by ireilly | Aug 23, 2022 | Business, Real Estate, Shawn Boday
The real estate market is going through an unpredictable phase. Rising interest rates, inflation, and home prices are putting a strain on everyone. It’s also slowing down the buying and selling of homes. There are many things that real estate agents can do to survive and grow their business during this period. However, most of them are preparing for the worst. They are also doing everything they can to position themselves as leaders in their market.
To help you through the tough times, we have put together a list of ideas to help you grow and prosper during the recession.
Seek Opportunities in the Market
The housing market can change at a rapid pace, and it can affect different sectors at the same time. For instance, a cooling off in demand for homes in one area can increase in another. If the market is quiet, start branching out and looking for opportunities outside your everyday transactions.
During times of need, consider those who are struggling and come up with ways that you can help them. For instance, you can help clients with the sale of their homes or the eviction of their tenants. You can establish yourself as their real estate agent for life by supporting these individuals.
Don’t Neglect Your Marketing
Don’t become a secret agent. Maintaining a steady presence in your market is vital to ensure you can get back to where you are now. The longer you’re away, the harder it will be for you to move forward. Social media and brand awareness are two of the most effective ways to reach potential customers. They can help them identify you and your services so that they can make an informed decision about buying or selling a home. If you’re still not using video, now is the time to get on board.
Set Up Your CRM
One of the most critical steps you should take to keep up with the changes in the market is to establish a customer relationship management system. This will allow you to track all your clients and prospects. The CRM will also help you keep track of essential details about your clients, such as their last conversation and the information they’ve provided. It can help you keep up with the changes in the market and keep up with the latest trends.
Ensure Your Lead Generation Is Effective
One of the most critical steps you should take to keep up with the changes in the market is to establish a customer relationship management system. This will allow you to track all your expenses and the return on investment that you’re making from your lead generation efforts.
Before investing in real estate, you must determine what you’re getting for your money. This can be done by asking yourself questions such as, “What are the benefits of this investment?” If you can’t answer these questions, it’s time to make a change.
One of the essential factors you should consider when it comes to lead generation is whether or not you need to cancel the service you’re currently using. However, don’t change anything if you’re still getting quality leads and closing deals.
by Shawn Boday | Aug 7, 2021 | Business, Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Tips, Shawn Boday
Searching for a new home to buy for your family can be a long and frustrating process, but there are things you can do to simplify your search. Some of the practices buyers use to search for homes may actually be hurting their chances of finding their ideal home. By following these tips, you can search more efficiently and find the home that suits you a little faster.
Don’t Refine Your Search
The common problem is that buyers limit their searches to particular criteria in an effort to ensure they find their dream home. Unfortunately, this means excluding homes that have your “must-have” features but may not have other features that you could do without. Keep your home search as broad as possible to find the greatest number of homes that will meet your family’s needs.
Don’t Rely on Photos
Ideally, every seller should hire a real estate photographer to create great staged photos of each room in the home. However, that’s rarely the case, and many sellers simply photograph their homes in as-is condition. Even if you don’t like the photos included in the listing, you should check out the other information that’s provided. If the home seems to meet your criteria, an in-person viewing can help you better understand the property’s true condition.
Read the Listings
Most people skim the headlines for listings and look at the photos. Unfortunately, this means buyers may be missing some key information. For instance, a seller may be especially motivated to sell or features to the home that can’t be captured well in photographs. By reading each listing, you may find homes that don’t appear to meet your needs until you learn more about them. The information contained in the listing can help you get a better deal on a home, and that may make it worthwhile to adapt the home to meet your needs.
You should also work with an experienced real estate agent. In addition to assisting you in your search, an agent can obtain paperwork on specific properties that will help you make a better-informed decision. You won’t have to pay the agent a fee, and they can help you find more properties that meet your needs.
by Shawn Boday | Jan 10, 2020 | Business, Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Shawn Boday
If you are looking to invest for the first time overseas or if you are looking to expand your foreign property holdings, but don’t know where to start, I can help. I’ve gone ahead and collected the best places around the world to invest your capital for the year 2020.
Panama
One of the very best places to invest in real estate this year is Panama. In Panama there are many apartments you can purchase for rental opportunities. Thanks to neighboring country buyers from Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela, Panama City’s market has remained stable and has grown quite well over the course of the decade. The same can’t be said for many other markets in this region, where some have struggled or even collapsed.
North Americans as well as Europeans are investing with Panama but Panama has recently forged a new relationship with China. This relationship has the potential to fuel the economy and make it soar. In the 1990s, many Chinese helped to grow the Vancouver economy and it is expected that they will do the same for Panama City. This will cause Panama City’s property prices to grow as well.
Brazil
Brazil is a big country that has many different property markets. In 2020, focus on the Fortaleza area. Fortaleza is located along the coast and is big tourist attraction. Rentals that focus on the local holiday marker are said to earn more than 8% net yield reliably.
It’s best to look for investments along the beachfront, you will find that many of the prices are great bargain.
Thailand
Thailand is known for their agriculture as well as their strong economy and expanding tourism. In 2018, Bangkok was one of the most visited cities in the world, ranking above London and Paris. It being such an attraction to tourist easily grabs the attention of investors.
The one downside to investing property in Thailand is that there are restrictions put in place on how foreigners can own property. Under most circumstances foreigners are only able to own land leasehold. Although this is seen as a setback, there is some positive news. Foreigners are allowed to own condos freehold, as long as they don’t own more than49% of the entire condominium complex.
Due to this leeway, the condo market has many foreign investors. While a condo may not be your first investment choice, it may be a blessing in disguise. Compared to an individual property, condos are cheaper and easier to mange. You won’t have too many issues managing these properties if you are across the world.
by Shawn Boday | Mar 15, 2019 | Business, Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Shawn Boday
An economic upswing that began in 2013 has North American baby boomers searching for buried treasure. It comes in the form of an inventory of affordable properties in several tropical regions that are suitable for both retirement and investing. Savvy investors are taking advantage of the opportunity to invest in rentals for snowbirds and furnish themselves with a second home in a Caribbean paradise. Experts in the following locals say now is the time to start digging for investment treasures that will pay off big time in the future.
Belize
Belize is located in mid-Cental America and is only an hour and 45-minute flight from Miami. Buyers can rest assured that the economy is stable, and the real estate market has matured. Investors will find no international pitfalls to trap them legally since Belize is a part of the British Commonwealth and there is no capital gain tax. Properties are less expensive than many other places in the Caribbean. Hot spots include the Cayo District and San Pedro.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands also have a favorable economic forecast along with a popular vacation lifestyle. Their rules for international transactions strict and the British colony’s government is friendly to foreign investors. Titles can go in company or personal names. The Caymans have a housing inventory that is affordably priced. The average price of a two-bedroom condo is $350,000. Rented out at $2,500 net, the return on investment will be seven percent over time. Additionally, there is no income tax, property tax, or capital gain.
Costa Rica
A varied natural landscape and a politically and economically stable country make Costa Rica a popular investment choice. A rising GPD is fueling investor interest. Canadian and U.S. tourists and snowbirds keep the rental market strong. Property can be bought easily with a simple tourist visa, and foreigners have the same rights as locals in terms of property ownership. Hot spots include the Southern zone and the northern Pacific coast.
The Turks and Caicos Islands
Located north of the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands have one of the Caribbean region’s fastest growing real estate markets. Depending on size and location, investors will pay between $250,000 and $800,000 for a condo and $250,000 for a home. Most properties come fully furnished because there is no room to store furniture. The Turks and Caicos have relaxed rules for conducting business. There are no taxes, but there is a one-time stamp duty payable at the time of purchase. These islands have a bright future as a vacationer’s paradise.
by Shawn Boday | Jun 16, 2016 | Real Estate, Seattle, Washington
While exciting, it can no doubt be overwhelming when individuals, families or couples are on the market looking for a new home. Amidst all the meetings with real estate agents and open houses, there comes a time when it is necessary to sit down, gather your thoughts, and set a solid plan to move forward in this process.
Speaking with a professional
The first tip is to remember that you are not alone through this process. Keeping in contact and working with a real estate agent will help you organize your thoughts during this journey. Using the professional resources around you will help you gear your search towards long-term success.
Clear your mind
As you see homes you may a long list of features you would like to have in your new home. However, if you like to live in an area that is generally family friendly with a great school system, it may be really difficult to find your dream house with everything you want. Opening your mind to become more flexible when looking for a new home is essential instead of becoming disappointed if certain features are not incorporated.
Financial limitations
One way to get a great idea to see how much you can afford to put towards a home is to evaluate how comfortable you are spending outside your budget. Just to better understand the situation, be sure to start small and purchase a small home. This way, if your partner happens to lose his or her job, you can avoid spending money beyond your means.
Take your time
Try to focus on the task at hand and avoid letting the excitement overtake you during the process. Take the time to weigh out all the advantages, disadvantages and areas of improvement in every home you look at. Basically, organize your thoughts you have about each house so you can consider all your options.
Preparing for the long hall
Figuring out how you will pay your expenses (either upfront or within your loan) will reduce any nervousness or anxiety you may have. Having some extra money on the side that factors in extra expenses such as moving costs, additional future you may need, and other micro-investments that could arise are ideal ways to prepare for anything unexpected.
Using these tips to the best of your ability will ease this strenuous process both at the day to day and higher levels.
