It’s always a wonder how some guys make it big in the investment game. They keep on making killer property choices, and the profits keep on coming.

What’s their secret?

In this article, we’ll run you through 5 real estate investing tips that the pros keep trying to hide from us all. They may have learned it the hard way and don’t want to share how easy it can be to invest in property.

There’s not just one way of making it big in the investment game. Yet, some handy little tips could set you on the right path to success.

Real Estate Investing Tips

Tip 1: Single-Family Rentals

According to a new study by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation, there is a rising demand for single-family rentals. In fact, the study found they are the fastest-growing section of the US housing market. 

Why is this good for you?

Single-family rentals are considered one of the best housing types to attract reliable tenants that pay on time and stay long term. Many families can’t afford their own homes, so they look for good rentals in decent neighborhoods.

Tip 2: Emerging Neighborhoods

Cities and towns are expanding and evolving. At one time, a particular location might have been the “hip” place to be. But guess what happens – investment starts flooding into these areas, and property prices go up. 

The people who made the place “hip” end up moving because of the rise of rents and prices and look for a new location – and the cycle repeats.

Also, house prices rise when better transport links are built-in hard-to-reach neighborhoods. The neighborhoods become more appealing because renters can commute easier and live with lower rents.

If you can invest in places that are up and coming in few years, you may see significant returns on your investment.

Tip 3: Balance and Diversify Investments

Single-family rentals could be seen as a safe long-term investment. Investing in emerging neighborhoods could be considered a little risky. It would be ideal for diversifying between the two investment strategies, so you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket – so to speak.

Furthermore, it’s a good idea to look beyond your hometown or city to diversify your investments. It could be that your town has some issues and property prices crash. Having property elsewhere might be the perfect backup to keep you afloat in hard times.

Tip 4: Avoid Over-Rehabbing 

Installing the best of everything in rehab property doesn’t always guarantee a quick and profitable sale. The good idea is to look at other properties being sold in the area. Focus on mimicking the ones furnished nicely and match the sale price you’re looking for. 

If you overdo rehabbing, the property can stick out like a sore thumb compared to others in the neighborhood – your property needs to fit in. And be realistic about your budget and the selling price too. 

Tip 5: Be Patient

Sometimes, all you need is some good old-fashioned patience when it comes to real estate investments. You might come across a slump in the market right after you bought a place and thought prices would rise. Sometimes you have to wait it out, and the future may be kinder.

Make it Happen!

If you feel like these kinds of strategies are just too hard to grasp all in one go, there is one more tip that real estate investors won’t let out. Many of them use reputable investment companies that offer alternative real estate investment options – and it’s all managed for them!

Final Thoughts

There are many real estate investing tips out there, but we focused on five that will give you a balanced yet profitable portfolio. 

To learn more about how you can carry out all these investment strategies and more, contact our friendly team today! 

Painting your house is an investment. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and not something you want to do twice. So when you’re deciding how to choose exterior paint colors, you’ve got to get it right the first time.

Thankfully, there are a handful of go-to tips to help you choose paint colors for your house. We’ve put together several of the best, so keep reading to discover how to pick the perfect exterior paint.

Consider the Style of Your House

House colors should accentuate the style of your house. A soft, lavender paint may clash against a French-country style home. A coffee-colored contemporary home may seem out of place, too. 

Here’s a quick brief on exterior colors for some of the most common styles:

• Cottage: complement brick and wood accents with cool, neutral colors. Think blues, purples, and greens against a crisp, white trim
• Craftsman: stick to nature-inspired colors here. Greens, browns, and creams are your friend
• Modern: keep things bright and neutral with dark accents on the doors and windows
• Ranch: with a lot of exposed wall space, stick to warm, neutral colors

Take Stock of Your Landscape

Choosing the right color for exterior home painting also depends on your landscape. If your house is surrounded by evergreen trees, pick a color (other than green!) that complements them. 

In a more desert-like climate, opt for a cooler color that will help your house stand out from the sand and brush. If you want to make your small house stand out amidst a landscape of large foliage, opt for a brighter color. To make a large house seem smaller, choose a darker shade.

Explore Color Trends

Colors, like clothing, can go in and out of style. Grey was a popular color in recent years but is moving over to brighter shades of white now.

Your location in the country may even play a role in determining which colors are trending. Pops of red, orange, and yellow may be popular in south Florida, but they don’t work as well in the Pacific Northwest.

To determine the best color for your house, try exploring current color trends. You can speak with an exterior designer or a painting contractor like Metro Painting to get their advice. You can also research trends online or take a drive through up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Bring Swatches Outside

When you decide on colors for home exterior paint, test them out. Paint a piece of wood in the color of your choice. You may have to layer the paint on fairly thick; just make sure it replicates what you’d do on your house.

Then take the swatch outside and hold it up against your house. Repeat this at different times of the day. Hold up the swatch to the front, sides, and back of your house, too. 

Does the color look off to you at noon when the sun is beating against the west-facing side of your home? Or do you like it best only at dusk when the sun is lower in the sky?

You’d be surprised how different a color can look in the sun versus the shade. Find a color that appeals to you at every angle.

How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors

Use these tips to know how to choose exterior paint colors that make your house shine. Remember, it all comes down to complementing the style and landscape of your property. Don’t be afraid to add your personal flair in there, too.

If you need a little inspiration as you peruse paints, visit our available homes section.

Is there anything more relaxing than a beach vacation? But as the end of your vacation draws near, you find yourself longing to stay. This is why purchasing real estate properties with oceanfront views is such a fantastic investment.

Not only will you have a personal oasis to vacation at, but you’ll have the option of renting your oceanfront view apartments when not in use. 

If you’re ready to enjoy oceanfront living all year long and to learn about the countless benefits of renting out an apartment on the beach, then keep reading for information you won’t want to miss. 

Benefits of Oceanfront Views 

One of the main reasons to purchase oceanfront properties, especially on the Riviera Maya, is home appreciation. Since waterfront homes are always in demand, you’ll be sure to see a return on investment if you sell. 

If you’re looking to bring in additional income, then renting out an apartment on the beach is an excellent way of doing so. You can rent your property out during holiday weekends or all year long, depending on your needs. 

When your home isn’t rented out, condos near the beach allow you to kick back and relax while enjoying all the beach has to offer. You’re able to enjoy the surf, sun, and sand, right in your own backyard. 

Consider Your Needs

When looking for real estate properties with oceanfront views, consider your needs. Are there specific interests you have, such as fishing or boating? If so, is there a dock nearby?

If you’re looking for a home with panoramic views, be sure to find a unit that offers the best views of the ocean. Check out several different properties until you find the one that fits your need the best. 

Community

It’s also important to check out the community. Are there amenities such as a gym or clubhouse that you can use?

When looking at prospective properties, be sure they have easy beach access. Look for properties that have access to laundry, either in your unit or on-site, and plenty of parking. 

Be sure to factor in HOA fees when choosing the perfect property, as this will add to your monthly expenses. If you rent your property during peak seasons, then you may be able to cover your expenses for the entire year. Come up with a budget and choose a home that works best for you. 

Say Hello to Oceanfront Views

Now that you know the benefits of real estate properties with oceanfront views, you’re ready to find the perfect apartment or condo. Not only will you benefit from your own personal beach house, but you’ll be able to bring in additional revenue when you’re not using it. 

If you liked this article, then be sure to check out the rest of our website and to learn more about beachfront living. No matter what type of property you’re interested in, we’ve got the best information for all your commercial and residential real estate needs. 

Are you planning to sell your home?

Every year, about 5 million existing homes are put on sale. As you can tell, there are millions of other homeowners doing what you want to do.

Perhaps you’re looking to upsize or downsize. Or you’re fed up with your neighborhood and want to start a new life elsewhere. Or maybe you’re in debt and you want to raise money from the sale and settle it.

Regardless of why you want to sell your house, one thing is constant: you need to know how to sell it.

There’s the traditional route of hiring an agent, but it has its downsides. Are you willing to do things out of the box? Check out these alternative ways to sell a home.

1. Sell It Yourself

It’s never advisable to sell a house without a seller’s agent. There’s a lot that goes into selling a house that the whole process can leave you drained and confused. You could even lose money to con artists.

However, it’s possible to sell it without getting any professional help and actually close a sound deal. This method is called “for sale by owner.”

To increase your chances of making the most from the sale, make necessary repairs, do a few upgrades, and clean up the property. Curb appeal is key to attracting potential buyers.

Then, go beyond erecting the “for sale” sign outside your gate. Market the house on social media sites and ask your friends to share the post. You can also utilize real estate sites that offer free or cost-friendly listings.

2. Sell to Companies That Buy Houses for Cash

Are you wondering, “how do I sell my house fast?”

If yes, you need to reach out to companies that buy homes for cash. They’re always on the hunt for properties they can buy on the low, renovate or remodel, then sell at a profit. Sometimes they just buy a property and let it sit, waiting for the real estate market to shift and then sell it.

The best thing about these companies is they’re many. Just search online and you’ll find them.

When searching, be location-specific. This way, you’ll find a cash for homes company that operates in your state or even local market.

Be extra careful when dealing with these companies, though. When you’re looking to sell the house for as much as possible, you’re better off avoiding them. Many won’t match your asking price.

But if your primary goal is to sell your property fast, they’re a good fit.

3. Trade the Property

Yes, it’s possible to trade your property.

What are the odds there’s someone who’d love to own your home and give you theirs? Slim, but not non-existent. As long as you know where to look (online), you can find a person with who to trade the property.

Sell Your House Differently!

Selling a house is a big decision. While you can hire a real estate agent and let them do the job for you, why give away so much money in commission when you can have it all to yourself? With these alternative ways to sell your house, you’ll achieve that goal.

Need more real estate tips and advice? Keep tabs on our blog!

In offices, some of the germiest places include elevator buttons and door handles. In order to stop the spread, you’ll want to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

If you’re someone who is in an office, you might wonder how you can make sure that your office is clean and free of germs. While cleaning an office can be tough, there’s hope.

This article will go over why professional cleaning for your office is important. Read on to explore these reasons and say goodbye to germs and dirt today!

1. Employee Productivity

Cleaning services from companies such as B & H Property Maintenance LLC will ensure that your office is fresh and clean in order to promote productivity. 

Unhealthy indoor air full of contaminants can lead to a drop in productivity. First, make sure that you don’t have an indoor air quality problem, and hire commercial cleaning services to help maintain clean air. 

2. a Safe Workplace

An office space that’s unclean and dusty is more likely to allow the flu and other diseases to stay. This leads to the spread of various diseases between employees. 

That leads to employees not being able to work in the office, and taking time off due to sickness. Dust can cause allergies for some employees as well. When they’re suffering from allergies, it’ll make it harder for them to concentrate. 

3. Professional Image

A well-kept office is important for you to create a professional image for when businesses and clients pop in. If they come into a messy office, they might question how much work you’ll put in for them. This can lead to a loss of professional respect or clients. 

4. Long-Term Savings

It’s vital that you hire the right commercial cleaning company as well since dust can stick around on the blinds, shelves, and cabinets. You’ll want to make sure that the cleaning company also takes care of furniture, desks, shelving, and other areas that can accumulate dust. 

This will help you avoid carpeting that becomes damaged and stained over time. Damaged carpeting leads to having to install brand new carpeting which isn’t cheap. 

5. High-Quality Cleaning

From professional deep cleaning services to blind cleaning, you have a range of options when it comes to professional cleaning. You’ll also save room for office space when you don’t have to worry about storing cleaning products. No having to worry about dusty brooms or smelly mops being left behind. 

6. Time

Businesses today are busier than ever thanks to creating and maintaining an online and offline presence. In order to save time and focus on your business, you don’t have to worry about cleaning. 

Why Hire Professional Cleaning Services

Now that you’ve explored why you should hire professional cleaning services, you should have a better idea if it’s right for you. Would you like to read more property content? For all of your commercial and residential needs, check out our other articles today. 

After many months of your home being on the market, you’ve finally found a buyer. Before you make any further negotiations, the buyer will have a home inspection done.

If your house fails this inspection, you won’t be able to hand it over to the interested party until all the issues are fixed. It’s a lengthy process that can be a huge inconvenience if you’re trying to move in a hurry.

We might be able to help you avoid this problem. Keep reading for a few home inspection tips that will guide you through the process and allow you to sell your house faster.

Follow Your Real Estate Agent’s Advice 

Every company has its own building inspection guide that they expect you to follow. It can be overwhelming if you’ve never sold a home before. That’s why it’s essential to follow the advice of an experienced real estate agent. 

They can guide you through the different types of home issues that the inspector finds. They’ll come up with a game plan to tackle all the repair requests. 

There are times when repairs can be negotiated. Something might not be as crucial as it is cosmetic. Your real estate agent might be able to help you reason with a buyer in this regard. 

Put Your Pets Away

One of the biggest home inspection tips for sellers is to put your pets away. It doesn’t matter if they’re friendly or not. They get in the way of the inspector doing their job. 

Put your pet in a kennel or shut them behind a closed door. If their presence would completely lock an inspector away from a section of your home, find a different place to house your pet for a few hours. 

Give the Inspector a Full Range of the House

If you’ve already moved out of the house, you must leave the utilities on. If you don’t, the inspector won’t be able to tell if everything works or not. 

Make sure to leave any remotes to appliances such as your ceiling fan within easy reach. The inspector needs to be able to have a full range of the house. 

Clean Things Up 

If you want to know how to pass a home inspection, having a bunch of clutter isn’t it. If there’s a bunch of boxes piled in front of your basement walls, for example, the inspector won’t be able to tell what condition your home’s foundation is in. 

This means that they can’t make a note of it. That will look bad on the final report, to say the least. 

Home Inspection Tips That Will Help You Sell Fast 

Just because you’ve sold your home doesn’t mean that you’re in the clear. The buyer will schedule a home inspection before they go through with the negation process. 

If you fail, it will take that much longer to get your house sold. Be ready for whatever the inspector throws your way with the home inspection tips on this list. 

Now that you’ve passed inspection and sold your home, it’s time to find a house yourself (if you haven’t yet). Check out the homes section of our site to get started with your search. 

Like almost every area of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic brought turmoil to the real estate market. But residential real estate endured.

In fact, 5.6 percent more homes were sold in 2020 than in 2019. And although commercial real estate development has shifted somewhat, it remains one of the most lucrative investment sectors in 2021.

Real estate developers have a lot to consider when planning a project. With so many moving parts, it can be easy to overlook important parts of the process. But simple oversights can cost thousands or even millions of dollars in lost revenue or even lawsuits down the road.

While you cannot predict pandemics there’s still plenty you can plan for to help ensure that your project is a success. Here’s a simple checklist of important steps to take during the acquisition and construction processes.

Zoning

Real estate developers must determine if the site is properly zoned for the intended development plans. Be aware of all local zoning restrictions and allowances particular to the neighborhood and your type of project.

For instance, housing overlay zones can include exceptions for residential development. These include things like increased building heights or lower parking requirements. Knowing these specifics could have major impacts on your projections and plans.

Market Analysis

Determining the most advantageous use of the property is a central part of real estate development. It’s important to have a grasp of what the demand is for particular projects in the area and to gauge competition. 

Market factors can impact your timeline. For instance, you may decide to continue development but hold the property until the demand for your type of development improves. Such timelines need to be forecast from the outset.

Surveying

Be sure to get documentation that details the condition of the existing structures and surrounding area. Surveying may be enough to meet legal requirements. But be aware that outdated topographical maps may not reflect current conditions on the property.

Find surveyors who will give you the most detail. For instance, the use of drones for surveying is becoming popular for getting an accurate, digitized look at a property.

Titles, Utilities, Permits, and Easements

Ensure that the title on the land is clear. You want to make sure that your project is not interrupted by tax liens or other legal judgments. Be sure that you have documentation of recent tax payments and existing agreements, like leases or easements on the land.

Confirm with local agencies that you have access to utilities. You may need to do construction on existing service roads for public water or sewer access.

Develop a relationship with a reputable, local attorney to make sure that all the legal aspects of your projects are in line. Hire a prominent real estate firm, like Lees & Lees, that specializes in real estate transactions. From drafting a property agreement to negotiating permits and waivers, they can help you stay on task and schedule.

Post-Purchase Procedures

Due diligence does not end once you buy the property. Document the conditions of the land, buildings, and underground utilities before construction begins.

Continue to document (including photographs) throughout the development process. All of this could help demonstrate subcontractor work and protect against future claims.

Resources for Real Estate Developers

Now that you have an idea of what steps you should take to ensure that the real estate development process runs smoothly, you can be confident in the decisions you have to make about prospective projects.

We hope this checklist for real estate developers was helpful to you. Be sure to check out the wealth of sales and marketing information we have for urban and destination developers.

Interior design is a great way to redo the inside of your home and change the feel of your space. Whether you’re looking to prep your home to sell or simply want to give your space a facelift, then look no further than home interior design styles. 

You can opt for a fresh coat of paint that matches your style and adds a renewed feel to any room. Modern furniture is another great way to give your room a brand new look. If you’re looking for bathroom interior design tips, then hanging light fixtures, hardware, and adding pops of color are all great ways to alter that room as well. 

If you want to know 3 stunning home interior design styles guaranteed to breathe new life into any home, then look no further. 

1. Simple Chic

This popular style integrates simplicity with a calm, relaxed feel. Look for neutral colors, such as white, tan, beige, and grey. If redoing a living room, look for couches that are simple but comfortable, something that is key. 

You can add splashes of color with throw pillows, but aim for a “less is more” appearance. Oversized coffee tables help create a warm, inviting space, but don’t crowd them with knickknacks, as it detracts from the table itself. Look for tables that have character and don’t need lots of decorations to make them stand out. 

Mirrors are another excellent way to add dimension to any space and to create the illusion of a larger room. They add depth to any space while still maintaining a minimalist appearance. Add houseplants for an organic feel while integrating color, but remember to look for child and pet-safe plants.

2. Bring in Nature

This amazing style can easily be incorporated into any room. If you’re looking for bathroom interior design ideas, then consider painting your bathroom with earthy colors. Look for towels, bath rugs, and shower curtains that match this color scheme.

It’s important not to add too much color, as this can look overwhelming. Instead, choose one color for your bathroom walls, and softer, complementary colors for your furnishings. You can also replace light fixtures and hardware within your bathroom to help freshen up your space and add bathroom finishes.

For kitchen and bathroom faucets and accessories that will complement any makeover, be sure to check this out. 

3. Cozy Cottage

A cozy cottage is a timeless way of styling any home. This warm and inviting decorating trend allows you to add floral patterns without detracting from the rest of your home. Look for floral wall art and pair it with houseplants, to give your house that charming cottage feel. 

Add vintage touches such as antique mirrors and dangling sun catchers, as well as floral bedding to incorporate a cozy cottage appearance throughout. Since cottages often remind you of afternoon tea, look for a tea set to display in your home, along with large candles for a more intimate look. 

Home Interior Design Styles for Every House

No matter what your style is, there are countless home interior design styles to choose from. Whether you like a more modern, minimalist appearance or want bolder colors, you can find modern interior design to match any style and budget.

If interior design is important to you and you want to learn more about amazing properties, then be sure to check out the rest of our website. We’ve got the best information for all your house and condo needs.  

Did you know that about 30 percent of Americans (1 in 3) have a side hustle?

A side hustle might conjure images of someone who’s working multiple jobs, but this isn’t always the case. A side hustle is anything, be it a job or an investment, that earns you additional income. The best side income, though, is passive.

Investing in a property is one of the best ways to earn passive income. However, making such a big investment isn’t the same thing as finding a second or third job. You stand to lose a lot of money if you make bad decisions.

To help you make a sound investment, we’re sharing tips you should put to use. Read on!

Choose the Type of Real Estate Property to Invest In

There are a handful of real estate investments you can make.

You can buy a residential or commercial investment property. You can also invest in a vacation rental or even buy raw land.

As such, the first step to investing in real estate is to identify the kind of real estate asset you want to put your money into. There are a number of factors to consider before reaching a decision, including your access to capital. In most cases, commercial properties will be more expensive than residential and vacation rentals.

Get the Investment Capital

Investing in any kind of real estate property is capital-intensive.

For perspective, the median price of a home in the U.S. is about $200,000. So, if you’re going to invest in a rental, you need to fork out this amount for one unit or more if you need to start with multiple units.

The good news?

If you don’t have the money in cash, you can secure financing. For example, as long as your credit history is good and you’ve got a primary source of income, you can secure a mortgage, which you can use to buy an investment property.

Location, Location, Location

You’ve certainly come across this expression. It’s not a fad.

In real estate, location is everything. The right location doesn’t just get you homes at the best prices. It’s also where you won’t struggle to find tenants if it’s a rental property.

There are also other geo-local factors to consider. For instance, how do the local regulations affect the real estate industry? Are the taxes punitive?

Do extensive research before settling on a location.

Know How to Manage Your Property

Making a real estate investment is only half the job. The other half is managing the property so that you can get the most out of it.

Managing a property properly means being there to attend to your tenants’ complaints, hiring security and cleaning services, and providing other utility services. Some investors hire property managers to do this job. You should too, especially if you’ve got multiple properties.

Investing in a Property Earns You Passive Income

Investing in a property is an ideal way to earn a side income without lifting many fingers. If you’re ready to make this step, you’ve made a smart decision. With this guide, you now know what you need to do in order to make a sound investment that will earn you steady passive income.

Hang around our blog and read more on investing and personal finances.

Though the temperature says cold, the Chicago housing market is hot. The first month of 2021 saw a record number of closings in the most populous Midwestern city. 

The real estate market in Chicago has seen 8 consecutive months of increased sales compared to the previous year. Chicago property owners or those looking to become property owners are experiencing a seller’s market, but will it stay that way? 

Are you looking to buy or sell a house in The Windy City? Before you go forward, it’s important to understand Chicago real estate. Keep reading to find out all you need to know.

1. Uptick in Suburban Home Sales 

Has the pandemic given you cabin fever? With the majority of people working and schooling from home, it may feel like the walls are closing in. Many Chicagoans are moving out of their small city apartments and opting for homes in the suburbs with yards, patios, and room to spread out. 

Expensive, unused amenities have pushed city dwellers to wonder why they’re living in small city apartments. Couple that with the fact that there’s no telling when they’ll go back to their downtown offices, the suburbs are experiencing a growth in sales. 

2. People Want Certain Upgrades 

The pandemic brought about two must-haves for homebuyers…a home office and some sort of outdoor space whether it be a patio, balcony, rooftop, or yard. 

With gyms still closed in a lot of places, home buyers are looking for workout space as well.

3. Low Mortgage Rates 

The mortgage rates in Chicago are at their lowest right now. It’s a great time for buyers to get into homeownership. The market is very competitive because the record-low rates are bringing more people into the real estate game. 

4. Strong Rental Market

Are you looking for an investment property? The median monthly rent is higher than the national average…good news for the owner, bad news for the renter. 

The Chicago rental market offers real estate investors a higher rent-to-purchase ratio than many cities in the nation. It’s a great opportunity to generate cash flow. 

5. More Affordable 

Chicago is more affordable than a lot of other places around the country with a median home price for an average home in the metro area sitting at $248,000. This is 2% lower than the national average. 

Need to sell your house quickly? Looking for an affordable home? URB Chicago makes either one possible. Check us out. 

Chicago Real Estate Forecast 

If you want to buy a house in Chicago or sell a house in Chicago, pay attention to the Chicago real estate forecast. What can you do to take advantage of the current trends in one of the hottest markets in the country? 

Do you need real estate advice? Bookmark our site for easy access to our supreme market intelligence. Learn more about our negotiating power, home hacks to increase your home’s value, how to make money in real estate, and more.