Investors Have Faith in Pottstown

Despite the lousy economy and high taxes in Pottstown, two landlords say the need for rental units in the borough makes for a good investment in multi-unit properties. 

Alan Kocotas recently bought 548 High Street and is renovating the apartment house, which includes eight efficiencies and one-bedroom units that will rent for $525 to $600 each.

He looked at several local properties and bought the grand Victorian home "because of the character," he said.

"I like the architecture," said Kocotas of Phoenixville. 

He is improving the property with help from electrical, roofing and other contractors.

"I'm putting guys to work," he said and added he has faith the property's value will grow in the future. "I'm a long-term investor." 

Kocotas became a landlord with some coaching from his investment neighbor Doug Campbell and his wife Deb, real estate agents who own two apartment houses on High Street and several other properties in the area. 

Deb Campbell said she and her husband remodeled their High Street apartment buildings after a fire destroyed the properties several years ago.

"We worked with the Historical Society in terms of designing," she said of protecting the original architectural integrity of the buildings. 

Today, the properties feature a variety of units such as a one-bedroom that rents for $175 per week. 

Responsible investors, "present landlords," help the economic health of the area, she said.

"We still really encourage investing in Pottstown," she said. "There are a lot of deals to be had."

• To learn more about apartments for rent at 548 High Street, call 610-505-1015.

• To learn more about other local apartments for rent, investment properties or homes for sale, call 610-247-4910.