Owning a home is great until it starts falling apart one little issue at a time. Leaky pipes, mystery drafts, broken appliances, most of it’s preventable if you just stay on top of the basics. The trick is making maintenance a habit before the damage turns into a four-figure repair bill. Most homeowners aren’t ready…
Most real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and fake gurus push 30-year mortgages because the monthly payment looks easier to handle. But I’ve never bought into that. If you can’t afford the house on a 15-year loan, you can’t afford the house. That’s how I’ve always looked at it. Stretching a mortgage across 30 years doesn’t…
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. As a real estate investor…
Section 8 is one of the most misunderstood programs in real estate. Some believe it’s a guaranteed paycheck, others think it opens the door to endless tenant problems. The truth sits in the middle, if you understand what you’re getting into. This post is about cutting through that noise. If you’re thinking about adding Section…
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…
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…
I have 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…
Buying a house can feel like a game you weren’t taught the rules to. One wrong move and you’re stuck with a home with constant repairs or a daily drive that makes you question your choices. It’s exciting, sure, but only if you know how to play it smart. I’ve been a real estate investor…
Let’s talk housing prices. If you’ve been casually scrolling real estate listings and thinking, “Wait…wasn’t this $200k like two years ago?” you’re not imagining things. The sticker shock is real. To break it down, we compared 2019 data from Yahoo Finance with the latest 2024 numbers reported by Bankrate. The comparison tells a clear story:…
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…
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…
My wife and I had a conversation recently about whether or not we should pay off our 2.3% mortgage or let it ride? It’s the kind of debate that gets people fired up. Some swear by the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. Others argue that it’s a financial mistake to throw cash…
Not all states are created equal, especially when it comes to your wallet. If you want to stretch your dollar, you’ve got to know where to look, and stop complaining about how unaffordable everything is when smarter options exist. According to Dave Ramsey’s cost-of-living data, some states make life a whole lot cheaper. These places…
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…
You’ve probably heard people say, “Rates are too high, I’ll wait to buy a house.” That’s nonsense. The truth is, there are always plenty of ways to get a lower interest rate. You just have to know where to look and not believe the headlines. I’ve been a mortgage expert for more than half my…
The housing market has been anything but predictable. Prices shot up, mortgage rates followed, and buyers were left wondering if they’d ever catch a break. If you’re hoping for a crash to reset everything, don’t hold your breath. According to Ramsey Solutions’ 2025 Housing Market Predictions, that’s not happening anytime soon. Market predictions are useful,…
