Posts by Grant Dean
I want to move to the Country!
“I want to move out of the city, into the country and do my own thing!” Have you heard your friends say this or maybe you have thought it. I dream about this weekly. Truth be told, my family and I are working towards this goal and I’m searching every day. Owning your own piece…
Read MoreHow can I invest in real estate if I don’t have much money? – Part 3
Here is the real advantage of taking this path and implementing this type of strategy – it’s costs less money to get started. The down payment on an owner-occupied home will be between 3.5-5% not 20%. On a 250K home that’s an immediate min savings of $37,500 (not including closing costs). While you live in…
Read MoreHow can I invest in real estate if I don’t have much money? – Part 2
One idea for a less expensive way to get started in real estate investing is to buy a home in an area that has highly acclaimed schools and live in it. Don’t buy big, don’t buy fancy. Ideally, one story home, min 3 bedrooms (4 is best – who doesn’t need a home office these…
Read MoreHow can I invest in real estate if I don’t have much money? – Part 1
Buying a single family or multi-family investment property most times requires the buyer to have min 20% down payment plus closing costs which can be several thousands of dollars. In addition you’ll have your holding costs once you have bought the property while you or your broker markets for a tenant (mortgage/taxes/utilities/repairs). Finally once rented…
Read MoreWhat adds the most value to my home?
Many times I’m asked what upgrade/improvement can I do to my home to help it appreciate & re-sale best? The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the best places to invest your money to get the highest return back (counter tops, cabinets, back splash, appliances, fixtures). Second is master bathroom &…
Read MoreDo I need 20% down to buy a home?
Questions over coffee – “Do I need to have 20% down payment to buy a home?” No. There are several loans available that do NOT require 20% down. FHA loans require 3.5% down, conventional loans most times are 5% down, VA loans for military veterans are 0% down and in some “rural” areas you can…
Read MoreForeclosures – Buy or Run Away?
Foreclosure or REO (Real Estate Owned) property is owned by the bank or lender of the property because the home owner defaulted on their loan. From the time a home owner goes into default and when that property is listed for sale to the general public could take many months or go quickly, much depends…
Read MoreQuestions over Coffee – Part 2
Should I price my house like what I see at retail stores, $399,999 or $400,000? Think about how we as consumers search online. Most websites that have listing searches have price ranges, for example 300-350, 350-400 and so forth. By listing a house at $399,999 for example, you are putting your house at the TOP…
Read MoreQuestions over Coffee – Part 1
How important are pictures when I’m selling my home? Having high resolution pictures of every important room in your house is critical in getting a buyer to take interest in your home. We live in a digital age and upwards of 90% of buyers research and look for homes online. If the quality is poor…
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