FAIR MARKET VALUE: DEFINITION & CALCULATOR
Home buyers and investors often hear the term “fair market value” when talking about buying or selling a property. But what does it mean? Fair market value is defined as “the price at which a property would sell between a willing buyer and seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts.” But if you’re thinking about buying or selling a property, it’s important to have an idea of what fair market value is. And luckily, there’s an easy way to calculate it. We understand that buying a house can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to do. MY SMART COUSIN is here for all your Real Estate needs! Whether it’s finding an affordable property or helping with financing options so the process goes as smoothly as possible – as a Real Estate Investment Coach, we’ve got just about everything covered at this one-stop shop. We offer tailored solutions to every individual, with a particular focus on Black and Brown folks and women, in every aspect of investing, and particularly for those seeking to Buy a House for the Price of a car, our personal favorite to buy a property!
ARE MANUFACTURED HOMES A GOOD INVESTMENT IN 2023?
FINAL THOUGHTS So, are manufactured homes a good investment? The answer to that question depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. But with all the new features and benefits available now, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new home. And as more and more people are choosing them over traditional housing options, it seems likely that the market for manufactured homes will only continue to grow in years to come. If you’re ready to invest, we can help you find the perfect home for you. Give us a call today! YOU CAN ALSO READ: WHAT IS A DUPLEX AND SHOULD YOU INVEST IN ONE?FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN
WHAT IS A DUPLEX AND SHOULD YOU INVEST IN ONE?
Are you thinking of investing in real estate but aren’t sure where to start? A duplex might be a good option for you. But what is a duplex, exactly? And is it the right investment for you? A duplex is a type of property that is becoming increasingly popular with real estate investors. 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 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 post, we’ll answer questions on how to purchase a real investment property and the pros and cons of duplexes. So keep reading to learn more about duplexes and whether they are a good investment for you. WHAT IS A DUPLEX HOUSE AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OWNING ONE? A duplex is a two-family property that has two units, typically side-by-side or one on top of the other. Duplexes can be owner-occupied, with one unit rented out to generate income, or they can be purchased as investment properties, with both units leased to tenants. There are several benefits to owning a duplex. · First, duplexes offer an affordable way to enter the real estate market, since they typically cost less than the price of two single-family homes. · Second, they offer the opportunity to generate rental income, which can help offset the cost of ownership. · Finally, duplexes offer flexibility in terms of living arrangements: owners can choose to live in one unit and rent out the other, or they can rent out both units and live elsewhere. Ultimately, owning a duplex can be a smart financial decision for those looking to invest in real estate. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A DUPLEX IS A RIGHT INVESTMENT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? When it comes to investing in Real Estate, there are many different options to choose from. For those who are looking for a solid investment that will provide income and appreciation over time, a duplex can be a great option. But how do you know if a duplex is a right choice for you? There are a few things to consider before making this important decision. · First, take a look at your financial situation. Do you have enough saved up for a down payment? Are you comfortable with the amount of debt you would be taking on? Be sure to consult with a financial advisor to get a clear picture of what you can afford. · Next, consider your goals for the property. Are you looking for an investment that will generate a rental income? Or are you hoping to live in one unit and rent out the other? Make sure that your goals align with the type of property you’re considering. · Finally, think about the location and condition of the duplex. Is it close to public transportation and other amenities? Is it in need of any major repairs or updates? These are all important factors to consider when making your decision. By taking the time to think about these things, you can be sure that you’re making the right choice for your needs and goals. A duplex can be an excellent investment, but it’s not right for everyone. Be sure to do your research before making any decisions. WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN A DUPLEX, AND HOW CAN YOU MITIGATE THEM? One of the biggest considerations associated with investing in a duplex is determining whether you prefer to live far away from your renters, or a door knocks away. In many ways, renting out a duplex is like having a roommate upstairs or next door. If you prefer privacy or even anonymity when it comes to renting to a tenant, then a duplex may not be a great option. A related consideration when investing in a duplex is the potential for tenant turnover. If you rely on rental income to make your mortgage payment for the property, you could find yourself in a difficult situation if your tenant moves out unexpectedly. To mitigate this risk, it’s important to have a good relationship with your tenant and to keep your property well-maintained. Also on the list of risks is the possibility of damage to your property. While this is a risk for any investment property, it hits especially close to home if the damage affects the unit you live in as well, causing both a major financial setback and disruption to your family life. To protect yourself, it’s important to vet your potential tenant and purchase an adequate amount of home insurance. Finally, it’s important to be aware of the potential for increased maintenance costs. A duplex is essentially two homes wrapped in one, which means that there are twice as many potential problems that can arise. By budgeting for unexpected repairs and setting aside money each month, you can help cushion the blow if something goes wrong. While there are some risks associated with investing in a duplex property, there are also ways to mitigate those risks. By being prepared financially and maintaining a good relationship with your tenants, you can help protect yourself from potential pitfalls. ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OWNING A DUPLEX THAT INVESTORS SHOULD BE AWARE OF BEFORE MAKING THEIR DECISION? When it comes to duplexes, there are a few things that potential investors should keep in mind. · First, duplexes typically require a higher down payment than a single-family home. This is because lenders view them as more risky investments. · Additionally, duplexes also come with higher monthly carrying costs, such as property taxes and insurance premiums. · And finally, if you’re planning on living
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF MORTGAGE FOR A NEW REAL ESTATE INVESTOR?
We’ve all heard the old saying “ buy low, sell high. But what does that really mean? It means getting a great deal and then turning around so you can pass those savings on to your customer! MY SMART COUSIN helps as an experienced Real Estate Investment Coach position Black or Brown folk (especially women) to purchase their investment property quickly and knowledgeably by leveraging our skill set which has already helped many like ourselves achieve what everyone deserves – ownership of their own home! With our strategies and guidance, we help them buy a house for the price of a car. Are you thinking of investing in real estate? It can be a great way to build wealth over time, but it’s important to choose the right type of mortgage. So, what’s the best type of investor mortgage for a new real estate investor? Read on to find out! WHAT IS AN INVESTOR MORTGAGE AND HOW DOES IT WORK? An investor mortgage is a type of loan that is designed for people who are looking to purchase property for investment purposes. The key difference between an investor mortgage and a regular home loan is that the interest rate on an investor mortgage is typically higher. This is because lenders view investment property as a higher risk than a primary residence. As a result, people who are looking to take out an investor mortgage need to be prepared to make a higher monthly payment. However, the potential return on investment (ROI) can be much higher for an investment property than a primary residence, making an investor mortgage an attractive option for many people. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING AN INVESTOR MORTGAGE FOR A NEW REAL ESTATE INVESTOR? When you’re first starting out as a real estate investor, it can be tough to get approved for a traditional mortgage. That’s where an investor mortgage comes into play. Investor mortgages can be particularly helpful for new real estate investors, and they offer a number of benefits. YOU CAN ALSO READ: FEE SIMPLE OWNERSHIP VS. LEASEHOLD: KEY DIFFERENCES FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN
FEE SIMPLE OWNERSHIP VS. LEASEHOLD: KEY DIFFERENCES
When you’re considering buying a property, it’s important to understand the difference between fee simple ownership and leasehold. Why? Because with fee simple ownership, you own the property outright – there are no restrictions on what you can do with it. With a leasehold, on the other hand, you only reside in the property for a limited period of time; after that, the property reverts to the owner. Additionally, leaseholders may be subject to certain restrictions, such as not being able to make changes to the interior or exterior of the property, something that can be particularly important when considering a commercial property that may need to be redesigned to accommodate a particular business type. So before you open your wallet, be sure to fully understand the implications of each type of ownership. MY SMART COUSIN Want to get into property ownership? We can help you move from vision to execution! At MY SMART COUSIN, we provide the expertise and resources for budding property investors and homebuyers of all stripes, especially those who are looking to buy a house for the price of a car, the same way we have dozens of times. As Real Estate Investment Coaches, we work with aspiring homeowners and investors, with a particular focus on Black and Brown folks and women, to develop and implement an investment strategy, including, whether you should consider fee simple or leasehold ownership. WHAT IS FEE SIMPLE OWNERSHIP? Fee simple ownership is the most complete form of ownership. The owner has full use and enjoyment of the property and can dispose of it as he or she wishes. There are two types of fee simple ownership: Fee Simple Absolute and Fee Simple Defeasible. · Fee Simple Absolute is the most common type of fee simple ownership. The owner has an unrestricted right to enjoy and dispose of the property. · Fee Simple Defeasible is less common and may be subject to certain conditions, such as the payment of taxes, or compliance with zoning regulations. In either case, fee simple ownership gives the owner a great deal of control over the property. WHAT IS A LEASEHOLD? When you hear the word “leasehold,” you might think of leasing a car. But in the context of real estate, a leasehold is an ownership interest in land that is leased from a lessor. · The most common type of leasehold is a residential lease, in which a tenant pays rent to a landlord in exchange for the right to live on the property. Leasehold structures are often used for manufactured housing, where the manufactured house itself might be owned by the resident, but the land that the house sits on is leased. · Commercial leases are also common and can involve anything from office space to parking lots. Leaseholds can be either short-term or long-term, and usually include an option to renew the lease at the end of the term. In some cases, a leasehold may also give the tenant the right to purchase the property outright. Whether you’re looking for a place to live or a place to do business, it’s important to understand the basics of leaseholds before signing any documents. SOME OF THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FEE SIMPLE OWNERSHIP AND LEASEHOLD When you purchase a home, you may choose between fee simple ownership and leasehold ownership. While both options offer the potential for long-term stability and security, there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your decision. · Fee simple ownership gives you full and unencumbered ownership of your home. This means that you will own the property with effectively no strings attached, and can do with it as you please. Because you own the property in full, you also own all of the attendant obligations including responsibility for maintenance, repairs, property taxes, and property insurance. Leasehold ownership, on the other hand, does not provide the same level of control and the same scope of responsibility. Instead, you will be leasing the property from a landlord for a set period of time. During the lease period, you will be responsible for paying rent and following any rules or regulations that are set by the landlord. You will also be responsible for paying utilities and other expenses that the landlord assigns to you in the lease, such as trash, pest control, and landscaping. At the end of the lease, the property will revert to the landlord. Another key difference between fee simple ownership and leasehold ownership is the length of time that each option provides. · Fee simple ownership is typically permanent, meaning that you will own the property for as long as you wish. Leasehold ownership, meanwhile, is typically much shorter in duration. Most leases are for a maximum of 99 years, after which point the property will revert to the landlord. This means that if you purchase a leasehold property, you should be prepared to relinquish ownership at some point in the future. Next, it is important to note that fee simple ownership typically offers more security than leasehold ownership. This is because fee-simple ownership gives you full control over your property, while leasehold ownership leaves many decisions up to the landlord. As such, fee simple ownership may be a better option if you are looking for a long-term investment. · Fee simple ownership is typically more expensive than leasehold ownership because you are buying the property outright, and with it, the attendant risks, taxes, and obligations of ownership. With a leasehold, you are only paying for the right to use the property for a set period. Some leases, particularly very long-term leases, require that some portion of maintenance be paid by the lessee, so you will want to explore and negotiate this. · The duration of a fee simple ownership property is effectively forever, or until the owner sells it. Leasehold properties usually have a maximum lease duration of 99 years, and in practice, are
HOW TO BUILD UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTOR
Real estate investing is a process that can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. On the one hand, it’s an opportunity to earn passive income and grow your wealth. On the other hand, it’s also a big risk. This is where MY SMART COUSIN comes in! At MY SMART COUSIN, we offer tailored solutions in every aspect of real estate investment and homeownership, with a particular focus on Black, Brown, and women real estate investors. Whether you’re looking to buy a house for the price of a car, or are looking to buy at a higher price point, we can help you proceed confidently and take you from strategy to a targeted list of matching properties, to negotiation, financing, closing, and property management. There are so many things that can go wrong when considering property investment, and it’s easy to second-guess yourself. So, how do you build confidence and knowledge in your gut that you’re making the right decisions as a budding real estate investor? The answer is simple: knowledge. The more you know about real estate investing, the more confident you will be, positioning you to grow your experience, the second component in building confidence. And the best way to gain knowledge is by doing your research and learning from others who have gone before you. Here are a few tips to get you started: · READ BOOKS AND BLOGS ABOUT REAL ESTATE INVESTING There is a wealth of free information available. Of course, caution is a must, as not all that glitters is gold. To sharpen your Spidey senses and ability to find hidden property gems, start reading and educating yourself about the process of real estate investing. And don’t stop at just one book or blog post—keep reading and learning as much as you can. The more you know, the more confident you will be. · JOIN A LOCAL OR ONLINE GROUP OF REAL ESTATE INVESTORS These groups are full of experienced investors who are happy to share their knowledge with newcomers. By joining one of these groups, you’ll have access to a wealth of information and experience that you can tap into when needed. · MEET WITH OTHER REAL ESTATE INVESTORS IN YOUR AREA This is a great way to network and learn about different investment strategies firsthand. You might even find some partners for future deals! · DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE Before making any investment, you must do your due diligence. This means doing your research and being armed with as much knowledge as possible about the property and the market. When you have all the facts, it’s easier to make decisions with confidence. If you’re ever feeling hesitant, go back and review your numbers. This will help remind you why this is a good investment. · HAVE A MENTOR Having someone who can guide and support you is crucial when starting any new venture—and real estate investing is no different. Find someone who has been successful in this business and ask for their advice. Having a mentor will help boost your confidence because you’ll know that there’s someone in your corner who believes in you and wants to see you succeed. · TAKE SMALL STEPS Investing in real estate doesn’t have to mean buying a huge property, sight unseen. Start small by focusing on wholesaling or low-cost fix-and-flip properties in your local area. Once you have some skin in the game and see first-hand what it takes (and how rewarding it can be), then you can start thinking about bigger investments down the road. · SET SMALL GOALS AND ACHIEVE THEM One of the best ways to build confidence is to set small goals and then achieve them. When you take the time to celebrate your wins—no matter how small they may be—you’re reminding reiterating yourself that you can achieve your goals. This will give you the boost you need to keep going when the going gets tough. · GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE One of the best ways to grow as a person—and as an investor—is to regularly get out of your comfort zone. When you challenge yourself and step outside of your norm, you’ll expand your learning, gain new skills, and build your confidence in the process. You may not always succeed when you attempt something new, but each time you try, you’ll become just a little bit better and more confident. FINAL THOUGHTS Building unshakable confidence as a real estate investor takes time and effort. But it’s worth pursuing because when you’re confident in your abilities, you’re more likely to succeed. So start reading, join some groups, and get out there and meet people. The more you know, the more effective you can be! YOU CAN ALSO READ: WHAT IS THE GROSS RENT MULTIPLIER (GRM) IN REAL ESTATE? FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN
CAP RATE EXPLAINED AS WE BEGIN EYING 2023, AND WHY IT MATTERS WITH RENTAL PROPERTIES
In some parts of the country, rental properties are in high demand. This is due to several reasons including people wanting to downsize, people wanting to live in a more walkable /livable area, and greater interest in trading away the cost and time of home maintenance for a maintenance-free lifestyle. Whatever the reason, the net result is that renters will always be a preferred or required lifestyle for a large segment of the population. As such, it pays to understand cap rates and how they are calculated. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a cap rate is and why it’s important when buying or selling a rental property. So whether you’re a landlord interested in understanding what your property is worth or someone curious about the real estate market, this blog post has got you covered! WHAT IS A CAP RATE AND WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES? A cap rate, short for capitalization rate, is a simple but important metric for evaluating investment properties. It tells you the expected rate of return on a real estate investment, expressed as a percentage. As an example, let’s say you’re considering buying a residential property. You’ve run the numbers and estimated the market value of the property, after renovations, at $100,000. If you rent the property for $1,500 per month, then your annual rental revenues are $18,000. Your rent revenues, however, are not the return you earn on the property— your return is your rent revenues minus your operating expenses. Operating expenses include property management, maintenance expenses, and property taxes. Let’s say that these expenses add up to $8,000 a year; with $8,00 in operating expenses, your operating income will be $10,000, yielding a cap rate of 10%. Why are cap rates important? Because the cap rate gives you a yardstick to compare different investment opportunities. For example, let’s say you’re considering two rental property investments. Property A has a purchase price of $100,000 and an annual operating of $10,000. Property B has a purchase price of $400,000 and an annual operating income of $20,000. Which one provides a higher return on investment? At first glance, it might seem like Property B does because the net operating income is twice as high. But when you look at the cap rates, things look different. Property A has a cap rate of 10% ( $10,000 / $100,000), while Property B has a cap rate of just 5% ( $20,000 / $400,000). That means that Property A will generate twice the return on your investment as Property B. So even though Property B has a higher absolute return in total dollars, it’s a less profitable investment when considering the return against the amount of money invested. Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing an investment property. But the cap rate is a good place to start because it gives you a clear picture of the potential return percentage on your investment. And that’s why it’s a particularly useful tool for rental property investments. EXAMPLES OF HOW THE CAP RATE CAN BE USED FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS One way the cap rate can be used for real estate investments is to help you determine how much rental income you need to earn, or what your maximum operating expenses should be, in order to achieve a target cap rate. Let’s imagine that you are considering purchasing a property that has no rental history. The property is selling for $100,000, and your goal is to realize a minimum cap rate of 5%. You have obtained quotes from several property managers; the consensus is that property management costs plus maintenance are $6,000 a year. Your property insurance is $2,000, bringing you to a total of $8,000 in expenses. The initial rent you were targeting for the property was $1,000 a month, or $12,000 a year. But subtracting $8,000 from this leaves a net operating income of $4,000, or a 4% cap rate. You quickly realize that your rent will need to be on the order of $13,000 a year, or $1,083 a month, in order to achieve a 5% cap rate. HOW YOU CAN USE THE CAP RATE TO MAKE MORE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENTS There are a few things to keep in mind when using the cap rate. First, it’s important to look at the cap rate in context. Meaning, you will want to compare properties with similar risks and rewards. For example, a property that requires significant renovations is likely to have a lower cap rate than a property that’s move-in ready. Likewise, a property that’s in a high-demand location such as near a desirable school district is likely to command a rent premium versus one that isn’t. Second, it’s important to remember that the cap rate is only an estimate. Your actual return on investment may be higher or lower than the projected cap rate. Therefore, it’s important to do your due diligence and research properties thoroughly before investing. By considering these factors, you can use the cap rate to make more informed decisions about which investment properties are right for you. SUMMARY So, what is a cap rate? In short, it’s the projected annual return on an investment property— after operating expenses— divided by the property’s market value. It matters for rental properties because it can help investors determine whether a particular property is worth buying. YOU CAN ALSO READ: THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF OWNING TURNKEY RENTAL PROPERTIES FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN
THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF OWNING TURNKEY RENTAL PROPERTIES
Turnkey rental properties have been growing in popularity over the past few years. Many investors are considering them as an option for their portfolio, and for good reason—they can be a great way to get started in real estate investing. Whether your focus is buying one investment property or a large portfolio, buying a high-end property or a low-cost one, you need a strategy that is customized to your interests, and a coach dedicated to making it happen. In other words, MY SMART COUSIN. At MY SMART COUSIN, we offer tailored solutions in every aspect of real estate ownership, with a particular focus on Black, Brown, and women real estate investors. Whether you’re looking to buy a house for the price of a car, or are looking to buy at a higher price point, we can take you from strategy to a targeted list of matching properties, to negotiation, financing, closing, and property management. If you are considering investing in a particular type of real estate— turnkey rental property— you’re not alone. Turnkey rentals have been growing in popularity, thanks to their many advantages. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand what turnkey properties are, and what to look for when choosing one. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of turnkey rentals and help you decide if this investment is right for you. Stay tuned! WHAT ARE TURNKEY RENTAL PROPERTIES AND HOW DO THEY WORK? A turnkey rental property is a property that is ready to rent out as soon as you purchase it. This means that everything from the kitchen appliances to the furniture is included in the sale. The value of this structure is that you won’t need to make any additional investments in the property after you close, bringing you that much closer to earning immediate rental income. While turnkey properties can be more expensive than properties that require some renovations, they can also be a great way to get started in the rental market without any additional hassle. And, since the property is already generating income or can be positioned to generate income in short order, you’ll have a much easier time qualifying for a mortgage to finance the investment. If you’re thinking about purchasing a rental property, be sure to ask your real estate agent if there are any turnkey options available. ARE TURNKEY RENTAL PROPERTIES A GOOD INVESTMENT? Turnkey rentals typically come with a higher price tag than properties that need some work. That’s because you’re paying for the convenience of having a property that’s immediately lease-ready, as well as the cost of the renovations, fixtures, and in some cases, even furniture, that the seller paid for. And while turnkey properties can be a good option for busy investors who don’t have the time or inclination to take on repairs, it’s important to remember that you’ll trade off some control over the design and layout of the property if you go this route. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preferences. So, is a turnkey rental property right for you? If you’re looking for a property that is wrapped up in a pretty now and can offer immediate cashflow, a turnkey rental can be a great option. Just be sure to do your homework before making any decisions – and remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect investment! WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF OWNING A TURNKEY RENTAL PROPERTY? The concept of owning a turnkey rental property can be appealing to many investors, but it’s important to consider both the pros and the cons before making a purchase. · On the plus side, turnkey rental properties will take much less time to bring to market versus a property that has to be gutted and renovated. · Additionally, turnkey rentals are often located in desirable neighborhoods or areas that are primed for growth, which can make them easier to rent and command higher rents. On the downside, turnkey rental properties can come with some risks. If the seller went over budget on the cost of renovation, or perhaps worse, if the seller totally ignored or cut corners in some areas of the property to save money, then the seller’s bloated budget or shortcuts will become your problem. In short, it’s important to do your due diligence before investing in any turnkey property. HOW DO YOU FIND THE RIGHT TURNKEY RENTAL PROPERTY TO INVEST IN FOR YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS? There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re trying to find the right turnkey rental property to invest in. Front and center should be your budget, your goals for the property, and what kind of property will be a good fit for you. If you’re not sure where to start, it can be helpful to talk to a real estate agent or property investment coach who specializes in turnkey investments. They’ll be able to help you figure out what your options are, and what kinds of properties are available in your price range. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, you can start looking at specific properties and see which ones seem like they would be the best fit for your needs. With a little bit of homework, you should be able to find the perfect turnkey rental property for your needs. FINAL THOUGHTS So, are turnkey rental properties a good investment for you? That answer depends on a lot of factors, including your goals, budget, and the market where you live. But as with any investment, it’s important to do your research and understand what you’re getting into before making a decision. We hope this article has helped give you some insight into what turnkey rental properties are all about and how they work. If you have any questions or want more information, be sure to reach out to us – we’d be happy to help! YOU CAN ALSO READ: WHAT HOMEBUYERS WANT: THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN
WHAT HOMEBUYERS WANT: THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES
It’s no secret that the housing market continues to be hot, even with high prices and higher mortgage rates in the mix. In May of this year, average home prices hit a record high of $400,000 and then some, despite surging inflation and the resulting downward pressure it placed on sales. But even when prices are generally high across the board, there are always bargains to be had, if you know where to look. What if I told you that you can buy a house for the price of a car! At MY SMART COUSIN, we help you achieve your real estate investment goals, using tools and channels that are often overlooked by others. As your Real Estate Investment Coach, we have the skills and expertise to position almost everyone, with a particular focus on Black & Brown folks and women, for success in this competitive market. With planning, persistence, and guidance, you can buy a house for the price of a car and finally get your foot in the door of home ownership and property investment! If you’re in the market for a new home, you know there are a lot of things to consider. How big should it be? What’s the commute like? What’s the neighborhood like? It can be tough to figure out what’s important to you, and even tougher to find the right home that meets all your needs. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top features homebuyers are looking for in a new property. So whether you’re just starting your search or you’ve been looking for months and still haven’t found “the one,” read on for some valuable advice. WHAT ARE HOME BUYERS LOOKING FOR? Homebuyers are looking for features that will make their lives easier, as well as add value to the home. Popular features that continue to stand the test of time include energy-efficient treatments throughout the house (think insulation and solar panels as well as efficient appliances and windows), open floor plans, and smart technology. Homebuyers are also interested in outdoor living spaces, a flexible space that they can use as an office (given the COVID ripples felt in the work world), and everyone’s favorite— updated kitchens and bathrooms. Let’s dive into some of the most important attributes at the top of that homebuyers’ lists. · LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION The location of the house is one of the most important features that a homebuyer looks for, as centrality to required locations (school and work) and neighborhood favorites (shopping and restaurants) is key when choosing a home. The factors that you prioritize are ultimately a personal choice. For instance, most homeowners want to live near the city, but not smack-dab among the bright lights and car horns of downtown. Likewise, many homeowners rank peace and quiet high on their list, but not at the expense of living far from civilization (particularly if playmates for children are important). The perfect balance is a neighborhood that’s close enough to the city center for accessibility, but far enough away from noise and chaos. Also high on many people’s lists is an established area. An area that has plenty of amenities like schools, hospitals, parks, and shopping centers is far more attractive than the prospect of living in a construction zone. beylikdüzü escort bayan, gaziantep escort, ataköy escort, esenyurt escort, seks hikayesi, kayseri escort, şişli escort, beylikdüzü escort, beylikdüzü escort · UPDATED KITCHEN AND BATHROOM When it comes to buying a home, everyone has different tastes and styles. But some features endure no matter your preferences. A modern kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important attributes that home buyers look for. A kitchen is the heart of the home, and a bathroom, particularly one that has a spa-like sense of tranquility, is a place to relax and rejuvenate. Neither of these rooms should feel dated or cramped. A well-designed kitchen should have plenty of storage space and counter space, while a bathroom should feel clean, uncluttered, and serene. · HARDWOOD FLOORS Flooring is one of the most important things that home buyers look for when they are purchasing a new home. Many people believe that hardwood floors are the best type of flooring to have in a home. Although hardwood floors are beautiful, they can also be very expensive. Great alternatives are vinyl plank flooring which comes with the added advantage of being waterproof, and laminate or tile. · ENERGY-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT According to a recent study, the most important features that home buyers look for are energy-efficient equipment such as solar panels, draft-free windows and doors, high-efficiency furnaces, water heaters and appliances, and a well-insulated and solid structure. While energy-efficient fittings can add to the purchase price of the home, the savings can last for many years. 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Potential uses range from having a play space for kids to backyard barbecues and entertaining, to having an open area for pets to run around. Patios are natural additions for backyards as they extend your indoor living area, convert your lawn into usable space, and add significant value to your
NO SECRETS – THE FUNDAMENTALS OF REAL ESTATE INVESTING SUCCESS
There’s no hiding the fact that real estate investing can be incredibly lucrative. But like any other business venture, there are no guarantees. If you’re looking to get into the world of real estate investing, it’s important to arm yourself with as much information as possible so that you can make informed decisions and increase your chances for success. At MY SMART COUSIN, we help aspiring homeowners and investors, with a particular focus on Black and Brown folks and women, make their Real Estate investment journey a success. As experienced and successful Real Estate Investors and Coaches, we help you determine your strategy and implement a custom-designed business and financing roadmap. And if your focus is on the lower end of the market, we help you buy a house for the price of a car, our personal favorite way to buy real estate! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the basics of real estate investing, and highlight key factors to keep in mind if you’re just starting out. Let’s dive in! THE BASICS OF REAL ESTATE INVESTING- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Real estate investing is a great way to make money and build long-term wealth. However, it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. There can be pitfalls aplenty, and patience, expertise, and persistence are required to be successful. The basics of investing in real estate are as follows: · First, you need to find good properties that have the potential to appreciate in value. If the properties will be rental properties, they also must provide steady rental income. A good rule of thumb for rental properties is to buy the property for no more than 100 times the monthly rent. Is it a single-family house renting for $1,000 a month? Add two zeros to the end, taking you to $100,000, which should be your maximum purchase price. Are you looking at multifamily that generates $5,000 a month in rental income? Adding two zeros means you should pay no more than $500,000. The two-zero rule, of course, has many exceptions, but it gives you a quick snapshot of the property’s price relative to its income potential. · Once you’ve found a good property, you need to finance it. You can do this by taking out a loan from a third party such as a hard-money lender or private individual, obtaining seller financing, bringing in others as equity partners or investors, or using your own savings. If you’re using a loan, you’ll need to make sure that the interest rate, any fees, and other terms still make the deal profitable and affordable for you. If you’re involving partners or equity investors, you’ll need to ensure that your investment strategy and goals for the property are aligned, and roles are clearly defined. You will almost certainly want to engage the services of a lawyer for partnership and equity investment deals. · After you’ve purchased the property, you’ll need to manage it properly in order to maximize its value. Property management can either be handled by you, or by a third-party professional manager who is paid a fee. In either case, property management boils down to making sure that the property is well-maintained, good tenants are identified and in place, customer service is a priority, maintenance is timely, and rent is collected on time. Real estate investing is not for everyone, but it can be a great way to build long-term wealth. If you’re willing to put in the work, it can be a very profitable endeavor. HOW TO FIND THE BEST PROPERTIES AND MAKE THE RIGHT OFFERS You’ve finally decided you’re ready to take the plunge and buy an investment property. But where do you start? And how do you make sure you’re getting a good deal? Here are a few tips to help you find the best properties and make the right offers. · First, do your homework. Research the market and talk to experts to get a feel for what kind of property is likely to appreciate in value, and how to assess the rental rate for a unit. Explore MeetUp and Facebook groups as a first step in learning from others. · Next, once you’ve found a few properties that meet your criteria, it’s time to start making offers. It’s important to be realistic with your offers, based on the current market value of the property and its potential for growth. Don’t be afraid to negotiate hard – but also be prepared to walk away if the seller isn’t willing to meet your terms. WHAT KIND OF RENOVATIONS WILL GIVE YOU THE BIGGEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT When it comes to renovations, there are a lot of factors to consider. How much will the project cost? How much value will it add to your property? And how long will it take to recoup your investment? If you’re planning a renovation and hoping to get the biggest return on your investment, here are a few projects to consider: · Updating the kitchen is always a good bet. A well-designed kitchen can add significant value to your investment property, and it’s something that potential buyers and renters alike will definitely notice. · Adding an extra bathroom, even a half bath, is another great way to increase your property’s value. Particularly if you’re flipping the property, an extra bathroom can be a real selling point. · Finishing your basement is another great option. A finished basement can be used as extra living space or even rented out for additional income. Whatever renovation you decide to undertake, make sure you do your research and plan carefully. With a little forethought, you can make sure your renovation adds both value and curb appeal to your home. HOW TO MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FOR MAXIMUM PROFITABILITY As a property investor, you know that there’s more to success than simply acquiring as many rental properties as possible. To really maximize your profitability, you need to carefully manage your property portfolio. Here are a few tips for