This article will discuss some things you need to consider before buying a house. Keep in mind that while the market may be unstable now, it could rebound anytime. So don't let the current state of the economy deter you from your goal of homeownership.

The Present-Day State Of The Economy

The economy is ever-changing, and predicting what will happen next can be difficult, especially for investor properties for sale. That being said, the current state of the economy should not deter you from buying a property. 

We have been through a difficult period, but it might not be as bad as I thought. Things may not be looking that pink in the present, but they are bound to look brighter in the financial near-future.

Your Financial Situation

Before buying a property, you need to look closely at your financial situation. Do you have a steady income? Are you in good standing with your credit? Do you have enough saved up for a down payment? These are all important factors to consider before making such a large purchase. Regarding property investment, there are a variety of factors to consider. 

One of the most important is your financial status. After all, your ability to afford a property will directly impact which one you can ultimately purchase. For example, if you're on a tight budget, you'll likely have to be more selective in your choice of property. 

On the other hand, if you have more money to work with, you'll have a wider range of options available to you. Therefore, it's important to consider your financial status when determining which property to invest in. Then, with careful planning and consideration, you can make sure that you purchase a property that is both affordable and suits your investment needs.

The Type Of Property You Desire

When buying a property, you need to consider what type of property you want. Are you looking for a single-family home? A condo? A townhouse? Each type of property has pros and cons, so you need to decide which is right for you.

Buying a house is not an easy matter. You have to take into consideration several factors that are intimately related to your situation. Do rely on outside advice, but also keep in mind that your situation may be unique in its own right. Make the choice that feels right for you.

The Location

The location of the property is also an important consideration. Do you want to be in the city or the suburbs? Do you want a property that's close to public transportation? These are all things you need to think about before making a decision. 

The value of a property is largely determined by its location, which can have a major impact on its potential for appreciation. For example, a property in an area with strong economic growth is more likely to increase in value than one in a stagnant or declining economy. 

Furthermore, properties near amenities such as schools, shopping, and parks are generally more desirable and valuable than those in less convenient areas. As such, location is a critical factor to consider when investing in property. By carefully choosing the right location, you can maximise your chances of seeing a healthy return on your investment.

The Market's Growth

The current state of the market should also be taken into consideration. For example, is it a buyer's or seller's market? You're in a good position to negotiate if it's a buyer's market. But if it's a seller's market, you might have to pay more than you originally planned.

Consider talking with the people around you, and do not hesitate to ask for professional advice from a real estate agent or broker. It might appear a bit of a hassle, but you will be grateful for all the input you were able to get.

Also, do not despair nor lose hope; things may be better than we think in the financial department. Sometimes humans tend to overreact to situations that may seem doomed from a distance, but in reality, they are not.

The Bottom Line

Take all these factors into consideration when you are making your decision. The step towards becoming a homeowner is a big one in any individual's life. Keep calm and be patient with yourself. Try to make all your decisions with a level-headed mind.

Even as the pandemic has started to wind down slightly, reports found that more than 13.5 million, roughly one in five renters, were still not caught up with their rent as early as February 2021. This, and many other rental or property-related issues have been plaguing American households, even as rental prices in 47 states have increased by as much as 5% in the last year. 

While the property market has shown signs of cooling down, as the Federal Reserve aggressively hikes interest rates to combat soaring inflation, a new challenge is looming on the horizon which has now left millions concerned over their privacy and safety. 

As the rise of technology, software, and the Internet of Things (IoT) filter through every industry, real estate, and property management is no different in this regard. 

The technologies being used by corporate property owners and landlords are raising questions over the amount of data and information of tenants that are being shared or sold to third-party agents or bad actors. 

Seeing as many landlords or owners are now looking to modernise their rental units, utilising the capabilities technology and the internet has to offer, with products such as security monitors, facial recognition, augmented reality facility management, and smart entry systems, among others - tenants want to know how much of their data is being obtained and stored by their landlords. 

The gathering of personal information and data, in regards to property management and rental units, has been a long road of concern for many American households. Seeing as state and local laws regulate what information landlords are allowed to obtain, there’s been a discrepancy in terms of how much available data is being shared or sold to third parties. 

The rental rewards platform and proptech startup Bilt recently came under fire for its almost seemingly endless pit of personal information and data it has on millions of American renters. The startups' software and collaboration with major corporate landlords such as Equity Rental means that they have access to renters' personal information and addresses.

Privacy concerns are nothing new, and for renters, it’s becoming more and more alarming how much of their private records or information is in the hands of their landlords. 

It’s not at all possible to trace and find every server that has some dossier of your personal information. Regardless thereof, both tenants and landlords should consider some of the key real estate privacy risks they could encounter. 

Smart home technology and internet 

As already mentioned, technology and software, with the help of the internet is creating a new breed of homes and apartments across America. 

The rise of smart homes has been a long time coming, but it’s only more recently that landlords have been focused on implementing certain technological features in both old and new buildings to upgrade security and tenant features. 

While these features are making homes and rental properties more attractive for American renters, it now also comes with an increased risk of data and information exposure. 

Smart doorbells, automated thermostats, wifi-connected delivery and security systems, and even smart entry systems may contain some trace of renter data. From fingerprints to facial recognition, information such as this is being captured and stored in various servers unknown to tenants. 

Today, more than ever before it’s become important for landlords and owners to oblige state and local laws regulating the protection of tenant data when utilising IoT systems. States such as California and Oregon have in more recent times moved to implement specific security standards for IoT devices in smart homes. 

Even though these regulations exist within a minority of states, landlords should carefully review the type of security systems and devices they’re looking to use and indicate this to their tenants. Furthermore, landlords should consider vendor protocols and security measures to protect personal data and information in the event of a breach. 

Data Collection 

Applying for a rental could mean that a renter will need to give up a lot of their personal information for review by the landlord. 

Some of the most common information required are: 

• Current or any past addresses. 
• Social Security Number and Driver’s License Number. 
• Bank statements and proof of income.
• Expected occupancy.

While landlords may be obligated to request these personal documents, many times tenants feel unsafe or wary of having to simply offer up their private information to landlords. 

Recent changes in state privacy laws have meant that renters now have rights concerning the personal information they share with landlords, the right to access, correct, and delete or obtain portable copies. Seeing as much of this information is shared via the internet or online platforms, keeping track of all documents shared can be a tremendous challenge. 

To ensure data protection and privacy, landlords are urged to utilise systems and data collecting points that are centralised on a secure database, and keep these files under a digital lock and key. 

Applying for a rental, whether it’s through the internet or in person does come with an administrative burden, and it’s important that both parties, the landlord and tenant remain compliant with state and local laws, and ensure that data collection points are secure at all times. 

Tenant privacy notice 

Tenants will need to be informed by their landlords or building management company about the required personal information that is needed during the application process and throughout the rental period. 

Various state laws and amended regulations have now become more focused on protecting renters’ personal information, and ensuring that landlords communicate any form of the privacy notice. 

Landlords will need to notify tenants on:

• Clear notice on the personal information required
• The use cases of the documentation needed
• How it will be utilised throughout the rental period

For most cases, it’s also important that renters read through privacy notices during the screening period, and ensure they raise any concerns or questions they might have. In states such as California, corporate renters and property management groups will need to disclose the information they obtained from renters, for what purpose, and rights assigned to individuals or renters to exercise their privacy rights. 

It’s not just in California where landlords are now coming under question in regards to the information they collect from their renters. Some states, such as Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia, among others, have changed and improved state privacy laws related to personal information. 

New York has also recently made changes to tenant privacy laws and looks to mitigate the sharing of tenants' data and information regardless of the point through which it has been collected. 

The Bottom Line 

Renters run an increased risk of exposure if not aware of the different points at which their personal information and data can be obtained. While smart technologies and systems have upgraded our homes, it’s also increased exposure to personal information. 

Landlords will need to take caution when implementing certain management systems to ensure they comply with state and local regulations. Above that, it’s advised they exercise due diligence when working with digital platforms and technologies to collect and store applicant information. 

Regardless of the position held, whether a tenant or a landlord, there are particulars required by each party to ensure a partisan agreement. More so, it’s important for tenants to have a clear understanding of their rights, and how they can be used to protect their personal information. 

Prepare your home

For your house to sell quickly, you need to make it presentable and visually appealing. Avoid major home renovations and concentrate on handling quick repairs that could discourage prospective buyers if left unaddressed. Thoroughly clean your house and clear out the clutter. Remove personal items as home buyers need to be able to see themselves living in your property. Rent a storage unit in the meantime to safely store your belongings and get rid of bulky furniture to free up space. 

Boost curb appeal

Aside from taking care of your interiors, you also need to enhance your home’s curb appeal to ensure that it can give a strong impression to potential buyers. Many modern home buyers rely on digital real estate platforms, so your home exteriors should be attractive enough for them to check your online listing. Address minor exterior updates and exert effort in beautifying your surroundings. Some of the things you can do to enhance curb appeal include: 

• Plant a shaded garden
• Trim the shrubs or trees
• Pressure wash the exteriors, including the sidewalks and driveway
• Paint your front doors
• Clean your windows
• Mow the lawn
• Clean the gutters
• Repair the fence
• Replace your house numbers
• Update your mailbox

Price it competitively

Regardless of the current market type, you must price your property wisely. Overpricing can deter prospective buyers and cause your property to stay longer on the market than necessary. On the other hand, pricing it too low can cause doubt among buyers and force you to sell it way less than you initially intended. Consider the price ranges of similar properties in your area and work with your real estate agent to get the best possible figure for your house. 

Be flexible and accommodating

Being flexible and accommodating is essential for your house to sell quickly. Since you’re pressed for time, you must be highly adaptable to your potential buyers’ showing requests, even if they tend to schedule at the last minute. Adjust your schedule around your buyers’ ideal schedules and always make them feel welcome in your home. 

Explore your selling options

Selling your house using traditional methods can take longer than necessary. Consider alternative strategies such as selling it for cash, auctioning off your property, going with the for sale by owner (FSBO) route, or offering it to an investor or developer. In most cases, choosing a cash buyer is ideal as these companies will purchase your house in its current condition. Research the local cash buyers in your area and make sure to go with a trusted home buying company.  

Selling a home with a rigid deadline can be challenging. Remember to follow these tips the next time you need to quickly sell a property. 

Get the help of the experts

When you are first getting started in real estate investing, it is important to seek out the help of professionals who can guide you through the process. This could include a financial advisor, accountant, lawyer, or even a mentor. These individuals will be able to help you understand the ins and outs of real estate investing and make sure that you are taking the right steps financially. For example, if you inherited a property that you are looking to rent out, a financial advisor can help you determine the best way to manage that property and its finances. Similarly, you can also reach out to an estate planning attorney who will then be able to help you set up a trust or LLC for your real estate investing business, which can provide you with asset protection and tax benefits. Meanwhile, an accountant can help you keep track of your expenses and income so that you can stay on top of your finances.

Create a business plan

Investing in real estate is not something that should be done on a whim. You need to have a solid plan in place before you even start looking at properties. This business plan should include your investment goals, a budget, and a timeline for when you hope to achieve your goals. Without a clear plan, it will be very difficult to make smart decisions about your investments. For example, you may end up overspending on a property or holding onto it for too long without seeing any return on your investment.

Investment goals

Your investment goals will largely dictate the type of properties that you are interested in purchasing. For example, if you are looking to generate income from rental properties, you will want to focus on finding properties that are in good condition and located in desirable areas. On the other hand, if you are hoping to fix and flip properties, you will want to look for homes that need some work but have good potential. No matter what your goals are, it is important to be clear about them from the start so that you can make the best decisions for your business. If you are unsure about what your goals should be, you can always reach out to a professional for guidance.

Budget

Your budget will also play a big role in the types of properties that you can purchase. You need to have a realistic idea of how much you are willing to spend on each property. Keep in mind that there will be additional costs beyond the purchase price, such as repairs, renovations, and marketing. If you don't have a lot of money to work with, you may need to look for properties that are less expensive or that need some work. Meanwhile, if you have a larger budget, you will have more options to choose from. Regardless of your budget, it is important to make sure that you are not overspending on any one property. To begin creating your budget, you will first need to calculate your estimated expenses, which can include things like the purchase price of the property, any necessary repairs or renovations, and ongoing costs like property taxes and insurance. As soon as you have a better idea of your expenses, you can start setting aside money each month to save up for your real estate investment.

Timeline

Your timeline will determine how quickly you need to see a return on your investment. For example, if you are looking to retire in the next five years, you will want to make sure that your real estate investments are generating income so that you can reach your goals. On the contrary, if you have a longer time horizon, you may be able to take on more risk with your investments. This means that you can consider properties that need more work or that are located in less desirable areas. You will also be able to hold onto properties for longer if you don't need to sell them right away.

Do your research

When it comes to real estate investing, knowledge is power. You need to do your homework and learn as much as you can about the market, the process, and the different types of properties before you start investing. There are several great books and online resources that can help you get started. Additionally, you may want to consider taking a real estate investing course or joining a local investment group. These resources will provide you with valuable information that will help you make smart decisions about your investments. For instance, a real estate investing course may teach you about the different types of properties that you can invest in and how to find the best deals. Meanwhile, joining a local investment group will be able to help you expand your network and learn from more experienced investors.

Keep good records

Last but not the least, another important tip for real estate investors is to keep good records of all of their expenses and income. This will come in handy when it comes time to do your taxes or if you ever need to show your business expenses to a lender. Additionally, good record keeping will help you keep track of your progress and see how your business is doing over time. Fortunately, there are now various tools that can help you track your expenses and income, or help you keep organised records. You just have to leverage technology to your advantage.

These are just a few of the things that you should keep in mind when you are getting started in real estate investing. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and avoid making any costly mistakes. Rest assured that with a little bit of planning and some expert guidance, you can be a successful real estate investor.

Real estate agents and brokers, referred to as realtors, help facilitate real estate transactions. Unfortunately, these services aren’t free and the realtors' fees attached to their services can take a chunk out of your sale.

With that said, let's consider how much your typical realtor would charge you, and how the fees are split between agents and brokers.

What Are Realtor Fees?

Realtor fees are the expenses paid to a real estate agent as profits from the sale or rent of a property. These fees are only paid when the sale of the house is complete. 

In most cases, the seller of the house disburses the payments to their realtor, who then shares the profits with the one brought by the buyer. Even while realtor costs can be high, a home buyer may consider them an investment because a skilled broker's work pays off amply.

How High Are Typical Realtor Fees? 

Most realtors receive their fees through commissions and fees with regular salaries. These fees are often not paid upfront but are in the home's price. Once the sale is complete, the realtor's fees will be deducted and paid. 

Realtors' fees can vary depending on the firm, expertise, and home area, but generally, they are 5-6% of the total home price. Take, for example, a $150,000 home that may attract realtor fees of about $7500 on a 5% commission. 

However, clients can always negotiate a lower realtor commission rate. To prepare for a sale/purchase, you can calculate realtor fees on your desired house beforehand. Usually, the 5-6% fee is split to reimburse the buyer's agent commission and seller's agent commission, leaving them with roughly 2.5% each. 

The 5% fee brings the average annual earnings of a realtor to  $85,000  per year in the United States and can be as high as 1 million dollars depending on skill and location. 

How Are The Fees Split Between Agents and Brokers?

There is a distinct difference between a real estate agent and a broker. The former connects while the latter supervises, hires, and takes up more technical work. 

If referrals are involved, the realtor's fees are often split into about three places or more. As mentioned earlier, the first split happens when the buyer and seller's agent split the 5-6% equally. Once each agent gets their commission for helping customers buy, sell, or rent a home, they further split the money with their broker. 

The agent and broker determine the split at the start of the real estate agent’s job. Agents may discuss rates with their brokers, which may be the standard split ratio of the money in their business. 

Without negotiation, realtor fees may be split in half, leaving the agent and broker with about 1.5% each from the initial 3%. 

Sometimes, the split may be 60-40 or 70-30. In these unequal cases, the agent tends to earn more, depending on the agreement. A real estate agent may also reimburse their broker monthly and not with every house sold. 

Even without doing much work to complete a sale, a broker receives a cut to cover the costs involved in operating a real estate agency. They invest money to train agents and recruit other individuals to make the work seamless. 

In addition, there are payments made towards operating their business, such as rent, equipment, advertising, signage, phone lines, and other expenses related to running their firm. 

In this situation, a company that buys house as-is can help you purchase your hoarded and damaged house as-is. If you also own a hoarder house and cannot sell it, check out our house-selling tips to get reasonable rates for your property.

Declutter

The cost-free solution to selling a hoarder house is to clean up as much as possible. In addition to the stress that this creates, you must also overcome your unnecessary attachment to items and convince yourself to eliminate the mess collected over the years. After organising the things you want to keep and cleaning your house, you will not only get to live in a clean environment but also receive attractive offers from multiple buyers.

Fix The Structure

When a house is overfilled with hoarded items, it is more likely to incur structural damages from factors such as pests, mould, and broken wiring. If a buyer finds an issue with your home’s structure, they will likely ask you to repair the issue or lower the selling rate. Save your time and consider fixing the sink, stairways, walls, flooring, paint, and anything else that may need repair. The faster and more effectively you fix the damage, the quicker your house will sell.

Approach A Restoration Company

Many restoration companies provide their services to hoarders and help them remove extra items from their houses. If you are unable to clean the mess without external help, you have the option to contact a restoration company. 

A team of experts will arrive at your place and separate the necessary items from the garbage in your presence. The restoration companies also have professionals able to repair a broken or damaged foundation. If you can afford these services, you can hire cleaning and repairing specialists. They will not only do the job professionally using advanced equipment but also restore your house to a good condition.

Contact Real Estate Investors

If none of the above solutions seem to work for you, or you are looking for an effortless option, house-buying companies have you covered. These companies can send a team that inspects the house's condition and presents you with an offer. The best thing about these companies is that they buy houses without asking you to clear up the space. As a result, your house gets sold at fair rates, and you are relieved from the stress of emptying the house.

Endnote 

To sell a hoarder house, it’s necessary to make some amendments to make it acceptable for buyers. Along with the above tips, the easiest and the most recommended way of selling a hoarder house in minimum time is to sell it to cash buyers. They accept the house in its original condition and offer excellent rates despite numerous untreated structural issues.

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Two others are about the magic formula of becoming wealthy by accumulating gold, and how dividend-paying stocks are the ultimate money-making vehicle for personal portfolios.

It's never a good idea to make financial moves based on incorrect data. The smart approach is to study all your options by doing in-depth research on the kinds of investments that interest you most. After spending time exploring all the possibilities and evaluating the various selections, consider putting your money to work for you and maximising your long-term returns. Here are more details about the common money and wealth-related myths.

1. Real Estate Is Out Of Reach For Most Individuals

For more than a century, far too many people have fallen for a host of myths and fallacies about real estate. The list is a long one, but it includes several that directly relate to personal finance. Chief among the misinformation is that real estate is just too pricey for the vast majority of individuals. In fact, real estate can be one of the most profitable income-producing assets in a person's portfolio. Over the long haul of multiple decades, the two most beneficial ways to build personal wealth are through real estate and the stock market. Since the early 1900s, it's been simple to purchase stock, but the same can't be said for property. 

However, recent changes in the way the real estate market is structured have changed that. Today, anyone, even those who only have $100 to invest, can take part in real estate investing via fractional shares and REITs. No longer are equity stocks the top choice among people who want the security of long-term, stable investments. The best way to get started is by learning all the facts about how investing in real estate measures up to traditional corporate stocks. In today's challenging economy, it's imperative for people to learn all they can about real estate vs stock market returns and how to make the most of every financial opportunity.

2. Investing In Gold Is The Secret Formula

Gold can be a smart way to diversify a portfolio, but it's almost never wise to put the bulk of one's investments into the yellow metal. Contrary to hundreds of online and television advertisements, gold is not a secret or guaranteed way to earn short or long-term profits. It has a few unique qualities and can perform well in weak economies, but during good times, it's not such a wonderful place to park capital. As of late, there has been a valid argument made regarding investing in gold vs bitcoin that is worth your time and research as well. 

3. Dividend Stocks Are Guaranteed Winners

The current preference among investors for aristocrat shares is based on a misconception. That's not to say that the aristocrats are not excellent additions to certain portfolios. The myth is about the promise of these long-term dividend payers to generate a significant amount of income. The corporations in the category can and do pay regular percentages of their income to shareholders regularly. But they don't always perform well or offer the best opportunities compared to other kinds of stocks and commodities.

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In this guide, we'll show you how to find a property to invest in that will suit your needs and help you make a profit. We'll cover the basics of investment properties, including what to look for and how to assess their potential. With our advice, you'll be able to confidently find an investment property that's right for you.

What is an investment property?

An investment property is a piece of real estate that is not your primary residence. You can purchase an investment property to generate rental income or for the purpose of selling it at a profit later. There are many types of investment properties, each with its own set of risks and rewards. Here are some of the most common:

1. Residential property - This includes single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes. These can be rented out to tenants or used as vacation rentals.
2. Commercial property - This includes office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and industrial buildings. These are usually leased to businesses.
3. Agricultural property - This includes farms, ranches, and other land used for agricultural purposes. These can be leased to farmers or used for personal use.
4. Recreational property - This includes campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, and timeshares. These are usually used for personal enjoyment or leased to others for their use.
5. Development property - This includes vacant land, raw land, and land with improvements such as roads and utilities. These are usually purchased with the intention of developing them into something else.

As discussed above, each type of investment property comes with its own set of risks and rewards. Residential properties, for example, tend to be less risky than commercial properties, but they also tend to have lower returns. Agricultural properties can be very risky, but they also have the potential for high returns. Development properties are generally the riskiest, but they also offer the greatest potential for profit.

What to look for in an investment property

When you're looking for an investment property, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. These include:

Location

The location of your investment property is important for a number of reasons. First, it will affect the value of the property and how easy it is to sell in the future. Second, it will impact the rental potential of the property. Properties in desirable locations are more likely to be in high demand from tenants, which can help you keep your rental vacancy rate low.

Price

The price of an investment property is obviously a major consideration. You'll want to find a property that is priced below market value so that you can make a profit when you sell. However, be careful not to overpay for a property just because it's cheap. Make sure to do your research and know the true market value of the property before making an offer.

Rental potential

If you're planning on renting out your investment property, then you'll need to make sure it has good rental potential. Look for properties in areas with high demand from renters, such as near universities or in popular neighbourhoods. Properties with features that are in high demand, such as multiple bedrooms or private outdoor space, will also be more likely to attract tenants.

Maintenance costs

It's important to factor in the cost of maintaining your investment property when you're assessing its potential profitability. Things like monthly utility bills, regular cleaning, and occasional repairs can all add up. Be sure to include these costs in your calculations to get an accurate picture of your expected return on investment.

How to assess the potential of an investment property

Once you've found a few properties that meet your criteria, it's time to assess their potential. Here are a few things to look at when evaluating an investment property:

The rental market

Research the local rental market to see what kind of prices properties are renting for. This will give you an idea of how much income you can expect to generate from your investment property.

The sales market

It's also a good idea to research the local sales market. This will give you an idea of how easy it will be to sell your investment property in the future and how much profit you can expect to make.

The economy

The state of the local economy can impact both the rental market and the sales market. If the economy is booming, then there will likely be high demand for both rentals and sales. However, if the economy is struggling, then demand may be lower.

The neighbourhood

Take some time to get to know the neighbourhood where your investment property is located. This will give you a better idea of the type of tenants that are likely to be interested in renting there. It can also help you assess the long-term potential for the area.

Conclusion

Once you've done your research, you should have a good idea of whether or not an investment property is a good fit for you. With our advice, you'll be able to confidently find an investment property that's right for you.

However, accepting a cash offer for your home simplifies the process as there are fewer parties and less paperwork, and the timeline is significantly shorter. Below are ways you can prepare your house for a cash sale.

Evaluate The Condition Of Your Home

If your home is in a pristine condition, you can study similar properties that have closed in your neighbourhood but ensure the size and trim finish matches your property. Once you arrive at the correct figure, subtract the average costs of selling the home, and then add a discount figure that matches the benefits to get a rough estimate. However, this will depend on your situation.

For instance, a person facing foreclosure or vacant property is likely to value the speed and benefits of the cash more than someone who wants to get a bigger home. If the estimated repair cost exceeds what you are willing to bear, you can sell the house as is. However, the upgrades can be worthwhile if the house only needs minor repairs that will help you get a better deal.

Check Your Home's Value

Cash buyers offer unmatched convenience to home sellers, including short closing time, higher certainty, and the option to sell a property 'as is' to save money on repairs. Typically, the amount you can get for your home depends on several aspects, including the condition of your home and market competition. It's vital to get a rough idea of the current value of your home on the market so you can determine if you are getting a fair deal.

Homeowners can get a free home valuation from online tools that use algorithms to price properties. The tools gather data from multiple sources to deliver instant property value estimates. While online property valuation may not have the same accuracy as a real estate agent CMA, it's fast and free.

Get Your Documents Ready

A property sale is a legal contract that involves various documents, and it's best to have everything ready. Title issues can delay closing since a title search is mandatory when closing the sale, whether a buyer is paying cash or through financing. Details like pending taxes, active mortgage, liens for previous renovation work, and outstanding child support can show up on your title, and hold off the sale process until everything is cleared.

However, you can be proactive and order a preliminary title so you can handle any issues. In addition, you should get your disclosure documents ready depending on the disclosure regulations in your area. If unsure, an attorney can provide the proper disclosure documentation for your locale.

Endnote

A property sale transaction can be stressful for sellers and buyers alike. Cash offers can ease the stress since the process is shorter and involves less paperwork. If you are selling your house, consider the potential benefits and convenience of a cash offer. It's best to prepare early to avoid surprises. 

At first, selling your home may feel like an invasion of privacy, as strangers come into your house, poke around the rooms, and open your cabinets and closets. Potential buyers can also openly criticise your most prized possession or offer less than what you estimate your house to be worth. To avoid these challenges and ensure that your house sells fast, you should consider working with cash home buyers.

Problem Property Pals are reputable cash buyers who won’t waste time during the sales process. Nevertheless, sellers should avoid the following common mistakes to ease the process.

1. Setting Unrealistic Price

One common mistake homeowners make when listing their properties is asking for unrealistic prices. Even though inspection and appraisal aren’t mandatory for cash home purchases, you should conduct a comparative market analysis to estimate the value of your property. Overpriced homes generally don’t sell or take long before finding a buyer.

Note that most cash buyers purchase properties as-is. They are searching for properties that can be transformed and sold for profit. This highly differs from selling to individuals who want to live in the house. Get familiar with the fair market value in your region and the prices of homes in your neighbourhood.

2. Selling During Winter

Unknown to most people, there is a right time or season to sell your home. Winter, especially during holidays, isn’t the best time to list your home for sale. This is a slow time to market your property, as people are occupied with social events, and the cold weather makes it appealing to stay indoors.

Listing your home during winter will expose the property to very few potential buyers. You will get very few offers, and it will take longer to sell your home. On the flip side, there are few competing sellers, and you can easily land a good deal. To avoid relying on luck, don’t list your home during winter.

3. Not Planning To Move Out

Most homeowners planning to sell their homes to cash buyers also fail to plan their exit strategy. You should plan to move out immediately after you start negotiating with cash buyers. The main advantage of selling your property for cash is to close the sale faster. Cash purchases can be completed within one or two weeks.

Once the buyer commits, you should plan to move out immediately. Otherwise, you will be caught unaware, not knowing where to go, if you don’t plan to move out sooner. Have a move-out strategy weeks before you start engaging with cash buyers.

4. Spending A Lot On The House

While maintaining your home is important, you shouldn’t worry about renovations when selling your property for cash. Cash buyers often buy houses as they are. Spending a lot on renovations doesn’t make sense if you intend to sell the property to cash buyers. Spending on valuable renovations only makes sense if you want to sell your house through a realtor.

Endnote

While you can sell your property through various methods, selling to cash buyers is the fastest way of closing the sale. It is also safe, reliable, and eliminates various steps in the sale process. However, make sure that you set the right price, prepare to negotiate, and find the right cash buyers.

As war and corrections plague the market, stocks left invested could lose significantly. As a result, many investors are looking for ways to increase their investments’ security by placing their money in safe havens to hedge their bets against a market downturn. Discover these 6 safe havens to invest your funds in during market downturns this year. 

1. A high-yield savings account

Maybe you like to play it safe when investing in safe havens. That’s good news since safe havens are low-risk places to stash your funds. 

If you’re interested in a low-risk haven, consider placing your money in a high-yield account at Discover, Synchrony, Citi Bank, or Marcus by Goldman Sachs. 

• These offer high-yield savings accounts at 50% APY and charge zero fees (some terms and conditions may apply). 

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), your money is insured for up to “250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.” This guarantee also applies to any initial funds that you deposit and any accrued interest. 

The FDIC, which started in 1933 at the end of the Great Depression, was designed to stabilise the nation’s financial banking system. 

Keep in mind that while safe havens have many pros, there are also some cons attached to investing in these areas. 

The first con is inflation. Inflation rises at an average of 3.10% in the U.S. each year. Over the past year, inflation has soared in almost every area, from fuel to utilities, to grocery bills. The second con is slow growth. 

If you place your cash in an account with no interest, your stash can only grow as you add to it. So, even though a high-yield savings account will give you maximum interest, it doesn’t have the potential to grow as fast or at as high rates as other (riskier) types of investments. At the same time, a high-yield, FDIC-insured savings account is one of the safest havens during a market downturn. 

2. Index funds, Federal Treasury ETFs, and government bonds

One of the top safe havens to nest your money during a downturn lies with the U. S. government. Whether you believe that Fort Knox is stocked with gold or secretly empty, there are few more stable places to keep your funds. 

Index funds differ from market ETFs in one significant way: they are not exchange-traded funds. Unlike ETFs, you can only buy or sell index funds at the price that the market sets at the end of each trading day. This makes index funds generally less volatile than ETFs. 

If you’re interested in stock market investing but want to hedge your bets, do your research, and then discuss a balanced and risk-averse portfolio game plan with a reputable investment adviser to get started. You can invest in index funds that cover everything from robotics to gold mines, health care to real estate, pharmaceuticals to fintech, etc.

One of the most stable investments in safe havens involves federal ETFs or savings bonds. As debt securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, savings bonds sometimes garner low returns, but they are also fully backed by the U.S. government. 

Unlike mainstream bank accounts, be aware that the FDIC’s insurance doesn’t cover stocks and bonds. You can find several market ETFs that give investors access to a broad range of government bonds. Treasury ETFs rank high for reasonable interest rates and usually give more back to investors than other types of bonds available on the market. For instance, from November 2021 to April 2022, the typical U.S. Treasury bond offers investors a solid 7.12% interest rate. 

The good news is that you don’t have to pay a fund manager to perform an ETF investment for you. Instead, you can buy your own Treasury bonds. As a bonus, Treasury bonds are highly liquid. When you decide to sell your bonds, there will always be a buyer. 

3. Utilities stocks

Essential utilities such as water, electricity, and waste disposal services are so common that many investors don’t even know to invest in these types of safe havens. Even during market downturns and economic issues, most Americans will do whatever it takes to keep the lights on, the heat or AC running, and keep the minimum utility standard. 

• Because there is always a lot of demand for utility stocks, they are some of the safest investments you can make.

They’re the kind of defensive stock that grows during prosperity and stays above water during hard times. Utility stocks usually increase in value, but they also pay investors some of the highest dividend rewards in today’s market. These dividends offer a safe haven security option even when the stock dips or flatlines. 

4. Real estate

As Mark Twain once famously said, “Buy land. They’re not making it anymore.” While real estate comes with risks, it can also offer rewarding growth. Some risks to watch out for can include tenant problems, a high vacancy rate, rental property damage, or negative cash flow. If you’re looking for a safe haven investment, renting out land to farmers is a popular option. 

You don’t need to know anything about farming or even get your hands dirty to take advantage of this option. According to the USDA, almost half of the 911 million acres of American agricultural land is rented out to farmers by non-operator landlords.

Some of the world’s billionaires made their fortunes in real estate. Bill Gates owns the most privately invested farmland across 19 states. Need any further convincing? Warren Buffet, the Oracle of Omaha, doesn’t know about farming. Nevertheless, he’s owned a prosperous farm in his home state for 30 years. 

5. Precious metals

It’s no secret that precious metals are a stable and popular choice for safe havens in today’s market. 

Gold and silver remain two of the oldest currency forms. Global economies used to back their paper currency with gold, silver, or other precious metals. This offers continuous economic stability. 

When there is a downturn in the economy, people buy precious metals like gold bullion or precious metal ETFs, which stay or even rise in value.

6. Cold, hard cash

You probably knew that this one would make a list. As the king of financial safe havens, it’s hard to argue against storing at least some of your assets safe in purely liquid form. Moreover, it’s probably a smart thing to do. 

Since no investment is ever completely risk-free, cash offers a sense of security. Of course, you won’t earn any dividends or interest on your cash stash. But, likewise, you won’t gain potential growth if the cash isn’t invested in a bear market. 

If you don’t feel like stuffing cash in your mattress, another option is digital assets. At the same time, holding a cash reserve is the most stable safe haven of all. It can give investors peace of mind, but it means that you have the money you need to secure your future in case an economic downturn occurs. 

With a total valuation of more than $9 trillion, the European real estate market has caught the eye of new and seasoned investors alike. When you think of real estate investments in Europe, prominent cities, such as Berlin, London, and Paris, instantly come to mind. However, foreign investors have plenty of opportunities to reap the benefits of emerging markets in Central and East European countries. Despite the economic turmoil of 2020, the region recorded a total of €9.7 billion in real estate investment transactions. That figure is projected to skyrocket in the coming years.

We’ll dive deeper into the hottest new European markets for foreign real estate investments in the following sections. Let’s get started.

1. Georgia (Tbilisi)

Georgia’s real estate sector has witnessed significant growth over the last few years. The development of state-of-the-art projects, such as David Kezerashvili’s Vake Plaza in Tbilisi, propels the industry further.

Situated close to the city centre, Vake is an upscale neighbourhood in Tbilisi known for its fine dining restaurants and tranquil ambience. It’s also the area with the highest density of ex-pats, making it ideal for investors from foreign countries.

The university district of Saburtalo is another neighbourhood that’s grabbing the attention of investors. It’s a more affordable alternative to the sky-high real estate prices in Vake. However, it is essential to pay attention to investment advice by David Kezerashvili. According to the real estate developer, investor, and former Defence Minister of Georgia, the country’s real estate sector is prone to government interference.

The absence of a proper legal framework makes it difficult for developers to gain complete control of their projects. Also, that leads to an abundance of conflicting information at local, state, and federal governments.

Kezerashvili believes that the market presents an ocean of opportunities to foreign investors despite these limitations. But he advises investors to be prepared to navigate through a bureaucratic system plagued with remnants of Soviet policies.

2. Poland (Warsaw)

Poland is one of the top contenders as a relatively stable and safe market for real estate investments. In 2020, the country dominated the CEE real estate investment market with total recorded transactions worth €5.6 billion. It’s the third-best result in Poland’s history. However, it’s worth noting that buyers and investors are prioritizing the industrial sector over other markets, such as housing. The retail industry has seen a surge of alternative assets, such as open-air shopping centres and retail parks. It’s understandable considering the changing shopping preferences of consumers due to the pandemic.

There’s also been a rise in the demand for high-rises and luxury residential properties in Warsaw. Warsaw's thriving business sector and relative political stability have turned it into a lucrative market for investors.

According to a recent report by PwC, there’s also an increased interest in acquiring assets that can be repurposed and repositioned. It’ll help investors pivot when market forces change due to economic downturns, political conflicts, etc.

3. Hungary (Budapest)

Sustained economic growth and low unemployment rates have led Hungary’s capital to become the fastest-growing housing market globally. The city has particularly benefited from foreign companies opening new offices and luring potential investors.

According to Adam Ilkovits, CEO of a leading brokerage firm in Budapest, seasoned investors choose to buy properties on the outskirts of the business district. These areas offer more potential for appreciation, thus resulting in higher resale values. If you’re looking to invest in the housing market right now, Hungary is one of the most rewarding markets.

4. Czech Republic (Prague)

Economic growth in Czech Republic’s capital has created a class of thriving high-net-worth individuals with an eye for high-end properties. The so-called ‘nouveau riche’ focus on buying luxury properties that enhance their social status. If you’re looking to venture into the luxury housing market, Prague would be a great place to start. Experts believe that the growth of the premium housing segment will continue in the coming years.

The Way Forward

While the CEE real estate market is showing signs of growth, it’s expected to suffer minor blows due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The increased cost of construction materials combined with supply chain disruptions will escalate property prices.

Irrespective of the market you choose, you must have a clear idea of the underlying risks of foreign real estate investments. Also, you should have a deep understanding of government policies and legal regulations in that specific market.