Category Archives: Real Estate

The Right Real Estate investment for You

What is an investment? For most people, it’s buying stocks and shares. However, it’s quite intimidating, given the turbulent nature of current circumstances. So if you are looking to invest, real estate is always a smart choice. It’s a physical asset, a great passive income generator – overall, a reliable revenue source. You might not have known that there are several types of real estate investments, and you should think long and hard before you decide which is the best for you.

Passive real estate investments

As the word implies, this is the type of investment where you take a more passive role. There is no driving around in search of a suitable property. Instead, there are real estate investment platforms where you can browse through the options. These platforms often function as crowdfunding websites. You will find a specific project you want to invest in. The amount of money you will put in will depend on the project and the platform of your choice. Then, your money will be put together with other investors’ money, and you will receive dividends from the projects you have invested in. Dividends will, of course, be proportionate to the amount of money you have put in. 

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How is COVID-19 Affecting Urban Buyers

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm this year, and it shows no signs of going away soon. It seems that, for the time being, we’ll have to get used to “the new normal”. But what does that look like for the real estate market? The virus and all attempts to stop it have already changed how we work, travel, even shop for groceries. Indeed, buying a house is going to look different in this new world too. It’s still hard to say precisely which changes are here to stay for good and which are just temporary. But one thing is for sure: the health crisis is affecting buyers in urban areas at the moment. In some ways, city dwellers looking for a real estate investment have an advantage because of this. In other ways, however, buying a home in the city right now is more challenging than ever.

There is less competition for urban properties at the moment

Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, experts predicted 2020 would be one of the best years for real estate in decades. While those predictions never quite came true, they also weren’t that far off: most real estate agents are reporting postponements rather than cancellations from potential buyers. This proves that people are still very much interested in investing in real estate even now.

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Calculating Your Rental Property Budget

Getting started with owning rental properties needs a lot of considerations before diving in. Possessing these real estate investments is one of the best choices any investor can make. Thus, rental property is among the top investment options in the real estate industry. 

Along with deferred income and tax benefits, investing with a rental property can produce good returns all year round and is not affected by the market’s changes. However, most people are not sure how to get started when it comes to budgeting and managing a rental.

How To Uncover Future Potential Expenses: 

  • Ask local real estate managers: Many property managers would happily provide you with this kind of knowledge. They will help you not just because it’s their expertise, but also because of the likelihood that you might use them as your real estate managers one day. 
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Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Rental Properties

Being a rental property owner is something many strive for in their lives. This is because much of the time, owning a rental home is a great investment. The responsibility that goes along with it is great as well, though. Owning multiple rental properties only ups the stakes. As with anything else, there are a lot of disadvantages as well as advantages. Let’s go through some.

The advantages of owning multiple rental properties

Having multiple rental properties has plenty of upsides. Looking at the positive side of things first will hopefully make you see that the flaws aren’t that bad.

It’s always good to have a passive income

If you own multiple rental properties and are able to keep them occupied, not only will you have a steady and secure amount in your bank account, but you’ll also have a passive income. This is certainly always welcome.

A possible business opportunity

A great thing about owning multiple rental properties is that you don’t have to sell only to tenants who are looking for housing. If your property is in a desirable location, you could always rent it out to business owners. This could be a great investment opportunity.

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14 Frequently Forgotten Items When Moving and How to Leave Nothing Behind

There’s no getting around it. Moving is a physical and mental challenge. It’s disrupting. Home is supposed to be our sanctuary from all the craziness out there, so when that’s in a state of flux we feel vulnerable and unsettled.

And in the midst of preparing, packing and loading, it’s inevitable that something is forgotten and left behind.

But instead of losing sleep by worrying about it all, you can take control.

To Forget is Human. To Use a Moving Checklist is Divine.

Relax, take a deep breath and start making a list. “If that sounds like a simple solution, that’s because it really is,” says Jeffrey Phillip, a New York-based organizer and designer. “But sometimes, life gets in the way and we get too busy to do the thing that will make everything easier.”

So roll up your sleeves and get your priorities in order.

It doesn’t have to be as structured as an Excel spreadsheet, which is a favorite go-to for uber organizers like Phillip. It could be a Notes entry on your smartphone or tablet, or as simple as an old-fashioned notebook.

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Pro and Cons of Buying a Fixer Upper

Buying a home can seem long and at times, tedious, but you want to make sure you make the right choice when it comes to your new home! With so many options on the market, you may want to decide a few big decisions first, before diving into smaller and vast options for homes. One of the “big-picture” choices you can make is whether to buy a place in need of remodeling because it may be more affordable. With that in mind, there are also some cons to purchasing a fixer upper rather than a move-in ready place. Let’s go through the pros and cons so that you can make the best decision for you!

Pros of buying a fixer upper

Before we get into any details, let’s explain the definition of a fixer upper. In simple words, it is a cheaper apartment, condo or home, requires some or a lot of remodeling. This option is not appealing to everyone, as spending your money on a property that does not promise much does not sound very appealing. However, there are some advantages to choosing this option.

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A Guide to Property Managers Going virtual

There are many ways for property managers to try to mitigate the dangers of COVID-19 for residents, staff members and themselves. It is seriously important to keep up to date on public health guidelines, and below are seven tips to help steer you and help you thrive through these challenging times.

Prioritize Maintenance

Your duties as a property manager vary. During COVID-19 you will need to limit physical contact between maintenance staff and residents. When maintenance issues arise consider whether the problem is life-threatening or if it is an immediate threat to the property before dispatching employees. If the issue can be resolved virtually use that option. Routine maintenance on building mechanicals should continue to be done to avoid larger problems that may require more physical contact.

Cleaning 

Be aware of health department guidelines about cleaning product efficacy. Disinfectants must be applied using a strategy that minimizes your employees contact with the chemicals. Provide protective gear like masks, gloves, eye coverings and for some products full body disposable suits. These measures may not be physically comfortable but are necessary to the health of your employees. Clean common areas often, especially elevators, railings, and pulls on trash chutes and doorknobs. Touch-less entry systems may be a good investment at this time.

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Tips for Buying Your First Condo

Have you decided to buy a condo but not sure if there are differences between purchasing a condo or a home? Or maybe you don’t know what you should be looking for? Well, you don’t have to worry because this article is here to help you make sure you are financially geared up before you rush into a decision.

Strategies to Make Sure You Are Financially Ready

Buying a condo for the first time can be tricky, and all you need are essential tips from experts and consultants to help you in this world of real estate. The following are six crucial strategies to help you become successful in owning a home. They include: 

Budgeting Your Finances 

It advisable you jot down the critical points to help you in handpicking the best home. A condo has a lot of specifications and in getting it, requires proper planning of finances to make sure all the amenities and stocking of the house is well budgeted for. 

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Do Existing Personal Loans Affect a House Purchase?

Are you planning to purchase a house but have an existing personal loan? Do you want to know if it will affect your purchase? Many individuals that are planning to buy a home are asking the same question. 

It is important to be independent and have your own space where you can rest and get cozy. Being independent will also help you grow as an adult and learn to live alone without your parents. 

Therefore, purchasing a house would be one of the most significant decisions you can make in your entire life. Continue reading to know the answer, so that you can properly plan your purchase according to what is best in your situation.

Will Existing Personal Loans Affect my Purchase?

An existing personal loan can affect your plan of buying a home. Whether it is a good or bad effect, may all depend on the situation. An unpaid personal loan can reduce the amount you can borrow in the future. It could also significantly affect your credit score, depending on how you handled your debt. 

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Realty Executives International Launches Digital Marketing Executive Course for Continuing Education During COVID-19 Outbreak

Realty Executives International has launched the newest addition to their exclusive training suite, the 2020 Digital Marketing Executive course. This four-week certification course is offered annually to all Executives, Broker/Owners and office employees of the Realty Executives’ franchises. 

The educational event is held virtually twice per week for four weeks. Brand leadership including President, Patrick van den Bossche, and Vice President, David Celaya, are joined by various guest speakers to lead the network through a multitude of topics pertaining to real estate in the digital world. Topics include: social media advertising, leveraging your CRM, perfecting online profiles and more. The goal of the DMX certification is for all attendees to leave with a digital strategy and execution plan for their business. 

Realty Executives International launched the 2020 course, understanding the evolving state of real estate and the opportunities for business that lie ahead. As many agents and brokers are having to adapt to staying distant from clients, the brand wanted to provide different opportunities to utilize downtime and connect with clients through digital channels. By providing the training course free-of-cost, Executives and Brokers are able to provide better service to home buyers and sellers around the world. 

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