Naples, Florida, has earned the top spot as the best place to live in the U.S. for 2024-2025, according to U.S. News & World Report. With its stunning beaches, upscale lifestyle, and sunny weather, Naples appeals to retirees and snowbirds, yet offers something for everyone. The city is known for pristine golf courses, cultural attractions, and a high standard of living. However, its popularity comes with a premium cost of living and increased development challenges, especially in terms of affordable housing.   Key stats:   •Population: 122,578 •Median Home Price: $577,796 •Median Household Income: $98,120   Naples continues to balance growth, charm, and a desirable lifestyle, making it a premier choice for residents and visitors alike.   Living in Naples:   Naples is famed for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and luxurious amenities. Often associated with affluent retirees, the city draws snowbirds from colder regions, especially during the winter months. However, beyond the glamorous lifestyle, the greater Naples area offers a rich variety of experiences, blending rural charm in places like Immokalee with vibrant urban living along the Gulf of Mexico.   Real Estate & Cost of Living:   Naples’ median home price is $577,796, reflecting the area’s desirability and high property values. The demand for housing, coupled with limited availability, has driven up prices, making affordable housing increasingly scarce. While the cost of living is higher in Naples and Marco Island, moving inland toward Immokalee offers more budget-friendly options. Residents benefit from Florida’s lack of state income tax, but property taxes remain a significant factor in the cost of living.   Things to Do:   Naples is a tropical haven for both residents and tourists, offering a wide range of activities. Visitors flock to the sugary beaches, but there are also nature preserves like Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve, and parks such as Clam Pass and Delnor-Wiggins State Park for outdoor enthusiasts. Naples is known for its fine dining, upscale shopping along Fifth Avenue, cultural events at the Baker Museum, and the Naples Winter Wine Festival, which raises millions for children’s services in the area. Thrill-seekers can explore the Everglades or try their luck at the Seminole Casino in nearby Immokalee.   Weather & Climate:   Naples enjoys a subtropical climate, attracting sun-seekers during the winter months. However, the summer brings intense heat, humidity, and daily rain showers, which drive seasonal residents back to their homes in cooler climates. Hurricane season from June to November is another key consideration, as the area is susceptible to storms like Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused significant damage.   Demographics:   The population of Naples skews older, with a median age of 53, as it is a popular retirement destination. However, younger residents from nearby Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College add diversity and vibrancy to the community.   Challenges:   While Naples is a paradise for many, rapid growth has exacerbated traffic congestion, particularly during the busy winter season. The area also faces ongoing challenges with affordable housing, making it difficult for some residents to live near the coast without a high income.   Naples remains a beacon for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in a sunny, tropical setting, making it one of the most coveted places to live in the U.S.   Read full article HERE

  As SW Florida, navigates the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, residents and businesses are once again reminded of the power and unpredictability of nature. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, brought heavy winds, storm surges, and widespread flooding across Collier and Lee Counties. While the immediate impact is undeniable, the resilience of the SW Florida community and the forward-thinking approach of its real estate market offer a bright future for the area. The Immediate ImpactIn Naples, the storm brought significant impacts, including wind gusts that exceeded 80 mph. While sustained winds were reported to be around 63 mph during its passage, the storm also generated a storm surge of nearly 5.8 feet, causing flooding and widespread power outages across the region. Thanks to the prompt response of emergency services, volunteers, and local authorities, recovery efforts began swiftly. Relief centers have been set up to provide essentials, and rebuilding efforts are already underway.   Response, Recovery, and ResilienceThe people of SW Florida have faced hurricanes before, and each time they’ve come back stronger. This time is no different. Collier and Lee County officials and local contractors are working tirelessly to restore power, clear debris, and rebuild affected homes and businesses. The sense of community here is evident in the way neighbors have supported one another during this trying time. A Positive Outlook for SW Florida Real EstateDespite the challenges posed by recent storms, SW Florida real estate market remains strong and highly desirable. As a premier destination for luxury living, coastal beauty, and a laid-back lifestyle, Naples and Bonita Springs continue to attract buyers. While the risk of storms is a concern, improvements in construction standards and innovative insurance solutions are increasing the area’s resilience. Many homes are now being built or upgraded with advanced storm protection, appealing to buyers who prioritize both safety and aesthetics. Hurricanes have tested the community, but SW Florida has proven its ability to adapt and recover. Waterfront properties, in particular, remain in high demand, offering an unbeatable lifestyle. Buyers are drawn to our Paradise Coast not just for its beautiful homes, but for its vibrant community and exceptional quality of life.   A Bright Future for SW FloridaSW Florida future remains full of promise. The city’s commitment to investing in smarter infrastructure and sustainable building practices ensures that it will remain a premier destination for both residents and investors.In the wake of Hurricane Milton, many homeowners are considering their next steps, whether upgrading their current homes or exploring new real estate opportunities. For those looking to invest, this is a moment of transformation and potential. The storm may have caused setbacks, but it has also created opportunities to make SW Florida stronger and even more appealing in the long run. Moving Forward TogetherSW Florida is more than just a beautiful place to live; it’s a resilient community that thrives on hope, innovation, and the dedication of its residents. The recovery efforts will not only restore what was lost but create new possibilities for the future. With the real estate market poised for growth and development, and a renewed focus on hurricane-resistant construction, SW Florida continues to be an attractive destination for homeowners and investors alike.As a real estate advisor, I’m here to help navigate the changing market and ensure you’re making the best decisions for your future. Whether you’re considering upgrading your home, exploring new properties, or looking for advice on protecting your investment, I’m ready to assist. Together, we’ll move forward toward a brighter, stronger future for SW Florida.If you’re looking to discuss the real estate landscape or explore your options in this evolving market, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s plan for a resilient and prosperous future here in beautiful SW Florida.

In the wake of tragic events and escalating concerns over building safety, Florida has taken a decisive step forward with the enactment of Senate Bill 154 in 2023. This legislation, emerging as a crucial amendment following its predecessor, SB 4D, seeks to address ambiguities and enhance the structural integrity and safety protocols for condominiums and cooperative associations across the state. What is Senate Bill 154? Senate Bill 154, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, serves as a "glitch bill" designed to refine and clarify the mandates introduced by SB 4D, which itself was a response to the catastrophic Surfside condo collapse. The bill makes several critical updates to the Florida Condominium Act, aiming to prevent similar disasters and ensure the ongoing safety of Florida's residential buildings. Key Provisions of SB 154 Milestone Inspections Adjustments: The bill specifies timelines and requirements for milestone inspections, crucial for assessing the structural health of aging buildings. These inspections are mandated for buildings reaching 25 years of age, with subsequent inspections every 10 years, tightening the oversight on older structures susceptible to environmental wear and tear​ (Building Mavens)​​ (Building Mavens)​. Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS): SB 154 introduces more rigorous requirements for Structural Integrity Reserve Studies, ensuring that associations maintain adequate financial reserves for essential repairs and maintenance. This change aims to fortify the financial preparedness of buildings against significant structural issues​ (Lowndes Law)​​ (The National Law Review)​. Clarifying Maintenance Obligations: The legislation delineates the responsibilities of condominium and cooperative associations in maintaining and repairing common property elements. This clarity is crucial for associations to effectively manage their roles and responsibilities post-turnover from developers​ (Lowndes Law)​​ (Building Mavens)​. Enhanced Dispute Resolution Options: Beginning in 2027, the bill expands the avenues for mediation concerning disputes over structural and life safety inspections. This provision is designed to facilitate smoother resolution processes and reduce the potential for protracted legal conflicts​ (Lowndes Law)​. Transparency in Transactions: Developers are now required to provide comprehensive presale disclosures to prospective buyers, detailing the building's compliance with milestone inspections and reserve studies. This transparency is aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring they are fully informed about the properties they are considering​ (The National Law Review)​. Implications for Condominium Owners and Associations For owners and associations, SB 154 brings a mix of responsibilities and reassurances. The enhanced safety measures require diligent attention to inspection schedules and reserve funding but also promise a higher standard of living and safety for residents. Associations must be proactive in understanding and implementing the new requirements to comply with the law and safeguard their properties and residents against future risks. Conclusion As Florida continues to address the challenges of building safety and structural integrity, Senate Bill 154 represents a significant stride towards safeguarding its citizens and their homes. For condominium and cooperative associations, staying informed and compliant with these new regulations is not just a legal obligation—it's a critical component of community safety and resilience. The enactment of SB 154 underscores Florida's commitment to enhancing living conditions and ensuring that the tragic events of the past do not repeat themselves. For those residing in or managing condominiums and cooperatives, the bill provides both challenges and opportunities to enhance their preparedness and ensure the longevity and safety of their buildings.

Hello there! If you've clicked on this blog, chances are you're considering investing in a condominium in the beautiful region of Southwest Florida. Well, you're in the right place. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, this guide aims to provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision. Let's dive in. Why Southwest Florida? Southwest Florida is a paradise for those who enjoy warm weather, stunning beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. Cities like Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers offer a unique blend of natural beauty, luxury living, and plenty of amenities, making them perfect spots for owning a condo. What to Consider Before Buying Location, Location, Location Make sure you evaluate the location in relation to your lifestyle. Whether you want a beachfront condo or something closer to downtown, the right location can make all the difference. Budget Consider all costs involved, not just the purchase price. Think about HOA fees, insurance, and maintenance. Always have a financial buffer for unexpected expenses. Amenities What amenities are important to you? Some condos come with swimming pools, fitness centers, and even concierge services. Restrictions Be aware of any pet, rental, or renovation restrictions that may be imposed by the condo association. The Buying Process 1. **Research**: Begin your search online and perhaps consider hiring a real estate advisor specialized in the local market.   2. **Visit Properties**: Once you've shortlisted a few options, schedule visits to get a feel for the properties and their neighborhoods. 3. **Offer and Negotiation**: When you find the perfect condo, make an offer and negotiate terms. This is where a real estate advisor can be particularly useful. 4. **Home Inspection**: Even if the condo looks perfect, a home inspection can reveal issues that aren't immediately visible. 5. **Closing**: After all contingencies are met, you'll go through the closing process, which involves signing a lot of paperwork and finally getting the keys to your new condo. Final Thoughts Buying a condo in Southwest Florida can be an exciting venture if you're well-prepared and informed. Given the area's real estate potential and the lifestyle it offers, investing in a condo here can be a rewarding experience.

Living in and around Southwest Florida comes with a unique set of benefits. From the beautiful, white sand beaches and vibrant sunsets to the year-round warm weather and abundance of recreational activities, SW Florida has earned its reputation as an ideal place for those looking to embrace a laid back life. Despite some volatility along the way due to potential global economic issues and one of the strongest hurricanes in history, the Sunshine State managed to outperform many of its counterparts nationwide.  Let's begin with what happened last fall. On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian reached our shores with a vengeance.  It was the third costliest weather disaster on record. Many areas got flooded with several feet of water, so much so that boats were literally floating down the street. The country watched the national news as it approached and the devastation it caused after it arrived. Questions began circulating about if/when we would be "back."  Would snowbirds return?  Would the beaches be "safe?"  Would the water be "safe?"  But we knew what the country did not.  Our Residents are a resilient bunch. Neighbors helped neighbors, businesses helped businesses, and we all did the right thing.  There was no looting or chaos.  Rather it was a story of good people who love the town they live in doing a lot of hard work. Our office and many others on 5th Avenue in Naples, were completely demoed, rebuilt, and reopened five weeks after the storm.  In sum, we all shared the same goal:  re-opening our businesses before the snowbirds returned. And return they did!  5th Ave S, 3rd St, Waterside, and Artis Center were packed. Demand for real our real estate not only didn't fall, if anything, it increased because buyers were looking for bargains.    Supply remained constrained for several reasons, including: Hurricane Ian depleted some of our inventory Very little new product is being developed while the town awaits changes to our building code so that developers know what they can and cannot build. The combination of high demand and very limited inventory has helped maintain or slightly increase prices. NABOR published their numbers earlier this week, which showed the median price increased 9% from last February.   For the last six months, if 100 new properties hit the market a day, 100 properties went pending.  The net effect has been that our inventory remains largely unchanged from the fall.  Last summer, I predicted we'd have 3,000 properties in inventory by the end of the year.  We never quite got there, but we got close. Today there are 2,801. In summary, if you're feeling discouraged by the recent natural disaster in Southwest Florida, don't worry - the region has a history of bouncing back. In fact, with a little bit of research and careful consideration, investors can identify areas that have weathered the storm and are ripe for investment opportunities. And it's not just about real estate - the rebuilding effort will also create opportunities for construction and distressed property investing. Of course, it's essential to work with professionals and do your research to make informed decisions. But with a little bit of effort, you can turn this disaster into a chance for growth and success. For those who are thinking about selling their home, there’s good news: the market is on your side right now. There’s no reason to wait for a potential downturn when the strength is still present. Reach out to me and let’s get started on the satisfying process of selling your home at its true and full potential.

Buying a house - whether it’s your first or fifth - can be a bumpy process. Between the financing, the availability (or scarcity) of homes on the market in your price range that meet your needs, the offer process, the appraisal and the inspection, there’s a lot that can go wrong between deciding that you are in the market for a new home and turning the keys for the first time in your new front door. But there’s a lot that buyers can do to make the process smoother. Here are ten tips. 1. Check your own credit If you’re like most Americans, you’ll need a mortgage loan in order to purchase a house. The amount of money that a lender is willing to loan you will depend on several factors, including: Your current income The amount of down payment that you’re bringing to the table Your credit You might or might not have a lot of influence over your current income, and you might or might not have wiggle room to save up for a down payment, but one thing that you can almost always work on is your credit. Get copies of your credit report to ensure that everything on it is accurate; fix any errors, and consider talking to a credit expert who can tell you which payments to prioritize and how to improve your score. 2. Research sales price in your area While you’re considering exactly what kind of home you want yet (and we’ll get to that), you’ll also want to think about how much that home might cost. This would be a good time to talk to an expert, like a real estate agent, about the sales prices in the area.  An agent can show you current active listings and is also a good resource to tap when you have other financial questions about homeowners’ insurance or other costs of homeownership, like common maintenance costs in the area. 3. Nail down the down payment While you’re considering exactly what kind of home you want yet (and we’ll get to that), you’ll also want to think about how much that home might cost. This would be a good time to talk to an expert, like a real estate agent, about the sales prices in the area.  An agent can show you current active listings and is also a good resource to tap when you have other financial questions about homeowners’ insurance or other costs of homeownership, like common maintenance costs in the area. 4. Consider all the costs There’s more than PMI to think about when it comes to a mortgage loan - you will also be paying:  Property taxes  Homeowners’ insurance premiums on the house Flood insurance, and often supplementary earthquake policies are worth considering (depending on the location)  You will likely need to pay closing costs, and you probably have furniture and items to move, so you’ll have to cover those expenses. And then there’s the wear and tear on the home and the cost to repair it, and the costs of utilities from month to month; a good local real estate agent can help you figure out what to expect. 5. Get to know your dealbreakers Almost as important as knowing what you want in a home is knowing what you definitely don’t want. But don’t confuse a “dislike” with a true and genuine dealbreaker - a feature of the home that you can’t realistically fix. If you haven’t tapped into the expertise of a real estate agent yet, now would be the time. An agent can help you understand what’s fixable and what’s not in the house you’re just not sure is a good fit. 6. Search accordingly One tool that real estate agents have that the general public doesn’t is access to the local multiple listing service (MLS), where homes are actually listed for sale. Once you understand your must-haves and your dealbreakers, your agent can set up a personalized alert anytime a home that meets your exact criteria is listed on the market. 7. Think competitive but reasonable You probably want to avoid a bidding war (not great for your wallet!), so you’ll want to make an offer that the seller will consider competitive. At the same time, you don’t want to pay more when the seller would accept less; an experienced real estate agent can help you navigate the field of exactly what to pay and come up with an amount that’s a good deal for you and priced high enough to capture the seller’s attention. Don’t forget that there are other concessions you can make to sweeten the deal beyond sales price - like giving the seller control over the closing timeline or offering to split the price of any necessary repairs discovered in the inspection. Your agent can walk you through popular options here, too.

If you’re not familiar with home inspections, then you might have a lot of questions about what gets inspected, how thorough the inspectors are, why you even need one, and what you can expect if you’re walking with an inspector through the house you’re hoping to buy. There’s a lot to know about home inspection, and your questions deserve answers. Here they are! What is a home inspection? A home inspection is an event that is basically exactly what the name implies: A home inspector walks through the home, looking at specific elements and features of the house, and then provides a report about anything that needs to be repaired. Why would I want a home inspection? An inspection is a good idea anytime you want a full rundown on any issues or problems with your house.  If you’re already living there, it’s a lot less necessary than if you’re buying the home — when you will most definitely want an inspector to check for any potential red flags.  They’ll be your problem after closing, and big issues can sometimes affect the insurability of your house (which, in turn, affects your loan eligibility), so home inspections are most common after an offer is made on a house but before the closing finalizes the deal. What does the home inspector look at? There are six essential parts of an inspection that you can expect every inspector to hit. They are: the roof and attic,  the basement and foundation,  the plumbing,  the electrical setup,  the heating or air conditioning systems,  the interior of the house,  the exterior of the house. Depending on where you live and what common problems tend to manifest in the homes, you might also want to think about hiring a pest inspector, a sewer line inspector, or even ask about an engineering report to evaluate the home and plot’s structure and stability. And in areas where radon is prevalent, or where there’s a lot of humidity, you may also want to ask about radon or mold testing (some home inspectors do this as an add-on part of the package). How much does it cost? The price of the home inspection is going to depend on the size of the house. You can typically expect to spend around $300 on a home inspection, but smaller properties (less than 1,000 square feet) might cost only $200, whereas larger homes (more than 2,000 square feet) cost upwards of $400 to inspect. Ask an inspector or a real estate agent in your area what they usually cost to get a closer estimate. Do you need an inspector for a new house? It’s always a good idea to get a home inspection — even in a brand-new house. You don’t want to find out there’s a problem after you move in, and an inspection is the best way to figure that out. So follow the “trust, but verify” process with your builder: Trust that they did their very best to get your home in the best condition possible … then verify that they did just that with an official inspection. Should you attend the inspection? It’s usually a smart idea for the buyer to attend the inspection in case they have questions for the inspector or want to follow up on any notes the inspector makes. Many inspectors today use new technologies that allow them to include photos of any issues or potential problems, but there’s nothing like being there in person to better understand exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it. What happens if a problem is uncovered? If everything is not in good shape with the home you’re about to buy, there are options. Usually when this happens, the buyers and the sellers start negotiating again — this time, to figure out who’s going to pay for the necessary repairs.  Buyers might be able to ask for some money to be knocked off the final sales price to accommodate for the problem, or sellers might decide to go ahead and fix it before closing.  If everyone can come to an agreement that suits everybody, then the sale can move forward.

Real estate investing is gaining popularity, and if you’ve been giving it some thought, this guide will give you an overview. The goal of any real estate investor is typically to make money. This means purchasing an investment property at a good price so you can rent it out and maybe eventually sell it for a profit.  Real estate investing is an ever-changing game. To get and stay ahead and make consistent money, you’ll need to do your homework. Here are 10 things to know: 1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage When you get a mortgage pre-approval first, there are some benefits you can take advantage of, financial benefits being a big one.  Once you’re pre-approved, most lenders will lock in an interest rate for you, so if rates go up while you’re conducting your property search, you’ll enjoy your lower, locked-in rate. When it comes to demonstrating your seriousness to a potential seller, having a pre-approved mortgage could get you preferential treatment since you already have financial backing.  2. Cash Flow Cash could be the defining feature of any investment property. If you’re projecting strong cash flow, you should be all set, but if your projection is negative, you might need to reallocate money from other areas such as:  Your salary Other investments Savings 3. Keep Up With Local Pricing Trends  Consider the area where you’re thinking of making your investment, and then study the home pricing in those areas. Investigate further to see if current prices are on the rise, then compare average homes in neighboring towns and cities to see if you can find savings.  4. Research the Local School Ratings Areas with quality schools are attractive to parents with school-aged children.  Most states rank their schools based on how well the kids in each school district score on common tests like English and math.  Check out the state’s board of education website to get started, and look for the schools at the top of the list, or those that are moving up the list. 5. Future Development Before you land on an area for your investment property, talk to people living in the neighborhoods you’re considering, as well as the local town hall to get information on planned and potential future development.  Take a drive around town and see what kinds of construction are already underway.  Even if the location you’re considering doesn’t have many amenities like banks and restaurants at the moment, it might in just a few years.  Keep an eye out for new roads to accommodate future growth, hospitals, and shopping malls.  If a prospective area is set to expand in a few years, you might be able to secure a property at a low price and be able to take advantage of higher rent and substantial appreciation in the future. On the other hand, look out for areas that are always congested with heavy traffic or have overfilled schools.  6. Tax Savings With Alternatives If you’re comparing two nearby towns, and one has lower property taxes, you might be able to take advantage of significant savings.  Also, find out if tax rates are expected to move up or down in the coming months.  Give the local tax assessor a call to find out when the area was last evaluated. If you find out the town is about to conduct a reassessment, this could mean that property taxes will rise. 7. Suburban Areas If the suburb or secondary market you’re exploring is close to a large city, this could be desirable to people who commute to work but don’t want to live in the hustle and bustle of the city. With rents and property values rising, the outskirts are becoming popular alternatives and have all the amenities a city does. If you’re looking in one of these areas, make sure you check out future development plans. 8. Vacancy If you’ve been in the real estate investing market for even a short time, you know many investment properties are vacant. Check out the vacancy rates for the property type you’re considering in your chosen area. 9. Know What You Need  Know what you’re getting into with rehab or a rental property. Study the property closely to get a good understanding of the state it’s in before you commit. This way, if you have repairs and upgrades you’ll be able to make an accurate estimate.  10. Start Small And Learn.  If you’re new to real estate investing, start small.  As you get used to everything that comes with being an investor, you’ll want a smaller and easy-to-manage property.  When you get some experience under your belt and have earned enough money, you can expand your business by replacing your property with a bigger and more expensive one, or purchasing a second one. Armed with these tips, you can start the exciting journey down the road of real estate investing!

If you’ve been thinking about investing in real estate, getting your finances in order before you start searching for properties and scheduling appointments will save you from money headaches in the long run.  Real estate investments could be one of your largest investments, and unless you have cash ready to invest, you’ll need a plan for financing and a plan for cash flow in the future. Here’s what you need to do before heading out to the property shop.  1. Create A Financing Plan If you have strong credit, consistent W-2 income, and a sizeable down payment, traditional financing could be your best option for your first real estate investment since interest rates are typically low and the terms are attractive.  “Figure out how much you can afford based on your current expenses, and how much cash you’ll need to have on hand for renovations and upgrades.  Make sure you know where your liquid funds will come from to improve your chances of landing a good deal. With cash, you can move faster, which will motivate most sellers.  2. Review Your Credit Report And Keep It Healthy Request a copy of your credit report through one of the credit bureaus and make sure you dispute any errors or provide an explanation for any derogatory issues or late payments.  Keep your credit score from slipping by: avoiding any new credit inquiries,  canceling any credit accounts,  lowering your limits with any creditors.  3. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval With an approved mortgage in hand, most lenders will lock in an interest rate, so if rates fluctuate upwards while you’re searching for the perfect investment property, you can relax knowing that your rate isn’t going to change.  To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll need to have the following in order:  Personal documents: Two forms of government-issued ID, your social security number, as well as proof of ownership of other property, including your primary residence or other investment properties. Tax returns: For the previous year, and potentially for the last two years. Proof of income: W2s, paycheck stubs, 1099s, or if you’re self-employed, a year-to-date profit and loss statement.  Proof of assets: Bank statements, 401Ks, IRAs, and money held in stocks or mutual funds. Summary of all debt: Primary property loan(s), credit card balances, student loans, and all monthly payment amounts. 4. Stay Competitive By Doing Your Homework Just because your financing is approved, doesn’t mean you’re ready to start shopping. Do some comparison shopping and contact other lenders to see what kind of interest rate they can offer. A few percentage points might not seem significant, but can save tens of thousands or more over the lifetime of a loan and affect your monthly cash flow.  Consider checking with a bank other than the one you bank with; they might be very likely to be more competitive to win new business.  5. Liquid Funds Based on your financing plan, you’ll have figured out: How much cash you need to have in hand for a down payment and closing costs.  How much money you’ll need for renovations or repairs if the properties you’ll be considering aren’t turn-key.  Consider your cash flow from month to month to make sure you’re not projecting negative cash flow. Or if you are, that you have a backup source of cash such as drawing from your personal accounts. The goal of real estate investing is usually to make money. As your investment style evolves and matures as a real estate investor, the amount of risk you can withstand is bound to change. Keep your original goals in mind, and do your homework to help position yourself to enjoy the financial returns. 

Between micro-apartments, tiny homes, and even #vanlife, the real estate industry is taking the saying “less is more” to previously unknown levels. And while we can all get behind the idea of streamlining your life and shedding possessions that no longer meet your needs. The good news is that as we’ve become increasingly obsessed with small living spaces, we’ve also discovered (or recovered) strategies to maximize what you’ve got. Whether you already live in a small space, you’re downsizing, or you just want to be more efficient with the space you have, these tips will help you achieve your miniature-lifestyle dreams. Look high and low As humans, we’re socialized to see what’s in front of us -- and little else. Ask any hide-and-seek champion and you’ll learn that there’s a whole world of possibilities both above our line of sight and below it, where we rarely glance. Take a walk through your living space and pay special attention to space above your head toward the ceiling and space below your knees toward the floor. If you’ve got high ceilings, you might find a ton of new opportunities for shelving or other storage options. Make sure you’re focusing on “unusual” spots, too -- like under the stairs, for example. We’re not suggesting you turn that space beneath the stairs into a bedroom, but it’s certainly possible that when you bypassed the stairs, you also neglected the perfect space to store out-of-season clothing items. Consider your furniture while you’re examining your place from floor to ceiling. If space is at a premium, then you’ll want to find dining room seating (for example) that tucks completely under the table when you’re finished.  One great way to make your space look larger-than-real-life is to arrange all of your seating lower to the ground. Instead of a couch in the living room, you might consider a futon that folds into a bed -- or maybe even just some big, comfortable cushions that can be stacked in a corner when you’re not lounging or entertaining guests. Transparency is key One of the essential problems with living in a small space is that a “traditional” home is very much divided up by function.  You sleep in the bedroom, cook in the kitchen, work in the office, and relax in the living area -- all of which are divided up by walls. Smaller living quarters often try to replicate a traditional home, but if you’re living in a tiny space, then you might not want walls dividing everything up … and even if you do, maybe a permanent wall of brick and mortar is the wrong move. Glass doors and walls can functionally separate your space for living without sacrificing any of your line-of-sight vision, giving the illusion of plenty of room even in a smaller home.  If you’d like to actually block off space physically and visually, then hanging a curtain that you can fling open or draw closed can be a nice way to create a “room” within a room -- without the walls. Mirror, mirror Hotel designers know this trick (and you won’t be able to unsee it now that we’ve told you about it): Hang a large mirror across one wall to give the illusion of twice the space.  When you arrange lights around or in front of the mirror, you’re also brightening the room up significantly. You can hang the mirror above a couch or a bed, or on the back of a door, very easily. And you can even find mirrored tile these days, so if you love the look of subway tile and also would like to take advantage of some mirroring in your bathroom or kitchen, then you can even consider a mirrored backsplash in one (or both) of those spots to capture light and brighten the room. Work those walls (and ceilings) Now that you’ve walked through your home with an eye toward the sky, you probably know where you are missing an opportunity to maximize your space. Could you replace your kitchen light with a version that includes a rack for pots and pans, for example, freeing up some cabinet space below?  Are you parking your bicycle in the hallway when you could install a couple of hooks and hang it up?  Is there space to add a bookshelf or three for storing rarely used items? (Or books?!) You might find there’s space above your kitchen cabinets where you can park small appliances that you don’t use very often, or maybe there are corners throughout your living space where you could install a shelf and use it. Remember: Your floor is just one surface; you can create many more if you need to. Stackable (or stashable) appliances Yes, you can have a washer-dryer in your small abode -- but it’s probably best if you choose a set that stacks to help save some floor space. Appliance manufacturers have been paying attention to the micro-trend, and they’ve been building products for smaller spaces that work just as well as their full-size counterparts.  Before decking out your diminutive dwelling, do some research on what appliances are available and consider whether they would work for you and your lifestyle. Elevate your furniture Lifting up your furniture just a few inches can expose treasure troves of storage space. If you’ve got a traditional bed or sofa and need to maximize your storage surface area, then consider getting some risers for either piece of furniture and investing in some low boxes or other storage containers that you can slide underneath. Make your outdoors great Maybe that space between your walls is officially “tiny” -- but if you’ve got the ability to spread yourself around outside, then consider turning your deck or yard into a bonafide living space. Patio furniture and hammocks can help you create a dining or lounge space outside, complete with furniture, and if you have room for a grill outside (and the weather is nice enough year-round), then you might even be able to turn your out-of-doors into a kitchen of sorts.  And storage shed outside can solve a lot of your storage problems, too, from out-of-season clothing to recreational equipment. Keeping the lawn mowed and your flowerbeds blooming can also go a long way toward making your home feel serene instead of cluttered and overstuffed with “stuff.” If you maintain the outside of your home, it will invite you to relax just as effectively as a king-sized feather bed with fluffy white pillows or leather sectional in front of a television.

If you've never owned a house before, then it's entirely possible that you've never deep-cleaned a house. (Hey, no shame in that game.) But when the house is yours, the desire to see it as clean and sparkling as it can possibly be is strong -- and you might have no idea where to start or how to go about getting your clean on. Don't panic! Take a deep breath and remind yourself that nobody knows how to do everything. Then follow these tips for homeowners that will outline exactly how to go about deep-cleaning any home ... and how to maintain it so that next time you don't feel so overwhelmed. Make a list, then divide and conquer The most overwhelming part of deep-cleaning is undeniably the moment when you start to realize just how much there is to do. Before you even let yourself go there, stop and make a list of everything you need to do. Begin by listing all the rooms in your house. Include a space for your garage, the basement or the attic (if you have one) and for outdoor living spaces like porches, balconies or decks.  Start listing what needs to be done in each of those spaces. Before you know it, you'll have a comprehensive list of absolutely everything that you need to do to get your house as clean as it's ever been. After you've got your master list, start dividing it up. You can assign different rooms to other household members who are helping with the massive clean or divide it by day of the week so that you're spacing out your deep cleaning in a way that doesn't overwhelm you.  Start at the top Gravity can be your friend or your enemy when you're cleaning a house. You can avoid a lot of heartache by understanding this truth and beginning your work at the top of each room, moving your way down.  That way any dust you're knocking loose from high shelves or light fixtures will land on a floor that you haven't yet cleaned instead of a floor you just finished mopping. It might help to organize your list from literal top to bottom before you even walk into the room. That way you can easily run down the list in order without messing up an area you just cleaned. Declutter, declutter, declutter When you have a lot of stuff -- books, clothes, sports equipment, pots and pans, whatever -- then cleaning around all of it becomes a challenge. The first step in any room should be a sweep to assess what you use and what you haven't touched in a year or more. Anything that falls into the latter category should be considered for disposal -- give it to a friend or donate it if you like. It may feel painful to part from your things, but keeping your house looking neat and clean will be so much easier if you can power through the hard part and let go. Get serious about decluttering now so that your home will look cleaner and more presentable forever. Clean your screens and windows Let's be honest: Cleaning screens and windows can be a real pain, which is probably why it doesn't get done very often.  But it makes a huge difference in the quality of light that pours through those windows, and it's well worth addressing at least once a year. While you're washing the windows, make sure you're paying some attention to the windowsills both inside and outside the house. Don't forget the light fixtures Windows aren't the only factors influencing the quality of light in your house. Your light fixtures might be dusty or dirty and you wouldn't even notice because they're so far above your head. Make sure that you're removing and cleaning light fixtures in each room, drying them thoroughly before you replace them. Organize, organize, organize If you just moved in, then the odds are good that you've still got a box or two packed up and stashed away in a closet. Deep cleaning means deep organization, so if the stray-box theory sounds a lot like you, then it's time to finally finish the job. Even if you've already unpacked absolutely everything, this is still a good time for you to figure out how you're going to establish a place for everything and everything in its place.  Once you have an organizational system that works, be it for your bookshelves or your toolshed, then all you have to do to keep everything spiffy is to follow that system. Tackle the kitchen appliances If your microwave is crusty, then odds are good that your other kitchen appliances could also use some attention. The oven, the stove and the refrigerator are usually the dirtiest appliances in the house, so make sure you're putting them on your rotating "to clean" list -- and stick to it. Some newer refrigerators include easy-to-remove shelves and door inserts that you can clean in the dishwasher. If you're due for a fridge upgrade soon, then look for a model that has some of those cleaning-friendly features. Power wash While you're sprucing up the outside, rent or borrow (or buy) a power washer and tackle the house itself. You will be amazed how much dust and dirt accrues on the outside of your house, the deck, the porch, and other areas -- washing it off can make your house look like it's got a brand-new paint job, plus you'll be eliminating any cobwebs in the bargain. Make it a habit If you only do all of these things to your house once a year, then it's not going to stay clean for very long.  Keep your list of rooms and think about your daily and weekly schedule, then try to squeeze in some deep-cleaning work every now and again.  You'll find that your entire house stays cleaner for longer, and any special-event deep cleaning that you might have to do will be much easier when you have a plan for upkeep.

Just like in any other profession, there are good real estate agents ... and there are, unfortunately, subpar real estate agents, too. But how do you know if you've got a dreamboat or a dud handling your real estate transaction? One way to know whether you've got a good agent (or not) is to consider some of the tasks and activities that a really good agent will manage for a client, then apply what you've learned to your own agent. If you don't have time to track down all of the things that a good agent should be doing for a buyer or a seller, then you're in luck: We've compiled a list so you don't have to. Ask you about your homeownership needs (and hopes) It's dangerous to make assumptions at the best of times, but when it comes to shopping for a home, assumptions are downright dangerous. So if you have an agent who assumes ... everything ... be wary. A good agent should ask you questions -- lots of them -- about where you've lived, what you liked and disliked about both the home and the neighborhood, where you work, how long you plan to stay there, your future family plans, and more.  This is all to the greater good of helping you find the right place and possibly revealing a neighborhood or property type that wasn't on your radar: Start here Recommend a mortgage broker If you don't already have a mortgage broker to help you with your loan, then your real estate agent should be providing referrals for someone trustworthy. (And any agent worth his or her salt should definitely ask if you're pre-approved!) Real estate agents work on real estate transactions every day, and they have contacts who can help with mortgage, title, appraisals, inspections, and beyond. Use them! Give you feedback on the neighborhoods Unless you've lived in a neighborhood your entire life -- and even then! -- there will still be things to learn about the place where you're buying your home.  A good real estate agent should be able to answer your questions and explain how each neighborhood compares against the others.  You'll probably have questions about everything from where to buy groceries to where to walk to dog to what people do for fun on weekends, and your real estate agent should help answer those questions.   Help you find a home You might think that finding a home is as easy as looking it up on the internet, and for some lucky people, maybe it is. But most buyers have to check out endless potentially unsuitable homes before they find "the one" that's their long-term best fit, and pictures (especially on the internet) can be deceiving. An agent should hook you up with an MLS feed that will alert you when a home that meets your criteria hits the market -- and agents should also help you come up with alternate strategies if the going is just too tough in your price range. Price the home correctly For sellers, this is one of the most critical jobs that your agent will complete -- and if they don't do a good job, you could lose tens of thousands of dollars. Pricing the home correctly right out the gate is absolutely vital to selling the home quickly and for fair-market value. Some agents will inflate the possible sales price and tell sellers that they can always reduce the price if they don't get an offer. Although this is certainly true, those agents are misrepresenting a bigger truth: your listing is going to get the most attention from qualified buyers within the first 48 hours of hitting the market.  It's not typically wise to go with the agent who offers the highest sales price; instead, ask prospective agents how they calculated that sales price, whether it lines up with the typical price-per-square-foot in your area, and how long homes priced in that range tend to stay on the market.   Market the home well One reason why sellers hire a real estate agent in the first place is that the agent has a marketing platform to use to advertise the home for sale. Some homes require more marketing than others, but agents should have a plan to market every home they list.  And marketing goes far, far beyond "put it on the MLS, Zillow, and realtor.com -- then pray you get a qualified buyer." If you don't know the listing agent's plan to market your home -- or worse, if you don't think the agent has a plan at all -- then that's a huge sign that your agent might not be the best fit for you. Help you pick an inspector When a buyer is financed for a home loan, the lender is going to want to know that the investment is solid -- that the house doesn't have any major issues, for example. That's where the inspector comes in, and the inspector will have to enter the picture before closing. Your real estate agent should help you find an inspector and answer any questions you have about whether the inspector's price tag is reasonable. Attend the appraisal A lot of agents do not consider attending the appraisal to be particularly pressing -- and that's fine.  But if the appraisal comes in under the sales price and there were no agents present to answer questions or help the appraiser figure out the home's value, then you've got a problem that might not be very easy to solve. Many buyer's agents will make a point to attend the appraisal and make sure that the appraiser has access to everything he or she needs and can get any information necessary to complete the appraisal thoroughly. Is yours one of them? Communicate, communicate, communicate A lot can change between putting an offer on a home and actually moving in.  The real estate agent should be the person who knows all of the different parts and pieces of the transaction -- and is willing to serve as the point of communication between them. If the appraisal is delayed, or there's an issue with the loan, then the agent is one who is communicating that information to the people on each side who need to know. An agent's job is to make the transaction easier for you, and that typically means managing the messages for everybody.

Not too long ago in our country's history, talking about making your house "greener" might get you labeled a hippie tree-hugger. But times change, and as gas, electricity, and water prices creep up, more and more homeowners are seeing the (strong) advantages that come with considering the environment when you make decisions about your household. Are you interested in making your home more energy-efficient -- and saving money in the bargain? You have a lot of options, from cheap to expensive, so read on to discover whether there are some big (or small) energy-saving opportunities that you're missing. 1. Get an energy audit Most utility companies offer an energy audit, oftentimes for free:  They'll send an expert out to your house to take a look at all your appliances, your lights, your windows, your doors, and more -- then make recommendations for changes you can make that will save energy (and money) every month.  If you want a personalized rundown of everything you could do to and for your house to make it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, an energy audit is a must. 2. Swap out your lightbulbs Compact fluorescent or even LED bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they also last at least 10 times longer than incandescents and use only about 25% of the energy of an incandescent bulb. As your incandescent light bulbs flicker out, consider replacing them with a greener alternative. And if you decide to swap them all out at once, you'll start seeing a difference pretty quickly in your utility bills! 3. Pay attention to the sun There's a lot you can do to heat and cool your home without spending any money at all -- but you'll need to keep tabs on where the sun is in the sky.  In the northern hemisphere, windows with southern exposure are going to get the most direct sunlight, so start with those.  Make note of whether and when the sun shines into your home across every season, then adjust your habits (and your blinds) accordingly. For example, if the sun is shining directly into your house during the winter season, then you might be able to save some money on your heating bill by opening up all your curtains and blinds in the morning to allow the sun in. But if you're getting that direct sunlight in the dead heat of summer, then the opposite applies: Close your blinds and curtains in the morning to keep your house cool. 4. Weather-stripping your windows Especially in some older houses, sometimes windows might not be entirely airtight -- meaning that you've got drafts from the outside sneaking hot or cold air into your home against your wishes. A relatively cheap and easy fix is weatherstripping your windows to eliminate those drafts and ensure that what's outside doesn't creep inside and vice versa. It's as simple as a trip to a hardware store and a few minutes to weatherstrip each window back at the house. 5. Turn down your water heater Hot water feels amazing in the shower ... but here's the thing: Your water heater is constantly working to keep its water consistently hot, and if you've got the gauge set at a high temperature, then "consistently hot" takes a lot of energy to maintain. Take a look at your water heater's settings and ask yourself if the hot water really needs to be as hot as you have it.  Turning down the temperature ten or even five degrees can result in some surprising savings -- and you might not even notice when you're mixing that hot water with cold for your ablutions! 6. Collect rainwater Depending on where you live, the weather might be an asset that you haven't tapped yet. You can't use rainwater for everything, or even very many things -- you can't drink it, and you won't want to use it to cook, wash dishes, or bathe with -- but if you keep a cistern of rainwater in your yard, then you'll always have a green way to water your grass and flowers in the spring and summer. 7. Swap out your showerheads If you like to take long showers, this fix can be especially helpful: Change your current shower head for a low-flow version that uses less water. These often have several settings for pressure and spray so that you can customize your shower experience -- and you probably won't even notice that you're using significantly less water once you make the change. 8. Buy a smarter thermostat You don't necessarily need a "smart" thermostat for your home (although it's always nice to change the temperature using a phone app from the couch -- just saying!), but if you don't have a thermostat that you can adjust to change the temperature at different times of the day, then you should definitely invest in one. For example, you could set your thermostat to lower the temperature of the house by 10 to 15 degrees when you're at work during the day, and instruct it to start bringing the temperature back up to "normal" an hour to 30 minutes before you arrive home. Many thermostats even let you designate temperature by days of the week, so if you know that you're almost never home on Saturday night or Sunday morning, you can adjust your temperature accordingly. 9. Air-seal (and maybe insulate) your attic and basement You may know that heat rises, and that applies as much inside your house as it does in the world outside.  That means a drafty attic could result in a lot of energy spent keeping the house warm in the wintertime, and it won't do you any favors in the summer, either. An uninsulated basement can also let in cold air in the wintertime and out in the summertime. Check to see if your basement and attic are air-sealed and insulated. If not, consider investing in an upgrade. 10. Use a manual push mower If you live in a region where grass grows like weeds and you don't need to water, then maybe it makes perfect sense to keep your lawn ... but you'll still need to mow it regularly. One greener alternative to a riding mower or a motorized push version is an old-fashioned manual push mower. They do work, but you'll be using your own elbow grease instead of gasoline to power the blades, so you'll get a workout while you mow. Deciding to make your home more energy-efficient can involve a simple move like turning off water to rarely used sinks and toilets, or as complicated and involved as replacing appliances and installing solar panels. Figure out your ideal level of investment and take things one step at a time -- before you know it, you'll have a green home that saves money without sacrificing comfort.