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What to Do to Save for a Down Payment

On October 15, 2022

You’ve probably saved up for a new car or jewelry, but one of the most important things you can do to improve your financial situation is save for a down payment on a home. It can be hard to set aside a large amount of money for a down payment, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. However, following these simple strategies can easily hit your target.

Automate Savings

One of the most critical factors you can consider when setting aside a large amount of money for a down payment is automating your savings. This can be done through several different methods, such as direct deposits and recurring transfers.

Minimize Spending

Before you start saving for a home, you must have a good understanding of your current budget. This will allow you to make adjustments and reduce your spending temporarily. For instance, you can stop buying new clothes for a couple of months.

Increase Income

One of the best ways to increase your savings is by increasing your cash flow. If you feel confident about your current job performance, ask your supervisor about possible promotions or negotiations for a raise. After receiving a raise, direct the new money to your savings.

Another effective way to boost your income is by working a side job. This can be in the gig economy, or it can be in the form of a small business, such as selling products on an online retailer, Etsy. You can also work at a restaurant or shop part-time.

Eliminate High-Interest Debt

Getting into debt can make it hard to set aside a large amount of money for a down payment. One of the most powerful ways to reduce debt is by getting rid of high-interest debt. Refinancing your loans can lower both your interest rate and monthly payments and free up cash in your monthly budget.

Research Assistance Programs

First-time homebuyers can take advantage of various national and local programs that provide down payment assistance. For instance, through the HomeReady Mortgage program of Fannie Mae, you can make a down payment of only 3%.

Consider Retirement Funds

If you’re contributing a large chunk of your income to your retirement accounts, you may want to redirect some of it to your home savings. First-time homebuyers can take out an IRA for a down payment of up to $10,000 without penalty. Before doing this, make sure that a tax professional reviews the details.

Fall 2022 Interior Decoration Trends

By W Darrow Fiedler

On September 15, 2022

In Finance, Investing, Real Estate

The era of the 1970s is back, and historically speaking, we are on track. As we enter the fall season, it’s clear that the 1970s are getting a more organic and cozy update. This is evidenced by the abundance of retro-inspired furniture and the vibrant and earthy colors that make their way into homes. We’ve identified the most prominent trends that will make their way into the home decor of 2022.

Bright 70s Palettes

The 1970s brings back the era’s feel with a wide range of colors and textures. The colors and textures used in this trend include mustard yellow, hunter green, and bamboo.

The trend that’s been making its way through the interior design world in the past couple of years is the green-based design trend. The muted sage variation is an excellent color for any room.

Fringe

The revival of the fringes is one of the most prominent home decor trends of the 1970s. The trend started even before the outfits worn by Elvis Presley became famous. It was also a familiar presence during the 1970s.

Adding fringe accessories to your home in small increments can bring this look into your house. For instance, you can add this look to your rugs and carpets. You don’t have to go overboard with this addition. To achieve this look, keep it simple and maintain a minimal yet elegant look. You can also add fringe accessories to your home by combining them with functional pieces such as mirrors.

Decorative Plates

Another exciting home decor trend celebrities are currently in love with is the use of plate walls. This looks great in both formal and informal spaces. The possibilities are endless with the help of plates.

This season, we’re seeing a variety of styles featuring hand-painted plates mixed with more modern offerings. This combination of styles is very visually stimulating. Having vibrant and playful plates can help balance the elements of the home.

Checkerboard

In 2022, checkers are making a big appearance all across the country. This look is sophisticated and elegant, from sleek black and white floors to timeless accessories. For autumn, this trend is expected to take a more muted approach.

A simple yet vibrant pattern like a checkered can add a bit of fun to a room. However, this look requires a lot of vision and restraint. You should avoid feeling like you’re in the circus. If you’re planning on adding this look to your home, try incorporating it into various accessories, such as vases and ceramic mugs.

Dark Woods

Blonde wood has been a popular design trend for the last few years. It was closely associated with the rise of Nordic-inspired designs still in use today. This trend is expected to shift this year and feature darker wood tones and moody paint colors.

If you’re a fan of white lacquer furniture, you’ll notice that the wood finishes are replacing the traditional white cabinets and tables this season. The use of dark wood is also seen in various areas of the home.

Tips for Entering Real Estate Development

By W Darrow Fiedler

On August 15, 2022

In Finance, Investing, Real Estate

There are many barriers to entry when it comes to real estate development. Most of the time, people are not ready to commit to a project due to a lack of knowledge about the various factors that affect real estate development.

Construction of real estate projects can take years, and they usually take a lot of planning and preparation. Even though it can be lucrative, the industry can be very challenging. Due to the fast-paced nature of the business, developers often face unique challenges that keep their operations fresh. Before jumping into the field of real estate development, there are several factors to keep in mind.

Partner with a Mentor

No matter how good you are at technical knowledge, you will need help to operate in the field successfully. Many of the skills that developers use in their projects are learned through failures. Having a mentor can help speed up the learning curve and help you avoid getting stuck with a massive loss on your first few projects. Each deal is different, and each decision point has to be considered carefully. One of the most critical factors a mentor can help you with is navigating through the various decision points involved in real estate development.

Connect with Professionals

Getting a network is also essential to become a successful real estate developer. As a developer, you will rely on the guidance and expertise of third-party consultants during the entire process. A strong network will help you connect with the right people and deliver the best possible service. Usually, you’ll want to work with multiple professionals, such as a general contractor, a civil engineer, a land-use attorney, a lender, and a surveyor.

Make a Plan

Many aspiring real estate developers ask where to start when entering the industry. One of the first steps in becoming a successful real estate developer is establishing a geographic focus. This will allow you to avoid getting stuck in the middle of a multitude of regulations when it comes to developing projects. Before starting a project, you must identify the type of building you want to make. A clear understanding of the type of building you want to make will allow you to focus on the most critical areas.

Set Goals

Getting overwhelmed by the endless tasks that come with real estate development can be a common problem. In addition to finding suitable land at a reasonable price, you’ll also need to secure the necessary financing and develop the property through the eventual disposition. Having a set of goals will help you keep track of your progress and ensure that you’re on your way.

Research the Market

Before you start working on a project, you must identify the building that you want to make. Having a clear understanding of the local property market will allow you to start developing successful projects. Before you start planning a project, it’s vital that you thoroughly research the area to determine the factors that will affect the development of the property.

This step will allow you to collect valuable data to help you develop a successful development plan. Having the necessary data will allow you to make informed decisions and maximize the potential of your project.

Great Real Estate Podcasts To Listen To In 2022

By W Darrow Fiedler

On June 7, 2022

In Finance, Investing, Real Estate

Want to improve your knowledge about real estate? The following podcasts are great for you to keep up with all the latest news and analysis about the industry. They’ll also provide you with entertaining and informative shows about home renovations and investing. Here are a few great podcasts to listen to in 2022.=

Best Real Estate Investing Podcast Advice Ever With Joe Fairless

Joe Fairless is a well-known real estate investor and host of this weekly podcast, which covers various topics related to the industry. He has a wide variety of blog posts and videos, and he frequently interviews other industry professionals. Each episode of the show provides valuable advice and insight from various guests, such as house flippers, renters, and passive income investors.

House Party

If you’re a fan of celebrity property purchases and the buying and selling of real estate, House Party is a must-listen. This weekly podcast from realtor.com talks about the latest trends in the industry, as well as the stories of real estate professionals who have experienced various home disasters. Co-hosts Rachel Stults and Natalie Way also share their personal stories of moving across the country and dealing with various real estate-related issues.

Cashflow Diary

Author and entrepreneur J. Massey is the creator of Cashflow Diary, and he also provides free training courses to aspiring and experienced real estate investors. He has a wide variety of blog posts and videos that he frequently interviews other industry professionals. He can help you find the best deals and strategies for buying and selling real estate.

Bigger Pockets

BiggerPockets is a weekly podcast that features off-the-cuff conversations with real estate investors and entrepreneurs. Co-hosts Brandon Turner and Josh Dorkin talk about their backgrounds, experiences, and failures. Each episode of the show features a different real estate investor talking about their successes and failures. The goal of the program is to provide a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to building their financial education.

The Remote Real Estate Investor

There are a variety of real estate investing podcasts available, but one that stands out is The Remote Real Estate Investor, which is hosted by Tom Schneider, Michael Albaum, and Emil Shour. The hosts of this show talk about the various advantages of remote investing. Topics covered in this podcast include investing in markets that are far from home, managing a property manager, and identifying markets to buy-in.

Buying A Home In 2022

By W Darrow Fiedler

On April 15, 2022

In Investing, Real Estate

Real estate is constantly changing, and buying a home has become extremely difficult over the past few years. In 2021, property values skyrocketed, making real estate great for sellers but challenging for buyers. Experts expect the market to relax a little bit in 2022, but it’s still not the most ideal situation for many buyers. That doesn’t mean you should avoid buying all together. If you do your research and are diligent, you can certainly find your dream home. Read on to learn a little bit about buying a home in 2022.

Home Prices Will Keep Rising, But At A Slower Rate

Although home prices are expected to continue rising in 2022, they’ll be at a slower pace than they were in 2021. According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices are expected to increase by just 2.8% in 2022. Other experts, such as the mortgage bankers association and the housing finance company Fannie Mae, predict a more modest increase of around 7%.

Mortgage Rates Will Increase, But Still Be Low

Despite the expected increase in mortgage rates in 2022, the average 30-year fixed-rate remained at a historic low of 3% in 2021. It’s important to note that even if the increase is as predicted, the mortgage rates will still be fairly low.

According to Yun of the National Association of Realtors, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will increase to 3.7% in the coming months. Other organizations such as The Mortgage Bankers Association or Fannie Mae believe that it will raise to 4% and 3.3%, respectively.

Actually Buying A Home

Knowing a bit more about the housing situation in 2022, you may decide to go ahead and start house hunting. But are you prepared? Ask yourself a few questions to be sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into.

Are You Financially Prepared?

No matter what the housing market is like, it’s always important that you make sure you’re financially prepared to buy a house. This means a lot more than being able to make a mortgage payment each month. You’ll want to make sure you have the money put aside for closing costs, moving costs, potential repair costs and so much more. You’ll also want to make sure you have a high enough credit score to take out a mortgage.

Research Neighborhoods

It’s important to research the places you’re considering moving to. You don’t want to buy a house and then find out months later that you hate the area. If you have kids, research the local school system. You may want to look at crime rates, or what the weather tends to be like in the area so you can avoid potential flood zones. These things are important to make sure you’re happy with your home in the long run.

Find The Right Real Estate Agent

Finding an experienced real estate agent who cares more about making their clients happy than they do making a sale is integral to finding the perfect home. Research local realtor reviews, or ask friends and loved ones for recommendations. The agent you work with can make or break the entire homebuying process.