out a new city has never been more effortless. If you purchase a home, statistics show you are much less likely to pack up and move to a different city than someone who is moving from one rental property to another. There is no hard evidence to understand why this is the case, however one could hypothesise that the homeowner feels trapped with their home and unwilling/unable to pack up and leave. So, let’s look at a typical example. You are a young person or family that has just moved to Cleveland with a new job, an exciting new city and life ahead. You look for a home to live in and you assess the options: shall I rent or shall I buy? Let’s look at a few negatives, in this instance, for home ownership. The most common mortgage in the United States is a 30-year fixed mortgage. If you get a 30-year fixed mortgage for your property, the first few years almost all of the mortgage payments to the bank each month are for interest. Very little of that mortgage payment is going to pay off the actual debt on your house. Most likely, you will have to live there for over 7 years before you begin to pay off any capital on the property. Ask a Millennial working in the city where they will be in 7 years and if they could see themselves living in a different city in 10? Also, with any property you own you will need to have money set aside for any repairs or maintenance items that come up such as a roof leak, new siding, HVAC system, hot water heater, windows, toilets, locks, yard maintenance, etc. This ongoing drain on disposable income is less appealing to the professionals and families of today. Over the last 10 years, the average length of time a homeowner lives in their house is estimated to be 8.4 years. In the previous 10 years from 1999-2009 the average length of time a homeowner lived in their house was just over 6 years. From these statistics it is clear that most homeowners did not make much money when they sold their house, simply due to the length of time they lived in the house. So, basically the main reason for the increase in the rental market – especially in cities such as Cleveland – is the change in lifestyle and the perception of the world we live in. If you wish to truly gain from capital appreciation as a household with a long-term mortgage, you need to be set on holding onto your house for a long period of time (at least 15 years). The current generation of Millennials are not following in their parents’ footsteps, growing up and living in the same neighbourhood, living in the sea home for 30 years. Instead, many Millennials like the idea of keeping their investment options open and many look upon family homes owned by their parents as a future nest egg/inheritance, which frees them up to live a more flexible and transient lifestyle. The good news for Global Investments investors is that the rental market is growing in places like Cleveland. This means that for those looking to build a property portfolio, they can be confident in: Increasing rental demand Increasing property values A stable future market should tenants leave This is one of the main reasons why we are seeing so many overseas investors get involved in buying turnkey homes in

Downtown Cleveland’s economic boom

Cleveland is going through an economic boom right now and it looks like it’s not going to stop any time soon. Over the last 10 years Downtown Cleveland has been totally transformed thanks to a combination of private and public investments working hand in hand. From 2011-2015 a total of $8 billion was invested in new developments in Cleveland. This included an estimated $1.37 billion on new hotels; $1.23 billion on mixed-use development projects; $694 million of residential housing; $1.78 billion on “meds & eds” tech structures; $508 million on arts development; $1.4 million on public space; $982 million on infrastructure improvements and $451 million on renovation and business attractions.  These numbers don’t take into consideration the $350 million spent in total by AT&T in improving the Cleveland area network over the last 3 years. During this time Cleveland has also developed the clean and safe ambassador programme and created a walkable transit-friendly city. Altogether, these initiatives have resulted in one of the fastest-growing multifaceted cities in Ohio.   Downtown Cleveland Alliance recently released the Downtown Cleveland Annual Report, which is a comprehensive summary of the area’s development in housing, office, retail, innovation, advocacy and hospitality markets. The report reinforces the key components that established Downtown Cleveland as the fastest growing city in Northeast Ohio.   Three notable companies – Electronic Merchant Systems, NRP Group and Millennia Companies – relocated their corporate headquarters to Downtown Cleveland, making Northeast Ohio the second-largest concentration of corporate headquarter jobs in the U.S. Cleveland is a city that never stops and this year we are seeing huge new developments taking place all over Downtown Cleveland.  A $185 million makeover of the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (formerly known as the Quicken Loans Arena) will incorporate a stunning glass facade and dramatic-looking exterior to the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team and the Cleveland Lumberjacks ice hockey team. In 2018 it was announced that the arena will host the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.  Phase III of the redevelopment to the Flats East Bank brings a 12-story mixed-use building with 300+ apartments, rooftop green space, an outdoor pool and lots of retail. Ohio City’s Market Plaza shopping center is being transformed into a mixed-use space complete with a 12-story office building, another for apartments, and a shopping mall.  We also see major developments in the Skyline. Dan Gilbert will be redeveloping the May Company building into a mixed-use icon. The one-time department store will house 308 apartments, retail galore, nearly an acre of green space and a rooftop patio.  The Residences at Terminal Tower will offer an exclusive club-style lounge and 300+ apartments – all just a quick stroll from Public Square, JACK Casino and the Gateway district. The 34-story The Lumen at Playhouse Square will take centre stage in 2019 with a striking glass exterior and 22,000 square foot amenity deck. Cleveland is reinventing itself as a truly 21st century city, leveraging billions of dollars in public and private investment to help create a strong and healthy economy. Many of the city’s historical buildings are being renovated and repurposed, alongside a number of impressive ground-up developments to enhance Cleveland’s appeal to a new generation of residents. From entrepreneurs and new business owners to college-educated professionals drawn to the city’s many leading corporations, it’s no surprise that Cleveland is emerging as a vibrant and popular city.

Baltimore Investments – Should I buy Vacant or Tenanted

The age old question when buying any property for investment is should I buy a property with tenants in place already or a vacant property and place my own tenants ? Since Global Investments have launched in Baltimore it is a question that is coming up a lot for the Manchester based firm as there are a lot of excellent houses available on the market that may need minor cosmetic work but obviously come vacant and not with tenants in place. We asked Global Investments incorporated CEO Mike Moodie his thoughts on the matter. “ Well, its not the easiest question to answer as there are pluses and minuses for both sides, so as an investor you need to weigh these up before making a decision. The majority of the enquiries that we receive would normally be for properties that have an immediate income which means that they would want properties that already have tenants in place. In my opinion as long as the tenants have been vetted by the management company and the normal checks have been done on the rent history etc… then these types of tenanted properties make a great investment. “ So if this is the case then why would an investor want to buy a property that is vacant? We asked Mike the same question? Mike added. “ Tenanted properties are great and like I said as long as the checks have been done will provide a great investment but there is an argument to say that buying a property that has been freshly rehabbed allows the investor and the management company to place a fresh new tenant on a long term lease. The only down side to this is that if may take a few weeks or even a month for the management company to do the correct checks and then place the tenant. If we look at the big picture our investors are buying these homes for 5-10 years so a month to place an excellent long term tenant is not really a big deal. I believe this to be the case even more with our Baltimore product as we are getting a lot of excellent inventory but some of the houses need work. We have an excellent team of contractors that basically do a walkthrough on the home before we market it. The works are included in the price of the property so our buyers are getting a newly updated home which is ready and easily rented to new tenants on long term rolling leases. “ Global Investments incorporated have been providing USA turn key properties for the overseas investor now for 7 years and have sold more than 4,700 homes in many cities, Detroit, NY, Florida and Ohio. As a company they provide a one stop shop for the investor, delivering on the ground management and an unrivalled after sales service. We asked Mike how important the management is in both of the scenarios. “ Well management in my opinion is the key to these investments, as without good management a great property can become a bad investment. We have been working with a few excellent management companies in all the states that we work in for some years now. In both of the scenarios management will play an important roll as with a tenanted property we would ask them to check all the lease agreements and rent rolls and history of the current tenants to ensure that the return for our investor would be immediate. In the case of a vacant property, well its the management company that would be sourcing and vetting the new tenants on behalf of the new owner. So in both cases the management does play a vital roll. As a company we strive to provide the best quality turn key property both tenanted and tenant ready in all of the areas in the US that we sell homes. “ To see available turn key and tenant ready homes in Cleveland, Baltimore, Detroit and Kansas please contact any of the team at Global on [email protected]

GLOBAL ARE COMING TO KANSAS

Global Investments Incorporated are always on the look out for new markets in the USA to supplement the opportunities that we provide our investor base. Currently our two major markets are Cleveland Ohio followed by Baltimore in Maryland however a new city has come across our radar… “ Kansas City Missouri “ We have spent the last few months doing our homework on the city and sourcing a good supply of inventory, good management and also reliable title companies. In the next few weeks we will be launching in Kansas providing turn key opportunities that will rival both Cleveland and Baltimore both in terms of prices and net returns. So why Kansas ? Kansas City is the largest city in the State of Missouri and the sixth largest city in the Midwest. Kansas City is widely known for sports, music (especially jazz and blues), and is also often called the “City of Fountains” with over 200 beautiful water features throughout the city. After years of neglect, Downtown Kansas City began a massive revitalization effort. Since the year 2000, the city has invested over $6 billion to redevelop the downtown area with new condominiums, apartments, offices, restaurants, indoor and outdoor shopping malls, and entertainment venues. In 2014, the regional Kansas City business community came together to launch KC Rising, which is a long-term vision for the greater Kansas City region to accelerate the Kansas City region’s economic growth. With many businesses headquartered in Kansas City, there’s a strong and skilled workforce. With affordable housing, it’s a great city to raise a family. Sprint, Cerner, H&R Block, Hallmark, DST Systems, American Century, and Garmin all call Kansas City home. With headquarters located throughout the metro, these national companies attract talent from across the country. So it’s no wonder Kansas City earned a top 50 spot in a U.S. News and World Report of the top places to live in the country. The rankings are based on the quality of life and the job market. Economic growth has been led by healthcare, finance, insurance, automotive, manufacturing and IT. Kansas City is also one of a major distribution center because of its central location within the U.S. It is the top city for rail freight volume and the 2nd largest rail center, only behind Chicago. Kansas City has actually been recognized as one of the nation’s top emerging technological and entrepreneurial hubs. The economy of Kansas City is one of the top performing in the United States. In fact, Kansas City recorded a job growth of 3.95% in 2017. This is about 2.36% higher than the national average. Kansas investment properties offer a great opportunity for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is the increasing rental rates. Rental rates in the Kansas City real estate market have increased more than the national average since 2012. The population in Kansas is growing which is a good sign for a strong economy; a strong economy can support a booming housing market. Since 2010, the Kansas City population has gone up 6 percent versus the national 5 percent. Appreciation rates in Kansas over the last 5 years have ranged from 3.2% to 8.1% and property prices are expected to continue its upward trend at a modest pace for the foreseeable future. Rents are also expected to keep pace with price growth, thereby maintaining a favorable one percent rent-to-value ratio. Kansas City is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best markets for real estate investors. Lots of factors are responsible for this, the diverse employment opportunities and low cost of living that attract people to the city, as well as home prices that appeal to budget-conscious investors. We are looking forward to launching Kansas City which we believe will be one of the best investments markets in 2019. Keep an eye on our website as our new properties are just about to be released.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING ON THE CLEVELAND BUY TO LET MARKET

As a company we have been selling investment properties in Cleveland Ohio for the past two years and it is by far our best selling product, accounting for over 70% for the companies sales and enquires from investors all over the Globe. However recently we have seen an upside in the prices and also a shortage of inventory indicating that with a large demand for these types of houses from the overseas market, sellers and suppliers have an opportunity to increase their prices. Also with the amount of overseas and domestic investors snapping up these types of properties we are also finding it harder to locate good inventory that meets our investors criteria. If you are looking at buying a house in Cleveland as a potential investment opportunity, in our opinion you must act now or certainly in the next 3-6 months to capitalise on these prices and returns while they are still around. Cleveland is often looked at as a has-been market. However, its turnaround has created a number of opportunities for investors and residents alike. The Cleveland housing market is rebounding. All indicators point to growing income, a solid job market, and increasing home values in Ohio. The Cleveland real estate market prediction is incredibly positive. Investors and home buyers will reap benefits when considering the city and its suburbs over the next few years. Cleveland is home to just under 400,000 people. The larger metropolitan area is home to roughly two million people. That makes the Cleveland real estate market the 32nd largest in the country. If you include the Cleveland-Akron-Canton metro area, ( Areas that we are also looking at as a company ) there are three and a half million people in the “combined statistical area”, making it the 15th largest metropolitan area in the United States. This century old city was once a major manufacturing center. It is reinventing itself as a medical and biomed hub. Let us discuss the latest market trends and find out what are the prospects of Cleveland real estate investment in 2019. In 2018, a forecast for the Cleveland, Ohio housing market suggested that home-price appreciation could begin to slow down, following a year of double-digit gains. In a separate report, Cleveland was singled out as one of the cities where it’s actually cheaper to buy a home than to rent. Home prices in Cleveland rose steadily and significantly during 2018, and they were expected to continue trending north for the foreseeable future. This is according to a recent forecast for the Cleveland real estate market that stretches into 2019. The median home value in Cleveland is $55,300 on Zillow. Cleveland home values have gone up 7.8% over the past year and Zillow’s Cleveland real estate market prediction is that the prices will rise even more in 2020. The median list price per square foot in Cleveland is $69, which is lower than the Cleveland-Elyria Metro average of $109. The median price of homes currently listed in Cleveland is $79,900 while the median price of homes that sold is $65,500. The median rent price in Cleveland is $900, which is lower than the Cleveland-Elyria Metro median of $1,100. Both of these aspects meaning investors can purchase cheap houses with decent rents producing double digit returns in the high teens. The Cleveland housing market forecast for the 3 years ending with the 3rd Quarter of 2021 is also positive. The accuracy of the Cleveland housing market trend prediction is 83%. Accordingly, LittleBigHomes.com estimates that the probability for rising home prices in Cleveland is 83% during this period. If this Housing Market Forecast is correct, home values will be higher in the 3rd Quarter of 2021 than they were in the 3rd Quarter of 2018. All of these factors certainly point towards what we are already starting to see, higher prices and lower available inventory in the price range that we normally look for. I think that we will see another 12 months out of this market but my advice for any investors sitting on the fence or others that are looking at adding to their own current portfolio is “ Don’t waste any time and get involved now “ I see the same thing happening in Cleveland that happened in the Orlando market. 8-9 years ago we were seeing a single family home sold for 50k USD with rents of $1,000 and a CAP of 20%. The same house now will cost 100k and the rents are the same. We could be looking at the same thing in Cleveland in 4-5 years time. We have new inventory hopefully coming on this week so for anyone interested contact any of the sales team at Global Investments Incorporated or email us at [email protected]. Please go to our site to see all our latest inventory. Mike Moodie – CEO. Global Investments Incorporated.

INSURANCE FOR MY USA BUY TO LET PROPERTY??

If you purchase an investment property in the US you will need to have buildings cover just in case your home is damaged and needs repair. If you’re a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure the property is insured correctly although it’s not compulsory, if you own the property, insurance should be a top priority as an overseas or domestic investor. Protecting your investment property in the US from the unexpected is extremely important. Global investments work with various companies with specifically structured policies designed for the overseas and domestic buyer. The insurance covers both the structure and your liability against ‘all risks’. Whichever state you purchase in we make sure you have the correct policy in place that has you covered from as little as $1 per day. Our insurance partners can protect both residential and commercial property and if required can cover just liability. For maximum convenience you can chose to pay monthly or pay for a whole year up front. Of course there are many insurance policies available to cover any eventuality worldwide. For a buy to let property the two most important aspects of cover which are imperative are buildings insurance and Liability insurance. The Building (Hazard) Insurance covers the “structure” of the property against damage and is on a cash value basis. Based on Global Investments clients needs our insurance partners offer an ‘All Risks’ policy so if it is not specifically excluded, it is covered. This type of insurance is designed mainly for total loss cases, covering the “structure” of the building from things like fire, weather damage, and even some severe cases of theft. Clients should all purchase Building Insurance to protect their investment and to replace it in the event of a major catastrophe or total loss. The policy does not cover against blocked pipes or leaky roofs, for this you would need to purchase a Home Warranty for items of that nature. If you wish to discuss if this is necessary for your rental property speak to a member of our staff for the best advice. The Liability Coverage for overseas investors is equally important and necessary. Liability coverage is there to protect you from being sued if someone were to injure themselves whilst on your property. As I am sure many people are aware of the American suing culture and private medical costs, having liability insurance is also a top priority and advisable. When you complete on a property Global Investments after sales team will complete the insurance application forms on your behalf and ensure you receive a competitive quote which covers buildings and liability cover immediately. This is a no obligation quote and of course if you wish you can always search for your own policy. If you wish to learn more or you have any specific technical questions relating to insuring your overseas investment property then please feel free to contact us at…[email protected]

Baltimore’s Most Famous

For a bit of fun Global Investments recently compiled a list of who we feel are the top 10 famous people that were either born, grew up or had their careers heavily influenced in Cleveland Ohio. As Baltimore Maryland is starting to get an increasing level of interest from investors worldwide and investment property sales are increasing every month we decided to compile a list of Baltimore’s most famous. Enjoy reading and see if there are any you are surprised by. 10. Babe Ruth George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr. was born February 6th 1895 in Baltimore. Was at the top of his fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth is regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in American culture and is considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time. 9. Anna Faris Actress, voice artist, producer, podcaster, and author. Born 29th November 1976 in Baltimore. Faris rose to prominence for her work in comedic roles, particularly the lead part of Cindy Campbell in the Scary Movie films. Other than endless movies Faris has also had voice-over roles in the film franchises Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Alvin and the Chipmunks as well as The Emoji Movie. 8. Tom Clancy Thomas Leo Clancy Jr. was Born 12th April 1947 in Baltimore. an American novelist best known for his technically detailed espionage and military-science storylines set during and after the Cold War. If you love your gaming you will recognise his works such as the Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, and Splinter Cell however Tom is also responsible for hugely successful films such The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger and The Sum of All Fears. 7. Jada Smith Jada Pinkett Smith is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and businesswoman. Born 18th September 1971 in Baltimore. Married to A-List celebrity Will Smith, she has a production company, and has had producing credits in films, documentaries, and television series and has also wrote a children’s book. With many films also under her belt, ,most famously The Matrix Reloaded & The Matrix Revolutions. 6. Barry Levinson Born 6th April 1942 in Baltimore. Barry is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor. Levinson’s best-known works are films such as Diner, The Natural,Good Morning, Vietnam, Bugsy and Wag the Dog. His greatest career achievement was to win the Academy Award for Best Director for Rain Man. A fantastic classic film that also won the Academy Award for Best Picture 5. Spiro T Agnew Spiro Theodore Agnew Born 9th of November 1918 in Baltimore was the 39th vice president of the United States from 1969 until his resignation in 1973. In 1973, Agnew was investigated by the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland on suspicion of criminal conspiracy, bribery, extortion and tax fraud. Agnew took kickbacks from contractors during his time as Baltimore County Executive and Governor of Maryland. President Nixon followed less than a year later in the separate abuse-of-power scandal known as Watergate. For sure if there was a Global Investments Most INFAMOUS then Spiro T Agnew would be arguably number 1. 4. Montel Williams Born 3rd July 1956 in Baltimore Montel Brian Anthony Williams is a former American television personality, radio talk show host, and actor. He is best known as host of the long-running daytime talk show The Montel Williams Show, which ran in syndication from 1991 to 2008. Additionally, Williams is noted for his service in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy, from which he was honorably discharged after 15 years of service. 3. Wallis Simpson Wallis Simpson, later known as the Duchess of Windsor, was an American socialite whose intended marriage to the British king Edward VIII caused a constitutional crisis that led to Edward’s abdication. Wallis grew up in Baltimore. Wallis ( an American Divorcee ) met the King aged 34. Move forward nearly a century and our Price Harry just met aged 34 and subsequently married an American Divorcee ???…. Twilight Zone future episode ? 2. Michael Phelps Michael Fred Phelps is an American retired competitive swimmer Born 30th June 1985 in Baltimore. Michael is the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 medals. Phelps also holds the all-time record for Olympic gold medals in individual events. The man is a living legend and I think must have been a Dolphin in a previous life. 1 David Hasselhoff David Michael Hasselhoff, nicknamed “The Hoff”, is an American actor, Born 17th July 1952 in Baltimore. Now many of you may be reading this and thinking…How can David Hasselhoff be number 1 over legends such as Babe Ruth and Wallis Simpson?…..How can he also beat Michael Phelps, His Olympic record may never be beaten ?? Well the answers is simple, I loved Knight Rider when I grew up and I have composed this top ten and it is not a democracy 🙂 The Hoff is a legend and Global Investments Number 1 most famous person from Baltimore. Thank you for reading my list, Michael Noddings.

BALTIMORE MATCH MAKES INVESTORS WITH OPPORTUNITY

2019 is going to be a huge year for Baltimore, the Federal Government have introduced a new policy to revolutionise the city and match investors wishes to Baltimores needs. It is called the BALTIMORE OPPORTUNITY ZONES In Baltimore there are many neighbourhoods which remain under-served and stagnant as compared to other thriving neighbourhoods. Under the new federal program the Government aims to bring investment and development into the different areas that need it, savvy investors and city officials are working together to spark this economic activity. The Opportunity Zones tax incentive was included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act President Donald Trump signed into law in December 2018. The law gives tax benefits to investors that place unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds, which then invest in Opportunity Zones. On April 20, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development nominated 149 census tracts to be Opportunity Zones in Maryland. The U.S. Department of Treasury certified these 42 Baltimore tracts on May 18, 2018. Mayor Catherine Pugh and Housing Commissioner Michael Braverman announced their planned “new era of neighborhood investment” at her weekly press conference Feb. 27. One of the key points of the “new vision” is designated impact investment areas in four areas of the city. The East Baltimore zone includes Johnston Square, Broadway East, East Baltimore Midway and Coldstream Homestead Montebello. The West Baltimore zone includes Penn North, Druid Heights and Upton, all of which run along Pennsylvania Avenue. And the Southwest Baltimore zone includes Franklin Square, Poppleton, Union Square, Hollins Market, Mount Clare, Washington Village and Pigtown. Opportunity zone funds will allow private investors to place capital gains into a fund that can be used to upgrade and redevelop a community with new housing, retail and other commercial projects thus revitalising the area. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. is spearheading a nearly $500 million fund for equity and loans in opportunity zones. Weller Development is on the lookout for investors to help build Cyber Town USA. The development will, in turn, help boost surrounding areas like Cherry Hill, Brooklyn and Curtis Bay. Baltimore has struggled with population decline in the last few years but still there is a very strong rental market due to job growth, employment has significantly grown in areas like Healthcare and Education. Combine this with a widening gap between rent and mortgages and an increase in home prices, it’s plain to see why investors are interested in Baltimore for rental properties. The city is also starting to attract investment, according to Marcus & Millichap, from investors in major metros, such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Developers are primarily targeting areas in and around downtown Baltimore. Strong demand on the east side of the city has driven the vacancy rate there down 110 basis points over the past four quarters. That is why “Opportunity Zones” policy was implemented, there is sufficient demand for rental property but not enough turn key stock, areas and properties need to be revitalised to facilitate the high demand for rentals. Baltimore offers an exciting opportunity to get in low before it starts going up and up.