Investing

Before starting to find one, it helps to define a "hot" real estate deal. I think it's safe to say that a "hot" deal is anything where the price is under market value. But that's as far as it goes because what's hot to some might be merely lukewarm to others. For instance, an investor might look at a fixer priced 10% under market value and not consider that a hot deal. But a first-time buyer trying...

Selling your home quickly and for the best possible price can be a challenging process, but with these seven expert strategies, you can achieve both goals! 1. MASTER THE ART OF PRICING Photo by David McBee on Pexels.com Discovering the Goldilocks zone of home pricing is essential to attract buyers without sacrificing your equity. Work closely with your real estate agent, considering market...

“Refinancing” is a scary word for many people, but that shouldn’t be the case for you. For many homeowners, refinancing can not only lower your monthly payments and help with your monthly budget, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Refinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay...

Photo by Daniel Joseph Petty on Pexels.com In April, Canada's finance minister announced a two-year ban on foreign home buying, as well as higher taxes for people who sell their homes within a year (with qualifying exceptions). Also in April, the island of Oahu in Hawaii passed a law nearly eliminating short-term rentals, now requiring minimum stays of 90 days in all but a few situations. Many...

A few years ago, I watched a reality TV show about a home inspector who went to homes that had already been inspected. He always found all sorts of problems that the original inspector had missed. I was struck by one important thing about that show: The TV version of an inspector was poking holes in walls to look at the wiring, ripping out siding to look for mold underneath, digging up the yard to peek...

An ever-increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of their extra equity by getting a home equity loan or a line of credit. But accessing your extra home equity should be done carefully, and only in a narrow set of circumstances. In 2006, just before the last real estate bubble popped, homeowners were treating their homes like endless piggy banks. They used their equity to purchase nice...

December means the holiday bustle is upon us; there are flights to catch, gifts to purchase, houses to decorate, and taxes to think about. Not the most cheerful of messages to hear during this time, but for property owners or the self-employed, tax season can be as stressful if not more stressful than the holiday season. To get a head start on taxes next year, here are a few things to consider. The...

With the popularity of Pinterest and DIY shows, it’s common for real estate agents to see homes with odd DIY projects.