David,

Since you are in Buffalo, do you really mean Reading or the Reading area? There are good areas and bad within the same zip code. There are also 2 major city ordinances that you may or may not find easy to follow. You will also need a Berks County property manager if you don't plan to live in Berks County. (Our company has a subsidiary that does property management). You also need to be careful in that there are homes that have 2 families currently living in them, but the city believes it to be a single family dwelling - in which case it could be difficult to get the permit to actually use it as a 2 family dwelling. You also want to get a local lender since many of the real estate offices with properties for sale do not recommend offers with out of state lenders to their sellers. Of course, it's still up to the seller. I'd recommend getting a good Realtor with investor experience to help you with this. You could contact my office for assistance.

Sat Jun 21 2008, 10:01

Are you looking for an investment or a property to live in. The zips provided are correct. I grew up in the 19605 area, but I had lots of friends growing up in the city. Not sure if I'd walk on some of the streets after dark! You could live in what is considered the most beautiful suburb in the world and still have a drug dealer next door! I'd be more than happy to provide you with a list of available properties. Contact me.

Tue Jun 17 2008, 20:35

You need to really make sure you work with a knowledgeable agent in Reading - there are plenty of GREAT opportunities for investment properties, but you literally need to know which streets are safe to buy on and which are not. The streets, like in any city, often run for many blocks, some of which are good areas in which to buy, others that are NOT, and the last thing you want is an investment property that you can't sell later on because it's in a slum block. Investment properties in Reading are good cash-flow properties, because they're relatively inexpensive and yet the rents are decent (i.e., 2-bed units in the Historic district can go for over $500 each unit). I like areas like the Centre Park Historic District because for instance in the Historic District there are restrictions as to what you can do to the buildings, so they maintain and increase in value. In fact, there's a nice 2-unit for sale right now in the Historic District (I just checked the MLS for you) listed for $79,900. Again, I strongly recommend a Reading realtor.

Mon Jun 9 2008, 17:01

Yes, you can. Start with zip codes 19601, 19602 and 19604. Those are the City of Reading. The neighborhoods are tremendously variable within the zip codes, so make sure to check them out in person once you've got your selections narrowed down. If you want to be out of the city, the inner suburban ring would be 19605, 19606, 19607, 19609 and 19611. Prices here will be higher, but the properties will have more amenities like bigger porches, front yards, off street parking, etc.

Tue May 20 2008, 09:27

That would depend what kind of house you are looking for. There is Reading the city and then there is Reading the metropolis. The city of Reading does have some OK areas but for the most part is a little tough. The outer area of Reading like Muhlenberg, Wilson, Fleetwood, etc... are more suburban but the housing does cost a little more. I would suggest if you want to find something in the Reading area that you try searching on my site. You can look at all areas of Reading and look at all available homes. If you need help searching let me know and I can be of assistance.

Tue May 20 2008, 08:50