Homeowners Expenses. Kinda weird question?
957424
From the information you give, you can't prove that it is a bad idea.  Don't get me wrong, you are probably right - but only probably.  Furthermore, home ownership has many benefits that don't show up in a cash flow statement right away.  If she can really make it work, with a stable loan payment and everything (fully amortized and with the rate fixed for at least five years), chances are that she'll come out way ahead.\n\nWhen you first buy, owning is more expensive than renting.  If it isn't, why didn't you buy earlier?  If she can barely make it work renting, chances are against her.  Principal and interest on the loan - rates for people with good credit are in the high fives to low sixes right now (thirty fixed), depending upon how much you pay in points.  Take the loan amount and any financial calculator will tell you how much that payment will be.  Property taxes (every state is different.  Call the county tax collector).  Homeowner's insurance (ask an insurance agent).  Association dues, if any.  Utilities will be about what she;s paying now if the properties are of similar type, but she'll need a  Monthly allowance for maintenance - she'll need to build up a reserve because this stuff happens.  How much do people spend in your area?  If you're a property owner, you should know.  Not to mention all the money most people blow on home furnishings when they first move in.
1083546
I agree with those that say about $100-150 a year.  It is so worth it.  You never know when something will happen through no fault of your own.  If there is a leak in the roof, or a pipe bursts, you'll be covered and will get your items replaced.  Your landlord's policy only covers the building, and does not provide ANY coverage for your belongings.
977405
It seems like you have equity in your own home. If that is the case, then use hard money lenders to finance 65% of your deals and use a HELOC on your home to finance the other 35%.\n\nRegards
90492
Be there WITH the home inspector. If he's good, you'll learn a lot about what to watch for, what could be improved, and how to maintain/avoid problems. The inspector's list of 'scare' items may be huge;to pare those down to actual items that would represent health & safety issues or you may lose the house if you're expecting an existing home to get whipped into 'brand new' shape for you by nitpicking every detail. [Example: Inspector warned us of hairline sink cracks--'could leak any time!' I didn't think I could justify making a seller 'repair' something that wasn't leaking, I lived there 8 yrs, it never leaked.] YOU might want to hit the FNMA website for 1st time homebuyer booklets, which may be of help. You've struck a big broad question--every deal will be different. Big hint: DON'T take assertions and promises verbally...needs to be in writing on purchase contract or addendum.The loan officer may or may NOT know anything--I've been in business 20+ yrs & you can't tell one from the other on your end. Attorneys may charge a flat fee for reviewing paperwork--the peace of mind may be well worth the expense. You don't need to put 20% down--I'd advise against it if it drains your cash reserves, or you'll be house-poor, broke, and scrambling for higher interest rate financing to survive.
311643
Whether the HOA dues are necessary to living in your home is mostly irrelevant.  "Necessary" and "proper" expenses are only deductible when they go towards producing income.  Assuming that you don't operate a home-based business or have a home office, then the costs would not be deductible.
923202
In our area we have to have an yearly inspection on rental units and it costs us $60. You're right it does suck. They have to think up ways to get our money one way or another. We live outside Chicago.
97348
depends on how much your house is worth.  So can't really answer this question without that info.
1047615
WOW,\n What an opportunity. You have the answer right there. You have 330 units already rented with people who would love to save on their space. Make flyers, self or have kinkos or someone else do it. Say something like, Bring me a person who signs a contract for a place and receive a week or month free. depends how you normally charge. If  you charge 100 a month x1200 a year , and let's say 100 units take you up on this offer you loose $10,000 in free months or week  of rent. The up- side, the lost is only once(one month of free rent.). and of course you now have 100 more units rented. 100 times $100 a month = you guessed it $10,000. You really lost nothing and gained 100 more units rented. Suppose only 50 units remained after the month 50 x $100 a month =$5,000, additional  money than your current situation and very little expense from you. I would sweeten the deal and offer those that are referred a free week or free month,but of course only if the sign a longer lease. Your  customers are always looking for ways to save, they are motivated. Business cards, cheap and cheap to print on the back , 10% discount off of 1st month rent etc, with this card. Give them out to everybody,everybody. Leave them when you pay for dinner or at the cashier at the gas station, post them in apt buildings laundry mats, etc
891748
It will probably be a seperate bill. You should ask the landlord.
536609
it seriously costs like over $15,000 we got an estimate for our backyard. we ended up gettin one but they ar expensive!
44599
You might be able to deduct them, as you would if you had a home office, but only in proportion to the amount you use them for work versus personal use.  If you use them 100% for work, then you could take the total cost.  If you use them also for personal use, it can get tricky and the IRS can come after you to check it out.  (Some years ago they were cracking down on people claiming home offices; not sure what the situation is today).
23075
There is usually a percentage of expenses that can be deducted for a home office. There are federal guidelines that have to be followed. The accounting method will also have some impact on the method used to determine what and how much can be used. it is far to vast of a question for a forum and you should seek guidance from a licensed tax attorney or CPA tax specialist.
189267
I would suggest 20% of the selling price. You must also think about the extra fees, such as taxes, title insurance, lending fees, closing cost, etc. that will add up quickly, and is usually expected out-of-pocket at the time of purchase. \n\nIf you are a first time homebuyer there are programs out there that will deviate some of those fees, but then if you don't have 20% down you will have to pay mortgage insurance, and from asking around I've noticed it's an average of $100 on top of your monthly mortgage. \n\nHope this helps, I am a first time homebuyer and have been investigating this a lot!!! Good luck!!
483854
Let me tell you the minus part-\n\nBought my grandmas home valued at $595K, took out a loan for 436,000.  Plumbing was $6000 off the bat, interior painting, wall paper removal $1500.  Tons of homes in her area have come up for sale 495K-630K, and a few closed after 3+ months for sale.  Decided to rent the place for $2200, loan is $1750, insurance $90, and property tax is a mess right now.  Rent not covering the PITI ( even on neg am loan).  Gardner's raised fee due to gas, I pay water and trash. \n\nIf I sell, I am subject to capital gains on any money I make.  Based on price I paid, that was never disclosed cause there was no contract I am in a bit of a mess.  They can actually base my capital gains off the price my grandma paid on the home $19,000.\n\nUnless your related to Donald Trump, I would stay away from the real estate investing until you get a grasp on the entire picture.  I am finding it incredibly hard to remember what the basis was for deciding to take on another property.  Even with my own personal income 10K month, & rent for the home I am finding it necessary to balance my checkbook for the first time in my life.  It may turn out great down the road.  To date, its taken entire days away from my regular job, required more up front money then budgeted, caused a potential tax mess, and the worse time to try and sell in a historically desirable neighborhood of custom homes.
583445
I am a CPA working with realtors.\nYou can deduct auto expenses (per mile or actual expenses, but not both), fees paid to broker, advertising, office supplies, meals with clients (at 50%), telephone, internet, depreciation of office equipment and furniture, professional licensing fees, continuing education fees, insurance (not health), contract labor and / or salaries paid to employees, interest on business credit cards or loans, legal / accounting fees, office expenses, rent or lease payments for office or equipment, repairs and maintenence of business assets, supplies, taxes paid (personal property or other business taxes), travel, utilites paid, postage.\nThe list could be endless.  If you are really unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional who could make it a lot less painful.  The state you reside in is also a factor.
845228
Just call the utility directly.  They can give you information on average bills, etc.  People do it all the time when trying to decide whether or not to live in a particular place.
138038
A lot of new home subdivisions are being built as common interest developments.  If you want to buy a property in one of these developments you must join the association.  In every association I have ever herd of there is always some type of fee.  Sometimes the fees are small, just some type of management fee.  Other times the association pays for gardening, maintenance, roads etcetera.  I know in some areas it can be hard to find properties that don’t belong to some type of association.  They do however exist; you just have to find them.  Oh, I almost forgot, if you decide to buy in an association community, read the CC&R’s VERY carefully.  They often have strict requirements about what you can and can not do to, on or in your own property.  \nBest of luck to you.