The Mortgage Solution and the Refinance Trap: Why the Lender Always Wins with a Mortgage

Mortgage rates have been news for some time now. Coverage about mortgages has recently turned toward news of a potential rate decrease. This potential drop is such a relief to everyone in the real estate market that even President Joe Biden mentioned it in his most recent State of the Union address. Although the reference was a political move and this blog is not political, the President's attempts to use the activity in the real estate market to further his agenda is yet another reminder of the influence that mortgage rates hold on this country.

Homebuyer Programs to the Forefront

Wintertime is usually a slow time for the residential real estate market. Cold temperatures and budgets that are recuperating from the holidays make January and February low activity months. The weather in many areas also makes most construction activities a non-starter. During this time of year, seasoned real estate professionals get into prep mode, establishing or maintaining professional relationships, stepping-up marketing efforts and preparing properties for the Spring. Homebuyers can use this time to prepare as well, by getting their financing in order, paying off debts and seeking additional sources of funding. One source of funding that often is overlooked is homebuyer programs and downpayment assistance funds.

Blockchain Real Estate: Some Things to Consider

There has been a recent movement toward marrying blockchain technology with real estate transactions. As a result, tokenization has been offered as the solution for everything real estate from investment to document execution. Companies like RealT, ManageGo, Republic, Blocksquare and others now offer a variety of different real estate services based on blockchain technology. Although this wave of innovation is seemingly ubiquitous in today’s real estate market, there are still a number of legal and logistical issues that must be considered before fully integrating blockchain technology into your real estate endeavors.

Flourish in New Beginnings: Navigating Life in a Different City

By Sharon Wagner

Moving to a new city brings a mix of excitement and nerves, especially after overcoming personal challenges. Courtesy of The Real Estate Think Tank, this guide is crafted to assist you in thriving in your new environment. It provides you with strategies to create a strong support system. Learn how to maintain focus amidst the changes. It also teaches you to cultivate a positive attitude during this transition.

2023 Recap (No Clever Title This Time)

Yet another year has come and gone for TRET and it’s time for our annual wrap up. Let’s start with this blog. This year started for us with a focus on individual wealth generation through real estate. This noble goal dominated the blog for the first couple of months of the year and was continued in an expert fashion by this year’s guest writer—Sharon Wagner. All of our residential real estate articles have had a wealth generation theme and we will continue to honor this commitment to wealth generation going forward.

Strategic House Flipping as a Gateway to Adult Education Funding

By Sharon Wagner

Embarking on the path of higher education as an adult can be a financially daunting endeavor. In the quest to secure funding for this journey, the realm of house flipping presents an innovative and viable solution. This guide is designed to arm adult learners with strategic insights, seamlessly interweaving the art of real estate investment with the pursuit of academic goals, thereby transforming financial barriers into opportunities for growth and success.

There’s No Place Like Home For the Holidays: A Look At The Multifamily Market

Thanksgiving has passed and the holiday season has officially begun, so it is only natural that TRET finishes its real estate asset class series with a look at home—multifamily properties. Also, for those who consider the holidays a time to get away, we’ll also take a look at the state of hospitality properties, as well.

Ready, Set, Invest! Your Guide to Buying Your First Investment Property

By Sharon Wagner

Investing in real estate is undoubtedly one of the smartest ways to boost your earnings and create wealth. With the potential for significant returns on investment, whether you're looking for an extra source of income or a path to becoming a full-time investor, purchasing your first investment property is a major undertaking. To help you make the most out of your investment, The Real Estate Think Tank has compiled some essential steps to follow when purchasing and managing your first investment property.