Real Estate Investment Advice

Although analytical activities—which include evaluating markets, scouting neighborhoods, and crunching numbers—form the basis of every real estate investment, they do not represent the totality of what is required to be a successful investor. Beyond numerical literacy and business acumen, effective real estate investors must also be attuned to their own and others’ psychological makeup. This encompasses aspects such as decision-making, risk tolerance, and emotional influences. For example, what prompts an investor to make—or not to make—a purchase decision? What is most important to an investor, seller, or tenant during the acquisition, selling, or leasing process? What does that say about […]

If you’ve spent any time researching real estate investments, you’ve likely run across the term ‘turnkey’ more than once. But what does it mean? We want to say there’s one hard and fast definition, but this term has come to mean a few different things within the Real Estate Investment space. We’ll break down the differences between common uses of this term so you’ll always know what you’re buying into. Lower-Case “t” Turn-Key Many people use the word ‘turnkey’ to refer to any rehabbed and tenant-ready property. Here, ‘turnkey’ is used as an adjective to describe the property’s condition. We […]

After 2022, housing experts and economists made definitive forecasts about the 2023 housing market. They predicted a potential economic recession, a pullback in mortgage rates, an increase in housing inventory, and a leveling off—or even negative growth—in home prices. In essence, many anticipated a shift towards a buyer’s market. But twelve months later, the reality of the housing market bore little resemblance to those earlier predictions. The economy avoided the much-anticipated recession, mortgage rates climbed to a 23-year high, and home prices increased by a record 4.8% in October 2023. Meanwhile, housing inventory remained critically low, with the market recording […]

The Landscape of Interest Rates Over the past year, interest rates have been on the rise. For investors, this translates to a more challenging landscape. A best-case scenario for a 20% down payment hovers around 8%. However, it’s essential to recognize that low rates come at the cost of points, especially for properties at a $150,000 price point. As property prices increase, the variability in interest rates becomes even more pronounced. The Forward Commitment Spartan Invest has introduced a forward commitment option that revolutionizes how investors secure financing at a 30-year fixed interest rate. Historically, these offers have only been […]

Take a glance at today’s headlines, and you’ll be inundated with stories about rising mortgage rates and surging home prices. All of this is true—interest rates are the highest they’ve been in more than 20+ years, and homes across the country are more expensive now than ever before. Despite these challenges, real estate remains a popular investment choice among American adults. A poll conducted by Gallup in April 2023 showed that 34% of respondents named real estate as the best long-term investment—above gold (26%), stocks and mutual funds (18%), savings accounts and certificates of deposit (13%), and bonds (7%). Although […]

In an environment marked by rising digital transactions and complex regulations, the real estate industry faces heightened risks of fraud, with the FBI reporting nearly $400 million in losses in 2022 alone. However, investors can safeguard their transactions and properties by gaining a comprehensive understanding of real estate contracts and laws, which equips them to counter threats from bad actors and frivolous lawsuits effectively. Legal Considerations Before Buying a Real Estate Investment Property Land Use Laws and Zoning RegulationsBefore you go under contract on a particular property, ensure that you understand the local land development laws and zoning regulations that […]

A home inspection is a critical step in the purchasing process of a long term investment property. It provides you with a detailed assessment of certain central factors related to a home’s value. As an investor, you want to do your due diligence, but you may not know what is and what isn’t relevant in a home inspection.  By focusing on the high-level issues that really impact the value of your home, a home inspection should give you insights into a rental property and its long-term potential. It can also provide you with necessary data you need to continue your […]

The real estate market has always been a magnet for investors because of its potential for significant returns. However, with potential rewards come potential risks. Understanding the real estate cycle is the key to maximizing the rewards and mitigating the risks. This comprehensive guide delves deep into this cycle, its origins, and its phases and explains how savvy investors can leverage its predictable patterns to their advantage. A Historical Glimpse into the Real Estate Cycle The concept of the real estate cycle isn’t new. Its roots trace back to nearly a century ago when analysts began observing patterns and trends […]

Investing in turnkey rental properties offers distinct advantages that are hard to find in other investments. Explore the benefits of investing in single family turnkey properties, a strategy offering stability, appreciation, and diversification. Learn how Spartan Invest’s turnkey real estate offerings can help you become a successful real estate investor. 1. Cash Flow – Stability and Growth Real estate stands out as one of the only investments that can begin to produce cash flow from day one. Unlike stocks and bonds, rents hardly ever decrease over time, and in fact, they often increase with market trends. This means that as […]