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
A HOMEBUYER’S GUIDE TO THE ESCROW PROCESS
When most people think of buying a house, the first thing that comes to mind is the mortgage. How will you afford it? How much can you borrow? What is the likely interest rate? Can you find an affordable property? These are all important questions to be considered. Despite inflation, high mortgage rates, and the newly declared recession-lite phase of the economy, the housing market remains hot. At MY SMART COUSIN, we work with aspiring real estate investors and homeowners, and particularly Black and Brown folks and women, to help you find properties that fit your needs! As your Real Estate Investment Coach, we will walk you through evaluating the current property landscape and develop a custom-tailored plan on how best to invest your money and buy a house for the price of a car. One element of purchasing a property is the escrow process. While this process can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. This guide will walk you through the key steps, from start to finish. So whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced pro, read on for all the info you need. WHAT IS AN ‘ESCROW’ AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? Escrow is a system where two parties involved in a transaction (usually a buyer and seller) deposit all funds and property related to the transaction with a non-related third party. This third party holds the funds and assets until all conditions of the deal are met before finally releasing them to the appropriate party. This process helps to ensure that both parties uphold their end of the bargain before any money or property changes hands. In real estate transactions, for example, the buyer typically deposits funds with an escrow agent at the beginning of the sale process. Once all contingencies are met and both parties are satisfied, the escrow company will release the funds to the seller. Escrow can also involve other assets besides money, such as intellectual property or physical belongings. By entrusting these items to a third party, both parties can be sure that they will receive what they are owed promptly. HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE ESCROW PROCESS? The escrow process can be confusing and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for escrow: · First, be sure to choose a reputable escrow company. Ask for recommendations from your real estate agent, attorney, or financial advisor. · Second, make sure you have all of your documents in order. This includes your purchase contract, loan papers, and any other pertinent paperwork. · Third, be prepared to pay any necessary fees. This may include an escrow fee, loan origination fee, and/or title insurance premium. · Fourth, be patient! The escrow process can take several weeks to complete. But once it’s finished, you’ll be the proud owner of your new home. WHAT TO DO DURING THE ESCROW PROCESS? Once you’ve found a home you want to purchase and made an offer that’s been accepted by the seller, it’s time to enter escrow. Escrow is the period between when your offer on a home is accepted and when the sale finally closes and you become the legal owner. During this time, your real estate agent will be working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you can expect during the escrow process: 1. Your agent will order a title search to make sure there are no outstanding claims or liens on the property. 2. The lender will order a home appraisal to make sure the property is worth at least as much as the loan amount. 3. You’ll need to get insurance for the property. 4. The escrow company will prepare all the necessary paperwork for the closing. 5. You’ll need to sign all the paperwork and wire the down payment and closing costs to the escrow company. 6. The seller will transfer the deed to you and you’ll be given the keys to your new home! WHAT TO DO AFTER THE ESCROW PROCESS IS COMPLETE? So you’ve finally made it to the end of the escrow process. Congrats! You’re now the proud owner of a new home. But what comes next? Here are a few things to keep in mind in the days and weeks following the close of escrow: · Pat yourself on the back – you’ve just accomplished one of the biggest milestones in your life! Make sure to celebrate accordingly. · Get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance company and set up coverage for your new home. · Start thinking about any customizations or renovations you might want to make to your new place. A little bit of planning now will save you a lot of headaches down the road. · If you’re moving from out of state, start researching local schools and amenities so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. · Most importantly, take some time to relax and enjoy your new home. You’ve earned it. SUMMING IT UP So, there you have it! Your comprehensive homebuyers guide to the escrow process. Escrow may seem challenging at first glance, but with our helpful tips and a little preparation, you’ll be ready to take on this important step in the homebuying journey. Are you excited? We certainly are! If you have any questions about escrow or would like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help. Until next time, happy house hunting! YOU CAN ALSO READ: HOW TO ESTIMATE YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY EXPENSES FOLLOW US: @MYSMARTCOUSIN