Think you know real estate because you’ve bought and sold a home? Think again. Commercial real estate is a different ballgame, whether the property involved is an apartment building, shopping center or office space. How do these types of real estate differ, and how do those differences affect your choice of an agent? Intentions of… Read more »
Baby boomers and millennials may not like the same clothing or music, but they’re finding common ground when it comes to real estate. Together they comprise the fastest growing segment of apartment dwellers in America. The younger generation has long found the rental life a convenient bridge between college dorms and homeownership. But why are… Read more »
Once you graduated from college and got a place of your own, you probably assumed your spouse would be the last roommate you’d ever have. Recently, however, adults who would otherwise be on their own have begun sharing living spaces for a variety of reasons. Could home sharing work for you? Roommates for Mutual Benefit… Read more »
Being a landlord is hard work, especially if you’re overseeing day-to-day management of the rental properties. Here’s what you need to consider before diving in to DIY property management or choosing to hire a pro. How much rental property do you own? A property management company may be the best solution if you own multiple… Read more »
Apartment life, by definition, means you’re living in close quarters — literally on top of one another in most instances. Needless to say, getting along with your neighbors is a must. Here are six things you can do to promote harmony. Get to know your neighbors. It’s much easier to get along with neighbors you’ve… Read more »
While the stunning views and clean air of mountain living are certainly appealing, be sure to weigh the challenges of mountain life before making a move. Here’s a checklist of things to consider. Positives. Living in the mountains is probably rivaled only by living near a beach for tranquility. The majestic scenery and vacation-like settings… Read more »
If you own a rental property, fairness and accessibility are key when renting to disabled tenants. Here’s an overview of what every landlord needs to know. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 prohibit discrimination for, among other things, disabilities. Disabilities include impairments in mobility, hearing, vision, and… Read more »
Your “handyman special” needs so much work, you’re not sure it’s worth the time, effort and money it will take. Here’s a step-by-step approach to evaluating your fixer upper. Before selling, ask yourself if you can afford to fix the house. List the most important things that need repair and get estimates from reputable contractors…. Read more »
Evicting a tenant from a rental property is one of the most unpleasant tasks a landlord faces. Consult the laws in your state carefully, then proceed professionally and courteously. Here is a brief summary from the landlord’s perspective. Three types of termination. Most states recognize three types of termination notices to tenants. Pay Rent or… Read more »
If you are a new landlord, it’s crucial to learn about the Fair Housing Act. Though it was established as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, it’s as relevant today as it was nearly 50 years ago. Established to eliminate discrimination against certain protected classes of people in the sale and rental of… Read more »
One of the greatest benefits of owning a rental property is its wealth-building capabilities — other people are paying for your equity in the property. With the right location, your earning potential is great. Earning higher rents. Owning a rental house or condo in a high-demand area likely will command excellent rental fees in peak… Read more »
If you’ve ever considered buying a house or apartment building as an investment rental property, think about doing so in a college town where you can rent to students. The potential for steady, top-dollar revenue is excellent, though there are risks. The pluses Renting your investment property to college students means almost never having to… Read more »
Thanks to today’s online and cell phone technology, pretty much everyone has the opportunity to be a landlord. Using services such as Airbnb and HomeAway, you can rent out your home to travelers visiting your community. Interested? Let’s take a look. Ask questions. Do you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association? If so,… Read more »
Stereotypes aside, men and women think differently when it comes to home finances and debt. Who is more careful with money? Who is the bigger risk taker? Take a look at some numbers. Who takes on more debt? Women tend to take on less overall debt than men, according to a 2014 Bankrate.com article exploring… Read more »
Whether you rent an apartment, duplex or house, getting along well with your landlord and neighbors is vital. Unless you want to be packing up and moving, it pays to be a model tenant. Check out these basic guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to being a responsible and respectful renter. Read your… Read more »
While the opportunities to make money on foreclosed properties may be enticing, it’s crucial to know the risks and challenges before jumping in. Take a look. Someone’s loss, another’s gain. Foreclosures occur when owners can no longer make payments on their homes or can’t sell them to pay off their mortgages. The price of a… Read more »
If you own raw undeveloped acreage, the land may be your route to financial security. Subdividing residential lots or owning commercial buildings can put you on the path to prosperity. Land development, however, is a complex venture. Take a look. Details count. You may already own the land, but to develop it you will need… Read more »
Real estate investing has made many a millionaire, so it’s not out of the ordinary if you have the resources to consider a land development deal. But unless you have enough reserves to go it alone, you might want to put together a group of developers and investors. What is involved and what are the… Read more »
If you enjoy an annual trek to the mountains or beach, and enjoy the simplicity of staying at the same place, a timeshare purchase might be a good option for you. If you like a little more variety in your vacation, but hate the hassle of trip planning, a vacation club membership might fit your… Read more »
They make it look so easy, those house-flipping shows where they take a wreck of a home, turn it into a dream house, then sell it for a big profit. Have you ever wondered if you were missing out on an opportunity? Let’s pull back the show business curtain and take a look. Overstated drama…. Read more »
