Where Real Estate Investing and Speculation Collide
Some uninformed folks would describe someone who rehabs distressed property as a "speculator" or even a "property speculator." Don't be fooled! There is a VAST CHASM of difference between rehabbing and property speculation.Let me explain. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of speculation ... more...

If Real Estate Investment Is So Great, Why Doesn't Everyone Do It?
Oh, that's an easy one. I can answer that in one word. FEAR.Real estate investment is a great way to change just about everything in your life, but it's one of those things where doing it for the FIRST time is the toughest. In fact, the second is exponentially easier!It's fear folks, plain and ... more...

Real Estate Investing: Beware of "Subject To" Promises
Another real estate writer's mini course, full of promises and fluff, ended with a "lesson" on why you need to buy his book so you can finance multiple properties "subject to." The reason, he said, "because banks won't let you finance more than ten mortgages."This simply isn't true.First, banks let ... more...

Home Equity Dont Spend It on Risky Investments
The housing market has exploded in the last five years, and homeowners are finding that the equity in their homes is greater than it has ever been. The equity in a home is the difference between the market value of the home and the amount still owed on it. As home prices increase, so does the ... more...

Reducing Debt Before It's Too Late - How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Creeping Debt
Reducing debt usually isn't a high priority for people until they have already gotten into trouble with overspending. Using a few basic guidelines, and debt calculations, can help you see when your debt load is getting into the danger zone.Budgeting GuidelinesCreditors use budgeting guidelines when ... more...

What if Real Estate Prices Always Went Up?
What if your house always increased in value and you did not have to worry about a downturn in the economy or housing bubble burst? What if you were not worried about your homes equity becoming negative and you being upside down in value to your borrowed amount?What if you did not have to worry ... more...

Securing the Best International Mortgage for Your Home in Spain
Are you one of a growing number of people planning on buying a holiday home in Spain?Or have you decided to expatriate, buy a Spanish home and live in it permanently?If so, you may be about to begin your hunt for an international mortgage to purchase real estate abroadThe task of finding the best ... more...

Investing in Real Estate Profitably: Eliminating the Need for Mortgage Insurance
In an earlier article, we presented various options for ensuring that you have positive cash flow when holding rental houses, by minimizing loan payments. One problem which we now can address is to how to eliminate the need for paying mortgage insurance. Any loan with less than 20% down payment ... more...

The Top 5 Things You Must Know Before Applying for a Mortgage
Youve been thinking about buying your own home for quite a long time, and now youre ready to take the plunge. Youve been saving money for a down payment, and you know the next step is preparing to apply for a mortgage.But where do you start?Here are the top 5 things you need to know before ... more...

Refinancing Your House? Time is Money With Mortgage Refinance
Timing is everything at least thats what most folks would have us believe. But the reality of the situation is that it is often impossible to time financial moves to correspond with the financial markets.With that said, it is important to look at refinancing as a tool to help you reach your ... more...