With that said, choosing the right role or career path can be a challenge; there’s simply too many to choose from. If you’re stuck, this article should help you find what you’re looking for.

7 Different Real Estate Careers You May Enjoy

In the real estate industry, you can become a commercial or residential investor, attorney, home inspector, wholesaler, and so much more. 

Here are a few real estate careers you may enjoy.

1. Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents facilitate the home or commercial property buying/selling process for clients. A residential agent can specialize in single-family homes, luxury properties, or condos, whereas a commercial agent can niche down to office buildings, retail spaces, or self-storage lots.

To become a real estate agent, you have to take a pre-licensing course and licensing exam. Once you pass, you can activate your license and join a real estate brokerage. Agents can choose to become a realtor (for some added benefits) or study to become real estate brokers.

2. Real Estate Attorney 

Real estate attorneys help finalize various real estate documentation and sort through real estate-based disputes. To become a lawyer, you have to pass the LSAT and spend 6 to 8 years in school, but it’s worth it in the end, as real estate attorneys make $120k per year on average. 

3. Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers are professionals who buy land and build property on top of it. They’re in charge of planning and coordinating the construction of these buildings, financing them, and creating a team to execute their plans. Developers don’t require a degree, but it helps.

The software can also make it easier for commercial real estate developers to succeed. Over at Northspyre, you’ll find an intelligence platform that helps development teams leverage automation and data analytics to form predictable outcomes on all of their projects.

4. Real Estate Investor

Real estate investors buy and sell land for the purpose of making a profit. You don’t need a degree to get started, but you should be comfortable with taking on risks and negotiating. If you start your journey on crowdfunding sites, you can grow your portfolio for less than $1000.

5. Property Manager

Property managers are an off-shoot of real estate investors, as many investors are also property managers. However, if you’re an investor who doesn’t want to take on the manager role, you’d hire a property manager to look after the financial and physical well-being of your properties.

To become a property manager, you need to have a broker license (unless you live in a state that doesn’t require one). Since it’s your job to ensure tenants are satisfied, you’ll need strong customer service and managerial skills. It also helps to learn about facility operations.

6. Home Inspector

Home inspectors examine and inspect real estate properties for defects and damage. Home inspectors are an integral part of the buy and sell process, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding work. Some states require a home inspection license, while others don’t, like California.

7. Real Estate Wholesaler

Real estate wholesalers take distressed properties and flip them for a profit. While it’s similar to a fix-and-flip strategy, your typical wholesaler doesn’t fix the property themselves. Instead, they’ll vet, price, and hire experienced contractors and renovation specialists to do this work for them.

If you don’t have the financial means to break into the real estate market but still want to own the entire property, being a real estate wholesaler would be the best option for you. While it takes some time to see a significant profit, you’ll eventually reap the rewards as you grow.

How can you be sure that you're making the right decision? And how can you make sure that your finances are in good shape? In this blog post, we'll provide some tips and advice on how to make smart financial decisions when it comes to property purchases. Follow these guidelines, and you'll be able to rest assured that your purchase will be a wise investment!

1 - Do your research

Before you even begin to look at properties, you must do some research into the market and local areas. This will help you to get a sense of what kind of property prices are typical in the area, as well as give you an idea of whether now is a good time to buy or not. You can also read up on any current trends in the real estate market, which can help inform your decision-making process. For instance, if you see that property prices are on the rise in your area, then this might be a good time to get in before they go any higher.

2 - Take care of your finances

To make wise financial decisions about property purchases, it's important to take good care of your overall financial situation. This means paying off any debts that you have, saving for emergencies and retirement, and taking steps to build up your credit score if necessary. If you don't already have a high level of financial stability, then think about ways that you can improve it – whether that means cutting back on expenses, earning extra income through side hustles or freelancing work, or getting expert help from a financial planner. By taking care of your financial health in the long term, you'll be better equipped to make smart decisions about property ownership and purchases.

3 - Hire a property fund manager

If you're not already an expert when it comes to property investments, then consider hiring a professional fund manager. A good property fund manager can help you to research properties, identify potential risks and benefits of different investments, and make informed recommendations based on their experience and expertise. This can be a great way to ensure that your financial decisions around purchasing property are as wise as possible. For example, they may be able to identify a specific property that is set to increase in value or notice potential problems with a certain investment that you might not have seen on your own.

4 - Calculate the costs involved

Whenever you're considering buying a new property, it's important to get clear on exactly what the costs involved will be. You'll need to take into account mortgage payments and interest rates, any maintenance or repair costs for the property itself, and taxes and fees for any renovations that might be required, among other factors. By being thorough when calculating costs, you'll be better able to make an informed decision about whether a particular property purchase is the right financial choice for you.

5 - Consider your options carefully

When it comes to choosing a property to buy, you must take your time and think about all of your options carefully. This means looking at different neighborhoods and areas, comparing different properties within those areas, and considering whether renting or buying might be a better fit for your current situation. Keep in mind that there may be other factors involved as well – such as proximity to work or family members – which will also play a role in influencing your final decision. By taking care to consider all of these factors and more when making a purchase, you'll be able to feel confident that you're making the best financial choice possible.

6 - Look for ways to reduce costs

When purchasing property, one of the biggest factors that will impact your finances is how much you have to pay upfront - and if any extra costs could pop up along the way. This means that it's crucial to do everything you can to reduce these costs in any way that you can. For example, you might look for ways to get a lower interest rate on your mortgage, explore different financing options like peer-to-peer lending or home equity loans, and negotiate with the seller to receive any discounts or credits that may be available. By taking steps like these to save money on property purchases, you'll be able to better manage your finances over the long term.

7 - Increase your earnings potential

When it comes to property ownership, one of the best things you can do for your finances is to increase your overall earning potential. This might mean taking on extra work or pursuing a side hustle in addition to your regular job or even investing in training and education that will help you to get ahead at work. By taking steps like these to boost your income, you'll be able to have even more financial flexibility when it comes time to make big decisions about buying and selling properties. And that means having more options available so that you can choose investments and purchases based on what will benefit you the most financially over the long term.

8 - Consult a financial advisor

If you're new to property ownership or aren't particularly familiar with the ins and outs of the real estate market, it can be helpful to consult a financial advisor for guidance. A good financial advisor can provide expert advice about which investments are likely to be best for your specific situation, help you to analyze potential risks and rewards, and offer recommendations based on your years of experience in the field. And by working closely with an expert who understands all of the different facets that are involved when making important financial decisions around real estate, you'll be able to feel confident that you're making wise choices every time.

When making a property purchase, it's important to take into account all of the associated costs to make the best financial decision possible. By being thorough and considering all of your options carefully, you'll be able to feel confident that you're making a smart investment. Additionally, there are many ways to reduce the costs associated with property ownership - so be sure to explore as many avenues as possible. And lastly, if you're feeling unsure about which path to take when it comes to real estate investments, consult with a financial advisor for expert guidance.

But while you might be expecting an influx of offers when you stage your home, there is always the risk that you're making some common mistakes—and hurting your chances of selling at all. While it's true that many buyers expect to negotiate on the price of a home, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim to sell it for top dollar. It's important to know that certain elements can make your home look cheap or outdated, which will end up costing you in the long run. To prevent that, here are some common mistakes you should avoid during your home staging.

Overfilling the Space for Home Staging

One of the most common mistakes home stagers make is overfilling the space. If you are trying to sell a small house, don't fill it with furniture and decor that is meant for a much larger space. It will make the room look cluttered and messy. Instead, use only a few select items to highlight the features of your home.

Another mistake people make is using too many accessories or making them too big. An accessory should be something that adds value to your home but doesn't take away from its overall appeal. When choosing accessories for staging, it's important to keep in mind that buyers will be looking at your home from an emotional perspective as well as a logical one—which means that if an accessory doesn't feel right for your home, it might not sell!

Finally, avoid using too many colours or patterns together in one room—especially if they're bold or bright colours! This can overwhelm potential buyers and make them feel uncomfortable when they visit your property.

Having Too Many Colours that Don't Coordinate

When it comes to home staging, colours are often a very personal choice. But that doesn't mean you should let your taste dictate the colours you use in your staging. The colours in your staging should be chosen based on their ability to help sell the house, not just because they're pretty.

One of the biggest mistakes home stagers make is trying to go overboard with colours. A lot of people think that more colours are better—and while that might be true if you're painting a canvas, it's not true when it comes to painting a room. Colours have the power to change the feeling of a room. Too many different colours can make a room feel smaller instead of larger and more inviting. Studies have shown that homes with rooms painted in two or three coordinating colours sell for more than those painted in only one colour or with too much variety in terms of shade and hue.

So when choosing colours for your staging, keep it simple and stick to two or three shades from the same family (for example light blue and dark blue). This will give the room an overall cohesive feeling without making it look too busy or cluttered!

Forgetting the Exterior for Home Staging

When you're staging a home, it's easy to forget about the exterior. After all, the inside is where all the action happens. But if you want to get the best return on your investment, you need to give your home's exterior just as much attention as its interior.

It's easy to neglect your property's exterior when it comes time for staging because there are so many other things that need to be done inside. But if you don't make sure that your yard looks its best and that any repairs are completed before putting your property up for sale, then potential buyers will probably think twice about buying your house. After all, if they're going to spend their hard-earned money on a home, they want to feel like it's in good condition and well-maintained—and that includes everything from the roof to the paint job.

When it comes time for staging, you can always go around outside with a critical eye but it is a better idea to consult with real estate brokers, who have gone through the process many times. After you get the recommendations from the experts, make sure everything looks clean and well-kept—and if anything needs fixing or painting, get it done!

Keeping the House Dark

If you're preparing your house for staging, a dark house can be the kiss of death.

To show off your home's best features, it needs to be well-lit and look like it's full of life. This means turning up the lights and adding some natural light if possible. You want to avoid dark corners and keep the windows clear of curtains or blinds that block out too much light.

Don't forget about interior lighting as well! If you have dark walls, you'll need to add light fixtures so that they don't look dingy and dull. If there are dark spots on the floor or ceiling, consider installing sconces or pendants to brighten things up a bit.

Leaving Too Many Personal Items Displayed

Your home is your castle, and you want it to look like the best version of itself possible. But you also want to avoid making any mistakes that could negatively impact its value. The most common mistake homeowners make when staging their homes is leaving too many personal items on display.

It's important to remember that when you stage a room, you want to use it as an example of how it would look if someone were to live in it. If you leave your items in there, it will be hard for potential buyers to see themselves living in that space.

If you want to keep some of your things around after selling a home, but don't want them on display during showings, consider storing them away until after your home sells.

Concluding Thoughts

Staging homes can help sell homes more quickly and for a higher price. However, staging poses challenges too. Besides making sure to avoid some of the above-mentioned mistakes, it is also extremely important to consult with your broker to determine how and how much to stage your home.

The most common way to start real estate investing is by buying property and then renting it out. You can also invest in properties through portfolio management, which is when you purchase properties and manage them for others as part of your investment portfolio. Or you could become a property manager who oversees the day-to-day operations of rental units for others. Whatever route you decide on will involve plenty of hard work but also some savvy planning and strategizing along with strong financial acumen, and deep knowledge about laws and market trends (both national and regional).

Investing in real estate is deemed hard but not as hard as it sounds. You just need a few tips on how to do it correctly. It doesn't matter if you have or have never invested in real estate as this guide gives you all the information you need to start your real estate investment journey.

Things to do Before Starting Real Estate Investment

Like any other type of investment, there are different things to consider before starting the investment. Research is the most important of all. To start you off, read real estate investment articles, consult the field experts, enroll in real estate classes if possible and learn from the people already investing in the field. Don't wait to learn the hard way in the field; you should learn from the experts.

Types of Real Estate Investments

There are different reasons why people invest in real estate, and financial freedom is the major among them. Other reasons may include cash flow, property appreciation, leverage, tax benefits, etc. According to data received based on the Ofirio statistics, different real estate investments will offer you different cash flows, leverage, appreciation value, and benefits, among others. These are the common types of real estate investments:

• Residential real estate investment–This is where you invest in property that families or individuals dwell in (homes).
• Commercial real estate investment–This type of investment consists of property or buildings intended for business. In other words, these are office buildings.
• Industrial real estate investment–This type of investment includes storage units, distribution centers, assembly plants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
• Retail real estate investment–This is an investment where the investor holds a property used for retail business. These include shopping centers and malls with tenants including restaurants, retail shops, salons, or similar enterprises.
• Mixed-use real estate investment–This investment is where the investor holds property with units that accommodate two or more of the others named above.

Best Ways to Invest in Real Estate

Investing in real estate involves different methods. As a beginner, you may be confused about where to start. To ease this down, the investment ways listed below will help you know where to start. 

Wholesaling 

Real estate wholesaling is a strategy where you secure a property at a market value through a contract and find a prospective buyer to buy it from you. In this strategy, you don't take actual real estate property ownership. Instead, you own the contract that allows you to purchase the property and then look for a buyer for this contract. Wholesalers make money by adding a fee to the contract when selling it. Wholesaling is low-risk and doesn't require a lot of starting capital. However, it's very competitive, and the returns may not be that high. In some states also, wholesaling is termed illegal.

REIT Investing 

Real Estate Investment Trusts are companies that own real estate properties. You invest in REITs by buying shares from these companies. REITs are created on the same idea as mutual funds, where shares are pooled together. REITs, however, consist of pooled companies. The means of earning from REITs is through dividends. Public listed REITs are the easiest and the best for beginners to invest in. So, you can use this strategy as a way of diversifying your portfolio. The disadvantages of investing in REITs are that you have no control over the investment, and the changing market conditions can negatively impact investment growth.

House Flipping

House flipping involves buying a property, renovating it to increase its value, and then selling it to make a profit. The key is identifying a property with low market value and spending less on renovations. This strategy is, however, risky if you spend too much money on the renovation. This is because you may not be able to sell it at a value high enough to make a profit.

Prehabbing

Real estate prehabbing is different from rehabbing. Prehabbing is where you make small changes to the property just enough to attract other investors. This may include painting, cleaning, or landscaping. Prehabbing will save you a lot of costs, and you can make a more significant profit upon selling the property. It also involves minimal risk. The setback with this method is that not all properties are suitable for prehab.

House Hacking

This method involves purchasing an apartment with many rooms. You then live in one of the rooms and rent the other rooms. If you are lucky enough, you may earn enough from the rent to cover the cost of the apartment. House hacking is a low-risk investment. However, there are some disadvantages since you will live under the same roof as your tenants.

Conclusion

Real estate investment has, over the years, proved to be a good investment. The problem, however, is always how to get started due to a lack of information. The good thing about real estate investing is that it's easy to learn and implement the knowledge in the real market.

There are just so many factors new and returning homeowners have to consider before making their final decision. One of these factors is the mortgage itself, as the wrong home financing option can end up costing you big time.

9 Mortgage Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Home

Most people will only purchase a home once, maybe twice, leaving the floor open for mortgage mistakes. With proper research, you can feel confident that you’re getting the best deal.

1 - Not Shopping Around to Find the Best Mortgage Rates

Different mortgage companies and lenders will offer different mortgage rates and fees, so it’s essential to shop around for the best mortgage dealers instead of settling. You should also speak to local mortgage dealers, as they’ll have a grasp on the local real estate market.

2 - Going for Pre-Qualification Instead of Pre-Approval

Pre-qualification is next to useless for homebuyers, as it doesn’t take the borrower's information into account. If you have a spotty financial record, you won’t be able to secure financing. With pre-approval, lenders review your financial information, so they can secure the mortgage. 

3 - Putting a Small Down Payment on a Pricey Home

Most states allow borrowers to take out a mortgage with a 5% down payment, but if you pay less than 20% of the home upfront, you have to have mortgage insurance. If you’re purchasing an expensive home, a low down payment could leave you drowning in interest payments.

4 - Neglecting or Ignoring Your Credit History and Score

Potential homeowners need at least a 620 credit score to get a mortgage, but a higher score improves their chances of approval and reduces their interest rates. People with a 740 score or higher get the best interest rates, so work on improving your credit history before applying.

5 - Adding Too Much Debt Before Applying for a Mortgage

Mortgage deals prefer to lend money to people with a debt-to-credit ratio of 30% or lower. At the same time, lenders won’t provide a mortgage to potential homeowners if they incur a high amount of debt in a short period. This could mean you’re irresponsible with money.

6 - Skipping the Rate Lock on Your Mortgage Application

When filling out your mortgage application, you can decide to lock in your mortgage rate. If you do this, you can use the current prevailing mortgage rate for a specific amount of time (usually 7 to 90 days). If you decide not to lock in your rate, you may pay higher fees on the closing date.

7 - Misunderstanding The True Cost of Owning a Home

Owning a home is expensive once you factor in utilities, repairs, and other living expenses, like auto insurance and groceries. If you don’t consider the total cost of owning a home, you could price yourself out of the house you’re living in. Consider your whole budget, just to be safe.

8 - Having a Sporadic Job History or Living on Credit

Lenders won’t think you’re responsible enough to own a home if you consistently open up new credit lines, have a sporadic job history, or you’re recently self-employed. Job stability and a consistent income are necessary to get a loan and stay on top of your mortgage payments. 

9 - Waiting Too Long to Shop for Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is required for buyers who are financing their home purchase and waiting until the last minute could cause you to pay more for the same product. Since you know you’ll have to get insurance before your closing date, shop insurers ASAP to get a good rate.

Price Your Home Competitively

Look at comparable homes recently sold in your area and price your home accordingly. If you price it too high, you may end up sitting on the market for a long time without any offers. On the other hand, if you price it too low, you may not make as much money as you could have. The key is to strike a balance between the two. Buyers will be doing their research, and if they see that your home is priced significantly higher than comparable properties, they may be discouraged from even considering it.

Make Your Home As Attractive As Possible

First impressions are everything when selling a home. You want potential buyers to walk in and immediately fall in love with the place. This means decluttering, deep cleaning, and perhaps even minor renovations. Buyers will have difficulty seeing its potential if your home is cluttered or dirty. Investing in a professional cleaning service is always a good idea. They will be able to get your home sparkling clean in no time. Consider hiring a staging company, as they will bring furniture and decorations to make your home look its best.

Sell It for Cash

Many companies specialize in this transaction and can often close on a property within days. They will usually make you an offer within 24 hours and can close on the deal within a week or two. This is a great option if you're facing a foreclosure or need to move quickly for any other reason. You won't worry about repair costs or cosmetic changes to the property. These companies are typically interested in buying properties as-is, so you won't have to put any money into fixing it up before selling or paying any real estate commissions, which can save you thousands of dollars.

Upgrade Your Curb Appeal

Your home's curb appeal is the first thing potential buyers will see when they drive up. Make sure your lawn is freshly mowed and trimmed, plant some flowers or other greenery to add a pop of color, and power wash your siding and front porch. Ensure your gutters are free of leaves and debris and that all of your light fixtures are in working order.

Make Essential Repairs

Before putting your home on the market, making any necessary repairs is essential. This includes fixing a leaky roof, repairing any damaged walls or floors, and fixing any appliances that are not working properly. If your home needs major repairs, consider selling it as-is or invest in some fixer-upper projects before listing it. 

Don't Underestimate the Importance of Marketing

When you're selling your house, it's important to remember that you're not just selling a physical structure. You're selling a lifestyle. Take some time to understand who your target buyer is. What kind of lifestyle are they looking for? What kind of budget do they have? Once you understand who your buyer is, you can start to tailor your marketing efforts accordingly. 

Selling your house doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Following these tips, you can sell your home quickly and for the most money possible. Just remember to price your home competitively, make it as attractive as possible, and invest in some curb appeal.

Blockchain technology is being incorporated nearly everywhere. Hospitals are using it to secure and share patient files. Accountants and banks are investing in the blockchain as a means of increasing the speed and security of financial transactions. Even in the real estate markets, the blockchain is transforming the way things are done. 

Real estate may not seem like the obvious industry to capitalise on blockchain technology. However, experts believe it can help make a positive difference in the efficiency and security of real estate transactions. Rather than working in person, the blockchain may enable more online transactions to realistically take place. 

Taking Real Estate Online

In the modern world of smartphones, the internet, and apps that all work together to put the world at your fingertips, customers have come to expect a certain ease-of-use. This sentiment carries from easy online shopping to scheduling appointments online to buying a house. The rules for customer courtesy are changing and the real estate market is using the blockchain to meet the demand. 

One of the primary ways the real estate market has changed is by taking listings online where customers can browse homes and find an agent with an easy click of a button. However, the blockchain stands to create an even larger online opportunity for real estate. With the blockchain behind them, many agents believe they could complete the entire process — outside of physically visiting the home — online. 

Some platforms are coming online that do just that. In order to use the blockchain, real estate companies “tokenise” their assets, so the property can be traded on an exchange similar to that of the stock market. The tokens can easily be traded or exchanged for money — i.e. purchasing a home. Doing this could cut out a lot of the middlemen in the home buying process and create a more straightforward and transparent opportunity for consumers.  

Increasing Speed And Reducing Fraud

Incorporating blockchain technology into the real estate market can also be a huge boon to consumers in other ways. Because all transactions are verified on a network of computers, transactions can be completed in minutes or even seconds. Rather than relying on people to review transactions and operate within normal business hours, these transactions can happen anywhere at any time. This speeds up the process substantially. 

Because all blockchain transactions are completed on a public ledger, all parties can see the transaction at all times. Traditional methods are prone to fraud and human errors, but this increases transparency profoundly and helps reduce the likelihood of fraud taking place. Furthermore, the blockchain is an incredibly tamper-proof means of storing information, which makes it one of the most secure means of doing business. 

Part of the reason the blockchain is so secure is that the information is decentralised. It would be incredibly difficult for a fraudster to change a blockchain transaction that is stored on hundreds of different computers across the country without someone noticing. Ultimately, this increases trust in the real estate market system, which doesn’t have too far back in history to look for proof of the dangers of a lack of transparency. The 2008 housing crisis is a prime example of what can happen.   

New Opportunities

Real estate companies are interacting with more data than ever before. Some of this data is internal, relating to sales figures and revenue, while some of it is external such as data collected by government or social media entities. All of this adds up to provide real estate agents with a broader picture of the markets they are working in and offers the ability to create innovative opportunities. 

For instance, once properties have been “tokenised” it is easy to divide them up in meaningful ways. Fractional ownership becomes a much more straightforward and realistic option. This could be a scenario where investors are given the equivalent number of tokens to represent the per cent of the investment they’ve made. Ultimately, it could lower investment costs and barriers to entry into investment markets. 

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is truly transforming the real estate industry. The technology stands to speed up transactions and reduce the number of middlemen involved, all while bolstering security. Additionally, the technology can open up a number of new opportunities such as fractional ownership for investors that could generate a lot more wealth among certain sectors of the population. It could be a win-win advancement.

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.