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Want to be a Landlord?

Real estate has consistently been one of the highest rated investments available to individuals. TV shows certainly make rentals look easy and you may even know someone who has made a lot of money with them. Possibly, the thought has crossed your mind that if they can do it, you can too. Before you contract … Continue reading Want to be a Landlord? →

Money You Saved for a Down Payment

Occasionally, buyers who can qualify to purchase a home decide to “take a break” and wait to purchase a home. When the focus of buying a home is relaxed, other uses for the money that was going to be used for the home are considered. Maybe they think how much fun it would be to … Continue reading Money You Saved for a Down Payment →

Downsizing is an Alternative

It is estimated that over 15% of the population in the U.S. are over 65 years of age. With one of the most common fears of seniors being their money will run out early, it is understandable that downsizing may be strategy to meet their goals. Once the kids are grown, have careers, relationships and … Continue reading Downsizing is an Alternative →

Steps in Home Buying Process

The process of buying a home can be different based on the price range and whether a mortgage is needed. While some things are different, others are similar regardless of price, financing or local customs. Each year, the National Association of REALTORS® surveys buyers and sellers who have purchased or sold in the previous twelve … Continue reading Steps in Home Buying Process →

Invest in Equity Build-up

Equity build-up could be one of the biggest advantages to buying a home. There are two distinct dynamics that take place to make this happen: each house payment applies an amount to reduce the mortgage owed and appreciation causes the value of the home to go up. It is easy to make a projection based … Continue reading Invest in Equity Build-up →

America Still Considers Real Estate the Best

35% of respondents, in a recent annual Gallup poll that dates back to 2002, identified real estate as the best long-term investment option compared to 27% who identified stocks. The top choices included real estate, stocks, savings accounts and gold. Even with the remarkable prices of the different U.S. stock indices recorded in 2019 through … Continue reading America Still Considers Real Estate the Best →

Determining Property Type

The Internal Revenue Service considers four different types of real estate. Specific types of properties have benefits based on their classification. The determination does not depend on the property itself as much as it depends on how the property is used and what the owner’s intentions are. Principal Residence … a principal residence is the … Continue reading Determining Property Type →

Get Leverage Working for You

Leverage is an investment term that describes the use of borrowed funds to control an asset; sometimes referred to as using other people’s money. Borrowed funds can affect the investment in your home positively. For instance, if you had a $100,000 rental property, collected the rents and paid the expenses and had $10,000 left, you … Continue reading Get Leverage Working for You →

Delay Will Usually Cost More

Two things can happen when the mortgage rates go up before you’ve found a home or locked-in your mortgage. You’ll either pay the current mortgage rate which means a higher payment, or you’ll have to increase your down payment to keep the monthly payment at the same level. If the rate were to go up … Continue reading Delay Will Usually Cost More →

Measuring Square Footage

Square footage is commonly used to determine if a home will fit a buyer’s needs. The price per square foot can be used to compare the costs of different homes and even, determine the value of a property. The challenge is what is the source of the square footage measurement and how was it done. … Continue reading Measuring Square Footage →