Investment tips

These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month.

Here are 20 things you can start doing today to lower your bills, secure better deals, and begin working toward your financial goals.

1. Refinance Your Mortgage - For prime borrowers, mortgage rates are at or near historic lows. Depending on your current mortgage rate and the terms you choose, refinancing could save you a sizable amount on your monthly payments. There are fees and closing costs associated with

Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications.
Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.1

But one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the opportunity to build wealth over time. Researchers at the Urban Institute found that homeownership is financially beneficial for most families,2 and a recent study showed that the median net worth of homeowners can be up to 80 times greater than that of renters in some areas.3

So how does purchasing a home help you build wealth?

Boca Raton is a Hub for Empty Nesters and Here’s Why

If you’re at the Gen X age or a boomer, you may be thinking about downsizing your country club or single-family home. Empty nesters are flocking to Boca Raton creating a hub for people just like you. However, there may be some hidden expenses you aren’t thinking about which are outlined in this blog. Another reason you need to read this is to find out why our Palm Beach County city is a hub for those looking to buy property because of lifestyle changes.

Scenario: The kids are married or moved away to college and don’t plan on coming back. Once full, that 5-bedroom with 6-bathroom home seems a waste of space. A smaller space seems more practical. You’re among many people that fit into this life

Technology is changing the way we do almost everything, and real estate transactions are no exception. In fact, a new crop of tech companies wants to revolutionize the way we buy and sell homes.

iBuyer startups like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Properly are rapidly expanding into new territories, and now established players, like Zillow, are starting to get in on the action. Also known as Direct Buyers, these companies use computer algorithms to provide sellers with a quick cash offer to buy their home.

While the actual market share of iBuyers remains small, their big advertising budgets have helped create a noticeable buzz in the industry. This has left many of our clients curious about them and how they work.

In this article, we explain their

Boca Raton Luxury Home Investment 101

While the real estate market continues to heed some decent results with low rates, newer homebuyers are still thinking about investing. Since many of the millennials and some 1st time home buyers are seeking affordable solutions for buying a home, the luxury market seems to be more impressive when looking to share the expense with a friend. This article describes the least you need to know about investing in a luxury condo with a friend and is titled “Boca Raton Luxury Home Investment 101”.

Millennials Are Buying More Expensive Homes and Partnering with Friends

According to Realtor.com, their Q1 Generational Propensity Report, Millennials are taking on more jumbo mortgages than the Baby Boomers. While that

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t try to buy or sell a home during the fall and winter months.

This is generally considered the “offseason” in real estate. Many sellers mistakenly believe that the cold weather will keep buyers away and that no one is looking over the holidays. Unfortunately, many real estate professionals perpetuate this myth by advising their clients to “wait until the spring” to list their home.

The truth is, homes are bought and sold year round. And while the market is typically quieter during the fall and winter, savvy buyers and sellers know how to use this slow down to their advantage. In fact, depending on your circumstances, now may be the ideal time for you to purchase or list a home.

If you’re in the market

No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if disaster strikes.

A homeowners insurance policy covers your home—as well as the belongings in it—in case of theft, accidental damage, or certain natural disasters. In fact, most financial institutions require that you purchase homeowners insurance before they issue a mortgage. While coverage varies, most policies also help to protect you from liability should someone outside your household become injured on your property. And

The residential rental market is now the fastest-growing segment of the housing market. In the United States, the demand for single-family rentals, defined as either detached homes or townhouses, has risen 30 percent in the past three years.1 And in Canada, rental units now account for nearly one-third of the country’s homes, with particular demand for multi-family units, including apartments and condominiums.2

At the same time, the short-term, or vacation, rental market is also booming. The popularity of online marketplaces like Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO has helped the short-term rental market become one of the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry.3

Now, more than ever, there is an abundance of opportunity for real estate investors.

Top Reasons Why Buying a Second Home May Be Just What You’re Needing

The city of Boca Raton is a place many have called home for decades. Both ‘snowbirds’ and full-time residents have found this to be the ideal location for investing in property. However, our focus will be on buying a secondary or winter piece of property and what you should be aware of when it comes to your reasoning. While many of our residents find this awesome Palm Beach County town to be the optimal area, others may need to have some guidance. Read on to find out more.

Consider Your Long-Term Goals First

It’s almost commonplace for tourists and visitors who have vacationed in Boca Raton, to want to live here. With a flourishing economy, plenty of entertainment, shopping

Home improvement tips and tricks to help sell your home

If you find yourself pondering ideas found in places like Better Homes and Garden or some other home improvement magazine, then this article might inspire you. Even those living in a luxury property will find these useful tips that can turn a room from ‘ho-hum’ by giving the WOW factor! These features may also capture a buyer for your house or condominium who’s looking for unique interior decor. Read on to learn more.

Curb Appeal Tip –

Use art to impress your next buyer. Since first impressions are lasting, take into consideration how new homeowners view your property? A house or condo that is lacking in aesthetics will set the pace for the rest of the estate. Using your space to create