1. Have you ever dreamed of purchasing an investment property in a foreign country? Properbuz just came out with the Top 7 Benefits of Buying Property Abroad. “This article explores seven basic reasons why people nurture the dream of owning foreign property. The ebbs and flows of foreign property rules in many countries have caused an influx of foreign buyers into their real estate markets. The current trend is that many countries are more accepting of foreign property buyers, unlike before.” If you would like more information about an overseas purchase, let us know, we can put you in touch with the right people.
2. SELLING QUIZ
“Are you ready to sell your house? Sure, you may think you’re ready. In fact, you may be dying to move right now, either because you outgrew your space, got a sweet new job in another city, or are tired of condo life and have always dreamed of inhabiting a huge Victorian instead.” Realtor.com has prepared a Quiz: Are You Really Ready to Sell Your House? No pressure, do your best. If you get less than 90% on the quiz, we need to talk.
3. ALL FUNKED UP
“Ever walk into someone’s house and immediately notice a funky smell? Your first thought is usually something like, “Do they not smell that?” Nope, they probably don’t.” Realtor.com has a few suggestions on How to Tell If You’ve Become ‘Noseblind’ to Your Home. This is especially important if you are showing or opening your house to potential buyers.
4. YOU’RE KIDDING, RIGHT?
Jeff Fogarty a rogue educator in New Brunswick, Canada wants to replace arts and physical education classes with real estate classes. In fact, The Manatee quotes him as saying in their article NB to remove phys-ed from high school curriculum in favour of ‘intro to real estate’ class, “I had hoped to replace all the pointless courses like music and art and science here at Leo Hayes, but for now, we’ll be scrapping gym and all sporting programs, and subbing in required real estate classes,” Fogarty told his audience. “Let’s face it — we’ve had gym classes for decades and what good has that done? We’re still the fattest province in the country.” What’s next, replacing all school busses with Tesla’s? Ridiculous!
5. DREAM A LITTLE
I don’t know about where you’re living right now but it’s been cold here this week. “This winter’s polar vortex and the insane cold it wields in its icy grip is making our minds wander. We’re dreaming of bathtub-warm blue waters, palm trees, and living beachside in tropical climes. Say, the Caribbean or Central America.” Time to have some fun and dream a little with Realtor.com as we look at 10 Awesome (and Affordable) Caribbean Beach Towns Where You Can Buy a Home. I’m warmer already, how about you?
6. SAFE HAVEN OR NOT?
There is so much out there regarding real estate investing. “FEW PEOPLE TALK WITH their financial advisors about alternative investments like purchasing a property, but real estate may be a good strategy this year. It’s one that more high net worth investors seem to be employing to cope with market volatility.” U.S. News and World Report just posted 3 Reasons to Invest in Single-Family Rentals. Again, no matter what the real estate market will do, there are significant risks associated with buying and renting single-family homes. Do your due diligence so you can confidently enter the market.
7. SORRY, UNCLE BOB
Realtor.com says: That’s So 2018! Outdated Mortgage Advice You Should Ignore Right Now. Things change so rapidly in the real estate and lending business. “In fact, even a friend or family member who got a mortgage last year might lead you far astray (in a well-meaning way, of course), since the rules of home financing really do change on a dime.” My suggestion is to meet with and talk to several lending professional prior to making any long term financial decisions. Your work up front may save you a great deal of money in the long term.
8. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS BEWARE
Politico reports Real estate faces a ‘new world order’ and it’s less friendly than the old one. “For the first time in modern memory, New York City’s real estate developers are bearing up under a hailstorm of public vilification so ferocious that it threatens to erode the industry’s once unrivaled political power.” It’s been common practice for politicians and real estate developers to “work together”. With this change in NYC, will other U.S. cities follow suit?
9. PREDICTING THE MARKET AGAIN
The wife of Rid Dad Robert Kiyosaki has written five of her 2019 Real Estate Predictions. “Find out what can you expect when it comes to investing this year. As you can imagine, given my own substantial real estate investment portfolio, I’ve been keeping a close eye on various reports and predictions for 2019. Here’s a brief recap of some of the information I’m seeing, as it will help all of us make more informed decisions when it comes to evaluating new investment opportunities this year.” If you are all interested in the real estate market, my suggestion is to follow it closely and become familiar with neighborhoods, city trends, and the inventory in your town or city.
10. HIDDEN PITFALLS?
“Homeowners today are sitting on a record amount of equity, thanks to the recent run-up in home prices, but a lot of them can’t access that cash. They don’t have the credit scores to qualify for a home equity loan or a cash-out refinance.” CNBC reports on a company called Easy Knock, have you heard of it? This start-up buys your home, rents it back to you and lets you profit if the value grows. A company who buys homes from folks who banks are turning down because they are a risk. Hmmm… I see this as potential red flags for the homeowner. How about you?
