Andy Weiser Fort Lauderdale Realtor Blog

Top 10 Benefits of Real Estate Investing

There are many benefits of investing in real estate, perhaps even more than one thinks. So if you are considering a purchase in real estate soon, here are some of the best benefits of investing in your next property.

Equity

One of the most straightforward ways to pump up your wealth is when you make each of your mortgage payments. As time goes on, your property appreciates and the more equity you build.

Diverse Portfolio

It is always wise to diversify your portfolio. Instead of putting all of your eggs in one basket, invest in real estate so that not all of your money is in stocks or funds of the same nature.

Inflation Safeguard

Inflation can make one nervous but real estate markets are not really impacted by it. Expenses that are associated with keeping it up may increase, but rents can be increased as well to keep your cash flow positive.

Passive Income

The better condition your property is in, the more you will be able to take in for rent. This passive income of rent is one of the best perks to investing in real estate. Be sure to capitalize on it with a good property for a good tenant.

Cash Flow

To determine your cash flow, take a look at your net income. That is basically your gross operating income minus your operating expenses. So after you take in your rents and deduct all of your monthly associated expenses like taxes, utilities, etc. then what’s left is your cash flow. 

Appreciation

One of the best benefits of real estate is that it generally appreciates over time. Be sure you are investing in the right market and area where values are on the rise. This will help build your wealth over the years.

Goal Funding

Investing in real estate can also help you achieve your goals. Perhaps it is to build wealth for eventually paying for a child’s college tuition or maybe it will help you afford the purchase of another rental property. 

Leverage

With real estate investing you basically can leverage the bank’s money to make your money. In other words, you can have maybe 80% of the cash fronted by your lender while you collect the rents. In typical stock market investing, you would have to put up all of the money yourself.

Tax Benefits

Real estate investing comes with some great tax benefits. Those include mortgage interest, loan origination fees, maintenance, repairs, marketing and management fees.

No Diploma Needed

One of the best things about real estate investing is that anyone can do it. That means there is no particular education or degree required to jump into the game and start building wealth. 

 

Reasons Why Now Is The Time To Buy in Florida

Buying a home anywhere has its challenges. These days inventory remains low while interest rates and home prices are on the rise. However, there are still good deals to be found if you are looking in the right places. Specifically Florida has some compelling reasons as to why it can be a great time to invest here for your next home purchase.

No Income Tax

The state of Florida is one of 9 states that don’t have a state income tax which makes it an enticing place to live and invest in property. The state collects the majority of its tax revenues from sales tax and property taxes. 

Strong Economy

Despite states that are tech heavy and have had layoffs, Florida continues to have a strong economy. Many professionals have been relocating here seeking financial stability with the no income tax factor. With this influx of residents the demand for housing has been consistent. One could expect this to continue with property values continuing to increase.

Rates Keeping Prices in Check

Higher rates definitely make for some monthly payment challenges, but they also keep price escalation in check. With years of lower rates we experienced rapid home price increases. Today’s higher rates will moderate home value growth a bit. Rates will also fluctuate so despite them being higher now, you can always refinance down the road when it makes sense.

Builders Offering Incentives

With higher rates comes some buyer resistance. At a certain point a particular home will become unaffordable if rates get high enough to bump a monthly payment out of one’s budget. In some markets, builders are offering big incentives for new home builds. This can come in the form of a rate buydown with getting a higher rate in the 7’s down to around 5% instead. 

 

4 Reasons Why You Should Hire A Lawyer When Purchasing a Home

Purchasing a new home is often very exciting, but does require quite a few steps. After all of the fun of looking at various different properties, then comes the paperwork, negotiations and legal procedures when you actually begin the buying process for a particular home. A qualified real estate attorney can help guide you best through the process. Here are four great reasons why you should have one representing you.

Due Diligence

A real estate attorney will perform an essential title search, which can research potential liens, unpaid taxes or any other possible legal concerns. Lawyers can also help you with the purchase contract and any related documents to confirm that the terms are fair and in the best interest of the buyer. They can provide advice to you on contingencies, warranties and other legal implications that come with the purchase.

Negotiation

A real estate attorney has the important communication and negotiation skills to make sure that you get the best deal possible. They can also draft and/or review legal documents, such as purchase agreements, addendums and disclosures, to ensure that they meet all legal requirements to keep you protected. 

Legal Advice

Real estate lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with various legal issues that can come about during the home purchase process. Attorneys can give you legal advice on any legal questions you might have, such as zoning laws and even compliance issues. Because no two deals are alike and where things can happen, an attorney can help you get through these hurdles.

Peace of Mind

Buying a property is a large investment so it is normal to feel a little anxious during the process. However, when you hire a real estate attorney, you can have peace of mind knowing that everything is being handled by a knowledgeable and experienced professional that is well versed in the process. Your attorney will tackle all legal procedures, deadlines, paperwork and negotiations, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the purchase.

Potential Closing Snags and How to Avoid Them

Most people know that closing on a new home can be equally as exciting as it can be stressful. There are important steps to take for the process where things can go not as planned while the stakes are high. Here are some potential issues that can arise so you can try to avoid them in the first place. 

Buyer Side Potential Issues

Job – It can potentially happen that you lose your job in the middle of the home buying process. If you can find a new job relatively soon then you might be able to get a cosigner to keep the deal together. 

Credit – Your credit may have been perfect when you got pre-approved, but it could change later when you put a home under agreement. One of the reasons this could happen is if you take on additional larger debts like buying a new car. Avoid larger purchases during this time so you don’t have any problems.

Down Payment – Make sure you have this ready and easily accessible meaning that you have the money ready to easily transfer (and not in a place where it takes several days), and know the exact amount needed.

Closing Disclosure – You should receive this three days before the closing so make sure you review it and double check for anything that is incorrect. Alert your agent if there is one immediately.

Closing Costs – These are separate funds from your down payment, so make sure you have your closing costs ready and even add a little padding to the amount just in case. Your lender should provide you with a good faith estimate of what will be due. 

Insurance – As soon as you have a contract on a home then start collecting some insurance quotes for it. That goes for both homeowner’s insurance as well as flood insurance depending on your location and if it is needed. This will give you ample time to shop around if necessary.

Seller Side Potential Issues

Title – There could be a problem if your title company finds any outstanding liens on the property. Your title will need to be free and clear of any issues or “clouds” so get a copy from your lender as soon as you can and review it thoroughly.

Final Walkthrough Issues – Homes should always be completely empty of the seller’s belongings at the walkthrough and everything that was supposed to remain with the home should still be there. If either of these things are not the case or if there is damage to the home then this could delay the closing unless an alternate arrangement is made.

Either Side Issues

Move Coordination – It should be common sense that a buyer would move in after closing and the seller would be out before. However, sometimes wires get crossed and one of these parties is misguided or a moving mishap takes place and causes issues. It might be a good idea to share plans to avoid this so all are on the same page.

Death – You can avoid this potential issue with the contract stating that the obligations go to the heirs in the event of death of one of the parties.

Cold Feet – It can happen that one party for whatever reasons decides to not buy or sell the home. If a buyer does this, most agreements are written where they will forfeit their deposit as a result. If a seller does this, they will need to return the buyer’s deposit. The buyer could potentially sue the seller, but it is unlikely that they would. 

Natural Disasters – If any natural disasters happen and the home is severely damaged then most contracts will give buyers an out. If it is only a small amount of damage, appraisers may want to confirm that this damage is repaired so that buyers can proceed with the purchase as normally would have happened.  

 

6 Kitchen Trends to Stand the Test of Time

Most everyone knows that as expensive and exciting as a kitchen renovation can be, we know this overhaul can be quite a large project. Given the time invested and price-tag that is associated, it is important to not only inject your own personal style, but you will also want it to stand the test of time. Here are 6 kitchen trends that will last for years to come. 

Open Shelving

Colored and glass front cabinets have been around for years now, but open shelving offers the benefit of being cost effective as well as eye-catching. It does take some thought to strategically plan so that it is accommodating for your needs, but the install is simple and it will motivate you to keep organized storage. 

Classic Tiles

It is hard to go wrong with classic subway tile as it can be installed in several ways. Choose stacked joints instead of alternating or even do a horizontal install. There are lots of other shapes that won’t be outdated soon too like classic penny or even mosaic tiles. 

Zoned lighting

Lighting is important in any room of the home. However, zoned lighting in the kitchen is especially crucial as you will want good overall lighting, but also the assistance of some task lighting. Choosing things from pendants to under cabinet lighting are great things to add to accomplish this. Best of all you can easily change the fixtures down the road so long as the wiring is in place.  

Limited upper cabinetry

This is a concept that can work for everyone as far as aesthetics go, but understandably not for all with respect to space. The open shelving concept with limited upper cabinetry will provide more of an open, larger and stylish look. Depending on space and needs the amount of open shelving can vary per home. 

Large sink

While years ago a larger sink with a sprayer may have been a luxury, today it has become a standard. Even if you don’t do a lot of dishwashing by hand these sinks are great for your larger pots and pans that don’t fit in the dishwasher. These sinks can also be quite useful with meal prep as well!

Colored appliances

If you are tired of stainless steel appliances that have been around for a while now, consider colorful models instead. These are becoming more popular as an alternative to the stainless, white or black options that have been around for decades. The colorful options are equipped with today’s necessities while they are a nod to the vintage models which are sure to add timeless character to your home.

 

4 Home Updates To Tempt Buyers

As your trusted real estate resource, I know that if you are currently a homeowner, you know how to think like a buyer. When it comes time to sell you will have a good understanding of what buyers will be looking for as you went through the very same thing. While you probably know your home’s strengths and weaknesses, here are several key things you can audit it for when looking to make it more valuable to buyers.

Kitchen Upgrades

Without going crazy there are some creative ways to add value to your kitchen. New cabinet hardware can help uplift the look along with resurfacing the cabinets with a brighter color. Adding or replacing a dated or darker backsplash is also a great trick for a lower cost. Combine that with a modern faucet for better look and function. 

Bathroom Upgrades

Most importantly bathrooms must always be fresh and free of any mildew, mold or water damage so be sure to repair and paint if necessary. Next, for older bathrooms consider replacing the vanity and faucet for one that brings it into current times. Finish it off by adding some new shelving for towels or regularly used items that are nice enough to display.

Upgrade Appliances

Most buyers will first consider your home for its price, then when they tour it will be making notes about costs associated with not only what they want to do, but will have to do. Old, inefficient systems or appliances will certainly be on the list as they have both replacement and operating costs. If any of yours are on their last legs, it may be worth replacing for models that are energy efficient.

Audit The Exterior

Being the first and last thing all buyers will see, make sure nothing stands out as being neglected or needing repair. Trees and shrubs should be well pruned, paint should be in good condition and your front entrance should be nice and welcoming. A fresh coat of paint on the front door along with a new doormat and pot of flowers typically do the trick to set the stage for a clean and updated home.