5 Lessons We’ve Learned Investing in Real Estate At Lutz Sales + Investments, we don’t just broker deals—we’re investors ourselves. And over the years, we’ve made mistakes, learned the hard way, and fine-tuned our approach to building value in multifamily and commercial properties. Whether you're buying your first duplex or managing a 50-unit building, these five lessons are grounded in...
Lutz Quick Guide: 5 Commercial Real Estate Terms Every Investor Should Know When analyzing a commercial real estate opportunity, a few core metrics can reveal a lot about its performance, risk, and profitability. Below, we’ve broken down five essential terms—complete with formulas and examples—to help you evaluate deals with confidence. 1. Cash-on-Cash Return (CoC) Definition: The annual...
At Lutz Sales + Investments, one of the most common questions we hear—and honestly, our least favorite—is: “What will my new property tax bill be?” It's not because we don’t want to help. It’s because the answer is complicated. In Jackson County, Missouri, your property taxes are based on the county-assessed value, and that figure often differs significantly from the price you paid for...
Let’s first start with what the utilities are that someone needs to pay for. There are six utilities that you should think about when looking at any rental property, not every one applies to every building, but make sure you think about these six as you look at purchasing any property. Electric Gas Water/Sewer Trash Lawn/Landscaping Snow Removal...
What it Takes to Qualify for Real Estate Tax Professional Status To qualify as a real estate professional for tax purposes, you must meet certain criteria set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specifically, you must meet both the “material participation” test and the “more than one-half” test. The material participation test requires that you participate in the management of your rental real...
Finishes have a significant impact on how a potential tenant feels when they walk into a space, conscious or subconscious, which translates into how much they will pay for the space. Does the space feel sterile or warm? Does it feel like home? These are the emotional decisions potential tenants make when they decide to live in your apartment. Choosing the right finishes can significantly enhance the...
Stated Purpose: To provide low-interest-rate loans to help positively impact neighborhoods by improving existing multi-family housing units or developing affordable housing in areas where it is needed. Eligibility: An eligible residential property owner is a person, firm or corporation that purchases and develops or rehabilitates a multi-family residential structure. Projects with...
The Kansas City Business Journal has released its 2025 “Heavy Hitters” rankings, highlighting the metro’s top commercial real-estate professionals. We’re delighted to share that our own Michelle Lutz earned the No. 3 spot in the Multifamily category, with $82.98 million in closed local transactions during 2024. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Michelle and...
The 2025 Guide to Kansas City Property Management Companies (Last updated: April, 2025) Bottom‑line up front: Expect a typical 7‑10 % (8% is most common) monthly management fee in Kansas City, plus a one‑time lease‑up fee. Use the comparison tables and decision matrix below to zero‑in on the right partner. Why listen to us? This guide is compiled by Lutz Sales + Investments, a...
Many landlords are leveraging vouchers to secure stable rental income in markets across the US, including Kansas City. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of rental vouchers and how investors can strategically incorporate this approach in their own investments. To begin, it's important to understand the key distinctions between tenant types: A market-rate tenant pays rent without financial...