Want to win more listings? Catch today’s podcast with Davis Bartels and you will! First, Davis shares several quick tips that will immediately improve your rapport with sellers. Later in the show, he outlines his entire process, including what happens before—and after—meeting with a potential client. Plus, Shelby and Davis offer solutions to the biggest problems real agents have when trying to lock down listings.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
What you’ll learn in today’s Real Estate Rockstars Podcast [0:00]
Growing your sphere to grow your business [2:03]
How to ensure that you embody real estate [3:11]
The first thing to do after connecting with a potential client [6:34]
What to do (and not to do) when consulting with a seller [8:12]
What sellers actually care about [10:07]
The last part of Davis’ listing consultation [12:11]
What to mail sellers prior to a listing presentation [14:27]
Why Davis does his own comps every time [16:20]
Get Davis’ pre-listing email from the Agent Success Toolbox [22:19]
Tips on starting your listing presentation off right [22:51]
A tip on when to do your listing presentation when competing with other agents [25:52]
Davis’ two-step process for listing presentations [26:47]
More tips that will help you crush your next listing presentation [29:49]
What to cover in your listing presentation [35:26]
How to cover comps like a pro [42:25]
When and how to propose a list price [44:34]
How to follow up after a listing appointment [48:00]
The best way to get contact information at an open house [51:39]
What the future holds for Davis Bartels [54:45]
Shelby Johnson’s real estate portfolio [56:43]
How the short-term-rental game has changed [58:46]
How Shelby’s thoughts on real estate investing have changed [1:00:12]
What the future holds for Shelby Johnson [1:02:09]
Davis’ favorite real estate tools and events [1:05:01]
Where to find and follow Davis Bartels [1:06:13]
Davis Bartels
Davis’s goal is to provide full service, front to back real estate services for their clients. They represent Sellers, buyers, landlords, tenants, and investors.
No matter the task, if it is in Residential Real Estate, Davis can help.
Davis Bartels’ personal career began during the Real Estate downturn in 2009. He began his journey by managing and negotiating high-level loan modifications and short sale transactions. As the market began to return to a healthy state, Davis’s focus shifted from helping distressed homeowners and sellers to helping those selling on a more traditional basis. Currently with Pinnacle Estate Properties in Westlake Village.
Along the way, they founded Oak Canyon Property Management. Their firm offers full-service property management. They manage on short-term, mid-term and long-term basis.
They are uniquely positioned to fully serve their clients across the real estate spectrum, no matter the task. Having the experience and tools allows them to offer their clients perspective from multiple viewpoints regarding their assets in order to ensure that they’re set up in the most effective manner to reach their long-term goals.
Davis has been married to his wife, Jessica, for 8 years and they have 2 girls (Everly-7 and Violet-2) and 1 more girl on the way. They love their Lab, Molly. Aside from real estate, Davis enjoys watching and playing sports (basketball and baseball), he enjoys cooking for friends and he is a car (and speed) enthusiast.
Related Links and Resources:
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.
AIR Communities, a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT), owns 76 rental housing communities in major coastal markets, including Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington D.C. Blackstone intends to invest more than $400 million to maintain and improve these communities, with the potential for further capital to support growth. “The business the AIR team … [Read more…]
Are you wondering what the best passive income apps are? The best passive income apps can help you make money and build wealth while sleeping, on vacation, and more. With passive income apps, you can make money using just your phone or computer. These apps help you earn money in different ways, like investing in…
Are you wondering what the best passive income apps are? The best passive income apps can help you make money and build wealth while sleeping, on vacation, and more.
With passive income apps, you can make money using just your phone or computer. These apps help you earn money in different ways, like investing in stocks, getting cash back when you shop automatically, or renting out your things.
Passive income is money you earn without having to work all the time. You might need to do some work at the start, but after that, the money keeps coming in with little effort.
You don’t need to spend hours every day to see results. Many of these apps are easy to use and free, so they are a great way to improve your finances with little effort.
Using the right mix of passive income apps can help you make extra money regularly or even make a full-time income.
Recommended reading: 18 Passive Income Ideas To Earn $1,000+ Each Month
Best Passive Income Apps
Below are the best passive income apps:
1. Freecash
Freecash is a popular passive income app that helps you make some extra money with little effort. You can earn by completing tasks, such as taking surveys or downloading apps.
Another way that you can earn passive income with this app is by referring people to the app. You can earn up to 30% of your referral’s earnings for as long as they are a member. Your referral earnings start at 5% and can go up from there, all dependent on your affiliate earnings.
I have personally earned over $300 in passive income referral earnings from this platform (in addition to affiliate income), so I know that this is real.
Click here to sign up for Freecash.
2. RVshare
RVshare is a money making app where you can rent out your RV to others. This can help you make extra money every month. Many people use RVshare to turn their RV into a good source of passive income.
If you have an RV that you’re not using, you could make $100 to $300 a day, or more, by renting it out to others through RVshare.
RVshare is a great app for making money because it helps travelers save by renting RVs directly from owners, without a middleman. It’s like Airbnb, but for RVs.
You can rent many types of RVs on RVshare, such as:
Class B camper vans
Travel trailers
Pop-ups
Class C Motorhome
Class A Motorhome
Toy hauler
RVshare handles all payments securely and sends money to your bank account one business day after each rental starts.
You can learn more about RVshare here.
3. Neighbor
Neighbor is a self-storage app that lets you rent out extra space in your home. You can make money by offering spots like your garage, driveway, or even a spare room.
You can use this website to rent out your unused space and make up to $15,000 a year. With Neighbor, you can rent out your garage, driveway, basement, parking lot, shed, warehouse, carport, attic, street parking, or even a closet.
You can choose your own prices and decide which reservations you want to accept and host.
Neighbor provides $1,000,000 in host liability protection for your peace of mind. You also receive automatic monthly deposits directly to your bank account for fast payment.
Here’s how Neighbor works:
List your space: Describe your space and set your earning goals on Neighbor.
Respond to renters: Review requests from renters interested in your ad. You can see what they want to store and when, and decide whether to approve or decline.
Schedule move-in: Once you approve a renter, schedule their move-in date.
You can sign up for Neighbor for free here.
You can also learn more about Neighbor at Neighbor Review: How To Make Money Renting Your Storage Space.
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular app that lets you earn money for doing simple tasks online. You can use it on both your phone and computer.
You earn points, called Swagbucks (also known as SB), for activities like taking surveys, watching videos, and browsing the web. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
I have personally received over 110 gift cards from Swagbucks (I like to redeem my points personally for free Amazon gift cards).
Here are some ways to earn on Swagbucks:
Surveys – Share your opinions on various topics and earn points.
Videos – Watch short video clips and earn a few points for each one.
Shopping – Do your usual online shopping through the app’s links and get cash back.
Web browsing – Use the Swagbucks search engine and earn points just for searching.
Referral program – You can refer friends and family to Swagbucks and earn points.
Swagbucks is free to join and use, making it a great choice for anyone looking to make some extra money with little effort.
You can join Swagbucks through my referral link, and receive a $10 bonus.
5. Fundrise
Fundrise is one of the highest-paying passive income apps that lets you invest in real estate with income generating assets. You can start with as little as $10 and get started in around 5 minutes.
Fundrise pools your money with other investors to buy properties, such as single family homes, apartments, and industrial properties. You earn money from rent and property sales.
Investing in real estate can be risky, so make sure you understand what you’re getting into. Fundrise has an easy-to-use app and detailed updates on your investments.
Remember, your money is tied up for a while, so this is for long-term goals. Fundrise makes real estate investing simple and accessible.
You can sign up for Fundrise here.
6. Honeygain
Honeygain is a popular passive income app that lets you earn money effortlessly just by sharing your unused internet bandwidth and your internet connection. You can install it on your desktop or mobile device.
Here’s how Honeygain works:
You keep the app running in the background.
The app uses your unused internet resources.
You get paid for the data shared.
You earn money based on the amount of internet traffic routed through your connection. Honeygain pays $1 for every 10 GB of traffic.
7. Ibotta
Ibotta is a free cash-back app that helps you save money when you shop. You get rewards from shopping both in-store and online.
With the Ibotta app, you sign up for an account, unlock rebates and rewards, shop at stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and more, verify your purchases, and then earn cash. You can redeem rebates from hundreds of stores, and it doesn’t cost you anything – it’s free money!
Plus, Ibotta lets you earn cash back both online and in-store, setting it apart from other companies.
Ibotta stands out as one of the easiest passive income apps because you earn money while shopping as usual. It pays you in cash or gift cards for stores like Amazon and Starbucks.
Please click here to join Ibotta.
8. Airbnb
Airbnb can be a great way to earn passive income with minimal effort. By renting out properties short-term, you can make extra cash without much day-to-day work.
Whether you have an extra room, a vacation home, or even just a spare couch, Airbnb lets you list your space for short-term rentals, transforming unused real estate into a regular income source.
Airbnb manages bookings, payments, and provides insurance coverage, making it convenient for hosts once everything is set up. With its worldwide presence and easy-to-use platform, Airbnb continues to be a leading choice for earning passive income through property rentals.
9. Acorns
Acorns is a popular app that helps you save and invest your money without effort. It rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar. Then it invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio.
For example, if you buy a coffee for $3.50, Acorns rounds it up to $4.00. The extra $0.50 is invested.
You can click here to sign up for Acorns.
10. Rakuten
Rakuten is an easy-to-use app that helps you earn cash back from your shopping. You don’t need to do anything special. Just shop at over 2,500 stores and retailers through the app, the Rakuten website, or by downloading the Rakuten browser extension, and you can earn payouts.
Simply choose a store from their extensive list (including Kohl’s, REI, Toys”R”Us, and more), shop online as usual, and earn cash back effortlessly.
Rakuten earns a commission for directing you to the store where you shop, and they share a portion of that commission with you as a reward.
You can join Rakuten here.
11. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is an app that helps you save money while you shop online.
You don’t need to be a Capital One customer to use it. Just download the browser extension and start using it right away.
This automatic savings app stands out because it requires no extra effort on your part. The Capital One Shopping app automatically searches for and applies the best coupon codes as you check out, making sure that you get the most savings possible on your purchases.
You can learn more about Capital One Shopping here.
12. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a fun way to earn rewards from your shopping receipts. You just take pictures of your receipts using the app and you get points.
I use Fetch Rewards all the time and it takes less than one minute to earn points. This mobile app is incredibly user-friendly and one of my favorites. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it’s super easy to earn rewards on the shopping you’re already doing.
With Fetch Rewards, you earn points by scanning receipts from any store – whether it’s a grocery store, clothing store, restaurant, or gas station. Then, you can redeem your points for gift cards to places like Target or Amazon, as well as other rewards.
Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:
Shop like you normally would.
Scan your receipt after you’re done.
Earn points on Fetch Rewards.
You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
You can also read my review at My Honest Fetch Rewards Review.
13. Robinhood
Robinhood is a popular app for investing in stocks, cryptocurrency, options, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It’s easy to use and has no fees or commissions, which makes it great for beginners.
Plus, Robinhood’s app is simple and clean. You can see your investments and track their performance easily.
Robinhood also allows you to buy fractional shares. This means you can invest in expensive stocks with just a few dollars.
You can even invest in dividend-paying stocks on Robinhood.
When you invest in dividend-paying stocks, you’re buying a piece of a company that gives you money regularly. Think of it like getting a small thank you for holding on to the company’s stock. These payments usually come from the company’s profits and they’re called dividends.
Here’s a vehicle I rented on Turo when I was visiting Hawaii. The person I rented from had many, many vehicles listed on the site and it seemed to be a good passive income stream for them.
14. Turo
Turo is an app that lets you rent out your car to make extra money. It is a peer-to-peer program where you cut out the middle person and rent out your car.
With Turo, you can earn about $500 or more per month with just one car. If you own a couple of cars, you might make over $2,000 per month. Your earnings depend on the type of car and how often it’s rented.
Just like renting out your RV when you’re not using it, you can also rent out your car!
It’s a cost-effective option compared to traditional rental car companies for customers, and it’s a great way to earn extra money if you’re working from home and your car isn’t in use or if you have a two-car household.
I have rented cars a few times on Turo and I have always had a good experience. It looks like a possibly good way for a person to make money.
15. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is an app where you can earn passive income.
Some of the ways you can earn passive income through this app are by investing your money in the stock market (you can customize your investment portfolio with over 6,000 stocks and ETFs) as well as saving your money in their high-yield account (at the time of this writing, their high-yield savings account rate was 5.00%).
16. Masterworks
Masterworks is an app that lets you invest in fine art.
You don’t need to be wealthy to own a piece of famous art. Masterworks purchases valuable paintings and you can buy shares in these artworks. When the painting is eventually sold, you receive a portion of the profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about passive income apps.
How can I make $1000 a month passively?
There are many ways to make $1,000 a month passively, such as by renting out a space on Airbnb or Neighbor, renting out a car or RV, investing in an investment app such as Masterworks or Robinhood, and more.
Can you make passive income from an app?
Yes, you can make passive income from an app. Some passive income apps include Neighbor, RVshare, Freecash, and M1 Finance.
How can I make passive income from my phone?
You can make passive income from your phone by installing apps that pay you for different things, such as renting out your stuff, getting cash back, or investing your money. For instance, Honeygain pays you for sharing your internet data, while Rakuten gives you cash back for shopping. These apps run in the background, requiring minimal effort from you once set up.
How to make $5,000 a month passively?
You can make $5,000 a month passively by investing more of your money in different kinds of investments, such as stocks and rentals. It may take some time to get to $5,000 a month in passive income, but it is possible.
What are the highest-paying passive income apps?
The highest-paying passive income apps depend on how much time, effort, and money you put into it. But, generally, passive income apps where you are investing your money (such as in the stock market) or renting out things you own (like a property rental or vehicle rental) typically pay the most.
What are some free passive income apps?
Free passive income apps include Freecash, RVshare, Neighbor, Airbnb, Honeygain, Rakuten, and Acorns.
Best Passive Income Apps – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best passive income apps.
As you can see, there are many ways to make money with passive income apps. Some will allow you to earn simply some spare cash, whereas others you may be able to build up and eventually earn a full-time income.
Some may require you to invest your money up front (like Fundrise), and some of them are free passive income apps (like Honeygain or Fetch Rewards).
The best passive income app depends on what you are looking for, the amount of time you have, and the amount of risk that you want to take on.
Los Angeles-based Dunmor, a technology-enabled lender that specializes in loans for residential real estate investors, has added a pair of experienced executives in the business-purpose lending space.
The company announced Monday that it hired Tuam Pham as chief marketing officer and Steve Huff as senior vice president of asset management and servicing.
Pham has 23 years of marketing experience in the real estate and finance sectors. He previously served eight years as chief marketing officer at CoreVest Finance, where helped the lender surpass $20 billion in loan volume. Along with connecting the firm to potential clients through marketing, branding and communications, he also led the launch of a customer experience portal and other tech-based innovations.
Huff has spent 20 years in the real estate industry, including 11 years with Wedgewood, a former parent company of CIVIC Financial Services. He previously managed a portfolio of business-purpose loans and nonqualified mortgages with a value of more than $2 billion. Huff has also worked in the whole loan investment sector on pricing, due diligence, portfolio surveillance and loss mitigation.
Dunmor is a nationwide lender founded in 2021 that offers several types of investment loans, including short-term bridge financing, fix-and-flip loans, ground-up construction loans, and rental financing for single-family and multifamily properties.
A self-directed IRA (SIDRA) allows you to save money for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis while enjoying access to a broader range of investments. Opening a self-directed IRA for real estate investing is an opportunity to diversify your portfolio with an alternative asset class while potentially generating higher returns.
Using a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate offers the added benefit of either tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals in retirement, depending on whether it’s a traditional or Roth IRA. Before making a move, however, it’s important to know how they work. The IRS imposes self-directed IRA real estate rules that investors must follow to reap tax benefits.
What Is a Self-Directed IRA?
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow you to set aside money for retirement with built-in tax benefits. These retirement accounts come in two basic forms: traditional and Roth.
Traditional IRAs allow for tax-deductible contributions, while Roth IRAs let you make qualified distributions tax-free.
When you open a traditional or Roth IRA at a brokerage you might be able to invest in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or bonds. A self-directed IRA allows you to fund your retirement goals with alternative investments — including real estate.
You can do the same thing with a self-directed 401(k).
Self-directed IRAs have the same contribution limits as other IRAs. For 2024, you can contribute up to:
• $7,000 if you’re under 50 years of age
• $8,000 if you’re 50 or older
Contributions and withdrawals are subject to the same tax treatment as other traditional or Roth IRAs. The biggest difference between a self-directed IRA and other IRAs is that while a custodian holds your account, you manage your investments directly.
Boost your retirement contributions with a 1% match.
SoFi IRAs now get a 1% match on every dollar you deposit, up to the annual contribution limits. Open an account today and get started.
Only offers made via ACH are eligible for the match. ACATs, wires, and rollovers are not included.
💡 Quick Tip: Want to lower your taxable income? Start saving for retirement with an IRA account. With a traditional IRA, the money you save each year is tax deductible (and you don’t owe any taxes until you withdraw the funds, usually in retirement).
How Self-Directed IRAs for Real Estate Investing Work
Using a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate allows investors to invest in various funds or securities that, themselves, invest in property or real estate. Those securities may be real estate investment trusts (REITs), mutual funds, or ETFs focused. Investors with self-directed IRAs can, then, direct retirement account funds toward those securities.
Other types of real estate investments can include single-family homes, multi-family homes, apartment buildings, or commercial properties — actual, physical property. For investors who do want to buy actual property using an IRA, the process generally involves buying the property with cash (which may require them to liquidate other investments first), and then taking ownership, which would all transact through the IRA itself. It’s not necessarily easy and can be complicated, but that’s the gist of it.
With that in mind, the types of investments you can make within an IRA will depend on your goals.
For instance, if you’re interested in generating cash flow you might choose to purchase one or more rental properties using a self-directed IRA for real estate. If earning interest or dividends is the goal, then you might lean toward mortgage notes and REIT investing instead.
The most important thing to know is that if you use a retirement account to invest in real estate, there are some specific rules you need to know. For instance, the IRS says that you cannot:
• Use your retirement account to purchase property you already own.
• Use your retirement account to purchase property owned by anyone who is your spouse, family member, beneficiary, or fiduciary.
• Purchase vacation homes or office space for yourself using retirement account funds.
• Do work, including repairs or improvements, on properties you buy with your retirement account yourself.
• Pay property expenses, such as maintenance or property management fees, from personal funds; you must use your self-directed IRA to do so.
• Pocket any rental income, dividends, or interest generated by your property investments; all income must go to the IRA.
Violating any of these rules could cause you to lose your tax-advantaged status. Talking to a financial advisor can help you make sense of the rules.
Pros and Cons of Real Estate Investing Through an IRA
Using a self-directed IRA for real estate investing can be appealing if you’re ready to do more with your portfolio. Real estate offers diversification benefits as well as possible inflationary protection, as well as the potential for consistent passive income.
However, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides that go along with using a self-directed IRA to buy real estate.
Pros
Cons
• Self-directed IRAs for real estate allow you to diversify outside the confines of traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
• You can establish a self-directed IRA as a traditional or Roth account, depending on the type of tax benefits you prefer.
• Real estate returns can surpass those of stocks or bonds and earnings can grow tax-deferred or be withdrawn tax-free in retirement, in some cases.
• A self-directed IRA allows you to choose which investments to make, based on your risk tolerance, goals, and timeline.
• The responsibility for due diligence falls on your shoulders, which could put you at risk of making an ill-informed investment.
• Failing to observe self-directed IRA rules could cost you any tax benefits you would otherwise enjoy with an IRA.
• The real estate market can be unpredictable and investment returns are not guaranteed — they’re higher-risk investments, typically. Early withdrawals may be subject to taxes and penalties, and there may be higher associated fees.
• Self-directed IRAs used for real estate investing are often a target of fraudulent activity, which could cause you to lose money on investments.
Using a self-directed IRA for real estate or any type of alternative investment may involve more risk because you’re in control of choosing and managing investments. For that reason, this type of account is better suited for experienced investors who are knowledgeable about investment properties, rather than beginners.
Real Estate IRAs vs Self-directed IRAs For Real Estate Investing
A real estate IRA is another way of referring to a self-directed IRA that’s used for real estate investment. The terms may be used interchangeably and they both serve the same purpose when describing what the IRA is used for.
Again, the main difference is how investments are selected and managed. When you open a traditional or Roth IRA at a brokerage, the custodian decides which range of investments to offer. With a self-directed IRA, you decide what to invest in, whether that means investing in real estate or a different type of alternative investment.
💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.
Opening an IRA With SoFi
Opening a self-directed IRA is an option for many people, and the sooner you start saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow. And, as discussed, a self-directed IRA allows you to save money for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis while enjoying access to a broader range of investments, including real estate.
Once again, using a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate offers the added benefit of tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. There are pros and cons, and rules to abide by, but these types of accounts are another option for investors.
Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).
For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.
FAQ
Can you use a self-directed IRA for real estate?
You can use a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate-related or -focused securities and other types of alternative investments. Before opening a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate, it’s important to shop around to find the right custodian. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the IRS self-directed IRA real estate rules.
What are the disadvantages of holding real estate in an IRA?
The primary disadvantage of holding real estate in an IRA is that there are numerous rules you’ll need to be aware of to avoid losing your tax-advantaged status. Aside from that, real estate is less liquid than other assets which could make it difficult to exit an investment if you’d like to remove it from your IRA portfolio.
What are you not allowed to put into a self-directed IRA?
The IRS doesn’t allow you to hold collectibles in a self-directed IRA. Things you would not be able to hold in a self-directed IRA include fine art, antiques, certain precious metals, fine wines, or other types of alcohol, gems, and coins.
Photo credit: iStock/SrdjanPav
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What do you think of when I say, “smart with money”?
Do you remember any significant life events such as landing your first job after college or signing up for a lucrative opportunity to invest in the stock market?
Most likely not.
Because those didn’t happen until later on in life and we were already smart with our money by then. But there was no rocket science behind it: we just learned about saving and investing early on and took action that eventually yielded positive results.
And if you didn’t, there is no need to fret. You are in the right place and everyone has to start somewhere.
It’s not long before you start to wonder how much richer your life and bank account would be if you had started earlier.
So, let’s do a reality check: what is the difference between investing 10 minutes per day and putting $10 into an investment each month?
A sensible answer would be that investing 10 minutes per day is worth $1,000 in a year.
Your time has value and you are getting richer by the minute!
So, what are you waiting for?
Let’s learn how to be smart with money.
How to Be Smart with Money
Money touches nearly everything we do in our modern society.
It’s what keeps the wheels of commerce turning and enables people to get by without physical labor, so it is important that you know how to manage your finances well.
To be smart with money means understanding its power and spending on what matters most for your life goals.
You need to make sure you are paying for your day-to-day expenses while saving for emergencies, retirement plans, and long-term investments like a home or college education.
Money helps us to achieve our goals and dreams, increase our quality of life, and buy everything we need or want.
If you’re just starting out with your finances then this article is for you! I will give some basic steps on how to be smart with money.
In other words, this article is a crash course on how to make your money work for you! You’ll learn what financial independence means and why it’s important to have a large enough nest egg. Read more now!
Why You Need to be Smart with Money
This is exactly how can I be wise with money.
The most important thing is to cultivate the habit of saving money. The fact that you are reading this article likely means that you understand how important it is, but if not then it’s time for some serious change! If your goal in life is security and doing something meaningful with your life, then building wealth will be a significant step towards achieving those goals.
When we have enough money saved up, we can start investing our funds into different assets such as stocks or real estate so that they grow and compound. The more money we have, the more freedom and control we will gain over our lives.
There are many ways to be smart with money. Here are some suggestions that can help you save, invest, or earn more money.
7 Steps to Be Smart with money
It’s not easy to be smart with money, but it is possible.
Start by building a budget and identifying your spending habits. It takes time and hard work, but once you’re on track for saving money consistently over the long-term, you will find yourself in a much better position financially than those who are constantly struggling or living paycheck to paycheck.
Here are the exact steps to follow:
Step #1: Set Goals
Set goals for yourself. It’s important to have clear, measurable, attainable goals that you will be able to achieve in order to keep your motivation up when you are working towards them.
In order to have a better future, it is necessary to start saving for the future now and not wait any longer.
Set goals and save money every month so that when your goal is achieved, you can spend more time enjoying what life has in store for you.
In order to set goals, it is best to reflect on what you want in your life.
What do you want to know?
Who do you want to be?
What do you want to experience?
What is your purpose in life and how will this help you get what you want?
It’s also important to make a plan for achieving these goals.
For instance, if you want to be a millionaire, what are some steps that you can take today? Maybe it means getting more education or saving up for retirement.
You have the power to set goals and make plans to achieve them.
Action Step: Dig deeper into making smart financial goals.
Step #2: Managing your Budget
A budget can be a valuable tool for managing your money and preventing financial stress.
More importantly, to become smart with money is to create a budget that you can follow. You should also save your money, especially if you want to build wealth.
Managing your budget is a step-by-step process that requires you to have a budget.
You should start by setting up a spreadsheet to track your income and expenses. The next step is to create a budget that reflects your financial situation. You can use an online Google Sheet, Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, or personal finance software like Quicken.
Action Step: Dig deeper into how to make a budget.
Step #3: Paying Off Debts (non-mortgage debts)
Dealing with debt is difficult enough, but it can be made easier by paying off your monthly payments.
Paying off debts is the process of getting rid of outstanding debt and freeing up cash flow. This can be done by creating a plan to get out of debt, avoid taking on smaller manageable debts or simply by not spending as much.
Pay off your high interest debt first, such as credit cards and loans. This will help reduce the amount of interest you pay each month.
When you are able to pay off your debts on a regular basis, the interest rates will go down and this will save money in the long run.
Paying off debt faster and building wealth is easier than ever by following this action step below.
Action Step: Dig deeper into how to get out of debt.
Step #4: Save More Money
Save more money is a step in the process of achieving financial independence.
Saving money and building wealth is something that anyone can do. Once you get into the habit of saving money, it becomes easier to increase your savings rate or build up an emergency fund.
This step involves taking on additional work and increasing your income so that you can save more. By saving more money, you will be able to reach financial independence faster.
It is important to create an emergency fund and invest in a money market account. This allows you to save for future goals and emergencies with less risk, as well as build wealth faster.
Action Step: Pick a money saving challenge for you!
Step #5: Track Expenses
Track expenses is a phrase that means to collect or record the money that you spend on various things over a given period of time. This includes bills, groceries, and anything else expenditure-related.
Track your spending or review debit/credit card transactions and receipts to begin to understand where your money is going.
This will help you stay on top of what you are spending so that you can be more efficient with your finances.
Track your spending habits to find the big leaks in your wallet. You should know what you are spending money on, where it is going and how much you spend.
For at least a month, track your expenses in order to get a better understanding of where you can save. This will help you set goals and make conscious decisions about money management.
Action Step: Try a no spend month to prioritize your spending.
Pick a money saving challenge for you!
Step #6 – Increase Income
There are numerous ways to increase your income. You can increase your income by working more hours, starting a side business, or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
The fastest way is to think of businesses, products, or services that people want – use Google to find the products and advertise your niche. The benefit of working for yourself is there are no income limits on what you can make.
Many people want to make money online, but most of them need help figuring out how to do it.
To start, you need to figure out what your skills are and then find a niche that is in demand. For example, if you have good writing skills, it might be best for you to try blogging or find freelance work.
Don’t give up. If you want to make a lot of money, you have to put in the time and effort!
Action Step: Find ways to make money fast.
Step # 7: Invest Wisely
Investing wisely is the act of making investments that will provide positive returns.
Investing in stocks, bonds, or other types of securities can be risky, but it can also make you rich. Investing wisely means understanding the risks and rewards of your investment.
If someone asked you, “What is the smartest thing to do with your money?” The loud answer is to invest money consistently.
Investing early on and taking action eventually yielded positive results.
Investing is a marathon and not a sprint, so we need to start small and take it one day at a time.
Investing in a variety of assets is the best way to maximize your returns. Invest only in what you know and understand, invest for the long term, and diversify investments.
Action Step: Learn how much you can make in stocks.
10 Simple Smart Money Tips
On Reddit personal finance, you can find hundreds of answers to what is a money smart person, which is great but can be overwhelming.
Smart money tips are a great way to build wealth and get rich faster. These smart money tips will help you learn more about personal finance, save time on your monthly expenses, and grow savings for the future.
Here are specific ways you can become money smart today:
1. Build an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is a savings account that’s been set aside for the unexpected.
It is used to cover emergencies, such as car repairs or medical emergencies, and can also be used when you have a job that doesn’t offer health insurance.
It’s important to set up an emergency fund because unexpected situations can happen at any time, and you won’t be able to use your credit cards or other debt to pay for them.
2. Save for Larger Purchases and Expenses
Save for larger purchases and expenses is a financial planning strategy that entails saving a certain amount of money each month to put towards future, much bigger purchases or expenses.
It’s important not to spend all of the money you save, as it’s possible that the future expense will not come to fruition.
This is exactly how you stay out of debt.
3. Steer Clear of Debt
Keep your debt low, and pay it off when you can.
Good debt is debt that will help you reach your goals in the future or help build a business. Bad debt is debt that you will not be able to pay back, and if you default on this type of debt, it can have a huge impact on your credit score.
To get out of debt, figure out how much you owe on various debts and decide what to do with the money.
4. Start Investing for Retirement
Many people have a hard time saving for retirement. This is unfortunate because of the power of compound interest, which means that you will earn more money on your investment over time.
Start saving 15% of your income as soon as you can for retirement. This will allow for passive income later in life.
The best way to start investing for retirement is by setting up a Roth IRA.
You can then invest your money with low or no fees and earn tax-free returns until you retire.
This means every time you get a raise, put that extra cash into an account that will be used for your retirement.
5. How to Save for Kids’ College
There are a few different ways to save for kids’ college. One way is to pay for their education through a 529 plan, which is a tax-advantaged savings account that allows you to save for college expenses. Another way is to use a mix of tax-advantaged and taxable investments like an IRA or 401(k), which will take some time to build up your savings but will allow you to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments that are safe for retirement.
The best way to save for your kids’ college is to start saving early.
Also, you need to check out this scholarship program to lower the cost of college.
6. Find a Good Credit Card
Credit cards offer the best interest rates on purchases, and they’re easy to find with little risk. Apply for one that charges no annual fees and offers a balance transfer promotion.
Even better, you want a credit card that offers you cash back on your purchases.
7. Talk about Money
In order to be smart with money, it’s important that you talk about finances and learn from them. You can normalize talking and learning about finance by using a planner or financial statements.
It also helps to meet up with other people who have similar values in the community so they can help support your journey towards wealth building.
By talking openly about finances and learning how to be smart with money, it helps people get wealthy.
8. Learn about Money
Money is a topic that most people know little to nothing about, and it can be hard to get started.
However, Money Bliss provides some helpful tips on how you can begin building your wealth in the simplest way possible.
Wealthy people are getting richer by staying up to date with money matters.
Building wealth starts with thinking about your finances the right way. It’s not about losing weight or running a marathon; it’s about how we use the resources we’re given and the smart money management skills we need to get what we want out of life.
9. Know the Purpose of Money
Most people believe that it is “the key to happiness” to have enough money, but studies show this is not true.
We know money does not buy happiness, but it doesn’t mean you should live without it.
In fact, you need to know how money helps you find time freedom.
Time freedom is a relativity new concept; yet, it is the driver behind finding happiness with money.
10. Be Aware
Awareness of spending habits, saving, and donations are all examples of smart money skills.
By understanding how your current income is allocated to different expenses–including the ones you can’t control like mortgage rates or gas prices–you’ll learn what really drives your monthly budget.
When it comes to money, you should be smart about your spending habits. By doing this, you will have a better understanding of how much money is coming in and going out so that you can save more or donate more.
You should also know the difference between saving for the future vs living day-to-day expenses because these are two different things.
There are many perspectives on how to manage money. And honestly, there isn’t one opinion that dominates from another.
That is why investing in yourself to read some of the best books on how to manage money is key to long-term financial success!
While many of the concepts may be similar, there is ALWAYS something unique I learn after reading each book.
Happy reading!
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amazon.com
Hands down this is one of my favorite books on how to manage money of all time.
The reason is simple.
It is easier to follow regardless of your background, knowledge of personal finance, or love/hate relationship with numbers, and money savviness.
You cannot learn how to manage money successfully without reading this book. This is one of the best gifts that you can give.
Key Takeaways – Creating your F-you fund will dramatically change your financial independence and your future.
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amazon.com
This book by David Bach is the inspirational story you need when motivation is low to stay on budget.
You learn the secret to automatically secure your future – all through automatically saving money. This is a real system that any person can follow.
If you are struggling to stay on course and motivated, then you need to pick up this book. Once you read it, then pass it along to a friend to keep the motivational and accountability train going.
Key Takeaway – Automatically saving 10% early on will guarantee your millionaire status.
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amazon.com
This book covers every aspect of money from debt, saving accounts, automating finances, set-it-and-forget it investment strategy, how to handle big purchases (car, house, wedding, kids) plus how to negotiate a raise at work.
These are the basic principles on how to manage money that needs to be taught in school. Call this book your beginner’s guide on managing your finances and setting yourself up for long term success!
Take control of your financial situation. By becoming active, you don’t have to continue to hold for a magically change.
Make sure you get the 2nd edition that was revised in 2019.
Key Takeaways – Ramit Sethi, the author, provides you word-for-word scripts that will save you thousands of dollars on loan interest and lowering all of your expenses. That alone is worth the $9.
Photo Credit:
amazon.com
The goal is to become financially independent as quickly as possible.
This is something the author Grant Sabatier has achieved and retired at the age of 30.
He offers counter-intuitive advice about money so that you can actually live the life you want. This FI movement is picking up speed and something that you shouldn’t ignore regardless of your age.
Key Takeaways – You will not walk away from reading this book the same person.
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amazon.com
This is what we all dream of… be set for life. Not to have to worry about the next paycheck coming in. Running out of money each month. You want money in the bank and the freedom to do what you want to do.
Become set on escaping the 9-to-5 grind and lay a solid foundation with money. According to the author, Scott Trench, you must be willing to work harder and smarter than the average person.
Find the motivation to conquer your financial goals early on.
Key Takeaway – Be prepared to start saving 50% of your income while still enjoying life’s luxuries at a younger age.
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amazon.com
This recent release is about how you behave with money. The decisions that are made on the go and not when looking at a spreadsheet.
The book is filled with 19 short stories on how emotions play such a big part with how we handle money. Everyone handles money and investing differently and that is okay, but learning how to know what works for you.
Key Takeaway – This book is meant to be thought provoking on why we do silly things with money.
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amazon.com
This is the perfect book for beginners written by a (retired) millennial.
You will walk away with a solid understanding of budgeting and why tracking your net worth will boost your money management efforts.
She puts everything into simple terms and provides uncomplicated and realistic solutions to handing your finances.
Key Takeaway – This book is loaded with sass and humor, so you will find the lessons upbeat and honest to a normal dreary topic of personal finance.
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amazon.com
The long term reason to save money today is to not work for years. If you want a drag on your portfolio by using a financial investor, then don’t read this book.
If you want a classic guide on getting smart about the stock market and becoming financially independent, then this book is for you.
The author teaches how to make index fund investing work for you and help you to achieve your financial goals. Plus with having little risk.
Key Takeaway – The investment scene doesn’t have to be scary and confusing after learning the basics of investing and creating a simple portfolio.
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amazon.com
One of the best ways to build income is to become your own boss whether, through a side hustle, real estate investing, or building a business. However, too many times expenses swallow business before they ever churn a profit back to the owner.
Mike Michalowicz will lays out the Profit First Formula, which will transform any business on the way they manage money.
This is a must-read for anyone owning their own business, a board member for a corporation, or looking to start their own business. This is how you build a sustainable, no-ceiling income.
Key Takeaway – You will finally know how much you have to invest in your business and always take home a profit.
Photo Credit:
amazon.com
The last book on the top 10 best books to manage money isn’t even focused on money!
It is how we handle and deal with our stuff. Unfortunately, buying all that stuff comes at a cost and normally a big price tag. Plus the cost to maintain the stuff we already own.
The book by Joshua Becker helps you to open your eyes to a slightly different lifestyle that may change your life forever.
Key Takeaways – By learning to live with less stuff, there is more money in our budget to spend on other things or experiences.
Ready to Be Smart with Money?
Being smart with your money is about making good choices.
It’s important to know what you need and what you don’t because if you spend too much on things that aren’t necessary, you’ll never save enough to buy the things that are important to you.
Becoming rich and building wealth is all about making smart choices!
You need a goal, sometimes called an objective or an endpoint, and you need to set up a plan.
There are many steps that can help you be smart with your money. For example, never save for “a rainy day”; instead save for all the days.
The steps to be smart with money are not difficult, but the effects of being smart with your finances will last throughout your life.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Post-occupancy agreements can be risky! In this post, I will cover the details of post-occupancy agreements and pre-occupancy agreements. I’ll also dive into a particularly challenging real estate experience I personally had. While this ordeal brought significant attention to my YouTube channel, it highlighted the many pitfalls associated with these agreements.
I’ll also touch on pre-occupancy agreements and the evolving real estate and tenant laws that make these situations increasingly complex.
Table of Contents
Video: Post-Occupancy Risk – Horror Stories
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My Personal Post-Occupancy Agreement Nightmare
A year ago, I purchased a property with a post-occupancy agreement, allowing the seller to remain in the house for 15 days after closing. If they stayed beyond that period, they owed $250 per day, with $5,000 held back from their proceeds to cover potential overstay penalties. Despite these precautions, the experience turned out to be a nightmare.
The seller repeatedly promised to move out “tomorrow,” stretching their stay and complicating the situation further. Although I eventually gained possession, it took nearly the entire $5,000 reserve to cover the extra days they stayed. The title company held the disputed amount for a year before it was finally released to me, marking the end of a stressful and drawn-out process.
Why Post-Occupancy Agreements Are Risky
For regular home buyers and sellers, post-occupancy agreements can be disastrous. If a seller refuses to leave, the buyer must follow state eviction guidelines, which can take months or even years in some states. This delay can cause significant financial strain, especially if the buyer needs to move in immediately or faces double housing costs.
It’s essential to understand that no matter how nice or trustworthy a seller seems, the risks remain. Some people are adept at exploiting these situations, knowing how to manipulate the system to their advantage. Always negotiate to hold back a substantial amount of money—at least $10,000 or more, depending on the property’s value—to incentivize the seller to vacate promptly.
How Evictions Work and How to Avoid Them as a Landlord
Pre-Occupancy Agreements: Equally Troublesome
Pre-occupancy agreements, where buyers move in before the sale is finalized, can be just as problematic. If the sale falls through, buyers who have already moved in might refuse to leave, leading to similar eviction challenges. Even allowing buyers to store items in the garage can grant them possession rights, complicating the eviction process.
As a real estate agent and broker with over 20 years of experience, I always advise clients to avoid both pre- and post-occupancy agreements whenever possible. The convenience they offer is rarely worth the potential legal and financial headaches.
Real-Life Consequences
In my case, the post-occupancy agreement allowed me to use the situation to my advantage on social media, but the average home buyer or seller doesn’t have that luxury. Evictions are time-consuming and costly, involving legal fees, potential property damage, and lost rental income. The emotional toll and financial burden can be overwhelming.
Practical Advice for Home Buyers and Sellers
If you must enter into a post-occupancy agreement, ensure it is written in your favor:
Hold back a substantial amount of money to incentivize the seller to vacate.
Set a strict per-day penalty that accumulates significantly if the seller overstays.
Consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and obligations fully.
For pre-occupancy agreements, avoid them if possible. If absolutely necessary, ensure clear terms are set, including a substantial security deposit and written agreements outlining the consequences of a deal falling through.
My Master the Deal course covers the many other ways you can find a great deal.
Conclusion
While I continue to deal with post-occupancy agreements as an experienced investor, I approach them with caution and a clear strategy to mitigate risks. For most home buyers and sellers, the best advice is to avoid these agreements to prevent potential nightmares.
Look for the best way to invest in real estate? Check my full real estate investing guide.
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
With REIT investing, you gain access to income-producing properties without having to own those properties outright. REITs may own several different kinds of properties (e.g. commercial, residential, storage) or focus on just one or two market segments.
Real estate investment trusts or REITs can be a great addition to a portfolio if you’re hoping to diversify. REIT investing might appeal to experienced investors as well as beginners who are looking to move beyond stocks and bonds.
Key Points
• REITs provide a way to invest in income-producing real estate without owning the properties directly.
• REITs must distribute at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders as dividends.
• Types of REITs include equity, mortgage, and hybrid, each with different investment focuses.
• Investing in REITs can be done through shares, mutual funds, or ETFs, available via brokerages.
• Benefits of REITs include potential for high dividends and portfolio diversification, while risks involve liquidity and sensitivity to interest rates.
What Is a REIT?
A REIT is a trust that owns different types of properties that generate income. REITs are considered a type of alternative investment, because they don’t move in sync with traditional stock and bond investments.
Some of the options you might find in a REIT can include:
• Apartment buildings
• Shopping malls or retail centers
• Warehouses
• Self-storage units
• Office buildings
• Hotels
• Healthcare facilities
REITS may focus on a particular geographic area or property market, or only invest in properties that meet a minimum value threshold.
A REIT may be publicly traded, meaning you can buy or sell shares on an exchange the same as you would a stock. They can also be non-traded, or private. Publicly traded and non-traded REITs are required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but non-traded REITs aren’t available on public stock exchanges.
Private REITs aren’t required to register with the SEC. Most anyone can invest in public REITs while private REITs are typically the domain of high-net-worth or wealthy investors.
Alternative investments, now for the rest of us.
Start trading funds that include commodities, private credit, real estate, venture capital, and more.
How Do REITs Work?
With REIT investing individuals gain access to various types of real estate indirectly. The REIT owns and maintains the property, collecting rental income (or mortgage interest).
Investors can buy shares in the REIT, which then pays out a portion of the collected income to them as dividends.
To sum it up: REITs let investors reap the benefits of real estate investing without having to buy property themselves.
REIT Qualifications
Certain guidelines must be met for an entity to qualify as a REIT. The majority of assets must be connected to real estate investment. At least 90% of taxable income must be distributed to shareholders annually as dividend payouts.
Additionally, the REIT must:
• Be organized in a way that would make it taxable as a corporation if not for its REIT status
• Have a board of trustees or directors who oversee its management
• Have shares that are fully transferable
• Have at least 100 shareholders after its first 100 as a REIT
• Allow no more than 50% of its shares to be held by five or fewer individuals during the last half of the taxable year
• Invest at least 75% of assets in real estate and cash
• Generate at least 75% of its gross income from real estate, including rents and mortgage interest
Following these rules allows REITs to avoid having to pay corporate tax. That benefits the REIT but it also creates a secondary boon for investors, since the REIT may be better positioned to grow and pay out larger dividends over time.
Types of REITs
The SEC classifies three categories of REITs: equity, mortgage, and hybrid. Each type of REIT may be publicly traded, non-traded, or private. Here’s a quick comparison of each one.
• Equity REITs own properties that produce income. For example, an equity REIT might own several office buildings with units leased to multiple tenants. Those buildings generate income through the rent the tenants pay to the REIT.
• Mortgage REITs don’t own property. Instead, they generate income from the interest on mortgages and mortgage-backed securities. The main thing to know about mortgage REITs is that they can potentially produce higher yields for investors, but they can also be riskier investments.
• Hybrid REITs own income-producing properties as well as commercial mortgages. So you get the best (and potentially, the worst) of both worlds in a single investment vehicle.
Aside from these classifications, REITs can also be viewed in terms of the types of property they invest in. For example, there are storage-unit REITs, office building REITs, retail REITs, healthcare REITS, and more.
Some REITs specialize in owning land instead of property. For example, you might be able to own a stake in timberland or farmland through a real estate investment trust.
How Do REITs Make Money?
REITs make money from the income of the underlying properties they own. Again, those income sources can include:
• Rental income
• Interest from mortgages
• Sale of properties
As far as how much money a REIT can generate, it depends on a mix of factors, including the size of the REIT’s portfolio, its investment strategy, and overall economic conditions.
Reviewing the prospectus of any REIT you’re considering investing in can give you a better idea of how it operates. One thing to keep in mind with REITs or any other type of investment is that past performance is not an indicator of future returns.
How to Invest in REITs
There are a few ways to invest in REITs if you’re interested in adding them to your portfolio. You can find them offered through brokerages and it’s easy to open a trading account if you don’t have one yet.
REIT Shares
The first option for investing in REITs is to buy shares on an exchange. You can browse the list of REITs available through your brokerage, decide how many shares you want to buy, and execute the trade. When comparing REITs, consider what it owns, the potential risks, and how much you’ll need to invest initially.
You might buy shares of just one REIT or several. If you’re buying multiple REITs that each hold a variety of property types, it’s a good idea to review them carefully. Otherwise, you could end up increasing your risk if you’re overexposed to a particular property sector.
REIT Funds
REIT mutual funds allow you to own a collection or basket of investments in a single vehicle. Buying a mutual fund focused on REITs may be preferable if you’d like to diversify with multiple property types.
When researching REIT funds, consider the underlying property investments and also check the expense ratio. The expense ratio represents the annual cost of owning the fund. The lower this fee is, the more of your investment returns you get to keep.
Again, you can find REIT mutual funds offered through a brokerage. It’s also possible to buy them through a 401(k) or similar workplace retirement plan if they’re on your plan’s list of approved investments.
REIT ETFs
A REIT exchange-traded fund (or ETF) combines features of stocks and mutual funds. An ETF can hold multiple real estate investments while trading on an exchange like a stock.
REIT ETFs may be attractive if you’re looking for an easy way to diversify, or more flexibility when it comes to trading.
In general, ETFs can be more tax-efficient than traditional mutual funds since they have lower turnover. They may also have lower expense ratios.
Benefits and Risks of REITs
Are REITs right for every investor? Not necessarily, and it’s important to consider where they might fit into your portfolio before investing. Weighing the pros and cons can help you decide if REITs make sense for you.
Benefits of REITs
• Dividends. REITs are required to pay out dividends to shareholders, which can mean a steady stream of income for you should you decide to invest. Some REITs have earned a reputation for paying out dividends well above what even the best dividend stocks have to offer.
• Diversification. Diversifying your portfolio is helpful for managing risk, and REITs can make that easier to do if you’re specifically interested in property investments. You can get access to dozens of properties or perhaps even more, inside a single investment vehicle.
• Hands-off investing. Managing actual rental properties yourself can be a headache. Investing in REITs lets you reap some of the benefits of property ownership without all the stress or added responsibility.
• Market insulation. Real estate generally has a low correlation with stocks. If the market gets bumpy and volatility picks up, REITs can help to smooth the ride a bit until things calm down again.
💡 Quick Tip: It’s smart to invest in a range of assets so that you’re not overly reliant on any one company or market to do well. For example, by investing in different sectors you can add diversification to your portfolio, which may help mitigate some risk factors over time.
Risks of REITs
• Liquidity challenges. Buying REIT shares may be easy enough, but selling them can be a different matter. You may need to plan to hold on to your shares for a longer period than you’re used to or run into difficulties when trying to trade shares on an exchange.
• Taxation. REIT investors must pay taxes on the dividends they receive, which are treated as nonqualified for IRS purposes. For that reason, it might make sense to keep REIT investments inside a tax-advantaged IRA to minimize your liability.
• Interest rate sensitivity. When interest rates rise, that can cause REIT prices to drop. That can make them easier to buy if the entry point is lower, but it can make financing new properties more expensive or lower the value of the investments the REIT owns.
• Debt. REITs tend to carry a lot of debt, which isn’t unusual. It can become a problem, however, if the REIT can no longer afford to service the debt. That can lead to dividend cuts, making them less attractive to investors.
The Takeaway
REITs can open the door to real estate investment for people who aren’t inclined to go all-in on property ownership. REITs can focus on a single sector, like storage units or retail properties, or a mix. If you’re new to REITs, it’s helpful to research the basics of how they work before diving into the specifics of a particular investment.
Ready to expand your portfolio’s growth potential? Alternative investments, traditionally available to high-net-worth individuals, are accessible to everyday investors on SoFi’s easy-to-use platform. Investments in commodities, real estate, venture capital, and more are now within reach. Alternative investments can be high risk, so it’s important to consider your portfolio goals and risk tolerance to determine if they’re right for you.
Invest in alts to take your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds.
FAQ
How do I buy a REIT?
You can buy shares of a REIT through a broker if it’s publicly traded on an exchange. If you’re trying to buy shares of a private REIT, you can still go through a broker, but you’ll need to find one that’s participating in the offering. Keep in mind that regardless of how you buy a REIT, you’ll need to meet minimum investment requirements to purchase shares.
Can I invest $1,000 in a REIT?
It’s possible to find REITs that allow you to invest with as little as $1,000 and some may have a minimum investment that’s even lower. Keep in mind, however, that private or non-traded REITs may require much larger minimum investments of $10,000 or even $50,000 to buy in.
Can I sell my REIT any time?
If you own shares in a public REIT you can trade them at any time, the same way you could a stock. If you own a private REIT, however, you’ll typically need to wait for a redemption period to sell your shares. Redemption events may occur quarterly or annually and you may pay a redemption fee to sell your shares.
What is the average return on REITs?
The 10-year annualized return for the S&P 500 United States REIT index, which tracks the performance of U.S. REITs, was 2.34%. Like any sector, however, REITs have performed better and worse over time. Also, the performance of different types of REITs (self-storage, strip malls, healthcare, apartments, etc.) can vary widely.
Photo credit: iStock/ozgurcoskun
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Kiavi, one of the nation’s largest private lenders for residential real estate investors, closed a $300 million unrated securitization of residential transition loans (RTLs), the company announced on Friday.
The loans bundled in the securitization were mostly investment property loans used for fix-and-flip transactions. This securitization marked Kiavi’s 17th such transaction and elevated the company’s total issuance to more than $4.3 billion since it launched its securitization program in 2019.
The deal drew significant interest from institutional investors. Consistent with prior transactions, investors will benefit from a two-year revolving period during which they can reinvest their principal payoffs to purchase additional newly originated loans.
Barclays Capital was the sole entity responsible for structuring the deal. Barclays, Nomura Securities International and Performance Trust Capital Partners were joint bookrunners and co-lead managers on the transaction.
“This additional capital fuels our continued growth, enabling us to help even more real estate investors scale their businesses,” Arvind Mohan, CEO of Kiavi, said in a statement. “Because of our advanced data models, technology platform, and consistent track record of performance, we continue to see significant institutional demand for Kiavi’s RTL assets.”
The deal followed on the heels of a $350 million securitization by Kiavi in March. The lender also reported that it originated $1.66 billion in fix-and-flip and bridge loans in the first four months of 2024, a 40% increase over the same period in 2023, and it recently expanded into construction financing.
Do you want to learn how to turn $1,000 into $10,000? Turning $1,000 into $10,000 might seem like a big challenge, but it’s possible with the right plans and some creativity. Whether you want to make extra income, run a full-time business, or if you are just looking to learn how to turn your $1K…
Do you want to learn how to turn $1,000 into $10,000?
Turning $1,000 into $10,000 might seem like a big challenge, but it’s possible with the right plans and some creativity.
Whether you want to make extra income, run a full-time business, or if you are just looking to learn how to turn your $1K into $10K quickly, there are many options that may interest you.
Best Ways To Turn $1,000 Into $10,000
Below are the best ways to turn $1,000 into $10,000.
Recommended reading: 22 Ways To Make Money Online Without Paying Anything
1. Flip items for profit
Turning your $1,000 into $10,000 might sound like a dream, but one practical way to work toward this goal is by flipping items for profit. Start by searching your home for things you don’t use anymore.
You’d be surprised how much money you can make from selling stuff like old phones, laptops, fancy clothes, and even that couch you never sit on.
I have flipped many items for resale over the years, and I even had a small reselling business at one point. It’s a fun way to make extra money!
Here are some ideas:
Sell electronics and furniture – Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are perfect for selling bigger things like furniture due to easy local pickups. Make sure your items are in good shape to get the best price.
Fashion and accessories – For clothes, especially if they’re branded, platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace are great. These sites help you reach a wide audience and ship items easily. And for those special pieces of jewelry you never wear, a site like Worthy can help you find them a new home.
Yard sales – Sometimes old-fashioned is best. A yard sale can be a quick way to make money, especially when you have lots of items. You might get less money per item, but it adds up!
Then, to take it a bit further, you can start buying items to flip for a profit. So, you might find furniture that needs a little bit of cleaning up, high-end clothing that needs to be repaired, or an appliance that needs a new part. Fix them up and sell them for a higher price.
One of my friends does this for a living.
Some of the best flipped items that they’ve done include:
An item that they bought for $10 and flipped for $200 just 6 minutes later.
A security tower they bought for $6,200 and flipped for $25,000 just one month later.
A prosthetic leg that they bought for $30 at a flea market and sold for $1,000 on eBay the next day.
2. Start an online business
Launching your own online business is a solid path to multiply your money.
Some service-based businesses you can try include online businesses such as freelance writing, proofreading, transcription, or bookkeeping, as well as in-person businesses like car detailing, meal prep service, lawn care, dog walking, tutoring, and local tour guide.
These are in high demand and don’t require much to start – usually just a good laptop or some equipment (like car washing soap and a sponge).
To start your own business with just $1,000, marketing is key. You can use social media to reach your target audience (such as by simply just posting something on your personal Facebook page) or add flyers to local bulletin boards.
3. Real estate investing
There are many ways to turn $1,000 into $10,000 in real estate.
I’ve tried out a few real estate side gigs myself, and I know plenty of others who do the same. Starting in real estate doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several side hustles in real estate that you can begin even if you’re new or working with a tight budget.
These include:
House hacking – Buy a home, live in part of it, and rent out the rest. This way, other people’s rent helps pay your mortgage. Look for multi-unit properties where you can stay in one spot and lease the others.
REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts, are another way to dive in. These trusts own types of properties, from apartments to shopping centers. When you invest in REITs, you spread your money across different properties without the hassle of managing them.
Airbnb rentals open doors to earning from a spare room or your entire place for travelers. Set up your space to be cozy and welcome guests looking for a stay. Remember to look into the laws in your area about renting your place, and set a competitive price to attract visitors.
Rent out your storage space – Rent out your unused land or space for storage to earn extra income. Whether it’s a parking spot, closet, basement, attic, or any unused area, people are looking for storage and are willing to pay for it. List your space on platforms like Neighbor to earn anywhere from $100 to $400 or more monthly, depending on demand and the size of the space you offer.
Flipping homes – Flipping residential properties will typically cost you a lot more than $1,000 to get started, but I still wanted to include this because this is a popular way to turn a small amount of money into a lot. If you’re handy and love a project, buy a house, fix it up, and sell it for more. You’ll also want to pay attention to things like location and opportunity in the market.
You can learn more about this at 23 Best Real Estate Side Hustles.
4. Peer-to-peer lending
Turning $1,000 into $10,000 might seem like a dream, but you can try peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms to help grow your money. These platforms connect people who want to borrow money with those who are willing to lend it.
Peer-to-peer lending is like helping out a friend who needs a loan. For example: You have extra money and a friend asks to borrow some. You lend it to them, and they pay you back with interest – more than what you gave them. P2P lending works similarly but on a bigger, online level where individuals lend money to others through a platform, earning interest on the loans they provide.
Getting started with peer-to-peer lending is fairly straightforward. Here’s how:
Choose a reputable P2P platform that fits your needs.
Deposit your $1,000 to fund loans.
Before committing, make sure to read and understand all terms and conditions, including the potential earnings and risks.
The interest you earn from the loans becomes your profit over time.
Remember, investing has risks and loans might not be paid back, impacting your return.
5. Stock investing
Stock investing is an investment strategy when you buy a share of ownership in a company, like Microsoft, Apple, or Tesla. Individual company stock prices can go up or down, but if it goes up, then you may be able to turn $1,000 into $10,000.
This may take a year, 10 years, or even longer. All stocks are different, but it is possible to learn how to turn $1,000 into $10,000 in stocks.
Stocks give you a chance to make more money than by just putting it in the bank. Over time, companies grow and can pay you back more than what you started with.
Usually, long-term investors (this is the type of investing I personally do) like to diversify their portfolios so that all of their eggs aren’t in one basket. This way, if one company doesn’t do so well, then you won’t lose all your money.
One option is to invest in funds (like exchange-traded funds or mutual funds) instead of individual stocks. A fund is a bunch of stocks wrapped up in one package and this can make things less risky for you.
Recommended reading: How To Start Investing For Beginners With Little Money
Note: Some people do short-term investing to make money in the stock market. Yes, this is another way, but you’ll want to do a lot more research about your investment decisions, the different fees you may come across, understand your risk tolerance, and more before opening up a brokerage account. This is because while the right strategy can make you money in the stock market, the wrong strategy can lose you a ton of money.
6. Create digital products
Creating digital products is a way to turn your $1,000 into $10,000 (and even make passive income). By designing products that people can download and use, you tap into a market with very low overhead costs.
You can start by thinking about what skills or knowledge you have that others might pay for. It could be anything from a guide on how to care for exotic plants, templates for social media branding, weekly routine printables, printable wall art, and more.
Your earning potential can vary, and digital product sellers can typically start this business side hustle with little needed.
You can learn more about this at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
7. Flip domains
Flipping domains is similar to flipping houses: You buy domain names at a lower price and sell them for more. Domain names are the web addresses people use to visit websites.
For example, my domain name is “makingsenseofcents.com.”
Now, this can be risky, because you don’t know what domains will eventually sell. Someone has to want it in order for you to sell it.
Some ways to brainstorm domain ideas include looking for catchy, short, and easy to remember names. Think about what’s trending or might become popular soon.
You can hold on to the domains until you’re ready to sell, or you can list them on sites like Flippa right away.
Just like with all ways to make money (especially if you want to turn a small amount of money into $10K), this is risky. You have to be smart with the domain you choose to buy (and a little lucky), and there can be legal issues as well, such as trademark problems.
Recommended reading: How I’ve Made $80,000 Selling Blogs
8. Start a blog
Starting a blog can be a great option if you’re looking to grow your $1,000 into $10,000.
A blog is essentially an online journal or informational website where you share your thoughts, knowledge, or experiences. You create posts that people can read, engage with, and share. And yes, blogging can be profitable!
Blogging is what I personally do to make money online, and I started by spending $0, actually. It took me around 2 years to start making $10,000 each month.
I started this website, Making Sense of Cents, back in 2011, and it has helped me earn over $5,000,000 since then. I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey, not even knowing that people could make money with websites.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to turn $1,000 into $10,000 (and other ways to grow your money).
How to turn $1,000 into $5,000 in a month?
Turning $1,000 into $5,000 in one month would be hard but not impossible. You could create a product that you sell (such as an online course), sell something that you already make (for example, if you are a photographer, you may be able to sell prints of a picture that you’ve taken), buy something to flip and resell for a higher price, and more.
How to turn $1,000 into $10,000 in 6 months?
Increasing your money to $10,000 in six months can be challenging but may be possible. You might look into starting a side business such as selling items online.
How to invest $1,000 dollars and double it?
To double your $1,000, investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds could be a smart move, with the potential to grow over time. With this, though, patience is key, as doubling your investment won’t happen overnight.
How to use $1,000 dollars to make money?
There are many ways that you can use $1,000 to make money. You could start a business, such as a website, an online store, an in-person business like a lawn mowing business, an at-home business selling dog treats, or even a business where you sell soy candles at craft fairs. You don’t need to spend a ton of money to start your business, just $1,000 or less can help you start many different business ideas.
How To Turn $1,000 Into $10,000 – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to turn $1,000 into $10,000.
There are many ways to turn $1,000 into $10,000 such as investing in real estate or stock, starting an online business like a blog, and even reselling items for profit.
For me, I was able to start my own online business for less than $100, and I have turned it into a business that has earned me well over $10,000 a month for many years now – so I know that it is possible to get started with a low amount of money.
If you have a financial goal where you need to make more money, then there are plenty of side hustles, home-based businesses, and other ways to make money.