Investment Property-Why Do You Need It?
If you are considering whether or not to purchase investment property, you may be wondering if it is really worth the effort that it will take. Purchasing investment property is becoming more popular as people begin to realize what a benefit it can be. Many people are even deciding to refinance their home mortgage so they can afford to purchase investment property. Some of the great reasons to purchase investment property include an increased cash flow, great tax benefits, appreciation, and renting or flipping the home.
Even if you refinance your home mortgage to purchase investment property, you will be able to see an increase in your cash flow if your handle your investment properly. This is one of the biggest reasons that people do choose to purchase investment property, so they can enjoy the benefit of having more cash coming into their hands.
Another reason that purchasing investment property is a great idea is because of the great tax benefits that you can take advantage of. If you are investing for the very first time, you can actually get back all of your business expenses that you spend on that home, up to $100,000. This would include any money that you spent to improve the investment property.
Investment property is also a great investment because of the way that it appreciates in value. There is no other field other than real estate that can appreciate so quickly. You will not have to worry about losing on this type of investment and, no doubt, in just a short time you will be able to see how much your property has appreciated. If you are willing to hold on to the investment property for a while, you will really see great appreciation and be able to enjoy the benefits associated with it. Continue reading
Protect Yourself From Real Estate Fraud
I view my tent ministry as a real estate professional as an honorable job. I am helping people who are in distress get a new piece of mind. On a broader sense, owning a piece of property is part of the American dream. Sadly, there are vultures out there that want to prey on the innocent with things that sound good but are pure trouble. I recently read an article by the Department of Real Estate of California and I thought I would share a few pointers with everyone.
(Note – this is written from a California standpoint, most pointers should be applicable anywhere in the US but check with a RE agent in your area if you have specific questions.)
Does a person who helps me with a short sale have to be licensed by the state?
Yes, any person who “negotiates loans…or perform services for borrowers or lenders…in connection with loans secured directly or collaterally by liens on real property… for or in expectation of compensation” must be licensed.
What is that in English? If a person wants to help you negotiate with a lender in regards to a property – that person must be licensed. This applies to anyone who wants to talk to your lender(s) on your behalf in regards to a loan secured by property.
Application – we are seeing ‘short sale negotiators’ as a new business. If they cannot produce a DRE license number then run. Also, once they give you a license number check it out against your state’s real estate license database. Some of these negotiators hire a broker to list the property which is a licensed professional. However, if THEY talk to your lender(s) they too must be licensed. Continue reading