Lesli's Blog

Why Real Estate Investing Makes (Dollars and) Sense     INTRODUCTION   Turn on the television or scroll through Facebook, and chances are you’ll see at least one advertisement for a group or “guru” who promises to teach you how to “get rich quick” through real estate investing. The truth is, much of what they’re selling are high-risk tactics that aren’t a good fit for the average investor. However, there is a way to make steady, predictable, low-risk income through real estate investing. In this blog post, we’ll examine the tried-and-true tactics that can be used to increase your income, pay off debt … even fund your retirement!     WHY INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?   One of the basic principles of real estate investment lies in this fact: everyone needs a place to live. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent Consumer Expenditures Survey, housing is typically an American’s largest expense. 1   But there are other reasons why real estate is a great investment choice, and

The Home Buyer's Guide to Getting Mortgage Ready   Don’t wait until you’re ready to move to start preparing financially to buy a home.   If you’re like the vast majority of home buyers, you will choose to finance your purchase with a mortgage loan. By preparing in advance, you can avoid the common delays and roadblocks many buyers face when applying for a mortgage.   The requirements to secure a mortgage may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. But I’ve outlined three simple steps to get you started on your path to homeownership.   Even if you’re a current homeowner, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance so you don’t encounter any surprises along the way. Lending requirements have become more rigorous recently, and changes to your credit history, debt levels, job type and other factors could impact your chances of approval.   It’s never too early to start preparing to buy a home. Follow these three steps to begin laying the foundation for your future home pu

10 Staging Secrets From the Pros for a Quick Home Sale at Top Dollar     According to the National Association of Realtors, staging a home prior to listing it can result in a faster and more profitable sale. 1 In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association estimates that professionally staged properties spend 73 percent less time on the market, receive more foot traffic, and typically sell for more money. 2     Source: National Association of Realtors     Following are 10 tips you can use to get your home “show ready” prior to hitting the market. These easy and cost-effective ideas will help your house look its best—and help buyers visualize themselves living there. Even if you’re not currently in the market to sell, you can use these tactics to breathe new life into your existing home decor.   To get a plan customized for your particular property, give me a call to schedule a free consultation. I’d be happy to share my insider knowledge of buyer preferences in your neighborhood … so you