Good habits are the foundation of any good business. If you put a camera on most successful people you will see their day is filled with habits that save time, improve focus and ultimately help accomplish more daily tasks. These habits are engrained in their mind and are non-negotiable regardless of whatever else is going […]
Not every rehab and flip deal you get involved in will be successful. With poor planning and unrealistic numbers you can and sometimes will lose money. As much as investors don’t want to hear this they need to recognize the possibility. All it takes is a few small mistakes to turn a profitable looking property on paper […]
If you are considering getting involved in real estate you need to have a plan. Your plan doesn’t need to be elaborate or even overly formal but you should have some sense of where you want your business to go. Where most investors get in trouble is thinking they know the business simply by watching a […]
It is very discouraging tracking a property for weeks only to not have your offer accepted. There are times when you and the seller are far apart and any offer you submit will be quickly rejected. It is the properties with limited competition where you need to secure the deal. Sometimes the seller will have […]
Technology is moving at the speed of light. Think about how cool and modern your new phone was just a few years ago. If you look at that same phone today it is probably outdated and in some cases even obsolete. The same is the case when it comes to your business website. It is no […]
Looking for a new way to make your marketing money go further, or perhaps to make your achievements in real estate investing more meaningful? Have you considered expanding your investment portfolio to include niche housing markets? When flipping houses, selling homes, renting homes or even buying property; it is imperative to familiarize yourself with those […]
“Sometimes the best deal you will ever do is the one you don’t do!” ~ JD Esajian This is the million-dollar question: “what is a good deal“? While a good deal can make you a million bucks in some cases, a bad deal can also lose a lot of money as well. There is no one […]
The first step of any real estate deal is securing financing. Any grand real estate plans you have are based on your available capital. It will directly impact the market you choose, the purchase price, repair budget and everything about your transaction. One of the most common complaints in the investing business is the inability to […]
One of the biggest hurdles for investors old and new alike is securing financing. You can have everything else with your business in place but without financing you won’t get very far. How and where you find financing has changed dramatically over the past ten years. It wasn’t that long ago when lender financing was the […]
If you own a rental property long enough eventually you will be forced to deal with an eviction. In a perfect world you can reach an amicable resolution and quickly move on. A more likely scenario is that the eviction will linger for months impacting every aspect of your business. Often times the actions you take in […]
To maximize rental cash flow you need to stay on top of your property year round. It is not enough to list your rental and wait for tenants to pour in. Even if the property doesn’t necessarily need updates it is always best to be a step ahead rather than a step behind. In competitive markets […]
Owning a rental property should be viewed as a long term investment. If you take care of the property it will produce income for years to come. As apparent as this may be not every landlord is willing to go the extra mile. They would rather allocate any extra cash flow to other areas of […]
A quality rental property can completely transform your portfolio. The idea of having tenants provide you with monthly cash flow while reducing your loan balance is a very appealing thought. However, not every property makes a good rental. It is important to always do your due diligence on every prospective rental purchase you make. There are times […]
How should sellers of properties deal with repair requests from buyers? As a part of standard purchase and sale contracts for Arkansas real estate transactions there should be a provision outlining the right to inspect the home, the time-frame for doing it and raising any potential issues. This remains true even in most ‘as-is’ contracts. If the […]
Do you want to be a rehabber but don’t know how to operate an electric screwdriver? As crazy as it may sound you don’t need to be a handy person to be a rehabber. Sure, it is a help but far from a prerequisite in getting started. There are many rehabbers all over the country who […]
You can do everything right on six consecutive deals but if you are sloppy with the due diligence on the seventh, the consequences could be severe. As basic as it sounds, it is important to always keep the flow of profits moving in the right direction. Making a small profit on a deal is always […]
We’ve talked extensively about whether or not singles should focus on buying a home, but what about selling a home? Singles who attempt to sell can face many issues, from figuring out how to sell a fairly small home to the challenges of selling a home in an urban area. Here are a few tips […]
Real estate closing, or settlement, is the final phase of selling a home. It can take on almost a ritualistic significance – each step is not unlike the order of service in a wedding. By now, you (or, more often, the escrow company) have received a deposit from the buyers, a title search has been […]
People like to work with people they are comfortable with. Someone may offer a better price but if they aren’t comfortable with the individual or company they will most likely pass. As a real estate investor, your reputation is one of the most important assets you have. If a real estate agent, contractor or attorney […]
Can California homeowners and investors sell their homes without using a real estate agent? More importantly, if they can, should they? Property owners, in association with investors, are forced to make these decisions everyday. While there are certainly advantages to neglecting the assistance of a real estate agent, those trying to save money will find […]
As remote working powers through its tipping point, what evolving real estate trends do home buyers, and investors need to be aware of? If it hasn’t already, remote working is on the fast path to becoming the most common way to work. The biggest impact for the real estate industry is still to come. So just […]
The best real estate investors understand the importance of a keeping a full pipeline. Closing a deal today is great only if you can find ways to build on that momentum. In almost any market there are motivated sellers. The key is to constantly strive for ways to find them. One of the misconceptions in […]
If you are looking for financing on your next deal you shouldn’t discount your local bank or mortgage broker. Even though traditional financing has received a bad rap in recent years it is still a viable option for the right borrower. The two main lending options are a local bank and a mortgage broker. While they both […]
Does your house feel more cramped than cozy? Are those mauve walls driving you mad? Then it’s time to give your real estate investment a much-needed facelift. Although renovating or rehabbing properties can be expensive, especially in this economy, there are a few tricks you can use to make that old house look new without […]
Every homeowner likes making their house unique, but it’s not always good to stand out. Sometimes what you think gives your home character will actually drive down your property value when you list your house on the market. Here are four odd threats to your sticker price you should be aware of: 1) Bigger Isn’t Always […]
If you are wondering how to sell your home in a declining market, you have come to the right place. While selling a home in a down market might seem like a tough challenge, it certainly isn’t impossible. In fact, the majority of homes sold between 2006 and 2011 had to deal with it. So if […]
Happy tenants are often the best tenants. As a landlord your tenants are the backbone of the entire rental property operation. Having a good tenant that pays on time and has little drama makes owning the property feel almost too easy at times. On the flip side an unhappy tenant will drag their feet sending […]
With any business, the goal should be to constantly take incremental steps forward. If you can scratch out even a small profit on every deal you will ultimately be ahead of the game. As a real estate investor, you are faced with a handful of important decisions daily. Without even knowing it at the time […]
What pushes distressed homeowners to actually accept offers and sell their properties? While short sales and foreclosures might constitute a smaller share of total home sales than in the past three years, there are still billions of dollars in non-performing loans and REOs to be had. In fact, there are far more than most can fathom. Recent […]
It is hard to believe that 2023 is just a few weeks away. It seems like only yesterday we were in the middle of spring and starting to think about summer. The reality is that the clock doesn’t stop, and the calendar often moves quicker than we would like. If you are like most people […]
Is this December a smart time for buying a home? There are many debates on what is traditionally the best time of year for selling or buying a home, though from a home buyers’ perspective December is definitely one of the best and worst months. This December in particular will be an excellent time to […]
The ‘tax man’ is always eying houses to seize, especially as the U.S. real estate market heads upward and values rise. So how can homeowners defend their family residences? Many U.S. homeowners are finding that their homes are at risk due to a variety of tax issues. For some, it is property taxes. Others have neglected […]
How can real estate investors help more distressed buyers and sellers in 2020? While more traditional housing sales are fueled by rising property prices and new construction, there are still a substantial number of distressed properties in the United States. So how can real estate investors assist more of these property owners, while aiding the growing pool of distressed […]
How can individuals make their homes more sustainable? Sustainable living is becoming easier, and more important than ever. There are plenty of ways to live “greener” and more sustainably, even without having to bike to work, give up your favorite foods, or live off the grid. There are so many benefits too; ranging from the unexpected […]
Is the holiday season a smart time to buy real estate? It’s common knowledge that summer is the peak home buying season. The rest of the year can be a little cloudy for those new to the business, and regular homebuyers and sellers. Having said that, could now actually be the most amazing time of year […]
Halloween will be on us before we know it. It is a time of year where real estate cycles can really confuse those that haven’t been in the industry for too long. In fact, we are already seeing some of these figures creeping their way into the news, as retailers continue to roll out their […]
The Internet is rapidly expanding into our homes, and has already seen itself become one of the most influential tools of all time. So what are some of the latest smart home applications making their way into homes and commercial businesses? More importantly, how can they be wielded by today’s property professionals? The Web of Things Whether […]
Building a safe home in a safe location is on the top of most peoples’ homeowner list. So where is the best place to buy a home if you are hoping to stand the test of time, and what features are smart to look for? The location in which you buy is important. There is enough […]
Those real estate investors that can hit the ground running often have the advantage. If you can start repairs and improvements on closing day, you should be able to rent or resell faster. Unfortunately, many new property investors keep making big rehabbing mistakes. Making poor rehabbing choices is never worth reducing the amount of time […]
When is the best time for you to buy a home? Ask any real estate agent or investor, and they’ll tell you it is “now.” But is it? We can’t blame real estate industry workers for trying to do their jobs. It is their job to sell houses. However, is this really the best time […]
As foreclosures and bank repossessions surge in 2015, many real estate investors are still confused as to why distressed property owners aren’t as motivated to take help. So why aren’t property owners more eager to make deals and get help? How can more win-win solutions be created? As we rolled into 2015, foreclosure filings and bank repos spiked in […]
What’s the difference between being a homeowner and real estate investor? Is buying a home a real investment? How are other types of real estate investments different? Which should come first? Everyone Needs to Buy a Home Everyone should own a home. Even those that crave nothing more than to travel the world have a […]
Millions of Americans are being priced out of their neighborhoods. Investing in real estate might be their only hope to turn things around. Across the U.S., residents aren’t being priced out of their favorite neighborhoods, or the areas they have grown up in. They are being priced out of entire cities for that matter. Investing […]
They say the most important factor in successfully investing in real estate is “location, location, location.” Of course, the location in which you invest plays a critical role in the success or failure of a property. However, is it still the most important aspect of any deal? Some would say it is, and others that it is […]
It has become crucial for real estate investors, industry professionals, and regular homebuyers to get savvy about smart home and home automation technology. So what do you need to know? Home technology is about to try and change the real estate landscape as we know it. That includes the players that dominate it. Even individual property investors, […]
There are many different ways to successfully invest in real estate. While rehabbing and flipping are currently the most popular methods, there other ways to make a profit. One of the tried and true ways to build a portfolio is by acquiring rental property. Not every good property makes a good rental property, however. There are a few […]
How are new trends, business rules, and other factors changing today’s real estate market? More importantly, how can you use the new rules to your advantage? Some things may never change, but it is very clear that some things have already changed. So how has the real estate landscape and business changed? What does that […]
Offering custom finishes can promise premium results for real estate rehabbers, but what are the real pros and cons? We’ve entered into a new era of business and consumer expectation. We are also still in a tentative real estate market where some properties can sell at lighting speed for top dollar, while others rot on […]
Is it now more profitable for real estate investors to be building units instead of rehabbing existing ones? Many real estate investors are turning to the Internet to float their ideas of building houses instead of buying and rehabbing existing ones. So is this one of those genius moments where individuals are catching on, or […]
Are you thinking about buying your first home, or even renting a new apartment? If either is the case, do you need to get a long-term game plan? It’s an awesome time to buy a home, but most people don’t really have a game plan. They need somewhere to live, and push ahead. Without any idea, […]
How do you figure out how much a property is really worth? Did you know that there are multiple ways to value a property? There are at least five different ways to value a single piece of property or home. So what are they? How do they work? What’s the difference? Which one is right for […]
For those purchasing their tenth, or one-hundredth property, the process of buying a home seems natural. It is something that comes off as second hand. However, despite all of the information that is out there on the web, first-time homebuyers can find it quite difficult to get started. So where do you start with buying your first […]
When many people think about real estate investing, they think about flipping real estate, and with shows like Flip This House dominating the airwaves, it’s no wonder. But in today’s market, is flipping real estate still the solid moneymaker it was in the past? Traditionally, flipping real estate simply meant purchasing a property at a low […]
What is a ‘starter home,’ and is it time you bought one? Is it time for you to kick renting to the curb? If so, which type of property should you be buying? What role should a starter home play in your plan? The Renter’s Dilemma Renting isn’t cheap. It doesn’t look like it is […]
While there’s nothing anyone can do about natural disasters, you can still save a flooded real estate investment if you follow the proper procedures. Here is a list of steps you should take if your home has flooded: 1) Turn off the power. When returning to a flooded home, the first and most important thing to […]
There are obvious attractions to both condos and single-family homes, especially for real estate investors. So which is the better choice? The Pros and Cons of Investing in Condos Condo buildings, town-homes, and even single-family homes in communities with HOAs can be very attractive to real estate investors. However, they also have a few quirks that […]
When you’re selling a home, property value is probably one of the first things on your mind. Property value can be mystical, but there are a few key elements that help determine your property value and help keep it realistic: • Neighborhood data. Your first step in determining your property value when selling a home is to […]
Before buying a home or investing in real estate, it pays to research the neighborhood in question. Having said that, the success of your next real estate investment will likely be determined by the neighborhood you intend to buy in. It impacts how much you’ll enjoy living there, and how well the investment will pay off. So […]
Real estate investing is easy – but becoming a great real estate investor is harder. Real estate investors don’t enter the market to get their money back, they do it to create wealth, gain respect or earn power. Although there is no magic button for greatness, you can join the ranks of the best real estate investors […]
Data from J Turner Research and Appfolio says that we are in the middle of absorbing 80 million Millennial renters. So what properties are they looking at the most? How might this compare to what other generations are trending towards? What can you take from this information to make your rental portfolio perform that much better? Surveyed […]
When you’re rehabbing properties, it can be tough to decide which upgrades deserve the time and money and which ones don’t matter. From flooring to walls, there are some upgrades that you simply can’t skimp on. Next time you’re rehabbing properties, follow these real estate flipping tips to ensure that you’re making upgrades that will […]
Are you investing in the right neighborhoods? There are many places to invest in real estate today. While you can make your decision solely based on location, it is equally important to determine which neighborhood will make the most out of your investment. Some aspire to focus on the luxury market, while others have a burning […]
While real estate investing can be an extremely lucrative job, it can also be fairly stressful. Sometimes, real estate investors feel that there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything they need to get done. From viewing properties to consulting with lawyers, real estate investors have many demands on their time. Fortunately, there […]
Owning a rental property is one of the building blocks for long term wealth. If you run things right you can collect checks and build equity for as long as you own the property. As great as this scenario may be you also need to take time and consider the alternative. Regardless of your experience level […]
If you want to make flipping houses easier and start selling your homes for more, then you may want to take some notes from some real estate agents who have been selling their own properties. The statistics show that real estate agents selling their own homes average a 3% higher sales price. When you take […]
Millennials are facing a major housing crisis in today’s market. The outcome of the decisions they make now will greatly impact their finances for the rest of their lives, and for their kids. What will they choose? If millennials opt to try and keep up with the perceived Joneses, they could find the additional financial burden […]
If you’re getting into online auctions for real estate, it’s important to learn the differences between the types of auctions. Without this information, you might bid on an auction, only to learn that you didn’t meet the minimum – or worse, that this type of auction only accepts certain types of bids. There are three […]
Buying a home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can also be equally stressful for anyone that doesn’t know what they are doing. Having said that, how can buyers enjoy more of the good, and less of the stress? Expectations How stressful or enjoyable the home buying experience is, or not, depends a lot on […]
If you’re new to the real estate investment market, it’s important to know that there are two main types of investment: residential and commercial real estate investments. Commercial real estate is further divided into four main types of properties. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of property. The four types are: • Offices. […]
You simply can’t afford to miss out on today’s real estate market. It’s a great time to buy a home. Some are wrestling with this decision as they compare the state of today’s market with where it was no more than ten years ago. They see how prices have gone up tens, and even hundreds, of […]
If you are like most householders, your bathroom is probably small and has little, if any, storage space. Don’t despair because home centers and specialty closet stores are filled with shelving units and cabinets designed specifically for the bath. Before you venture into a store or order from a catalog, you need to calculate the […]
Is it better to buy a fixer-upper or a recently built home? As homebuyers rush to beat rising interest rates, one of the biggest questions they face is whether to purchase brand new properties or to go with the trend and acquire a fixer-upper. But how do these types of properties really stack up with […]
Mold and mildew can cause problems in the bathroom. The culprit is excess moisture so it is important to be able to direct moist air out of the room quickly. An open window is often an efficient way to circulate air in the bathroom. If there is no window or if a bathroom has a […]
Analysts are still split on whether getting a mortgage loan is becoming easier or more difficult. With that in mind, what numbers do borrowers need to know in order to more effortlessly sail through the process of buying a home? If you don’t know your numbers prior to buying a property, navigating the mortgage maze can be frustrating […]
One of the worst things for any business is wasted time. In the world of real estate wasting too much time on one deal can directly cause you to miss out on a future opportunity. Every homeowner you talk to has some idea of what they want to do prior to talking with you. Those […]
What do you need know about insurance and inspections when buying a home? There is a lot of information out there about searching for homes to buy, working with Realtors, and getting a mortgage loan. There are even plenty of tips out there to make the moving process that much easier. However, two of the […]
No landlord likes dealing with tenant turnover however, it is a critical part of the job. How you deliver the rental to your tenant often sets the tone for the rest of the lease. If the property is sloppy, or even dirty, your tenants will feel that since you don’t take care of it they don’t need […]
Can real estate investors rehab properties for both fun and profit? Real estate investors can and do rehab, rent out, and flip properties for both fun and profit. Most try to simultaneously do it for both. However, don’t let the lines become blurred because that is when things become extra challenging. Firstly, it is essential for investors to really know why they […]
In the real estate world one mistake can wipe away years of hard work. Many landlords think responding to a tenant complaint is annoying but it is a walk in the park compared to facing litigation. Without even realizing it you could not be following fair housing rules and regulations. If the right tenant realizes […]
How can you make the most out of your living space? With mobility on the rise and affordability getting worse, renters and homebuyers are frequently finding themselves living in tighter quarters than they’d like. Whether you desperately crave to make your current space bigger, make a new home work for your large family, or to maximize a […]
Every rental property you own should be treated like its own individual business. Like any business you need to know everything that impacts your bottom line. In many cases there are several little things that can eat away at your cash flow if you are not careful. Alone they will not break the bank, or in some […]
If you want to ace the home loan process it pays to be prepared. While some sources report that it has become easier to obtain a mortgage loan, it is still far from as easy as it was 10 years ago. With the current rush to secure loans before interest rates go higher, lenders get […]
You never know when you will come across a deal that doesn’t quite fit with what you are looking to do. When these types of deals come your way, it is important that you can still find ways to generate income from them. One of the ways to earn is by wholesaling them to a […]
There is a lot that goes into flipping a property. Not only do you have to acquire it at a price that works for you but also, you need to put the right amount of work into it. There are many investors who are disappointed in their results because they fail to see the end […]
The real estate investing business is more than numbers and properties. You can spend your days studying charts and looking at trends but if you don’t do the little things it doesn’t make a difference. Every investor should treat their investing like a business. With this, there are a few important principles that should guide almost everything […]
Rental properties are a great way to build your long term investing portfolio. Not only can they provide monthly cash flow but they offer long term appreciation potential. As high as the upside is not every property will be a home run. Purchasing the wrong property in the wrong market will do much more harm […]
Every real estate investor wants to be successful. There is nobody who starts a new career thinking they will fail. However, wanting to be successful only works if you are willing to pay the price and make the necessary sacrifices. This is especially important in the world of real estate where setbacks and disappointment are […]
Selling a home? Which offer will you accept? When you put your home up for sale you’ll attract all types of offers. The most notable difference between these offers is normally financing, and how buyers intend to pay for their purchase. So what types of bids might you get? Which are the best choices for […]
There are many things needed to grow a successful real estate business. You need to have a firm grasp on the local real estate market, numbers and formulas. You need to build a reliable team that can help tackle anything that comes your way. It also helps to have capital behind you and the ability to […]
Real estate investing has undergone numerous changes in the past two decades. Perhaps the biggest change is with the number of part time investors. For years a majority of real estate investors entered the business on a full time basis. This was not just a hobby but a career. In recent years there has been […]
There is a line from the movie “Rounders” that states we rarely remember our winning poker hands, but we can cite with incredibly accuracy the big ones we have lost. The same can be said for the world of real estate investing. For every success story it is easy focusing on the ones about the […]
No landlord ever thinks their tenant is going to default. Eventually at some point in every residential, commercial or industrial lease this is often the case. When it happens how you handle it can make all the difference. An eviction can engulf your business, and your life, for months on end. Not only it is a […]
It is not enough to rely on the strength of your market to produce a sale. All across the country there are plenty of places where real estate is in high demand. Even though your market may be flooded with buyers, it doesn’t mean your property will fly off the shelf. You still need to […]
So you want to buy an investment property. After months of circling around the business you have finally decided that the time is now. The only problem is that you aren’t exactly sure where to begin. As you start your property search there are a few critical areas of evaluation you need to focus on. These four […]
Real estate investing is a numbers game for a reason. Regardless of how well run your business is, deals will fall out from time to time. The more deals you have in the pipeline the easier it is to withstand the occasional lost deal. What can never happen is making the same mistake twice. Anyone […]
To run an efficient rental property you need to be a good landlord. There are many rental property owners who do not have the residual cash flow to hire a dedicated property manager. This puts them in the front lines with all of their tenants. Instead of treating it as a job you should think about […]
If you own a business, you know how important it is to keep an eye on the bottom line. In fact, almost everything you do should have some consideration of how it will impact your expenses. As important as it is to save money and find ways to lower costs, you also need to pick […]
To be a great real estate investor you need to follow rules. The rules you create will help guide you in everything you do. Without rules it is easy to jump at every new property that hits the market. Without a set of defined rules you can end up with properties that aren’t really profitable. […]
The reality of the real estate investing business is that for every new investor that knocks it out of the park there are five others that struggle getting off the ground. Even though they all start on a level playing field some manage to find deals just a little quicker. The longer you are in […]
Pulling off a successful rehab project is a lot more difficult than most investors imagine. You need to find the perfect mix of the right property coupled with the right improvements. All the while you need to keep an eye on the budget and deliver quality work. When everything works there are plenty of profits […]
Good habits are the foundation of any good business. If you put a camera on most successful people you will see their day is filled with habits that save time, improve focus and ultimately help accomplish more daily tasks. These habits are engrained in their mind and are non-negotiable regardless of whatever else is going […]
Not every rehab and flip deal you get involved in will be successful. With poor planning and unrealistic numbers you can and sometimes will lose money. As much as investors don’t want to hear this they need to recognize the possibility. All it takes is a few small mistakes to turn a profitable looking property on paper […]
If you are considering getting involved in real estate you need to have a plan. Your plan doesn’t need to be elaborate or even overly formal but you should have some sense of where you want your business to go. Where most investors get in trouble is thinking they know the business simply by watching a […]
It is very discouraging tracking a property for weeks only to not have your offer accepted. There are times when you and the seller are far apart and any offer you submit will be quickly rejected. It is the properties with limited competition where you need to secure the deal. Sometimes the seller will have […]
Technology is moving at the speed of light. Think about how cool and modern your new phone was just a few years ago. If you look at that same phone today it is probably outdated and in some cases even obsolete. The same is the case when it comes to your business website. It is no […]
Looking for a new way to make your marketing money go further, or perhaps to make your achievements in real estate investing more meaningful? Have you considered expanding your investment portfolio to include niche housing markets? When flipping houses, selling homes, renting homes or even buying property; it is imperative to familiarize yourself with those […]
The first step of any real estate deal is securing financing. Any grand real estate plans you have are based on your available capital. It will directly impact the market you choose, the purchase price, repair budget and everything about your transaction. One of the most common complaints in the investing business is the inability to […]
One of the biggest hurdles for investors old and new alike is securing financing. You can have everything else with your business in place but without financing you won’t get very far. How and where you find financing has changed dramatically over the past ten years. It wasn’t that long ago when lender financing was the […]
If you own a rental property long enough eventually you will be forced to deal with an eviction. In a perfect world you can reach an amicable resolution and quickly move on. A more likely scenario is that the eviction will linger for months impacting every aspect of your business. Often times the actions you take in […]
To maximize rental cash flow you need to stay on top of your property year round. It is not enough to list your rental and wait for tenants to pour in. Even if the property doesn’t necessarily need updates it is always best to be a step ahead rather than a step behind. In competitive markets […]
Owning a rental property should be viewed as a long term investment. If you take care of the property it will produce income for years to come. As apparent as this may be not every landlord is willing to go the extra mile. They would rather allocate any extra cash flow to other areas of […]
A quality rental property can completely transform your portfolio. The idea of having tenants provide you with monthly cash flow while reducing your loan balance is a very appealing thought. However, not every property makes a good rental. It is important to always do your due diligence on every prospective rental purchase you make. There are times […]
How should sellers of properties deal with repair requests from buyers? As a part of standard purchase and sale contracts for Arkansas real estate transactions there should be a provision outlining the right to inspect the home, the time-frame for doing it and raising any potential issues. This remains true even in most ‘as-is’ contracts. If the […]
Do you want to be a rehabber but don’t know how to operate an electric screwdriver? As crazy as it may sound you don’t need to be a handy person to be a rehabber. Sure, it is a help but far from a prerequisite in getting started. There are many rehabbers all over the country who […]
You can do everything right on six consecutive deals but if you are sloppy with the due diligence on the seventh, the consequences could be severe. As basic as it sounds, it is important to always keep the flow of profits moving in the right direction. Making a small profit on a deal is always […]
We’ve talked extensively about whether or not singles should focus on buying a home, but what about selling a home? Singles who attempt to sell can face many issues, from figuring out how to sell a fairly small home to the challenges of selling a home in an urban area. Here are a few tips […]
Real estate closing, or settlement, is the final phase of selling a home. It can take on almost a ritualistic significance – each step is not unlike the order of service in a wedding. By now, you (or, more often, the escrow company) have received a deposit from the buyers, a title search has been […]
People like to work with people they are comfortable with. Someone may offer a better price but if they aren’t comfortable with the individual or company they will most likely pass. As a real estate investor, your reputation is one of the most important assets you have. If a real estate agent, contractor or attorney […]
Can California homeowners and investors sell their homes without using a real estate agent? More importantly, if they can, should they? Property owners, in association with investors, are forced to make these decisions everyday. While there are certainly advantages to neglecting the assistance of a real estate agent, those trying to save money will find […]
As remote working powers through its tipping point, what evolving real estate trends do home buyers, and investors need to be aware of? If it hasn’t already, remote working is on the fast path to becoming the most common way to work. The biggest impact for the real estate industry is still to come. So just […]
The best real estate investors understand the importance of a keeping a full pipeline. Closing a deal today is great only if you can find ways to build on that momentum. In almost any market there are motivated sellers. The key is to constantly strive for ways to find them. One of the misconceptions in […]
If you are looking for financing on your next deal you shouldn’t discount your local bank or mortgage broker. Even though traditional financing has received a bad rap in recent years it is still a viable option for the right borrower. The two main lending options are a local bank and a mortgage broker. While they both […]
Does your house feel more cramped than cozy? Are those mauve walls driving you mad? Then it’s time to give your real estate investment a much-needed facelift. Although renovating or rehabbing properties can be expensive, especially in this economy, there are a few tricks you can use to make that old house look new without […]
If you are wondering how to sell your home in a declining market, you have come to the right place. While selling a home in a down market might seem like a tough challenge, it certainly isn’t impossible. In fact, the majority of homes sold between 2006 and 2011 had to deal with it. So if […]
Happy tenants are often the best tenants. As a landlord your tenants are the backbone of the entire rental property operation. Having a good tenant that pays on time and has little drama makes owning the property feel almost too easy at times. On the flip side an unhappy tenant will drag their feet sending […]
With any business, the goal should be to constantly take incremental steps forward. If you can scratch out even a small profit on every deal you will ultimately be ahead of the game. As a real estate investor, you are faced with a handful of important decisions daily. Without even knowing it at the time […]
What pushes distressed homeowners to actually accept offers and sell their properties? While short sales and foreclosures might constitute a smaller share of total home sales than in the past three years, there are still billions of dollars in non-performing loans and REOs to be had. In fact, there are far more than most can fathom. Recent […]
It is hard to believe that 2023 is just a few weeks away. It seems like only yesterday we were in the middle of spring and starting to think about summer. The reality is that the clock doesn’t stop, and the calendar often moves quicker than we would like. If you are like most people […]
Is this December a smart time for buying a home? There are many debates on what is traditionally the best time of year for selling or buying a home, though from a home buyers’ perspective December is definitely one of the best and worst months. This December in particular will be an excellent time to […]
How can real estate investors help more distressed buyers and sellers in 2020? While more traditional housing sales are fueled by rising property prices and new construction, there are still a substantial number of distressed properties in the United States. So how can real estate investors assist more of these property owners, while aiding the growing pool of distressed […]
How can individuals make their homes more sustainable? Sustainable living is becoming easier, and more important than ever. There are plenty of ways to live “greener” and more sustainably, even without having to bike to work, give up your favorite foods, or live off the grid. There are so many benefits too; ranging from the unexpected […]
Is the holiday season a smart time to buy real estate? It’s common knowledge that summer is the peak home buying season. The rest of the year can be a little cloudy for those new to the business, and regular homebuyers and sellers. Having said that, could now actually be the most amazing time of year […]
Halloween will be on us before we know it. It is a time of year where real estate cycles can really confuse those that haven’t been in the industry for too long. In fact, we are already seeing some of these figures creeping their way into the news, as retailers continue to roll out their […]
The Internet is rapidly expanding into our homes, and has already seen itself become one of the most influential tools of all time. So what are some of the latest smart home applications making their way into homes and commercial businesses? More importantly, how can they be wielded by today’s property professionals? The Web of Things Whether […]
Building a safe home in a safe location is on the top of most peoples’ homeowner list. So where is the best place to buy a home if you are hoping to stand the test of time, and what features are smart to look for? The location in which you buy is important. There is enough […]
Those real estate investors that can hit the ground running often have the advantage. If you can start repairs and improvements on closing day, you should be able to rent or resell faster. Unfortunately, many new property investors keep making big rehabbing mistakes. Making poor rehabbing choices is never worth reducing the amount of time […]
As foreclosures and bank repossessions surge in 2015, many real estate investors are still confused as to why distressed property owners aren’t as motivated to take help. So why aren’t property owners more eager to make deals and get help? How can more win-win solutions be created? As we rolled into 2015, foreclosure filings and bank repos spiked in […]
What’s the difference between being a homeowner and real estate investor? Is buying a home a real investment? How are other types of real estate investments different? Which should come first? Everyone Needs to Buy a Home Everyone should own a home. Even those that crave nothing more than to travel the world have a […]
Millions of Americans are being priced out of their neighborhoods. Investing in real estate might be their only hope to turn things around. Across the U.S., residents aren’t being priced out of their favorite neighborhoods, or the areas they have grown up in. They are being priced out of entire cities for that matter. Investing […]
They say the most important factor in successfully investing in real estate is “location, location, location.” Of course, the location in which you invest plays a critical role in the success or failure of a property. However, is it still the most important aspect of any deal? Some would say it is, and others that it is […]
There are many different ways to successfully invest in real estate. While rehabbing and flipping are currently the most popular methods, there other ways to make a profit. One of the tried and true ways to build a portfolio is by acquiring rental property. Not every good property makes a good rental property, however. There are a few […]
How are new trends, business rules, and other factors changing today’s real estate market? More importantly, how can you use the new rules to your advantage? Some things may never change, but it is very clear that some things have already changed. So how has the real estate landscape and business changed? What does that […]
Offering custom finishes can promise premium results for real estate rehabbers, but what are the real pros and cons? We’ve entered into a new era of business and consumer expectation. We are also still in a tentative real estate market where some properties can sell at lighting speed for top dollar, while others rot on […]
For those purchasing their tenth, or one-hundredth property, the process of buying a home seems natural. It is something that comes off as second hand. However, despite all of the information that is out there on the web, first-time homebuyers can find it quite difficult to get started. So where do you start with buying your first […]
When many people think about real estate investing, they think about flipping real estate, and with shows like Flip This House dominating the airwaves, it’s no wonder. But in today’s market, is flipping real estate still the solid moneymaker it was in the past? Traditionally, flipping real estate simply meant purchasing a property at a low […]
What is a ‘starter home,’ and is it time you bought one? Is it time for you to kick renting to the curb? If so, which type of property should you be buying? What role should a starter home play in your plan? The Renter’s Dilemma Renting isn’t cheap. It doesn’t look like it is […]
There are obvious attractions to both condos and single-family homes, especially for real estate investors. So which is the better choice? The Pros and Cons of Investing in Condos Condo buildings, town-homes, and even single-family homes in communities with HOAs can be very attractive to real estate investors. However, they also have a few quirks that […]
When you’re selling a home, property value is probably one of the first things on your mind. Property value can be mystical, but there are a few key elements that help determine your property value and help keep it realistic: • Neighborhood data. Your first step in determining your property value when selling a home is to […]
Before buying a home or investing in real estate, it pays to research the neighborhood in question. Having said that, the success of your next real estate investment will likely be determined by the neighborhood you intend to buy in. It impacts how much you’ll enjoy living there, and how well the investment will pay off. So […]
Real estate investing is easy – but becoming a great real estate investor is harder. Real estate investors don’t enter the market to get their money back, they do it to create wealth, gain respect or earn power. Although there is no magic button for greatness, you can join the ranks of the best real estate investors […]
Data from J Turner Research and Appfolio says that we are in the middle of absorbing 80 million Millennial renters. So what properties are they looking at the most? How might this compare to what other generations are trending towards? What can you take from this information to make your rental portfolio perform that much better? Surveyed […]
Are you investing in the right neighborhoods? There are many places to invest in real estate today. While you can make your decision solely based on location, it is equally important to determine which neighborhood will make the most out of your investment. Some aspire to focus on the luxury market, while others have a burning […]
While real estate investing can be an extremely lucrative job, it can also be fairly stressful. Sometimes, real estate investors feel that there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything they need to get done. From viewing properties to consulting with lawyers, real estate investors have many demands on their time. Fortunately, there […]
Owning a rental property is one of the building blocks for long term wealth. If you run things right you can collect checks and build equity for as long as you own the property. As great as this scenario may be you also need to take time and consider the alternative. Regardless of your experience level […]
If you want to make flipping houses easier and start selling your homes for more, then you may want to take some notes from some real estate agents who have been selling their own properties. The statistics show that real estate agents selling their own homes average a 3% higher sales price. When you take […]
Millennials are facing a major housing crisis in today’s market. The outcome of the decisions they make now will greatly impact their finances for the rest of their lives, and for their kids. What will they choose? If millennials opt to try and keep up with the perceived Joneses, they could find the additional financial burden […]
If you’re getting into online auctions for real estate, it’s important to learn the differences between the types of auctions. Without this information, you might bid on an auction, only to learn that you didn’t meet the minimum – or worse, that this type of auction only accepts certain types of bids. There are three […]
Buying a home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can also be equally stressful for anyone that doesn’t know what they are doing. Having said that, how can buyers enjoy more of the good, and less of the stress? Expectations How stressful or enjoyable the home buying experience is, or not, depends a lot on […]
Is it better to buy a fixer-upper or a recently built home? As homebuyers rush to beat rising interest rates, one of the biggest questions they face is whether to purchase brand new properties or to go with the trend and acquire a fixer-upper. But how do these types of properties really stack up with […]
Mold and mildew can cause problems in the bathroom. The culprit is excess moisture so it is important to be able to direct moist air out of the room quickly. An open window is often an efficient way to circulate air in the bathroom. If there is no window or if a bathroom has a […]
Analysts are still split on whether getting a mortgage loan is becoming easier or more difficult. With that in mind, what numbers do borrowers need to know in order to more effortlessly sail through the process of buying a home? If you don’t know your numbers prior to buying a property, navigating the mortgage maze can be frustrating […]
What do you need know about insurance and inspections when buying a home? There is a lot of information out there about searching for homes to buy, working with Realtors, and getting a mortgage loan. There are even plenty of tips out there to make the moving process that much easier. However, two of the […]
No landlord likes dealing with tenant turnover however, it is a critical part of the job. How you deliver the rental to your tenant often sets the tone for the rest of the lease. If the property is sloppy, or even dirty, your tenants will feel that since you don’t take care of it they don’t need […]
Can real estate investors rehab properties for both fun and profit? Real estate investors can and do rehab, rent out, and flip properties for both fun and profit. Most try to simultaneously do it for both. However, don’t let the lines become blurred because that is when things become extra challenging. Firstly, it is essential for investors to really know why they […]
In the real estate world one mistake can wipe away years of hard work. Many landlords think responding to a tenant complaint is annoying but it is a walk in the park compared to facing litigation. Without even realizing it you could not be following fair housing rules and regulations. If the right tenant realizes […]
How can you make the most out of your living space? With mobility on the rise and affordability getting worse, renters and homebuyers are frequently finding themselves living in tighter quarters than they’d like. Whether you desperately crave to make your current space bigger, make a new home work for your large family, or to maximize a […]
Every rental property you own should be treated like its own individual business. Like any business you need to know everything that impacts your bottom line. In many cases there are several little things that can eat away at your cash flow if you are not careful. Alone they will not break the bank, or in some […]
If you want to ace the home loan process it pays to be prepared. While some sources report that it has become easier to obtain a mortgage loan, it is still far from as easy as it was 10 years ago. With the current rush to secure loans before interest rates go higher, lenders get […]
You never know when you will come across a deal that doesn’t quite fit with what you are looking to do. When these types of deals come your way, it is important that you can still find ways to generate income from them. One of the ways to earn is by wholesaling them to a […]
The real estate investing business is more than numbers and properties. You can spend your days studying charts and looking at trends but if you don’t do the little things it doesn’t make a difference. Every investor should treat their investing like a business. With this, there are a few important principles that should guide almost everything […]
Every real estate investor wants to be successful. There is nobody who starts a new career thinking they will fail. However, wanting to be successful only works if you are willing to pay the price and make the necessary sacrifices. This is especially important in the world of real estate where setbacks and disappointment are […]
Real estate investing has undergone numerous changes in the past two decades. Perhaps the biggest change is with the number of part time investors. For years a majority of real estate investors entered the business on a full time basis. This was not just a hobby but a career. In recent years there has been […]
There is a line from the movie “Rounders” that states we rarely remember our winning poker hands, but we can cite with incredibly accuracy the big ones we have lost. The same can be said for the world of real estate investing. For every success story it is easy focusing on the ones about the […]
It is not enough to rely on the strength of your market to produce a sale. All across the country there are plenty of places where real estate is in high demand. Even though your market may be flooded with buyers, it doesn’t mean your property will fly off the shelf. You still need to […]
So you want to buy an investment property. After months of circling around the business you have finally decided that the time is now. The only problem is that you aren’t exactly sure where to begin. As you start your property search there are a few critical areas of evaluation you need to focus on. These four […]
To run an efficient rental property you need to be a good landlord. There are many rental property owners who do not have the residual cash flow to hire a dedicated property manager. This puts them in the front lines with all of their tenants. Instead of treating it as a job you should think about […]