Category: Investing
Meet Our Newest Agent!
Cydni Potter, Buyer Specialist Cydni spent most of her life in Chicago before moving to Nevada briefly post high school. Wanting to be closer to family, Cydni found her way back to Illinois and primarily worked in the service industry before exploring a career in real estate. Cydni was looking for financial freedom and a... Read More
What is Considered a Fixture When Selling a House?
A dining room chandelier — the crown jewel of your home — convinced potential buyers to write an offer because they fell in love with it. Hey, wait a minute! You’re only selling the house, not the chandelier, and don’t want to leave your treasured heirloom behind. But, if it’s considered a fixture when selling a house, the buyer could be correct in thinking your gem should glisten over their future family dinners. Read More
What Is a FICO Score and How Is It Determined?
Successfully buying a home hinges on a bunch of numbers, from home prices to mortgage rates. And there’s a lesser-known figure that can make all the difference when realizing your homeownership dreams: your FICO score. Whenever you want to make a big purchase, like a home, the lender will pull your FICO score, a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness and is akin to a financial compass in the housing market. This number ranges from 300 to 850 and determines whether you’re approved for a loan, your interest rate, and your mortgage terms. Read More
Rental Scams: How to Recognize and Avoid Rental Fraud
Whether you’re searching for a home to rent in your current town or in another state, it can be tempting to snap up an appealing property before taking time to do your research. This is particularly true if you’re on a tight deadline to find a place, making it even more important to be on the lookout for potential fraud. A rental scam is a well-known tool for identity theft, and victims can lose thousands of dollars paying fees to false entities. Anyone can fall victim to a rental scam — many of the perpetrators are sophisticated and convincing. Here are five questions to ask yourself to detect warning signs of possible bad actors in the rental market, and tips for ensuring your rental process is safe and secure. Read More
Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?
Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You’re not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why. Read More
What Are Accessory Dwelling Units and How Can They Benefit You?
Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget. Or perhaps you’re already a homeowner in need of extra income or a place for loved ones. Whether as a potential homebuyer or a homeowner with changing needs, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for short, may be able to help you reach your goals. Read More
What Is Cap Rate in Real Estate? How Much You’ll Earn On an Investment
Cap rate, or capitalization rate, is the ratio of a property’s net income to its purchase price. It’s an essential number for gauging a property’s rental income potential. Many new real estate investors, for instance, assume that as long as their renters are paying more than their mortgage on the property, they’re golden. But that’s not the case. You also have to factor in your investment dollars, taxes, and other variables. That’s what cap rate does in one fell swoop. Read More
Unmasking Scary Myths about Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Here’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market. Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually don’t have to have 20% for a down payment. If you have other fears or reservations about buying a home today, get in touch... Read More
Invest in Yourself by Owning a Home
Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner. Read More
Growing Your Net Worth with Homeownership
Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in a few years. You might be thinking about your job, money, wanting more stability, or goals you want to reach soon. Is homeownership a part of that vision? If it is, you should know owning a home has a whole lot of financial benefits. Read More