I purchased my first home 35-years ago. And since then, I have owned many homes, both primary residences and investment properties. Here is my comprehensive guide to tax-deductible home improvements. Remember, for detailed eligibility criteria and personalized advice, always consult with a tax professional. 1. Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Investing in energy-efficient improvements not only benefits the environment but also qualifies for substantial tax credits. These upgrades can include structural enhancements and the installation of advanced systems aimed at reducing energy consumption. Sam ..read more

As a seasoned real estate investor, navigating the financial landscape is akin to sailing the seas. Just as a skilled captain must understand the currents and winds, investors must comprehend the nuances of financial management to successfully navigate the complexities of real estate investment. One valuable framework for achieving this mastery is the concept of the three buckets of finances. In the realm of real estate investing, the three buckets represent distinct categories of funds, each serving a unique purpose and contributing to overall portfolio growth and stability. Let’s delve int ..read more

You are here for a purpose. I believe that is true of everyone. But every great purpose requires funding. And I have found that most people face the same obstacle when trying to fund their purpose. That obstacle is personal debt. Carrying too much debt can be a heavy, scary beast on your shoulders. Fortunately, that weight begins to change the moment you decide you’ve had enough. You immediately feel better on the day you look that beast in the eyes, and say, “I’m coming for you.” Of course, debt has its uses. My personal wealth was built primarily on real estate, the greatest leverageable a ..read more

Introduction: Real estate investing holds the promise of wealth, passive income, and tax benefits. It has provided me the funding to travel the world, give my children incredible lives, and support causes important to me. But real estate investing is not without its risks. Before diving into this lucrative venture, it’s crucial to lay down a solid financial groundwork. Below are my recommended six essential principles for building a robust financial foundation before venturing into real estate investment. Step 1: Stabilize Your Income & Expenses Many Americans have insufficient savings ..read more

Americans are seeking smaller homes. The average size of homes purchased in the past year has dropped 18%, the lowest since 2010.  To compensate for the smaller spaces, here are eight features that have become hot among home buyers. 1.     Efficient Use of Limited Square Footage: Buyers are seeking to maximize every inch of their home through smart storage spaces, open layouts, and flexible rooms. 2.     Convertible Spaces: Buyers are focusing on highly convertible spaces, such as a basement that doubles as ..read more

The Millennial generation, born between 1981 to 1996, has among the lowest homeownership rates since the 1920s. The reasons vary, but the greatest factor has been affordability. The Millennial generation has the highest student loan debt in US history. If you combine that with the high prices and interest rates, it has created the least affordable housing market since 1984. Facing these realities, many Millennials are joining the growing trend of “Co-Ownership”, sharing resources through purchasing a home with family, friends, or other non-romantic partners. The solution is lowering entry bar ..read more

Real estate highlights the evolving preferences and needs of homebuyers and homeowners. Here’s a summary of the key trends for 2024: 1. Homeowners Staying Put: High interest rates and low inventory are prompting homeowners to stay in their current homes longer. Remodeling and updating focus on sustainable features, accessory dwelling units, pickleball courts, remodeled basements, home offices, outdoor spaces, and AI-driven technology for energy efficiency. 2. Specialized Needs for Aging Population: With a growing aging population, there’s an increased demand for housing that caters to specif ..read more

The winter holidays are ideal times for first-time buyers looking to purchase a home.  There are fewer buyers competing for the homes, and the bidding wars are less frequent. Since most sellers prefer selling in the spring or summer, those selling their homes in the winter are typically more motivated to sell. Here are some excellent tips for first-time homebuyers in Central Ohio: Determine your budget: Establishing a budget is the first crucial step in the home-buying process. Consider your current financial situation, including your income, savings, debts, and monthly expenses. Use onl ..read more

The winter real estate market is here. The holidays are upon us. There is cheer and joy everywhere! But for sellers, November and December can be the slowest months of the year to sell a home. If you are selling at this time, you want to do everything to attract a buyer. Here are some worthy tips for attracting those winter home buyers. 1. Clean Up the Yard / Create Holiday Curb Appeal The green is gone, flowers are dead, and leaves are scattered everywhere. You want to ensure that first impression, your front lawn, presents an appealing neat, and tidy home. Clean up the yard, rake up th ..read more

Click Now To Watch Message The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is now passing the 8% interest rate mark, the highest rates in 23 years. In less than two years, the average monthly mortgage payment on a $300,000 loan has increased over $1,100 per month.  However, homeownership remains the primary cornerstone of building financial stability.  And, with expectations of potentially lower rates by next summer, many buyers are looking into lower adjustable-rate mortgages (also known as ARMs) When it comes to borrowing money, whether for a mortgage, personal loan, or credit card, one of the fun ..read more