How Millionaires Stay Rich With Alternative Investments

Why Millionaires Invest in Alternatives

You’re rich. Like, really rich. But how do you stay that way? Sure, you could stick your money in stocks and bonds like every other millionaire. But where’s the fun in that? If you want your money to work for you in exciting new ways, it’s time to explore alternative investments. We’re talking antiques, artwork, wine, even racehorses. Laugh if you want, but these offbeat assets offer serious returns. Intrigued? Keep reading and we’ll walk you through the wild world of how millionaires invest their money. You’ll discover new opportunities to diversify your portfolio and have a blast doing it. Who knows? That vintage Ferrari or rare comic book collection could be your ticket to even greater wealth. So buckle up, because you’re about to take your finances on an adventure.

The Top Alternative Investments for Millionaires

Millionaires know that diversity is key when it comes to investing. That’s why many include alternative assets as part of their portfolio beyond the usual stocks, bonds, and cash. Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons why the wealthy allocate a portion of their funds to alternatives:

– Hedge against volatility – Many alternative investments, like managed futures and commodities, can zig when traditional markets zag. This helps manage overall risk.

– Provide non-correlation – Alternatives tend to move independently from stocks and bonds. This provides even more diversification.

– Deliver higher returns – On average, alternatives like private equity, venture capital, and real estate deliver returns in the high single digits to low double digits. That’s music to an investor’s ears.

– Offer tax advantages – Certain alternatives like real estate and oil and gas partnerships come with generous tax breaks. This puts more money in your pocket.

– Provide access to unique opportunities – From the next great tech startup to a luxury condo development, alternatives open the door to investments not typically accessible to average investors.

– Help preserve wealth – Alternatives like managed futures and gold act as a hedge against inflation. This helps millionaires maintain their purchasing power.

The wealthy stay rich in part by putting their money to work across a wide range of assets. Adding alternatives to the mix is a savvy strategy. With the right balance, these unique investments can significantly boost returns while lowering risk.

Questions Millionaires Ask About Alternative Investments

The rich stay rich by thinking outside the box when it comes to investing. Here are the top five alternative assets millionaires love:

– Real Estate – Property has created more millionaires than any other investment. Rental income and appreciation over time leads to massive gains. Direct ownership or REITs both work.

– Private Equity – Investing in private companies before they go public can result in astronomical returns. Of course, this requires deep pockets and connections.

– Venture Capital – Similar to private equity, venture capital backs startups poised for rapid growth. Home runs like Facebook and Uber make up for strikeouts.

– Hedge Funds – Aggressive trading strategies like short selling and leverage mean huge profits (and losses!). Performance fees also let fund managers earn billions.

– Commodities – Oil, gold, soybeans, lumber – their values fluctuate, sometimes wildly. Futures contracts allow betting on price movements for massive paydays.

The key is portfolio diversification across these alternatives to reduce risk and maximize rewards. With the right mix, millionaires compound their wealth year after year, even during market downturns. It takes money to make money, but alternative assets are how the rich stay rich.

The Endless Benefits of Weaver Custom Window Treatments

Customized Style and Design With Weaver Shutters

So you’re thinking of ways to spruce up your home decor and bring some style into your space. Have you considered custom window treatments? Weaver custom window treatments offer an array of benefits that can transform the look and feel of any room. With innovative and high-quality products like plantation shutters, blinds, shades and drapes, Weaver Shutters helps you craft a personalized solution for your windows.

You want your home to reflect your unique sense of style. Weaver’s custom-made treatments give you total design freedom so you can choose styles, materials, and finishes that match your vision. Do you prefer the clean lines of wood shutters or the soft elegance of silk drapes? Weaver has you covered. You can also select the level of light control and privacy for each room.

When you invest in custom window treatments from Weaver, you’re gaining pieces that not only enhance your decor but also protect your furniture and floors from sun damage. Their products are built to last, so you can enjoy the benefits for years to come. Transform your space and experience the difference that Weaver custom window treatments can make. Your home will thank you.

Superior Durability of Weaver Window Shutters

With Weaver window treatments, you can design custom shutters tailored to your style and home. Want to match your interior decor? No problem. Prefer a natural wood tone or sleek white? Weaver has you covered.

An Array of Materials

Weaver offers shutters in a variety of premium materials, including:

– Basswood – A lightweight, durable wood that can be painted or stained.

– Mahogany – A tropical hardwood with a rich, reddish tone.

– Poplar – An affordable, versatile wood that takes paint well.

– Vinyl – Low-maintenance, water-resistant, and available in popular colors.

– Aluminum – Contemporary, rust-proof, and suitable for areas with high humidity.

Personalized to Perfection

Customize your shutters down to the smallest detail. Select your preferred:

1. Wood type, color, and finish

2. Tilt rod – choose between a standard tilt rod or concealed tilt for a sleeker look

3. Panel size – for the perfect coverage and privacy level in each room

4. Blade size – from standard 2 1/2 inches up to 6 inches for maximum light control

5. Additional features like cutouts for door handles or locks, and holdbacks to keep your shutters open

With endless options to mix and match, you can create the custom window treatments of your dreams. Why settle for anything less than your ideal design and functionality? Weaver custom shutters are made to order for a perfect fit and finish in your home.

Energy Efficiency and Light Control Benefits of Weaver Shutters

Custom window treatments add beauty and function to any home. With Weaver, you get superior durability and quality that will last for years to come.

Unparalleled Strength and Longevity

Weaver uses only the finest materials to produce window treatments that stand the test of time. Their wooden shutters, for instance, are constructed from premium basswood that is kiln-dried to prevent warping. Multiple layers of paint and primer are then hand-applied and baked on for an ultra-durable finish.

With proper care, Weaver window treatments can easily last 10-15 years or more. Their shutters, in particular, come with an industry-leading 10-year warranty. Now that’s dependability you can count on!

Privacy and Light Control

Weaver also offers cordless cellular shades, roman shades, and drapes in a range of opacities to suit your needs. Want to block out the sun for some much-needed rest? Opt for room-darkening drapes or blackout cellular shades. Prefer soft filtered light? Choose a lighter sheer or linen fabric.

With Weaver, you’re in control of how much light enters and leaves your space. Open and close your shades with the simple slide of a cordless handle or wand for customized privacy whenever you want it.

Discover the lasting quality, style, and functionality of Weaver’s premium window treatments. Your home will thank you – for years and years to come!

Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Investing: Getting Started and Building Wealth

Real estate is one of today’s most popular and potentially profitable options if you’re looking for a great investment opportunity. With the right strategy, you can build wealth and financial security by investing in properties that increase in value over time. But for beginners, getting started in real estate investing can be intimidating. There’s a lot of information to learn and plenty of risks involved.

With the right approach and some good advice, you can minimize your risks and make smart decisions that will pave the way to a successful future of real estate investing. In this blog post, Brandon Gilkey provides an overview of the basics and helps you start your journey to building wealth through real estate.

Understand The Market And Choose Your Niche Carefully

Before investing in real estate, it’s essential to do your research and learn about the market in your area. You’ll need to understand the types of properties available, the average prices, and the current trends in the market. It’s also important to choose a niche that you’re comfortable with. For example, you could focus on residential or commercial properties or specialize in a particular property type, such as multi-family units, vacation homes, or fixer-uppers. Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s easier to search for suitable properties and make informed buying decisions.

Set Realistic Goals And Create A Plan

Before jumping into investing, setting realistic goals and creating a plan to help you achieve them is important. Consider how much time and money you will invest and your desired return on investment (ROI). From there, you can create a plan that outlines your strategy for finding and buying properties, managing them, and selling them if needed. Having a contingency plan is also important if things don’t go as planned.

Find The Right Financing Option For Your Needs

When investing in real estate, you’ll likely need to secure financing from a lender. Many options exist, including traditional banks, mortgage brokers, and online lenders. Each option has pros and cons, so it’s important to do your homework and compare your options before deciding. Keep in mind that the interest rate and terms of your loan will affect your overall investment, so choose wisely.

Conduct Thorough Due Diligence

Before committing to buying any property, conducting thorough due diligence is important to ensure you’re making a good investment. This includes researching the property’s history, past owners, and any issues or repairs that must be addressed. You should also inspect the property thoroughly to ensure it’s in good condition and meets your needs. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional inspection to identify potential issues before making an offer.

Network And Build Relationships

Networking and building relationships with other investors, real estate agents, and professionals in the industry are essential for success in real estate investing. Attend industry events and join investment groups online or in person. Build a team of professionals that you can trust, including real estate agents, property managers, lawyers, and accountants. This will help you stay up-to-date with market trends and make smarter investment decisions.

In addition to these tips, it’s important to continue educating yourself on real estate investing and staying current with industry news and trends. As with any investment, risks are always involved, but by researching, setting realistic goals, and building a solid team, you can increase your chances of success in real estate investing. So don’t be afraid to take the first steps and start building your wealth through real estate today! Remember, staying determined, informed, and open to learning from successes and failures is the key.

Conclusion

As you can see, real estate investing can be a smart and lucrative investment option for anyone looking to build wealth and financial security. With the right approach and careful planning, you can minimize risks and make profitable investments that will pay dividends for years. Remember to do your research, set realistic goals and expectations, choose the right financing option, conduct thorough due diligence, and build a network of trusted professionals to help guide you along the way.

Jean Danhong Chen Shares How The Housing Market In California Has Changed During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 has hit businesses hard. Consequently, many people have lost their jobs, and worse, others have succumbed to depression. Moreover, there are those who, for different reasons, desired to move to California. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have had to halt their migration plans.

What’s more, most of them have dreaded the housing market since Coronavirus seems to deteriorate the market.

That’s why Jean Danhong Chen, shares ways the housing market in California has changed during the COVID 19 pandemic. You can make informed decisions regardless of whether you’re a real estate investor, a home seller, a home buyer, or just someone with great interest in the housing industry.

A Drop in Buyers’ Interest

Immediately the government announced the COVID-19 pandemic attack in California; realtors canceled their open houses. Consequently, 50% of agents reported a drop in buyers’ interest in their properties. More than half of reactors said to have buyers who backed out from their home-buying plans for fear of COVID 19 pandemic. Additionally, 45% of the realtors had sellers who backed out from selling their property.

The shutdown of Non-Essential Businesses

The government shutdown any business deemed as non-essential. As such, the real estate business wasn’t seized. But the government allowed some real estate transactions to continue. Such transactions included home buying, residential leasing, title research, and renting.

Shelter-in-place Orders

As Jean D. Chen reports, the shelter-in-place orders vastly contributed to the freezing of California’s housing market. What’s more, though the government allowed financial institutions to continue their operations, many people were afraid of taking loans to buy homes. Furthermore, the shutdown of around 80% of the country fueled the fear in people. As a result, the country experienced a 30% fall in mortgage application in the last quarter of march 2020.

The Good News

For many states, the home sales bounced back in June. And realtors and landlords were super excited. What’s more, the sales price to list price ratio was 99.5% in the same month (June). So, home sellers were selling their homes at prices close to the listing price.

More Handy Stats

In that same month of June, home sellers sold their homes at around $626,160. Moreover, single-family home prices rose by 6.5 percent from May (2020). The month to month sales increased by about 68.55% while the California condo prices rose by 4.6%. This seemed a slow recovery for the housing market.

Buyer activity Increased!

Some financial institutions lowered their mortgage rates like never before. As a result, many people took advantage of the low mortgage rates, and they bought houses. Consequently, realtors reported an increase in buyer activity.

More of the Rebound

To get a more vivid picture of the housing market’s state of pre-COVID-19, let’s have a glimpse of the market performance as in February (in 2020). In February, the housing market experienced a 6.6% rise. As a result, the home sales jumped above 400,000 benchmarks. This was a remarkable and rare occurrence; it marked the completion of an eight consecutive months year-over-year home sales increase.

Home Sales

All major regions of California experienced an increase in home sales. However, Southern California experienced a drop of -12.2 percent while Central valley experienced the smallest drop of -1.5 percent. But generally, the median prices of homes in all the major regions of California increased drastically. And to some extent, this showed that the homes were affordable for many residents, as Jean Danhong Chen reports.

The Housing Supplies

Housing suppliers decided to play safe. Consequently, the housing supply across the state declined. All countries in the region experienced a housing supply drop of at least 30 percent, with Southern California getting the most significant drop.

Over to You

Probably, you have noted that by June, the home prices were affordable for many. And this is a “voila!” moment for all folks who desired to migrate into California, but they were afraid of the shaky housing market.

But now you got these handy stats on your hands. Apart from the immigration-related constraints, what else stands on your way to making your desired big move—acquiring a home or investing in the housing market?

5 Ways To Really Profit From Your Real Estate Investments

Most of us have spent our time looking for a better way of making money, including exploring the options open to us in the real estate market. There are many ways for an individual to make their mark on the real estate market, including the decision to flip a house or to invest in a Real Estate Investment Trust. Making a profit in the real estate market can be a tough ask but David Ebrahimzadeh believes there are options open to every potential investor to explore their options for profiting from real estate.

1. Real Estate Investment Trust

This is an option that should be explored by every individual who is looking for the best way of making a real estate investment without having a large number of funds in hand. Instead of spending all your funds looking for a small, fixer-upper to invest in to start your real estate business, you can look to be repaid in dividends by investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust. One of the bonuses of investing in a REIT is the ability to choose the type of property you wish to invest in. Each REIT has a specified goal of investing in multi-family properties, hotels, or commercial properties. Even the smallest investment in a REIT can pay major dividends with 90 percent of profits returned to investors each year, according to Business Insider.

2. Flipping Properties

When you are looking to make a real profit from the real estate markets you should look into flipping properties. David Ebrahimzadeh sees the decision to start flipping houses as a more complex and stressful option than a Real Estate Investment Trust. However, Ebrahimzadeh explains the rewards in the form of profits are extremely high if the flip is completed correctly. Investopedia explains the major profits that are available can be found in doing a large amount of the renovation work yourself. By having some construction skills or the ability to lead a crew of workers through the required renovation in a short time you will maximize your profits.

3. Long-Term Residential Rentals

When you are looking to take a long-term approach to make a profit in the real estate markets you can invest in a residential property for the long-term. The first step to take is to find a residential property in a desirable location that is sought after by renters. If you can secure a long-term rental agreement you will be able to turn a profit that will last for several years. Entrepreneur explains the most important aspect of securing a long-term rental agreement is to find the perfect property and price your rental in the correct price range to ensure your property stays inhabited for years to come.

4. Contract Flipping

This is a little more difficult for you than the traditional home flipping the majority of us are aware of. Instead of flipping a property, you can simply find a buyer who is underwater with their payments and put them together with a motivated buyer. As a way of sourcing a home without having to take part in the tricky issue of sourcing funding or going through any form of escrow program. Instead, you are simply acting as an agent who brings together the buyer and seller with contracts providing you with a fee for bringing these two parties together.

5. Vacation Rentals

Most of us have heard the stories of people who have purchased vacation rentals and made a fortune from them. There are many reasons why vacation rentals have become so popular, but the rise of Airbnb has played a major role in this development. The initial investment you will need for this kind of real estate property is larger than you may imagine but profits are also high. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the vacation rentals market is volatile with a range of potential problems but in normal times the profits available are large.

There are options in the real estate markets for any individual to explore from those with a large investment fund to those with limited options. Flipping houses remains the most popular option for most real estate investors to explore. Other markets can be equally as profitable with the use of Real Estate Investment Trusts being a high return option guaranteed each year.

5 Savvy Exterior Home Improvement Ideas to Increase the Value of Your Home

You will want to make sure that you get as much money as you possibly can whenever you sell your home. This is why you want to do everything you can to update the features on the exterior of your house. There are dozens of ideas out there that can help you accomplish this goal. Fortunately, we put together a list of five that Jason McLaughlan has provided for us. Let’s take a look at some of these ideas and how they can improve your home’s value.

Changing The Exterior Lights

Changing the lights on the outside of your home can help improve its look. There are dozens of lights out there that you can choose from to accomplish this. This means that you have an almost unlimited amount of options available at your disposal to accomplish this. Fortunately, changing the exterior lights is fairly simple when compared to the other projects.

Improve The Landscape

Many people don’t always get a chance to improve the landscape around their home. While they do normally keep up with lawn maintenance, there is so much more to be done that can improve your house’s value. Landscaping projects require more than one person to perform. However, these can greatly improve your house’s value if you do it right.

Painting

One of the most visually appealing things that you can do for your home is to provide a fresh coat of paint. There are plenty of guides out there that can help you find the best color scheme for your home. This will help improve its look from the outside and will greatly improve the value of it.

Pressure Washing

Grime can build upon the exterior of your home over the course of time. It is normally brought on by rain and other elements. However, you will most certainly want to pressure wash this gunk off of your home whenever you decide to sell it. This will greatly improve the value of your home and may end up helping your house sell faster. You can either hire a professional pressure washing company or can rent a pressure washer for a day to do it yourself.

Replace The Doors

Your front door makes an important first impression upon new guests whenever they enter your home. This is why you want to get the very best front door for your house whenever you decide to sell. Spending some extra money to replace the door can go a long way whenever it comes to boosting your house’s value. It is the first thing that realtors and potential homebuyers will see whenever they visit your home.

Improving Your Home’s Value

Fencing expert Jason McLaughlan knows the importance of improving the value of your home. However, it is in your best interest to improve your home over the course of time. Do not burden yourself by updating all the features that we have listed at once. This will cause you to become overly stressed with the process.

Fortunately, the exterior projects that we have provided are fairly simple when compared to other large scale renovations. This means that these are the easiest way to optimize the visuals of your house. Take your time to find the best resources available to complete the style that you want for the house. You will thank yourself for it in the future.

9 Ways To Transform Your Bachelor Pad Into A Home

Bachelors like to decorate their pads in a simple way. Most don’t like having pillows, fancy decors or even accessories in their spaces. There are different ways that a bachelor pad can look sophisticated and even comfortable. When you are in doubt, look for some advice. JMD Furniture would like to recommend the following design trends for bachelors to try out.

Decide on a theme

A decor theme is very important because it sets the mood of the entire room. If you pick a masculine theme, depending on the specific theme you choose, it can bring in some style and design. The theme will also call for the use of the right color preferences.

Choose a color palette

Go for a color palette that has accent color options. You need to go for colors that will make your pad look bigger, comfortable, and fits your personality. If you have smaller spaces, use light colors to make it bigger. You also need to consider having a contrast wall that complements the rest of your room.

Decorate the walls

You can use some artwork pieces on the walls. Go for something that reflects your general interest in hobbies. Go for a mature piece that is impressive and one that strikes a conversation. If your hobby is cycling, go for a canvas cycling-[piece of wall decor that has supporting accessories.

Add lighting

If you have rooms that don’t have a ceiling light, place a lamp. You can use different kinds of light sources instead of light bulbs. For instance, you can go for LED lights to provide white light which usually resembles the natural light. The beauty of light bulbs is that they are energy efficient and they last approximately 20 years.

Create a focal point

Make your wall or a fireplace the focal point of your room. The focal point should have different colors with an accessory, a piece of art, or something that is a conversational starter. To get an even cleaner look, JMD Furniture recommends using the services of a professional interior designer.

Change your furniture

Bachelors have a couple of things in common, and second-hand furniture that does not match is one of them. Although the furniture makers don’t need to be the same, it is a great idea to match the color and the design of your furniture. You also need to go for furniture that fits your space.

Add extra storage

Bachelors need additional storage. You need to have something to store your extra stuff which will also play as an extra sit. For this, you need to go for extra storage benches and cubes. An extra seat that is comfortable is excellent when you have friends over and still want to store some clutter out of your space. You can also have extra storage in your dining table by using wooden benches that have seat pads with storage underneath.

Organize the closets

Men are not good at organization, especially when it comes to bedroom closets. The closet is usually a pile of everything and anything. To some extent, you will find clothes on the floor, and within a short time, it gets hard to differentiate between clean and dirty clothes.

For your wardrobe, use wooden hangers. Women actually get more impressed with a man who has an organized closet.

Create an entertainment space

If you have a space that is purely meant for entertainment, it can prevent overcrowding, spills, and also seclude your private space. In your entertainment space, store things like a mini-fridge, liquor bottles, and mixers. You can also store an ice bucket and a variety of glasses.

4 Ways Architects Are Changing Sonoma’s Landscape

Sonoma is the classic county of California that is known for its winemaking population. Sonoma is also popular for its fine art galleries and colonial-era types of architecture. One of the most popular landmarks located in this county is the Sonoma Plaza. Around this plaza are the 19th-century adobe-style buildings made of sturdy bricks and classical architecture. The plaza also features the Mission San Francisco Solano and Sonoma Barracks, which was previously used in the Mexican military escapades.

Understanding this deep history of Sonoma, Brian Setentich believes that there are reasons why this specific region in California is changing its landscape:

The proliferation of wine tours – aside from Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley is also known for its wine tours. Therefore, a lot of people go through the area and would want to see more of these types of activities in Sonoma.
Increased tourism over the years – historical tours, wine tasting, and city tours are popular for tourists in Sonoma. As the growing industry continues to succeed, there is an increased need for accommodations in the area.
Maintenance of old architecture – as times and seasons change, there is a need to maintain, yet preserve the distinct architectural details in Sonoma.

What are the different ways that architects are changing Sonoma Valley’s landscape? In this post, Brian Setencich highlights these four main influences of architects in Sonoma.

4 Ways Architects Are Changing Sonoma’s Landscape

Architects are preserving historical sites in a modern way

Brian Setencich stated that this might seem like an oxymoron, but architects are on the works to preserve the historical sites located in Sonoma such as the Sonoma Plaza. An example to be seen is their design in the garden landscaping and interior of the said establishment. Although the buildings are said to be two centuries old, its interiors were refurbished to improve its integrity. Classical chandeliers were placed, but modern lighting fixtures were also installed. Additionally, the interior was preserved to have its original design but build with sturdier materials.

Architects are helping to make new establishments in Sonoma

Sonoma isn’t just about historical sites and traditional views. It’s also about the whole tourist experience. At present, architects have worked with restaurant owners to build the newest restaurants in the area such as Jacob’s Restaurant, Mi Ranchito, or Gerard’s Paella. These restaurants are thematic, which means a lot of time and effort was put into thought with the designs of these places to match the whole look and feel of Sonoma County. Architects are doing a great job with integrating the modern along with the classical landscapes of the region.

Architects are designing wineries in Sonoma

The wineries are not small places to try out the different varieties of wine available in Sonoma Valley, they have also become a destination for tourists to visit. Almost every winery in Sonoma was structurally designed by architects to stand out, like the photos seen in some of the magazines and blogs on the internet. Aside from the houses, the wineries are also made with fabulous-looking patios and gardens that are pleasing to the eye.

Architects are building new homes in Sonoma County

The region is not just available for tourists, but also for people who want to start a new life. At present, there are homes available in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and Cotati which were built by architects to suit the lifestyle of the potential residents. Most of the new homes located in Sonoma country have adopted a modern look, such as those located in the University District. There are also modern-looking commons that are available for aspiring homeowners who want to stay in Petaluma.

Architects are not only builders but also game-changers. They can change the face of a place for the next generation, which shows the history of its people. As architects continue to change other landscapes, Sonoma County is a good example of how these professionals have touched the tourism, real estate, and historical scene.

7 Tips for Purchasing Your First Home as a Freelance Graphic Designer

Being a first-time home buyer is uniquely stressful. The process of buying a home can seem incredibly complicated to someone who has always rented their living space. Successful freelance graphic designer Mark Alvarado shares his home buying wisdom with fellow artists. Alvarado owns a home in Palo Alto, California and a second home in Texas. These 7 tips will help you start down the path of homeownership.

1. Save for a Down Payment

It is necessary to save up for a down payment before you begin the process of buying your first home. Down payments can be as little as 3% for first-time home buyers. With a down payment of less than 20%, your loan may cost more and you will have to carry private mortgage insurance. It’s a good idea to keep your home budget in mind when you are saving for a down payment.

2. Figure Out What You Can Afford

Use mortgage calculators to determine the monthly cost of your new home. Don’t forget to add in the cost of utilities, insurance, and any upgrades your home might need before you move in. It is a common mistake for first-time home buyers to underestimate the costs of owning a home. If you need to save money first, don’t be impatient. You will also need to know how much it will cost to physically move from your apartment to your new home.

3. Be Careful with your Credit

Your credit score will determine whether you are approved for a home and what kind of loan you will get. Always check your credit scores a few times a year and make note of any errors. You can dispute these errors with the credit card companies. Making credit mistakes is costly. This has kept many people from their dream of homeownership.

4. Look Into State and Federal Programs

The Federal Housing Administration offers first-time home buyer loans with down payments as low as 3.5%. States also offer many different programs for first-time home buyers. Be sure that you check with your state, county, and city to make sure you are not missing out on any special deals.

With your finances in shape, it’s time to start looking for a house. Mark Alvarado shares some of his top tips with fellow freelance graphic designers.

5. House Hunting Tips

Decide which kind of house you want and which neighborhoods you are interested in.
Make a wish list of what you want in a home, but remember that no one house will fill all of your requirements.
Be prepared to move quickly and make an offer if you want the house.
Be sure that you have a home inspection. This will point out any problems with the home. Having a trustworthy home inspector is a must when you are buying a house.

6. Do Your Research

Become an expert on the real estate market in the neighborhood where you want to buy a home. Make sure that you know what the other homes in the area have sold for and when. This will help you avoid getting a bad deal.

7. Don’t Romanticize a House

Emotion can play a big part in home buying, but it pays to be cautious. Don’t let your feelings get in the way of taking a realistic look at your prospective new home. Look seriously at any benefits and disadvantages presented by the house. Remember to have your home inspected, in case the seller has made cosmetic improvements but left serious structural problems.

5 Seminars All Real Estate Agents Should Attend

It can be mindblowing that even with how profitable real estate business is, there are rarely formal schools which teach you the principles of real estate investment. In fact, a lot of real estate agents and investors claim to be self-taught, which is built upon years of experiences, failures, and eventually victories.

However, it is interesting to note that the industry is continuously growing, and there are more professionals who are willing to dedicate time to teach aspiring real estate agents and entrepreneurs the tricks and trades of the business. According to Luis Enrique Coll, a real estate expert, there are several benefits in attending these types of seminars:

Seminars give you an overview if you are a total newbie. If you are new to this type of business, you will understand basic terminology, how fundamentals of closing in a sale, and the skills you need to succeed.
Seminars can also be a great way to update your present knowledge and skills. If you are a seasoned real estate agent, you may not be aware of the various technological advances that the industry has already leaped in. Seminars give you an update on the latest and best practices in the real estate world.
Seminars also help you network with other real estate investors. Some people in seminars are looking for opportunities to invest in a property. Through seminars, you can find these potential clients and partnerships as you build connections for your business.

Given the vital use of seminars for real estate entrepreneurs, what are the best ones to attend to? Luis Enrique Collhighlights the most comprehensive and valuable seminars based on his experience.

5 Seminars All Real Estate Agents Should Attend

1. Real Estate Investment Network

Real Estate Investment Network was founded in 1992 by former CREW magazine columnist Don Campbell. It is recognized as one of the most trusted real estate investment education companies worldwide. It leads in terms of analysis, research, and resource for people who want to get ahead in the real estate industry.

Real Estate Investment Network is a member-based company, with presently 2,700 members who can access a wealth of information, products, and services they can use to grow their real estate business. Some of these include webinars, educational materials, workshops, and access to conferences which are held regularly.

2. Fortune Builders Real Estate Investing Seminars

Another valuable seminar is called the Fortune Builders, which is a workshop that lasts for three days. It is an ideal way to start learning about the fundamentals of real estate investing. It is also a good deal for beginners as it only costs $197 for two people.

Previous people who attended the seminar reported that the experience was proved to be very educational and has given them a great opportunity to network with other seminar attendees. This seminar is ideal for the beginner real estate agent who wants to make an impact on his or her business.

3. The Investor Forum

The Investor Forum has featured several successful speakers who already experienced success in the real estate business. Additionally, they have provided networking opportunities for many commercial and residential real estate entrepreneurs.

The Investor Forum is highly recommended because it features two days of interactive workshops with high-profile keynote speakers. There are also three different types of registration, and attendees have the option of picking those topics they prefer to attend to.

4. REALTOR Broker Summit

REALTOR is one of the most prominent companies when it comes to real estate agents and investors. This is an annual summit that the company holds in Nashville to talk about all things related to the business. As a real estate agent, you are also provided with networking opportunities if you have properties along the southern states.

REALTOR Broker summit is also holding training, coaching classes, and other workshops to help real estate agents become better leaders in their business. They also present the future of mortgage and housing markets, providing an abundance of useful information for real estate entrepreneurs to hone their craft.

5. Inman Connect San Francisco and New York

Inman Connect conferences are known to be held in two big cities–New York and San Francisco. The real estate market in these two major cities is at an all-time high, which all the more attracts investors and provides great opportunities for real estate agents.

Inman Connect conferences contain several comprehensive seminars on how to market real estate, how to close sales, and the latest technology applications needed to succeed in the business.

Working as a real estate agent can be a rewarding experience. Expand your skills and grab opportunities as you attend these great seminars for your professional and business growth.