Less Is More

It is said that living with less gives you more when it comes to life. I realized in our latest move that going through everything we owned, the less we packed, the less we had to carry with us! It is always said that those who move often tend to have less in general. I can imagine that since I wouldn't want to pack and repack items that aren't worth my time.

I am curious to see if living less would suit you? Do you think you could get rid of most of your items and be happy with the bare minimum?

There'd be less time cleaning, that's for sure! If you have less clutter you waste less time shifting that clutter around.

Some people would even say that having less makes you less stressed. You learn to live with what you have and then you aren't wasting your time or money on useless things.

If that were the case, getting rid of all the things I have would free up so much of my time and money, I could actually put more money into the actual home I am buying instead of the things inside it.

Where would you put your time and money?

Why Zillow is Changing Real Estate

As we all know technology keeps getting better and the way we do things with it are expanding our opportunities. It was predicted by zillow that more homes would be sold this winter do to being able to view the properties online prior to going house to house to find the perfect one. I feel like the were right on cue and there's only more to come

With a zestimate to see what our current house is worth, what fees to expect, how much your mortgage is and how much you can put down. There are so many feature's that zillow has provided for us to make the thought of moving and searching options easier. They found an opportunity in what was lacking in the real estate and have changed the way we have viewed home buying.

Now they have come up with a new book about the rules of real estate. It talks about the new challenges to home buying and data providing insights on what we once thought were some of the most important aspects in searching for a home like "buy the worst house in the best neighborhood". Is that the best way to buy a home now?

Looks like we'll have to find out!

Real Estate Photography

Interested in getting some tips on how to take great real estate photo's?

Check out this great video with loads of information and they even have a checklist you can download!

Finnegan Home

 

Some major changes have happened since you last saw the picture above from our new project - the Finnegan home.

There is now new beautiful siding all round!

It's gone through a major makeover outside but we aren't finished yet!

We can't wait to show you what this beauty will look like when it's done.

There is so much potential in store!

Flippers Save You Money

There are some serious advantages to selling your home to someone who is interested in flipping it. Here are a few reasons it can save you some money:

Most Realtors get 6-7% of your homes sale price.

You will also pay for closing and attorney fees which can range from $3,000-$5,000.

Typically, to get your home to sell at a decent price it needs to be up to date, which costs in repairs. This price can range depending on what your home needs.

Between showings and days that it sits on the market, you might not see the dollar savings in it, but you definitely will when you can't sell right away and you are paying to mortgages!

When you selling your home to someone who is interested in flipping:

You are not required to do any upgrades. They take it as is.

If it is a good company, you will get fair market value!

There is no wait time that's going to eat at your wallet.

You also don't have to worry about any additional fees!

Interested in getting an offer on your house without a hassle? Give us a call!

Preventing Water Damage

I hope you enjoy this short video that shows you how a little leak can cause a huge problem!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MLtG8yPheI&w=420&h=315]

What We Are Working On!

Welcome to our next project!

This little gem is getting a major face lift! We are currently stripping the house in preparation for the siding.

After Siding we will be ready to begin electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

New windows and doors are in, and the beginning of the porch is coming together!

I'm excited to see the transformation of this one - are you?

A Few Reasons to Love 2015's Home Market

We all know it's be a struggle these days in the real estate world but 2015 is a fresh new start, and with all those new goals we have in mind, maybe a new home might just be a great starting point. If you've been shying away from a new home because of the real estate market, you might want to change your mind while you can:

Thank you Fannie Mae! Like a long lost friend we are finally getting back in touch with great opportunities like lower down payments!

"Prospective buyers have another reason to high-five Fannie and Freddie: They’ve recently agreed to get behind loans with just 3 percent down. That lower benchmark, coupled with loosening credit standards, will likely help more first-time buyers enter the market. - 10news"

The rates are still low and seem to be pretty steady. You won't have to worry about a huge rise in mortgage rates, and all though they are stating that don't see a huge increase anytime soon, I'd still lock in those rates while you can!

Home loans are going to be a little easier to get. The Urban Institute estimates more “normal” lending requirements could mean an additional 1.2 million home loans every year.

Let the new year bring in new amazing options!

Tips on Real Estate Photography!

If you are interested in Real Estate Photography here a few tips to get you started: Camera: Purchase a good quality camera and read through the guide!! It's important to learn everything that it can do to help you maneuver a great photo.

Practice: Practice makes perfect! Try getting great shots around your house, use different lenses and accessories (like a tripod!) to figure out what works best for you. Get used to different lighting and how angles look in each photo.

Editing: Find an editing program you like and learn everything there is to know about it! Figure out how to adjust your pictures to look how you want them to.

But most importantly: Capture the homes best qualities! Make it a space worth falling in love and moving for.

Moving Must Haves

Moving into your new home can be exciting, overwhelming, and stressful all at the same time! Here are a few tips to help you get through the firs 24 hours: 1. Pack a suitcase:

Put in it the clothes that you'll need for two days and a night, bathroom necessities (including toilet paper), and maybe even your pillow and a blanket in case you don't get the bed set up right away!

2. Kitchen necessities:

Paper towels, paper plates, utensils, cooler of food, snack bag, and trash bags!

3. Label label label:

Label those boxes with whats inside, color code them for each room in the house, and put a great big start sticker on the ones that should be opened first. I did this for my last move in and it saved us so much time and frustration of moving boxes around a millions times and opening the same ones to see what's inside!

4. Make a list:

Make a list before you move of things you might want to buy on your way there like batteries, a first aid kit, flashlight, light bulbs, paper products, or even some curtains to cover the windows the first night.

5. Enjoy:

Try not to stress about too much. Almost everything in the moving process can be replaced and it's more important that you enjoy the journey than worry about the little things. After all, you just got a brand new home!

Let us help!

Feel like selling your home has been a hassle?

Feel like your house is being overlooked on the market?

Tired of struggling through open houses?

Ready to sell and move on?

Let us help!

Staging A Home to Sell

There are a few tips to staging a home that can really help in the final process of flipping.

Making a statement as soon as you walk in the door can really grab a buyer as well as set the tone for the rest of the house. Going minimalistic can give you a feel of a large room as well as not cloud the idea of making it their own.

 

Knowing what's on trend. Finding a few pieces that go along with the current trends can bring in a sense of feeling at home. All it takes is one piece for the eye to catch and love for an instant emotional connection.

Floor to ceiling curtains make the windows feel larger and the room feel taller. They also give a sense of luxury that most buyers desire.

Curb appeal is a must! Not only is it the first thing they see when they pull up, but also the last thing as they are leaving.

And not a mandatory thing, but one of my favorites is fresh flowers. There's just something about a little nature indoors to make you feel like this home is well taken care of.

Do you have any tips on staging a home?

What 2015 Might Look Like

Freddie Mac released its U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for November.  Let's see what 2015 has in store for us! 1. Mortgage Rates: Interest rates will likely be on the rise next year, up to 5 percent by the end of the year. 2- Home Prices: After a slowing in 2014 from 2013, it is expected that appreciation will drop further to an average of 3 percent in 2015. 3- Housing Starts: New home building is expected to rise by 20% from this year. 4- Single family loans: Mortgage loans for single family homes will likely drop by 8%, attributed to slowing of refinancing. 5- Multi-family loans: Loans for multi-family properties are expected to rise 14% in 2015. Read the article for more information at:  Freddie Mac Real estate predictions for 2015.

Prepping for the Winter

This is really important if you are selling a home, renting out property, or even for your own house. Prepping for winter can save you money as well as make a difference to a buyer! What can you do to help keep out those winter blues? 1. Replace Air Filters:

Get rid of the old and bring in the new! It helps refresh the house as well as make it not work so hard to keep it warm. This is a big money saver for you and some great information you can pass on to home buyers who love to save some money.

2. Check Your Thermostats:

If the thermostat is only, you can guarantee you are loosing some money there. Also make sure it's running properly! Thermostats that allow you to control the temperature by time settings can also be a great budget friendly option. While you aren't home or while you are sleeping, lower the temperature so you aren't wasting any heat! If you are selling a property set it a lower temperature and let Realtors know they need to turn it up in advanced to showing a home!

3. Clear Away Those Vents:

Make sure there is nothing blocking the vents and clean them out!! The more room they have to breath, the better heat circulation you are going to get.

4. Insulate Exposed Pipes:

Check your basement, make sure there aren't any pipes that are exposed. A frozen pipe can do some serious damage as well as be a huge cost in the long wrong. Insulated pipes are a cheap fix that can really save you later!

5. Outdoor Faucets and sprinklers:

Be sure to drain them before you turn them off! Take of the hoses and add a thermal cover for the winter.

6. Check for any leaks or cracks that might need to be sealed off:

Winter can bring a lot of wet heavy mess as well as serious cold winds. Those tiny cracks can make a difference if they are letting in cold air and a small leak can become a major one if not taken care of properly.

7. Lighting:

It gets dark earlier and it's important that things are well lit so you can see! Check to make sure your house has great interior lights throughout and stock up on those light bulbs!

8. Check in periodically:

If you have a home for sale or rental that's empty, check in periodically to make sure everything is running smoothly and there's no fixes necessary!

Holiday Decor that Can Help You Sell

Looking to sell your property during the holiday season? Here are a few tips to help you incorporate some holiday decor to help you sell!

Don't overdo the decor but adding a few simple touches can make it feel like being home for the holidays, which can create a great emotional bond between a buyer and a home.

Use common sense! Broad holiday decor that could be universally loved is a much better option than specific items. For example, snowflakes rather than snowmen or basic ornaments instead of personal ones.

Try to go gender neutral. Remember that you are trying to appeal your home to many different types of buyers. Going with neutral colors is a great way to go gender neutral as well!

Make sure it isn't hazardous! No candles that need to be lite, that could potentially cause a fire, and make sure it's somewhat child friendly in case buyers come with small children.

Use your decorations to highlight the features in your home and be careful to not hide the best spots as well!

I hope these tips will help you throughout the holidays!

Tips for Selling Your Home Fast

There is a great article I want to share with everyone today about selling your home fast! That seems to be what most sellers are most interested in, yet have a hard time implementing. This article by Lisa Ross has a great list of must do's to get your home out there and be seen and sold quickly! It may seem like it's coming up on the season where things tend to slow down but this year is expected to be different. Don't hold out on listing your home this winter, you may be shocked at how fast it sells!

She goes into detail about how these ways can help you whether you are a realtor, photographer, or just a homeowner. It doesn't matter what your title is, you all have the same goal in mind! Take a look at her article here to make sure you are on the right track!

Exciting News: Baltimore REIA Event Tonight!

We have some exciting news to share! I will be teaching a class at Baltimore REIA tonight and would love for you to come!

  

Want to rehab with your self-directed IRA? And build capital fast? Learn how at the...

Strategies IRA meeting

Join us at Ocean Pride restaurant in Lutherville on Tuesday, October 28, from 6:30 to 9:00.

FREE admission for Baltimore REIA members.

Just $19 for non-members.

Special presentation by Ben Smith, Founder and

Managing Partner, Magnolia Property Solutions, LLC

Rehabbing real estate (also known as flipping) is a popular strategy for generating capital -- and, yes, it can be financed through Self-Directed IRAs.

This month you'll hear from Ben Smith, Founder and Managing Partner of Magnolia Property Solutions.  Ben has over 10 years of experience developing real estate, directing rehab projects, wholesaling, and buy-and-hold investing.  He has done more than 15 transactions this year -- in his spare time!  Ben will:

• Explain his business model and decision-making process for evaluating properties
• Share tips he has learned over the years, so you can do what works and avoid what doesn't
• Show you why investing through your Self-Directed IRA is such a powerful way to build your financial future and minimize taxes

Don't miss this presentation from someone who doesn't just talk the talk, but also walks the walk.  Learn how you can amass more wealth with less capital and lower your taxable income.

About the Strategies IRA meeting

WHEN:  The fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Ocean Pride restaurant, 1534 York Rd., Lutherville, MD, 21093.  About a mile north of Beltway exit 26.  (Map.)

NO RESERVATION NEEDED -- JUST SHOW UP.  Admission is FREE for Baltimore REIA members.  For non-members the charge is just $19 in cash, collected at the door, to support our marketing and meeting costs.

Not a member?  To attend every Strategies IRA meeting FREE and gain many other benefits, join Baltimore REIA now.  You get members-only website content... savings on meetings and classes... vendor discounts, including a 2% rebate from Home Depot... and a FREE Goody Bag with $197 worth of DVDs available only from Baltimore REIA.  Check it out. 

EXTRA BENEFIT:  Bring your promotional flyers, business cards, or other materials to display on the info table.  Unlike at our Main Event, you needn't be a member of Baltimore REIA to set out your wares.  This benefit is available to all attendees, including non-members.

NOTE:  Please plan to order food and/or beverages so we can continue to meet at this venue.  The restaurant will give you a separate check.

YOUR MEETING MODERATOR: John "Jack" Kiley, CPA, CISP, Managing Partner, MidAtlantic IRA, LLC.

 

QUESTIONS?  Contact MidAtlantic IRA at 800-607-0145 x260 orinfo@MidAtlanticIRA.com.

See you at the Strategies IRA meeting!

P.S. Want even more education from Baltimore REIA? With one-on-one, personal attention? Check out our new Mentoring Program.

www.BaltimoreREIA.com

Fall is Here!

Don't let the fall weather fool you! It's still buying season for real estate and it's said to be a great market in January as well! Why is that so?

via homestoriesatoz

Buyers aren't necessarily concerned with starting late in the school year or moving during the holiday season, they have better things to be doing like like checking out their next spot to be. Thanks to virtual listings, buying season is now almost all year long!

via thewoodgraincottage

Buyers are also catching on with the trend that there is less competition on off season. This spring and summer it was really hard to catch a break if you were trying to buy a home. With most offer's being cash and multiple offers on almost every house, it was almost inevitable that you were going to be outbid.

via dearlillie

Why are we hearing that January will be a good buying time as well? Because the holidays will be over and people will be ready to make their next move in the next year before the competition gets hot again.

via dearabigail

This is looking like a good season to have a home for sell!

Five Interesting Things for Investors!

As if my reasons about why investing in homes was a great idea post before wasn't good enough for you, here are five things that realtytimes put together that make it even more intriguing:

via instagram

1. Rising prices:

The buying market is low and the houses are starting to sell for more! This is the perfect time to see appreciation in a home with little input. This includes rental properties which are going to raise in profits as well!

via apartmenttherapy

2. Affordability:

With everything still on the cusp of going up, you can snag a great house for a great deal! Mortgage rates are low, which offers a great opportunity for those who do want to rent and can raise the prices later without the mortgage rising!

via stylecarrot

3. Rental Prices:

In some markets the rental rates have already shot up! You can already get a great low mortgage rate and a high rental rate and start off on the right foot.

via apartmenttherapy

4. Capital:

Capital is more accessible. Private investors are able to find financing for parts of their returns. Gain some insight on what opportunities you have to for investing in real estate.

via sfgirlbybay

5. Stress Free:

When you think of being a landlord you certainly do NOT thing of being stress free, well now you do! With service oriented businesses and technology-based solutions these days, you can divvy out all the stressful parts of being a landlord to someone else! Consider a property manager.

Home Inspiration: Fireplace Layout

Making the fireplace the centerpiece of your home! We've had so many homes lately with stunning fireplaces in the living room, I thought we'd share some great ways to style your furniture around it:

via bhg

Keep the view open to the fireplace with furniture surrounding it's view on all but one side.

via sunnysideup

Use an L shaped couch to divide the view from the entertainment center and fireplace if you aren't willing to give up your TV view!

via everythinglab

Divided couches with chairs facing the fireplace gives you a great open view with the big furniture to the sides.

via theinspiredroom

Keep it cozy in a smaller room with two chairs nestled in close and a bench that doubles as a table and extra seating but doesn't take away from the view.

via lizmarie

Chairs all around! Make this an intimate social space without cluttering the room with large furniture!

How would you style around your fireplace?