You probably have heard the concept of making extra principal payments to reduce interest and payoff your mortgage early. The concept may be simple, but it is often overlooked and rarely practiced. A typical promissory note amounts to incredible interest over thirty years. For example, on a thirty year $100,000 loan at 9%, you will [...]
The stock market and real estate can be considered the two major areas of investment. They both allow investors to participate in long term appreciation of values. Which one is a better investment? It is a personal choice, but due to the current economy real estate investment is a better choice. Understanding the difference between [...]
All across the country are commercial properties just waiting to be used again. For someone who has always wanted to go into business now has numerous locations to choose from. With so many choices, a new business owner can start out with the right financing and possibly the perfect location. We always hear about location, [...]
Sometimes, it just doesn’t make sense to buy real estate. You are stuck with renting. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Nothing to be ashamed of. While real estate ownership is a worthy dream and one that many people look forward to, it is realistic to know that sometimes you should be renting. For instance, [...]
Upward mobility is a growing trend in the United States. Not many people live and work in the same area for years and years like our parents and grandparents. Most of us were raised in the same home growing up. Today, most people move for that better paying job. Especially in this economy, you sometimes [...]
The Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia areas have all been hit hard with an influx of homes for rent on the market. The same holds true for all parts of the country as well. Many homeowners are trying their hand at being landlords in an effort to avoid foreclosure on their homes. Is this really [...]
While there has been a lot of talk about how tight mortgages are at present, sometimes the facts are lost in the war of words related to affordability. Yes, mortgages are tight, however, if you are willing to buy a home in the right area, and you qualify for an FHA-backed loan, then buying a [...]
Renting Wisely: If you choose to rent your home, there are several things you can consider to ensure that you spend your monthly rent money wisely. First, you should think about what kind of a home you really need. If you don’t have a large family or pets, renting an apartment may be wiser than [...]
For most people, if you can afford it, owning your own home is a better financial decision than renting. The simplest explanation for this is that with owning your own home, the monthly mortgage payments you make go toward paying down the amount you owe, and at the end of your mortgage term you own [...]
It’s not new news that the housing market is in a crash. Though house prices continue to fall in many locations, prices are still dangerously high compared to incomes and rents. Banks say a safe mortgage is a maximum of 3 times the buyer’s annual income with 20% down payment. Landlords say a safe price [...]
It can be a renter’s dream (personal attention, prompt repairs), or a nightmare (too much and too personal attention). Here’s what to know before moving into that basement apartment. It can be very convenient to rent an apartment where your landlord lives in the same building, it can also come with its fair share of [...]
Is it cheaper to buy real estate in Maryland than rent? According Trulia, Baltimore is on the list of cities where buying is better value than renting. Baltimore isn’t the only place in the region to score well either with Washington DC and Virginia Beach also sneaking in. It bodes well for those looking to [...]
If you’re considering investing in commercial real estate then it makes good sense getting to know your tenants before you sign on the dotted line. It’s rare for a seller to a warn a potential buyer about any negative aspects of tenants although poor rent histories should be evident if accounts are available for review. [...]
Selling a home can be difficult, particularly if you are in a position where you have to move. I am not talking about ‘forced’ sales as such, but there are situations such as employment that can bring unexpected changes into our lives. For some people, rather than having a house sitting there empty, the temptation [...]
