Investing in Real Estate is one of the most beneficial and common types of investments. Whether you are buying to live in, rent or sell for a profit, here at Uptown Real Estate Group we are ready to assist and counsel you in all your investment decisions.

You might ask yourselves: What can property offer potential investors? With property, there are two main potential ways to make a profit: rent, where you can earn an income by letting out your property to tenants; or selling for a profit, which is when you buy a property and later sell it at a higher price.

Of course, property investing has some risks. Property prices and demands for rentals can go up or down and that is why direct and indirect property investments are for the long term. If you are willing to wait, you can ride out the losses if the market slows down and earn profits again when times are better. If your case is being over-invested in property, you should diversify your portfolio by holding different kinds of investments.

No matter how you look at it, even if you take into account the risks, real estate investment is still one of the best ways to make your money grow and maximize your income earning potential.

Houston is a thriving city with amazing real estate investment opportunities; give us a call for a complete consultation on the best options for you today.

Are you Aware How Much Real Estate Photos Matter?

We know you know that no one will pay a >$2,500 a month rent to live in an out-of-focus, overexposed and poorly set up house or apartment. Good photography can make or break a sale, after 8 months of being stuck on the market, the house got re-photographed and it sold in just 8 days.

When looking to buy or rent online searchers encounter, more than often, the most awful pictures on property listings. And whether you’re the one trying to find a place or listing it, the experience is usually very discouraging.

Professional Interiors Photographer based in Orlando Harry Lim, has some experience in this matter and knows exactly how to make the difference. He recently posted a story on his blog on how better property photography goes a long way.

Check out the before and after pictures and see for yourself.  If you need any assistance, feel free to give us a call!


1. The outside of the house

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index
2. The pool table

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index
3. The bedroom
BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index
4. The Family Room
BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index

5. The Kitchen

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index

6. The Dining Room
BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index
7. The Bathroom
BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index

8. The Second Bedroom

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index

9. The Pool

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index

10. The Third Bedroom

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index

11. The Second Dining Room

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index

12. Outside the House

BEFORE - Original listing photo / Via harrylimphotography.com

AFTER - Harry Lim harrylimphotography.com!/index


When buying a home, after the offer goes into the contract process there are many necessary costs that might make you want to skip the home inspection and its costs. Today, we will give you a list with 10 reasons why that’s not a very good idea and a home inspection is something you should definitely get done.

  1. Insurance: Some insurance companies will not insure a home without the presence of certifications or if certain conditions are found.
  2. It Provides an “Out”: A good home inspection can reveal important information about the condition of the home and its systems. This will make you aware of any possible repairs, maintenance or any extra costs the home may require now or later. It is also an opportunity to back out of the offer if you don’t like what you find.
  3. Reveal the Big Picture: It is important to know everything regarding the biggest purchase you may ever make. A home inspection helps with that.
  4. Reveal Illegal Addition or Installations: A home inspection can reveal if any room in the house was added or completed without a permit or did not follow code. Try to avoid unpermitted or illegal alterations; they can affect insurance, taxes and value of your property.
  5. Learn to Protect Your Investment: The inspector is a valuable source of education regarding your purchase. He or she can suggest specific tips and help you save money.
  6. Protection: Better safe than sorry. You need to get the proper inspection, especially if you are buying an “as-is” foreclosed property or doing a short sale.
  7. Determine “Deal Breakers”: A home inspection can help you identify how much extra money you would have to spend and depending on your plan and budget, it can help you make the decision of closing the deal or calling it off.
  8. Safety: An inspection can detect safety issues and every home should be tested for that. Beware of hazards that could break the deal for you. Safety is very important part of a new buy.
  9. Forecast Future Costs: Knowing the age of the major systems installed in the home can help you make important budgeting decisions, and it will determine what type of home insurance coverage or warranties you should consider.
  10. Negotiating Tool: The home inspection report presents an opportunity to ask for repairs and/or request a price reduction or credit from the seller depending on the report outcome.
The real important thing is for you, the buyer, to understand as much information as you can about your “soon to be” home. It is good to have someone with you during this process in case you have any questions. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re happy to assist you.








More and more people are looking to buy a home today and buying a home is still part of the American dream for many so, what you might ask yourself is this: do I need to hire a real estate agent?  The answer is yes and we will tell you why.

When You Decide to Buy a Home
  • With an agent: the housing market is a tricky one, especially post-crash. Real estate agents can help you navigate foreclosures, short sales, tighter lending standards and a whole lot of other issues.
  • Without an agent: It is all on you to figure out the different parts of buying a home. It can be done, thanks to the Internet, but be prepared to dedicate dozens of hours a week to your home buying process. 

Financing Your New Home
  • With an agent:  A good real estate agent will already have a contact with local lenders. They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest.
  • Without an agent: It’s you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal.

Finding Your New Home
  • With an agent: It is a real estate agent’s roll in life to find your dream home. The have the contacts, the databases of homes and they know hot to get things done. An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date info on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing, financial terms and trends in the market.
  • Without an agent: You will need to create a system to organize your home search. This will include spreadsheets with columns full of locations, prices, number of bedrooms, baths, visit dates, etc. Not to mention you have to keep this file handy as you go look for homes.

Making an Offer
  • With an agent: Good real estate agents are experienced negotiators and should have a mastery of details: helping you complete a real estate transaction that encompasses a win-win price, transaction details like preferred time lines, financing details and other important info that fir your needs.
  • Without an agent: You better be able to roll with the punches because if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy. Fast!

Due Diligence & Inspections
  • With an agent: The initial agreement is only the beginning of the process. Appraisal, inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a Real Estate transaction. A real estate agent can give objective professional advice to resolve issues and move a transaction to closing.
  • Without an agent: The required paperwork alone can be overwhelming! Not to mention everything else you have to know how to do. 

Closing
  • With an agent: An experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to look for regarding closing costs, title insurance, pro-rations and other fees that come up at closing.
  • Without an agent: Do you know anything about title insurance, what fees to expect or the paperwork that goes along with it?


Basically, real estate purchases are one of the biggest financial transactions most people will experience in their lifetime, why not let a professional that has years of experience and knowledge help you!

We are here for you. Give us a call today!


About me

UPTOWN Real Estate Group is your luxury international real estate firm. Our team has more than 30 years of prestige and experience. Hablamos español. Houston & Mexico.

Join the Community

Instagram

Facebook

Google+

Labels

Translate