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Fixer Upper Homes - Which Repairs?
You've bought a fixer upper home you can make some money on. Where do you start? What improvements and repairs are most important? Actually, you need to know this before you buy. Always start with the end in mind, and have a plan to get there. Whether before and after you buy, though, there are some simple rules for analyzing possible fixes.Return On InvestmentYears ago I was a real estate agen. . .
Real Estate Deals - Common Misconceptions
Are high-profit real estate deals only for the wealthy? Is it possible to buy with no money down? Do you really have to know the "right" people? Let's answer by looking at some of the myths of real estate. 1. The good real estate deals are reserved for the wealthy. Of course money helps, but my first deal was a $3,500 lot - which I sold for a profit two weeks after I bought it. Smaller deals, u. . .
Real estate investing education for free
Every experienced real estate investor understands that to succeed in property investing you need to study special texts, learn different investing techniques and never stop searching for new information. But what if you just recently decided to start investing? You would like to improve your financial situation and build serious wealth using the oldest, most reliable form of investment on eart. . .
Location, Location, ... - Not!
Untold Secrets of Buying and Selling Real EstateOwning a home can truly be satisfying. However, with the financial pressures of today's world, getting good value is crucial. These days I am much savvier about buying and selling homes than I was when we bought our first of eight houses. The knowledge I acquired as a former realtor and veteran corporate mover (seven moves) has provided me with a . . .
The Worst Way to Shop for a Home Mortgage
By Tony FerlazzoYou've found a house that is perfect for you. It is so appealing that you're willing to endure the hassle of obtaining a mortgage.It is downright frustrating to shop for a mortgage these days. First of all, some stranger wants to know how much you make and how much you have in the bank. Then you have to show someone your recent tax returns. I don't know about you, but I don't ev. . .
Home Owner Association Restrictions - Read Before Buying
Many communities have associations for homeowners, property owners, condo owners, or similar associations. The presence of a homeowners association, also known as "HOA", introduces another layer of rules and regulations to consider when buying a home. Some people love these associations and some hate them. Homeowners' AssociationsSome associations have very simple rules such as no abandoned,. . .
Shopping for A Mortgage? Do Your Homework First
If you happen to be shopping around for a mortgage, it is very important that you first take the necessary time to do your homework.When I say homework, I am talking about research. There are so many loan programs out there that it is easy to get lost in all of the mortgage jargon that people in the industry love to use on you. Not to mention of all of the paperwork.By the time you get to the t. . .
Buying A Home - Zoning and Architectural Review Board Res...
When you buy a home, you need to be aware of the various things that can limit your control over the property. This is as true for finished lots and single family homes as it is for townhouses, condos, and apartments. It's a good idea to understand these limitations before you buy, so that you can decide whether you're willing to live with them or not. After you buy, it's too late; you're stu. . .
Real Estate Appraisal - Do Your Own
For single family homes, there are two basic methods used in real estate appraisal. They are replacement cost analysis, and using comparable sales. A third appraisal method, based on capitalization, is used for income properties, and is covered in another article.In figuring replacement cost the question is: What would it cost to buy this land and put this house on it? If the land (improved) wo. . .
Is An Old Home For You? - The Cons
So you think you might like to buy an old home? Perhaps even something old enough to be historic? It's a good idea to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before you decide. There are plenty of both. Will the pros be valuable enough for you to be willing to cope with the cons? Where shall we start? With a cautionary tale, I think.The Cons of An Old HomeIn 1972, my husband and I bought a h. . .
Buying Real Estate When It's Not For Sale
Buying real estate can start with a look in the newspaper, a visit to a broker, or a search online. These are all good ways to find your next investment property. You're looking at the same properties as every other investor, of course, so it's not always easy to beat the competition to a great buy.A better way to find good real estate investments is to look for properties that aren't yet for s. . .
Selling a Home - What Personal Property Stays?
The home selling and buying process can be confusing, particularly when it comes to figuring out what items stay with the home. This is especially true when it is a FSBO (for sale by owner) operation. It's even tougher when neither the seller nor the buyer is in the real estate business. This article sorts out what personal property stays with the home when it is sold.Personal PropertyAlthough . . .
Effective Real Estate Marketing Strategies
Copyright © 2005, Lanard Perry Congratulations! It's official. You're finally a licensed real estate agent. So, what do you do now? Newly licensed real estate agents all over the country face the same dilemma; life after real estate agent licensing exams. Truth is there are more real estate agents than you can shake a stick at, but only a few fully embrace the opportunity to distinguish themse. . .
Is An Old Home for You? - The Pros
If you prefer a home that is unique and has character, you probably are giving some thought to buying an older home. Before buying, it's a good idea to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of owning the home. In this article, we cover the positive benefits I have realized by owning a home built in 1825. The Pros of An Old HomeIn 1972, my husband and I bought a house built in 1825. While maint. . .
How to Use the Internet to Help Your Apartment or House H...
So you are looking for an apartment to rent or a house to purchase. One of the most important steps is researching the neighborhood to decide if you really like to live in that area. The best way to do this is driving around that area to see if you really like that neighborhood. You should pay attention to traffic, available stores, available transportation, noise level etc. Also, you should tr. . .
Protective Covenants - Buying Land or Homes
In addition to zoning, some properties have covenants recorded at the courthouse that "run with the land." These "protective covenants" can put a serious pinch in your plans for a piece of property. Protective CovenantsA protective covenant remains in effect as the property is sold from owner to owner. The covenants are designed to maintain a certain aspect of the area in question. The covena. . .
The Key to Real Estate Investing Success... Revealed!
How did you get into real estate investing? Did you read a book on it? Was it a seminar? A meeting of some sort with speakers dispensing real estate investing information, but really selling courses? Did you get really, really jazzed and pumped up by these simple ("not easy") concepts that were delivered to you in parable form from the stage by a charismatic speaker?Did you find yourself levita. . .
Real Estate Appraisal - Income Properties
Real estate appraisal for rental properties isn't the same as for single family homes. If you were looking at a 24-unit building, it would be difficult to find similar ones nearby that have recently sold. Therefore, a market analysis using comparable sales isn't normally used.It is also not ideal to use replacement costs either. How do you figure replacement cost if there is no land for sale ne. . .
Real Estate Inspection - Do It Yourself
Why should you do your own real estate inspection? To get a better deal. It isn't necessary to learn building codes, and you probably should use a professional inspector in any case. The point of learning what to look for is to have negotiating points.Home Inspection ChecklistWith a good inspection checklist, you won't forget things. There are more than a hundred items on my own list. Could you. . .
Do you work from home? Plan your next home purchase acco...
The flexibility afforded by a "zero-commute" combined with the skyrocketing price of gasoline has strengthened the case for full time teleworking and telecommuting. According to an Environmental Protection Agency (2004) study: "Americans spend an average of 46 hours per year stuck in traffic. Gridlock produces more than $63 billion in congestion costs per year" The artist community has been w. . .