For over half my life, I’ve been involved in the real estate industry as both an investor and a landlord. When it comes to home improvement, I’ve learned a great deal about what works and what’s simply regrettable. It’s often the case that the most tempting upgrades and investments turn out to be the least…
Buying your first home is an exciting journey filled with big dreams and new possibilities. It’s a major step towards building your future and creating a space that truly feels like your own. But let’s face it, this adventure can also be pretty scary and overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, and making mistakes can…
When it comes to buying or selling a home, the inspection process can make or break the deal. It’s the moment where hidden flaws come to light, turning what seemed like a dream home into a potential headache. With over 20 years of experience as a real estate investor and landlord, I can confidently say…
Buying a home is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make, right? It’s also one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive. Many people spend months planning their budgets, comparing mortgage rates, and saving for a down payment, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Being a real estate investor…
Many homeowners don’t realize how much damage common kitchen waste can cause to their plumbing. A small clog might seem harmless at first, but it can quickly turn into a serious problem. As a landlord with over 22 years of experience, I’ve seen it all when it comes to plumbing disasters. The repair costs have…
When buying a house, many people are aware that they can negotiate the price. Some might even consider asking for a home warranty to be included in the deal. Home warranties are a common negotiation point because agents often receive commissions for selling them. But here’s the thing: you can negotiate much more than just…
As a Chartered Financial Analyst with over 20 years of experience in real estate investing and financial services, I’ve seen firsthand the financial advantages of owning a home versus renting. I have rented to hundreds of families over the years and I’ve seen thousands of applications from tenants to rent. I have also owned homes…
Buying a house can be intimidating, especially if you need more money to make a down payment. But it doesn’t need to be that way. In my several decades as a landlord and real estate investor, I have purchased more than a dozen homes, with a total of $800 out of pocket. I bought my…
It’s hard to know how much house you can afford. Actually it’s easy to know how much house you can afford. It’s hard to know how much house you should afford. The McDonald’s Principle When I bought my first house, I developed The McDonald’s Principle. It was simple, clever, and powerful. It was my way…
I have heard so much advice over the years that people consider to be “good advice”. But if I had listened to all of this good advice, I would not have been able to retire young. By ignoring good advice, I was able to reach my goals. “You Have Too Much Debt, You Are Going…
With over 24 years of experience as a real estate investor, I’ve seen countless homes struggle to sell. The reason? First impressions matter more than you might think. When potential buyers walk through your door, they’re not just looking at your house, they’re imagining their future home. A recent study by Strutt & Parker found…
Oh no, I’m 27 and being sued! In 2007, I made a bold move. After years of following a well-calculated strategy in real estate, I decided to take a leap outside my comfort zone. I had already built up a small portfolio of homes. These homes were my key to early retirement. I always bought…
Mortgage rates are always a hot topic in the news. Whether they are up or down they are newsworthy. There is a way to save on your mortgage and get a better great rate, regardless of whether rates are rising or falling. Mortgage points have always been a source of confusion, and fear for many…
In my few decades as a real estate investor, I’ve had my fair share of mortgages. I’ve seen it all, from the highs of property booms to the lows of market crashes. I’ve navigated through fluctuating interest rates, tricky loan terms, and yes, the dreaded Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Early in my career, I even…
Real estate is a vast field with countless niches, making it challenging to determine where to start. When I was a teenager, I used to go to the library and read books on real estate. I also stalked the for sale ads and for rent ads in the newspaper. One piece of advice I remember…
When it comes to choosing a mortgage, one of the most significant decisions homeowners face is whether to opt for a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). While fixed-rate mortgages offer the comfort of predictability with a consistent interest rate throughout the loan term, ARMs provide flexibility that can be appealing, particularly for those…
