From the category archives:

Home Buying

The IDEAL Investment

by Linda Johnson on March 4, 2012

Rental homes can be the IDEAL investment in today’s market because they offer a much higher rate of return than alternatives without the volatility of ups and downs in the stock market.

IDEAL serves as an acronym to identify the advantages of rental properties:

  • Income from the monthly rent contributes to paying the expenses and a return on the investment
  • Depreciation is a non-cash deduction that contributes a tax shelter
  • Equity grows monthly as the mortgage amortizes due to some of each payment being applied to the principal
  • Appreciation is achieved as the value of the property goes up
  • Leverage can increase the return on investment by using borrowed funds to control a larger asset
The combination of these characteristics working together makes rental real estate a very good investment for today’s economy and years to come. Increased rents, high rental demand, good values and low non-owner-occupied mortgage rates contribute to positive cash flows and very favorable rates of return.
Contact me for more information about actual opportunities in our local market.

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Fix It Anyway!

March 3, 2012

“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” is certainly popular advice, but if you’ve ever had a serious plumbing leak, you certainly wished you had taken care of the problem earlier. Washing machines, like all appliances, are supposed to work and when they don’t, it’s time to have them fixed or replaced. However, there is [...]

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Warren Buffet Says It’s Time to Buy Real Estate

February 29, 2012

Warren Buffet says it’s time to buy real estate. Warren Buffett appeared live on CNBC’s Squawk Box this week. During the interview, he was asked about the current real estate market and whether he felt now was the time to buy. His response was rather emphatic and has been used as a headline in hundreds [...]

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Minneapolis Home Prices May Be Same as 2001, but Cost is Less

November 18, 2011

Nationally, home prices are about the same today as they were in 2003 during the first quarter.  At that time, interest rates were about 5.8%  and today, the interest rates are about 4%.  That means the buyers can get a good ‘value’ on a home today–not just on the price, but the cost as well!  [...]

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4 Reasons to Buy a Home Now

January 24, 2011

Now is a good time to buy a home in the Minneapolis area.  In our market, home affordability is high and there is an abundance of inventory.  There are many options out there for home buyers and home sellers who are willing to negotiate to create a win-win situation.  Mortgage rates are still low.  Most [...]

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