My Smart Cousin

SHOULD YOU HIRE A REAL ESTATE COACH? PROS AND CONS

The Real Estate Market is dynamic, competitive and often unexpected. Whether you are an early or an experienced investor, it can be difficult to navigate the region. This is where a Real Estate Coach can be valuable. But is it the right step for you to hire a Real Estate Coach?    We’re here to help you make your money work for you. MY SMART COUSIN specializes in providing tailored solutions that will suit any aspect of owning investment property, from buying a house for the price of a car, something that is still entirely within the realm of the possible, to managing these properties once you own them. As an experienced Real Estate Investment Coach, we help you develop and implement a real estate investment strategy. We work with all clients and focus particularly on Black and Brown folks and women, providing advice that helps you build generational wealth In this article, we will find out the Pros and Cons to hiring a Real Estate Coach, and help you make a decision that this investment is worth it. Who is a Real Estate Coach? A Real Estate Coach is a professional mentor who provides guidance, strategy and expert advice to help professionals in properties achieve their goals. Whether you want to become a top agent, close more offers or make a strong investment portfolio, a coach can give you a personal strategy to succeed. Property coaching includes a structured approach to help professionals master different aspects of the industry, including marketing, interaction, lead generations and business scaling. Some coaches specialize in working with new agents, while others focus on high -level investment strategies. Pros Of Hiring a Real Estate Coach 1. Expert guidance from professionals in the industry One of the biggest benefits of hiring a Real Estate Coach is the expert knowledge they bring. A good trainer has comprehensive industry experience and can help you avoid regular losses. They have often worked through different market cycles and can provide strategies that fit today’s trends. 2. Responsibility and Inspiration Success in properties requires discipline and stability. A Coach helps keep you responsible for your goals and ensures that you are on track with marketing efforts, lead generation and business development activities. Knowing that someone monitors your progress can be a powerful motivator. 3. Fast Trade Development Instead of relying on testing and errors, a Real Estate Coach provides a proven strategy to speed up your success. Whether learning to close appointments or using driving techniques that are driven, working with the coach can lead to a great speed in the growth of your business. 4. Personal strategies for success Unlike generic online courses or self -learning, a Real Estate Coach tailor its approach to your specific needs. They consider your strengths, weaknesses and business models to create a customized plan that maximizes your ability. 5. Network opportunities Many Real Estate Coaches have extensive industry connections. By working with them, you can access valuable networking opportunities, Mastermind groups and exclusive training programs that can help expand your professional access. 6. Self-confidence and Mentality Development Property can be a mentally challenging industry. A coach helps you develop mistakes, keep you flexible and develop the right mentality to maintain confidence in your abilities. This mental strength is important for long -term success. 7. Better leading and closing technology Lead generation is the backbone of any successful real estate business. A coach can provide advanced techniques to attract, nurture, and convert leads effectively. Additionally, they can refine your negotiation and closing skills to improve your deal conversion rate. The Cons of Hiring a Real Estate Coach 1. Cost Considerations One of the main deficiencies of hiring a Real Estate Coach is the costs. Exercise programs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. While someone finds returns on investment, others may struggle with financial commitment. 2. Quality and Efficiency are different Not all Real Estate Coaches are made the same. Some have an overview of extensive experience and success, while others may lack credit required to provide real value. It is necessary to do complete research before investing in a coach. 3. The obligation of the time Coaching requires a time investment. Between using coaching calls, tasks and strategies, you should be prepared to devote important time to the process. If you are already overwhelmed, adding coaching sessions may feel like an extra load. 4. Success is not guaranteed Renting the coach does not automatically guarantee success. While providing guidance and help, the actual work still falls on you. The level of your efforts, dedication and ability to implement strategies will eventually determine your success. 5. Potential addiction Some professionals become very dependent on their coaches to make decisions. Although guidance is valuable, it is important to develop confidence in creating an independent business alternative instead of requiring continuous verification. How to Choose the Right Real Estate Coach? If you decide that hiring a Real Estate Coach is the right move for you, here are a few tips to ensure you choose the best one: Check their tracks – Look for testimonials, case studies, or reviews from past clients. Understand their expertise – Some coaches focus on sales, other investments and some on business scaling. Choose one that matches your goals. Evaluate their coaching style-Some coaches offer a per-one session, while other groups work in formats. Determine which style makes you the best. Think about the costs versus value – Make sure that the coaching program provides a clear advantage that justifies the costs. Ask for a consultation – Many coaches provide free preliminary consultation. Use the ability to measure their approach and decide if they are suitable for you. THE BOTTOM LINE Hiring a real estate coach can be a gaming exchange for those who can speed up the success, gain the insight into the industry and build a permanent business. If you are considering working with a Real Estate Coach, you can start by researching iconic

HOW TO FIND THE BEST TENANTS FOR YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY

RENTAL PROPERTY

Finding reliable tenants is important for any landlord who wants to maintain a profitable and trouble -free award. The right tenants will pay the rent on time, take care of the property and follow the terms of the lease. However, choosing tenants without proper screening can lead to late payment, damage to property or even expulsion. We’re here to help you make your money work for you. MY SMART COUSIN specializes in providing tailored solutions that will suit any aspect of owning investment property, from buying a house for the price of a car, something that is still entirely within the realm of the possible, to managing these properties once you own them. As an experienced Real Estate Investment Coach, we help you develop and implement a real estate investment strategy. We work with all clients and focus particularly on Black and Brown folks and women, providing advice that helps you build generational wealth This guide offers a detailed strategy to help you attract and secure the best tenants for your rental housing. 1. Prepare Your Property for Prospective Tenants Before looking for tenants, make sure your rental home is in an excellent position. A well -maintained house attracts responsible tenants and determines the standard how you expect it to be treated. Increase the curb: Keep the outer clean, mow the lawn, and place fresh paint on the door or fence when needed. Interior Acapping: Make sure the walls are fresh, blankets are clean and all equipment is in order. Safety measures: Install smoke detectors, safe locks and good lights that work in common areas to ensure the tenant’s safety. Compliance with local rules: Make sure your rental housing meets all local housing codes and safety rules. 2. Advertise Your Rental Effectively The way you market your property will determine the quality of the tenants who are attracted to you. Use multiple platforms to reach the wide audience and increase the opportunity to find the best tenant. Online listing: Post the rent on platforms such as zillow, apartment.com, craigslist and local Real Estate sites with high quality images and a detailed description. Social media: Share your entry on Facebook Marketplace, LinkedIn and community groups to reach potential tenants. Traditional advertising: Hint “for the rent” in front of the property, advertises in local newspapers and uses message boards in community centers. Mouth words: Inform the current tenants, friends and family that you are looking for a new tenant; The reference can be a great way to find reliable tenants. 3. Set Clear Tenant Criteria Establishing a clear screening criteria helps you attract tenants who meet your expectations. Explain your needs in your listing to filter unqualified applicants. Income requirements: Ideally, tenants should have a monthly income of at least three times on rent to ensure strength. Credit points: A credit score of 650 or more is usually a good indicator of financial responsibility. Rental history: Applicants should be given preference with timely payment and history with positive landlord references. Employment verification: Make sure the tenant has a steady source of a stable job or income. 4. Conduct Thorough Tenant Screenings A proper screening process is necessary to avoid tenants who can cause financial or legal issues. Lease applications: Future tenants are required to fill a broad rental application that includes work history, income certificate and personal references. Credit and background checks: Use rental services for tenants such as TransUnion, SmartMove or RentPrep to check credit points, criminal mail and expulsion history. Review of social media: Review of an online appearance of an applicant can sometimes provide further insight into your lifestyle and responsibility. Tenant interview: Determine face to face or virtual interview time to measure the applicant’s personality and expectations. 5. Verify References and Employment Many landlords leave reference checks, but they are important to confirm the reliability of the tenant. Employer verification: Contact your employer to confirm job position and income level. Previous Landlords: To check former landlords, say if the tenant has paid the rent on time, maintains the property and has followed the terms of the lease. Personal reference: Although it is not always necessary, references to former roommates or colleagues can help paint a complete picture of a tenant. 6. Draft a Comprehensive Lease Agreement A well -written lease ensures that both you and the tenant understand and follow the rental terms Rental amount and fixed date: Explain rent, due date and late payment penalties. Safety deposits: Specify the conditions for the amount, cut and return the timeline. Responsibility and Maintenance of properties: Framework responsible for repair and maintenance. Rules and limitations include smoking, pets, noise levels and sub -level policies. Legal compliance: Make sure that the lease follows the local and state tenant laws. 7. Maintain open communication with tenants Creating a good relationship with tenants encourages them to take better care of the property and renew the lease. Stay available: Provide tenants to reach you for maintenance requests or other concerns. Regular check -in: Periodic inspection to maintain real estate well (with appropriate notice) plan. Create a tenant portal: Consider using the Property Administration software to provide rent, maintenance requests and renewal of the lease. 8. Offer Incentives for Long-Term Tenants High tenant sales can be expensive. Encouraging the renewal of a lease saves time and money. Renewable benefits: Offer small price discounts, free carpet or less Real Estate upgrading for renewable tenants. Faith Award: Give encouragement to tenants who are constantly paying price. Terms of flexible lease: Consider offering multi-year leases to secure long-term tenants. 9. Collaborate with a Property Management Professional If managing the property becomes heavy, consider hiring a property manager. Specialization: They handle the tenant’s screening, rent collections and maintenance effectively. Timely work: Free your time by securing professional Real Estate management. Legal knowledge: Property managers stay up to date with changing landlord-tenant laws and regulations. 10. Stay Informed About Landlord-Tenant Laws Local laws ensure that you are obedient and avoid possible legal disputes. Regular updates: Be informed of fair

THE PROS AND CONS OF INVESTING IN RAW LAND: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Investing in real estate has always been an appealing option for individuals seeking to grow their wealth and diversify their investment portfolios. While many investors focus on residential or commercial properties, another alternative worth considering is raw land. Raw land refers to undeveloped or vacant land without any structures or improvements. This type of investment has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. At MY SMART COUSIN, we want you to get into property ownership! We can help by providing expertise and resources for budding Real Estate Investors and homebuyers of all stripes–especially those looking to buy a house for the price of a car! As a Real Estate Investment Coaches, we work closely with aspiring real estate investors, focusing especially on Black and Brown folks and women, to position you for success in developing and executing your plan for investment and building generational wealth.  In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of investing in raw land, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for you. WHAT IS RAW LAND AND WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSIFYING INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS? Raw land refers to undeveloped or vacant land or lots without any structures or improvements. It is essentially a blank canvas, free from existing buildings or infrastructure. Diversifying investment portfolios is crucial for reducing risk and maximizing potential returns. By spreading investments across different asset classes, for instance, stocks, bonds and real estate, investors can mitigate the impact of any single investment’s performance on their overall portfolio. Raw land offers an opportunity to diversify a portfolio further by adding a unique and tangible asset class. THE PROS OF INVESTING IN RAW LAND One of the primary benefits of investing in raw land is its potential for appreciation. As the demand for land increases over time, particularly in desirable locations, the value of raw land can significantly appreciate. This appreciation can provide lucrative returns on your initial investment. Flexibility and Versatility. Unlike developed properties, where the use is limited to some degree by the structure that is already built on it, raw land can be used for a wide range of purposes. You can choose to develop the land, lease it to others or even hold it for future use. Compared to developed properties, raw land generally has much lower maintenance expenses and holding costs such as property taxes. There are no structures to maintain, no tenants to manage and generally no utility expenses to cover. This can be particularly attractive for investors seeking to enter real estate estate at a super low price point and minimal ongoing expenses. Investing in raw land provides an opportunity to participate in the development process. You can acquire land in an area with high growth potential and initiate development projects, such as subdividing the land, constructing residential or commercial properties, or creating recreational spaces. Successful development can lead to substantial profits. THE CONS OF INVESTING IN RAW LAND Unlike rental properties that generate immediate income through rental payments, raw land generally does not generate income in the short term, unless it is used for agriculture. It requires a long-term investment strategy and patience. If you need immediate cash flow, raw land may not be the ideal option for you. While raw land has the potential for appreciation, its value is also susceptible to market volatility. Economic downturns or changes in local market conditions can lead to a decline in land values. Investors must carefully analyze market trends and assess the risks associated with the specific location before investing in raw land. While raw land offers development potential, it also comes with costs and risks. Developing the land requires additional investments, including obtaining permits, conducting feasibility studies, and hiring architects, engineers and contractors. Construction delays, permitting issues, or unforeseen expenses can significantly impact the profitability of the project. Raw land is generally considered a less liquid investment compared to developed properties. It can take longer to sell land and find potential buyers, especially if the location or market conditions are not favorable. Investors must be prepared for longer holding periods and potential liquidity constraints. FINAL THOUGHTS  Investing in raw land can be a lucrative and rewarding venture for the right investor. Its potential for appreciation, flexibility and lower holding costs are attractive features. However, it’s essential to consider the lack of immediate income, market volatility, development costs and risks, and limited liquidity when evaluating this investment option.  As with any investment, thorough research, careful analysis of market conditions and a long-term perspective are crucial. Consulting with real estate professionals and financial advisors can provide valuable insights and guidance to make informed decisions. By weighing the pros and cons, you can determine if investing in raw land aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance, allowing you to make a confident investment decision. YOU CAN ALSO READ: HOW TO PREVENT 5 EXPENSIVE REAL ESTATE SCENARIOSFOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN