Using Your Home to Make Money Without Selling It

According to REALTORS, Americans bought more than six million homes in 2019. Although selling your home can bring in a lot of money, giving up the place where you've made countless memories can be difficult. Considering that homes appreciate in value, you also lose a solid investment opportunity by selling your home. Fortunately, selling a home isn't the only way to make money from it. Before saying goodbye to your domicile, consider these legitimate money-making alternatives.

1. Think About Opening a Bed and Breakfast

Travelers usually find overnight accommodations by renting hotel rooms. While you can find hotels virtually anywhere, many travelers get tired of hotels. They're often expensive,…

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What New Homeowners Should Know About Property Taxes

After buying a home, you'll have a lot of new ongoing expenses. One of them will be your property taxes. The property taxes are assessed by your county, and the way you pay them varies based on whether you own the property outright or if you're paying a mortgage. Here's what you need to know about paying property taxes as a first-time home buyer.

How to Pay Property Taxes

Some counties allow you to pay property taxes online. Others require you to remit payment by mail. If you owe a mortgage, your lender will receive the bill. They will roll it into your monthly mortgage payments, so you'll pay 1/12 of your annual property taxes on each monthly mortgage payment. The lender holds these payments…

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A Good Home Inspector Is More Than Just Credentials

Finding a home inspector is an important part of the home selling and buying process. To find the right inspector for your needs, you need to look beyond credentials.

You should be ready to interview multiple candidates to make sure that the person you hire is a professional with experience. The home inspector you hire is going to serve as your eyes and ears. He or she will tell you the true condition of the home you are considering purchasing. Remember, a home is likely one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. 

Check Out Real Estate Agent Referrals

A real estate agent might give you a list of home inspector names with the best of intentions. However, there is a conflict of…

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6 Things to Consider Before Investing in Rental Property

Real estate is a good way to boost your investment portfolio. If you make the right investment choices, real estate is an exciting option. Finding investment property can be a major challenge for new investors. Here are six things new investors should consider.

1. Talk to a Professional

Prior to starting your search, talk to a professional realtor. They can give you insight into what to expect in the area where you are searching. Doing research can help you identify key characteristics customers in your area want, including the size of the property they're looking for, the location, and any amenities.

2. Think About the Neighborhood

The neighborhood where you buy an investment…

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The Advantages of Working With a Home Appraisal

Home appraisals have long been considered an integral part of the home-buying process. The appraisal makes sure that the buyer is paying a fair price, and the appraisal protects the mortgage company against losses.

Still, for all of their benefits, appraisals can feel like an added stress. The buyer needs to spend money on the appraisal, and the seller is worried that the appraisal will come back for less than what they feel the home is worth.

Changes to the Laws on Appraisals 

Changes have been made to how appraisals are done. Government agencies have made rules saying that home appraisals are not required for a home that sells for under $400,000. That being said, most major lenders will still…

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3 Tips to Launching a Successful Property Marketing Plan

Promoting a property as a realtor or homeowner requires an understanding of those who may be interested in the property as well as the tools and platforms available to help you achieve your goals. Using a few tips, you can launch a successful property marketing plan for any property you own in as little as one day.

1. Know Your Market

Knowing the market you intend to reach is essential as a realtor or even as a homeowner looking for ways to promote a property that you are trying to sell. Consider the demographics you want to reach, and ask yourself the following questions: 

  • Who: Who am I targeting with my property and why? Is my property ideal for families or for those who are…

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7 Women Making a Name for Themselves in the Real Estate Industry

Strong, independent women are making a big impact in real estate. It wasn't easy for women to break into this industry. At this point, however, it's clear that female real estate agents are here to stay. Here are a few of the capable female agents who are most making a mark on this industry today.

1. Jessica Honeycutt

This industrious real estate agent has added over 87,000 Facebook followers. Honeycutt humanizes her social media presence with fun pictures of her three cute dogs. Additionally, Honeycutt only uses the most lovely images to advertise listings on her profile. This is one prime example of how one can use social media engagement to succeed in this industry. 

2. Loida…

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3 Real Estate Trends You Should Watch For in 2021

The year 2020 has been a unique time for homebuyers. It was a year marked by low mortgage rates, increased buyer demand, and limited inventory. In-person open houses were replaced with virtual tours. Individuals who had been saving to purchase a home had to think twice about it as the economy took an unforeseen downturn.

Mortgage rates are expected to stay competitive in 2021. Likely, buyers are going to be interested in purchasing a new home. There are several trends that can be expected to emerge throughout 2021. Here are three examples.

1. An Increase in Housing Inventory 

The year 2020 had a limited selection of homes available. Some people felt uncomfortable moving out of their homes…

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