South Jersey Real Estate Investors Association

 A System and Discipline by Tony Youngs

I remember when I attended my first seminar back in the 80’s the speaker said you have to have a system and discipline. I knew what the system was because he was teaching it. But I did not know what the discipline was until I began to apply the system. The discipline is that you have to take the action to make the system work properly. Through months and years of trial and error, I now know what he meant by discipline. I had to discipline myself to always take action, even when I didn’t feel like it. Despite all the easier softer ways of doing things today, I still sometimes don’t feel like it. But I force myself to take action.

Many years ago, I found something on the internet that I printed and framed and it is on my office wall. It’s called, the “7 Excuses”.  I can’t do it, I’m not feeling it right now, I’m too busy, I’m too tired, There’s no guarantee it’s going to work, I’m not good enough, and my luck sucks. I still to this day do not know who the author is, but I read that from time to time to keep me motivated. I always check to see if I’m making excuses. Let’s break it down.

I can’t do it: if that’s what I’m thinking, I’m probably right, But if I change it to, I can do it, I’m also right. I must program my mind that I can do it, Then all I need to do is try, and if I run into a hurdle, I find a wa ... Read More…

The Road to Becoming a Successful Real Estate Developer

Nicole Rubin of  insureabilities.com. 

Real estate developers have always been an essential part of the commercial real estate industry. They are not only responsible for developing various projects and making them commercially viable but ensuring that all aspects of the project are completed on time and within budget. 

That’s a tall order and requires them to wear a lot of hats simultaneously! Becoming a commercial real estate developer requires a lot of time and effort. It takes years to learn the ins and outs of the business, but it is worth it because there is definitely money to be made, plus the personal satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. Today, South Jersey Real Estate Investors Association shares some tips and resources to help you get started.

A Little Background 

Successful real estate developers will normally hold a bachelor’s degree in management, business, marketing, engineering, or architecture. There are no undergraduate degrees in Real Estate Development, but there are master’s-level degrees in the field. You’ll almost certainly have to have a real estate license, which will require taking those courses and passing the state real estate exam in your state. An exceptional background or education in finance and project management and an entrepreneurial mindset will be important to your success. 

It ... Read More…

The Ultimate Investor Endgame

By Marc Halpern, Part Time Investors LLC

October 5, 2022

© 2022 Part Time Investors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Okay, you’re a successful real estate investor. Now what?

You worked hard and you worked smart. Over the years, you successfully accumulated a nice portfolio of single-family home rentals and/or small multi’s that now generate more than enough positive cash flow to cover your routine household expenses plus a cushion. At the same time, your net worth grew, passing 7 figures as your property values appreciated and your tenants paid down your mortgages.

Great! Now what?

Have you reached your endgame? Or is there more?

Do you enjoy managing the portfolio of tenants that is an unavoidable part of your portfolio of rentals? Alternatively, are you thrilled paying a property manager 6%-10% of your gross rent which is 20%-35% of your profit, when all the financial risk is on you?

Most smart real estate investors who started from nothing and become successful (like me and maybe you?) get to the point at which their net worth exceeds, or greatly exceeds, $1 million, which defines them as “accredited investors” assuming that the million dollars doesn’t include the equity in their primary residence.

Most of these successful real estate investors enjoy more than $10,000 per month of semi-passive income. Let’s face it, the reality of landlording is that the income is not TRULY passive income. I view ... Read More…

Your Short-Term Rentals Can Generate 6x Gains 

by David Pickron

Rarely in life can the quick version of anything ever compete with the more time intensive “real deal.”  Think of any instant food and you will quickly realize that I’m telling the truth.  The same had held true for real estate investments for at least the last century… but times, they are a changin’.  As you look at your portfolio it may be time to consider transitioning some of your long-term holdings into short-term rentals, and here is why; short-term rentals can generate up to six times the amount of revenue as a long-term hold.  My average long-term hold properties cash flow at around $200 per month; my short-term rentals cash flow just over $1200 per month. Does that get your attention? 

As you consider transitioning from long-term to short-term rentals, you should examine the following factors to help ensure that the changeover is successful: location, needs, and saturation. 

LOCATION

The old mantra of location, location, location in relation to real estate has endured because it is true.  For short-term rentals, it may even be more important.  A friend of mine recently converted their 5,000 square foot custom home in a regular residential neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ  into a short-term rental.  In his mind, he had already cashed the checks after he listed the home on the popular short-term rental sites. But there wa ... Read More…

Image credit: freepik | Source: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/house-with-sold-yard-sign_25625079.htm

When you consider all the things you need to know about flipping houses—be as prepared as possible. If you want a chance at success in this type of Real Estate Investing, do plenty of research about the processes, the market, and the industry–especially when you are flipping a house for the first time.

We discussed in our blog post on investing in properties that real estate businesses require you to be financially capable and knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the industry. You may also need help in understanding how to manage and successfully rent or sell your property, especially when you're looking to flip homes. To expand your knowledge, you can consult business experts or study books related to real estate businesses to keep yourself updated. In addition, you can join educational or real estate networking communities, such as the one we cultivate on SJREIA, that share valuable and practical insights to help you get started.

Like most business endeavors, there are always outliers and other factors that can affect the goals that you may not have considered previously. So, in the spirit of being prepared, let’s talk about six things that could negatively impact your house flip and how to prevent them from derailing your project and potential profits.

Disclosure from banks

Many homes bought by flippers are foreclosures s ... Read More…

Image via Pexels

Use Design To Increase Investment Property Value and Attract Tenants

Renting is on the rise in the U.S., which means landlords are in the perfect position to find new tenants. According to research, rented homes made up 34.7% of the market in 2020. Of course, other property owners are taking advantage of these higher numbers, which means your house needs to stand out. Fortunately, you can attract renters with the right design choices. Here are a few tips that can help make your property attractive to would-be renters.

Beautify the Outdoor Spaces
When updating your rental property's design, don't forget about outdoor spaces. A neat front lawn increases curb appeal, while a comfortable backyard helps renters envision living there. You can find plenty of ways to beautify a yard to great effect:
• Create a dining area
• Build a deck
• Install outdoor lighting
• Add a fire pit
• Plant flowers

It's a good idea to hire professionals to handle backyard landscaping rather than tackle these projects yourself, especially if construction is involved. As you consider contractors, make sure you shop around and look for deals to minimize costs. You should also read reviews and check with local associations for complaints.

Consider a Property Manager
Property management is a full-time job. If you decide to take it on yourself, you'll be solely responsible for the following:
• Scheduling repa ... Read More…

Renovating Your Older Forever Home

Maybe that old home you just bought isn’t quite as perfect as you would like, which isn’t surprising or unusual. From serious issues to more aesthetic problems, there are a whole host of fixes for older dream homes. It can be a bit stressful to figure out which repairs and projects to focus on first, and that’s why having this resource list brought to you by the professionals at the South Jersey Real Estate Investors Association can help you get started.

Start By Addressing Structural and Safety Issues

Some updates may not be urgent, but when it comes to problems that pose a risk to your safety or your home’s structure, repairs simply can’t wait.

• Bob Vila explains that structural issues that should take priority include foundation cracks or old pipes that need to be replaced.
• Address mold and asbestos ASAP, which can have serious health consequences and should only be removed by a licensed professional.
• Electrical repairs should also be completed by a pro to ensure your safety. 

Then Move Onto Projects That Will Provide Comfort

Once you’ve taken care of major repairs for your old home, you should think about working on updates that will keep your family happy and comfortable.

• Some older homes may lack central heat and air, but they can be added.
• Removing or replacing old shag carpets can keep your family from experiencing the discomforts of allergies, asthma, and other illn ... Read More…

When deciding to build a home, accessibility is not often the top must-have feature that comes to mind. However, accessible homes are not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but also functional too. Therefore, if you are planning on building an accessible home, what are tips on how to go about it.

What is an accessible home?

If you're new to the concept or, conversely, have your heart set on building an accessible home, it might be helpful to first define what an accessible home is. Simply put, a home with easy accessibility is a home that is designed with simplicity in mind. Moreover, a home with easy accessibility makes moving in, through, and around the property easy to do.

Benefits of building an accessible home

Accessible homes are growing in popularity for obvious reasons. One of the main reasons many homeowners are starting to favor accessible homes is that they can meet your most basic living requirements efficiently. As an example, you won't usually find many steps to climb to get to certain areas in accessible homes. Another example may be having an additional guest bathroom on the main floor for when you have visitors around. Accessible homes are also beneficial (and often safer) for seniors to get around in, not to mention making your home more accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Popular features of accessible homes

When designing a floor plan for your new accessible home, here are some popular features you may want to consider incorporating into ... Read More…

This month, SJREIA has added not one, but two bonus learning opportunities to the calendar! 

First up, join us on Wednesday, March 17th for a FREE webinar featuring National REIA speaker, David Pickron. If you are an active or aspiring landlord, this event is for you. 

It's a crazy time to be a landlord! Local, State and Federal regulations are restricting landlord access to the background history of potential tenants. 

At this webinar Speaker David Pickron will talk about how landlords can adjust their tenant qualification process during these challenging times to find THE BEST TENANTS possible!

David will be teaching attendees: 

1. How to create and use rental criteria to protect yourself and your investment.
2. Strategies for rental history verification processes and increasing tenant requirements.
3. How to update the way you process employment and income verification.
4. How property inspections can work in your favor.
5. What investors can expect in the future and how Rent Perfect can help. 

Based in Arizona, David has over 25 years of experience in the eviction and tenant screening fields. David is the owner of AAA Landlord Services, Inc as well as Rent Perfect. His companies have helped both evict and place tenants in the Arizona market since 1992. David has been recognized as a leader in tenant screening since 2001. David is a regular contributor to many industry publications and shares his insider knowledge through online training available through his company we ... Read More…

It’s that time again! Clear your calendar for a learning opportunity that you will not want to miss. After an amazing turn-out for our December 2020 “Speed Learning for 2021” event, we are doing it again. Join SJREIA for a full day of FREE real estate investment education on March 6th from 8:30 am-5:00 pm. 

The all-day event will feature 2 national speakers, 2 special guest speakers, and 13 local real estate professionals. No commercials, no infomercials, no sales pitches, just quality education packed into 15-minute segments.  

Whether you block out the full day or select a few niche speakers that fit your goals, make sure you RSVP for a unique opportunity to expand your real estate investment career. Once you RSVP and right before the event you will be sent a full schedule and links so that you can attend any meeting that you desire. 

Speed Learning for 2021: March 

Join Joseph Scorese as he dives into the world of Understanding Residential and Commercial Mortgage Fundamentals.

Start Investing With the Right Property Management Tools. Let Matt Grace from Eproperty365 show you how.

CPA, John Haslach will be showing attendees How Real Estate Investors Can Benefit From The Current Tax Plans.

Learn about 1031 Exchange Basics with Tina Pashovich from Old Republic Exchange. 

Get an in-depth understanding of the differences and similarities between Independent Insurance Agents Vs. Company Direct Agents from Rich Rickards of Esposito Insurance. 

Neil Vogel from All Ways ... Read More…