Real Estate in IRAs
Little-Known Secret Allows Real Estate Investors to Create True Wealth
Historically, real estate has given many Americans with a stable investment vehicle that provides both income and appreciation. One of the greatest tools available to real estate investors is government-sponsored retirement plans, such as IRAs and 401(k)s.
Most investors believe that their only IRA investment options are bank CDs, the stock market, and mutual funds.
Few Americans realize that they have the option to self-direct their IRAs and other retirement plans into real estate—and that they can benefit from the tax advantages those plans provide. IRA investments earn tax-deferred/tax-free profits.
Imagine not having to pay taxes right away—or ever—on your real estate deals. Instead of paying 25%, or 30%, or even 50% of your profits to the government in taxes, you keep it.
Additional advantages of the real estate IRAs include:
The power of compound interest
A reduction of taxable income
Asset protection
Estate planning
If you're a successful real estate investor, or if you're just looking to diversify your retirement portfolio, the combination of real estate and your IRA can be very powerful.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Black Friday Specials
Suffice it to say, Black Friday is just not my scene. Frankly, I don’t like shopping on the best of days. So the idea of frenzied shoppers elbowing each other to get to the $2 toasters after spending their family’s precious Thanksgiving moments queued up overnight in the megastore parking lot sends an involuntary shudder – and shiver – up my spine.
On the other hand, I like a deal as much as the next person – maybe more. My idea of a real deal, however, isn’t a $2 toaster. It’s getting a steal on the house where the toaster will live!
Fortunately, ‘tis the season for big-time real estate bargains. Whether you’re buying a new home or staying put, here are six ways you can save some serious real estate dollars this holiday season.
1. Home Buying. In most markets nationwide, prices continue to hover at levels we saw almost ten years ago. Of course, just how much of a fire sale you’re talking depends on where you’re buying. In Manhattan and San Francisco, prices actually did rise last year—but much less steeply than in years past. And while you may still have to deal with multiple offers, at least those are no longer in double-digits.
On the other hand, in locations like Bend, Oregon and Jacksonville, Florida, houses are going for half of what they sold for just five years ago (or less!).
Following conventional real estate wisdom, many sellers, especially in cold weather spots, take their homes off the market after mid-November, when people are more preoccupied with the holidays than they are with real estate. The flip side? Those who do stay in the market tend to be highly motivated and willing to deal. Take that into account when making your initial offer and during subsequent counters.
2. Sealing the Deal. Motivated sellers are often willing to sweeten the pot by helping out with all those transaction-related real estate costs (including loan origination fees, title insurance costs, escrow fees and even transfer taxes). Since lenders will often limit closing cost credits from sellers to 3%-6% of the home’s sale price, however, check with your real estate agent and mortgage broker about your lender’s guidelines before you write up your offer.
Even if your home’s sellers don’t have the wiggle room to lower the sale price or to cover your closing costs, they might be able to include home electronics, appliances or furniture in the deal. I’ve even heard stories of a seller who recently threw a Smart Car into the deal! Just make sure that to check with the real estate professionals handling your sale and mortgage to make sure any deal-sweetening seller incentives doesn’t sour your loan.
3. Interest Rates. With mortgage rates still near record lows, this is a very merry time to buy or refi, with a mortgage. Just this week, Bankrate reports that the going rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 4.24%, and the rate on a 15-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 3.47%. Odds are that rates will remain rock bottom through the holidays (and beyond), making mortgages the gift(s) that keeps on giving in terms of long-term savings.
4. Property Taxes. Hate to pay taxes? You’re in luck! Since property taxes are usually determined by how much you paid for your house, getting a great buy on your house means great savings on your property taxes. Talk about a two-fer! (Oh – and if you already own a home that has declined in value, give yourself the gift of visiting your County tax assessor’s website and submitting a request to have your homes assessed value reduced. What you save can buy a whole lot of iPhones and Elmos.)
5. Negotiating Existing Loans. At year’s end, some banks and asset management companies who have purchased whole portfolios of second mortgages and home equity lines of credit are motivated to close out outstanding issues that are lingering on their books. So if you’re willing and able to pay a lump sum to settle a second mortgage rather than pay the full amount you owe, jump now. A friend of mine who has a $60,000 second mortgage has been in talks with her bank. If she settles the debt by the end of the year, they’ve agreed to take $12,000 and call it good.
6. Home Improvements. You can take advantage of the last of the remaining federal real estate tax credits by improving the energy efficiency of your home:
You can get back up to $500 on your federal taxes when you install approved, energy-efficient heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation, roofs, water heaters, and dual-pane windows, as well as skylights and doors. This particular tax credit, which only works for your existing principle residence, expires at the end of this year!
If you go whole hog and install a solar energy system, you can recoup as much as 30 percent of the cost, with a credit that doesn’t expire until December 31, 2016.
Also, many contractors offer very deep discounts for off-season home improvements, like installing an air conditioner or pool upgrades in the wintertime.
complements of Trulia
On the other hand, I like a deal as much as the next person – maybe more. My idea of a real deal, however, isn’t a $2 toaster. It’s getting a steal on the house where the toaster will live!
Fortunately, ‘tis the season for big-time real estate bargains. Whether you’re buying a new home or staying put, here are six ways you can save some serious real estate dollars this holiday season.
1. Home Buying. In most markets nationwide, prices continue to hover at levels we saw almost ten years ago. Of course, just how much of a fire sale you’re talking depends on where you’re buying. In Manhattan and San Francisco, prices actually did rise last year—but much less steeply than in years past. And while you may still have to deal with multiple offers, at least those are no longer in double-digits.
On the other hand, in locations like Bend, Oregon and Jacksonville, Florida, houses are going for half of what they sold for just five years ago (or less!).
Following conventional real estate wisdom, many sellers, especially in cold weather spots, take their homes off the market after mid-November, when people are more preoccupied with the holidays than they are with real estate. The flip side? Those who do stay in the market tend to be highly motivated and willing to deal. Take that into account when making your initial offer and during subsequent counters.
2. Sealing the Deal. Motivated sellers are often willing to sweeten the pot by helping out with all those transaction-related real estate costs (including loan origination fees, title insurance costs, escrow fees and even transfer taxes). Since lenders will often limit closing cost credits from sellers to 3%-6% of the home’s sale price, however, check with your real estate agent and mortgage broker about your lender’s guidelines before you write up your offer.
Even if your home’s sellers don’t have the wiggle room to lower the sale price or to cover your closing costs, they might be able to include home electronics, appliances or furniture in the deal. I’ve even heard stories of a seller who recently threw a Smart Car into the deal! Just make sure that to check with the real estate professionals handling your sale and mortgage to make sure any deal-sweetening seller incentives doesn’t sour your loan.
3. Interest Rates. With mortgage rates still near record lows, this is a very merry time to buy or refi, with a mortgage. Just this week, Bankrate reports that the going rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 4.24%, and the rate on a 15-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 3.47%. Odds are that rates will remain rock bottom through the holidays (and beyond), making mortgages the gift(s) that keeps on giving in terms of long-term savings.
4. Property Taxes. Hate to pay taxes? You’re in luck! Since property taxes are usually determined by how much you paid for your house, getting a great buy on your house means great savings on your property taxes. Talk about a two-fer! (Oh – and if you already own a home that has declined in value, give yourself the gift of visiting your County tax assessor’s website and submitting a request to have your homes assessed value reduced. What you save can buy a whole lot of iPhones and Elmos.)
5. Negotiating Existing Loans. At year’s end, some banks and asset management companies who have purchased whole portfolios of second mortgages and home equity lines of credit are motivated to close out outstanding issues that are lingering on their books. So if you’re willing and able to pay a lump sum to settle a second mortgage rather than pay the full amount you owe, jump now. A friend of mine who has a $60,000 second mortgage has been in talks with her bank. If she settles the debt by the end of the year, they’ve agreed to take $12,000 and call it good.
6. Home Improvements. You can take advantage of the last of the remaining federal real estate tax credits by improving the energy efficiency of your home:
You can get back up to $500 on your federal taxes when you install approved, energy-efficient heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation, roofs, water heaters, and dual-pane windows, as well as skylights and doors. This particular tax credit, which only works for your existing principle residence, expires at the end of this year!
If you go whole hog and install a solar energy system, you can recoup as much as 30 percent of the cost, with a credit that doesn’t expire until December 31, 2016.
Also, many contractors offer very deep discounts for off-season home improvements, like installing an air conditioner or pool upgrades in the wintertime.
complements of Trulia
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The October Real Estate Buzz
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Hits Record Low
Mortgage rates posted mixed results this week, but the benchmark conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rates fell to a record low of 4.41%, according to Bankrate.com. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.43 discount and origination points. The previous record low of 4.42% was set in October and November of 2010.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 3.63% while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate bounced to 4.94%. Adjustable-rate mortgages were mostly lower, with the average 5-year ARM dropping to 3.12% and the 7-year ARM sinking to 3.27%. Both are record lows.
Prevailing economic concerns have kept mortgage rates at historically low levels. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been below 5% in all but 11 weeks during the past year, and never as low as this week. A widely anticipated speech by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and a full slate of economic data in the next 10 days will steer perceptions about the economy as well as the direction of mortgage rates.
The last time mortgage rates were above 6% was Nov. 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33%, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.41%, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,002.70, a difference of $239 per month for anyone refinancing now.
Source: Bankrate, Inc.
Pending Home Sales Slip in July but Up Strongly From One Year Ago
Washington, DC, August 29, 2011
Pending home sales declined in July but remain well above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All regions show monthly declines except for the West, which continues to show the highest level of sales contract activity.
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, slipped 1.3 percent to 89.7 in July from 90.9 in June but is 14.4 percent above the 78.4 index in July 2010. The data reflects contracts but not closings.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said sales activity is underperforming. "The market can easily move into a healthy expansion if mortgage underwriting standards return to normalcy," he said. "We also need to be mindful that not all sales contracts are leading to closed existing-home sales. Other market frictions need to be addressed, such as assuring that proper comparables are used in appraisal valuations, and streamlining the short sales process."
"Looking at pending home sales over a longer span, contract activity over the past three months is fairly comparable to the first three months of the year, and well above the low seen in April," Yun said. "The underlying factors for improving sales are developing, such as rising rents, record high affordability conditions and investors buying real estate as a future inflation hedge. It is now a question of lending standards and consumers having the necessary confidence to enter the market."
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales; it coincides with a level that is historically healthy.
Prepping a Home for Sale: Simple Staging Tips for Inside and Out
By Barb Schwarz, Stagedhomes.com
Before you show your home to any potential buyer, you want to make sure the staging is perfect. Follow these general tips and your home will look better than the competition.
FOR THE INSIDE
•Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep accessories and objects on the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items. In general, a de-cluttered home helps the buyer mentally "move in" with their own things. Rearrange or remove some of the furniture in your home, if necessary. Many times home owners have too much furniture in a room. When it comes to selling your home, thin out overcrowded rooms to make the rooms appear larger.
•Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops. If it hasn't been used for three months…put it away! Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, magnets, pictures, etc.
•In the bathroom, remove any unnecessary items from the countertops, tub, shower stall, and commode top. Keep only the most necessary cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc., in one small group on the counter. Coordinate towels in one or two colors only.
•Take down, reduce, or rearrange pictures and objects on walls. Patch and paint all walls, if necessary.
•Review the house interior, room by room, and…
1. Paint any room needing paint.
2. Clean carpet and draperies that need it.
3. Clean windows.
•Pack up and store. If you need room to store extra possessions, get a storage unit.
•Leave on certain lights during the day . During showings turn on ALL lights and lamps.
•Set a background tune. Play light FM music every day in the house, for all viewings.
FOR THE OUTSIDE
•Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc., to the garage or, if applicable, take them to the dump.
•Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
•Examine all plants. Plants are like children…they grow so fast. Prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows: "You can't sell a house if you can't see it!"
•Remove any dead plants, weed all planting areas, and put down fresh mulching material.
•Keep your lawn freshly cut, edged, and fertilized during the growing season.
•Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as little planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbeques, toys, etc.
•Check the condition of the paint on your home, especially the trim and the front door. The first impression, or "curb appeal," is very important.
IN GENERAL
Try to look at your house "through a buyer's eyes," as though you've never seen it before. This exercise will help you see what needs to be done. Any time and money invested on these items will usually bring you the return of more money and a quicker sale.
August 2011 Sales Statistics
This graph clearly shows that real estate values have continued to decline, with only a few months showing small increases. As values declined, the number of sales increased as indicated on the "# of sales" graph below.
The number of closed sales increased substantially to a record 3,706 closings. It is obvious that buyers are active in the Las Vegas market and are taking advantage of the falling prices.
The number of REO/Bank Owned properties continue to exceed other ownership type sales numbers. It is obvious the banks are pricing their properties aggressively putting pressure on other sellers to accept lower prices as well.
4 Don’ts When Selling a Home
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine
Kelly O'Ryan, an office manager for Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Mass., recently highlighted several tips of what home owners shouldn't do when trying to sell their home in an article at RISMedia. Here are a few don'ts that made it on their list, see if you agree!
1. Don't slack off on home maintenance. Houses in need of TLC often attract investors or property flippers, which are known for submitting low-ball offers. To attract offers and the highest bids, sellers should attend to any upkeep and maintenance issues before putting the house for sale.
2. Make sure the home isn't being overshadowed outside. Nothing kills curb appeal more than a home you're selling that you can't even see. Be sure to trim trees or bushes to ensure they aren't blocking any windows or the exterior of the home.
3. Remove wallpaper. Wallpaper and borders can be a nuisance to remove so you might want to take these personal decor touches down before you list the home. Neutralize the homes in subtle colors that will appeal to the most buyers and allow buyers to better visualize their personal decor moving in.
4. Don't keep an empty home empty. Buyers can struggle in picturing themselves moving in if a home is left empty. Vacant homes can feel cold and rooms can look smaller than they really are. That's why O'Ryan reminds us why builders spend thousands of dollars staging model homes. If your listing is vacant, consider staging it to bring in furniture and accessories to help define the various rooms functions.
Mortgage rates posted mixed results this week, but the benchmark conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rates fell to a record low of 4.41%, according to Bankrate.com. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.43 discount and origination points. The previous record low of 4.42% was set in October and November of 2010.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 3.63% while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate bounced to 4.94%. Adjustable-rate mortgages were mostly lower, with the average 5-year ARM dropping to 3.12% and the 7-year ARM sinking to 3.27%. Both are record lows.
Prevailing economic concerns have kept mortgage rates at historically low levels. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been below 5% in all but 11 weeks during the past year, and never as low as this week. A widely anticipated speech by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and a full slate of economic data in the next 10 days will steer perceptions about the economy as well as the direction of mortgage rates.
The last time mortgage rates were above 6% was Nov. 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33%, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.41%, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,002.70, a difference of $239 per month for anyone refinancing now.
Source: Bankrate, Inc.
Pending Home Sales Slip in July but Up Strongly From One Year Ago
Washington, DC, August 29, 2011
Pending home sales declined in July but remain well above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All regions show monthly declines except for the West, which continues to show the highest level of sales contract activity.
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, slipped 1.3 percent to 89.7 in July from 90.9 in June but is 14.4 percent above the 78.4 index in July 2010. The data reflects contracts but not closings.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said sales activity is underperforming. "The market can easily move into a healthy expansion if mortgage underwriting standards return to normalcy," he said. "We also need to be mindful that not all sales contracts are leading to closed existing-home sales. Other market frictions need to be addressed, such as assuring that proper comparables are used in appraisal valuations, and streamlining the short sales process."
"Looking at pending home sales over a longer span, contract activity over the past three months is fairly comparable to the first three months of the year, and well above the low seen in April," Yun said. "The underlying factors for improving sales are developing, such as rising rents, record high affordability conditions and investors buying real estate as a future inflation hedge. It is now a question of lending standards and consumers having the necessary confidence to enter the market."
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales; it coincides with a level that is historically healthy.
Prepping a Home for Sale: Simple Staging Tips for Inside and Out
By Barb Schwarz, Stagedhomes.com
Before you show your home to any potential buyer, you want to make sure the staging is perfect. Follow these general tips and your home will look better than the competition.
FOR THE INSIDE
•Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep accessories and objects on the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items. In general, a de-cluttered home helps the buyer mentally "move in" with their own things. Rearrange or remove some of the furniture in your home, if necessary. Many times home owners have too much furniture in a room. When it comes to selling your home, thin out overcrowded rooms to make the rooms appear larger.
•Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops. If it hasn't been used for three months…put it away! Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, magnets, pictures, etc.
•In the bathroom, remove any unnecessary items from the countertops, tub, shower stall, and commode top. Keep only the most necessary cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc., in one small group on the counter. Coordinate towels in one or two colors only.
•Take down, reduce, or rearrange pictures and objects on walls. Patch and paint all walls, if necessary.
•Review the house interior, room by room, and…
1. Paint any room needing paint.
2. Clean carpet and draperies that need it.
3. Clean windows.
•Pack up and store. If you need room to store extra possessions, get a storage unit.
•Leave on certain lights during the day . During showings turn on ALL lights and lamps.
•Set a background tune. Play light FM music every day in the house, for all viewings.
FOR THE OUTSIDE
•Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc., to the garage or, if applicable, take them to the dump.
•Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
•Examine all plants. Plants are like children…they grow so fast. Prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows: "You can't sell a house if you can't see it!"
•Remove any dead plants, weed all planting areas, and put down fresh mulching material.
•Keep your lawn freshly cut, edged, and fertilized during the growing season.
•Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as little planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbeques, toys, etc.
•Check the condition of the paint on your home, especially the trim and the front door. The first impression, or "curb appeal," is very important.
IN GENERAL
Try to look at your house "through a buyer's eyes," as though you've never seen it before. This exercise will help you see what needs to be done. Any time and money invested on these items will usually bring you the return of more money and a quicker sale.
August 2011 Sales Statistics
This graph clearly shows that real estate values have continued to decline, with only a few months showing small increases. As values declined, the number of sales increased as indicated on the "# of sales" graph below.
The number of closed sales increased substantially to a record 3,706 closings. It is obvious that buyers are active in the Las Vegas market and are taking advantage of the falling prices.
The number of REO/Bank Owned properties continue to exceed other ownership type sales numbers. It is obvious the banks are pricing their properties aggressively putting pressure on other sellers to accept lower prices as well.
4 Don’ts When Selling a Home
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine
Kelly O'Ryan, an office manager for Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Mass., recently highlighted several tips of what home owners shouldn't do when trying to sell their home in an article at RISMedia. Here are a few don'ts that made it on their list, see if you agree!
1. Don't slack off on home maintenance. Houses in need of TLC often attract investors or property flippers, which are known for submitting low-ball offers. To attract offers and the highest bids, sellers should attend to any upkeep and maintenance issues before putting the house for sale.
2. Make sure the home isn't being overshadowed outside. Nothing kills curb appeal more than a home you're selling that you can't even see. Be sure to trim trees or bushes to ensure they aren't blocking any windows or the exterior of the home.
3. Remove wallpaper. Wallpaper and borders can be a nuisance to remove so you might want to take these personal decor touches down before you list the home. Neutralize the homes in subtle colors that will appeal to the most buyers and allow buyers to better visualize their personal decor moving in.
4. Don't keep an empty home empty. Buyers can struggle in picturing themselves moving in if a home is left empty. Vacant homes can feel cold and rooms can look smaller than they really are. That's why O'Ryan reminds us why builders spend thousands of dollars staging model homes. If your listing is vacant, consider staging it to bring in furniture and accessories to help define the various rooms functions.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Brutal Facfs
Brutal facts are not always pretty or inviting, but they are reality. Initially brutal news may take you back and even make you feel beat up. But take heart, it is good for bad news to travel fast. You are better off to hear negative news first, before the information becomes filtered through other perspectives, or the facts fester and become worse.
Brutal facts that are not given attention move from an inflamed infection to relational and organizational gangrene. Inevitably there follows an amputation; someone or something has be severed. This extreme action could have been avoided if the brutal facts had been revealed, recognized and acted upon early. Brutal facts are our friends; so do not dismiss the messenger because the message is bad, he or she is just the delivery person.
The wise receiver of brutal facts will extract the “chaff and keep the wheat”.
A brutal fact may relate to your finances and/or your property situation. What is the reality of your cash situation? Take care of your " financial business" or it will take care of you by tumbling down around you.
So where can we find these brutal facts? Your trusted advidsor, Your spouse, parent or friend that has some "horse sense" is a good starting point. They have a vested interest in you, so normally their perception of the facts is fairly accurate. Listen with an ear to learn, but if you become defensive or argumentative they will eventually shut down. Because they care, is why they want you to be aware.
Why not change on your own terms rather than being forced to change on another’s? This is the essence of brutal facts—there are some things that need to change. You, the work culture, and your family are always in flux, so use this as an opportunity to move from mediocrity to excellence. Embrace the brutal facts, learn from them and become better.
Do you currently have concerns that need to seriously consider? Askl youself, "How do I need to change"? "What trusted advisor can assit with making the right" decision.
Brutal facts that are not given attention move from an inflamed infection to relational and organizational gangrene. Inevitably there follows an amputation; someone or something has be severed. This extreme action could have been avoided if the brutal facts had been revealed, recognized and acted upon early. Brutal facts are our friends; so do not dismiss the messenger because the message is bad, he or she is just the delivery person.
The wise receiver of brutal facts will extract the “chaff and keep the wheat”.
A brutal fact may relate to your finances and/or your property situation. What is the reality of your cash situation? Take care of your " financial business" or it will take care of you by tumbling down around you.
So where can we find these brutal facts? Your trusted advidsor, Your spouse, parent or friend that has some "horse sense" is a good starting point. They have a vested interest in you, so normally their perception of the facts is fairly accurate. Listen with an ear to learn, but if you become defensive or argumentative they will eventually shut down. Because they care, is why they want you to be aware.
Why not change on your own terms rather than being forced to change on another’s? This is the essence of brutal facts—there are some things that need to change. You, the work culture, and your family are always in flux, so use this as an opportunity to move from mediocrity to excellence. Embrace the brutal facts, learn from them and become better.
Do you currently have concerns that need to seriously consider? Askl youself, "How do I need to change"? "What trusted advisor can assit with making the right" decision.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Federal Sales Tax on Your HOME!
LETS VOTE THEM ALL OUT IN 2012! WILL YOU SELL YOUR HOUSE after 2012?
Will you ever sell your house after 2012?
Call your Democratic/Republic Senator's Office to confirm this hidden fact about the ObamaCare regulation.
Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it? That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home, plus all the other items.
When did this happen?
It's in the health care bill. Just thought you should know.
SALES TAX GOES INTO EFFECT 2013 (Part of HC Bill).
Why 2013?
Could it be that it is coming to light AFTER the 2012 elections?
REAL ESTATE SALES TAX.
So, this is "change you can believe in"?
Under the new health care bill all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8%Sales Tax. The bulk of these new taxes don't kick in until 2013 If you sell your $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax.
This bill is set to screw the retiring generation who often downsize their homes.
Does this information make your November and 2012 vote more important?
Oh, you weren't aware this was in the ObamaCare bill? Guess what, you aren't alone.
There are more than a few members of Congress that aren't aware of it either
http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home
Will you ever sell your house after 2012?
Call your Democratic/Republic Senator's Office to confirm this hidden fact about the ObamaCare regulation.
Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it? That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home, plus all the other items.
When did this happen?
It's in the health care bill. Just thought you should know.
SALES TAX GOES INTO EFFECT 2013 (Part of HC Bill).
Why 2013?
Could it be that it is coming to light AFTER the 2012 elections?
REAL ESTATE SALES TAX.
So, this is "change you can believe in"?
Under the new health care bill all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8%Sales Tax. The bulk of these new taxes don't kick in until 2013 If you sell your $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax.
This bill is set to screw the retiring generation who often downsize their homes.
Does this information make your November and 2012 vote more important?
Oh, you weren't aware this was in the ObamaCare bill? Guess what, you aren't alone.
There are more than a few members of Congress that aren't aware of it either
http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a home!!
In most parts of the country, the housing market is good (or great!) for buyers right now - interest rates are bizarrely low, lots of inventory means lots to choose from, and the cost of renting has increased in a lot of markets. But just because the market’s good doesn’t mean it’s the right time for everyone to buy.
The decision whether to buy a home is a very personal one; you need to carefully examine your own situation to determine whether it’s right for you.
So, what are the questions you need to answer in deciding whether you’re ready to buy? Here are some of the big ones:
1. Do I have enough money for a down payment?
And how much, exactly, is “enough?” Today’s minimum down payment requirements range from 3.5 percent on an FHA loan to 10 or even 20 percent for conventional loans. That means coming up with anywhere from $7,000 to $40,000 on a typical $200,000 house. While there are still programs that can give you a down payment assist (see last week’s post, 5 Insider Secrets for Coming Up With Cash for Down Payment), much of the heavy lifting here will need to come from you - in the form of saving up your hard earned cash. And keep in mind there are also closing costs you’ll probably have to pay in cash, which can run as high as 3-4% of your total purchase price.
Talk with a real estate pro and a mortgage broker in your areas to start wrapping your head around how much “cash to close” (i.e., down payment + closing costs) will run, approximately, on a local property that would meet your needs. Can your savings cover this? If not, where will you get the money - what’s your plan for coming up with it?
Putting down as much as you can a) makes you more attractive to lenders, so you might qualify you for better loan terms and b) gives you additional purchasing power, either decreasing your monthly mortgage payment or increasing your purchase price limit for a home.
2. Can I handle the not-so-glamorous aspects of homeownership?
If you can’t even fathom the prospect of having a home maintenance crisis without having a landlord to call to fix it, you might want to reconsider homeownership - or at the very least, buy a lower maintenance condo or townhome in great condition, and make sure you get a home warranty! As a home owner, after all, you essentially are your own landlord. Pipe bursts in the middle of the night? Guess who’ll be up fixing it or calling (and paying) the plumber? (Hint: you.)
There are also some less-than-glamorous bills you’ll have to deal with in your new role as a homeowner that you never laid eyes on as a renter: property taxes and hazard insurance, to name two. When you go from renter to owner, you also need to account for the cost of appliances and maintaining the property’s roof, windows, and landscaping, among other things.
3. How long do I intend to stay in the house?
If you think you might move out of the area next year, then you really shouldn’t be thinking about buying a house (unless of course, you want to play landlord and rent it out after you leave - a prospect which requires its own risk/rewards analysis). For your home purchase to pencil out as a good deal, financially, you’ll shouldn’t buy unless you’re comfortable staying in the house at least 5-7 years - even longer, if you’re buying a home in a foreclosure hot spot or an area with a sluggish job market.. This gives you some time to build up equity and make up for the costs of buying, selling and moving.
4. Are my job and finances stable?
Maybe you just went through a major career change and are in the process of working your way back up from the top. Or maybe you work in a field that has been hit really hard by layoffs and cutbacks. The worst case scenario is to find yourself in a spot with mortgage payment you have no way to make, when you could have avoided that by seeing the writing on the wall. If you feel like there’s a real chance you could lose your job or income tomorrow, you may want to hold off on buying a house - that has the added bonus of giving you the geographic freedom to move, if needed, to get a new job.
Is there really such a thing as 100 percent job security in today’s economy? Probably not. But the best practice is to be confident that your finances could handle a temporary loss of income and still make your mortgage payments, before you buy. One way to do this is to have enough money in the bank to cover 4-6 months’ worth of living expenses, calculating them to include your mortgage payment - before you deem yourself ready to buy. That way, even if you lose your job with no warning at all, you’ll at least have a reasonable window of time to find a new one without digging yourself into a hole - or worse, losing your home altogether.
5. What are my real reasons for buying?
Buying a home is a long-term commitment that will have massive impacts on your lifestyle, your family and your finances. In other words, don’t do it unless you’re really sure you want to and are ready for the lifestyle change - don’t let someone else talk you into it. Worthy reasons renters with homeowning readiness give for their decision to buy include some or all of the following:
•You want to build equity instead of paying a landlord. Fact is, if you get a fixed rate mortgage and make the payments for the full term of the loan, you'll eventually pay it off. That's not possible when you're renting.
•You want a place to call your own, where you can paint a wall purple, add a pottery spinning studio or build your dogs an obstacle course (oops - that's my reason for homeownership!), because it's your prerogative.
•You want the tax advantages of homeownership.
•You want a stable place you and your family can live for as long as you'd like.
Ask yourself these questions, and be honest with your answers. If you really want to buy, but your answers to these questions today don’t weigh in that direction, it doesn’t mean you’ll never own a home. It’s usually just a matter of strategically timing your purchase out a year or two when your savings, your career and your lifestyle are in alignment with the implications of ownership - consider working closely with a real estate broker and a mortgage professional to get an action plan in place and start working that plan.
http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2011/08/5_questions_to_ask_yourself_before_buying_a_home?ecampaign=cnews201108C&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2011%2F08%2F5_questions_to_ask_yourself_before_buying_a_home
The decision whether to buy a home is a very personal one; you need to carefully examine your own situation to determine whether it’s right for you.
So, what are the questions you need to answer in deciding whether you’re ready to buy? Here are some of the big ones:
1. Do I have enough money for a down payment?
And how much, exactly, is “enough?” Today’s minimum down payment requirements range from 3.5 percent on an FHA loan to 10 or even 20 percent for conventional loans. That means coming up with anywhere from $7,000 to $40,000 on a typical $200,000 house. While there are still programs that can give you a down payment assist (see last week’s post, 5 Insider Secrets for Coming Up With Cash for Down Payment), much of the heavy lifting here will need to come from you - in the form of saving up your hard earned cash. And keep in mind there are also closing costs you’ll probably have to pay in cash, which can run as high as 3-4% of your total purchase price.
Talk with a real estate pro and a mortgage broker in your areas to start wrapping your head around how much “cash to close” (i.e., down payment + closing costs) will run, approximately, on a local property that would meet your needs. Can your savings cover this? If not, where will you get the money - what’s your plan for coming up with it?
Putting down as much as you can a) makes you more attractive to lenders, so you might qualify you for better loan terms and b) gives you additional purchasing power, either decreasing your monthly mortgage payment or increasing your purchase price limit for a home.
2. Can I handle the not-so-glamorous aspects of homeownership?
If you can’t even fathom the prospect of having a home maintenance crisis without having a landlord to call to fix it, you might want to reconsider homeownership - or at the very least, buy a lower maintenance condo or townhome in great condition, and make sure you get a home warranty! As a home owner, after all, you essentially are your own landlord. Pipe bursts in the middle of the night? Guess who’ll be up fixing it or calling (and paying) the plumber? (Hint: you.)
There are also some less-than-glamorous bills you’ll have to deal with in your new role as a homeowner that you never laid eyes on as a renter: property taxes and hazard insurance, to name two. When you go from renter to owner, you also need to account for the cost of appliances and maintaining the property’s roof, windows, and landscaping, among other things.
3. How long do I intend to stay in the house?
If you think you might move out of the area next year, then you really shouldn’t be thinking about buying a house (unless of course, you want to play landlord and rent it out after you leave - a prospect which requires its own risk/rewards analysis). For your home purchase to pencil out as a good deal, financially, you’ll shouldn’t buy unless you’re comfortable staying in the house at least 5-7 years - even longer, if you’re buying a home in a foreclosure hot spot or an area with a sluggish job market.. This gives you some time to build up equity and make up for the costs of buying, selling and moving.
4. Are my job and finances stable?
Maybe you just went through a major career change and are in the process of working your way back up from the top. Or maybe you work in a field that has been hit really hard by layoffs and cutbacks. The worst case scenario is to find yourself in a spot with mortgage payment you have no way to make, when you could have avoided that by seeing the writing on the wall. If you feel like there’s a real chance you could lose your job or income tomorrow, you may want to hold off on buying a house - that has the added bonus of giving you the geographic freedom to move, if needed, to get a new job.
Is there really such a thing as 100 percent job security in today’s economy? Probably not. But the best practice is to be confident that your finances could handle a temporary loss of income and still make your mortgage payments, before you buy. One way to do this is to have enough money in the bank to cover 4-6 months’ worth of living expenses, calculating them to include your mortgage payment - before you deem yourself ready to buy. That way, even if you lose your job with no warning at all, you’ll at least have a reasonable window of time to find a new one without digging yourself into a hole - or worse, losing your home altogether.
5. What are my real reasons for buying?
Buying a home is a long-term commitment that will have massive impacts on your lifestyle, your family and your finances. In other words, don’t do it unless you’re really sure you want to and are ready for the lifestyle change - don’t let someone else talk you into it. Worthy reasons renters with homeowning readiness give for their decision to buy include some or all of the following:
•You want to build equity instead of paying a landlord. Fact is, if you get a fixed rate mortgage and make the payments for the full term of the loan, you'll eventually pay it off. That's not possible when you're renting.
•You want a place to call your own, where you can paint a wall purple, add a pottery spinning studio or build your dogs an obstacle course (oops - that's my reason for homeownership!), because it's your prerogative.
•You want the tax advantages of homeownership.
•You want a stable place you and your family can live for as long as you'd like.
Ask yourself these questions, and be honest with your answers. If you really want to buy, but your answers to these questions today don’t weigh in that direction, it doesn’t mean you’ll never own a home. It’s usually just a matter of strategically timing your purchase out a year or two when your savings, your career and your lifestyle are in alignment with the implications of ownership - consider working closely with a real estate broker and a mortgage professional to get an action plan in place and start working that plan.
http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2011/08/5_questions_to_ask_yourself_before_buying_a_home?ecampaign=cnews201108C&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2011%2F08%2F5_questions_to_ask_yourself_before_buying_a_home
Friday, August 12, 2011
CASH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
Most home buyers’ biggest hurdle is coming up with the cash for a sensible down payment. Gone are the days of zero-down loans, so if that was your plan, you’re going to need a new one! Coming up with a down payment for a home is a challenge because it’s not chump change we're talking about, here. The down payment on a $200,000 house, for example, will run you anywhere from $7,000 (on an FHA loan) to $40,000!
That might seem like an insurmountable amount of coin to come up with, but it’s actually more doable than you might think. Some buyers will simply save up their own cash, even if it takes many, many moons. The good news is that if you still need some help to boost your down-payment savings, there are resources you can harness to power your home-buying pursuit:
1.The FHA Bridal Registry. Yes - you read that right! The FHA Bridal Registry Program enables wanna-be home buyers to apply their families’ wedding gifts toward their down payments. And although it’s named a “bridal registry” program, you don’t have to be a prenuptial couple to use it. You could also use this program to collect gifts for graduation, the arrival of a baby or some other major life event in which people want to give you gifts. The FHA Bridal Registry works like a traditional registry, but is more flexible. The registrants visit their choice of FHA mortgage lenders and set up what essentially is a custodial savings account for the sole purpose of funding their down payment. The couple’s (or individual’s) family and friends can either deposit funds directly into the account or give the cash or check to the couple or individual, who then deposits it into the account. The account’s flexibility also goes beyond that of traditional down payment gift rules that are applicable to FHA loans, which are detailed below in insider secret #2. With the FHA Bridal Registry Program, the only gift documentation required is “lender and borrower certification of the funds.”
2.Family gifts. Most lenders will allow home buyers to apply gift money from family members toward their down payment - within guidelines, that is. First, the lender will require a letter from the giver verifying that it in fact is a gift and not a loan. (They generally frown upon it being a loan because it would add to the buyer’s debt and change their debt-to-income ratio.) And second, the person giving you the money must be a relative. The reasoning here is that a friend will most likely expect you to repay the money, whereas a relative won’t. FHA loans will allow the gift to make up any portion or all of the buyer’s down payment, many conventional (non-FHA) loan programs will restrict the proportion of a buyer’s down payment that can come from gift money. The lender may also have specific ways they want to see the money go into and out of your accounts. Before you accept a gift toward your down payment, be sure to check with your mortgage broker or loan rep to be sure that you’re dotting all the right i's and crossing all the right t's.
3.Your Employer. Some companies offer assistance programs to employees. Most are government, university, large company and financial industry employers. One example is safety workers: n some areas, safety workers like firefighters and police can have access to down payment grants from their employers if they buy properties in the city where they are on-call as first responders. Also, many large colleges and universities, very large companies and banks and lending institutions offer down payment help and have below-market-rate mortgages set up for faculty members and staffers. Check with your Human Resources department to see if any such program is available to you.
4.City/County/State Programs. Some states, counties and cities still offer programs that lend or give home buyers some assistance for down payments. These programs vary widely in scope - for instance, many target buyers with low and moderate incomes, while some seek to help the buyers of foreclosed or fixer-upper type homes. Some don’t have to repaid - meaning they are given as grants and are forgiven entirely if the buyer lives in the property for 30 years, but must be repaid if the buyer sells or rents the home out before the 30 years elapses. The programs pretty much all have some sort of homeowner education component that requires applicants to take personal finance and homeownership preparedness classes before they can receive funds. To learn more, visit your city, county and state websites to learn about programs that might be able to help you.
5.Your Retirement Funds. Many financial advisors would advise against this, but if you have a 401K or Roth IRA account and some years to go before retirement, you might be able to tap into it or even borrow against your own funds for your down payment. Currently, you can take up to $10,000 out of your Traditional IRA with no penalty to put toward the purchase of your first home, but you will be taxed. You can take as much as you want out of your Roth IRA contributions with no penalty or taxes, though, and as much as $10,000 from your earnings penalty-free for your down payment. The rules get a little tricky, here, so definitely check in with your tax and financial advisors. And while you can’t similarly draw from your 401K, many retirement and pension plans will allow you to borrow the money against your funds, then repay it to yourself – at interest. So the choice there comes down to paying your lender back with interest or paying yourself with interest. That choice should be you! But first, get some advice from your CPA or financial planner. This option might not make financial sense for your particular situation.
http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2011/08/5_insider_secrets_for_coming_up_with_cash_for_down_payment?ecampaign=cnews201108B&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2011%2F08%2F5_insider_secrets_for_coming_up_with_cash_for_down_payment
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
4 Steps to Minimize the Risk of Owning a Home
Not so long ago, in a not-so-distant land, owning a home was thought of as the safest "investment" around. Fast forward to the present day, and home ownership seems super scary to many people who can afford homes, and would like to own them, but are paralyzed by the fear of buying a lemon, or having a mortgage catastrophe.
Here are 4 simple steps to minimize the risk that you'll become the main character in a homeownership horror story.
1. Stick with a fixed-rate mortgage. Recent data shows that adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs, are increasingly popular, rising from 9 percent of the mortgage market in the fourth quarter of 2010 to 12 percent in the first quarter of this year. This might seem crazy to some, but in financially aggressive crowds, the lure of low, 3 percent(ish) interest rates on ARMs is enough to overcome any qualms. As well, today's ARMs tend to have lower lifetime interest rate caps and require payment of principal, so they don't adjust as violently as the subprime interest-only and option ARMs that contributed to the foreclosure crisis.
If the thought of your mortgage payment changing over time gives you the shakes, you don't want to live in a state of interest rate obsession for the next few decades, or you simply crave the simplicity and predictability of knowing what your housing payment will be for the next 15, 20 or 30 years, then stick to
a fixed-rate mortgage. The rates are higher, but with a fixed-rate loan, the risk of scary payment changes are not only lower, they are non-existent.
2. Put - and keep - a home warranty in place. One of the most frightening things about going from renter to homeowner is the prospect of being solely responsible for the care and feeding of your home and all its systems and appliances. Responsibility for both the costs and the actual logistics of repairing things like a leaky roof, a broken hot water heater or a haywire electrical fixture looms large in the minds of first-time buyers, in particular.
A home warranty plan kicks in when escrow closes, and depending on the coverage you select, will cover your home against the breakdown of major systems and even some appliances, like furnaces and water heaters. In some cases, you can even upgrade the coverage to protect against roof leaks and some plumbing issues. When a covered item breaks down, just remember to call the home warranty company first - for the cost of a service call you can get the item repaired or even replaced, if necessary. I remember the home warranty company replacing a $900 water heater in my first home; what a GOD send!
Talk with your agent - you might even be able to negotiate for the seller to pay for the first year's cost of the warranty. Just remember to renew it when it expires every year, to keep a cap on your risk of unexpected repair costs for the duration of your tenure as a homeowner.
3. Get repair bids and estimates, not just inspections. After you find the home of your dreams (or the home of your budget!) and get into contract, you'll have a contingency or objection period ranging from 7 to 17 days during which you can obtain all the inspections you want. Most buyers start out with a general property inspection, a pest inspection and a roof inspection, then get more specialized inspections if the property calls from it. Pest and roof inspectors will generally provide an inspection report AND a repair bid for any work they find needs to be done.
But the overall home inspection could very well list a dozen needed repairs, upgrades and maintenance items, without providing any information about how much those repairs will cost. If your inspection report surfaces work you'll need to have done to fix things (or avoid bigger fixes down the road), work with your agent to schedule actual repair contractors to come in and give you bids on the work before your contingency or inspection period expires. That will position you to negotiate around repair costs with the seller, or to know what you're getting yourself into, cost-wise, if you take the property as-is.
4. Buy on the 10-year plan. Warren Buffett once famously advised stock investors to "only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years." The same advice is good for buying a home in today's real estate market. Take on a mortgage you know you can sustain, buy at a price you can comfortably afford and avoid having to sell because you need to move for some urgent reason, or because the home no longer meets your needs.
You can take this last step to hedge against losing money on your home by planning your space, career and lifestyle needs out 5, 7, even 10 years in the future - everything from how many bedrooms and garage spaces you'll need to where you'll want to be located, geographically - and selecting a home that will meet those needs for that foreseeable future. As a general rule of thumb, the harder hit the area was in the recession, the longer you should plan to hold it.
complements of
http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2011/07/4_steps_to_minimize_the_risk_of_owning_a_home?ecampaign=cnews201107D&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2011%2F07%2F4_steps_to_minimize_the_risk_of_owning_a_home
Here are 4 simple steps to minimize the risk that you'll become the main character in a homeownership horror story.
1. Stick with a fixed-rate mortgage. Recent data shows that adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs, are increasingly popular, rising from 9 percent of the mortgage market in the fourth quarter of 2010 to 12 percent in the first quarter of this year. This might seem crazy to some, but in financially aggressive crowds, the lure of low, 3 percent(ish) interest rates on ARMs is enough to overcome any qualms. As well, today's ARMs tend to have lower lifetime interest rate caps and require payment of principal, so they don't adjust as violently as the subprime interest-only and option ARMs that contributed to the foreclosure crisis.
If the thought of your mortgage payment changing over time gives you the shakes, you don't want to live in a state of interest rate obsession for the next few decades, or you simply crave the simplicity and predictability of knowing what your housing payment will be for the next 15, 20 or 30 years, then stick to
a fixed-rate mortgage. The rates are higher, but with a fixed-rate loan, the risk of scary payment changes are not only lower, they are non-existent.
2. Put - and keep - a home warranty in place. One of the most frightening things about going from renter to homeowner is the prospect of being solely responsible for the care and feeding of your home and all its systems and appliances. Responsibility for both the costs and the actual logistics of repairing things like a leaky roof, a broken hot water heater or a haywire electrical fixture looms large in the minds of first-time buyers, in particular.
A home warranty plan kicks in when escrow closes, and depending on the coverage you select, will cover your home against the breakdown of major systems and even some appliances, like furnaces and water heaters. In some cases, you can even upgrade the coverage to protect against roof leaks and some plumbing issues. When a covered item breaks down, just remember to call the home warranty company first - for the cost of a service call you can get the item repaired or even replaced, if necessary. I remember the home warranty company replacing a $900 water heater in my first home; what a GOD send!
Talk with your agent - you might even be able to negotiate for the seller to pay for the first year's cost of the warranty. Just remember to renew it when it expires every year, to keep a cap on your risk of unexpected repair costs for the duration of your tenure as a homeowner.
3. Get repair bids and estimates, not just inspections. After you find the home of your dreams (or the home of your budget!) and get into contract, you'll have a contingency or objection period ranging from 7 to 17 days during which you can obtain all the inspections you want. Most buyers start out with a general property inspection, a pest inspection and a roof inspection, then get more specialized inspections if the property calls from it. Pest and roof inspectors will generally provide an inspection report AND a repair bid for any work they find needs to be done.
But the overall home inspection could very well list a dozen needed repairs, upgrades and maintenance items, without providing any information about how much those repairs will cost. If your inspection report surfaces work you'll need to have done to fix things (or avoid bigger fixes down the road), work with your agent to schedule actual repair contractors to come in and give you bids on the work before your contingency or inspection period expires. That will position you to negotiate around repair costs with the seller, or to know what you're getting yourself into, cost-wise, if you take the property as-is.
4. Buy on the 10-year plan. Warren Buffett once famously advised stock investors to "only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years." The same advice is good for buying a home in today's real estate market. Take on a mortgage you know you can sustain, buy at a price you can comfortably afford and avoid having to sell because you need to move for some urgent reason, or because the home no longer meets your needs.
You can take this last step to hedge against losing money on your home by planning your space, career and lifestyle needs out 5, 7, even 10 years in the future - everything from how many bedrooms and garage spaces you'll need to where you'll want to be located, geographically - and selecting a home that will meet those needs for that foreseeable future. As a general rule of thumb, the harder hit the area was in the recession, the longer you should plan to hold it.
complements of
http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2011/07/4_steps_to_minimize_the_risk_of_owning_a_home?ecampaign=cnews201107D&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2011%2F07%2F4_steps_to_minimize_the_risk_of_owning_a_home
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
FHA DECREASE
Did you know that effective September 30, 2011, FHA Maximum Loan Amount is set to DECREASE from $400,000 to $287,500.00 FHA Maximum loan limits will change for the following Nevada Counties (effective 9/30/2011)
New Loan Limit
Carson City $286,350.00
Clark County $287,500.00
Douglas County $350,750.00
Elko County $271,050.00
Eureka County $271,050.00
Lyon County $271,050.00
Nye County $271,050.00
Storey County $325,450.00
Washoe County $325,430.00
Call me today, and lets discuss how this could/will impact your wallet. As your real estate professional, coach/mentor keeping you up to date witht the most current and relevant information is what I love and live for! (702) 236-6266
New Loan Limit
Carson City $286,350.00
Clark County $287,500.00
Douglas County $350,750.00
Elko County $271,050.00
Eureka County $271,050.00
Lyon County $271,050.00
Nye County $271,050.00
Storey County $325,450.00
Washoe County $325,430.00
Call me today, and lets discuss how this could/will impact your wallet. As your real estate professional, coach/mentor keeping you up to date witht the most current and relevant information is what I love and live for! (702) 236-6266
Monday, July 25, 2011
City Of North Las Vegas Values
Last week in the news we heard of the possibility that the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada may be taken over by the State of Nevada.
See articles:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jul/21/north-las-vegas-mayor/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jul/12/north-las-vegas-finances/
In the first article: “Mayor Shari Buck stresses that North Las Vegas is not at risk of being taken over by the state, but she admits the city will have a difficult time figuring out its finances for the next two years.”
In the second article:
“But a city doesn’t reach the brink of insolvency because of one hardheaded union, or even two. Recent and past moves by city officials, the unions and residents have led to this fix. North Las Vegas, once among nation’s fastest-growing cities, has seen steep declines in tax revenue during the recession, while its operating costs have risen to pay for big projects planned in anticipation of continued growth” The article continues with the poor planning on the city councils part.
Personally, it’s time for some hard core decision making….Voters. Instead of voting in politicians that have NO experience in running businesses much less know and understand how a budget works or even know what that word means. Vote in solid business owners and entrepreneurs that have a proven track record of how to stay within budget and grow businesses.
Hearing this news, I have to wonder what will this do to the already low property values in the city. The state of Nevada is in no financial condition to take over more financial responsibility.
See articles:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jul/21/north-las-vegas-mayor/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jul/12/north-las-vegas-finances/
In the first article: “Mayor Shari Buck stresses that North Las Vegas is not at risk of being taken over by the state, but she admits the city will have a difficult time figuring out its finances for the next two years.”
In the second article:
“But a city doesn’t reach the brink of insolvency because of one hardheaded union, or even two. Recent and past moves by city officials, the unions and residents have led to this fix. North Las Vegas, once among nation’s fastest-growing cities, has seen steep declines in tax revenue during the recession, while its operating costs have risen to pay for big projects planned in anticipation of continued growth” The article continues with the poor planning on the city councils part.
Personally, it’s time for some hard core decision making….Voters. Instead of voting in politicians that have NO experience in running businesses much less know and understand how a budget works or even know what that word means. Vote in solid business owners and entrepreneurs that have a proven track record of how to stay within budget and grow businesses.
Hearing this news, I have to wonder what will this do to the already low property values in the city. The state of Nevada is in no financial condition to take over more financial responsibility.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Timing verses Location
One of the things that I have found over the years in working with clients that own real estate is that people love buying real estate. With that said some make critical mistakes when doing so. The starting point in deciding what to buy and how to buy it should begin with the answer to this question: Why Should I buy and what is it for?
This question that you ask yourself may sound ridiculous, however an important one for your financial future. Timing is so important. What was the famous line in real estate? Location, location, location. Look back at the years 2003 to 2008 at the feeding frenzy. If someone bought in those years they bought at the high part of the market; thus, the foreclosure and short sale phenonumen. The rule of thumb to any investing or any business is TIMING, TIMING, TIMING.
Another questions to ask yourself what time frame of investing, expectations, do you have the cash or financing and most importantly, whether the property will cash flow. Analyze the property, take all the expenses, taxes, hoa, maintenance, property manager, vacancy, home warranty, landlord insurance policy, holding the property in an LLC, etc. Find out what the property can be rented for. Find out the crime stats in the area and then do the math.
When buying real estate for income it is necessary to look at the type of income that you purchase. Single family homes in the Las Vegas area will be a great investment, for income if done correctly. Let me give you an example: A three bedroom home in Las Vegas, Nevada that would sell for 80,000 rents for $1,500 per month. Subtracting out the annual expenses of the debt service (mortgage payment), property taxes, insurance and the other expenses I mentioned above. It would not be uncommon for this property to net $7,200 yr after expenses. Take that to another level. Invest in 10 homes with that same outcome that would be $72,000 a year. Go a little further, invest in 20 homes would equal $144,000 a year. We have not even discussed the tax advantages. Your CPA would give you that information.
Let’s take a look at commercial property. Multiunit properties, apartments, or commercial properties may be far superior in terms of income than single family homes. In today’s market, you may be able to find a 4 unit property for $100,000. Obviously the figures are larger however so the return is. If done correctly.
Using leverage (OPM or OPC) may also allow for additional income on a property.
End Result: You need to do some planning prior to purchasing a property and find a knowledgeable real estate agent that has done investing for themselves. You should consider the types of properties, how to fund the property, whether to use leverage, who will manage the property, what improvements it may need, and what annual expenses it may have, among other items. The list of considerations is long, but the outcome will be well worth the hard work and profitable. Happy Investing!
This question that you ask yourself may sound ridiculous, however an important one for your financial future. Timing is so important. What was the famous line in real estate? Location, location, location. Look back at the years 2003 to 2008 at the feeding frenzy. If someone bought in those years they bought at the high part of the market; thus, the foreclosure and short sale phenonumen. The rule of thumb to any investing or any business is TIMING, TIMING, TIMING.
Another questions to ask yourself what time frame of investing, expectations, do you have the cash or financing and most importantly, whether the property will cash flow. Analyze the property, take all the expenses, taxes, hoa, maintenance, property manager, vacancy, home warranty, landlord insurance policy, holding the property in an LLC, etc. Find out what the property can be rented for. Find out the crime stats in the area and then do the math.
When buying real estate for income it is necessary to look at the type of income that you purchase. Single family homes in the Las Vegas area will be a great investment, for income if done correctly. Let me give you an example: A three bedroom home in Las Vegas, Nevada that would sell for 80,000 rents for $1,500 per month. Subtracting out the annual expenses of the debt service (mortgage payment), property taxes, insurance and the other expenses I mentioned above. It would not be uncommon for this property to net $7,200 yr after expenses. Take that to another level. Invest in 10 homes with that same outcome that would be $72,000 a year. Go a little further, invest in 20 homes would equal $144,000 a year. We have not even discussed the tax advantages. Your CPA would give you that information.
Let’s take a look at commercial property. Multiunit properties, apartments, or commercial properties may be far superior in terms of income than single family homes. In today’s market, you may be able to find a 4 unit property for $100,000. Obviously the figures are larger however so the return is. If done correctly.
Using leverage (OPM or OPC) may also allow for additional income on a property.
End Result: You need to do some planning prior to purchasing a property and find a knowledgeable real estate agent that has done investing for themselves. You should consider the types of properties, how to fund the property, whether to use leverage, who will manage the property, what improvements it may need, and what annual expenses it may have, among other items. The list of considerations is long, but the outcome will be well worth the hard work and profitable. Happy Investing!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
5 Questions to ask Your Home Inspector
5 Questions to Ask your Home Inspector
Courtesy of
http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2011/07/5_questions_to_ask_your_home_s_inspector
Most home buyers feel like they are bona fide real estate experts after all the studying up on loans and neighborhoods, online house hunting and open house visiting it takes just to get into contract on a home these days. But for all but the most handy of house hunters, getting into contract and starting the home inspection process only surfaces how little you actually know about the nuts and bolts and brick and mortar of the massive investment you’re about to make: a home!
So, you hire a home inspector, but it seems like they’re speaking an entirely different language - riddled with terms like “serviceable condition” and “conducive to deterioration” - about your dream home! Here are 5 questions you can use to decode your home inspector’s findings into knowledge you can use to make smart decisions as a homebuyer - and homeowner.
1. How bad is it - really? The best home inspectors are pretty even keeled, emotionally speaking. They’re not alarmists that blow little things up into big ones, nor do they try to play down the importance of things. They’re all about the facts. But sometimes, that straightforwardness makes it hard for you, the home’s buyer, to understand what’s a big deal and what isn’t so much - the information you need to know whether to move forward with the deal, whether to renegotiate and what to plan ahead for.
I’ve seen things categorized in home inspection reports under “Health and Safety Hazards” that cost less than $100 to fix, like replacing a faucet that has hot and cold reversed. And I’ve seen one-liners in inspection reports, like “extensive earth-to-wood contact” result, after further inspection, in foundation repair bids pricier than the whole cost of the home!
In many states, home inspectors are not legally able to provide you with a repair bid, but if you attend the inspection and simply ask them whether or not something they say needs fixing is a big deal, nine times out of ten they will verbally give you the information you need to understand the degree to which the issue is a serious problem (or not).
2. Who should I have fix that? I always ask this question of home inspectors, with dual motives. First, very often, the inspector’s response is - “What do you mean? You don’t need to pay someone to fix that. Go down to Home Depot, pick up a ___fill in the blank__, and here’s how you pop it in. Should cost you $15 - tops.” And that’s useful information to know - it eliminates the horror of a laundry list of repairs and maintenance items at the end of an inspection report to know that a number of them are really DIY-type maintenance items. Even buyers who are really uncomfortable doing these things themselves then feel empowered to either (a) watch a few YouTube vids that show them how it’s done, or (b) hire a handyperson to do these small fixes, knowing they shouldn’t be too terribly costly.
And even on the larger repairs, your home inspector might be able to give you a few referrals to the plumbers, electricians or roofers you’ll need to get bids from during your contingency period, which you may be able to use to negotiate with your home’s seller, and to get the work done after you own the place. Dropping the inspector’s name might get you an appointment booked with the urgency you need it in order to get your repair bids and estimates in hand before your contingency or objection period expires.
And same goes for any further inspections they recommend - if neither you nor your agent knows a specialist, as the general home inspector for a few referrals.
3. If this was your house, what would you fix, and when? Your home inspector’s job is to point out everything, within the scope of the inspection, that might need repair, replacement, maintenance or furthe inspection - or seems like it might be on it’s last leg. But they also tend to be experienced enough with homes to know that no home is perfect. Many times, I’ve asked this question about an item the inspector described as “at the end of its serviceable lifetime” and had them say, “I wouldn’t do a thing to it. Just know that it could break in the next 5 months, or in the next 5 years. And keep your home warranty in effect, because that should cover it when it does break.”
This question positions your home inspector to help you:
• understand what does and doesn’t need to be repaired,
• prioritize the work you plan to do to your home (and budget or negotiate with the seller accordingly),
• get used to the constant maintenance that is part and parcel of homeownership, and
• understand the importance of having a home warranty plan.
4. Can you point that out to me? Often, when you attend the home inspection, you’ll be multi-tasking, taking pictures of the interior, measuring for drapes or furniture, even meeting the neighbors, or fielding several inspectors at a time. Worst case scenario is to get home, open up the inspector’s report and have no clue whatsoever what he or she was referring to when they called out the wax ring that needs replacement or the temperature-pressure release valve that is improperly installed.
Your best bet is to, at the end of the inspection, while you’re all still in the property, just ask the inspector to take 10 or 15 minutes and walk you through the place, pointing out all the items they’ve noted need repair, maintenance or further inspection. When you get the report, then, you’ll know what and where the various items belong. (One more best practice is to choose an inspector who takes digital pictures and inserts them into their reports!)
5. Can you show me how to work that? Many home inspectors are delighted to show you how to operate various mechanical or other systems in your home, and will walk you through the steps of operating everything from your thermostat, to your water heater, to your stove and dishwasher - and especially the emergency shutoffs for your gas, water and electrical utilities. This one single item is such a time and stress saver it alone is worth the lost income of missing a day of work to attend your inspections.
Courtesy of
http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2011/07/5_questions_to_ask_your_home_s_inspector
Most home buyers feel like they are bona fide real estate experts after all the studying up on loans and neighborhoods, online house hunting and open house visiting it takes just to get into contract on a home these days. But for all but the most handy of house hunters, getting into contract and starting the home inspection process only surfaces how little you actually know about the nuts and bolts and brick and mortar of the massive investment you’re about to make: a home!
So, you hire a home inspector, but it seems like they’re speaking an entirely different language - riddled with terms like “serviceable condition” and “conducive to deterioration” - about your dream home! Here are 5 questions you can use to decode your home inspector’s findings into knowledge you can use to make smart decisions as a homebuyer - and homeowner.
1. How bad is it - really? The best home inspectors are pretty even keeled, emotionally speaking. They’re not alarmists that blow little things up into big ones, nor do they try to play down the importance of things. They’re all about the facts. But sometimes, that straightforwardness makes it hard for you, the home’s buyer, to understand what’s a big deal and what isn’t so much - the information you need to know whether to move forward with the deal, whether to renegotiate and what to plan ahead for.
I’ve seen things categorized in home inspection reports under “Health and Safety Hazards” that cost less than $100 to fix, like replacing a faucet that has hot and cold reversed. And I’ve seen one-liners in inspection reports, like “extensive earth-to-wood contact” result, after further inspection, in foundation repair bids pricier than the whole cost of the home!
In many states, home inspectors are not legally able to provide you with a repair bid, but if you attend the inspection and simply ask them whether or not something they say needs fixing is a big deal, nine times out of ten they will verbally give you the information you need to understand the degree to which the issue is a serious problem (or not).
2. Who should I have fix that? I always ask this question of home inspectors, with dual motives. First, very often, the inspector’s response is - “What do you mean? You don’t need to pay someone to fix that. Go down to Home Depot, pick up a ___fill in the blank__, and here’s how you pop it in. Should cost you $15 - tops.” And that’s useful information to know - it eliminates the horror of a laundry list of repairs and maintenance items at the end of an inspection report to know that a number of them are really DIY-type maintenance items. Even buyers who are really uncomfortable doing these things themselves then feel empowered to either (a) watch a few YouTube vids that show them how it’s done, or (b) hire a handyperson to do these small fixes, knowing they shouldn’t be too terribly costly.
And even on the larger repairs, your home inspector might be able to give you a few referrals to the plumbers, electricians or roofers you’ll need to get bids from during your contingency period, which you may be able to use to negotiate with your home’s seller, and to get the work done after you own the place. Dropping the inspector’s name might get you an appointment booked with the urgency you need it in order to get your repair bids and estimates in hand before your contingency or objection period expires.
And same goes for any further inspections they recommend - if neither you nor your agent knows a specialist, as the general home inspector for a few referrals.
3. If this was your house, what would you fix, and when? Your home inspector’s job is to point out everything, within the scope of the inspection, that might need repair, replacement, maintenance or furthe inspection - or seems like it might be on it’s last leg. But they also tend to be experienced enough with homes to know that no home is perfect. Many times, I’ve asked this question about an item the inspector described as “at the end of its serviceable lifetime” and had them say, “I wouldn’t do a thing to it. Just know that it could break in the next 5 months, or in the next 5 years. And keep your home warranty in effect, because that should cover it when it does break.”
This question positions your home inspector to help you:
• understand what does and doesn’t need to be repaired,
• prioritize the work you plan to do to your home (and budget or negotiate with the seller accordingly),
• get used to the constant maintenance that is part and parcel of homeownership, and
• understand the importance of having a home warranty plan.
4. Can you point that out to me? Often, when you attend the home inspection, you’ll be multi-tasking, taking pictures of the interior, measuring for drapes or furniture, even meeting the neighbors, or fielding several inspectors at a time. Worst case scenario is to get home, open up the inspector’s report and have no clue whatsoever what he or she was referring to when they called out the wax ring that needs replacement or the temperature-pressure release valve that is improperly installed.
Your best bet is to, at the end of the inspection, while you’re all still in the property, just ask the inspector to take 10 or 15 minutes and walk you through the place, pointing out all the items they’ve noted need repair, maintenance or further inspection. When you get the report, then, you’ll know what and where the various items belong. (One more best practice is to choose an inspector who takes digital pictures and inserts them into their reports!)
5. Can you show me how to work that? Many home inspectors are delighted to show you how to operate various mechanical or other systems in your home, and will walk you through the steps of operating everything from your thermostat, to your water heater, to your stove and dishwasher - and especially the emergency shutoffs for your gas, water and electrical utilities. This one single item is such a time and stress saver it alone is worth the lost income of missing a day of work to attend your inspections.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What is the Market Doing
I would rather see investing in real estate be diversified however, the principle of the "three L’s" of real estate – location, location, location - has never been more proven than in today’s market. While existing home sales in some regions of our country declined in May, other areas are starting to boom. Here are some stats from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for end-of-month figures comparing April to May:
• Northeast – down 2.5%
• Midwest – dropped 6.4% due to flooding
• South – down 5.1%
• West – unchanged
A couple reasons for the declines are unseasonably bad weather, which slows buyer shopping, and restrictive loan underwriting standards regulated by the government.
Still, there are oases in the desert. According to the NAR, “Home prices are rising or very stable in local markets with improved employment conditions, such as in North Dakota, Alaska, Washington, D.C., and many parts of Texas.”
Most notable, according to USA Today, is the Silicon Valley in California. In Palo Alto, California, home prices jumped 20% in May. Why? It’s located in a job rich center for technology. Along with that, there are reported to be up to 30 companies in line to go to IPOs in the next 12 months. The market in this area is predicted to grow quickly for the next two years.
Other indicators point to an upswing in real estate nationwide. As prices decline, buyers recognize great bargains and sales stabilize.
• Northeast – down 2.5%
• Midwest – dropped 6.4% due to flooding
• South – down 5.1%
• West – unchanged
A couple reasons for the declines are unseasonably bad weather, which slows buyer shopping, and restrictive loan underwriting standards regulated by the government.
Still, there are oases in the desert. According to the NAR, “Home prices are rising or very stable in local markets with improved employment conditions, such as in North Dakota, Alaska, Washington, D.C., and many parts of Texas.”
Most notable, according to USA Today, is the Silicon Valley in California. In Palo Alto, California, home prices jumped 20% in May. Why? It’s located in a job rich center for technology. Along with that, there are reported to be up to 30 companies in line to go to IPOs in the next 12 months. The market in this area is predicted to grow quickly for the next two years.
Other indicators point to an upswing in real estate nationwide. As prices decline, buyers recognize great bargains and sales stabilize.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Real Estate Buzz
THE REAL ESTATE BUZZ!!
There’s something in the air. Have you noticed it? Downtown is busier, restaurants are crowded and retail sales are up. The same is true in the real estate market. Pending home sales improved in December, marking the fifth gain in the past six months. New home sales are up 17.5 % nationwide according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), credits this upswing to affordability, favorable mortgage rates and an improving economy. Yun predicts, “The positive trend is likely to continue in 2011. Current activity suggests a sustainable, healthy volume of a mid-5 million in total home sales for this year.”
Our local market is reflecting this upswing. Builders are starting to build in preparation for sales at higher prices in the year to come. Inflation is a concern that drives some to buy now. By the end of February, more homes will come on the market. The spring season of March, April and May are traditionally very active. Now may be the time to evaluate your options and capitalize on the spring market.
JUST ASKQ: What are the new trends in remodeling?
A: Since December, there has been an upswing in remodeling nationwide according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). The cost of a remodel is running about 10 to 15% less than two years ago. In general, NARI reports that the project size is smaller.
Instead of expanding your home, consider borrowing space from oversized rooms. Instead of building a wine room, install a wine storage appliance. Instead creating a separate home theater in the basement, avoid the cost of expensive electronics and make a multipurpose room. I wonder whether the phase of bigger homes, bigger basements and bigger toys is ending or just slowing. Many clients say that they do not use those extra rooms. Let me know what you think.
MY TOWN
The National Restaurant Association's What's Hot in 2011 survey of more than 1,500 professional chefs revealed that local sourcing, healthy children's meals, sustainable seafood, and gluten-free cuisine will be among the hottest trends on restaurant menus in 2011. 30% of those surveyed said that pop-up restaurants will be the hottest trend in 2011.
Pop-up restaurants have been gaining notoriety in the world of “foodies” and mainstream America is starting to take notice. Rather than taking on the burden of a long term lease, a pop-up restaurant allows established, known chefs to temporarily rent space in a bakery or small restaurant and offer meals only at certain times. Bakeries and delis by day are transformed into high-end restaurants by night.
Ludo Levebre, one of the founders of this movement, earned Mobile Travel Guide Five Star awards at two of Los Angeles' most prestigious restaurants before opting for freedom. Chef Levebre’s website compares his traveling restaurant, LudoBites, to a band: “Like a club band we have been touring locally…and playing different parts of Los Angeles.”
Go online to find a pop-up restaurant near you. Search for: "pop up restaurants in (your city here) 2011," and peruse the options. Let me know if you try out one of the hottest food trends of 2011.
FYI
Got any home improvement plans lined up for the New Year? The following online programs are free and offer a great way to design your home projects before you start:
•Autodesk Homestyler is created by the same company that makes AutoCAD architectural software. This robust, easy-to-use application lets you arrange and design your project by simply dragging and dropping elements such as windows and doors, furniture and appliances.
•Google Sketchup is a sophisticated software application that lets you build 3D models of your home. Online video tutorials will help you get started. Users can upload their creations to a shared database where you can peruse others’ works for inspiration.
•Ikea Planner lets you build a room and furnish it with Ikea products.
For minor upgrades such as new flooring and paint colors, try these online resources.
•With Colorjive you can upload a photo of the room you want and try on new color schemes. Adjust lighting conditions then process your image to obtain the color index numbers for Sherman Williams and Benjamin Moore paints.
•Daltile’s website lets you design your own project, select and arrange coordinating tiles, and tally up the final price of your project.
•Armstrong Flooring displays stock photos demonstrating a number of flooring options from laminates to hardwood
There’s something in the air. Have you noticed it? Downtown is busier, restaurants are crowded and retail sales are up. The same is true in the real estate market. Pending home sales improved in December, marking the fifth gain in the past six months. New home sales are up 17.5 % nationwide according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), credits this upswing to affordability, favorable mortgage rates and an improving economy. Yun predicts, “The positive trend is likely to continue in 2011. Current activity suggests a sustainable, healthy volume of a mid-5 million in total home sales for this year.”
Our local market is reflecting this upswing. Builders are starting to build in preparation for sales at higher prices in the year to come. Inflation is a concern that drives some to buy now. By the end of February, more homes will come on the market. The spring season of March, April and May are traditionally very active. Now may be the time to evaluate your options and capitalize on the spring market.
JUST ASKQ: What are the new trends in remodeling?
A: Since December, there has been an upswing in remodeling nationwide according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). The cost of a remodel is running about 10 to 15% less than two years ago. In general, NARI reports that the project size is smaller.
Instead of expanding your home, consider borrowing space from oversized rooms. Instead of building a wine room, install a wine storage appliance. Instead creating a separate home theater in the basement, avoid the cost of expensive electronics and make a multipurpose room. I wonder whether the phase of bigger homes, bigger basements and bigger toys is ending or just slowing. Many clients say that they do not use those extra rooms. Let me know what you think.
MY TOWN
The National Restaurant Association's What's Hot in 2011 survey of more than 1,500 professional chefs revealed that local sourcing, healthy children's meals, sustainable seafood, and gluten-free cuisine will be among the hottest trends on restaurant menus in 2011. 30% of those surveyed said that pop-up restaurants will be the hottest trend in 2011.
Pop-up restaurants have been gaining notoriety in the world of “foodies” and mainstream America is starting to take notice. Rather than taking on the burden of a long term lease, a pop-up restaurant allows established, known chefs to temporarily rent space in a bakery or small restaurant and offer meals only at certain times. Bakeries and delis by day are transformed into high-end restaurants by night.
Ludo Levebre, one of the founders of this movement, earned Mobile Travel Guide Five Star awards at two of Los Angeles' most prestigious restaurants before opting for freedom. Chef Levebre’s website compares his traveling restaurant, LudoBites, to a band: “Like a club band we have been touring locally…and playing different parts of Los Angeles.”
Go online to find a pop-up restaurant near you. Search for: "pop up restaurants in (your city here) 2011," and peruse the options. Let me know if you try out one of the hottest food trends of 2011.
FYI
Got any home improvement plans lined up for the New Year? The following online programs are free and offer a great way to design your home projects before you start:
•Autodesk Homestyler is created by the same company that makes AutoCAD architectural software. This robust, easy-to-use application lets you arrange and design your project by simply dragging and dropping elements such as windows and doors, furniture and appliances.
•Google Sketchup is a sophisticated software application that lets you build 3D models of your home. Online video tutorials will help you get started. Users can upload their creations to a shared database where you can peruse others’ works for inspiration.
•Ikea Planner lets you build a room and furnish it with Ikea products.
For minor upgrades such as new flooring and paint colors, try these online resources.
•With Colorjive you can upload a photo of the room you want and try on new color schemes. Adjust lighting conditions then process your image to obtain the color index numbers for Sherman Williams and Benjamin Moore paints.
•Daltile’s website lets you design your own project, select and arrange coordinating tiles, and tally up the final price of your project.
•Armstrong Flooring displays stock photos demonstrating a number of flooring options from laminates to hardwood
Monday, January 31, 2011
Real Estate Workshop
What a great workshop on Saturday, January 29, 2010 in Las Vegas.
We discussed fitting the puzzle pieces together in order to invest in real estate.
We heard from a CPA and a loan officer and asked the hard questions.
The agenda
How to create a business Plan for investing
How to stay committed to your plan
What is the definition of KASH and how to implement in your business plan?
How to any analyze property
How the buying/loan process works
How does the escrow process works
To receive the information contact Dawn (702) 236-6266
We discussed fitting the puzzle pieces together in order to invest in real estate.
We heard from a CPA and a loan officer and asked the hard questions.
The agenda
How to create a business Plan for investing
How to stay committed to your plan
What is the definition of KASH and how to implement in your business plan?
How to any analyze property
How the buying/loan process works
How does the escrow process works
To receive the information contact Dawn (702) 236-6266
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Better Than Expected!
Existing Home Sales - Stable Pricing, Better than Expected Sales
The third quarter gave us an opportunity to see the effects of both slow bank-owned (REO) additions to the market as well as the effect of the homebuyer tax credit (there were three versions). As a result of these factors, demand was pulled forward,
essentially borrowing sales from the future.
In terms of the housing tax credit’s effect on pricing, we observed a temporary bump in the prices of homes on the lower end of the spectrum. Nationally, research has shown that the third version generated an approximate 6.4% growth above trend (FNC,
2010). Our research has demonstrated that locally, prices on large homes (typically greater than 2,000 sq. ft.) did not experience an increase in prices, but more of a slowing of price declines.
The second half of 2009 and early 2010 was a vibrant period, with multiple offers on well-priced homes becoming commonplace. The post-tax credit season has included moderating sales, but has been outperforming our own expectations in the third
quarter.
Potential homebuyers had been craving more inventory, and the third quarter experienced additional inventory due to a combination of moderating sales
and more new placements on the market. This turned into a benefit for home buyers by helping to decrease their search time. With the increase in inventory we have observed a rise in the number days on market. This has yet to manifest itself in a resulting decline in prices for the bulk of homes sold; some housing types continue to see declines, but this is not symmetric for the whole market.
There is some pressure on home prices, but it is moderated by investors recognizing the long-term potentials of the market, as well as the cash flow opportunities yielded by rental properties. The bottom line for a great deal of buyers is that buying is less expensive than renting. This fact is further substantiated by the observed returns from homes sold with tenants in place, where investors have been able to achieve un-leveraged returns in the high single digits and often double digits.
Recognizing these returns, investors have made up a great proportion of our sales, possibly up to fifty percent. This is not the ideal speculator we saw in the past, but rather a majority of investors we encounter have a long-term hold strategy. This has been very beneficial for the marketplace.
The third quarter gave us an opportunity to see the effects of both slow bank-owned (REO) additions to the market as well as the effect of the homebuyer tax credit (there were three versions). As a result of these factors, demand was pulled forward,
essentially borrowing sales from the future.
In terms of the housing tax credit’s effect on pricing, we observed a temporary bump in the prices of homes on the lower end of the spectrum. Nationally, research has shown that the third version generated an approximate 6.4% growth above trend (FNC,
2010). Our research has demonstrated that locally, prices on large homes (typically greater than 2,000 sq. ft.) did not experience an increase in prices, but more of a slowing of price declines.
The second half of 2009 and early 2010 was a vibrant period, with multiple offers on well-priced homes becoming commonplace. The post-tax credit season has included moderating sales, but has been outperforming our own expectations in the third
quarter.
Potential homebuyers had been craving more inventory, and the third quarter experienced additional inventory due to a combination of moderating sales
and more new placements on the market. This turned into a benefit for home buyers by helping to decrease their search time. With the increase in inventory we have observed a rise in the number days on market. This has yet to manifest itself in a resulting decline in prices for the bulk of homes sold; some housing types continue to see declines, but this is not symmetric for the whole market.
There is some pressure on home prices, but it is moderated by investors recognizing the long-term potentials of the market, as well as the cash flow opportunities yielded by rental properties. The bottom line for a great deal of buyers is that buying is less expensive than renting. This fact is further substantiated by the observed returns from homes sold with tenants in place, where investors have been able to achieve un-leveraged returns in the high single digits and often double digits.
Recognizing these returns, investors have made up a great proportion of our sales, possibly up to fifty percent. This is not the ideal speculator we saw in the past, but rather a majority of investors we encounter have a long-term hold strategy. This has been very beneficial for the marketplace.
Welcome 2011
I hope you all had a Safe New Years Day. Its time to get back into the groove.
There is no better way to start 2011 than to begin with supplying your retirement; Real Estate Investing is a sure fire way to do just that.
Las Vegas is the hottest market! With prices as low as they are along with interest rates at the lowest they have been since 1950.
There are properties that you can purchase for $20,000. Rent it out for $500.00 a month. If you had 10 properties that would be $5,000 a month, now. Now lets discuss 10, 15, 20 years from now. Inflation..... at 3.5% a year, you would be charging $800 to $1,000 a month. Calculate that, $1,000 a month times 10 properties that would be $10,000 a month. Thats a nice nest egg, not to mentioned that tax deductions too. Check my website out, www.sharebuildersinc.com or just call to set up an appointment, (702) 236-6266
There is no better way to start 2011 than to begin with supplying your retirement; Real Estate Investing is a sure fire way to do just that.
Las Vegas is the hottest market! With prices as low as they are along with interest rates at the lowest they have been since 1950.
There are properties that you can purchase for $20,000. Rent it out for $500.00 a month. If you had 10 properties that would be $5,000 a month, now. Now lets discuss 10, 15, 20 years from now. Inflation..... at 3.5% a year, you would be charging $800 to $1,000 a month. Calculate that, $1,000 a month times 10 properties that would be $10,000 a month. Thats a nice nest egg, not to mentioned that tax deductions too. Check my website out, www.sharebuildersinc.com or just call to set up an appointment, (702) 236-6266
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