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Investing in a Volatile Market: Strategies to Succeed

It’s no secret that the current market is incredibly volatile. Prices are bouncing all over the place, and it can be hard to know what’s the right thing to do when it comes to investing in your future. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the strategies you can use when investing in a volatile market, as well as some common mistakes people make during times like these.

So whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, read on for some valuable insights!

what happens during periods of market volatility?

During periods of market volatility, prices tend to go up and down rapidly, making it hard to predict which way the market will move next. This can be a scary time for investors, as there is always the possibility of losing money. However, it’s important to remember that market volatility is normal and happens every few years.

When the stock market is volatile and inflation is on the rise, it can be difficult to know how to protect your investments. But there are some strategies you can use to help safeguard your portfolio.

Remember, there’s no “right” approach for everyone!  The best strategy for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor so you can figure out a plan that works for you.

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the top 6 strategies investors can use during a period of market instability

1. Diversify your Portfolio

One of the best ways to protect your investments during a volatile market is to diversify your portfolio.

It means investing in a variety of different asset types, including stocks, bonds, and cash. This will help to mitigate your risk if one particular asset class starts to decline. It also means investing in a variety of geographies and investing in products.

As an example, your portfolio may include a combination of stocks from different sectors, such as healthcare, tech, and finance, bonds with different maturity dates, or different countries, like Canada, the US, and Europe.

2. Consider Alternative Investments 

Alternative investments can be a good way to diversify your portfolio and protect against inflation. Some examples include real estate trusts, commodities, and hedge funds.

3. Stay disciplined with your investing

It can be tempting to try to time the market during periods of volatility. Often, investors will veer off course in search of a great deal. However, this can be a recipe for disaster. The best way to approach investing during a volatile market is to stick to your investment plan and refrain from making impulsive decisions.  Investing longer periods of time, years rather than months helps even out the ups and downs of the market, and realize market growth over the longer term.

4. Review your investment mix

As market conditions change, so should your investment mix. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio will help ensure that your investments are properly diversified and aligned with your goals. This means selling off assets that have increased in value and buying more of the assets that have lost value.

By doing this, you ensure that your portfolio stays diversified and aligned with your investment.

For example, if you’re close to retirement, you may want to adjust your portfolio to be more conservative. On the other hand, if you have a longer time horizon, you may be able to weather the ups and downs of the market and take on a bit more risk.

5. Be prepared for market corrections

A market correction is when the stock market experiences a sharp decline. These declines are often seen as a normal part of the market cycle. However, they can be difficult to stomach if you’re not prepared for them. Learning how to ride out a market correction will help you stay the course when your investments start to decline.

6. Try dollar-cost averaging

This involves investing a fixed amount of money into security or securities at regular intervals. By buying these securities over time, you’ll be able to average out the price and reduce your overall risk. This technique can help smooth out the ups and downs of the market.

With these tips, you (and your investment portfolio) will be better prepared to handle any periods of economic instability!

here are the 10 mistakes to avoid when investing during a period of market VOLATILITY

1. don't try to time the market

People often do this when they think the market is about to crash and they want to sell before it does. But no one can predict the future, so this strategy is often unsuccessful. If your timing is wrong, you could lose a lot of money or miss out on a rebound.

2. Don't invest everything at once

When the market is volatile, it’s often best to invest gradually over time. This way, you’ll be able to average out the price and reduce your overall risk.

3. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

As we mentioned above, diversification is key when the market is volatile. By investing in a variety of asset types and classes, you’ll be able to reduce your risk.

4. don't panic

It can be tempting to sell everything when the market is crashing, but this is often the worst thing you can do. If you sell too quickly, you’ll likely miss out on the rebound. Through diversification and smart portfolio management, you’ll be better prepared to avoid the dreaded “panic sell” mentality.

5. don't try to guess the bottom

A lot of people think they can predict when the market will hit rock bottom and start to rebound. But again, this is often unsuccessful. If you wait too long to buy, you could miss out on a lot of gains.

6. Don't get emotional about your investments

It’s important to remember that investments are just that – investments. They go up and down, and you need to be prepared for both. Getting too attached to your investments can cloud your judgement and lead to bad decisions.

7. don't forget about the fees

When the market is volatile, every penny counts. Be sure to check how much you’re paying in fees and expenses. These can eat into your returns and add up over time.

8. I’m factor in your taxes

When you sell investments for a profit, you’ll likely owe capital gains taxes. Be sure to factor this in when making decisions about when to sell.

9. always stick to comfortable levels of risk

Just because the market is volatile doesn’t mean you should take on more risk than you’re comfortable with. Be sure to stay within your risk tolerance levels and don’t make impulsive decisions based on market fluctuations.

10. don't forget about your goals

When making investment decisions, it’s important to keep your long-term goals in mind. Don’t let the market dictate your decisions. Stick to your plan and stay the course.

The more you hold onto your long-term investment vision, the less likely you’ll be swayed by short-term market fluctuations.

Although it seems simple, keeping these strategies in mind will help you feel more secure as you invest and grow wealth for your future (especially when the market becomes unpredictable)!

Investing during periods of market volatility can be difficult, but there are some strategies you can use to help reduce your risk. By diversifying your investments, using dollar-cost averaging, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be in a better position to weather the storm.

By staying diversified, investing gradually, and focusing on your long-term goals, you’ll be well on your way to success.

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in BuyProperly, Editorial, Latest News, Thought Leadership Posted by wpengine

What Is Bad Credit?

Bad credit refers to a person’s history of not paying bills on time, as well as the possibility that they would do so in the future. A bad credit score is frequently the result. Companies can also have bad credit if their payment history and current financial status are not in good standing.

Because they are deemed riskier than other borrowers, a person (or company) with negative credit will find it difficult to borrow money, especially at competitive interest rates. This is true of all forms of loans, including both secured and unsecured ones, but the latter has some options.

Understanding Bad Credit

Most people who have ever borrowed money or applied for a credit card have a credit file with one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. The information in those files is used to calculate their credit score, which is a figure that serves as an indication to their creditworthiness and includes how much money they owe and whether they pay their payments on time. The FICO score, named after the Fair Isaac Corporation, is the most widely used credit score in the United States.

  1. 35%—payment history. This is given the most importance. It simply shows whether the person with the FICO score has paid their payments on time. Even a few days late can count, yet the longer the payment is late, the worse it is viewed.
  2. 30%—total amount an individual owes. Mortgages, credit card balances, vehicle loans, any bills in collections, court judgments, and other debts fall under this category. The person’s credit usage ratio, which compares how much money they have available to borrow (such as total credit card limits) to how much they owe at any given time, is ‌essential. A high credit usage ratio (say, greater than 20% or 30%) can be interpreted as a red flag and result in a worse credit score.
  3. 15%—length of a person’s credit history.
  4. 10%—mix of credit types. Mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit cards are all examples of this.
  5. 10%—new credit. This includes any jobs or internships that someone has recently started or applied for.
Examples of Bad Credit

FICO scores range from 300 to 850 and debtors with scores of 579 or lower are typically considered having poor credit. 

Fair is described as a score between 580 and 669. These borrowers are significantly less likely to default on loans, making them far less hazardous to lend to than individuals with poor credit scores. However, consumers in this range may incur higher interest rates or have difficulty obtaining loans than borrowers with credit scores closer to the top 850.

How to Improve Bad Credit

There are things you may take if you have low credit (or fair credit) to raise your credit score above 669 and keep it there. Here are some pointers on how to do just that.

Set Up Automatic Online Payments

Do this for all of your credit cards and loans, or at the very least, sign up for the lenders’ email or text reminder lists. This will ensure that you pay at least the monthly minimum on time.

Pay Down Credit Card Debt

Whenever workable, pay more than the minimum payment due. Set a reasonable payback target and strive toward it over time. Paying more than the minimum due will help you increase your credit score if you have a lot of total credit card debt.

Check Interest Rate Disclosures

These disclosures are provided by credit card accounts. Concentrate on paying off the debts with the highest interest rates first. This will free up the most money, which you can then use to pay down other obligations with lower interest rates.

Keep Unused Credit Card Accounts Open

Keep your unused credit card accounts open. Also, don’t create any new accounts that you don’t require. Either action has the potential to harm your credit score.

If you’re having trouble getting a conventional credit card because of your bad credit, consider applying for a secured credit card. It works in the same way as a bank debit card in that you can only spend the amount you have on the deposit. Having a secured card and making timely payments on it can help you rehabilitate your credit and eventually qualify for a regular card if you have a low credit history. It’s also a wonderful approach for young individuals to build their credit history.

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in BuyProperly, Editorial, Thought Leadership Posted by wpengine

How to Invest in Real Estate with Little Money

options are still available

It’s true, you can absolutely purchase property with little or no money available. How? By using some of the following creative financing techniques.

Before we dive in, have you considered fractional real estate investing? This is a new, but very attainable way to invest in real estate.

Why alternative forms of real estate investing are becoming more popular

In recent years, alternative forms of real estate investing have become more popular with investors who are looking to buy a property with little or no money down. This is because traditional forms of financing, such as bank loans, are becoming harder to obtain.

With house prices rising across Canada and the United States, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult for people to “buy in” to the real estate market.

To purchase an investment property, most lenders require a 20-30% down payment. This could be anywhere from $20,000 up to $200,000 or more just for a single-family, residential property!

On top of land transfer taxes, surveys, inspections, and lawyer’s fees, these expenses are enough to push many investors out of the market.

Ongoing real estate expenses
Aside from your down payment and closing costs, investing in real estate also comes with monthly expenses. These include:
  • Insurance
  • Property taxes
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Condo and management fees
  • Mortgage payments + interest
  • Rental and vacancy expenses
  • Ongoing property management

This means that investors need to set aside even more money to handle monthly expenses that come up. Is it possible to invest in real estate without having a large amount of capital available? Absolutely. Let’s explore some of the most common ways to invest in real estate with little money.

Fractional investing

 

Fractional investing is a newer concept that’s gained popularity in recent years. It allows investors to pool their money together to purchase a share of an investment property.

This type of investment is often made through a real estate crowdfunding platform, which connects investors with developers who are looking to finance their projects.

With fractional investing, you can spread your investment amount over multiple properties, which also helps to mitigate risk and increase your diversification.

It’s also a great way to get started in real estate investing with little money as you can typically invest as little as $2500.

Seller financing

 

Another option for investors looking to buy a property with little money down is seller financing.

With this type of financing, the seller agrees to act as the bank and provide you with a mortgage. This could be in the form of an interest-only loan or a balloon payment loan.

Seller financing can be a great option for both buyers and sellers. The buyer gets to purchase the property with little money down and the seller gets their asking price for the property.

REITs

 

REITs, or real estate investment trusts, are another way to invest in real estate without having to put down a large amount of money. REITs are companies that own and manage income-producing properties, such as office buildings, shopping malls, apartments, and warehouses.

REITs are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold just like any other stock. This makes them a liquid investment, which is ideal for investors who want to cash out quickly if needed.

Since REITs are traded on stock exchanges, they also offer the potential for growth through capital appreciation.

The downside of investing in REITs is that they’re subject to the ups and downs of the stock market. This means that your investment could lose value if the stock market declines. In addition, there are fees associated with owning a REIT and you often don’t have any transparency about the properties that you are investing in.

Lease-options

 

A lease option is another creative way to invest in real estate with little money down. With a lease option, you agree to lease a property from the owner for a set period.

The length of the lease will depend on the agreement between the buyer and seller, but it’s typically 1-5 years.
During the lease period, the buyer has the option to purchase the property, but they’re not obligated to do so.

Lease options are a great way to get into a property without having to put down a large amount of money. The downside is that you’re not guaranteed to purchase the property at the end of the lease period.

Wraparound mortgages

 

A wraparound mortgage is another financing option for investors looking to buy a property with little money down. With a wraparound mortgage, the buyer agrees to make payments on the existing loan and takes over responsibility for the property.

The buyer then charges their own tenant a higher rent amount and uses that money to make the monthly payments on the mortgage.

Wraparound mortgages can be a great way to get into a property with little money down, but they’re not without risk. If the tenant doesn’t pay their rent on time, the investor could be responsible for making the mortgage payments.

House hacking

 

House hacking is a strategy that allows investors to live in the property they’re purchasing while renting out the other rooms to tenants.

This is a great way to get started in real estate investing as it allows you to live in the property while someone else helps to pay the mortgage.

House hacking can be done with any type of property, but it’s most commonly done with multifamily properties, such as duplexes and triplexes.

The downside of house hacking is that it can be a lot of work. The investor is responsible for finding tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining the property.

Subject-to properties

 

A subject-to-property is a property that’s purchased with the existing mortgage in place.

With this type of purchase, the buyer takes over responsibility for making the monthly mortgage payments, but the seller remains on the hook for the loan.

Subject-to properties can be a great way to get into a property with little money down, but they’re not without risk. If the buyer stops making the mortgage payments, the property will go into foreclosure and the seller will be responsible for any deficiency.

Contract for deed

 

A contract for deed is an agreement between a buyer and seller that allows the buyer to purchase a property while making payments over time.

The buyer doesn’t take ownership of the property until the contract is paid in full.

Contracts for deeds are a great opportunity for buyers, but they’re not without risk. If the buyer stops making the payments, the seller can cancel the contract and evict the buyer from the property.

Joint ventures

 

A joint venture is an agreement between two or more people to work together on a specific project.

In the context of real estate investing, a joint venture is an agreement between two or more people to purchase a property and share in the profits.

Joint ventures are a great way to get into a property with little money down as they allow you to pool your resources with another person or group of people.

The downside of joint ventures is that they can be complex and there’s always the risk that one party will default on the agreement.

Crowdfunding

 

Crowdfunding is a way of raising money from a large group of people.

In the context of real estate investing, crowdfunding allows investors to pool their resources and invest in a property together. Although similar to a fractional model, crowdfunding focuses more on raising capital as opposed to investing in fractional shares of a property.

Crowdfunding platforms such as RealtyMogul and Fundrise make it easy for investors to get started in real estate with little money down.

The downside of crowdfunding is that it’s often a hands-off investment and you’re relying on the platform to manage the property.

Sweat equity

 

Sweat equity is the value of the work that you put into a property.

For example, if you purchase a fixer-upper and put in the time and effort to renovate it, your sweat equity would be the value of the renovations that you did.

Sweat equity can be a great way to get into a property with little money down since it opens up opportunities to get lower-priced properties with huge potential for appreciation. Keep in mind, if the property doesn’t appreciate in value or if the renovations take longer than expected, you could end up losing money on the deal.

Options

An option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a property at a set price within a certain period.

Options are a great way to get into a property with little money down as they allow you to control the property without having to put up all the cash for the purchase price.

The downside of options is that they can be complex and there’s always the risk that the property will decrease in value, leaving the buyer with an option that’s worth less than the purchase price.

There are several ways to get into real estate with little money down. 

The best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. If you’re looking for a hands-off investment, crowdfunding may be the way to go. If you’re willing to put in the work, a subject-to-property or a fixer-upper may be the best option. Fractional investing is a great option for people who want to own a piece of real estate without the headaches that come along with maintenance and management.

Whatever route you decide to take, do your research and understand the risks involved.
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in BuyProperly, Editorial, Thought Leadership Posted by wpengine

What Is Collateral?

what is collateral?

Collateral is a term used to describe an asset that a lender accepts as security for a loan. Depending on the purpose of the loan, collateral can be real estate or other types of assets. For the lender, the collateral serves as a type of insurance. If the borrower defaults on their loan payments, the lender can seize and sell the collateral to recoup some or all of their losses.

how collateral works

A lender wants to ensure that you’ll be able to repay the loan before giving it to you. As a result, many of them require some level of protection. Collateral is a type of security that reduces the risk for lenders and ensures that the borrower fulfills their financial obligations. If the borrower defaults, then the lender has the option to seize the collateral and sell it, with the proceeds going toward the unpaid amount of the loan. To reclaim any leftover balance, the lender can take legal action against the borrower. 

As previously stated, collateral can take many forms. It usually refers to the type of loan; for example, a mortgage is secured by the residence, but a car loan is secured by the vehicle in issue. Other assets can be used to secure non-specific personal loans. For example, a secured credit card can require a cash deposit equal to the credit limit, such as $500 for a $500 credit limit.

Collateral-backed loans often have lower interest rates than unsecured loans. A lien is a legal right or claim on an asset to satisfy a debt that a lender has on the collateral of a borrower. The borrower has a powerful incentive to repay the loan on time because, if they don’t, they risk losing their home or other collateralized assets.

types of collateral

The type of loan frequently determines the nature of the collateral. Your home becomes the collateral when you take out a mortgage. If you take out a car loan, the car becomes the loan’s collateral. Cars, bank savings deposits, and investment accounts are all frequent forms of collateral that lenders accept. In most cases, retirement accounts are not accepted as collateral.

Future paychecks can also be used as security for very short-term loans, not just payday loans. Traditional banks provide such loans, which are typically for a few weeks. Even if you have a true emergency, you should read the fine print and compare rates before taking out one of these short-term loans.

COLLATERALIZED PERSONAL LOANS

A collateralized personal loan is a type of borrowing in which the borrower pledges an object of value as security for the loan. The collateral must be worth at least as much as the loan amount. If you’re looking for a secured personal loan, your best bet is to go with a financial institution with which you already do business, especially if your collateral is your savings account. If you already have a relationship with the bank, it will be more likely to approve the loan and provide you with a reasonable interest rate.

Examples of collateral loans

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGES
A mortgage is a loan that uses your home as collateral. If a homeowner fails to pay their mortgage for more than 120 days, the loan company can initiate legal action, which could result in the lender taking possession of the home through foreclosure. The property might be sold to satisfy the remaining principal on the loan once it has been transferred to the lender.
HOME EQUITY LOANS
A home can also be used to secure a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). The loan amount will not exceed the available equity in this scenario. For example, if a home is worth $200,000 and the primary mortgage balance is $125,000, a second mortgage or HELOC will only be available for up to $75,000.
MARGIN TRADING
Margin trading also considers securitized loans. An investor uses the balance in his or her brokerage account as collateral to borrow money from a broker to gain shares. The loan increases the number of shares an investor can purchase, hence boosting the potential gains if the value of the shares rises. However, the risks are amplified as well. If the value of the shares drops, the broker will demand payment of the difference. If the borrower fails to cover the loss, the account acts as collateral.

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The Top 50 Real Estate Investment Books

If you’re a real estate investor (or thinking about becoming one) you know how important it is to equip yourself with knowledge- from webinars and courses to seminars and mentors, the options are endless!

But what you may not realize is that books can also be a powerful investment tool. In fact, there are plenty of great books out there on investing that can help you make smart choices with your money. To help you get started, here are the top 50 best real estate investment books, based on our experts’ recommendations. 

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to learn the ropes, these books will provide you with all the information you need to make smart decisions about where to put your money. 

So if you’re looking to boost your financial knowledge and invest smarter, be sure to check out this list of the best real estate investment books!

the top 50 best real estate investment books

 

1. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham: This book is considered the “bible” of value investing and is a must-read for anyone looking to get into this strategy.

2. “The Warren Buffett Way” by Robert G. Hagstrom: This book outlines Buffett’s unique investing philosophy and approach to building a successful portfolio.

3. “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller: This book is a comprehensive guide to real estate investing, covering everything from finding properties to financing and managing them.

4. “The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner: This book is a step-by-step guide to successful rental property investing, from finding the right property to screening tenants and managing your investment.

5. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Flipping Houses” by J. Scott: This book provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to flipping houses for profit, from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

6. “Build a Rental Property Empire” by Mark Ferguson: This book is a comprehensive guide to building a profitable rental property business, from finding the right properties to managing and scaling your business.

7. “The ABCs of Real Estate Investing” by Ken McElroy: This book is a great introduction to real estate investing, covering everything from the basics of property ownership to financing and taxation.

8. “The Real Estate Investor’s Bible” by William Bronchick: This book breaks down real estate investing, covering everything from finding properties to financing and closing deals.

9. “The Complete Guide to Flipping Properties” by Steve Chaderjian: This book is a step-by-step guide to flipping properties for profit, from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

10. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Financing” by Robert Shemin: This book is a comprehensive guide to financing real estate investments, from traditional loans to creative financing techniques.

11. “Investing in Real Estate” by Gary Eldred: This book is a great introduction to real estate investing, covering everything from the basics of property ownership to financing and taxation.

12. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Tax Deeds and Foreclosures” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great intoduction to investing in tax deeds and foreclosure properties, from finding the best deals to bidding at auction.

13. “The ABCs of Property Management” by Ken McElroy: This book is a great introduction to property management, covering everything from the basics of rentals and leases to marketing and maintaining your properties.

14. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Leasing” by Joel Singer: This book is a comprehensive guide to leasing real estate properties, from Negotiating the best terms to managing the tenancy.

15. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Business Plans” by Michael E. Gerber: This book covers everything you need to know about creating a business plan for your real estate investing business, from setting goals and objectives to outlining your marketing strategy.

16. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Residential Properties” by John T. Reed: This book is a comprehensive guide to investing in residential properties, from finding the best deals to financing and managing your investment.

17. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Commercial Properties” by John T. Reed: This book is all about investing in commercial properties, from office buildings to shopping centers.

18. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Economic Indicators” by Sam Khater: This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and using economic indicators to make better real estate investment decisions.

19. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Market Research” by Steve cook: This book is a great guide to market research for real estate investors, from finding the best markets to invest in and analyzing demographic trends.

20. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Property Management” by William Pivar: This book is an introduction to property management for real estate investors, from finding the best tenants to maintaining your properties.

21. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Financing Options” by James A. Banks: This book is a guide to financing options for real estate investors including both traditional loans and private lenders.

22. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Flipping Houses” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a step-by-step guide to flipping houses for profit, from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

23. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Negotiating” by Dean Graziosi: This book is a comprehensive guide to negotiating real estate deals including buying properties at a discount to getting the best terms on financing.

24. “The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner: This book is a great introduction to the ins and outs of rental property investing, from finding the best deals to managing your properties.

25. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Foreclosures” by Martin Welch: This book is a guide to investing in foreclosed properties including finding the best deals for repairing and selling them.

26. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Short Sales” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a great introduction to short-selling real estate properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

27. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Fix and Flips” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a step-by-step guide to fixing and flipping houses for profit and covers everything from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

28. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Rent-to-Own Properties” by Michael R. Lewis: This book is a great introduction to rent-to-own investing, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

29. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Wholesaling” by Than Merrill: This book is a guide to wholesaling real estate properties including finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

30. “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing” by David Greene: This book is a wonderful introduction to investing in real estate from a distance, from finding the best deals to working with local property managers.

31. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Incomplete Construction Projects” by James A. Banks: This book is a comprehensive guide to investing in incomplete construction projects, from finding the best deals to financing and managing your investment.

32. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Bank-Owned Properties” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great introduction to investing in bank-owned properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

54. “Build a Rental Property Empire” by Mark Ferguson: All about building a rental property empire including finding the best deals to managing your portfolio.

34. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Pre-foreclosures” by Jackie Beckham: This book is an introduction to investing in pre-foreclosure properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

35. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Online Marketing” by Than Merrill: This book is a comprehensive guide to online marketing for real estate investors, from creating a website to driving traffic and generating leads.

36. “Real Estate Riches” by Dolf de Roos: This book covers how to build wealth through real estate investing, from finding the best deals to creating a portfolio that will generate income.

37. “How to Be a Real Estate Investor” by Neil Weinberg:  This book is a great introduction to real estate investing for those who are new to the field. It includes information on finding the best deals and making your first investment.

38. “Investing in Real Estate” by Gary Wiltbank: A straightforward book about real estate investing, from finding the best deals to choosing the right properties.

39. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Cold Calling” by Dean Graziosi: This book is a great introduction to good, old-fashioned cold calling for real estate investors.

40. “How to Be a Real Estate Investor” by Neil Weinberg:  This book is a great introduction to real estate investing for those who are new to the field, from finding the best deals to making your first investment.

41. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to FSBOs” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a guide to investing in for-sale-by-owner properties.

42. “Real Estate: The Ultimate Wealth Builder?” by John Trew:  This book covers the pros and cons of real estate investing, from finding the best deals to deciding if it’s the right investment for you.

43. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Probates” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great introduction to investing in probate properties including finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

44. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Tax Deeds” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a great introduction to investing in tax deed properties, from finding the best deals to bidding at auction.

45. “Making Money in Real Estate” by Matthew Puttock: This book is a great introduction to real estate investing, from finding the best deals to making money through different investment strategies.

46. “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller: This book is a journey into the mindset of a successful real estate investor outlining Keller’s own journey to becoming a millionaire through real estate investing.

47. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Rent-to-Own Properties” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great introduction to investing in rent-to-own properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

48. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Lease Options” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a great introduction to investing in lease option properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

49. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Private Lenders” by Than Merrill: This book is a great introduction to raising private money for real estate investing, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

50. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Business Plans” by Michael R. Lewis: This book is a guide to creating a business plan for your real estate investing business, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

These are just some of the best real estate investment books out there. If you’re looking to get started in real estate investing, or if you’re already an experienced investor, these books can help you learn everything you need to know about building a profitable portfolio.

So what are you waiting for? Start reading and get started on your real estate investing journey today!

Looking for a low-cost, high-return option to start your real estate journey? Check out our latest campaign with BuyProperly, the Karma Candy Building, where you can invest with as low as $2,500 today.

in BuyProperly, Editorial, Thought Leadership Posted by wpengine

How Much Money Do You Need To Retire?

Surely you have made some plans for your next vacation, listed the locations, browsed the options and estimated the costs but have you considered saving for your retirement?

Most millennials might shrug it off as a stage that will appear in a few decades but that’s why you need to ask yourself a few questions – how much do you need to retire at 50/60 or 70?

How do you know if you are financially ready for retirement and how can you invest for the future without being stingy about your present.

You are not alone, 64% of Canadians think they won’t be able to save enough for their retirement. Yes, it is shocking but there is a cure – plan ahead and start investing your savings as soon as possible!

This article will help you determine how much money you need for retirement in Canada. We will also explain the benefits of investing early. Let’s get started.

How Much Money Do I Need To Retire?

Here are some questions to help you determine the retirement income you need:

  • When do I want to retire? – It’s simple math; the earlier you want to retire, the more you’ll have to save every year.However, things like life expectancy and general retirement age play a vital role in this equation. For instance, you might want to retire early at 50 but the average life expectancy is 75 years. In such a scenario, you will have to save 25 years’ worth of retirement funds.
  • Where do I want to live after retirement? – Whether you dream of spending your retirement by the beach or living in the city also determines how much you need. This is because the expenses needed to maintain the property where you live change according to the location.
  • What will my expenses be? – The general rule of thumb is that you will need 70-100% of your current income to maintain a similar lifestyle post-retirement. However, this can change based on the lifestyle you want to maintain in your retirement days.For example, you might want to slow down and live a simple life. In that case, you would need less than 70-100% of your current income.
  • How much income will I generate? – Perhaps the most critical question to answer is how much money you’ll be able to earn after retiring. Knowing this figure will help you stay prepared and develop a plan that caters to all your desires.

50% of millennials think they need $300,000 or less to retire in comfort. In reality, that figure could be much higher or much lower. The 70 percent replacement rate is a typical rule of thumb to estimate how much money they need for retirement.

Even then, it’s essential to always have more for emergencies and personal requirements because consistent investments of savings can give you the freedom and control to live life exactly how you want.

As per the Canadian Pension Plan(CPP), one of the Canadian citizens’ main retirement income programs, the average Canadian Pension Plan retirement payout person is approximately $8,500.

If you meet the CPP criteria, the maximum monthly payout for CPP that you can expect to earn is $1,203.75, whereas on average, the payout has been $736.58 in 2021.

While the retirement income generated through CPP helps increase your retirement funds, it’s not enough. Thus, it’s essential to plan for retirement without banking on the CPP income and using it as an emergency fund in case things don’t go as you had planned.

If you want a more specific figure based on your particular requirements, you can also consider using a retirement calculator. 

Why You Should Start Investing Early

While the figure might vary based on requirements and circumstances, you cannot rely entirely on your salary to save a substantial amount of money for retirement.

This is because one cannot build wealth merely by earning an income. Instead, to amass a significant amount of money, you need to make money work for you through active and passive investing.

When you start investing early, you can enjoy the following benefits:

  • Compounding – With the help of compounding, you can make your money grow faster as you earn interest on your savings and the interest that you’ve earned.
  • More savings – By investing early, you can develop a habit of saving more and investing your savings.The more you invest, the more returns you’re able to get in the future. Moreover, by developing the habit of saving, you can also learn how to cut down on unnecessary expenses and use those funds for investing.
  • Time value of money – The time value of money increases over a period as investing early leads to compounding returns. At the time of retirement, these early investments can reap huge benefits.
  • Understanding finances early – By investing early, you enter the world of finance at an early age and have more time to learn and improve your investment skills and knowledge.
  • Regular investments and Diversification – You don’t need to look for shortcuts to get rich quickly since you have time on your side.You can follow tried and tested practices such as portfolio diversification and investing regularly to build your wealth over decades.
  • More ability to take risks – When you start early, you don’t have much to lose. Hence, you’re able to make more risky investments, and as the old saying goes, ‘more the risk, more is the reward.’Thus, by taking more risks, you can also increase your chances of earning exponential returns.
  • Supporting your retirement plans – By saving for retirement from a young age and investing early, you also increase your chances of reaching financial stability when you’re young.Early investments will boost your retirement funds, and you’ll be able to lead a happier life post-retirement.

Conclusion

While ‘how much money do I need to retire’ is a simple question, the answer is quite complicated. When it comes to determining how much money is needed for retirement, no one size fits all.

As everyone has different needs and wishes, every retirement is not the same, and hence, it’s vital to plan accordingly.

Many millennials struggle to make sound financial decisions at an early age. If you’re looking to achieve your long-term financial goals to support your financial plans, feel free to contact info@buyproperly.com.

BuyProperly enables millennial investors to build their portfolios with the best real estate investment opportunities in a hassle-free and secure manner.

in Editorial, Thought Leadership Posted by wpengine
Plage Saint-Pierre Beach & Campground

Now you can invest in oceanfront real estate with as little as $1,000

Co-own a Nova Scotia beach destination through FrontFundr with Forge & Foster

Soaring real estate prices have locked many Canadians out of the market — and the wealth gains that come with ownership.

“For too long, real estate has been behind closed doors and not accessible to everyone,” says Joe Accardi, Partner & CEO of Forge & Foster. “We want to bring real estate to all Canadians, and FrontFundr is something that we’re really excited about.”

 

WHAT IS FRONTFUNDR?

FrontFundr is Canada’s leading online private markets investing platform and an exempt market dealer. 

Founded in Vancouver in 2013, the startup’s mission is to democratize the private sector investment model by offering companies an alternative to venture and private equity investing.

FrontFundr provides investors with the opportunity to invest in startups and growth companies. Their online platform allows all Canadians — from professionals to first-time investors —to support the ideas and initiatives they want to see succeed. 

 

 

The company has built up a community of over 34,000 users, run over 100 successful funding campaigns, and helped businesses raise more than $120 million so far.

“You might think you can only invest in Wealthsimple and public stocks, but you can also invest in early stage companies from the very beginning.”

“We’re missionaries to spread the word around equity crowdfunding, in general,” says Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, the founder and CEO of Silver Maple Ventures, FrontFundr’s parent company. “Creating awareness has been a huge job for our company in the last five years. You might think you can only invest in Wealthsimple and public stocks, but you can also invest in early stage companies from the very beginning.”

 

TELL ME ABOUT THE PROPERTY

The Plage Saint-Pierre Beach and Campground in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, sits on 2,500 feet of private beach along one of the province’s warmest bays.

The nearby Cabot Cape Breton Golf Club is a popular destination. Visitors also enjoy hiking, whale watching, berry picking, stargazing, kayaking, cycling, dining on fresh seafood and more.

The popular destination boasts quaint cabins, RV rentals, and sites for tents and RVs. However, there is plenty of opportunity for improvement and expansion.

Situated at the gateway of the world-famous Cape Breton Highlands National Park and just off the Cabot Trail, this real estate investment property is packed with potential. And Forge & Foster is ready to unlock that potential through its unparalleled expertise in real estate management. 

“Never before have people had the opportunity to invest in spectacular real estate like this, starting at just $1,000.”

Joe Accardi, Partner and CEO at Forge & Foster Investment Management, said, “This is a very special opportunity for investors and we’re excited to offer it through our trusted partner, FrontFundr. Never before have people had the opportunity to invest in spectacular real estate like this, starting at just $1,000.”

WHY FRONTFUNDR? 

Here are the main benefits of investing in real estate through FrontFundr:

  • No fees
  • Pride of ownership
  • No need to qualify for a mortgage
  • No down payment required
  • None of the pain of managing a property
  • No closing costs
  • No need to find tenants or maintain the property
  • You’ll get a share of rent and gains on the property when it’s sold
  • You’ll receive ongoing oversight and support
  • Every investment project undergoes a detailed due diligence process

“Join FrontFundr. Take a look at their projects. You can invest in a project that you’re excited about,” says Accardi.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great platform to invest in early stage enterprise
The investment process was straightforward and well explained.
—Jean-Philippe Deblois, Trust Pilot

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great platform that is intuitive and easy to use!
Good access to detailed prospectus and pitch info. The digital signing process is simple and efficient. Private company investing has never been this easy or accessible.
— Ken Smith, Trust Pilot

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I feel fully confident that I am making sound investment decisions for myself. FrontFundr is an essential platform to democratize investing into early stage companies that have huge potential to add value.
— Leon Lie, Trust Pilot

 

WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?

“Small investments in multiple projects add up over time. That makes it appealing for young people who want to get in the habit of investing.”

“I feel that real estate crowdfunding can be a viable tool for those who want to invest in real estate but are restricted due to a lack of money or credit,” says Mark Ting, CBC’s finance columnist. “Small investments in multiple projects add up over time. That makes it appealing for young people who want to get in the habit of investing.”

“A crowdfunded model comes with transparency and tangibility,” Tina Tehranchian, an Assante Capital Management Ltd. senior wealth adviser told the Globe and Mail. “You can drive by the property and boast to your friends that you have a share of ownership of this property.”

HOW DO I JOIN?

Sign up for FrontFundr now — there’s no fee to join!

Plage Saint-Pierre Beach & Campground is currently raising $595,000. Details of the offering can be found at frontfundr.com/forgeandfoster. 

Screen shot of FrontFundr website

To book a stay at Plage Saint-Pierre Beach & Campground, visit plagestpierre.com or contact plagesaintpierre@gmail.com or (902) 224-2112.

 

in Editorial Posted by wpengine

How to Calculate ROI in Real Estate to Maximize Your Profit

How to Calculate ROI in Real Estate to Maximize Your Profit

If you’ve dabbled in real estate investing (or even if you’re brand new) you’ve undoubtedly heard of “Return On Investment” (ROI) and how important it is to consider when making your investment decisions.

But what exactly is it, and how do you calculate ROI in real estate? Is it crucial for investment success?

We’re going to break down the basics of ROI, how to calculate it, and how to use it to make smart investment decisions so you can grow your real estate portfolio with confidence.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is ROI?

Because ROI stands for “return on investment,” it’s a very important concept to understand when it comes to real estate investing.

It is a standard metric used to calculate the profitability of an investment on a case-by-case basis. It measures the financial return of a particular investment relative to its cost. The higher the ROI, the more profitable the investment and (presumably) the better it is.

Why is ROI so popular for measuring profitability?

Two reasons: first, it’s incredibly simple to understand and easy to calculate the ROI on almost any investment.

Second, it provides a simple way to get a financial snapshot of an investment, relative to other investments, so you know when to buy, sell, or simply measure whether or not your portfolio is on the right track.

Although it’s incredibly important to know the ROI of any investment, it often doesn’t take into account the complexities, nuances, and “life factors” involved in growing a successful real estate portfolio. For this reason, it should be used as a tool to give broad feedback on the quality of your investments.

Why is ROI in real estate so important?

Although many ROI formulas paint a simplistic picture of investing, they can also give a very quick and solid overview of a property’s profitability.

In a pinch, you can figure out the “health score” of any potential investment you’re interested in and ditch some of the lemons along the way. Properties with an obvious cash flow issue or negative ROI can be identified quickly.

When taken into account along with your overall investment goals, using ROI calculations will help you make smart financial decisions and build a solid real estate portfolio.

At BuyProperly, an online marketplace for fractional real estate investments, they calculate ROI for investors and use it as a benchmark to measure the profitability of their properties. Most of their investors can expect to see projected annual returns of 10-40% Take a look at their properties.

The formula for calculating ROI

There are a few different ways to calculate ROI depending on the type of real estate investment you have. Let’s look at how to calculate ROI for real estate investments that are resales or rental investments.

Here are some examples:

Resales

When calculating the profitability of resale real estate investments, use this simple formula:

Your equity in the property (total gains minus your total costs) divided by total costs

There are two methods real estate investors can use to calculate their gains and costs:

  1. the Cost Method
  2. the Out-of-Pock Method

Let’s look at them both in detail.

1. The Cost Method

This method for calculating ROI uses the total equity in a property divided by that property’s costs (renovations, repairs, and sale price). The Cost Method works for properties purchased with cash and/or financing.

For example, say you purchase a home for $250,000. After putting in an additional $100,000 for repairs, you sell the property for $500,000.

First, you need to calculate your equity in the property. If it sold for $500,000 after your total costs were $350,000 for the purchase and repairs, you had $150,000 left of equity.

Next, calculate the total costs. As mentioned above, the total costs for the property were $350,000 ($250,000 purchase price plus $100,000 in repairs).

After you divide your equity ($150,000) by the total costs ($350,000), you get 0.43, which is a 43% ROI.

2. The Out of Pocket Method

The second popular method for calculating ROI looks at only what you’ve spent out-of-pocket for property costs and expenses and doesn’t take into account the property financing.

When would investors use this method? The Out of Pocket Method can be used to calculate ROI only when investors purchase a property with a mortgage. Both the down payment and financing on the property are calculated as equity, making the overall ROI higher.

Let’s use the same example as above.

You purchased the property for $250,000 and put in $100,000 of repairs, only this time, let’s say you put a 20% down payment on the house and used a traditional mortgage to finance the rest.

This means your out-of-pocket expenses are only $50,000 (your down payment) plus $100,000 (repair costs).

If the property is worth $500,000 after repairs, this means you have $350,000 of equity (including your bank financing as leverage). After you divide $350,000 by the total sale price ($500,000), you’re left with an ROI of 70%.

Rental properties

Calculating ROI on rental properties is slightly more complex since we need to factor in year-over-year profitability.

For this ROI, we use the following formula:

Net operating income (annual rental income – operating expenses) divided by the total out-of-pocket expenses.

Using the example from above, if you purchased your property for $250,000 with a 20% down payment, that means your out-of-pocket expenses would be $50,000. Add in closing costs ($5,000) and some money you spent on repairs ($20,000) your total expenses are $75,000.

Now, let’s say your monthly rent is $1,200. Multiply this by 12 to get the average yearly rent. Subtract operating expenses (let’s assume these are $500 a month). This leaves you with a yearly net operating income of $8,400.

Divide $8,400 by your out-of-pocket expenses ($75,000) and you’re left with an ROI of 11%.

Other important factors when considering ROI

When you’re trying to paint a more detailed picture of your ROI on a property, there are two other important factors to consider:

  1. home equity
  2. year-over-year appreciation

Using the above example, if you buy a $250,000 property with a $50,000 down payment and a $200,000 mortgage, your equity grows over time as you pay down the principal balance on your loan.

Let’s say that, according to your mortgage amortization schedule, you paid $2,300 on the principal balance of your loan in the first year. This $2,300 now becomes equity and can be used in your ROI calculation.

Furthermore, it’s important to consider year-over-year appreciation. If we assume your $250,000 property appreciates at 6% each year, then next year, your property will be worth $265,000, adding an additional $15,000 to your equity.

At BuyProperly, they calculate ROI using net cash flow, mortgage repayments, and capital appreciation to paint a more accurate picture of the returns investors will make over time.

What is a good ROI for real estate?

Determining your acceptable ROI for real estate investments depends on your personal goals and your ability to tolerate risk, which means there’s no right or wrong answer.

Investors looking to rent will normally be content with lower yearly ROI numbers knowing they plan on holding the property as a long-term investment. For rental properties, it’s common to expect a 5-10% ROI.

Property flippers, on the other hand, are more interested in the immediate ROI and are looking for a property with the potential to generate higher returns. In this case, an ROI of 20% or above is ideal.

At BuyProperly, they help real estate investors get started for as little as $2,500 and see projected annual returns of 10-40%. Want to know how? Learn more >>

Conclusion

ROI is an important consideration when investing in a property. Whether you’re looking for a quick return or long-term cash flow and appreciation, calculating ROI can help make your next investment decision easier.

Remember, since ROI is a simplistic method of sizing up your next real estate investment, it’s important to analyze it alongside your risk tolerance profile, as well as your long-term and short-term goals ,before making any investment decisions.

Looking to get started in real estate investing without feeling overwhelmed? Check out BuyProperly’s properties and see how they use a fractional ownership model to help investors build their real estate portfolios.

in Editorial Posted by wpengine

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