Property inspections are essential to figure out what’s wrong with a property before you buy it. But they’re also a critical negotiating tool. Don’t skip them or neglect their importance. They can often be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/dealing-with-resolutions-of-unacceptable-conditions Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It might be autumn, but housing could be getting hotter and hotter now that mortgage rates are starting to decline. What should you expect in the coming months? Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hurricane Helene just ravaged Western North Carolina and some coastal communities in Florida. It's an example of why property insurance providers are raising prices or pulling out of states entirely. However, where else are rates subject to change, and how should we expect property insurance to change going into next year? Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Property management is one of the major keys to success in real estate investing, but oftentimes, it requires an investor to outsource the work to a professional property manager. In today's show, we go over when and how you should let go of a PM who's just not cutting it. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-a-bad-property-management-company Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fed cut rates, but did anything actually change? Well, surprisingly, mortgage rates actually went up along with bond yields. In this show, we go over what's actually changed and what to expect in the future. Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California's AB 1033 was passed late last year, but San Jose was the first city to fully adopt the measure in July. It's a game changer in the California housing market and has opened up a major investing window for investors and homeowners alike over the next few years. That's what we'll discuss today. Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investors get a lot of flak sometimes, and there are a few reasons cited for why. Are they based in reality? Or is it a frustrated overreaction? In this episode, we discuss the key complaints people have about investors and why those might be outright wrong or if there's a point to it. Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The affordable housing crisis in the U.S. is getting worse, according to a new report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. While many factors are to blame for the increase in cost-burdened homeowners and renters, experts agree that constrained supply is keeping housing costs elevated. Many point to the strict zoning ordinances in most cities as the primary barrier to new housing construction. The YIMBY (“Yes In My Backyard”) movement, which has support from both sides of the political spectrum, aims to relax zoning laws in cities across the nation. Will it create r? Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-building-codes-have-impacted-the-housing-crisis Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there were any question about the current popularity of “unique” short-term rentals, the fact that Airbnb has links to listings of “tree houses,” “tiny homes,” and “omg!” right in its top nav should answer it. One-of-a-kind, unusual rentals are having a moment—but they come with their own set of considerations. Here’s what to keep in mind before converting your backyard ADU into a pirate ship. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/using-treehouses-houseboats-and-tiny-homes-as-rentals Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home prices have been pretty stable over the last year, but as the housing market begins to shift again, things could start to change. We pulled data from various sources and zeroed in on the metrics most capable of predicting home prices. In this episode, we'll give you the results, as well as extra information and tips for your own research. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/cities-with-income-growth-show-where-prices-are-expected-to-rise Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baselane's 2024 Investor Survey paints a clear picture: investors expect to have a better 2025 than 2024, and especially better than 2023. In this episode, we'll go over the highlights of the survey and get a sense of what's really happening in the housing market through the lens of investors. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/baselane-real-estate-investor-survey-2024 Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home insurance rates are skyrocketing across the U.S., with some areas increasing over 20% since last year. According to data from the National Real Estate Insurance Group, these states and cities are the worst places to invest in, based on claims. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/the-best-and-worst-places-to-invest-based-on-home-insurance-costs Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Homes Act of 2024, proposed in Congress, sets out to create permanent affordable housing for low and very low-income households. In today's show, we talk about the bill, the issue it's trying to solve, and the cost it would have if passed. Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we're diving into into the recent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve (FED) and its significant implications for the real estate market. We'll analyzes the Fed's previous approach to inflation and discuss how the current economic climate is influencing housing trends. Will the housing market recover?, What are the effects of declining mortgage rates? Tune in to stay informed on how FED decisions impact your real estate investments! Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/federal-reserve-cuts-rates-for-first-time-since-2020 Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to real estate data company ATTOM‘s second-quarter 2024 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report, American homeowners are sitting on a pile of home equity. 49.2% of mortgaged residential properties in the U.S. were considered equity-rich in the second quarter of 2024 after years of sitting on the refinancing sidelines amid high interest rates. ATTOM’s definition of equity-rich means the combined estimated amount of loan balances secured by the property was no more than half of their estimated market values. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/half-of-american-homes-are-considered-equity-rich-q2-2024 Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Downsizing after a divorce was painful but financially smart. I decided to house hack, opening my Victorian Brooklyn brownstone to Airbnb guests and hoping to bring life to my cash-starved bank account and a spark to my stately home.  Well, I got more sparks than I bargained for.  Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/my-tenants-were-airbnbing-my-apartment-without-me-knowing Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal funds rate was just cut by 0.50%. Now, some, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell himself, have suggested that by the end of this cut cycle, rates could fall to as low as 3% by 2026. If that happens, it could set the stage for a national construction boom. Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40-year mortgages could be the next big offering for real estate investors to take advantage of, but is that a good thing? In this episode, we cover what 40-year mortgages could look like in practice, the pros and cons, and if the numbers make sense for an investor. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/40-year-mortgages-wont-be-as-bad-for-homeowners-as-i-originally-thought Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rental costs have gone up, up, and up. Everywhere we look, we see headlines about the exorbitant cost of renting, whether an apartment or an STR.  Small real estate investors must strike a balance. They’re torn between raising rental amounts to account for inflation, high property prices, taxes, and rental demand, plus the tension of sustainability. After all, higher rental prices without a rentership experience that justifies it might drive good residents to look elsewhere.  Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/6-ways-to-raise-rent-while-respecting-your-residents Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running a rental business is about more than just collecting rent; it’s managing your properties carefully and professionally. Many investors, especially new ones, often cut corners to save time or money. However, making informed decisions when setting up your business can help everything run smoothly and avoid expensive problems down the line.  Here, I’ll discuss how to structure your rental business, manage finances, comply with legal requirements, and handle property management effectively. I’ll also go over why reliable banking is important and how it can impact your business. https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/key-steps-for-running-a-successful-rental-business Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The streets of San Francisco may be known for Dirty Harry, movie car chases, and the birth of the hippie movement, but they will no longer be associated with rental price-setting software. That’s because the Golden Gate City is in line to be the first in the U.S. to ban the tech tools allegedly associated with landlord price fixing. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance introduced by its supervisor and mayoral hopeful Aaron Peskin that bans landlords from using specific software and algorithms to set rents. The measure will still need to be approved by the mayor next month before it can be enforced. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/san-francisco-leaders-approve-measure-to-ban-price-fixing-software Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve found what appears to be a great property, and you just received the inspection report. It listed many defects, most of which are typical, and the cost to correct them is well-defined. However, a few items are disconcerting because the report listed symptoms rather than specific defects, such as mold, Kitec plumbing, China drywall, aluminum wiring, roof leaks, settlement, etc. These ill-defined problems are red flags because remediating them is not “fixed.” For example, suppose mold was detected. What would it cost to correct the mold?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to predict the next hot real estate market is like catching an eel with grease on your hands: The moment you think you’ve got a handle on the next hot spot, everyone else has the same idea. Inventory shrinks while prices shoot up, and what once looked good suddenly cools. However, if you’re prepared to be specific in your search, you can pinpoint the next great investment opportunity for different market segments. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/the-next-wave-of-markets-set-to-boom-in-the-coming-years Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For first-time and aspiring house hackers, avoiding mistakes early in your investing career is crucial in speeding up your momentum when building your foundation.  Right now, competition is high, and investors are finding themselves in markets where great deals are becoming rare. It could not be a more important time to sharpen your skills, round out your education on your strategy, and learn from those who have made mistakes so you avoid starting your investment journey on the wrong foot. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/tips-from-my-house-hacking-experience Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the housing crisis being one of the major issues Americans face today, politicians have recently offered various ideas on how to combat it, from President Biden’s rent hike cap to the latest bill from Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has proposed investing $500 billion in an attempt to make housing more affordable over the next decade. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/senator-warrens-new-bill-targets-private-equity-and-looks-to-incentivize-affordable-housing-development Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re looking to diversify your investment portfolio in 2024, investing in ATMs should definitely be on your radar.  We all know that economic conditions for real estate investors have gotten tougher in the last few years. Tighter margins, smaller ROIs, and fewer investment opportunities are a reality. Not so in the ATM industry. ATMs are a remarkably resilient, though still often overlooked, source of long-term, steady cash flow, with minimal active involvement, minimal risk, and a ton of opportunities for diversification within the industry.  Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/why-investors-are-turning-to-atm-investments-for-diversification Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you’re competing for ranking on VRBO or Airbnb, playing by the rules of the algorithm is everything. Take too long to get back to a tenant question, and watch your placement slide.  But how important is it to update your short-term rental’s headline? The truth is, the best intel we have is not directly from the listing sites. Just like with Google ranking, these sites don’t want you to “game” the algorithm by telling you exactly how it works.  Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-often-should-you-update-your-airbnb-listing Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New York real estate industry is fuming. New legislation might force landlords to pay the hefty broker’s fees that tenants have traditionally paid to real estate companies.  Should the law pass, many landlords might skip brokerages to preserve their cash flow. They won’t get much sympathy from tenants, though. With soaring New York rental prices and the city caught in an affordability crisis, renters are struggling to pay the sky-high fees brokers charge—usually 10% to 15% of the annual rent, not including a security deposit and first month’s rent.  Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/new-nyc-law-would-end-broker-fees Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 11, the city of San Jose became the first municipality to update its zoning code in accordance withCalifornia Assembly Bill 1033, which went into effect at the beginning of the year. The law allows for local ordinances that permit homeowners to sell accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as condominiums, but cities must opt in.  "Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/is-californias-adu-law-the-beginning-of-a-new-era-in-housing Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s one thing to attract a tenant to your rental property. It’s another thing entirely to retain them. Here, we provide guidance on how to retain tenants and the financial results of doing so.  "Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-to-retain-tenants Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people drift along life’s current. They work 9-5 jobs, live within 30 miles of where they grew up, and don’t change careers often, if ever.  There’s nothing inherently wrong with any of that—if you’ve considered all your options and then intentionally chose that lifestyle. The problem, of course, is that most people living that lifestyle just fell into it.  "Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/the-freedoms-that-make-the-perfect-life Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Landlords can expect two things to be true: The profit potential is exceptional, and tenants will have complaints.  Homeownership comes with natural ups and downs, with the ongoing hassle of maintenance issues, frustrating neighbors, and even occasional financial hardship. As a landlord, you get to handle these issues as they arise for your tenants, so knowing how to handle tenant complaints and concerns is essential. "Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-tenant-complaints Become a member of the BiggerPockets community of real estate investors - https://www.biggerpockets.com" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you start to explore real estate investing, one of the first things you’ll hear about is the importance of finding deals. It’s a topic that dominates articles, BiggerPockets forum posts, YouTube videos, and conversations within the industry—and for good reason. Finding deals is the lifeblood of real estate investing.  Here are four key reasons why a successful real estate investor focuses so much on finding the deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) ensures any person can buy or rent a house or apartment wherever they want regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religious preference, disability, family status, or national origin. In 2015, the United States added discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity to the list of protected classes.  As a landlord, you should be familiar with the FHA and what it covers. Both federal and local governments have rules regarding fair housing, and you need to understand these requirements to protect yourself and your property. Knowing the details of this legislation can prevent legal issues with tenants for violations involving discrimination. It can also help guide your marketing strategy so you avoid using language that can be construed as discriminatory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not all tenants work out the way we hope. Maybe a renter is habitually late paying rent, disruptive to other tenants, or engages in illegal activity. Whatever the reason, you may be wondering: “Can a landlord break a lease?” The short answer is—it depends. Before you break a lease agreement, make sure you have a valid reason and that you follow all the legal requirements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For landlords feeling the pinch of high interest rates or would-be investors wondering how they can cash flow, there’s some good news: Rents will continue to rise. However, for rent-burdened tenants, the outlook is not so rosy. “We’re gonna build 600,000 apartments this year,” Barry Sternlicht, CEO of Starwood Capital, an investment firm specializing in hotels and market-rate multifamily housing, said recently on CNBC about America’s construction of apartments, “and 400,000 the year after and 230,000 the year after that.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate is typically an excellent choice for long-term investment. However, as with any investment, there are potential pitfalls to consider. One is ensuring you make adequate plans to handle the complex web of property tax regulations. The tips we’ll share here will help you make smarter decisions about your property tax strategies to maximize your returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The question is asked all the time: How can I estimate average rehab costs? Well, there is no average rehab cost because there is no average rehab. Some properties will need major structural modifications; others just a lipstick approach. Some may have a recently remodeled kitchen, and others may have a 1950s galley kitchen. But since this is such a popular topic, let’s see if we can try to make it at least (a little) feasible for a newbie to the construction world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I think we can all agree that the economic outlook is uncertain. You can pick almost any economic indicator (inflation, labor market, real GDP, etc.), and find conflicting and confusing signals.  As investors, this can be daunting. How can we make wise investing decisions when the economic climate is so murky? Here are four tips on how you can continue to invest successfully in an uncertain economy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Stanley real estate analyst Laurel Durkay appeared on CNBC recently to deliver the financial behemoth’s latest housing outlook. It was great news for property owners and a call to action for potential buyers sitting on the fence, waiting for rates to fall.  Such is the shortage of inventory; in the next decade, 2 million homes will need to be built to satisfy demand. This means the rental market is set to soar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You put a lot of time, money, and effort into finding the right tenant. From writing a rental property listing to showing the property, the process can require a lot from you. But that’s OK. The end result is well worth it.  With a tenant lined up and a move-in date scheduled, it’s time to take the next step: prepping the property. This move-in checklist for landlords will keep you on track from start to finish.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lease is a binding legal contract that includes protections for both the landlord and tenant. Just as you are required to uphold your end of the agreement as the landlord, tenants also have certain obligations they are required to uphold. You have discretion in determining what to do when a tenant violates the lease. It doesn’t always have to lead to an eviction. It depends on the severity of the violation and other factors, like a medical emergency, temporary job loss, or something else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HomeRise, a nonprofit housing developer that has received more than $200 million in grants and loans from the city of San Francisco, declares on its website that its mission is “to help people experiencing homelessness secure housing and become self-sufficient.” However, in April, an independent audit revealed questionable spending of the organization’s funds. While the scope of inappropriate spending was not clear due to incomplete record-keeping, the audit found that most of the grant money went toward staff salaries, including large bonuses that violated the city’s grant agreement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of June 28, Freddie Mac CFO Christian Lown will resign from the government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) mortgage provider to join CoStar, the behemoth real estate listing and data and analytics company valued at around $30 billion.  Usually, when someone leaves a government job for the private sector, there’s a tacit understanding that the new position comes with less public scrutiny and more—much more—money. There’s little reason to doubt that is the case here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe you’re looking to diversify your investment portfolio, or maybe you’ve done your research into real estate investing and just realized you don’t have the time and energy required. Real estate investing is almost nevertruly passive, and it is not immune to problems like reduced cash flow during between-tenant periods.  Whether you are a seasoned real estate investor looking for additional revenue streams or you’re looking for opportunities that are less hands-on but still lucrative, these are the top alternative investments to consider in 2024.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raise your hand if you got burned by real estate in 2008. You can’t see it, but I’m raising my hands, feet, and even the hairs on my neck. United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) recently made news by launching a 0%-down mortgage program. And it reminds many real estate analysts of the subprime mortgage frenzy that helped fuel the market collapse back in 2008.  So, as you scope out the new program, what’s the potential impact on real estate investors?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past 16 years, I’ve worked with nearly 200 first-time investors. From my experience, until they go through our training, most are completely focused on ROI and cash flow.  Here are some key points new investors must keep in mind: You’re not buying real estate—you’re buying a lifelong income stream. Vacancy costs can be a killer, so estimating them is critical. ROI and cash flow only predict a property’s performance under ideal conditions on the first day of a lifetime hold. They tell nothing about future performance. They say “you can only count on today”—Is it true? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, the federal government announced plans to block medical debt from credit reports, which are used to evaluate a borrower’s financial fitness for large-ticket items, specifically mortgages and car loans. This would make it easier for folks to acquire more debt and not be “judged” for it.  All things being equal, it’s not a good idea. Let’s ignore for now whether this is right or wrong and try to exclude all political thoughts. Let’s just look at the facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices