First started in 2007, Airbnb now draws tens of thousands of hosts with millions of potential renters. It’s the most popular online platform for short-term rentals, and the prices are often lower than hotels. Here’s everything you need to learn how to make money with Airbnb, including a step-by-step guide. What Is Airbnb & How Does […]
When most people think about moving into a new home, they think of one of two options: owning and renting. Owning is cheaper in the long run and allows you to build equity in the property. Renting is more affordable in the short-term since you don’t have to pay a down payment, and you’re not […]
Behind any good real estate investor is a reliable contractor. Whether your business is built on flipping houses or buying investment properties, a quality contractor is essential. They will help keep your project moving in the right direction and cut off potential problems before they get too big. They will handle everything from simple maintenance […]
Rental property and real estate investments should not be a decision made lightly without the proper preparation. As with any investment, it’s crucial to consider all the moving parts before diving into a decision. Especially with the ever-fluctuating state of real estate, it’s easy to get caught off guard with just the slightest change in […]
Having a quality rental property is not enough to attract tenants. In hot markets good rentals may be a dime a dozen. You need to come up with ways to have your property stand out from the crowd. Instead of massive upgrades throughout the property you are better off making subtle, but impactful, changes. Updating […]
If you’re at all familiar with the world of real estate you’ve likely come across the idea of For Sale by Owner listings, or “FSBO” listings. For homeowners looking to take the real estate process into their own hands, it’s a popular option to skip the use of a realtor or agent and instead sell […]
When buying or selling a home, the topic of closing costs is bound to come on the horizon. It takes a village to purchase or sell a home, with several different people playing a role in the real estate transaction. Buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and inspectors are just a few of the different people […]
No one likes it when a good deal dies. Especially when selling your home, it can be disappointing. Whether the property won’t sell due to financial complications or miscommunications, learning that a great offer has fallen through is always a setback in real estate. Unfortunately, home inspections are a well-known deal-killer within real estate. They’re […]
When Inez Valk put a clawfoot tub in the upstairs bedroom of her country house, she didn’t anticipate that guests would get carried away “by the romance of their surroundings,” as she delicately puts it, overflowing the tub so bathwater seeped through the floorboards. “We urgently — but gingerly — knocked on the door and were […]
Traditionally, spring is real estate season, but buyers across the country were waiting for summer to finally see a return to normal inventory levels, normal competition and most importantly, normal prices. As it turns out, a return to normal is probably pretty far off, but cracks are starting to emerge in the seller’s market that has defined […]
It seems like a tricky time to get into real estate. On one hand, the Federal Reserve expects to raise interest rates multiple times this year. Higher rates imply bigger mortgage payments — and that could hurt the real estate market. On the other hand, consumer prices are rising at their fastest pace in 40 years. People […]
As the snow melts into spring showers, it’s time to refresh your home. This comprehensive spring cleaning checklist offers an opportunity to get the whole family involved in tidying up. Running short on time? Try tackling one room per week. Entryway Sweep floors Mop floors Wipe walls Wipe baseboards Clean door Clean doormat […]
When looking at mortgage rates, it’s common to compare 30-year loans. However, you don’t have to lock yourself into a three-decade contract when buying a home or refinancing your existing loan; you can cut that time in half with a 15-year mortgage. What is a 15-year mortgage? A 15-year mortgage is a home loan paid back in monthly […]
Sun Belt cities — the region in the U.S. that stretches across the nation’s southern tier — topped the list of moving destinations in 2021 and will likely remain the top 10 places with the most competitive housing markets in 2022, according to Zillow researchers. Movers flocked to more affordable, medium-sized metros across the Sun […]
With the housing market on the rise, renting out basements or creating Airbnbs is continuing to gain popularity. With an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) you can achieve these goals, all you need is extra space on your property! An ADU can be used as an Airbnb, rental, home office, etc. The sky’s the limit. Questions […]
As the year comes to an end, now is a fantastic time to get ready for a brand new one. So, we’ve come up with 7 activities to help you start 2021 on the right foot. Let’s take a look. Out with the Old, in with the New During the holiday season, there’s a very […]
As any real estate agent knows, leads are the lifeblood to success. This is why it is no secret that a high percentage of most agents’ time is dedicated to uncovering possible leads via as many conduits as possible. That being said, all leads are not created equal. Some leads roll in thanks to expensive […]
Buying a home is an important – and exciting – decision. After all, having a place to call your own, to raise your family in, to do as you wish with no landlord to answer to are all motivating factors in starting the process. But, in addition to these emotional reasons, buying a home can […]
An important piece of the real estate puzzle hinges on building a strong team. This is why in addition to our network of agents, lenders, attorneys, and brokers, we are always on the lookout for great contractors to partner with. Below is some more insight on what we are looking for along with a number […]
If you are a real estate investor looking to purchase wholesale properties or partner on joint venture projects, look no further. Our team has the experience, know-how, and infrastructure to offer you opportunities in your real estate investment endeavors. No matter if you are looking for a rehab project to work on or you are […]
Homeowners find themselves in the position of having to sell their home fast for any number of reasons. For example, there are times when family obligations require you to move out of state with little warning. Maybe a job relocation takes you to a new area. Or a personal situation has arisen, putting homeowners on […]
Take a minute and consider how much your investing business has changed over the past twelve months. There is a good chance that you have probably undergone some subtle, and not so subtle, changes in philosophy and direction. It is always better to be a step or two ahead rather than chasing outdated trends and […]
Beautiful PRIVATE HILLTOP RETREAT. Remodeled four-bedroom, two-bathroom home tucked away in the COVINA HEIGHTS neighborhood. DESIGNER upgrades to complement the open and airy layout. As you walk through the entryway, you will love the huge living room, beautiful fireplace, formal dining area, plenty of windows to let in the natural light. Home chefs and entertainers […]
There are few things more impactful to your financial health than a foreclosure. Aside from a bankruptcy, a property foreclosure is one of the worst things that can negatively affect your credit. Not only does it hurt your credit in the short term, but it has a lasting impact that could take years to recover. […]
Of all the noteworthy things involved with selling a home, one thing people don’t talk about quite often enough is how truly weird it is to be living in a for-sale property. Your home doesn’t really feel like your own during this period, and it’s only natural that things will seem a little off. Living in […]
The decision to part with your home is an emotional one. Homeowners, therefore, go out of their way to make sure they and their houses get the price they deserve. In the effort to increase property value, homeowners often contemplate the idea of renovating a house before selling it. Should you fix up your home before you list […]
Getting approved for a loan is much different than it was a decade ago. In the past there were multiple options and programs for every different income type and down payment. Today there is much more documentation required and everything is much more scrutinized. A seemingly innocent document requested at the 11th hour could cause the […]
In the world of real estate, you never know what is on the horizon. There are plenty of times when situation is thrown on your lap completely out of the blue with unfamiliar circumstances. Such can the case with inherited properties. Dealing with an inherited property or a property in probate can be one of […]
A lot has changed in the world of real estate over the last decade.As difficult as it may be to believe, the mortgage collapse was over ten years ago. One of the defining terms shortly after the collapse was “short sale”. There is a good chance that even if you were in real estate you […]
If the answer is a resounding yes, you’re ready to list. If the answer is no, you’ll need to understand why it is a no and create a strategic plan of attack to create a yes. Realtors are often called upon to outline exactly what a seller may need to do to get their house […]
Everybody is on the hunt for the perfect investment. We want minimal risk, high returns and easy management. What we don’t realize is that those are hard to come by. Instead of constantly searching for the perfect investment you should look for something more easily attainable. A rental property is undoubtedly the best long-term investment currently available […]
When you’re planning a new kitchen, the layout is, of course, key to making the space work efficiently. But there are other things to think about. Take a look at this checklist to ensure that you tick off seven essential elements of a well-designed space. Primrose Interior Design 1. Sufficient Storage If you want your […]
Behind any good real estate investor is a reliable contractor. Whether your business is built on flipping houses or buying investment properties, a quality contractor is essential. They will help keep your project moving in the right direction and cut off potential problems before they get too big. They will handle everything from simple maintenance […]
One of the most common places to find new tenants is the internet. There are more rental property listing sites today than ever before. In just a few clicks tenants can find a handful of rentals in their desired market, at their price point and in their timeframe. Gone are the days of relying on […]
If you are in the real estate investing business long enough eventually you will face a business crisis. Your tenant may cause damage to a rental property, a deal maybe lost at the 11th hour or a rehab may have unexpected issues. How you act when these present themselves will not only determine the immediate problem but will […]
Key Takeaways By researching tax tips, real estate investors can maximize their returns this time of year. One of the best real estate tax tips is to learn which deductions apply to you, and how to use them. Read our infographic below on the best tax strategies for real estate investors. Many investors take a […]
When it comes to buying a home, it can be hard to determine if you’re getting the best deal or getting ripped off entirely. However, in an age where online resources abound, the housing market is becoming even more transparent. Buyers can attest that you no longer need to depend on a seller or real […]
As soon as my husband and I pulled up to see the house we’d eventually buy, it already had a good vibe to it. A blue house with a red door—just like the one I grew up in. It struck a sentimental note with me immediately. After living in one-bedroom apartments for the past seven […]
From ignoring prep work and safety to setting unrealistic budgets, find out how to avoid these mistakes and more when renovating. Buying Cheap Materials Don’t Sweat It host Steve Watson says, “One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to home renovation (is that) they try to be cheap when they buy materials. […]
Once you’ve bought your next home, the thought of getting settled in, decorating, and living in your new space is incredibly exciting. But the actual logistics of preparing for and executing your moving day…not so much. For most of us, it’s a time filled with stress and anxiety. Packing might take longer than expected, movers could be […]
DIY home decoration versus consulting a professional interior decorator – this is a discussion not to be taken lightly! Especially, when it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you need expert assistance who is well-acquainted with technical building codes, wiring and other specialized skills. Once you’ve come to terms with what your requirements are, then you […]
With vacation season here, right now, you may be reading this on the front porch of your vacation home with the sun just coming up and a cup of coffee by your side. You have been coming to the same spot every summer and just started considering owing a property to call your own. While […]
All landlords are constantly looking for ways to increase their bottom line. Increased cash flow gives them the ability to do a multitude of things with the surplus. As great as saving money is, you need to know where to draw the line. There are a handful of home improvement projects that almost any landlord can do […]
There are several key factors that go into a successful house flip. For starters, you need to get the property at a price that works for you. Overpaying on the way in will put you behind the eight ball throughout the process. Next, you assemble the right team and do the right work, all while staying […]
There are two sides to every debate. For some reason, the world of real estate investing is full of debates. One of the more common debates is whether to hire a dedicated property manager. In a perfect world, every landlord would have someone to run their property. As much as there is a definite benefit, […]
There are dozens of ways to run a business. What makes real estate investing so appealing are the limitless options of getting from point A to point B. With the right mindset and a little bit of good fortune you can go from part time investor to having more deals than you can handle in no […]
Anyone can rehab a property, but not everyone will be successful at it. From the outside it would appear that all you need to do is buy a property, throw some money at it and wait for offers to pour in. If you have ever flipped a house before you know that this is not the […]
Are you ready to run your own business? It should not be lost on you that as a real estate investor you are the CEO, CFO, President and Principal of your business. You are directly involved in every decision you make, every property you pursue and every partnership you are involved in. Your ability to […]
When it comes to first impressions, the little things make all the difference. Planning to sell your house this year? Now’s the perfect time to prep it for listing! Set aside a couple of weekends to do the work, and follow these three steps. Then, get ready to make a great impression on potential buyers […]
At some point in every real estate investors career they will entertain the thought of working with a partner. In some cases, the right partner will be the best thing you can do, greatly accelerating your business growth. In other scenarios, you will almost instantly regret the partnership and look for ways to get out of […]
One of the most popular questions in the real estate community is “how do I get started?” Every day there is a new investor out there looking to enter the wonderful world of real estate but doesn’t quite know how to do it. If you are fresh out of college or looking for your first […]
There are many circumstances that might make a seller say, “Yes, I want to sell my house fast for cash.” Here are just a few of the most common reasons you might consider using an iBuyer to sell your home. You’ve made a contingent offer If you’re already in contract on a new home, but […]
This article is an excerpt from The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor by Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland. It had been so hard for Jane to watch her dad’s health deteriorate over the past few years. At eighty-seven years old, her dad was getting increasingly weaker physically by the day. Although he […]
There are more rental property opportunities available today than ever before. A growing number of potential homebuyers are holding off and flooding the rental market. This has created ample demand for rental properties and in turn demand for landlords. On the surface, owning a rental property is easy. You buy a property, find some tenants […]
The forecast for the 2019 real estate market is in, and it’s a bit of a good news / bad news situation. Everyone seems to agree that real estate in 2019 will slow down, which is never what property investors like to hear, but the experts also seem to agree that this slow down will […]
Win home shoppers over before they even think about stepping foot inside. A polished home exterior creates an inviting experience for visitors or passersby, which is especially important if your home is on the market. Check out our tips to get the most curb appeal for the lowest cost — while turning your neighbors’ heads and […]
If you’ve been distracted by the federal shutdown, political dysfunction, stock-market volatility and reports of rising mortgage rates, it wouldn’t be surprising if you concluded: No way is this a good time to even think about buying a house or putting one on the market. Things are too crazy. Nobody’s paying attention to real estate […]
Many homeowners wonder is there a right time to sell their home? In all reality there is a right time. Figuring out when that is can get your house sold sooner than most. The right time is usually between end of Spring and the beginning of Summer. According to a study done by Zillow, homes […]
Using mulch can make the difference between a healthy, easy-care garden and a scraggly, high-maintenance one. Mulch can be permanent or organic. Permanent mulches include landscape fabric, gravel and stones. These are suitable only around permanent plantings such as shrubs and trees. Organic mulches include grass clippings, shredded bark, wood chips, cocoa hulls and […]
What cool, yet unconventional, home additions can homeowners and real estate investors add for additional appeal to their property? Adding the right improvements can result in huge profits for any investor. Home additions and improvements are constantly a source of controversy in the real estate community. Green real estate investors and regular homeowners frequently and mistakenly […]
Throwing money at a property does not guarantee success. The reality is that finding the right updates, upgrades, and improvements is not about money, but rather doing the right work for the market. Simply throwing money at a property and expecting a return will leave you frustrated and disappointed. A large infinity edge swimming pool […]
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 […]
Every member of your real estate investing team is important. All it takes is just one person to drop the ball to send you in scramble mode. This can result in increased expenses, delayed turnover and rocky relationships with everyone on site. If your investing focus is rehabs and flips perhaps the most important team member […]
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 principals that should guide almost everything […]
What are the best real estate lead generation options today? Where and how can real estate agents, investors and other related industry professionals generate more leads for buying, selling and renting properties? What are some of the little known benefits, and pitfalls of common real estate lead generation channels today? Here are 12 ways for real estate […]
The real estate industry caters to independent strategies. For every investor, there is another way to go about conducting business. Some may prefer to utilize the convenience of technology while others want to maintain personal relationships. However, for one reason or another, there remains a void between these two independent strategies. Smart investors will figure […]
“Investment is most intelligent when most business like” – Warren Buffett If investing is better when conducted most business like, does it mean that more real estate investors ought to be investing in a more businesslike fashion? Should every real estate investor be investing as a business? What does that really mean? What does it look […]
Many people are still wondering whether or not real estate is one of the best investment strategies for long-term wealth building. Is investing in homes still a smart investment for the average individual? Is a home still the best investment of a lifetime for most Americans? If so, why are some pessimists still questioning the rebound […]