Blog

Security Deposit vs. Move-In Fee: Which is Better for Landlords?

Landlords are always looking for ways to reduce risk and increase profitability. And when you let someone else live in your property, one of the biggest risks involves the potential damage they could do to the residence. For years, the security deposit has been the preferred method of compensating for property damage related risk. But... [Read More]

Real Estate Investing: How to Learn From Failure

Our culture looks at failure as a curse word. We view it as an unnatural thorn in the side of what should otherwise be a smooth path to success. But this is the wrong way to view mistakes and disappointments. Because while they never feel good in the moment, failures have the ability to cultivate... [Read More]

How to Set Priorities When Selling Your Texas Home

Selling a home is a stressful, yet exciting time for most homeowners in Texas. Chances are, you’ve got your eye on a new home in a new area, and you’re interested in closing this deal as seamlessly as possible so you can start a new chapter in your life. However, if you want the deal... [Read More]

Powerful Techniques for Building Home Equity

One of the biggest perks to owning a home is that it almost always appreciates in value. While the market can certainly dip from time to time, the long-term, historical trajectory of real estate values shows that homes go up in price. Thus, any time you hang on to a property for a few years,... [Read More]

How to Find an Up-and-Coming Neighborhood Where You Can Buy a Home

When buying a home, you have to consider the state of the neighborhood. Just as importantly, you’ll have to consider how that neighborhood might grow over time. This can be tricky to accomplish, since neighborhoods tend to develop in sometimes unpredictable directions, but if you approach this right, it can benefit you massively. Why Look... [Read More]

Open Houses: Are They Really Worth It?

  Residential open houses have long been a part of the real estate sales process. They’re normally held by the seller’s agent on weekends, and are designed to bring attention to properties. And while they’ve traditionally been very popular, many of today’s sellers – perhaps yourself included – are left wondering if they’re actually as... [Read More]

How to Get an Offer on Your Hard-to-Sell Home

When you put your beloved home on the market, you expect it to sell fairly quickly – especially in this market. You view your home as special, safe, warm, and familiar. If you like it, how could someone else not fall in love with it also? Well, it doesn’t always work out that way. As... [Read More]

How to Research a Texas Neighborhood Before Buying a Home

Buying a new house is exciting, and most homeowners have at least some idea of what they’re looking for. You might have a picture of a two-story home with a certain style, and a specific number of bedrooms or bathrooms, but have you given much thought to the type of neighborhood you want to live... [Read More]

8 Quick Fixes You Can Make When Buying a House

Buying a house – whether it’s your “forever home” or a house you’ll only be in for a couple of years – is a big deal. Any time you put down such a large amount of money and attach your name to debt, you want to make sure it’s perfect. The problem is that homes... [Read More]

Workforce Housing: What It Is And Why It’s Key To Your Portfolio

Savvy real estate investors don’t just buy properties. No, the best investors develop a diversified portfolio that can withstand market fluctuations and provide multiple income streams. For Houston area landlords, this includes investing in workforce housing. Workforce housing specifically refers to those housing units that are not only affordable to moderate to middle-income earners, but... [Read More]

Using the KonMari Method to Prep Your House for Sale

Marie Kondo is the award-winning author of the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Recently, she started her own Netflix Original reality television show in which she teaches individuals with too much clutter how to clean up their homes and their lives. The concepts she teaches are not only thought-provoking, but they can also... [Read More]

With Short-Term Rentals, Consider These Insights From The Hospitality Industry

In Houston, the short-term rental market caters to a number of different populations, but historically there’s been a significant emphasis on snowbirds – largely older individuals who live in the South during the winter months. However, as Houston continues to become more popular as a hub of industry and business, there’s also more interest in... [Read More]

How to Prevent Communication Problems With Texas Tenants

Are you struggling to communicate with your tenants? If so, you’re not alone. Many Texas landlords have a hard time getting tenants to call them back and report necessary repairs. When a tenant violates their lease agreement, there are confrontations and heated arguments. While you can’t change a person’s way of being, you can take... [Read More]

How to Invest in Real Estate if You’re in an Expensive Market

Although the real estate market continues to sizzle across the nation, some people have discovered it isn’t as easy to get some skin in the real estate investing game as they thought it would be. Inflated values, outrageous asking prices, and steep competition in expensive markets are making it pretty challenging for a person who... [Read More]

How to Find Cheap Houses for Sale

  Some impressive events have happened in the housing market over the last seven or eight years. Many homeowners have seen their property dramatically increase in value. But for some of us who remain on the outside looking in, affordability has become a tough issue. If you’re trying to buy a house in 2019, you... [Read More]