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LEARNING TO MANAGE THE CLOSING PROCESS FOR FLIPPING HOUSES SUCCESS

Have you ever wanted to take on a project, like flipping a house, only to stumble when it comes time to close? You’re not alone – the closing process is one of the most confusing and intimidating parts of investing in real estate. But don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from achieving your dreams. With just a little patience and our help, learning how to manage this crucial part of a flip can be straightforward and rewarding. 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 blog post, we’ll share tips and tricks for effectively navigating closings so that you can successfully buy, sell, and ultimately profit from each property. Read on for more! The closing process is the final step in the process of buying and selling a property, and it can be a complex and stressful time for both the buyer and the seller. There are a few key steps that you need to follow in order to manage the closing process and ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips on how to do this: UNDERSTAND THE CLOSING PROCESS The first step in managing the closing process is to have a good understanding of what it involves. The closing process typically involves the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer, as well as the transfer of funds from the buyer to the seller. It also involves the signing of a number of documents, including the closing statement, which outlines all of the costs and fees associated with the sale of the property. GET ORGANIZED Closing on a property is paperwork-heavy, so it’s important to stay organized and make sure that you have all of the necessary documents in order. This includes things like the purchase agreement, the closing statement, and any other documents that are required by the lender or the title company. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEAM A number of parties are involved in a closing, including the buyer, the seller, the real estate agent, the lender, and the title company. It’s important to keep everyone in the loop and make sure that everyone is on the same page. This can help to avoid any last-minute surprises or delays. PREPARE FOR CLOSING COSTS One of the most important things to consider when flipping a house is the closing costs, which are the fees associated with the sale of the property. These costs can include things like title insurance, legal fees, and lender fees, and they can add up quickly. It’s important to have a good understanding of what these costs will be and to budget for them accordingly. BE PROACTIVE The closing process can be unpredictable, and there are always going to be things that come up that you weren’t expecting. It’s important to stay proactive and be prepared for the unexpected. This might involve working closely with your team to come up with contingency plans, or being ready to adapt to changing circumstances. UNDERSTAND THE TIMELINES A number of deadlines and milestones are involved when closing on a house that you’re buying or flipping, so it’s important to have a good understanding of what these are and to make sure that you are on track to meet them. This might involve creating a checklist to help keep yourself on task and on schedule, or building in an extra week or two of contingency time in the schedule to account for last-minute changes. KEEP EVERYONE INFORMED The closing process can be stressful for everyone involved, so it’s important to keep all parties informed and up to date on what’s going on. This might involve holding regular calls with your real estate agent or attorney to ensure you haven’t missed any requests sent through email, or holding regular meetings with any partners to discuss the status of the close. SUMMARY Learning to manage the closing process for flipping houses is an essential step for anyone looking to succeed in the world of Real Estate flipping. By understanding the process, staying organized, communicating with your team, preparing for closing costs, being proactive, and staying focused, you can navigate the closing process smoothly and successfully. While there may be challenges and unexpected setbacks along the way, by following these tips and staying focused, you can ensure that the closing process goes smoothly and that you are able to close on your flipped house successfully. YOU CAN ALSO READ: RAISING CAPITAL FOR REAL ESTATE IN 6 STEPS FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN

RAISING CAPITAL FOR REAL ESTATE IN 6 STEPS

Do you dream of seeing your name on the deed of a new Real Estate property? Whether you’re ready to make an investment or just taking those first steps toward buying a home, having enough capital is critical. However, if budgeting hasn’t saved your finances from being tight, there are still ways for you to raise capital. And best of all – it can be quicker than you think!  MY SMART COUSIN is here to help you with your Real Estate investment needs. Whether you’re looking for guidance on getting started in Real Estate investment and buying a house for the price of a car, or specific strategies suited to your particular life events, we’ve got you covered. As a Real estate Investment Coach, we are committed to helping all clients create financial security and wealth, especially Black and Brown folks and women. Here, we’ll discuss 6 simple steps that can help make your Real Estate dreams come true. So let’s get started and explore how raising capital for Real Estate works! WHAT DOES ‘RAISING CAPITAL’ FOR REAL ESTATE MEAN? Raising capital in Real Estate refers to the process of securing funding for Real Estate investments. This can involve acquiring financing through traditional means such as mortgage loans or private loans, or seeking investment from individuals or companies through crowdfunding platforms or other methods.  The goal of raising capital in Real Estate is to secure the necessary funds to purchase and manage properties, with the intention of generating returns through rent, appreciation, or other means. Real Estate investors may seek to raise capital for a variety of reasons, including to acquire new properties, to renovate and improve existing properties, or to cover operating expenses and other costs associated with owning and managing real estate assets. THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING CAPITAL IN REAL ESTATE The significance of raising capital in Real Estate lies in the fact that it is often necessary to secure outside financing in order to purchase and manage real estate properties. Real estate can be a significant investment, and without sufficient capital, it may not be possible to acquire and maintain properties. In addition, raising capital can allow real estate investors to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, such as purchasing distressed properties at a discounted price and flipping them for a profit. Raising capital can also allow Real Estate investors to diversify their portfolios and mitigate risk by spreading investments across multiple properties. This can be particularly important in the event that one property experiences a vacancy or unexpected expenses. Overall, raising capital is an essential part of successful real estate investing, as it enables investors to acquire and manage properties and pursue their investment goals. Here are the six most crucial steps for raising capital in Real Estate Before you start trying to raise capital, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your real estate investments. Do you want to flip houses, build a rental portfolio, or do something else? Once you have a clear goal in mind, create a plan outlining how you will achieve it. This plan should include the types of properties you will target, your target market, and your projected returns. Once you have a plan in place, it’s important to determine how much capital you will need to achieve your investment goals. This will involve calculating the cost of acquiring and rehabilitating properties, as well as the ongoing costs of owning and managing them. Be sure to include a cushion for unexpected expenses as well. There are a variety of ways to finance real estate investments, including traditional mortgage loans, private loans, and crowdfunding platforms. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to carefully consider which option is best for your specific needs and goals. In order to raise capital, you will need to tap into your network of contacts. This could include family, friends, business associates, and professional connections. It’s also a good idea to join local real estate investment groups and attend industry events to meet potential investors and lenders.  Once you have identified potential investors, it’s time to make your pitch. This will involve presenting your investment opportunity in a clear and compelling way, highlighting the potential returns, and minimizing the risks. Be prepared to answer questions and provide financial projections and other supporting materials. If you are successful in convincing an investor to fund your real estate investment, the final step is to close the deal. This will involve negotiating and finalizing the terms of the investment, including the amount of capital being invested, the expected return on investment, and any other terms and conditions. Once the deal is closed, it’s important to continue to communicate with your investors and provide regular updates on the progress of your investment. WRAPPING IT ALL UP In conclusion, raising capital for real estate investments is a crucial step in building a successful portfolio. By defining your investment goals, determining how much capital you need, considering your financing options, building your network, pitching your investment opportunity, and closing the deal, you can successfully secure the funding you need to achieve your goals. While the process can be challenging, it is well worth the effort for the potential returns and long-term financial success it can bring. YOU CAN ALSO READ: WHEN THE HOUSING MARKET REBOUNDS, SHOULD YOUR REAL ESTATE INVESTING STRATEGY CHANGE? FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN

WHEN THE HOUSING MARKET REBOUNDS, SHOULD YOUR REAL ESTATE INVESTING STRATEGY CHANGE?

The housing market can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, including economic conditions, population growth, and changes in interest rates. Real Estate Investment can be a great investment in a volatile market, but it requires knowledge and expertise. MY SMART COUSIN specializes in providing those venturing into Real-Estate Investing with tailored solutions for every aspect of owning property, from buying a house for the price of a car, all the way through managing them once they’re yours! Whether you need our expert advice for future plans or an investment that’s in the works, we can help you develop and implement your strategy to optimize returns. HOUSING REBOUNDS – WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS As the housing market begins to thaw post-COVID-19, real estate investors may be wondering what this means for their investments. Here are a few key things to consider: Increased demand: One of the main benefits of a housing market rebound is that it typically leads to increased demand for housing. This can be especially true in areas where the pandemic has led to a slowdown in housing activity. As more people start to look for homes, this can lead to increased competition for properties and potentially higher prices. Increased supply: With a rebounding housing market, it’s likely that there will be an increase in the supply of properties. This could be due to a number of factors, including homeowners who were previously unable to sell finally putting their homes on the market, or builders who were unable to start new construction projects due to lockdowns starting work again. While an increase in supply may lead to more competition for investors, it can also provide more opportunities to find good deals. Higher prices: A strengthening housing market often leads to rising home prices triggered by increased demand, a decrease in the supply of available homes, or a combination of both. While higher prices can be good news for homeowners and sellers, they may be less appealing for buyers and investors looking to enter the market. Increased financing options: As the housing market rebounds, it’s likely that lenders will become more willing to lend to buyers and investors. This could lead to an increase in financing options, including lower interest rates and more flexible terms. While this can be good news for buyers and investors, it’s important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of any financing options and make sure that they are a good fit for your needs. DEFINING YOUR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT STRATEGY IN A REBOUNDING MARKET When the housing market rebounds, it may be a good opportunity for real estate investors to reassess their investment strategy. Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating whether your real estate investing strategy should change. Current Market Conditions: One of the first things to consider is current market conditions. This includes factors such as the overall strength of the economy, the demand for housing in different areas, and the availability of financing. By understanding the current market conditions, you can better determine what types of properties and investments are likely to be most successful. Your Long-Term Goals Another important factor to consider when deciding if your real estate investing strategy should change is your long-term goals. Are you looking to build a long-term portfolio of rental properties, or are you more interested in flipping houses for short-term profits? Your long-term goals will help guide your investment strategy and determine what types of properties and investments make the most sense for you. Your Risk Tolerance Real estate investing involves some level of risk, and it’s important to understand your own risk tolerance when deciding if your investing strategy should change. Are you comfortable taking on more risk in order to potentially earn higher returns, or do you prefer to play it safe and focus on more stable investments? Your risk tolerance will help guide your investment decisions and determine what types of properties and investments are most appropriate for you. Your Current Portfolio Another factor to consider is your current portfolio. Do you have a diverse mix of properties and investments, or are you heavily concentrated in a particular market or asset class? By evaluating your current portfolio, you can identify any potential vulnerabilities or areas where you may be over-exposed, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Your Financial Resources Finally, it’s important to consider your financial resources when deciding if your real estate investing strategy should change. Do you have the financial resources to take on more risk and potentially earn higher returns, or do you need to focus on more stable investments? Your financial resources will help guide your investment decisions and determine what types of properties and investments are most appropriate for you. FINAL THOUGHTS Overall, the decision to change your Real Estate investment strategy will depend on a number of factors, including current market conditions, your long-term goals, your risk tolerance, your current portfolio, and your financial resources. By carefully considering these factors, you can determine what types of properties and investments are most likely to be successful in the current market, and adjust your strategy accordingly. YOU CAN ALSO READ: CONDO VS. TOWNHOUSE: WHICH IS THE BETTER INVESTMENT? FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN

THE TOP TRENDS FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS IN 2023

Are you a Real Estate Investor or Homebuyer looking to enter the market in 2023? With predictions of interest rates staying low, and millennials gaining more purchasing power, it’s an exciting time for investing in real estate! At MY SMART COUSIN, we understand the challenges of finding, financing, and even refinancing a house for you and your family, or purchasing an investment. We are an experienced Real Estate Investment coach who can help you weigh the pros and cons of various paths, and implement them with confidence. We specialize in helping new and aspiring real estate investors, particularly Black and Brown folks and women, buy and manage their first property, and buy a house for the price of a car. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the top trends for what’s expected to happen in real estate over the next year. From sustainable construction that conserves energy costs to co-living approaches that offer more communal living spaces, we’ll go through everything you need to know about investing so you can make well-informed decisions. So buckle up – here are the top trends for Real Estate investments in 2023! Increased demand for suburban properties:  The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in demand for residential properties, with many people seeking out more spacious and secluded properties in the suburbs. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, as people continue to prioritize safety and work-from-home options. The growing interest in sustainable and energy-efficient homes:  With climate change and environmental concerns at the forefront of many people’s minds, there is an increasing demand for homes that are built with sustainability in mind. This includes features such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and materials that are environmentally friendly. Rise of the “smart home”:  Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and this trend is expected to continue in the real estate market. Homes that are equipped with smart technology, such as automated lighting and thermostats, are becoming increasingly popular. Multigenerational living arrangements:  As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s becoming more common for multiple generations to live under one roof. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, with an increasing number of people choosing to live in multigenerational homes in order to save money and support one another. Increased focus on outdoor living spaces:  With the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a rise in outdoor activities, there is an increased demand for properties with outdoor living spaces such as decks, patios, and gardens. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, as people continue to prioritize outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation. Emerging markets:  While traditional real estate markets such as the United States and Europe are always popular, there are also several emerging markets that are worth considering for investment. This includes countries in Latin America and Asia, which are experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing demand for real estate. Diversification of investment portfolios:  Many investors are looking to diversify their portfolios by investing in real estate, in addition to stocks and other assets. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, as people look for ways to mitigate risk and maximize returns. Demographics will drive Real Estate Investment Decisions: Real estate investment decisions in 2023 will be driven largely by demographic trends. As populations continue to shift and grow, understanding an area’s population will become even more important when exploring potential investments. Data-driven insights regarding income levels, age groups, and the overall population growth in an area will be invaluable and could make or break investment decisions. Additionally, having access to insight into trends in mobility, employment changes, vacant housing units, and educational attainment are all key elements that could help investors unlock potential opportunities within their target markets. Connectivity is the Key: In 2023, investors need to pay attention to the importance of connectivity when considering an investment. Connectivity between cities, towns, and remote areas is what will drive growth. The ability for tenants and homeowners to quickly and easily connect with urban markets and other amenities will have a positive impact on real estate investing. Additionally, property owners must also consider connection opportunities to technology, specifically wireless internet access. Strategically-located properties that have wired or wireless access can provide some extra value that could increase return on investment. Lastly, connectivity with viable transportation options within your real estate asset should not be overlooked as it is necessary for any successful real estate endeavor. Regardless of the type of property, you are investing in, understanding how your neighborhood connects with the greater metropolitan area is essential if you want your investment to pay off by 2023 Increased demand for affordable housing: One trend that is expected to continue in 2023 is the demand for affordable housing. As more people move to urban areas and the cost of living continues to rise, there will be a greater need for housing that is affordable for both renters and buyers. This trend is likely to lead to increased investment in the construction of affordable housing units, as well as the renovation and redevelopment of existing properties. SUMMARIZING IT ALL UP Overall, the real estate market is expected to be strong in 2023, with a range of trends that investors should keep an eye on. Whether you’re looking for a suburban retreat, a sustainable home, or an emerging market with growth potential, there are plenty of opportunities for investment in the coming year. YOU CAN ALSO READ: JOINT TENANCY EXPLAINED: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS?FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN

JOINT TENANCY EXPLAINED: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS?

Buying Real Estate isn’t as simple as just getting the keys and moving in. There are many legal agreements to think about when you purchase a property, one of which is called joint tenancy. Understanding what joint tenancy means and how it works can be the difference between making a sound investment that pays off, and putting your finances at risk. MY SMART COUSIN is here to make your house dreams come true. As a Real Estate Investment coach, we provide expert guidance for anyone looking to get into Real Estate investment. With our help, you’ll be able to understand the ins and outs of purchasing an investment property and buying a house for the price of a car. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of joint tenancy, what circumstances might cause you to consider it when buying real estate, and some key points to consider before signing on the dotted line. We hope this will give you greater clarity on why it’s important, and help inform any decisions you make in regard to real estate investments going forward. WHAT IS JOINT TENANCY AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IT? Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership in which two or more people own a property together. In a joint tenancy, each co-owner has an equal ownership share, and the right to use and possess the entire property. Joint tenancy is a form of home ownership that is especially attractive to couples, roommates, and families. It provides many benefits due to its structure, under which each tenant owns an equal share of the property, and all tenants must agree upon any decisions regarding the property. When the joint tenancy is chosen, it ensures that if one of the owners passes away, their share automatically transfers over to the other owners listed on the title. Defining this at the outset means that there is less likely to be any disagreements among surviving co-owners, as the deceased person’s share passes to the co-owners through a process known as the “right of survivorship.” One of the main benefits of joint tenancy is that it allows co-owners to avoid the time and expense of probate, which is the legal process of transferring ownership of a deceased person’s property. In a joint tenancy, the right of survivorship means that the surviving co-owners can take immediate possession of the property without the need for probate court proceedings. This can save time and money, and also allows the surviving co-owners to retain control over the property without interference from the courts. Another benefit of joint tenancy is that it allows co-owners to plan for the future disposition of their property. For example, if two siblings own a property as joint tenants, they can be confident that the surviving sibling will automatically inherit the deceased sibling’s share of the property. This can provide peace of mind and help co-owners avoid potential disputes over ownership after one of them dies. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF JOINT TENANCY While joint tenancy has many benefits, it comes with risks and drawbacks that are worth considering: One risk is that if a co-owner incurs debt or becomes involved in legal trouble, the property may be at risk of being seized to satisfy those debts or judgments. This can be a particular concern if one co-owner has poor credit or is prone to financial problems. Another risk is that a co-owner may not be able to sell or mortgage their share of the property without the consent of the other co-owners. This can be inconvenient if one co-owner wants to sell their share but the other co-owners do not. It can also be difficult to determine the value of each co-owner’s share if the property is sold, which can lead to disputes over the distribution of proceeds. HOW DOES JOINT TENANCY WORK IN TERMS OF PROPERTY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES? Joint tenancy is an ownership structure that comes with a whole host of rights and responsibilities. Under joint tenancy, each owner has an undivided interest in the whole property. This means that each owner has an equal right to use and possess the entire property. The upside of this provision is that no one owner can evict another owner without the consent of all owners. However, along with rights come responsibilities: each co-owner has an equal responsibility to contribute to the expenses and maintenance of the property. Joint tenancy can be created by a written agreement, such as a deed or a will, or it can be implied by the way the property is held. In order to create a joint tenancy, the owners must have the same interests in the property and take possession of the property at the same time. Joint tenancy can be terminated by one of the owners transferring their interest in the property to another person or entity, or by the owners agreeing to divide the property among themselves. It can also be terminated by a court order, such as in the case of divorce or other legal proceedings Joint tenancy may sound complicated on paper, but when understood properly, it can be a great tool for protecting your assets. CAN A TENANT SELL THEIR SHARE OF THE PROPERTY TO ANOTHER PARTY? As a joint tenant, an owner has the right to use and possess the entire property, but they do not have the right to sell their individual share of the property to another party without the consent of the other owners. This is because the right of survivorship means that the ownership interest of a joint tenant is automatically transferred to the surviving owners upon their death, rather than being transferred to another party through a sale, or passed on to an heir. However, a joint tenant can transfer their interest in the property if the transfer is ordered by a court. In order for the transfer to be effective, it must be done through a formal legal process, such as by executing a deed

RECAST MORTGAGE: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO YOU CALCULATE IT?

Are you a Real Estate Investor or home buyer looking for ways to save money on your mortgage? If so, you may be interested in learning about the concept of recasting mortgages. Recasting mortgages is a strategic mortgage repayment method that enables borrowers to reduce their monthly payments by paying down part of the principal balance – without having to refinance their loan. At MY SMART COUSIN, we understand the challenges of finding, financing, and even refinancing a house for you and your family, or purchasing an investment. We are an experienced Real Estate Investment coach who can help you weigh the pros and cons of various paths, and implement them with confidence. We specialize in helping new and aspiring real estate investors, particularly Black and Brown folks and women, buy and manage their first property, and buy a house for the price of a car. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what’s involved with recasting mortgages and how you can potentially benefit from them. We’ll also look into how to calculate a recast and explore some important pros and cons of this financing option. So if you’re tuned in and ready to learn more, let’s get started! WHAT IS A RECAST MORTGAGE AND HOW DOES IT WORK? The idea of a Recast Mortgage is pretty straightforward: you pay more toward the balance on your remaining loan payments, which reduces the principal. Now here’s where it gets interesting – that reduction means your monthly payment amount will go down. Generally, in order to benefit from a recast mortgage, you have to make a lump sum payment of anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the size of your loan. You must also be up‐to‐date with all regular payments, or the lender won’t consider recasting. However, if this is something you can do, then in no time you could potentially lower your interest rate and start seeing some real savings. Plus, this process allows you to keep the same terms of your existing loan so that any additional tax breaks due from it still apply. It really can’t get much better than that! HOW TO CALCULATE A RECAST MORTGAGE? Even if you’ve never heard of a recast mortgage, you may want to consider learning how to calculate one. With a recast mortgage, you can refinance your loan without actually refinancing–meaning you don’t have to go through the same lengthy process to get better terms on your loan. Calculating your recast mortgage repayment is simple. All you need to know is your existing balance and the principal amount of your extra payment. Then, subtract the extra payment from the existing balance and use that as the new balance for terms that better suit your needs. It’s an easy, stress-free way to get more out of your mortgage! THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE OPTING FOR A RECAST MORTGAGE Before you consider recasting your mortgage, there are some important points to keep in mind. While it can provide lower payments and more financial flexibility over the long haul, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. · First, talk with your lender as they may have their own specific requirements that need to be fulfilled before they agree to recast your mortgage. · You’ll also want to make sure you understand any fees associated with the process, as these often can add up quickly. · Finally, if you’re considering taking out extra money or increasing the size of your loan when you recast, be aware that this may put added strain on the rest of your finances. Evaluate your budget and the source of funds you will use to make the down payment, and e sure that you will still have access to emergency funds should an emergency occur. Overall, if done correctly, recasting could potentially prove to be an invaluable resource for those who find their current mortgage payments too high and are looking for relief. PROS AND CONS OF RECASTING YOUR MORTGAGE Recasting your mortgage can be a good idea if you have some extra cash to dedicate towards your monthly payments, as it can significantly reduce the time until what really is a generation-long loan— 30 years— is paid off. It may also lower the amount of interest that will accumulate given the shorter tenor, and save you some money in the long run. However, it’s important to look out for fees such as closing costs, as they may counteract any potential savings. Additionally, recasting isn’t available with all lending institutions, so it’s important to do your research and check what your current lender offers. If done correctly, recasting can be a great way to pay off your mortgage sooner than expected, with no refinancing or requalification processes. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO RECAST YOUR MORTGAGE Trying to figure out when the best time is to recast your mortgage can be daunting, however, it can be a great way to save tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a loan. Before considering recasting, it’s important to look at ways to lower your existing mortgage payments without increasing your loan amount or term. Paying off any credit cards that have higher interest rates first should be prioritized as this could help reduce monthly payments more than a mortgage recast would. Said another way, the cost of money with a credit card is 25% or even more, versus the cost of money with a mortgage at 7% to 8%. If you have a large credit card balance, say $10,000 or more, and are making minimum monthly payments, you are better served to pay off your credit card debt rather than recasting your mortgage. In terms of timing, experts often urge homeowners in a strong financial position to look into recasting after 12 months or more post the closing of their home, when they are more likely to have some extra cash saved up to cover the costs. Depending on lender policies, there may

WHAT IS A SPLIT-LEVEL HOUSE AND SHOULD YOU INVEST IN ONE?

Are you considering investing in Real Estate and torn between bungalows, two-story houses, and split-level homes? Purchasing a property can be an overwhelming process with critical decisions to make. Many investments require careful consideration regarding the type of house being purchased. Split-level homes are one such variety that has gained popularity over time, due to their unique design and multi-functionality. As such, split levels can be a great fit for a real estate investment portfolio.

THE F.I.R.E. PLAN – A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO REACH YOUR FINANCIAL POTENTIAL

Some people might think that financial success just boils down to buying low and selling high. While the timing and a bit of luck from buy-sale transactions are part of the equation, long-term financial stability and freedom also depend on the long-term ownership of assets such as real estate. There’s no question that successful Real Estate Investing requires thoughtful planning and execution. But it can be tough to know where to start. Think you’re stuck in a financial rut? MY SMART COUSIN can help get your life back on track. With our track record as an experienced Real Estate Investment Coach, we teach aspiring and new real estate investors, with a particular focus on Black and Brown folks and women, how to buy a house for the price of a car, as we have done dozens of times. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of the F.I.R.E. planning method, providing you with a step-by-step guide to reaching your financial potential. So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been investing for a while, read on to learn more! WHAT IS THE F.I.R.E. PLANNING METHOD AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS? Any financial planner worth their salt will tell you that one of the most important things you can do for your future is to start saving for retirement as early as possible. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow and recover from financial downturns. However, for many people, the thought of retirement and legacy wealth seems like years into the future, and they simply can’t imagine putting away money for something that feels so far away. This is where the F.I.R.E. planning process comes into play. F.I.R.E. stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. In other words, the F.I.R.E. method focuses on positioning you to achieve the kind of enduring financial freedom that allows you to cut the working cord now, not years into the future. The major benefits of this method are: ·   It allows you to map out a path to financial independence so that you can retire early. ·   It takes into account your current income and expenses and forecasts how much money you will need to save and/or generate each month in order to reach your goal. Spoiler alert—you will not be able to rely on reducing your expenses to achieve financial independence. Asset building, such as through real estate investment, will be key. ·   It provides advice on investing and offers other tips for achieving financial freedom, based on your lifestyle goals, expenses, and liabilities. While it may seem like a daunting task, with the help of the F.I.R.E. method, you can make your dream of early retirement a reality. HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN FIRE PLAN? If you’re looking to retire early, it’s important to have a plan in place. Creating a F.I.R.E. plan can help you get specific about how much is enough to replace the income you’re currently making, through investments and entrepreneurship. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating your own F.I.R.E. plan: ·   Determine your current financial situation. This includes understanding your income, expenses, debts, and investments. This will give you a baseline to work from as you create your plan. ·   Set your goals. What is your target retirement date? How much money do you need to have saved? What lifestyle do you want to maintain in retirement? Answering these questions will help you create a plan that is tailored to your specific goals. ·   Create a budget. Once you know your current financial situation and what your goals are, you can start to create a budget. This budget should account for both your current and future expenses. Make sure to include some flexibility in your budget so that you can account for unexpected costs. ·   Find ways to save money.  In order to retire early, you’ll need to save as much money as possible. One easy way to do this is to automate your savings so that a fixed amount is deposited into your retirement account each month. ·   Invest wisely. In addition to saving money, you’ll need to invest wisely in order to reach your goals. This means understanding the different types of investment options— from real estate investing, to stocks and bonds— and choosing the right mix of investments for your needs. It’s also important to periodically rebalance your portfolio so that it continues to align with your goals. Creating a F.I.R.E. plan can help ensure that you are on track to reach your goal of financial independence and retiring early. By following these steps, you can create a personalized roadmap that enables you to live comfortably today while moving your retirement date ever earlier. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO REACHING YOUR FINANCIAL POTENTIAL Achieving financial success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, discipline, and a commitment to learning and growing. However, if you’re willing to put in the work, it is possible to reach your financial potential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started: ·   Set realistic goals. Determine what you want to achieve financially and develop a plan to get there. Remember to be realistic and patient; wealth accumulation takes time. ·   Stay disciplined. Once you have a plan in place, stick to it. Discipline is key when it comes to money management. ·   Make learning a priority. Financial success requires continuous learning and growth. Seek out resources (books, articles, courses, etc.) that can help you become more financially savvy. ·   Take advantage of opportunities. When presented with an opportunity that you’ve thoroughly researched and has the potential to boost your financial situation, don’t hesitate to seize it. ·   Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and likewise, a foundation for lasting financial success can’t be rushed. Couple patience with consistency; eventually, you will reach your destination. FAQs ABOUT THE F.I.R.E. PLAN AND FINANCIAL PLANNING IN GENERAL If