As a real estate investor, seller, or buyer, it is important to understand what is going on in your local market. Knowing popular neighborhoods, demographics, and economic factors can give you an edge in the market. Chicago Housing Market Forecast With over 60 museums and a gorgeous skyline, Chicago is a large, global tourist attraction. […]
All offers are not created equally. It cannot be stated enough just how important it is to choose the right offer, not just the one with the highest price. The right offer is one that actually closes and allows you to move on from the transaction. The wrong offer has an unexpected problem at the […]
There are dozens of ways to run a business. What makes real estate investing so appealing are the limitless options of getting from point A to point B. With the right mindset and a little bit of good fortune you can go from part time investor to having more deals than you can handle in no […]
Your perception of real estate is often different from reality. From the outside you can buy any property, make some improvements and walk away with a handsome profit. The reality is that it is difficult to get good deals, make the right updates, find a buyer and close in your timeframe. Additionally, there is almost […]
No one likes it when a good deal dies. Especially when selling your home, it can be disappointing. Whether the property won’t sell due to financial complications or miscommunications, learning that a great offer has fallen through is always a setback in real estate. Unfortunately, home inspections are a well-known deal-killer within real estate. They’re […]
With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below): March […]
Pick-up the Phone and Verify! Your excited, the contract is signed, your swimming in paperwork and details. Not to mention trying to organize a big move! You’re expecting that email with the wiring instructions for your deposit. STOP! Before you send your hard earned money take the time to verify! Wire fraud in the U.S. […]
DISCLAIMER: This article is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, or legal advice. HomeLight always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Sitting down to do your taxes in your new (to you) home, perhaps you already knew that you might need some documentation from your […]
We’ve heard the stories about people who managed to make an offer on a house before it officially went up for sale, beating out all the other would-be buyers and scoring the home of their dreams. And in a fast-paced market, where houses often sell in less than a day, and buyers have to be […]
Table of Contents: Is real estate even a good investment? 7 top reasons why real estate is a good investment. Top 7 ways to get started in real estate investing How much money do you need to invest in real estate? 3 simple steps to get started. How real people make money investing in real […]
5-Mistakes That Can Make House Flipping a FLOP Avoid the pitfalls that novice flippers overlook It looks so easy! Buy a house, make a few cosmetic fixes, put it back on the market, and make a huge profit. At any given time, a half-dozen shows on television feature good-looking, well-dressed investors who make the process […]
Once your new home is officially yours, you’ll want to celebrate. Never mind breaking out the pizza and paper plates while you unearth where you packed the kitchen stuff. We’re talking about throwing a housewarming party to give your friends and neighbors a taste of your new digs in style. That said, if you bill […]
Gustan Cho The Mortgage Expert September 6, 2021 – 4 min read This Article Is About How To Become A Private Money Lender For Real Estate Investors To find a good opportunity to lend. What constitutes a good opportunity to lend? There are a couple of things you as a private money lender can do to be sure you’re […]
Between the interior design magazines delivered to your door, your addiction to Pinterest, and your friend’s recent bathroom remodel with a hundred likes on Facebook, you get bombarded with home improvement recommendations wherever you turn. Everyone and their dog seems to have an opinion on what your house needs to shine or which type of […]
Diversifying where you put your investment funds is a critical part of whether or not you will be financially successful long term. It is far too risky to potentially suffer the losses that can come from putting all your eggs in one basket. These losses can happen in an instant and leave you […]
Building financial wealth and stability remains one of the top reasons Americans choose to own a home, and as a homeowner, your wealth often grows without you even realizing it. In a recent paper published by the Urban Institute, Home Ownership is Affordable Housing, author Mike Loftin illustrates how homeowners increase their equity and their wealth simply […]
Maybe you’ve been binge-watching HGTV and want to remodel your kitchen. Or maybe you’re tempted to build an office add-on for your new remote job. Well, the average kitchen remodel can set you back between $10,000 to $100,000. And that 12 x 12 office addition? Prepare to fork over $32,000 to $80,000. Whether you need […]
Coronavirus is actively changing the mechanics of selling a home in a way that could have long-lasting and even permanent effects — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The need to suddenly practice social distancing and restrict movement has accelerated innovation and technology in a space that’s traditionally been paperwork-heavy and people-driven. […]
Some Highlights Today’s home price appreciation is driving equity higher throughout the country. If your needs are changing and you’re ready for a new home, your equity may be a great asset to power your next move. Now is a great time to put your equity toward a down payment on the home of […]
With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout 2021, or if they’ll start to rise. Recently, Freddie Mac released their quarterly forecast, noting: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020 and the low interest rate environment is projected […]
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their most recent Jobs Report. The report revealed that the economy lost 140,000 jobs in December. That’s a devastating number and dramatically impacts those households that lost a source of income. However, we need to give it some context. Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator at the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), explains: “The economy […]
Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a […]
As any real estate agent knows, leads are the lifeblood to success. This is why it is no secret that a high percentage of most agents’ time is dedicated to uncovering possible leads via as many conduits as possible. That being said, all leads are not created equal. Some leads roll in thanks to expensive […]
Buying a home is an important – and exciting – decision. After all, having a place to call your own, to raise your family in, to do as you wish with no landlord to answer to are all motivating factors in starting the process. But, in addition to these emotional reasons, buying a home can […]
If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year, and possibly beyond. While the pandemic continues, […]
As we enter the final months of 2020 and continue to work through the challenges this year has brought, some of us wonder what impact continued economic uncertainty could have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, the rules of supply and demand will give us the clearest idea of what is to come. […]
Today, many people are asking themselves if they should buy or sell a home in 2020. Some have shifted their plans or put them on hold over the past couple of months, and understandably so. Everyone seems to be wondering if the market is going to change and when the economy will turn around. If you’re trying […]
Today’s housing market is making a truly impressive turnaround, and it’s also setting up some outstanding opportunities for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home this year, there are perks today that are rarely available, and definitely worth looking into. Here are the top two. The Biggest Perk for Buyers: Low Mortgage Rates The […]
There’s great opportunity for today’s homeowners to sell their houses and make a move, yet due to the impact of the ongoing health crisis, some sellers are taking their time coming back to the market. According to Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research at realtor.com: “Sellers continue returning to the market at a cautious pace and further improvement could be […]
With more U.S. states reopening for business this summer, and as people start to return to work, we can expect the economy to begin improving. Most expert forecasts indicate this economic recovery will start to happen in the second half of this year. As we get back to work and the financial landscape of the country […]
Today, many people are asking themselves if they should buy or sell a home in 2020. Some have shifted their plans or put them on hold over the past couple of months, and understandably so. Everyone seems to be wondering if the market is going to change and when the economy will turn around. If you’re trying […]
What our trusted partners have to say: In the Chicago area real estate market, we are of course seeing some changes in buying behavior with Stay-at-Home orders in place for Illinois. However, we are not seeing the huge drop-off in market activity or prices that many thought would be happening. Rather, we are seeing a […]
POSTED BY LINDA PEDERSEN // If you have new space at your disposal, you can put it to use quite creatively and without spending a lot of money. More people are now keen on owning a house than moving in to a rented space. But this change of mindset is not without its vagaries. Questions relating to […]
An important piece of the real estate puzzle hinges on building a strong team. This is why in addition to our network of agents, lenders, attorneys, and brokers, we are always on the lookout for great contractors to partner with. Below is some more insight on what we are looking for along with a number […]
If you are a real estate investor looking to purchase wholesale properties or partner on joint venture projects, look no further. Our team has the experience, know-how, and infrastructure to offer you opportunities in your real estate investment endeavors. No matter if you are looking for a rehab project to work on or you are […]
Homeowners find themselves in the position of having to sell their home fast for any number of reasons. For example, there are times when family obligations require you to move out of state with little warning. Maybe a job relocation takes you to a new area. Or a personal situation has arisen, putting homeowners on […]
Nothing is more beneficial to your long term financial health than the right rental property. Sure, quick flips and rehabs are great for the short term but a strategic acquisition of a rental property can completely change your portfolio. Not only are they a source for surplus monthly cash flow, but they also build equity […]
Many real estate investors and homeowners perceive the ‘what to do’ as the biggest challenge in successful home improvement projects, but timing can be just as critical. Get the order of your scope of work wrong and you’ll see returns drop, projects taking a lot longer than expected, and of course plenty of increased frustration, […]
In real estate it is not enough to simply get the property you desire. If you overpay or the closing is later than you desire, you won’t be able to maximize the bottom line. It is essential to win every negotiation you are part of. Sometimes, winning means taking the sellers price and closing in […]
What Is Return On Investment? Return on investment (ROI) is essentially a data point expressed as a percentage that identifies a project’s validity. In other words, ROI is used to determine which investments will add the most value to a property. ROI can be used to compare different assets, not the least of which include […]
A lot has changed in the world of real estate over the last decade.As difficult as it may be to believe, the mortgage collapse was over ten years ago. One of the defining terms shortly after the collapse was “short sale”. There is a good chance that even if you were in real estate you […]
If investing in real estate was easy everyone would do it. In a perfect world you would begin your career with surplus capital, unlimited leads and a full team at your disposal. The reality is that most investors aren’t afforded these advantages. Almost every investor has at least one major issue they are forced to […]
In the world of real estate, you never know what is on the horizon. There are plenty of times when situation is thrown on your lap completely out of the blue with unfamiliar circumstances. Such can the case with inherited properties. Dealing with an inherited property or a property in probate can be one of […]
There are few things more impactful to your financial health than a foreclosure. Aside from a bankruptcy, a property foreclosure is one of the worst things that can negatively affect your credit. Not only does it hurt your credit in the short term, but it has a lasting impact that could take years to recover. […]
Getting approved for a loan is much different than it was a decade ago. In the past there were multiple options and programs for every different income type and down payment. Today there is much more documentation required and everything is much more scrutinized. A seemingly innocent document requested at the 11th hour could cause […]
The best way to build your pipeline is to increase the number of leads you generate. If you have been in real estate for some time you have probably heard that investing is a numbers game. The more leads you generate the more chances you have of turning a lead into a deal. Real estate […]
Your perception of real estate is often different from reality. From the outside you can buy any property, make some improvements and walk away with a handsome profit. The reality is that it is difficult to get good deals, make the right updates, find a buyer and close in your timeframe. Additionally, there is almost […]
There is nothing quite like spending time with friends and family at a vacation rental property. In fact, there is a chance that some of you are reading this right now sipping coffee overlooking your favorite morning spot. As much as you may relish your time spent there it doesn’t necessarily mean you should make […]
In real estate it is not enough to simply get the property you desire. If you overpay or the closing is later than you desire, you won’t be able to maximize the bottom line. It is essential to win every negotiation you are part of. Sometimes, winning means taking the sellers price and closing in […]
Business is all about generating income. You can have tons of busy work and potential deals, but unless you turn those into revenue it doesn’t make a difference. In the world of real estate being efficient with your time is a must. If you blow it on tasks that don’t move the needle you will […]
One of the hardest things for any investor to experience is losing a deal. You may spend weeks, even months, chasing after a property only for it to fall out unexpectedly. As much as this stings, it is a part of the business. Every investor loses a tough deal or faces an unexpected setback […]
One of the most common places to find new tenants is the internet. There are more rental property listing sites today than ever before. In just a few clicks tenants can find a handful of rentals in their desired market, at their price point and in their time frame. Gone are the days of relying […]
The real estate investing business is all about consistency. You want to get to the point where you have consistency in team building, networking, lead generation and every aspect of your business. If you consistent in these areas, things have a way of falling in place. Every investor wants the opportunity to do more deals. […]
The real estate investing business is full of misinformation. With the business growing in popularity over the years more people have become “experts.” With the influx of information, theories and rationale it is difficult to decipher what is real and what is fake. If the person providing the information is passionate enough it is easy […]
Everybody is on the hunt for the perfect investment. We want minimal risk, high returns and easy management. What we don’t realize is that those are hard to come by. Instead of constantly searching for the perfect investment you should look for something more easily attainable. A rental property is undoubtedly the best long-term investment currently available […]
From the outside, flipping a house looks easy. If you watch one of the many programs on rehabbing and flipping they make it look like every property is a winner. The reality is that if you don’t know what you are doing you can, and will, be disappointed in your results. This is the part that you […]
There are dozens of ways to run a business. What makes real estate investing so appealing are the limitless options of getting from point A to point B. With the right mindset and a little bit of good fortune you can go from part time investor to having more deals than you can handle in no […]
With rising housing costs in the Greater Chicago Area, many renters and homeowners are wondering how they can utilize the space they do have. Here are some tips we hope you will LOVE:
Learning something new can be filled with fear and uncertainty. Our job is to help you step past that uncertainty and to LOVE investing in real estate. Here are five mistakes that new investors often make in the Greater Chicago Area:
Many people new to home renovation will perform renovations that suit their tastes right before selling their home. This can be a large mistake if other people don’t have the same design style that you do.
Adding the following additions to your home in the Greater Chicago Area are all universal ways to increase the value of your property:
One day you may wake up and decide that the design of your home is driving you nuts. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive ways to change your home in the Greater Chicago Area. Here are few ways on how to make your old home feel new for less:
Many real estate investors and homeowners in the Greater Chicago area perceive the ‘what to do’ as the biggest challenge in successful home improvement projects, but timing can be just as critical. Get the order of your scope of work wrong and you’ll see returns drop, projects taking a lot longer than expected, and of […]
Most “green” real estate investors and entrepreneurs consider how much money they can get and what rates they are going to be charged. This is extremely short sighted. Many serial entrepreneurs and CEOs that have recently led incredible businesses say that one of their biggest mistakes was accepting any money that came their way. Ultimately, accepting money without consideration forced them to lose control and make crippling decisions that they wouldn’t have otherwise . Five things that may be more important than dollar figures may be:
Before you start picking out tile and paint chips, be sure you know how much it will cost to remodel your house. Ready for a kitchen renovation? Anxious for a bathroom remodel? The easy part is knowing your goal for home remodeling — whether you’re trying to keep up with your growing family, add office space, […]
If you plan on buying a home in the Greater Chicago area this year, you can’t escape having to get a mortgage pre-approval letter but be careful when you do… It doesn’t matter what Illinois County you are buying a home in. Unless you have all cash for your purchase, you probably won’t get to […]
What are the best real estate lead generation options today? Where and how can real estate agents, investors and other related industry professionals generate more leads for buying, selling and renting properties? What are some of the little known benefits, and pitfalls of common real estate lead generation channels today? Here are 12 ways for real estate […]
The real estate industry caters to independent strategies. For every investor, there is another way to go about conducting business. Some may prefer to utilize the convenience of technology while others want to maintain personal relationships. However, for one reason or another, there remains a void between these two independent strategies. Smart investors will figure […]
“Investment is most intelligent when most business like” – Warren Buffett If investing is better when conducted most business like, does it mean that more real estate investors ought to be investing in a more businesslike fashion? Should every real estate investor be investing as a business? What does that really mean? What does it look […]
Many people are still wondering whether or not real estate is one of the best investment strategies for long-term wealth building. Is investing in homes still a smart investment for the average individual? Is a home still the best investment of a lifetime for most Americans? If so, why are some pessimists still questioning the rebound […]
As a real estate investor, seller, or buyer, it is important to understand what is going on in your local market. Knowing popular neighborhoods, demographics, and economic factors can give you an edge in the market. Chicago Housing Market Forecast With over 60 museums and a gorgeous skyline, Chicago is a large, global tourist attraction. […]
All offers are not created equally. It cannot be stated enough just how important it is to choose the right offer, not just the one with the highest price. The right offer is one that actually closes and allows you to move on from the transaction. The wrong offer has an unexpected problem at the […]
There are dozens of ways to run a business. What makes real estate investing so appealing are the limitless options of getting from point A to point B. With the right mindset and a little bit of good fortune you can go from part time investor to having more deals than you can handle in no […]
Your perception of real estate is often different from reality. From the outside you can buy any property, make some improvements and walk away with a handsome profit. The reality is that it is difficult to get good deals, make the right updates, find a buyer and close in your timeframe. Additionally, there is almost […]
No one likes it when a good deal dies. Especially when selling your home, it can be disappointing. Whether the property won’t sell due to financial complications or miscommunications, learning that a great offer has fallen through is always a setback in real estate. Unfortunately, home inspections are a well-known deal-killer within real estate. They’re […]
With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below): March […]
Pick-up the Phone and Verify! Your excited, the contract is signed, your swimming in paperwork and details. Not to mention trying to organize a big move! You’re expecting that email with the wiring instructions for your deposit. STOP! Before you send your hard earned money take the time to verify! Wire fraud in the U.S. […]
DISCLAIMER: This article is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, or legal advice. HomeLight always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Sitting down to do your taxes in your new (to you) home, perhaps you already knew that you might need some documentation from your […]
We’ve heard the stories about people who managed to make an offer on a house before it officially went up for sale, beating out all the other would-be buyers and scoring the home of their dreams. And in a fast-paced market, where houses often sell in less than a day, and buyers have to be […]
Table of Contents: Is real estate even a good investment? 7 top reasons why real estate is a good investment. Top 7 ways to get started in real estate investing How much money do you need to invest in real estate? 3 simple steps to get started. How real people make money investing in real […]
Click on the image to see the before and after video of this beautiful transformation.
5-Mistakes That Can Make House Flipping a FLOP Avoid the pitfalls that novice flippers overlook It looks so easy! Buy a house, make a few cosmetic fixes, put it back on the market, and make a huge profit. At any given time, a half-dozen shows on television feature good-looking, well-dressed investors who make the process […]
Once your new home is officially yours, you’ll want to celebrate. Never mind breaking out the pizza and paper plates while you unearth where you packed the kitchen stuff. We’re talking about throwing a housewarming party to give your friends and neighbors a taste of your new digs in style. That said, if you bill […]
From tear down to foundation forms. See how this new build is progressing. Click below to see a video update.
Gustan Cho The Mortgage Expert September 6, 2021 – 4 min read This Article Is About How To Become A Private Money Lender For Real Estate Investors To find a good opportunity to lend. What constitutes a good opportunity to lend? There are a couple of things you as a private money lender can do to be sure you’re […]
Between the interior design magazines delivered to your door, your addiction to Pinterest, and your friend’s recent bathroom remodel with a hundred likes on Facebook, you get bombarded with home improvement recommendations wherever you turn. Everyone and their dog seems to have an opinion on what your house needs to shine or which type of […]
Diversifying where you put your investment funds is a critical part of whether or not you will be financially successful long term. It is far too risky to potentially suffer the losses that can come from putting all your eggs in one basket. These losses can happen in an instant and leave you […]
Building financial wealth and stability remains one of the top reasons Americans choose to own a home, and as a homeowner, your wealth often grows without you even realizing it. In a recent paper published by the Urban Institute, Home Ownership is Affordable Housing, author Mike Loftin illustrates how homeowners increase their equity and their wealth simply […]
Maybe you’ve been binge-watching HGTV and want to remodel your kitchen. Or maybe you’re tempted to build an office add-on for your new remote job. Well, the average kitchen remodel can set you back between $10,000 to $100,000. And that 12 x 12 office addition? Prepare to fork over $32,000 to $80,000. Whether you need […]
Coronavirus is actively changing the mechanics of selling a home in a way that could have long-lasting and even permanent effects — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The need to suddenly practice social distancing and restrict movement has accelerated innovation and technology in a space that’s traditionally been paperwork-heavy and people-driven. […]
Some Highlights Today’s home price appreciation is driving equity higher throughout the country. If your needs are changing and you’re ready for a new home, your equity may be a great asset to power your next move. Now is a great time to put your equity toward a down payment on the home of […]
With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout 2021, or if they’ll start to rise. Recently, Freddie Mac released their quarterly forecast, noting: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020 and the low interest rate environment is projected […]
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their most recent Jobs Report. The report revealed that the economy lost 140,000 jobs in December. That’s a devastating number and dramatically impacts those households that lost a source of income. However, we need to give it some context. Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator at the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), explains: “The economy […]
Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a […]
As any real estate agent knows, leads are the lifeblood to success. This is why it is no secret that a high percentage of most agents’ time is dedicated to uncovering possible leads via as many conduits as possible. That being said, all leads are not created equal. Some leads roll in thanks to expensive […]
Buying a home is an important – and exciting – decision. After all, having a place to call your own, to raise your family in, to do as you wish with no landlord to answer to are all motivating factors in starting the process. But, in addition to these emotional reasons, buying a home can […]
As we enter the final months of 2020 and continue to work through the challenges this year has brought, some of us wonder what impact continued economic uncertainty could have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, the rules of supply and demand will give us the clearest idea of what is to come. […]
Today, many people are asking themselves if they should buy or sell a home in 2020. Some have shifted their plans or put them on hold over the past couple of months, and understandably so. Everyone seems to be wondering if the market is going to change and when the economy will turn around. If you’re trying […]
Today’s housing market is making a truly impressive turnaround, and it’s also setting up some outstanding opportunities for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home this year, there are perks today that are rarely available, and definitely worth looking into. Here are the top two. The Biggest Perk for Buyers: Low Mortgage Rates The […]
There’s great opportunity for today’s homeowners to sell their houses and make a move, yet due to the impact of the ongoing health crisis, some sellers are taking their time coming back to the market. According to Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research at realtor.com: “Sellers continue returning to the market at a cautious pace and further improvement could be […]
Today, many people are asking themselves if they should buy or sell a home in 2020. Some have shifted their plans or put them on hold over the past couple of months, and understandably so. Everyone seems to be wondering if the market is going to change and when the economy will turn around. If you’re trying […]
What our trusted partners have to say: In the Chicago area real estate market, we are of course seeing some changes in buying behavior with Stay-at-Home orders in place for Illinois. However, we are not seeing the huge drop-off in market activity or prices that many thought would be happening. Rather, we are seeing a […]
POSTED BY LINDA PEDERSEN // If you have new space at your disposal, you can put it to use quite creatively and without spending a lot of money. More people are now keen on owning a house than moving in to a rented space. But this change of mindset is not without its vagaries. Questions relating to […]
An important piece of the real estate puzzle hinges on building a strong team. This is why in addition to our network of agents, lenders, attorneys, and brokers, we are always on the lookout for great contractors to partner with. Below is some more insight on what we are looking for along with a number […]
If you are a real estate investor looking to purchase wholesale properties or partner on joint venture projects, look no further. Our team has the experience, know-how, and infrastructure to offer you opportunities in your real estate investment endeavors. No matter if you are looking for a rehab project to work on or you are […]
Homeowners find themselves in the position of having to sell their home fast for any number of reasons. For example, there are times when family obligations require you to move out of state with little warning. Maybe a job relocation takes you to a new area. Or a personal situation has arisen, putting homeowners on […]
Nothing is more beneficial to your long term financial health than the right rental property. Sure, quick flips and rehabs are great for the short term but a strategic acquisition of a rental property can completely change your portfolio. Not only are they a source for surplus monthly cash flow, but they also build equity […]
Many real estate investors and homeowners perceive the ‘what to do’ as the biggest challenge in successful home improvement projects, but timing can be just as critical. Get the order of your scope of work wrong and you’ll see returns drop, projects taking a lot longer than expected, and of course plenty of increased frustration, […]
In real estate it is not enough to simply get the property you desire. If you overpay or the closing is later than you desire, you won’t be able to maximize the bottom line. It is essential to win every negotiation you are part of. Sometimes, winning means taking the sellers price and closing in […]
What Is Return On Investment? Return on investment (ROI) is essentially a data point expressed as a percentage that identifies a project’s validity. In other words, ROI is used to determine which investments will add the most value to a property. ROI can be used to compare different assets, not the least of which include […]
A lot has changed in the world of real estate over the last decade.As difficult as it may be to believe, the mortgage collapse was over ten years ago. One of the defining terms shortly after the collapse was “short sale”. There is a good chance that even if you were in real estate you […]
If investing in real estate was easy everyone would do it. In a perfect world you would begin your career with surplus capital, unlimited leads and a full team at your disposal. The reality is that most investors aren’t afforded these advantages. Almost every investor has at least one major issue they are forced to […]
In the world of real estate, you never know what is on the horizon. There are plenty of times when situation is thrown on your lap completely out of the blue with unfamiliar circumstances. Such can the case with inherited properties. Dealing with an inherited property or a property in probate can be one of […]
There are few things more impactful to your financial health than a foreclosure. Aside from a bankruptcy, a property foreclosure is one of the worst things that can negatively affect your credit. Not only does it hurt your credit in the short term, but it has a lasting impact that could take years to recover. […]
Getting approved for a loan is much different than it was a decade ago. In the past there were multiple options and programs for every different income type and down payment. Today there is much more documentation required and everything is much more scrutinized. A seemingly innocent document requested at the 11th hour could cause […]
The best way to build your pipeline is to increase the number of leads you generate. If you have been in real estate for some time you have probably heard that investing is a numbers game. The more leads you generate the more chances you have of turning a lead into a deal. Real estate […]
Your perception of real estate is often different from reality. From the outside you can buy any property, make some improvements and walk away with a handsome profit. The reality is that it is difficult to get good deals, make the right updates, find a buyer and close in your timeframe. Additionally, there is almost […]
In real estate it is not enough to simply get the property you desire. If you overpay or the closing is later than you desire, you won’t be able to maximize the bottom line. It is essential to win every negotiation you are part of. Sometimes, winning means taking the sellers price and closing in […]
Business is all about generating income. You can have tons of busy work and potential deals, but unless you turn those into revenue it doesn’t make a difference. In the world of real estate being efficient with your time is a must. If you blow it on tasks that don’t move the needle you will […]
One of the hardest things for any investor to experience is losing a deal. You may spend weeks, even months, chasing after a property only for it to fall out unexpectedly. As much as this stings, it is a part of the business. Every investor loses a tough deal or faces an unexpected setback […]
One of the most common places to find new tenants is the internet. There are more rental property listing sites today than ever before. In just a few clicks tenants can find a handful of rentals in their desired market, at their price point and in their time frame. Gone are the days of relying […]
The real estate investing business is all about consistency. You want to get to the point where you have consistency in team building, networking, lead generation and every aspect of your business. If you consistent in these areas, things have a way of falling in place. Every investor wants the opportunity to do more deals. […]
The real estate investing business is full of misinformation. With the business growing in popularity over the years more people have become “experts.” With the influx of information, theories and rationale it is difficult to decipher what is real and what is fake. If the person providing the information is passionate enough it is easy […]
There are dozens of ways to run a business. What makes real estate investing so appealing are the limitless options of getting from point A to point B. With the right mindset and a little bit of good fortune you can go from part time investor to having more deals than you can handle in no […]
With rising housing costs in the Greater Chicago Area, many renters and homeowners are wondering how they can utilize the space they do have. Here are some tips we hope you will LOVE:
Flipping a house can be a difficult feat in the Greater Chicago Area. Here are four hazards we recommend that you avoid while flipping a house:
Learning something new can be filled with fear and uncertainty. Our job is to help you step past that uncertainty and to LOVE investing in real estate. Here are five mistakes that new investors often make in the Greater Chicago Area:
Many people new to home renovation will perform renovations that suit their tastes right before selling their home. This can be a large mistake if other people don’t have the same design style that you do. Adding the following additions to your home in the Greater Chicago Area are all universal ways to increase the value of your property:
Before you start your refinance application here are some things you need to keep in mind in the Greater Chicago Area:
One day you may wake up and decide that the design of your home is driving you nuts. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive ways to change your home in the Greater Chicago Area. Here are few ways on how to make your old home feel new for less:
Many real estate investors and homeowners in the Greater Chicago area perceive the ‘what to do’ as the biggest challenge in successful home improvement projects, but timing can be just as critical. Get the order of your scope of work wrong and you’ll see returns drop, projects taking a lot longer than expected, and of […]
Most “green” real estate investors and entrepreneurs consider how much money they can get and what rates they are going to be charged. This is extremely short sighted. Many serial entrepreneurs and CEOs that have recently led incredible businesses say that one of their biggest mistakes was accepting any money that came their way. Ultimately, accepting money without consideration forced them to lose control and make crippling decisions that they wouldn’t have otherwise . Five things that may be more important than dollar figures may be:
If you plan on buying a home in the Greater Chicago area this year, you can’t escape having to get a mortgage pre-approval letter but be careful when you do… It doesn’t matter what Illinois County you are buying a home in. Unless you have all cash for your purchase, you probably won’t get to […]
What are the best real estate lead generation options today? Where and how can real estate agents, investors and other related industry professionals generate more leads for buying, selling and renting properties? What are some of the little known benefits, and pitfalls of common real estate lead generation channels today? Here are 12 ways for real estate […]
The real estate industry caters to independent strategies. For every investor, there is another way to go about conducting business. Some may prefer to utilize the convenience of technology while others want to maintain personal relationships. However, for one reason or another, there remains a void between these two independent strategies. Smart investors will figure […]
“Investment is most intelligent when most business like” – Warren Buffett If investing is better when conducted most business like, does it mean that more real estate investors ought to be investing in a more businesslike fashion? Should every real estate investor be investing as a business? What does that really mean? What does it look […]