The properties that make the best rentals generally fall just below the typical median priced home. There are several reasons for this. For starters, this is a home in which the typical renter can afford. By simply being available to a bigger group of people, this will keep vacancy loss costs lower. In addition, most [...]

When you narrow your focus, you are better equipped on finding yourself the best possible deal. When buying a home, you can use this strategy by focusing on a specific neighborhood.

If you’re new to a city, it’s wise to take some time to know what area you want to live in. Once you’ve [...]

When owning rental property, it’s important to both maximize your gross income and keep expenses low. It’s important to keep up-to-date on comparable rents and keep the property in good condition.

Generally, a well maintained property will rent for more than a similar property that has not been maintained. You can both collect higher [...]

Real estate allows an investor to control a valuable asset with only a small commitment. For investment purposes, an initial investment consists of a 20% down payment plus some closing costs. If you are buying a fixer, then your investment will be higher. That said, your initial investment is much smaller in relation to the [...]

Many homeowners are in a rush to pay off their home loans. This is not always a wise decision. First, you lose liquidity and put your home equity at a higher risk. This is especially the case if you have little cash set aside and if you have few liquid investments. You should always strive [...]

Markets correct themselves over time. After periods in which too much supply was dumped on the market, depressed prices lead to an increase in demand. This has been reflected from the fact that foreign buyers are buying properties with cash in the most distressed markets. And population growth has help absorb the excess inventory. Real [...]

The real estate market in Las Vegas continues its extended slump. S & P has reported yet another 8.5% drop in prices, this time covering a period that spans form October 2010 to October 2011. The Vegas area also has an unemployment rate of 12.5% with tons of underwater mortgages.

On a more positive note, [...]

If you are underwater with your mortgage (doesn’t matter how much), you may be able to qualify for a refi. This is for loans that are owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Even if you make a payment to your bank. The loan had to have been put in place before June 1, 2009. [...]

Models that value assets are often based on discounting future cash flows. This means that the value of an investment depends on how much cash and when the investor will receive it. Any other purchase is a speculation.

Obviously, a dollar now is worth more than a dollar tomorrow. This is why we discount [...]