Consumer Education

After hitting low historical interest rates 14 times last year, let's set the record straight. The first piece of fiction is that Rate is King. This is not always exactly as it appears. Oh, and the one using your house as a method to save interest rates on credit cards. Be smart. Then we move into the fiction of long-term real estate investments. 
A buy and hold strategy provides OPTIONS. But, just as with rates, options also bring misinformation, many times turning people away from a long-term wealth strategy that could open up possibilities for them and their families. Watch as I bust open some very common concerns that are fiction and go through why, even in today's market, real estate is queen.

If you have ever been involved in a Real Estate transaction, you've dealt with Title. But what do we need to know about the title process and what should we ask our underwriters? Sima Patel from WFT National Title gives us pointers. Some of what she covers includes advice for those who have gone through bankruptcies or are buying a home from someone who has gone through BK, what you need to know about trusts, LLCs, and quick claim deeds to avoid legal disasters.

We all know insurance is important, even though we hope to never use it. Because no one wants to pay $5,000 out of pocket when they could have been paying an extra $2 a month. Enter, the creative insurance agent. Unlike 30-40 years ago, insurance brokers can help you find the best value for money when it comes to your homeowner's policy and covering any investments you may have as well. 
I had the chance to sit down with Brandon Ridder of Goosehead Insurance to talk more about the importance of having a clear understanding of your coverage and what is crucial to know as a first-time homeowner and investor. 

Nicole's guest, Joey Pizzi of JP Appraisal Services wants consumers to know a few things about the appraisal process to help them before the appraiser arrives, and for buyers to understand the current market filled with over-asking-price offers.
It's different than a home inspection.This is what is done during an appraisal: measure, take photos, documentation, assess the condition, look for any needed maintenance
How hard is it to appraise a home?Need to really be familiar with the market. This includes all of these offers coming up to $100,000 over asking prices. Your appraisers need to know how to read the market and look out for anomalies.
Things a seller can do before the appraiser arrives.PAINT: railings, cabinets, holes in the walls.Cleanliness shouldn't affect the appraisal, but it can be distracting. Declutter, clean up - show that the house is cared for.

There are a lot of things that go into qualifying for a loan. One that remains the same no matter the product, you need to have a good credit score. If you're looking to purchase a home you need to make sure you're set up to get the best financing you can by having the best credit you can. This week I am beyond excited to share one of my hidden secrets, David Emge of Credit Advisor. He's our go-to at The Rueth Team to help our buyers get their credit score where it needs to be to qualify for the home they want. Not only that but David makes sure his clients know how to continue to keep their score up to help them build long-term wealth. And who doesn't want that?

Nicole's guest is Jenny Usaj of Usaj Realty. She explores several zip codes in neighbhoods that have seen a wonderful uptick in prices, as well as ongoing opportunity for investment. Jenny also gives agents advice about how to help their clients drill their buyers down to real needs, rather than distractions when they research online. She wraps up with talking about condos, and future income property and her favorite neighborhoods.

Listen to this 15-minute recap from January's tips: Why an inspector is a must, Top 4 Things to Know Before an Inspection, and Exiting Forbearance.
We've been talking a lot lately about buying your first investment. But what if you're a first-time homebuyer? One of the things that you're going to do right out of the gate when you get under contract is called a home inspector. And if you don't know one, you're probably going to get one from your real estate agent. But what does a home inspector do and why do you need one and why it might be different for inspecting a primary home versus an investment property with a different intention? I brought along Andrew Sams, who I absolutely adore, very well-respected, well-known here in the Denver Metro and up in Evergreen. And he wanted to talk a little bit about what you as a buyer could expect or should expect when you meet with an inspector. He does own Alpine Building Performance, in case you want to look him up. Andrew, what should a buyer be asking you, or what can they expect?

This is only one session from the outstanding series of presentations during the Fairway Economic and Housing Summit on December 17. The full event featured presentations by the following. You can watch the replays on YouTube here:
Barry & Dan HabibDave Stevens Ivy ZelmanChris WhalenRob ChrismanMike FratantoniModerated by Nicole Rueth, Sarah Middleton, and Peter Beanland.
Follow along with this presentation from Ivy Zelman. (PDF)

Three tips here: Good Buy or Goodbye, Making Money in Your Sleep, and Interest Rates Aren't Why It's Time To Buy - Building Equity Is.
When someone asks, “Is this property a good buy?” Or  “Should I be saying goodbye and invest elsewhere?”  It’s not as easy as giving a quick yes or no. Most of the time there's not a straightforward answer because each person is starting from a different place have different long term or short term goals. So what is a great property for one isn't necessarily the best for someone else.

With a positive highlight from this year being consistent low-interest rates, you may not realize how your home is working for you already. You may be making money in your sleep. And if you haven't purchased a home yet or refinanced the one you want to stay in, this is the time.  Align yourself with an experienced Realtor so they can help you realize your dream of owning real estate, or making more money in equity from the property you already own.