Susan Hilton College Station Real Estate
Realtor & Vice President of Sales of Bryan College Station Real Estate
Read my blog below
Investment Real Estate Category
MythBusters – Myths About Duplex Buying
March 14th, 2011 Categories: Investment Real Estate
The guys from MythBusters took it upon themselves to figure out the top 10 most heard myths about duplex buying. These are myths that many people here all the time but they are myths so do not worry!
1. You DO NOT need to have 20% down to buy a duplex, triplex, or four unit building. Financing is available for properties up to four units, which was insure by FHA.
2. You CAN count 75% of the current or expected rental income toward helping you to qualify for a loan.
3. It is true the first time home buyer tax credit was available for multi-family properties. Although the program expired last spring and there does not seem to be any noise or congressional support to reinstate it.
4. It is NOT any more difficult to get financing for a duplex than a single home.
5. Maintence will cost you a fortune. When you own real estate you will have expenses that are involved. It is important to keep this in mind when you are buying the property.
6. Yes, you may get a phone call in the middle of a night maybe every 5 to 10 years. Plumbing issues do not happen that often and in the long run it is not a big ordeal. This is not a big issue like most people try and make it sound like. A quick call to the plumber will usually fix the problem.
7. Side by side duplexes are quieter than up/down duplexes. These types of duplexes are usually made as mirror images of each other. The walls no not any more thick and because you are right next to them they are just as loud if not more loud.
8. Cash flow is everything. Of course it is important to invest in something that makes sense financially but it also needs to match up with long term investment goals. Thinking about where you are at in your life and financially at the time but also where you hope to be in the future. This investment needs to match up with that as well.
9. New is better than old. Not always true! This depends on where you are located. Some people find the quirks of older real estate interesting and exciting.
10. Tenants are difficult. Being a landlord is a responsibility but if you take on the job with wisely and make thoughtful choices this should not throw any major problems your way. Your unit turnover will also be higher if there are not major problems all the time.
Susan Hilton
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2010 Brazos County Property Taxes Update
March 1st, 2011 Categories: Investment Real Estate, Living Here, News, Real Estate
What are the 2010 Property taxes for Brazos County?
I bet you can’t read the graphic due to size but click on the link above and you will see the 2010 Adopted Tax Rates. You can always contact the Brazos County Appraisal District at 1673 Briarcrest Dr., Suite A-101 in Bryan at 979-774-4100 for more information. Mark W. Price is the Chief Appraiser.
Hope this helps in your planning for your real estate expenses. Let me know how I can help!
979-764-2100
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College Station TX Investment Properties
December 8th, 2010 Categories: Investment Real Estate, Real Estate
Making money in College Station real estate can be viewed in both the short term and long term. Consideration also includes the various types of property including land, apartment buildings, homes, commercial buildings, student housing… But with any type of real estate, how do you look at it and maximize your profits? You have many many ways!
1. Reduce your loan balance - Pay down the loan increasing your equity. Equity builds with every payment you make. Refinancing Read the rest of this entry »
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College Station TX Slumlord – Is This You?
December 8th, 2010 Categories: Investment Real Estate, Real Estate
Make Money As A Slumlord in Bryan or College Station, Tx.
Be a slumlord for Bryan College Station Investment Property? Okay, I got your attention, now the truth. I really don’t recommend that anyone endanger their renters with unsafe housing. So if that is what you think is a slumlord – don’t do it! No one should have to live in a pit but much of what people call ‘slumlording’ is simply providing reasonable Read the rest of this entry »
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