If you are a homeowner, you should know that having equity in your home gives you options. The difference between the value of your home and what you owe on the home is called equity. During the recent “Great Recession” homeowner equity decreased nationwide. When the value of your home is less that the mortgage […]
Do you know where your main water shut off valve is located? If you have a water emergency you may need to know. Like having a fire extinguisher. You hope you don’t need it but it’s there if you do. Most often the shut off valve is located at the front of the home where […]
Contributors to the rate of return on rental real estate are appreciation, cash flow, leverage, tax advantages and equity buildup. If all of this is confusing and is keeping you from investing in rental property, take a different approach. Let’s cut out all but cash flow and equity buildup as factors to buy rental property. […]
A popular tool for homeowners looking at their home’s value these days is the AVM or Automated Valuation Model. A computer analyzes public records to provide you a value based on square footage, comparable sales around your home and a few limited factors that you can edit. Just go to their website, enter your address […]
As a homeowner, I would like you to recognize that as the professional who might have helped you buy or sell a home I can be a valuable resource while you are owning your home also. Think of me as a homeowner’s resource because I can make recommendations about services throughout the years you are […]
Often when we think about buying a home, we most instinctively think about a 30-year mortgage. Paying over 30 years makes our monthly payment a bit lower than choosing a 15-year mortgage and the principal and interest is pretty consistent. For decades, homeowners believed they would always have a mortgage payment. But today with the […]
If you are going to own a home then you are going to need home insurance. This is a must for most mortgage companies that you have some type of insurance on your home. Lenders may only require fire insurance but depending on where you live you may want more like hurricane coverage or flood […]
Over the last several years, there have been a variety of factors that have led to a rental unit shortage especially with single-family homes. Due to this shortage, rents nationwide have been increasing. In most national markets, it costs considerably less to own than to rent. Paying less on a monthly mortgage to buy a […]
When compared to alternative investments, rentals homes have some distinct advantages. With these advantages and the opportunity for a higher yield, it becomes a clear choice for many investors. Most types of investments have to be paid in cash up front. You can purchase stock with 50 percent cash, but if the value decreases, you […]
The Federal Reserve did a report on Consumer Finances. It reported that homeowners’ net worth is 36 time greater than the net worth of renters. Additionally, the National Association of Realtors® has predicted that at the end of 2015, homeowners’ net worth will be 41 times greater than that of renters. Considering all the factors […]
