photo credit: ryanrumsey
Flipping homes became a huge concept a few years ago. For some the venture was incredibly lucrative, for others it was the road to bankruptcy, and for others yet, it was just a dream, something never acted on. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘finances’
Hidden Expenses of Home Flips
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008How to Qualify for a Mortgage
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
photo credit: Jofus | JoeTheDough
Qualifying to receive a home mortgage loan has never been a particularly easy thing and it’s an experience which has only gotten more difficult in recent years. With the sub-prime mortgage bust and the increase in home foreclosures that has taken place, banks are more hesitant than ever before to offer a home mortgage to someone. Many people who once owned homes now rent because they can’t get approved for a mortgage loan. But that doesn’t mean that getting a home mortgage is impossible. It just means that you need to know what you have to do (and prove) so that the lender sees you as a responsible bill-paying home owner who deserves a home mortgage loan. (more…)
Basic Mortgage Questions
Sunday, June 8th, 2008
photo credit: Brandie!
Many people feel silly asking really basic questions about mortgages. They feel like this is something that they should already know since almost everyone they know has a home mortgage. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask the questions that you need to ask in order to make sure that you understand what you’re getting in to with a home mortgage. You can’t expect to know this information if you’re too afraid to find it out to begin with. And failing to ask those important questions can make the mortgage process far more confusing (and financially stressful!) than it should be. (more…)
FBI Cracks Down on Mortgage Fraud
Saturday, April 26th, 2008
credit: Amy March
If you’re in the business of buying real estate then you probably pay close attention to the mortgage fraud cases that happen around the country. You want to make sure that the loans you get are legitimate loans that won’t turn nasty on you in a few years. It turns out that you’re not the only one who is paying attention to this issue; the FBI has reported that they’re seriously stepping up their efforts to stop mortgage fraud in its tracks. (more…)
Hybrid Cars Could Help Housing Market
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
credit: Burning Image
An interesting article over at Bigger Pockets recently drew a connection between the increasing cost of gas and the faltering housing economy. In short, it pointed out that as more and more of your money goes to the gas tank, you have less money to invest in real estate property (and to pay the mortgages on already-purchased homes). The author also noted that the cost of housing construction is on the rise as a direct result of the fact that building companies have to spend more money on gas when transporting materials and laborers to job sites.
Basic Types of Real Estate Insurance
Friday, April 4th, 2008
credit: VisitMyLuxuryHome.com
If you’re going to make the sometimes-risky investment in real estate, you should make sure that you protect your purchase and your new property with the right type of insurance. The type of insurance that you’ll get depends on what your involvement is with the home (whether it’s your primary residence or a rental property) and whether you desire any additional or extended insurance.
Life Insurance as a Method of Decreasing Reverse Mortgage Risks
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
credit: Leonid Mamchenkov
The reverse mortgage is a home equity loan available to senior citizens. It essentially takes the home equity that the individual has already invested in his or her real estate and gives it back to the home owner. It is primarily used by seniors who are at risk of losing their homes as a result of the high cost of living that they experience after retirement.
How to Handle Security Deposits
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
credit: Javier Aroche
Probably the most litigated issue between landlords and tenants is the security deposit. Going to court can be expensive and can drain that deposit, leaving you with nothing for the repairs. As a landlord it’s important to iron out all of your security deposit rules when you first rent to a new tenant.
REX vs. Reverse Mortgage
Monday, March 31st, 2008
credit: EverySpoon
There is a new loan option available to people which is being advertised as an alternative to the reverse mortgage loan. It is called the REX loan. The main difference between the two loans is in the ownership of the home. With the reverse mortgage, you remain the owner of your home but you use home equity to receive income payments. With REX, you essentially enter into a partnership that says you will split the proceeds of any future home sale with the company that has partnered with you.
Investment Property Tax Deductions
Thursday, March 27th, 2008
credit: ericskiff
With tax season upon us, it’s important to make sure that all property owners are getting their fair share of tax deductions. It’s not a matter of inventing deductions, but rather a matter of keeping careful records and noting all the deductions you’re due. Some of the biggest deductions and oft missed ones are listed below. (more…)
