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Showing posts from June, 2024

How to Buy a House When You’re a Server (Yes, It’s Possible)

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Let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Being a server does NOT mean you can’t buy a house. It just means the process looks a little different than it does for someone with a steady 9–5 paycheck and zero cash tips (lucky them). If you live off a mix of hourly wages, tips, and hustle, this one’s for you. 1. The Biggest Challenge: Proving Your Income Lenders don’t hate servers — they hate unclear income . Most servers earn: Hourly wages Declared tips (Sometimes) undeclared tips 👉 Here’s the truth: Only declared income counts when qualifying for a mortgage. What helps: 2 years of consistent serving income Tips reported on your tax returns Stable employer or industry history Pro tip: If you’re planning to buy in the next 1–2 years, start declaring your tips now. Future you will be grateful. 2. Taxes: The Necessary Evil That Helps You Buy Yes, declaring tips means paying more tax. But it also means: Higher qualifying income Better mortgage options Less stress at approval time Th...

5 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Use a Property Management Company

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Are you a property owner struggling to balance managing your investments with your personal life? Or are you a real estate investor aiming to expand your portfolio without getting bogged down by day-to-day operations? Regardless of your situation, working with a property management company could be the solution you need. Here are five reasons why teaming up with a property management firm is a smart move: Time is Money: Managing rental properties is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle - time-consuming and potentially hazardous! By outsourcing these tasks, you free up your time and energy for more profitable endeavors or personal enjoyment. It's a win-win: you gain peace of mind while your investments continue to generate income. Expertise and Experience: Property management requires a deep understanding of local markets, laws, and maintenance practices. Professional managers bring years of experience and industry knowledge to ensure your properties are well-mana...

SiZe - Does it matter?

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Ah, the age-old question. Does size matter? Any house can feel like home if you put the right time, care, and people into it. Homes come in all shapes and sizes, allowing us to have some options when looking into a house to make our home. Is it better to have a larger home or a smaller home? When looking into buying a new home, many people think they should aim to get the largest house they can afford (sometimes not afford). But square feet per dollar is not always the best measurement of a house’s worth. Let me show you some of the perks of owning a smaller home and of course some of the cons.  Pro:  Lower bills. Just think of all the space you won’t be heating in the winter and cooling in the summer! In a smaller home, you’ll notice lower utility bills all around. Another expense that will likely decrease is the amount you spend on furniture for your home. you will have to buy less of it. You’re less likely to hoard a bunch of stuff you don’t need. If you’re limited on ...