Can Building Permit Trends Reveal Housing Market Hotspots?

A city skyline with various construction sites and cranes, alongside a graph showing an upward trend in building permits

Building permits serve as a powerful economic indicator, revealing crucial insights into future real estate market conditions. Monthly building permit data shows historical averages of 1,373,300 units since 1960, with significant fluctuations that can help you identify emerging market opportunities. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Building Permits Survey tracks new privately-owned residential construction across the country,…

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Fair Market Value and Assessed Value: What’s the Difference?

A house with a "For Sale" sign in front of it, surrounded by similar houses in a suburban neighborhood

When evaluating investment properties, knowing the difference between fair market value and assessed value can significantly impact your investment decisions. These two distinct valuations serve different purposes and are calculated using separate methodologies. The fair market value represents what a property would sell for under normal market conditions between a willing buyer and seller, while…

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Do You Need Credit To Buy Real Estate? Guide for Investors

A male and female real estate investing couple standing in front of a bank, talking about the different ways to buy rental property without using a bank loan.

Investing in real estate without established credit might seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. While traditional lenders typically require a credit score of at least 620 for property purchases, you can still acquire investment properties through alternative financing methods. Many real estate investors start their journey with creative financing strategies like private money lenders, hard…

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How To Use Commercial Real Estate P/E Ratio in Property Valuation

A group of real estate investors standing in front of an office building discussing the valuation of the property. The office building is tall with more than 50 stories, and a dollar sign is floating in the air as the investors speak to one another.

The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio, a fundamental metric in stock market analysis, has found its way into commercial real estate valuation. For commercial real estate, the P/E ratio typically ranges between 27.11 for real estate operations and 37.63 for S&P 500 Real Estate companies, providing investors with a standardized way to compare different property investments. Commercial…

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Commercial Real Estate Lease Expirations in 2025: Impact and Opportunities

An large office building in a downtown central business district with an abundant amount of space for lease.

The commercial real estate landscape is poised for a significant shift in 2025, with an unprecedented number of lease expirations on the horizon. Over 265 million square feet of commercial real estate leases across various property types are set to mature in 2025, presenting both challenges and opportunities for investors, landlords, and tenants alike. This…

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How to Spot Real Estate Title Fraud Before It’s Too Late

A husband and wife real estate investing team realizing they have become victims of title fraud. The wife is crying and throwing something and the husband is clenching his fists in after.

Real estate title fraud is a growing concern for investors in today’s property market. This deceptive practice involves fraudsters manipulating property ownership data and documents to illegally transfer or profit from real estate assets. For investors, staying vigilant and understanding the signs of title fraud can protect valuable investments and prevent significant financial losses. As…

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The Role of Property Appraisals in Determining Fair Market Value

A female real estate investor with red hair standing in front of a house with a property appraiser and reviewing the appraisal report to determine fair market value as part of the due diligence process.

Property appraisals play a crucial role in real estate investing. As an investor, understanding how these valuations work can significantly impact your decision-making process. Property appraisals provide an unbiased estimate of a property’s fair market value, which is essential for making informed investment choices and securing financing. Professional appraisers use various methods to determine a…

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Underwriting Commercial Real Estate: Factors for Risk Assessment

A busy office with people reviewing financial documents and discussing real estate properties

Underwriting commercial real estate is a critical process for investors and lenders alike. It involves thoroughly evaluating potential property investments to assess risk and determine profitability. Commercial real estate underwriting analyzes factors such as property value, market conditions, financial projections, lease expirations, and borrower creditworthiness to make informed lending or investment decisions. As an investor,…

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Foreclosure Listings by Zip Code for Local Property Deals

A map with various houses marked by zip code, some with "foreclosure" signs

Searching for foreclosure listings by zip code can be a powerful tool for real estate investors looking to expand their portfolios. This targeted approach allows you to focus on specific areas with potential high returns. By utilizing zip code searches, you can uncover foreclosure opportunities that may not be widely known, giving you a competitive…

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Foreclosure Lookup by Address: Quick Guide to Property Status

A blonde female real estate investor in a red dress driving through a neighborhood in her Mercedes and looking for foreclosures homes.

Looking for foreclosure properties can be a profitable opportunity for real estate investors. By using the strategy of foreclosure lookup by address, you can uncover potential deals before they hit the open market. Zillow offers a convenient way to find foreclosures by address, allowing you to filter listings by pre-foreclosures, foreclosure auctions, and bank-owned properties…

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10 Essential Real Estate KPIs Every Investor Must Know

A bar graph displaying real estate KPIs, with each bar representing a different metric and color-coded for easy comparison

Real estate investing can be complex, but using the right key performance indicators (KPIs) can help you make informed decisions and maximize your returns. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding and tracking essential KPIs is crucial for success in the competitive real estate market. By focusing on the right real estate…

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