Achieving financial success through real estate

2012-2020 Road to Recovery – U.S. Housing Market (0)

Everyone knows the old adage, “buy low and sell high.” The problem is that this feels counter intuitive at the time. Those people who sold during the housing bubble run up and preserved their cash are the same investors buying up property now. Housing is turning around and now is the time to get in the game.

Investing in College Towns – Five Things to Consider (0)

Does higher education equal a smart choice?

Consider these five important factors to consider before investing in college towns. These include rent ratio, tenant selection, location, vacancy, and property management.

Real Estate as an Asset Class (0)

After extensive research and experience within a specific market and its sub-markets, trends and characteristics develop that allow an investor to set up portfolio models similar to other asset classes.

The Dark Side of Real Estate – Part Two (0)

Several clients have contacted me over the last few days to discuss a recent article about investors picking up homes “by the dozen.” People are really intrigued by the idea of picking up $500 houses. What could go wrong?

Intense Lender Scrutiny – The New Normal? (0)

We often counsel our clients through the frustrations surrounding loan requirements; the anxiety from this scrutiny can be intense, especially when borrowers are asked to submit the same information over and over again.

Where to Invest – Selecting an Investment Neighborhood (4)

Once an investor has selected a market, the next step is to look deeper at the specific neighborhoods within that city.

Having a very specific criteria for choosing investment neighborhoods is vital to an investors success and ability to capitalize on returns and minimize risk.

Show Me the Money – Six Common Cash Flow Misrepresentations (0)

We know we should perform due diligence before making any investment. But often people don’t know what they don’t know. This is especially true when calculating cash flow. Here are six key areas to understand and clarify before considering any real estate investment purchase.

529 Plans Fall Short (0)

According to fund-researcher Morningstar, the average 529 plan fell 9.5% in the third quarter of 2011 and is down nearly 6% for through Sep 30th. So what are parents to do?

The Evolution of a Property Management Company (2)

Has your Management Company Evolved? Or are you dealing with a Neanderthal Management Company?

Examine why management gets worse as homes prices get cheaper.

Investing with an IRA (6)

“Can I use my IRA to buy an Investment Property?” To save and invest for retirement, many people use some combination of an individual retirement account (IRA), a company 401(k) or 403(b) plan, or some other tax-advantaged pension, defined benefit, or defined contribution plan.  Typically, their funds are invested in traditional investments, such as stocks, [...]

Lower Tax Bill = Higher Returns (0)

During a time of stock market volatility, having some control in returns is another advantage of real estate as an alternate investment class. With investment properties a successful tax appeal may in some cases may increase the return by 1 or 2% and substantially increase cash flow by several hundred dollars a year.

2012 – The Year for Gen X and Gen Y Investors (0)

Gen X and Gen Y investors are out of the box thinkers who looking for ways to build wealth with creative alternatives to 529 plans and the stock market.

They also tend to be very resourceful and more open to taking calculated risks with their investment portfolios. We are seeing that this group is taking the wheel and will be helping drive the real estate market for years to come.

Time to Re-balance your Portfolio? (0)

Adding additional positive cash flow real estate assets to an investment or retirement portfolio can both stabilize volatility and significantly affect returns. Opportune times for adding real estate include; when downsizing (using leftover equity for a 1031 exchange), upon retirement (as an alternative investment for a lump sum cash out), or after receiving an inheritance (where the goal is to preserve capital and maximize annual cap rate).

Three Key Real Estate Terms to Understand (0)

Understanding common real estate terms are key to starting out as a real estate investor. Here, Net Operating Income, Loan to Value Ratio, and Capitalization Rate are defined.

Why Invest Out of State? (1)

Most investors are primary homeowners. They understand and value home ownership and use that knowledge as a platform when considering investing in real estate but investment real estate is just that, an investment.

With ideal real estate investments you want excellent returns, minimal risk, and a passive relationship with the asset.

Get an Early Start for a Successful Exchange (1)

When looking to 1031 exchange, it is important to plan ahead in order to ensure your exchange goes smoothly. Investors searching for 1031 replacement property must act quickly to stay in compliance with the 1031 exchange rules.