ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE GOOD TIMES & THE BAD TIMES THAT COME ALONG WITH REAL ESTATE INVESTING?
Real estate investing is often touted as a lucrative venture, promising both financial stability and wealth accumulation. However, seasoned investors know that the path to success is not a smooth one. The world of real estate can be both rewarding and challenging, with its fair share of good times and bad times. 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, we will explore the various aspects of real estate investing and discuss how to prepare yourself for the roller coaster ride that comes along with it. UNDERSTANDING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET To navigate the ups and downs of real estate investing, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the market. This includes studying market trends, analyzing supply and demand and researching economic indicators. By staying informed, you can make well-researched decisions about when to buy, sell or hold onto properties. GOOD TIMES IN REAL ESTATE INVESTING CHALLENGES IN REAL ESTATE INVESTING STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE RISKS FINAL THOUGHTS Real estate investing can be a rewarding journey filled with both good times and bad times. By understanding the market, being aware of the challenges and putting plans in place to mitigate risks, you can better prepare yourself for the highs and lows of this dynamic industry. Remember, patience, perseverance and a long-term mindset are essential qualities for success. So buckle up and get ready for the roller coaster ride that comes with real estate investing – the opportunities for growth and wealth creation await those who are prepared. YOU CAN ALSO READ: THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN STUDENT HOUSING: A LUCRATIVE NICHE MARKETFOLLOW 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
REFINANCING RENTAL PROPERTY IN 2022: A REAL ESTATE INVESTOR’S GUIDE
Have you been thinking about refinancing your rental property? If so, you’re not alone. Refinancing continues to remain popular with homeowners and real estate investors as a vehicle for locking in interest rates rather than chancing escalating rates under a variable mortgage, or unlocking the appreciated value of a property through a so-called cash re-fi structure. At MY SMART COUSIN, we help homeowners and investors, and especially Black and Brown folks and women, optimize their real estate investment, management, and ownership strategy. As your Real Estate Investment Coach, we’ll help you evaluate the residential property market in terms of the many opportunities that continue to be available, even in today’s high-priced market, and step you through our proven roadmap to buy a house for the price of a car! Whether you are a current or aspiring real estate investor, chances are high that one of the criteria you use to evaluate opportunities is ROI or return on investment. One way to increase the ROI of a real estate investment is to refinance the property at a lower interest rate, at a higher leverage rate, or both. This guide will get you thinking through the questions and answers needed to make the best decision for your portfolio. Let’s read on to learn more! WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REFINANCE A RENTAL PROPERTY, AND WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER DOING IT NOW? Refinancing a rental property refers to taking out a new loan to replace an existing loan. There are many reasons why you might want to refinance your rental property, but some common reasons include: · To obtain a lower interest rate and thereby save money on your monthly mortgage payments. · To tap into the equity you’ve built up in the property by obtaining a mortgage that reflects the higher value of the property. · To switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. · To shorten the loan term and build equity more quickly. In general, it’s a good idea to refinance if you can get a lower interest rate and/or reduce your monthly payments. Tapping into the equity value of the property through a cash re-fi can also be a great way to put the stored value of these funds to use. As for why you would specifically pursue refinancing in 2022, there are a few reasons: · Even with 30-year mortgage rates currently sitting at a relatively lofty 5.75% – 6% rate, a nearly three-point jump from July 2021’s rate of 2.8%, mortgage rates are forecasted to trend even higher in the next few years. As such, trading in a variable rate mortgage now for a fixed rate loan allows you to avoid the risk and cost of continued inflation and higher rates. · The housing market is expected to cool off in the next few years, so refinancing now could help you tap into equity while today’s housing prices, while they’re still high. · The government is expected to implement changes to the tax code that could make refinancing less beneficial. Refinancing before those changes go into effect may help you save money. Refinancing can be a complex process. When considering strategies that could impact your taxes, meet with your accountant first. Likewise, be sure to speak with your financial advisor to ensure that your specific financial position is considered in your strategy. THE BENEFITS OF REFINANCING A RENTAL PROPERTY There are several benefits to refinancing a rental property. · Perhaps the most obvious is that it can help to lower your mortgage payments. If you have been searching for ways to lower expenses, refinancing may give you the financial breathing room you need. · If a cash re-if is done, the funds obtained from the refinancing can be used to increase the value of your property. By taking out the proceeds from the loan and making improvements to your rental property, you can make the property more attractive to potential tenants, increasing retention and the rental amount. · Finally, refinancing can allow you to tap into the equity you’ve built up. This can be helpful in finding a growth strategy. In short, there are several advantages that accrue from refinancing a rental property. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN REFINANCING YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY Before taking the plunge into the refinancing market, there are a few things to keep in mind to get you started on your journey: · First, make sure you compare rates from multiple lenders to get the best deal. · Second, beware of prepayment penalties, which can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you try to refinance before your loan term is up. · Finally, remember that closing costs can add up, so be sure to factor them into your refinancing decision. If you keep these things in mind, refinancing your property can be a great way to save money and make improvements. THE PROCESS OF REFINANCING A RENTAL PROPERTY The refinancing process can be a bit complicated, but it essentially boils down to these steps: · Shop around for the best rates and terms. · Gather all the necessary documentation. · Apply for the new loan · Wait for approval and close on the loan. · Use the funds from the new loan to pay off the old one. HOW TO FIND THE BEST REFINANCING DEALS No one likes overpaying for anything, least of all when it comes to making expenditures on an investment that is meant to pay you money. If you’re looking to refinance your rental property, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best possible deal: · First, talk to multiple lenders and compare their offers. Pay attention to both the interest rate and any fees or points so that you can do an item-by-item comparison across lenders. · Second, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Let each lender
HOW MANY MORTGAGES CAN YOU HAVE? A REAL ESTATE INVESTOR’S GUIDE
As a Real Estate Investor, you’re always looking for new opportunities. And Real Estate is full of options to start or grow your portfolio, including being able to Buy a house for the price of a car. We all know that the housing market is crazy. There are so many options and terms being thrown at us these days. Thankfully, MY SMART COUSIN has been around helping aspiring homeowners and investors, and particularly Black and Brown folks and women, buy a house for the price of a car and manage their money with confidence, be it a first home or an investment property. As your seasoned Real Estate Investment Coach, we’ll guide you through every step of the process so that your journey is well-planned and successful! When it comes to mortgages, how many is too many? This question is one that a lot of real estate investors and home buyers are asking themselves. While there isn’t necessarily a strict answer, having too many mortgages can lead to some serious financial trouble. In this post, we’re going to take a look at how to take on and manage multiple mortgages. Keep reading to learn more! WHAT IS A MORTGAGE AND HOW DOES IT WORK? A mortgage is an agreement between the borrower and a mortgage lender to buy a property. The borrower agrees to make regular payments, over a set period, to the lender for the purchase of a house, car, or other assets. In return, the lender agrees to provide the borrower with the money needed to make the purchase, and places a lien on the property or asset in order to ensure that should you say, forget to make payments, you will receive a helpful reminder in the form of a foreclosure notice, should you not cure the delinquency. Mortgage loans are typically used to purchase homes, but they can also be used to finance the construction of a new home or make renovations to an existing one. The terms of a mortgage loan will vary, depending on the type of property being purchased, the size of the loan, and the financial history of the borrower. However, all mortgage loans will require the borrower to make payments comprising principal and interest, either regularly such as monthly, or all in one go such as a balloon payment. Mortgages can be either fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans. Fixed-rate loans have an interest rate that remains constant for the life of the loan, while adjustable-rate loans have an interest rate that can fluctuate in response to changes in market conditions. A mortgage is a loan that allows you to finance the purchase of a property. When you take out a mortgage, the lender agrees to lend you a certain amount of money for a set period— for instance, three very long decades in the case of most conventional mortgages, or perhaps only 10 years if you buy your home for the price of a car. In exchange, you agree to make payments on the loan, plus interest. The lender also has certain rights to the home itself until the mortgage is paid off in full. For example, if you stop making payments, the lender may have the right to foreclose on the home and sell it to recoup their losses. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared to service the mortgage before taking it on. HOW MANY MORTGAGES CAN YOU HAVE AT THE SAME TIME? For most lenders, the limit is up to 10 mortgages in your name at the same time. That said, the application process can be challenging. · The first step is to find a lender who is willing to work with you. This can be difficult, as most lenders are not interested in lending money to someone who has a significant level of debt. · Once you find a willing lender, you will need to complete a detailed application and provide a substantial down payment. In addition, you will need to demonstrate that you can make payments on all of your loans. · If you can meet these requirements, then you should be able to get approval for multiple mortgages. However, it is important to remember that having multiple mortgages can be a risky proposition, and you could end up in financial difficulty if you’re not careful. QUALIFYING FOR 1-4 MORTGAGES There are a few things you’ll need to qualify for 1-4 mortgages: · Lenders will want to see income proof, usually in the form of tax returns and W-2s. If you have just started a new job or your business only has one or two years of generating profits, consider holding off for a couple of years to build up your earnings history. · They’ll also want to know your current mortgage situation and any other debts you may have. Transparency is key so be sure to disclose all debt. · A good credit score is also important – the higher, the better. · When you’re ready to apply, most lenders will require a completed application, income and asset documentation, and a credit report. · They’ll also need a property appraisal and a statement of any debts you owe on the property. If everything looks good, they’ll give you a firm offer outlining the terms of the loan. Once you accept, it’s just a matter of completing some paperwork and waiting for funding. Applying for 1-4 mortgages is a pretty straightforward process – as long as you have all your ducks in a row, it should be smooth sailing from start to finish. QUALIFYING FOR 5-10 MORTGAGES · The criterion for 5-10 mortgages is a bit stricter. You will need to disclose any bankruptcies or foreclosures during the last seven years. · Minimum FICO score – 720. · Official proof of income for the last two years. · Minimum 25% down payment for a single-family rental property. · On-time mortgage payments on all existing mortgages for the last 1 year. · Tax return for the last 2 years. THE BENEFITS OF HAVING MULTIPLE MORTGAGES While having multiple mortgages can seem like a daunting task, there are several benefits to taking
FHA APPRAISAL: GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS IN 2022
As a Real Estate Investor or home buyer, you’re probably familiar with FHA appraisals. Appraisals are important because they help to protect both the lender and the borrower. Lenders like appraisals because the appraisal confirms that the property is worth enough to cover the loan. Likewise, borrowers like appraisals because it reassures the borrower that they aren’t overpaying for a property. If you’re looking to buy a house for the price of a car, FHA financing can be used to finance both single-family houses as well as small multifamily investment properties, as long as the house serves as your primary residence. MY SMART COUSIN specializes in helping aspiring property investors and homeowners, particularly people of color and women, buy a house for the price of a car. As a seasoned Real Estate Investment coach, we take budding entrepreneurs and property investors from idea to action, help you scale your financing, and walk hand-in-hand with you to develop and put in place your customized Real Estate Investment strategy. FHA BACKGROUND The Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, has been around for nearly a century and was founded in 1934. The FHA is a government-backed mortgage insurance company that insures mortgages for people who can’t afford a large down payment. Stepping in as a mortgage guarantor of sorts makes it easier for people to buy a home, as the lender knows that if push comes to shove and the borrower defaults on their loan, FHA will pick up the tab. With inflation and mortgage interest rates reaching new heights, it pays to stay current on lending practices. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what’s changing with the FHA appraisal process in 2022. Keep reading to learn more! WHAT IS AN FHA APPRAISAL? An FHA appraisal is required by lenders to ensure that a potential property is a good investment. Although, as mentioned earlier, FHA guarantees repayment of a large portion of the loan if a homeowner defaults, banks prefer not to find themselves in this situation. After all, the lender makes money by collecting interest payments on the mortgage, so having the loan paid off early by FHA runs counter to this. One of FHA’s top concerns when evaluating an appraisal is ensuring that the property itself is durable, safe, and fit for habitation. The hired appraiser will look at the property inside and out and check for health and safety issues— for instance, the structural integrity of the property, electrical wiring, and mold or mildew issues. Additionally, the appraiser will look at factors that impact the house’s value— for instance, a swimming pool, a garage, and the condition of the home, and major systems such as the roof or furnace. Appraisers also evaluate the features of comparable homes that were recently sold. So even if you have no interest in keeping up with the Joneses, FHA takes an active interest in them from a valuation perspective! BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN FHA APPRAISAL The FHA appraiser looks for the good, the bad, and the ugly regarding the value of the home and any factors that could prevent it from being occupied long-term, as these factors contribute to the property’s longevity and marketability. Two key areas of focus for the appraisal are pests and paint type. Pests don’t refer to an ant or spider here and there, but rather whether there is an infestation or any damage to the property— for instance, damage to supporting wood beams caused by termites or carpenter ants. Paint refers less to the color or style of paint and more to its safety, specifically, if there are areas of the house that have lead-based paint. Houses built before 1972 are more likely to have used lead-based paint versus newer houses. Other areas on the appraiser’s checklist include the following: · THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE BUILDING ° The foundation, roof, and exterior must not be damaged. ° A big NO to insect infestation ° The wiring and the electrical systems must not be exposed. ° Sufficient ventilation of attics. · THE LIVABILITY OF THE BUILDING ° The utilities must be in good working condition including heat and clean water. ° A shielded sanitary sewage disposal system must be present. ° Lead paints should not be used. ° Fire codes and applicable safety codes should be met. · THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY SITE ° The soil should not be contaminated. ° The route of the drain pipes must point away from the home. ° The property must be accessible and safe. Market Comparables ° The appraiser evaluates the price of two comparable properties that have sold within the last 90 days. ° In a volatile market, a period of 30-60 days will be used and three comparable properties will be selected. ° Additionally, market comparables will be selected for properties that have not closed yet and are still listed for sale. Typically the appraiser will select two properties for this analysis. ARE THERE ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES THAT COULD ARISE DURING OR AFTER THE FHA APPRAISAL PROCESS? A clean FHA appraisal puts you one step closer to owning a home, but what happens if the appraisal report raises issues or has a lower than expected value? ° IF THE FHA APPRAISAL REQUIRES REPAIRS In some cases, the lender will conditionally approve a loan if the appraiser states that renovations or updates to the home are required to bring it into compliance with safety standards. In such instances, the buyer can negotiate with the seller to determine whether these renovations will be paid for by the seller or will instead be paid in whole or in part by the buyer. ° A LOW-PRICE APPRAISAL If the appraised value of the home comes in lower than the sales price, then, much as with the renovation scenario above, the buyer and seller will need to negotiate to determine how this lower value will be split. Buyers sometimes despair in the face of a lower appraised value, but this decreased value can force a seller’s hand to provide a price that while lower, is closer to market. FINAL THOUGHTS An FHA appraisal is an evaluation