Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Dec. 16, 2022

Dealing with Difficult Tenants When Selling Your House

As a home investor, you know that dealing with tenants can be a difficult process. Whether they’re late on their rent or cause damage to your property, it can be tricky to manage the situation in a way that benefits both parties. But what do you do when you need to sell your house and the tenants are being especially uncooperative? Let’s talk about how to handle this tough situation. 


Understand Their Perspective 

First, it is important to understand where the tenant is coming from. Many times, tenants may feel like they have been treated unfairly and don’t want to cooperate in the sale of the property. This can be especially true if they are facing eviction due to the sale of the house. Take some time to listen to their concerns and try to come up with a solution that works for both of you. 

 

Offer an Appropriate Incentive 

In many cases, offering an appropriate incentive for cooperation can help get your tenant on board with selling the house. This could include things like waiving late fees, offering free moving services, or even providing them with a financial incentive for cooperation. Whatever incentive you offer should be reasonable and mutually beneficial for both parties involved in order for it to be successful. 

Check out this video for more detail


 

Be Professional and Respectful 

No matter what happens throughout this process, it is important to remember that respect and professionalism are key when dealing with difficult tenants. Even if they are not cooperating as best as possible, keeping your cool will go a long way towards making sure everything goes smoothly during the sale of your home. If necessary, consider hiring a mediator who can help keep things civil between all parties involved in the sale of your house. 

 

Conclusion: 

Dealing with difficult tenants when selling your house can be an intimidating task but there are steps you can take to make sure everything goes smoothly. It is important to understand their perspective and offer reasonable incentives for cooperation in order for them to work together with you during this process. Additionally, being professional and respectful throughout this entire process will go a long way towards making sure everyone involved is satisfied with how things turn out in the end. With patience and understanding on both sides, selling your house doesn’t have to become an uncomfortable ordeal – instead it can be a win-win situation!

 

Posted in Investor Guide
Dec. 14, 2022

A Guide to How Real Estate Commission Works

If you’re considering selling your home, you’ve likely heard of real estate commissions and may be wondering how they work. Real estate commission is a fee that is paid to the real estate agent when they help facilitate a home sale. In this blog post, we will break down what real estate commission is and how it works so that you can make informed decisions about your home sale. 

 

Check out Real Estate Commission video here

What Is Real Estate Commission? 

Real estate commission is the fee charged for services provided by a real estate agent or broker in order to facilitate a home sale. Generally, the seller pays this commission to the listing agent or broker, who then splits it with the buyer's agent or broker. The amount of commission varies from state to state and even between cities and counties, but it typically ranges from 5% - 7%. This means that if you are selling your house for $300,000, you will have to pay around $15,000 - $21,000 in commission fees. 

 

How Does It Work? 

The way that real estate commission works depends on whether or not you are using an agent to sell your home. If you choose to use an agent, they will list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and potentially other platforms in order to maximize its visibility and get it sold quickly. The listing agent then negotiates with potential buyers until a contract has been signed and all contingencies met. When the sale has closed successfully, the listing agent collects their commission from the proceeds of the sale. 

 

If you decide not to use an agent when selling your property, there are several options available for collecting payment for services rendered during the process. For example, some agents offer flat-fee services where they collect a set fee for their services rather than a percentage of the sales price as a commission. Additionally, some sellers opt for “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) processes where no agents or brokers are involved at all and all negotiations between buyer and seller happen directly without any middlemen taking commissions from either party. 

 

Conclusion: 

 

No matter which option you choose when selling your home – using an agent or going through FSBO – understanding how real estate commissions work can help ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible during your transaction process. Knowing what kind of fees you’ll be responsible for upfront helps alleviate any surprises down the road while also giving you peace of mind that those fees are being put towards successful marketing efforts designed to get your house sold quickly! With this knowledge in hand, now all that’s left is finding an experienced agent who can help make sure everything goes off without a hitch!

 

Posted in Seller Guide
Dec. 9, 2022

Cash on Cash Return: What Every Real Estate Investor Should Know

If you’re a real estate investor, you’ve probably heard of cash on cash return. But do you really understand what it is and how it impacts your investments? Cash on cash return is a term used to describe the ratio between an investment property’s annual before-tax cash flow to the amount of money invested in the property. In other words, it's a measure of how much “cash back” you get for every dollar invested in the property. Let’s look at how this measure works—and why it matters for any real estate investor. 

Check out an explain video here


Calculating Cash on Cash Return 

The formula for calculating cash on cash return is relatively straightforward: divide your annual before-tax cash flow by the total amount invested. For example, let’s say that you invest $100,000 into a rental property and receive $12,000 in rental income each year. Your cash on cash return would be 12 percent ($12,000/$100,000). This means that for every dollar you invest in the property, you receive 12 cents back. 

 

Why Cash on Cash Return Matters 

Cash on cash return is important because it tells investors how profitable their investments are—and whether they should focus their efforts elsewhere or continue to pour money into their current properties. A high cash on cash return indicates that an investment will generate more income than expected, while a low number suggests that investors should consider investing elsewhere if they want to maximize their returns. Additionally, investors can use this metric to compare different properties and decide which one provides them with the best opportunity for long-term success. 

 

Another benefit of measuring your investments through this metric is that it does not take into account taxes or leverage (i.e., debt), which allows investors to get an accurate snapshot of their performance without factoring in potentially misleading variables like these two factors. Ultimately, this allows investors to make smarter decisions when deciding where to invest their hard-earned dollars.  

 

Conclusion: 

 

Cash on cash return is an invaluable metric for real estate investors who want to maximize their returns and make smart decisions about where they put their money. By dividing your annual before-tax cash flow by the total amount invested in each property, you can easily calculate your return rate and decide whether or not your investments are performing as expected—or if it might be time to look elsewhere for better opportunities! With this knowledge in hand, any real estate investor should be able to make sound decisions about where they choose to invest their funds.

 

Posted in Investor Guide
Dec. 7, 2022

Cashflow: The Basics for Real Estate Investing Beginners

If you’re just getting started in real estate investing, there are a lot of terms that may be unfamiliar to you. One of the most important terms to understand is “cashflow”—it’s essential knowledge for any investor. Here’s a quick guide to help beginners learn more about cashflow and why it’s so important in the world of real estate investing. 

Check out the explain video here


What Is Cashflow? 

Simply put, cashflow is the amount of money coming into an investment property minus what goes out. It is a measure of how much money is generated by an investment property each month after all expenses are taken care of. This can include rent payments, mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and other associated fees. 

 

Why Is Cashflow Important? 

The importance of cashflow lies in its ability to give investors an idea of how profitable their investments are and how much they will be able to earn from them over time. If your investment has positive cash flow—meaning that more money comes in than goes out—then it is likely to be a good financial decision for you and could be quite profitable in the long run. On the other hand, if your investment has negative cash flow—meaning that more money goes out than comes in—then it might not be as good a decision as you think it is! 

 

How Can You Increase Your Cash Flow? 

One way to increase your cash flow is by finding properties with higher rental rates. This means that tenants will pay more for rent each month, which will increase your income while keeping expenses relatively low. Another option is to look for properties with lower maintenance costs; this could mean choosing investments that require less repairs or renovations over time or opting for older buildings that are already well-maintained. Finally, consider reducing your expenses by refinancing mortgages or seeking out deals on insurance premiums and taxes when possible.   

 

Conclusion: 

 

Cash flow is one of the most important concepts for any real estate investor to understand since it can have a big impact on profitability. By understanding what exactly cash flow means and learning some strategies for increasing it, investors can make smarter decisions about their investments and maximize their returns over time! Keep these tips in mind as you start building your portfolio and exploring new opportunities in real estate investing!

 

Posted in Investor Guide
Dec. 2, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About Earnest Deposits

If you are a real estate investor, one of the first things you need to learn about is earnest deposits. An earnest deposit is a good faith deposit made by a buyer to demonstrate their commitment and intent to purchase a property. This deposit serves as assurance that the buyer will follow through with the transaction. Let’s take a look at what an earnest deposit is and how it works in real estate transactions. 

Check out Earnest Deposit Video here


What Is An Earnest Deposit? 

An earnest deposit, also known as an escrow deposit or good faith deposit, is money placed in an escrow account by a buyer when making an offer on real estate. This money shows that the buyer is serious about going through with the purchase and may be used by the seller if the deal falls through for any reason other than their fault. It also shows that the buyer has enough funds to cover their part of the transaction and demonstrates their financial stability. The amount of money placed in escrow usually ranges from 1-5% of the total sale price, depending on local market conditions and other factors such as competition among buyers for the same property. 

 

How Does It Work In A Real Estate Transaction? 

The process begins when an interested party makes an offer on a piece of real estate they wish to purchase. At this point, they place an earnest deposit into an escrow account managed by either a lawyer or title company. The funds are held in this account until closing day when they are used toward paying off any remaining balances due at that time or applied back to the buyer's closing costs (if applicable). If for some reason, the transaction does not close, then typically these funds will remain in escrow until it can be determined who should receive them--the seller or buyer--at which point they are released accordingly. 

 

Conclusion: 

 

Earnest deposits play an important role in real estate transactions as they help protect both buyers and sellers from unexpected losses due to deals falling through unexpectedly or financing issues arising at closing time. Understanding how earnest deposits work is essential for any investor looking to buy property so that they can make sure they have enough funds available should their offer be accepted. Being prepared with an earnest deposit can mean all the difference between getting your dream home and losing out on it!

 

Nov. 30, 2022

What to Expect When Buyers Get an Appraisal Report

If you’re a homeowner, you know that when buyers are interested in purchasing your property, they will get an appraisal report done on the property. This appraisal report is required by lenders and is designed to protect the interests of both the buyer and lender by verifying that the mortgage amount does not exceed the fair market value of the home. So, what exactly happens during an appraisal? Let’s take a look. 


The Appraisal Process 

When buyers are getting an appraisal report done on your property, they will hire a licensed appraiser who is certified to assess properties like yours in your local area. The appraiser will visit your home and inspect it inside and out, taking into account any special features or amenities that would increase its value. During this visit, the appraiser will also consider comparable homes in your neighborhood that have recently sold to help them determine a fair market value for your home. Once their inspection is complete, they will provide a written report with their findings for both you and the buyer. 

  

What Can Affect Your Home's Value? 

There are many factors that can affect your home’s value including its age, condition, location, size and features such as modern appliances or energy-efficient upgrades. The appraiser will also consider any recent renovations or improvements you’ve made to the property and how much those additions increased its overall value. Additionally, they may factor in things like traffic noise or other nearby nuisances which could negatively impact its overall worth.  

  

What Can Happen if Your Home Doesn't Appraise for Enough?

In some cases, the appraised value of your home may be lower than what was offered by the buyer—which means that if you accept their offer without making any adjustments, then they won’t be able to secure financing for it without going over budget. In these cases, either you or the buyer may need to make up the difference in order for them to purchase it successfully—or else look for another buyer who can pay more for it based on its true market value. 

 

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, understanding what happens during an appraisal report can help homeowners prepare their properties accordingly before putting it up for sale. An accurate appraisal ensures that buyers don’t overpay for a home while also protecting lenders from issuing mortgages above fair market value. By taking these steps now and ensuring that all necessary repairs are completed prior to listing your house on the market, you can rest assured knowing that everything has been done properly when buyers start asking questions about getting an appraisal report done on your property.

 

 

Posted in Seller Guide
Nov. 18, 2022

The Best Way To Invest In Real Estate: 3 Different Strategies Revealed!

If you're thinking about investing in real estate, you're not alone. Real estate investing is a popular way to grow your wealth. But it's not a get-rich-quick scheme. You need to do your research and develop a solid plan before you start investing. 

There are many different ways to invest in real estate. This can be confusing for new investors. But don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll reveal three different real estate investment strategies. We'll also share some tips on how to get started with each one. 

Check out in this video

1. Rental Properties 

One of the most common ways to invest in real estate is to purchase a rental property. You can then rent out the property to tenants and receive regular rental income. This is a great way to build long-term wealth. And it's a relatively passive form of investing, which means you won't have to put in a lot of work once you find the right tenant. 

To get started with this strategy, you'll need to save up for a down payment on the property. You should also make sure you have enough money set aside to cover any unexpected repairs or maintenance costs. Once you've purchased the property, it's important to screen potential tenants carefully. You want to make sure they're reliable and will take good care of your property. 

3. House Hacking 

If you're looking for a more creative way to invest in real estate, house hacking might be for you. With this strategy, you purchase a multi-unit property (such as a duplex) and live in one unit while renting out the other units. This allows you to live for free (or close to it) while still earning rental income from your tenants. 

To get started with house hacking, you'll need enough money for a down payment on the property as well as some extra cash reserves in case any repairs are needed (as they often are with older properties). It's also important to make sure that the rental income from your tenants covers all of your expenses (mortgage, insurance, etc.). If it doesn't, you may end up losing money each month instead of making a profit. 

3. BRRRR - Buy Renovate Rent Refinance and Repeat

This is the combination between fix and flips method and renting method. With this strategy, you purchase a property that needs some work (hence the "fix" part). You then make the necessary repairs or renovations and rent the property at higher value. After you identified a tenant, you can refinance and get all the capital back. Then of course, you can use the cash to purchase another property (that is repeat)

Conclusion: 

There are many different ways to invest in real estate. The best way for you will depend on your goals, resources, and level of experience. If you're just starting out, we recommend choosing one of the three strategies we've outlined above and doing your research before diving in headfirst. With careful planning and execution, investing in real estate can be a great way to grow your wealth over time!

Posted in Investor Guide
Nov. 16, 2022

REAL ESTATE INVESTING: HOW TO FIND THE BEST DEALS!

Are you looking to get into real estate investing but don’t know where to start? Many people think that you need a lot of money to get started in real estate, but that’s not necessarily true. With some creativity and knowledge of the market, you can find great deals on properties that will turn a profit. Keep reading to learn how to find the best real estate deals for your investment portfolio.

1. Look for motivated sellers. 

The best deals are usually found when working with motivated sellers. These are people who need to sell their property fast and are willing to negotiate on price. You can find motivated sellers by searching online listings or contacting a real estate agent. Once you find a motivated seller, be sure to act fast and make an offer before someone else does.

2. Research the market. 

It’s important to have a good understanding of the local real estate market before making any offers on properties. What are similar properties selling for in the area? Is the area growing or declining? What is the average rent for similar properties? Answering these questions will give you a better idea of what a fair price is for a particular property.

Here are some tips for Research the Market

3. Have realistic expectations. 

Investing in real estate is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, effort, and patience to see results. Don’t expect to buy a property and flip it immediately for a huge profit. Do your research, be patient, and stay realistic about what you can expect to achieve in the short-term and long-term with your investment property.

4. Be prepared to negotiate. 

Remember that there is always room for negotiation when it comes to real estate deals—especially if you’re working with motivated sellers. Be prepared to counteroffer if the seller’s initial asking price is too high for your budget. It never hurts to ask!

5. Have financing in place beforehand. 

If you plan on taking out a loan to finance your real estate investment, it’s important to have everything in place before making an offer on a property. Applying for loans can take time, so it’s best to have all of your ducks in a row before finding that perfect investment property. You don’t want to lose out on a great deal because you didn’t have financing lined up beforehand! 

 

Conclusion: 

There are great deals to be found if you know where—and how—to look for them! By following these tips, you can start building your real estate portfolio without breaking the bank. Just remember to do your research, be patient, and be prepared to negotiate—and you’ll be well on your way to finding profitable real estate deals in no time!

Nov. 11, 2022

The Best Way to Sell a Property with a Tenant

If you're a real estate investor, chances are you've thought about selling a property with a tenant. After all, it can be a great way to make some quick cash. But before you put your property on the market, there are a few things you need to know. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to sell a property with a tenant.

 

1. Get Your Paperwork in Order 

The first thing you need to do when selling a property with a tenant is to get your paperwork in order. This means making sure that you have all the necessary documentation, such as the lease agreement, the rental agreement, and any other relevant paperwork. Having this documentation in order will make the selling process much smoother and will give buyers confidence that they're getting what they're paying for.

 

2. Find the Right Buyer 

Not all buyers are created equal, and this is especially true when it comes to buying properties with tenants. You need to find a buyer who is specifically interested in properties with tenants. The best way to do this is to list your property on an online platform that specializes in connecting investors with properties that fit their criteria. By doing this, you'll save yourself a lot of time and energy.

Check out Some Tips to Find the Right Buyer here

3. Negotiate the Price 

Once you've found a buyer who is interested in your property, it's time to negotiate the price. When negotiating the price of a property with a tenant, there are two things you need to keep in mind: the current market value of similar properties and the value of your property with the tenant factored in. If you can find comparable properties that have recently sold for less than your asking price, then you have some room to negotiate. However, if comparable properties have sold for more than your asking price, then you should hold firm on your asking price or even increase it slightly. Remember, the value of your property goes up significantly when there's already a tenant in place. 

 

Conclusion: 

 

Selling a property with a tenant can be a great way to make some quick cash; however, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before putting your property on the market. First, get your paperwork in order and make sure you have all the necessary documentation (such as the lease agreement and rental agreement). Second, find the right buyer by listing your property on an online platform that specializes in connecting investors with properties that fit their criteria. And finally, negotiate the price by taking into account both the current market value of similar properties and the value of your property with the tenant factored in. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to successfully selling your property with a tenant!

 

Nov. 9, 2022

The Buyers Inspection Process: What You Need to Know

As a seller, it is important to be prepared for the buyers inspection process. This process can be stressful, but if you know what to expect, you will be able to manage it more effectively. Here is what you need to know about the buyers inspection process.

The buyers inspection process typically takes place after the offer has been accepted and the buyer has had a chance to do their due diligence. The inspection is an opportunity for the buyer to get a closer look at the property and identify any potential problems. The inspection report will be shared with the seller, and the seller will have an opportunity to respond. 

The most common type of inspection is a general home inspection, which covers the condition of the major systems in the home, such as the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roof. The buyer may also choose to have additional inspections performed, such as a pest inspection or a radon test. 

Once the inspection is complete, the buyer will share the report with the seller. The seller will then have an opportunity to review the report and decide how they would like to proceed. The options available to the seller include making repairs, offering a credit at closing, or negotiating a lower sales price. 

Conclusion: 

The buyers inspection process can be stressful for sellers, but it is important to be prepared. By knowing what to expect and having a plan in place, you can manage the process more effectively. If you have any questions about the buyers inspection process or would like help preparing your home for sale, please contact me today. I would be happy to assist you.