4 Types Of Popular Land Investments And How To Evaluate Them

#1. Infills

These small properties exist in town and are often an undeveloped piece of land in the middle of a suburban area, such as the Houston or other areas. When looking at these properties, consider how easy it is to build and whether the area is in a desirable location. Infills can be a fast, simple way to make money on building if you can build affordable and sell quickly.

#2. Subdivision Development

These tracts of land can be quite large and hold the promise of building a subdivision of houses. When evaluating this land, make sure that city services can be affordably extended to the area, and city bylaws allow you to subdivide the land. Some large subdivision developments around the country have stalled because city services couldn’t affordably be extended to the land.

#3. Commercial Development

Raw land can be turned into a warehouse, factory, storage facility, shopping space – even a restaurant, mechanic shop, or doctor’s office. When evaluating the potential of commercial development land, consider whether your preferred development will work on that land. For example, if you plan to build a shopping mall, is there road access and shoppers who live nearby?

#4. Recreation

Not all land needs to be developed. You may choose to acquire land and instead of seeking out a financial ROI, you may want to invest in land and hold it… but use the land for your enjoyment. This is a legitimate and very common reason to invest. When evaluating this type of land, ask yourself whether you’ll be allowed to build a cabin or hunt and fish on this land and whether it’s safe to allow others to do so too.

Summary

These aren’t the only ways to invest in land but these are 4 types of popular land investments and how to evaluate them so you can build a portfolio of profitable land investments. Start here and grow from here!

Are you ready to acquire more land or maybe you just want to see what land investments are available to consider how you might invest? Get in touch with us to see our list of available land investments. You can call us at (347) 470-2204 or click here now and fill out the form and we’ll get you access to our list of land investments.

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Many people think that they need to hire an agent to sell their Houston area house, however, this simply isn’t the case. Many homeowners are choosing to sell their properties on their own or directly to a professional buyer. The latter will allow you to sell quickly, without any cost or appraisals. Below are some tips to help you make the sale of your Houston house quick and painless!

Find A Reputable Direct Buyer

The fastest and easiest way to sell a house in Houston is to get an immediate and direct offer. At Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC, we are able to make you an offer right away, closing in only a few short days. By selling your house directly, you will avoid things like agent commissions, repair costs, marketing expenses, and the continued costs of ownership. We are able to close in only a few days. If you use an FSBO listing or hire a Houston real estate agent, the process can take months. This equates to thousands of dollars spent each month on taxes, insurance, utility bills, and maintenance.

Sell Your House As-Is

In many cases, throwing more money at a house you want to sell doesn’t make much sense. People will invest their money into repairs and upgrades that don’t provide any real returns. By selling your Houston house as-is, you will allow the new buyer to renovate the house according to their tastes. Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC can make you an offer on your Houston house right away because we always buy as-is. This will help you to avoid the repair and upgrade costs altogether.

Avoid Selling Fees And Commissions

To avoid all agent commissions and fees you can opt for a “For Sale By Owner” Listing, or you can choose to sell directly to a professional homebuyer. By skipping the middleman, you will be able to keep the 6% commission in your pocket. Some agents also charge for marketing and administrative costs. If you are planning on hiring an agent, make sure you know what exactly is covered in your listing agreement as not all agent are the same.

Organize Your Belongings Beforehand

Most people don’t enjoy the moving process. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the process, plan ahead so when moving day comes, you don’t feel unprepared. Clear clutter, and get rid of unused items that often pile up such as, clothing, toys, and magazines. Pack away anything that isn’t necessary, so you can just pick up and go once the house sells. This can also be beneficial if you decide to list. If your house is on the market, the fewer personal effects around the house, the better.

Compare Your Options

There are a number of ways to sell a house in Houston. You can opt to hire an agent as long as you are ok with the upfront costs, and no guaranteed sale date. An FSBO will work best if you have some real estate knowledge. Keep in mind, everything is on you from showing the property to processing the paperwork to answering all of the buyer’s questions.  With a direct sale to Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC, we will handle everything. You won’t have to deal with cleaning, repairs, staging or paperwork. We make things simple so you can sell and move on.

Do you want to learn more about how to make the sale of your house quick and easy? We are here to help! Contact us today for more information! (347) 470-2204

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Some investors will ONLY invest in land, yet many investors don’t even think of it. If you’re an investor, have you considered investing in land? There are many reasons why a land investment might make sense for your next acquisition.

Here Are 4 Reasons To Add Land To Your Investment Portfolio In Houston…

Reason #1. Diversify From Structures

We all know that diversification in your portfolio is a good thing but when you invest in real estate, how do you diversify? One way is to invest in raw land instead of land with a structure. Land with structures (whether residential or commercial) can be a lot of work and have a high cost just to maintain. But land without any structures is much easier and cheaper to maintain – you may only need to mow the lawn and that’s it! We’re not saying that you shouldn’t invest in real estate with structures, but it’s nice to have an investment where the structure isn’t a worry.

Reason #2. Long Term Play

Investing in land can be a long term play, especially if you buy outside of a city. Some investors will buy empty plots of land near a city and then wait. It might take a few years but as the city grows, a well-chosen plot of land could be in the path of development. Before you know it, the city has grown up around that plot of land and it’s now worth so much more.

Reason #3. Quick Flips

Land can also be an ideal investment because it provides the potential for quick flips. You can acquire land very cheaply, make a few small improvements, and flip it. The profit won’t be huge but if you do this right, you can make decent money. A good example might be when you acquire an infill lot that is overgrown with trees and bushes. You might buy it, clear the land, and sell it for a small profit to someone who wants to develop the land.

Reason #4. Multiple Exit Strategies

Raw land investments have multiple exit strategies: you can keep it for yourself and enjoy the land recreationally (strategy #1) before deciding what to do next: you could sell the land the way it is (strategy #2), or subdivide the land and sell it in pieces (strategy #3), or even start building on the land yourself to sell (strategy #4) or rent (strategy #5). There are so many ways to make money from investing in land.

Summary

Land investments are a compelling way to invest. If you’re looking at your next investment, these are 4 reasons to add land to your investment portfolio in Houston.

Want to check out what land might be available to acquire in Houston? We can help with that. We have a list of land investment properties that we’ll share with you. Just let us know that you want to see the list by calling (347) 470-2204 or by clicking here to fill out the form.

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Many people think that the only way to sell their house successfully is to hire an agent and wait around for a buyer. However, this is not the only way to sell. Many people are opting to sell on their own, either using an FSBO listing or selling to a direct buyer, thus eliminating repair costs and commissions. The best way to decide how to sell is to compare the financial aspects and time commitment required for each selling method. Take a look at some basic comparisons below!

A Direct Sale

A direct sale of your house will help you sell your house quickly and efficiently. Working with Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC will eliminate all selling costs, save you valuable time, let you plan ahead, and help you keep more cash in your pocket. You won’t need to spend any time or money on repairs, upgrades, cleaning or staging. We handle all of the paperwork and are able to pay you for your house right away. A traditional sale can take months, whereas selling directly to Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC will take only a few days. We will work on your schedule to make the process as simple as possible for you.

Selling On Your Own

Selling your Houston house on your own will require some real effort. It is wise to have some real estate knowledge under your belt so you can understand all laws and be prepared for the negotiation process. You should understand the local market, and be able to recognize a good offer. With a For Sale By Owner Listing, or an FSBO, you will need to handle all of the marketing on your own. This includes online listings, print materials, newspaper ads, open houses, and signage. You will also need to be able to answer questions and show the property to potential buyers as requested. If you do find a potential buyer, you will need to ensure all of the paperwork and contracts are handled correctly. When choosing an FSBO listing, it is always smart to speak to a local real estate attorney to make sure everything is done the right way.

Hiring An Agent

Hiring a local Houston agent is the choice for those who don’t mind some upfront costs, costs after the sale, and who don’t have a set time in which they need to sell by. When you put your house on the MLS, you will likely need to do some work to the house so it is competitive with others on the market. This can involve professional cleaning, staging, repairs, and upgrades. Once the house is listed, the agent will schedule showings which you shouldn’t be around for. It can make buyers feel uncomfortable, decreasing your chances for a sale. You will then need to wait to see if an offer comes in. This can happen in days, weeks, months, or sometimes not at all. If a buyer is found, you will have to go through the escrow process which involves inspections, appraisals, and any other red-tape from the lender. After an offer is accepted, it can be weeks before the property actually closes.

At Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC, we want to help you make the decision that is in your best interest. Whether you decide to sell directly, on your own, or with an agent, make sure to fully explore all your options before choosing how to sell your Houston home.

Do you want to learn more about the different selling options for you Houston house? We can help! Contact us today for more information! (347) 470-2204

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Land investments. They seem so simple compared to other types of real estate, right? With a house you’ll have to check on the foundation and how solid the structure is. With commercial property, you’ll have to make sure your property is compliant for the types of companies renting from you. But what about a land investment? It seems so simple, right?

Think again! While land investment can be very lucrative and is pretty straightforward, it’s important that before buying land in Houston, do your legwork.

(If you’re looking for land, get in touch to ask us about our ever-evolving list of land investments.)

Before Buying Land In Houston Do Your Legwork On The Following Things…

Topography/soil report

The topography of your land will help to determine its best use, and can guide you to find the right buyer to acquire the property from you. Land with too much clay might be better for one type of usage than another; land with thick, rich topsoil might be better for a completely different usage; drainage will also play a factor into this as well.

Check if neighbors are encroaching

Sometimes with empty land, the practical use differs from the actual owner. For example, a neighbor might cut across your property with their driveway simply because it’s shorter and no one has stopped them. Have a survey conducted to ensure that neighbors aren’t encroaching.

Check on access issues

Land can’t be moved so before you buy land, make sure that you can access the land you’re buying. Do you have to get permission from the neighbor to drive across their property to get to yours? These may not be showstoppers but you should at least be aware of them because you might be able to get to the property now but you should have a plan in case that changes in the future.

Summary

It’s easy to read this list and think, “oh maybe I shouldn’t buy land” but that’s not our intention at all. Buying land can be straightforward and profitable. However, just like every other investment, before buying land in Houston, do your legwork. A few minutes of due diligence before acquiring a property will help you have a more enjoyable and profitable experience!

Ready to look at some properties in your area? We have a growing list of land investments. To access our list, click here and enter your information into the form or call us at (347) 470-2204 and we’ll share the list with you.

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Your Options

The condition, location, urgency, and type of home will all come in to play when you are deciding on the most beneficial way to sell your house. For some people, listing their house with a Houston real estate agent can make sense. While for others, the wasted time and money simply aren’t worth it. When selling your Houston house, you can choose to hire an agent to try to sell on your behalf, sell the house on your own, or opt for a fast and direct sale to a local buyer. If your house needs a lot of work, if you don’t have the time to wait, or if you’d rather not gamble on the sale, selling your home directly could be the way to go. Before committing to a selling method, take the time to run the numbers for your property, then decide which selling method is right for your Houston house.

Things To Do If You List

The preparation for a successful listing can require a lot of work and preparation before the house is listed on the MLS. You will want to make any repairs that negatively impact the perception of your home. You’ll want to look at other comparable houses listed in your neighborhood and examine what you can do to make your house stand out. This might require some upgrades or the addition of some additional features the house didn’t have before. Take a look at the people buying in the area, and plan accordingly. If there are a lot of families currently buying, you could fence in the backyard. Or if there are more singles, and young couples, you could focus on the entertaining areas such as the kitchen and backyard. No matter who you are marketing to, it is best to have the house professionally cleaned before having photos taken or showings scheduled. Many people opt to put a majority of their items in storage while the house is on the market. You can also enlist the help of a professional home stager to help you make the house look as if it came out of the pages of a magazine. Doing all of this will require an investment up front, but it can all pay off in the long term if you find the right buyer for your Houston house.

Benefits Of A Direct Sale

For people who don’t want to spend the time and money listing, the best option is a direct sale to a reputable buyer. Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC buys homes in the Houston area and beyond. You will not have to spend money on repairs or upgrades to the house. There are no commissions or closing costs to factor in. We pay fair and honest prices for houses in the Houston area no matter what condition they are in. We can close very quickly on your house, typically within only a few short days. This will immediately help you save money on utility bills, property taxes, insurance costs, maintenance, and more! There is no commitment when you get an offer. Find out if it the right choice for your situation!

Interested in finding the right buyer for your Houston house! We are buying right now! Contact us to find out what we can do for you! (347) 470-2204

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Raw land investing is an often overlooked way to invest but this kind of investing provides investors with an amazing way to generate fast ROI if done correctly. If you’re wondering how you can get quick returns on your raw land then apply “the 3 P’s” of fast raw land returns.

Look at these 3 things when analyzing which land will get you the fastest return in Houston…

The 3 P’s of Fast Land Returns

Price.
In land investing in Houston it’s said that the profit is made when you buy, not when you sell. This means you need to be able to acquire your land investment at a good price. We’d build on this concept to say that if you want to get a fast return, you need to find land at an attractive price but have a plan to be able to sell it at a higher price.

The market can influence your buying and selling prices. Make sure the market can support each of these prices! Avoid the mistake of buying at a low price and thinking that you can sell at any price: do your due diligence to find out what price points the market will support and whether your land has the potential to be in both price points. That leads us to the second P…

Potential.
Next, look at the potential you have of seeing the returns on your land increase. Land increases in value because it becomes rarer and in greater demand, so what factors make land rarer or in greater demand?

For example, if you buy near a city and the city is expanding rapidly in the direction of your land, the demand will likely increase faster than if you buy land and the city expands in a different direction. Demand by city expansion is not the only type of potential a land has to increase in value quickly, which leads us to the third P…

Prospects.
The best way to see your land increase in value is to buy land from someone who doesn’t understand its value and then sell the land to someone very specific to can understand its value.

For that reason, you need to look at raw land through the eyes of a potential buyer and ask yourself, “Who would this land appeal to?” and then market the land to that group. If your land is near an expanding city then find a developer; if your land is in a beautiful wooded area with a river then perhaps an outdoors person or a hunter might want the land.

Summary

Land tends to increase in value but it normally takes time. If you want to speed up the process, look at these 3 things when analyzing which land will get you the fastest return in Houston.

Looking for land that you can invest for rapid ROI? Click here and enter your information in the form or call us at (347) 470-2204 to access our inventory of available land investments. We’re always adding more!

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With each year that passes, it seems that most of us gain more and more stuff. Many of us have closets filled with items we aren’t using, and things stored away in the attic that never see the light of day. Many people buy a home when they are first starting their family, ensuring they have enough space for everyone. But as the years pass and the kids eventually move out on their own, they find they are living in a house that is too large and filled with too much stuff to manage. Below we offer some great tips for downsizing, making it easier to sell when you are ready.

Tip #1 – The One Year Rule

You might have heard this rule for your closets. Turn all the hangers backward, and anything still backward in a year should be given away. These are the items you don’t wear, but that are taking up valuable real estate in your closet. While you might have one or two sentimental items, try to keep these to a minimum. You can also apply this rule to other clutter-prone areas of your house. Think kitchen gadgets, craft supplies, old DVD’s, and so on. If you haven’t used it in the past year, the odds are pretty low that it will get any use in the future.

Tip #2 – Repurpose And Give

You likely have many things you are keeping due to sentimental value. While it is more than ok to hang on to some of this stuff, having too much can weigh you down. Maybe your kids or grandkids would love to have your old Chrismas ornaments that are lying around in the closet. Things such as old toys, clothes, and artworks can find new homes with people you love. This way you can find joy in knowing they are being used and loved, without taking up storage space in your house.

Tip #3 – Look Through All The Boxes

Sure, this might seel like a lot of work. But for many people, they will find that all kinds of random possessions have accumulated. They will only end up keeping one or two things, giving away or throwing away the rest. You might be surprised at what has piled up over the years!

Tip #4 – Assess Your Furniture

Do you need the massive sectional sofa anymore? Is the giant coffee table still a necessity? Think about your future new space, and what kind of items will fit nicely. You can ditch the entertainment center, and instead, hang the TV up on a wall. You can opt for a smaller couch, dining table, etc. You can sell these items, and use the cash toward new furniture for your new space.

Tip #5 – Digitize Where It Makes Sense

Piles of papers all over the house. Does this sound familiar? It seems we all have a stack of papers (or 5) that we are going to get around to dealing with. Make that time now and toss or shred anything that is no longer needed. You can scan in old bills and receipts if needed, and opt to go paperless for future statements. Make a rule to deal with mail as it comes in instead of letting it pile up everywhere.

Tip #6 – Get Rid Of The Dupes

Do you need 4 sets of wine glasses or will one set do? Do you need two desks in the office or can you share one? There are many instances where people buy 2 of something, never using both at the same time. Take an inventory and keep your favorite items, giving away or selling the other items.

Tip #7 – Organize Everything

Before moving, take the time to organize all of your belongings. Group books, glassware, clothing, and other items. This will make packing and moving simple when you decide to go. Label all boxes and only pack similar items together.

Tip #8 – Hire A Pro

Yes, there is such a thing. You can hire a professional organizer to help you clear out the clutter. They can offer objective opinions if you are debating holding on to an unused item. They will help you get your belongings in order, making an eventual move a breeze.

Want to learn more about downsizing your home in the Houston area? Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC is here to help you! Contact us today to learn more! (347) 470-2204

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Improve Your Credit

First of all, you need to know your credit score. Request a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus. Double-check that all information is correct and make sure to dispute any errors with the respective bureau. If you have any accounts in collections, try to negotiate with the debt collectors to work out how much it would be to delete the collection account. A paid collection account that stays on your record works against you. Make sure you keep up on your payments because lenders like to see that you have no late payments for at least the past 12 months. This helps show them that you will continue to make payments on time. A low debt to income ratio will also convince a lender that you are able to handle the additional mortgage payment. Pay down credit cards as much as possible, preferably to maintain a 30% utilization ratio or better. This usually indicates that you are using your credit lines responsibly.

Make A Large Down Payment

If you make a larger downpayment than required, it will cut down on the total principle of the loan. The less money you borrow, the more likely the lender is to accept your application. With a large down payment, good payment history, and low utilization ratio, a lender may not place quite as much weight on your less than perfect credit score, but that all depends solely on the lender.

Private Lender

A different way to buy a house with bad credit in Houston is to secure a private loan. You may have a family member or friend that can provide the funding for your house and you can make a private arrangement for repayment. You should still draw up a mortgage agreement and follow it to make sure you do not ruin any relationships over unpaid money.

You may also find a property owner that believes in you and is willing to take a chance and provide an Owner Financing situation. This usually means the current owner will keep the deed in their name until you finish repaying the loan.

Co-Signer

Another way to buy a house with bad credit would be to obtain a co-signer. Having a co-signer with a better credit score than yours will significantly increase your chances of obtaining a more traditional mortgage. This may lead to a slightly increased interest rate, but probably not any higher than if you had secured the loan with your own credit. This gives the lender someone else to fall back on to receive payments in case you default on the loan.

FHA Loan

The most popular way to buy a house with bad credit in Houston is the Federal Housing Administration loan. This is backed by the government and has much more lenient terms than traditional private loans. The minimum credit score to qualify for an FHA loan is 500. This score requires a 10% downpayment. If your credit score is 580 or higher, only a 3.5% down payment is required. The FHA loan also requires a stable employment history and a debt to income ratio of less than 43%. 

Call Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC at (347) 470-2204 or send us a message to discuss these 5 ways to buy a house with bad credit in Houston.

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Kinds of Foreclosures

First of all, it is important to understand that foreclosure is a process. The first step is called pre-foreclosure. This means that the property is in default and the bank may or may not foreclose on the property. The second step is a short sale. This is where the owner is trying to sell the property before the bank forecloses, but the market value is a little short of their balance due on the loan. Depending on the bank, they may or may not accept offers less than the balance due at this point. If the owner can get the bank to short sell, it is much better for their credit. The third step is the foreclosure auction. This is when the bank is trying to get the most money for the property in a short amount of time. The fourth step is an REO, which stands for real estate owned. If the property does not sell at auction, the bank then repossesses the property and places it on the market for sale.

Highest and Best

You may have to make a higher bid if other foreclosures are selling fast. This means other people are buying up foreclosures quickly, and if you really want to get in on this action, you may have to start off with an offer that is close to, or at asking price. If there are multiple offers, you may have to offer higher than asking price and try to keep the contract contingencies to a minimum if you really want that foreclosure. Remember, location and amenities matter, other foreclosures may be selling quickly if they’re in a great spot.

Prepare Yourself for “As-Is”

In most cases, the seller of a foreclosure is a bank, so there is not a traditional seller to make repairs before closing. The bank will not likely fix anything wrong with the home. They are selling it to try to make as much money back on their investment as possible. Make sure you include an inspection contingency so you can hire an inspector if you are making an offer on a foreclosure, that way you will know exactly what you are getting into if the bank accepts your offer. 

Funding Your Foreclosure

Most buyers purchase foreclosures in Houston with cash because of their frequently “below market” sales price. Cash is also the easiest and fastest closing, so banks often prefer cash buyers. There are a handful of banks that will provide financing for this purchase. They will require an appraisal of the property and this takes time, so if you are up against cash offers, make sure your offer is a competitive one. If the foreclosure doesn’t appraise as high as your offer, you will have to make up the difference. 

Additional Costs

Buying foreclosures in Houston may come with additional costs above and beyond the purchase price and closing costs. If the owner couldn’t make the mortgage payment, you can probably assume he or she did not pay the real estate property taxes or homeowners association fees if the foreclosure is in a community. You might also become responsible for any utility bills, home equity lines of credit, or other liens on the property. Make sure the title company takes these factors into account when preparing the title commitment. 

You will also have to take into consideration the additional cost of making the necessary repairs or cleaning when you buy a foreclosure. There is no cleanup requirement when these properties are seized, and the previous owners might be a little upset about the bank foreclosing on them and take it out on the property. Repairs to the home might also increase the assessed value and raise the taxes.

Call Grace Houston Texas Property Sellers LLC at (347) 470-2204 or send us a message to learn more about buying foreclosures in Houston.

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