Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

The right home renovation strategy can increase property values and improve the comfort and utility of your space. However, your actions could have a harsh impact on our natural resources.

Here are several ways you can reduce your renovation’s effect on the environment.

Use Sustainable Products

Choose Earth-friendly materials for a greener build.

• Try reclaimed flooring. Ask permission at construction sites or search internet exchange boards to find unwanted extras. With a little artistic imagination, you can turn those cast-offs into a unique visual display.

• Re-purpose existing material. Turn old doors into unique furniture pieces like tables and privacy shades to spruce up your new space.

• Pick low-VOC paints to eliminate harsh chemicals in your immediate environment.

The best way to lower your impact on the Earth is to carefully choose which products you use in your project.

Evaluate Your Trash

Think about what you’re putting in the dumpster. Instead of taking up space in a landfill, many items can be redistributed and put to better use.

• Donate household items that are no longer needed in your new space to your favorite charity.

• Contact your local Habitat for Humanity office to help your community by donating your unused construction materials.

• Contact your local school district. Some teachers take community donations to use in their classrooms.

Your trash could be someone else’s treasure. Don’t toss out something that others might need.

Take Care Of Your Immediate Area

Your environment includes the area in which you live. Use these tips to keep your property pristine during and after construction.

• Rent a dumpster to make clean up easier. Pick up tools, trash, and other items at the end of each work session.

• Use plastic tarps to protect landscaping and plant life from flying debris or chemical sprays.

• Dispose of chemicals properly. Never pour paints, solvents, or other chemicals into your plumbing system or down a municipal drain.

Protect your neighborhood by taking careful actions during your build.

A home renovation is a fresh start for your property. Make it even more enjoyable by adding these Earth-friendly strategies to your construction plan.

If you’re planning to update your home before you put it on the market, be sure to contact your trusted real estate professional to discuss the improvements that will get you the most out of your investment.

Are you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let’s take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage.

Update (Or Start) Your Monthly Budget

First, it is essential to get the basics out of the way. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start a monthly budget to keep track of your income and expenses. Once you have a mortgage, it will be important to prioritize your monthly payments so that you don’t end up falling behind.

Starting a budget is easy and can be done with mobile apps, software, a spreadsheet or a pen and paper. List all sources of income so that you know exactly how much cash you are working with. Then, list out every one of your expenses. It can be tough to remember them all, so consider using debit and credit card statements from the past few months as a reminder.

Get A Copy Of Your Credit Report

Next, you will want to get a copy of your credit report so you can see what potential mortgage lenders will see when assessing your financial history. This is a free service that you can request once per year, so be sure to take advantage. Note that you will want to use government-approved websites for requesting your credit report. Be wary of scams.

Do You Have A Down Payment?

A down payment is not required for every home purchase, but having one saved up can make the buying process easier. The amount you will want to have saved up will depend on the cost of your home, whether you plan on carrying private mortgage insurance and a variety of other factors. If possible, try to save up an amount close to (or more than) twenty percent of the home’s purchase price.

Ready? Chat With A Professional

Now that you have your financial health in check, it is time to meet with a mortgage professional to discuss your financing options. 

As soon as you know what you can afford, the next step is to contact your trusted real estate agent who can help you find the house of your dreams!

Real estate isn’t a one-size-fits-all pursuit. Buying and renting multi-unit properties is one of the ways investors build residual income while increasing their property portfolios. However, multi-unit rentals come with some unique challenges. Are you ready to manage a multi-unit rental property?

Ask yourself these questions to help you decide which path best fits your resources, goals, and interests.

Do You Plan To Live On The Property?

Living in one of your rental units offers a myriad of benefits. First, you get to keep a close eye on building conditions and the actions of your renters. Next, you’ll be able to respond quickly to an emergency. Last, you won’t have to pay extra for your own living quarters. You won’t have this option with single-occupancy properties.

Will You Work With A Property Management Company?

If you are more of a hands-off investor, a property management company makes owning properties simple. Their staff will collect the rents, respond to requests for maintenance and repairs, and take care of all the paperwork that comes along with rental units.

All you need to do is collect your portion of the payments and keep up with your bank loans. You can still work with a property management company if you opt for single-family properties. However, it may not be the most cost-effective solution in that situation.

Are Market Conditions In Your Area Changing Quickly?

When rental prices go up, it can be difficult for investors to take advantage. Long-term occupants may balk at the idea of paying more for the same property. With multi-unit buildings, you can raise prices as tenants vacate. In this way, you can keep your current occupants happy without sacrificing potential profits.

Are You Looking For More Ways To Increase Your Income?

Multi-unit properties are a unique opportunity for enterprising investors. Rent out space under stairways or in common areas to vending machine companies. Your residents get convenient snacks and you earn a little extra cash each month. A coin-operated laundry room is another addition that adds value for your residents while increasing your own payouts.

Managing a multi-unit building means more paperwork, maintenance, and marketing. However, the potential profits might be worth it. Take some time to review your own goals and abilities before committing to a purchase.

Be sure to consult with your trusted real estate and mortgage professionals to find out more information about purchasing multi-unit rentals.

Perform roof maintenance on sunny days when there’s less chance of slipping. Blocking off a weekend twice a year gives you plenty of time to complete the items below without rushing or taking unnecessary risks. The beginning of spring and fall present the best opportunities to complete your maintenance before the weather turns too hot or too cold.

Loose Debris Removal

Remove leaves, branches and accumulated debris before winter sets in. Set up a ladder, preferably with another person holding the ladder steady, and clean off as much debris as possible without risking your safety.

General Inspection

Start in the attic or crawl space by looking for ceiling stains. This may indicate water seepage that can compromise your home. Examine the roof in those areas to find loose, lifted or missing shingles that you have to replace. Then, examine the rest of the shingles for mold, worn spots, peeling or cracks. Also, check for missing flashing. 

If you don’t feel comfortable doing the repairs yourself, this is still a valuable exercise. You’ll know what to expect and can avoid charges for unnecessary repairs.

Moss And Mold

You can buy roof moss remover at most home improvement stores. Follow the instructions for best results. After the solution has had time to set, gently brush away the mold and moss, using a soft-bristled broom or wide brush. Try to avoid spray-washing shingles to preserve the UV-blocking granules on their surface.

Facia, Downspouts And Gutters
Protect your hands with heavy rubber gloves and remove debris with a scoop to make the work go quickly. Then, gently scrub dirt and grime from the fascias. Spray each area with a garden hose so that you can check for peeling paint or missing caulk. Re-paint and caulk these areas as needed and note any damage you’d feel more comfortable leaving to a professional. 

Chimneys, Skylights And Vents

Start by closing off your fireplace and cleaning any creosote from the chimney with a hard-bristled brush. Inspect the chimney for missing or cracked bricks. If you do the repairs yourself, remember to treat the chimney afterward with a water-repellent sealant. Inspect and clean vent outlets and skylights using a roof safety harness for steep inclines.

This may seem like a lot of work, but it can save you thousands of dollars by avoiding critical repairs due to negligence.

Real estate investors sometimes get stuck in a rut. They repeat the same type of investment that they did before. This is not necessarily a bad thing because a successful experience is worth repeating. However, it is also a good idea to occasionally take a look at the big picture as well, to see what else is out there for investment consideration.

Real estate markets go up and down. This can be a regional phenomenon. In some states, there are lots of properties that are “underwater.” This means the owners borrowed more on their property than it is currently worth.

In other states, there are properties that generate positive cash flow, while increasing in value. This is very desirable. It means that after paying all the expenses of owning the property, there is cash left over for the owner to receive and profits when selling the home.

Invest In Value

The investment strategy of buying low and then selling high is sage advice. To that, we would add the fine-tuning of buying value. Buying value means making investments that produce the greatest positive cash flows, while the investments appreciate in value.

State-By-State Comparisons

GoBankingRates did an analysis of the United States to see what states currently offer the best real estate deals for investors. They took a look at the three top markets in each state. They calculated the average for the home values and noted the increase in property value from 2017 to 2018.

There are 15 states that offer opportunities worth considering, which are:

Utah 

The three largest markets are Salt Lake, Provo, and Ogden. The average home price is $350,000 with a 12.6% year-over-year increase in value.

Idaho

The largest markets are Boise, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d’Alene. The average home price is $304,000 with a 12.6% year-over-year increase in value.

Montana

The largest markets are Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. The average home price is $343,000 with an 11.1% year-over-year increase in value.

Maine

The largest markets are Augusta, Bangor, and Portland. The average home price is $231,000 with a 10.7% year-over-year increase in value.

Indiana

The largest markets are Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville. The average home price is $179,000 with a 9.3% year-over-year increase in value.

Tennessee

The largest markets are Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. The average home price is $251,000 with a 9.1% year-over-year increase in value.

Georgia

The largest markets are Atlanta, Augusta, and Columbus. The average home price is $250,000 with an 8.8% year-over-year increase in value.

Michigan

The largest markets are Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Warren. The average home price is $205,000 with an 8.5% year-over-year increase in value.

Missouri

The largest markets are St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City. The average home price is $203,000 with an 8.1% year-over-year increase in value.

Mississippi

The largest markets are Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport. The average home price is $191,000 with a 7.4% year-over-year increase in value.

Ohio

The largest markets are Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The average home price is $207,000 with a 7.2% year-over-year increase in value.

Nebraska

The largest markets are Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue. The average home price is $221,000 with a 7.0% year-over-year increase in value.

Alabama

The largest markets are Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville. The average home price is $210,000 with a 7.0% year-over-year increase in value.

Kentucky

The largest markets are Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green. The average home price is $226,000 with a 6.0% year-over-year increase in value.

Arkansas

The largest markets are Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville. The average home price is $195,000 with a 5.7% year-over-year increase in value.

Summary

There are interesting opportunities uncovered by this analysis. Utah and Idaho are very attractive for investing right now. Real estate investors considering any of these states can also compare population growth rates, unemployment rates, cost-of-living, and other livability factors when making an investment decision.

If you’re interested in looking at properties in another state, contact your trusted local real estate professional. They are the best resource to help you identify great properties and agents to work with across the country.

Home price indices issued by S&P Case-Shiller showed further slowing in home price growth in January. The national home price index showed 4.30 percent home price growth for the three months ended in January. Analysts expected home prices to grow 4.20 percent for the same period in cities surveyed by Case-Shiller. More cities reported declines in home prices than those that posted gains in home prices.

The top cities posting year-over-year home price gains in the 20-City Home Price Index were Las Vegas, Nevada with 10.50 percent growth; Phoenix, Arizona posted a year-over-year home price gain of 7.50 percent. Three cities tied for third place with Charlotte, North Carolina, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Tampa, Florida posting year-over-year home price growth rates of 5.10 percent.

Home Price Growth Stalls Throughout U.S.

Noteworthy in January’s readings were the West Coast’s loss of dominance in home price growth rates and the retreat of double-digit yearly growth rates for home prices. Las Vegas, Nevada posted the only double-digit price gain year-over-year, but it suffered steep declines in home values during the recession. The 20-City HPI for January showed month-to-month home price growth slowed in 14 cities, was unchanged in one city and five cities posted gains in home price growth rates.

David M. Blitzer, managing director and chair of the S&P Case-Shiller Index Committee, said that the home prices had not grown so slowly since April 2015. Rapidly rising home prices sidelined many buyers who could not afford to keep up with home prices that rose faster than inflation and wages. Analysts said that housing markets were leaning in favor of home buyers as home price growth slowed. Mr. Blitzer said that it “remains to be seen if recent low mortgage rates and smaller price gains can sustain improved home sales.”

Federal Reserve policymakers recently announced that the Fed would hold steady on its target federal funds rate range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent; this fueled a drop in mortgage rates. Analysts said that rates could continue to fall. Slower home price growth and lower mortgage rates are expected to encourage would-be home buyers back into the market.

If you are considering purchasing a new property, be sure to contact your trusted real estate professional to discuss the market conditions in your area.

Home ownership is highly valued in our culture. However, buying a home isn’t the best decision for everyone. Examine the differences between owning and renting your home to help you decide if now is the time to buy.

Effect On Flexibility

Renters enjoy more freedom than homeowners. After the leasing period ends, renters are free to walk away and find a new place to live. Homeowners, on the other hand, are at the mercy of the market. Depending on the conditions, owners might have a hard time selling their property quickly. It also takes a lot more paperwork to sell a home than it does to end a lease.

Those who don’t have plans to stay settled for at least a few years might be better off renting their homes. If circumstances suddenly change, they have more options than heavily-invested homeowners.

Financial Concerns

Home equity is a huge perk of ownership. A home equity line of credit gives homeowners a source of quick cash for emergencies or to take advantage of investment opportunities. These loans come with friendly options that make them ideal funding for a variety of situations. 

It’s a myth that renting is more expensive than owning without taking home value appreciation into account. When monthly expenses are compared side-by-side, owners invest more of their income into their living space than renters.

Beyond monthly mortgage payments, homeowners are responsible for insurance, property taxes, and utilities like garbage and water that are generally included in rental prices. In addition, homeowners bear the full cost of maintenance and repairs.

Owning a home can be a safeguard against harsh financial circumstances and give the opportunity for the appreciation of home value. However, for those who are currently cash-strapped, renting may be the more wallet-friendly choice.

Your Lifestyle

When things go wrong, renters can rely on their landlord or management company to coordinate and facilitate repairs. Homeowners, however, are solely responsible for handling the condition of their property. Besides the financial costs, it can take hours of research and dirty work to preserve your residential property.

If you enjoy handiwork, the chores associated with home ownership aren’t such a big deal. For the more technically challenged, however, taking care of a home could become a hassle.

Be honest about your abilities, interests, and resources before you commit to a home purchase.

If you are considering a new home purchase, be sure to contact your trusted real estate agent. These professionals are experienced and well-versed in the market in your area and can answer any questions that you might have about finding just the right place.

Maintenance is an important part of home ownership. Improper care compromises the safety of your property and can result in big repair bills. Include these strategies in your maintenance plan to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Educate Yourself

It’s usually cheaper to do most home maintenance jobs yourself. Teach yourself some basic skills to save yourself from professional fees.

• Take some classes. Community colleges and hardware stores often host community courses that help you plan projects, get familiar with new tools, or gain more value from property assessments.

• Invest in beginner books on carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. These will be invaluable references throughout your home ownership journey. Online versions allow searchable access to necessary information.

• Experience is the best teacher. Start with small, decorative projects to hone your hand skills. As confidence increases, you can try more difficult builds and repairs.

The right combination of knowledge and skills means you realize minimal maintenance costs.

Make Maintenance A Routine

Preventive maintenance catches small problems before they become big, expensive ones. Schedule essential tasks to ensure all the important parts of your property are monitored consistently.

• Perform a perimeter check when the seasons change. Walk around the outside of your home. Examine the grounds and exterior for signs of wear-and-tear or degradation. Take pictures and make a plan to address the damage.

• Have your HVAC system professionally serviced once a year. For those with allergies or other adverse respiratory conditions, have your ducts, vents, and filters cleaned every six months.

• Practice good property hygiene. Keep your landscaping, exterior, and storage spaces clean and uncluttered. If a problem does occur, an unkempt environment can complicate repair efforts.

Incorporate maintenance into your regular routine to circumvent emergencies.

Prepare Financially

Make sure you’ll always have enough money to fix your home with these tips.

• Decrease the deductible on your home insurance policy. You pay slightly higher premiums. However, the extra funds could come in handy if a big claim occurs.

• Start a home repair fund. Aim for an amount equal to 10% of the value of your property.

• Establish a relationship with a local contractor. Your friendly relationship and loyal patronage could earn you some valuable discounts in times of need.

The cost of maintaining your home doesn’t have to be a mystery. With these tips, you can keep a safe and healthy home without draining your bank account.

Your trusted real estate professional is a reliable source when it comes to helping you find a new home. If you are in the market for a new property, be sure to make contact today!

According to the US Department of Energy, the average American household paid $111.67 each month for utilities in 2017. With some research and a few DIY projects, property owners can reduce those energy costs without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Establish Energy Friendly Habits

Reduce energy waste to see an immediate change in your utility payments.

• Before bed, walk around your home. Make sure you turn off all lights, televisions, computers, and other plugged-in devices.
• In the colder months, close the doors to unused spaces to save big on heating bills.
• Dial down the heat before bed. Invest in extra blankets and cozy pajamas to keep warm without blasting the furnace.

Small habits can add up to big savings.

Incorporate DIY Solutions

These easy projects improve insulation so your interior stays comfortable without HVAC overuse.

• Use weather stripping to seal off drafty windows.
• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors to prevent outdoor air from compromising your indoor temperature.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Many models allow you to automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day.

It doesn’t take a large investment of time or money to positively impact your utility bills.

Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Upgrading your appliances is a simple way to reduce energy waste.

• Install a solar-powered water heater to eliminate the cost of hot water.
• Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED versions.
• Invest in an Energy Star rated washer and dryer to save money on your electric and water bills.

As a bonus, your new appliances improve the look and feel of your space.

Attend To Administrative Tasks

Pay attention to what you’re paying for. Small details can cost you big dollars.

• Review your billing statements at least once every 3 months. Notice any changes in usage, rate, and fees.
• Talk to your utility company about average payments. This option allows you to pay a flat rate rather than fluctuating per-use charges.
• Install a Smart Meter to ensure accurate usage reporting.

Practice due diligence to protect your wallet from unnecessary charges.

You don’t have to make drastic changes to your lifestyle to control utility costs. Incorporate these easy fixes to bring down your monthly obligations without emptying your wallet.

If you are in the market for an energy efficient home, be sure to tell your trusted real estate professional who is ready to assist you with your search.

Are you just starting on your real estate investing journey? Many newcomers are surprised to learn that there’s more to making money on the real estate market than buying and selling. These are some of the most popular strategies real estate investors use to create profits. Which one is right for you?

Buy And Hold

Buy and hold investors play the market like stocks. They buy properties when prices are low, then hold them until values are high. During the holding period, some investors choose to offer their properties as rentals. Apartment buildings are also a popular option for buy and hold investors, as these properties are always in demand.

Buy and hold investors might run into problems with out-of-control cash flows. Make sure you have plenty of backup cash to keep you afloat until the next sale.

Short Term Rentals

Sharing apps like Airbnb are changing the way short term rentals are done. Instead of pumping money into sterile timeshare properties, travelers are choosing a more home-like environment during their vacations. Many real estates investors concentrate on maintaining homes in various locations and offering them as an alternative to more traditional temporary accommodations.

Vacation renters can be particularly hard on properties. Check your insurance coverage to make sure you have access to enough cash to repair or replace any damages your visitors leave behind.

Fix And Flip

Made popular by a plethora of cable television reality shows, fix and flippers purchase distressed properties at low costs. They then spend some time correcting cosmetic defects, sprucing up any signs of disrepair, and making the property ready for new residents.

A quick sale ensures maximum profit. However, those can be hard to find. If the market suddenly changes, you could find yourself stuck with mortgage payments you weren’t prepared to meet. Always have a backup plan to protect your personal assets.

Commercial Leasing

From the corner drug store to a multi-unit strip mall, commercial property presents a unique opportunity for more advanced real estate investors. It takes a lot of buying power to acquire commercial property. However, commercial leasers usually last much longer than their residential counterparts, which means a more secure and longer-lasting income stream.

Keep in mind that empty commercial buildings take longer to fill. Check your resources to ensure you can survive a long period at less-than-optimal occupancy.

Real estate investing is a diverse discipline. Choose the strategy that works best for you to enjoy a long and happy career.

If you are in the market for a new investment property, sure to contact your trusted real estate professional.