New Tax Laws Affect Investors

As we head into the holiday season, no one wants to think about income taxes. But tax season is just around the corner, and since income property investments qualify for a long list of deductions, there are some changes to the tax code for 2013 that are worth planning...

Yes or No to a Loan? Depends on the Lender

It’s tougher to get financing for buying real estate these days. Banks are issuing fewer loans, and imposing tougher standards on the loans they do issue. But those standards can vary from institution to institution – and some lenders may say yes to a home loan, while...

VA Home Loan Loophole Lets Veterans Invest

The Veterans Administration loan has long been a mainstay for helping veterans of the country’s armed forces create a stable life after leaving active duty. Generally these loans are limited to personal use, not investing. But a few loopholes in the rules for VA home...

Making the Shift From Homeowner to Landlord

For many people, the first foray into creating income from real estate comes from renting out a home they already own. Life changes and economic conditions can quickly turn homeowners into landlords. But making that shift successfully requires re-thinking your role...

Vampire Properties Chill the Housing Market

Halloween is over, but zombies and vampires continue to plague the housing market. Those are the names given to problematic foreclosures that can’t be turned into assets by the lending institutions that hold them. And because these properties can’t be sold, financial...