Investment

The Legal Risks of Short-Term Rental Hosting

In recent years, short-term home rentals have soared thanks to online services such as Airbnb and VRBO. Renting your property...
Read More

Demystifying Tax Rules for Airbnb Hosts

You may rent out a guest bedroom to short-term tenants through Airbnb or another home-sharing site. If so, it’s essential...
Read More

Know the Tax Rules for Vacation Rental Owners

If you own a house that you use as a vacation rental but also use the property yourself at times,...
Read More

Don’t Overlook These Moving Checklist Items

Moving is much more than packing boxes, hiring a mover or renting a truck. Here is a checklist of  “must-do”...
Read More

Comparing Wills and Trusts: Which Do You Need?

Proper estate planning can be a dreaded task but think of it as a gift to your heirs. Two primary...
Read More

Is Rental Furniture Right For You?

You’ve finally bought your first home and have little money available to furnish it, or you’re a traveling medical professional...
Read More

Can You Disclaim an Inheritance?

You might wonder why someone would turn down an inheritance, but it happens and often for good reason. Refusing to...
Read More

Understanding the Home Office Tax Deduction

If you run your business from home, you should know the IRS rules for claiming the home office tax deduction....
Read More

Is Electronic Monitoring of Guests in Your Home Allowable?

Homeowners may want to use electronic monitoring equipment — video and audio — to monitor guests in their home in...
Read More

Your Guide to Investment Property Financing

incCountless Americans have built enormous wealth by owning investment real estate. However, the biggest challenge for entry into this lucrative...
Read More

Decorate Your Rental To Feel Like Home

Does living in a rented space mean you’re stuck with drab floors, the same blah neutral paint in every room,...
Read More

How Does Section 8 Federal Housing Assistance Work?

The federal government offers housing assistance to allow low-income families, disabled people and the elderly to rent decent, clean homes...
Read More

Financing Real Estate Purchases With Other People’s Money

If you want to begin investing in real estate, you may find that traditional financing sources like conventional and government-backed...
Read More

Screening Tenants for Your Rental Property

When you buy an investment property to rent out, you put lots of money and effort into the purchase, renovation...
Read More

Is Renting a Home Right for You?

You probably think first of an apartment when it comes to renting a place to live. But it’s also possible...
Read More

From Your Family to Another: Selling Antiques

Those antiques your grandmother left are lovely, but you may nonetheless choose to sell them. Perhaps you don’t have space...
Read More

Investment Property Repairs and Renovations: How They Affect Your Taxes

Owners of residential investment property often spend money on repairs or renovations. These expenses can be written off on your...
Read More

Five Tips for Managing Monthly Bills

Financial success requires certain disciplines. You need to know what you’re spending your money on, spend less than you earn,...
Read More

Buying Smart At Estate Sales

Estate sales can offer quality used goods at great prices. But in addition to cash or credit card, it helps...
Read More

What Are the Differences Between Distressed Properties?

When a homeowner is forced to give up a home because of financial hardship, the house is referred to as...
Read More

How to Be a Good Roommate

Living with roommates can save you money -- or help you afford a nicer place to live -- but beware...
Read More

Six Things Every First-Time Renter Should Know

Before signing the lease on your first apartment, don’t forget to read the fine print. That’s where you’ll find the...
Read More

Protecting Your Personal Information After a Data Breach

In today’s world of prolific online hackers, we all need to exercise due diligence to protect our personal information. The...
Read More

Retirement Savings Relief During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the American economy, triggering massive job layoffs, furloughs and pay cuts. In March...
Read More

Selling Your Home As Investment Property

Most homeowners sell their houses to traditional buyers who plan to make the property their home. But investors also buy...
Read More

Investment Property Income and Expense Reporting to the IRS

For many Americans, owning investment real estate is a steady path to financial security. Renting out your investment property means...
Read More

Student Loan Assistance During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), passed in March 2020, provides multifaceted financial relief to Americans during...
Read More

Real Estate Investing in a Self-Directed IRA

Most individual retirement accounts (IRAs) invest in traditional securities: stocks, bonds and mutual funds. If you are looking to diversify...
Read More

Begin Investing in Real Estate by House Hacking

Many people have built financial security by investing in real estate, but finding start-up capital can be challenging. House hacking...
Read More

Purchasing a House at a Property Auction

If you’ve wanted to buy real estate as an investment, you might consider buying a house at a foreclosed property...
Read More

Buying a Vacation Home With Family or Friends

For years you’ve enjoyed renting a vacation house with extended family or friends. One thought keeps recurring to all of...
Read More

Should You Furnish Your Rental Property?

Will it improve your marketability and profit to furnish your rental property? The scenarios vary depending on how the property...
Read More

Is a Ground-Floor Apartment or Condo Right For You?

Choosing a ground-floor apartment or condo presents both advantages and challenges. Is ground-floor living right for you, or would you...
Read More

Buying Rental Property With Existing Tenants

If you’re buying rental property with existing tenants, whether they occupy the entire space or only a basement or garage...
Read More

Buying Rural Land for Farming and Livestock

Perhaps you want to raise livestock and have your eye on some land in the country. Here’s how to know...
Read More

Safe Student Housing for Off-Campus Rentals

Rising on-campus housing costs and waiting lists for college dorms may mean you and your students are looking for a...
Read More

How to Sublet an Apartment the Right Way

Apartment renters may find themselves needing to move before the term of their lease ends. Can you get a new...
Read More

Could Your Home Be a Movie Location Rental?

Homeowners get paid handsomely for renting their homes to production companies for movie, television or commercial shoots. Can you cash...
Read More

How to Buy a House for Your Home Business

Working from home has many appeals that can add value to your life. But before buying a house for your...
Read More

Understanding the IRS Code 1031 Exchange

Owners of business or investment property may want to sell and reinvest in a similar new property. An IRS rule...
Read More

A World of Difference: Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Think you know real estate because you’ve bought and sold a home? Think again. Commercial real estate is a different...
Read More

Boomers and Millennials—Odd Couples in Housing

Baby boomers and millennials may not like the same clothing or music, but they’re finding common ground when it comes...
Read More

Are You a Candidate for Home Sharing?

Once you graduated from college and got a place of your own, you probably assumed your spouse would be the...
Read More

Should You Manage Your Rental Or Leave It to the Pros?

Being a landlord is hard work, especially if you’re overseeing day-to-day management of the rental properties. Here’s what you need...
Read More

Six Steps to Peaceful Apartment Living

Apartment life, by definition, means you’re living in close quarters -- literally on top of one another in most instances....
Read More

Is a Mountain Retreat In Your Future?

While the stunning views and clean air of mountain living are certainly appealing, be sure to weigh the challenges of...
Read More

Renting Accessible Housing

If you own a rental property, fairness and accessibility are key when renting to disabled tenants. Here’s an overview of...
Read More

How and When to Sell a Fixer Upper

Your “handyman special” needs so much work, you’re not sure it’s worth the time, effort and money it will take....
Read More

Be Certain the Law is On Your Side When Evicting a Tenant

Evicting a tenant from a rental property is one of the most unpleasant tasks a landlord faces. Consult the laws...
Read More

What You Need to Know About the Fair Housing Act

If you are a new landlord, it’s crucial to learn about the Fair Housing Act. Though it was established as...
Read More

Making Money on a Vacation Rental

One of the greatest benefits of owning a rental property is its wealth-building capabilities -- other people are paying for...
Read More

The Pros and Cons of Renting to College Students

If you’ve ever considered buying a house or apartment building as an investment rental property, think about doing so in...
Read More

How to Use Your Home to Make Money

Thanks to today’s online and cell phone technology, pretty much everyone has the opportunity to be a landlord. Using services...
Read More

He Said, She Said: How Men and Women Differ on Home Finance

Stereotypes aside, men and women think differently when it comes to home finances and debt. Who is more careful with...
Read More

Seven Tips for Being a Good Tenant

Whether you rent an apartment, duplex or house, getting along well with your landlord and neighbors is vital. Unless you...
Read More

Seeking Foreclosure Opportunities With Your Eyes Wide Open

While the opportunities to make money on foreclosed properties may be enticing, it’s crucial to know the risks and challenges...
Read More

How to Develop Your Own Land

If you own raw undeveloped acreage, the land may be your route to financial security. Subdividing residential lots or owning...
Read More

Land Development a Million Dollar Challenge

Real estate investing has made many a millionaire, so it’s not out of the ordinary if you have the resources...
Read More

Timeshares and Vacation Clubs: Do Your Homework

If you enjoy an annual trek to the mountains or beach, and enjoy the simplicity of staying at the same...
Read More

Want to flip a house like they do on TV?

They make it look so easy, those house-flipping shows where they take a wreck of a home, turn it into...
Read More

‘Taxing’ Questions on Second Homes

Are you in the market for buying a second home? You probably have lots of questions -- what’s it like...
Read More

Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Landlord?

Owning rental property can bring a nice return on your investment, but be sure you weigh the pros and cons...
Read More