Retire Without Rent

If you want to retire without rent, you need to start planning your mortgage now. We’ve compiled some stats about retirement age incomes and developed a formula to ensure anybody can go into their golden years with equity under their belt and bills off their minds.

Retirement age is 65. The average social security payout per month is $1,180.80. The average 401k at the time of retirement is just north of $100,000 as of 2015, meaning there’s a monthly payout of roughly $270.77. Unfortunately the average mortgage payment in the U.S. is $1,061. That’s almost the entirety of an retiree’s expected $1,451.57 monthly income.

The average age for a first time home buyer is 31, and the average income is $61,800. So if you buy a house at 31 and get a 30 year fixed rate mortgage, that still leaves you 4 years for unforeseen circumstances and major upgrades. Then you can retire at 65 with equity and no debts!

Do You Know the Real Cost of Renting vs. Buying?

Some Highlights:

• Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a close decision.
• Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (30%), vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15%), the choice becomes obvious.
• Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you could use your housing costs to own a home of your own! 

Why Do Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others?

Have you ever wondered why some homes sell faster than others? Discover real estate secrets to help your home fly off the market!

Home Improvement Projects to Avoid

If you know you're going to stay in your home until you retire, you can pretty much improve to your heart's content. But the average home owner moves once every seven years. Many make the mistake of undertaking expensive improvements they can't recoup when it comes time to sell. In terms of market value, you will benefit more from having a home that is comparable in price or slightly below the other homes in your neighborhood. This leaves room for appreciation to strengthen your investment over time and you won't be dropping money into pricey renovations that buyers will ignore when it comes time for you to sell. This is especially true if the value of homes in your neighborhood is dropping.

Pros & Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Is a tankless hot water heater the best choice for your home? Get the info you need to make the right decision.

Financial Freedom Friday

Kitchen of The Week

The first thing you'll notice about this Kitchen of the Week is the cabinetry. They are a great tone and they provide so much storage space! Any potential homebuyer would be impressed with a kitchen like this. Plus, the stainless steel appliances and unique backsplash only add to the great style.

What do you think of this living room? I love the exposed wooden beams, hardwoods, and wood-burning fireplace. 

When Is a Good Time to Rent? Not Now!

People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home. No one ever asks when a good time to rent is. However, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent. The Census Bureau recently released their third quarter median rent numbers. Here is a graph showing rent increases from 1988 until today:
As you can see, rents have steadily increased and are showing no signs of slowing down. If you are faced with the decision of whether you should renew your lease or not, you might be pleasantly surprised at your ability to buy a home of your own instead.

Bottom Line

One way to protect yourself from rising rents is to lock in your housing expense by buying a home. If you are ready and willing to buy, meet with a local real estate professional who can help determine if you are able to today!

4 Reasons to Buy Your Dream Home This Winter

As the temperature in many areas of the country starts to cool down, you might think that the housing market will do the same. This couldn't be further from the truth! Here are 4 reasons you should consider buying your dream home this winter instead of waiting for spring!

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic's latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.2% over the next year. The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates are Projected to Increase

Your monthly housing cost is as much related to the price you pay for your home as it is to the mortgage interest rate you secure. Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage are currently at 4.08%. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by this time next year. An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home.

3. Either Way You're Paying a Mortgage

There are some renters who have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either yours or your landlord's. As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of 'forced savings' that allows you to have equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity. Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you?

4. It's Time to Move on with Your Life

The 'cost' of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise. But what if they weren't? Would you wait? Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide whether it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.

If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.

Thinking of Selling? Don't Overlook an Outdated Kitchen, Buyers Won't

If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don't overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed "7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation," in which they warned:

"Dated kitchens--just like bathrooms--are a major barrier for resale. Buyers want modern amenities and styling, and most aren't interested in renovating post-purchase."

Kitchen remodels can be pricey, with many complete remodels costing $20,000 or more. But not every kitchen needs a full remodel. There are many smaller projects that will help buyers see themselves trying their favorite Pinterest recipe in your home! Here are a couple of project ideas that, if you're handy or know someone who is, could end up boosting your home's value without breaking the bank:

• Are the cabinets in good shape but need an update? A new coat of paint and some updated hardware will instantly freshen up the space and drastically change the feel of the room all for under $300.
• A new backsplash to match the freshly painted cabinets updates the space and adds some style while staying under $200, depending on the size of the room.
• If the kitchen seems dark, consider adding LED under cabinet lighting for around $40.
• If replacing the countertops in the kitchen isn't within your budget, consider using a top coat to cover the current countertops.

If you decide to complete a full remodel of your outdated kitchen, you can expect a 67% return on a $30,000 upgrade (the national median cost). The benefits of a kitchen remodel aren't purely financial, according to Houselogic:

"Eighty-two percent of homeowners said their updated kitchen gave them a greater desire to be at home, and 95% were happy or satisfied with the result."

Bottom Line

Kitchens and bathrooms are often make or break for buyers when touring a home or searching through photo galleries online. Consult a local real estate professional who can help you identify which small projects could pay off big!

A Lack of Listings Remains 'Huge' Challenge in the Market

The housing crisis is finally in the rearview mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures & short sales) are at their lowest mark in over 8 years. This has been, and will continue to be, a great year for real estate. However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer traffic and demand continues to be the strongest it has been in years. The supply of homes for sale has not kept up with this demand and has driven prices up in many areas as buyers compete for their dream home. Traditionally, the winter months create a natural slowdown in the market. Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at realtor.com, points to low interest rates as one of the many reasons why buyers are still out in force looking for a home of their own.

"Overall, the fundamental trends we have been seeing all year remain solidly in place as we enter the traditionally slower sales season, and pent-up demand remains substantial as buyers seek to get a home under contract while rates remain so low."

NAR's Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, points out that the inventory shortage we are currently experiencing isn't a new challenge by any means:

"Inventory has been extremely tight all year and is unlikely to improve now that the seasonal decline in listings is about to kick in. Unfortunately, there won't be much relief from new home construction, which continues to be grossly inadequate in relation to demand."

Bottom Line

Healthy labor markets and job growth have created more and more buyers who are not just ready and willing to buy but are also able to. If you are debating whether or not to put your home on the market this year, now is the time to take advantage of the demand in the market.

The Truth About Housing Affordability

From a purely economic perspective, this is one of the best times in American history to buy a home. Black Night Financial Services discusses this in their most recent Monthly Mortgage Monitor. Here are two of the report's revelations:

1. The average U.S. home value increased by $13,500 from last year, but low interest rates have kept the monthly principal & interest payment needed to purchase a median-priced home almost equal to one year ago.
2. Home affordability still remains favorable compared to long-term historic norms.

The report explains:

"Even though the value of the average home in the U.S. increased by about $13,500 over the last year, thanks to declining interest rates it actually costs almost exactly the same in principal and interest each month to purchase as it did this time last year. Even taking into account the fact that affordability can vary - sometimes significantly - across the country based upon the different rates of home price appreciation we're seeing, that's a pretty incredible balancing act between interest rates and home prices at the national level... Right now, it takes 20 percent of the median monthly income to cover monthly payments on the median-priced home, which is well below historical norms." However, the report warns that affordability will be dramatically impacted by an increase in mortgage rates. "A half-point increase in interest rates would be equivalent to a $17,000 jump in the average home price, and bring that ratio to 21.5 percent. This increase is still below historical norms, but puts more pressure on homebuyers."

Bottom Line

If you are ready and willing to purchase a home of your own, find out if you're able to. Now is a great time to jump in.

Getting ready to sell? Move your property fast – and for the highest price possible – with these affordable tricks. These easy changes will make your home more attractive to potential buyers, and you can start at any stage in the selling process. timgrissett.com

Bathrooms!

What do you think of this Stunning Victorian bathroom with white subway tile, beautiful Moroccan tiles along the floor and shower, stainless steel oversized shower head and a metallic freestanding tub???

Still a ways away from buying, but want to be responsible? No matter your timeline, these tips will help every aspiring homeowner get ready…

Buying is Now 37.7% Cheaper Than Renting in the US

The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 17.4% less expensive in Honolulu (HI), all the way up to 53.2% less expensive in Miami & West Palm Beach (FL), and 37.7% nationwide!

Other interesting findings in the report include:

• Interest rates have remained low, and even though home prices have appreciated around the country, they haven't greatly outpaced rental appreciation.
• Home prices would have to appreciate by a range of over 23% in Honolulu (HI), up to over 45% in Ventura County (CA), to reach the tipping point of renting being less expensive than buying.
• Nationally, rates would have to reach 9.1%, a 145% increase over today's average of 3.7%, for renting to be cheaper than buying. Rates haven't been that high since January of 1995, according to Freddie Mac.

Bottom Line

Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, let's get together to help you find your dream home.

Dear Investors: Highly Recommended Reading

Demystify the process of evaluating, acquiring, and managing rental property and becoming a landlord with "Buy It, Rent It, Profit!: Make Money As a Landlord in Any Real Estate Market"