Posts by Grant Dean
Moving to the Country – Part 5
“I want to move out of the city and into the country..” Moving out into the country is not going to be cheap, bottom line. The cost of the land, access, utilities, water, fence and they type of home (slab/stick built, barndo, storage containers, manufactured homes) all are expensive when you add it all up.…
Read MoreMoving to the Country – Part 4
You’ve decided what and how you want to use your land, where you want to buy, now you have to be real about the costs and size. We talked earlier about the initial cost of the land purchase and if you’re hoping to have limited restrictions most likely you’ll be considering 10+ acres. In my…
Read MoreMoving to the Country – Part 3
“I want to move out of the city, buy land and live in the country.” – Part 3 Now that you have decided what you want to do with the land, where you going to go? Using IH-35 as our center, generally speaking, land on the east side will be better suited for planting, farming and…
Read MoreMoving to the Country – Part 2
First step when buying land is you need to be very clear and have thought through what you want to do with the land now and in the future. Do you just want space between your neighbors and a big “yard”? Do you want to have specific types of farm animals like horses, chickens, goats,…
Read MoreI 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…
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