May 9, 2011

Everywhere I look right now I see another investment opportunity.  House prices have dropped and rents are starting to climb at an alarming rate.  Just three years ago the home buying scene was on fire.  Everyone wanted in on the act and prices went though the roof.  Now that no one wants to own real estate it is time to buy a few good rental properties. We...

Nov 17, 2010

* In the past 12 years, the net worth of the typical home owner has ranged between 31 and 46 times that of the net worth of the typical renter. * Home owner equity is a substantial component of home owner wealth. The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, conducted once every three years, provides a snapshot of family income and net worth along...

Rental properties require their own type of coverage–landlord insurance, which is different than the homeowners policy you buy when you live in a house yourself. Landlord insurance protects you against losses from fire, lighting, falling trees, wind and hail, water damage, and injury to your tenants and their guests. But it doesn’t cover the...

1. Use a Realtor when leasing. If you are moving into an Apartment it may make more sense to use an apartment location, but either way it is important to have representation.  It does not matter how many times you have moved, if you are not a licensed professional you should hire one.  You should not expect the agent leasing you the house to represent you. ...

Many vacationers opt to rent a home in their vacation destination rather than staying in a hotel. For these vacationers, this is a worthwhile option because it gives the vacationer a more comfortable place to stay with features such as cooking facilities which are not typically offered in commercial hotels. Finding these vacation rentals can be significantly...

While there are some renters who view renting an apartment or a house as a failure, there are others who see the benefits there are to be gained from renting a property as opposed to purchasing a property. Some of the benefits of renting include the ability to save money while renting for the purpose of purchasing a home, few maintenance requirements and the...

Pre foreclosures are known as properties that have reached the final stages before they get repossessed or taken back by the lender or bank.  The owner is still in complete control of the property or home, although the bank or lender will repossess the home if the owner doesn’t attempt to rectify the situation.  Normally, if the owner makes...

“Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.” Source EPA This new law sets standards and...