With interest rates still hovering near all-time lows, and a deluge of TV shows out there about fixing and selling rental properties, the interest about investing in real estate has never been higher. That is why I am hosting an informational webinar on Sept. 10 aimed at providing a variety of useful, highly effective strategies for investing in real estate. It will be held at the New Hanover County Executive Development Center, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd # A, and begins at 6:15 p.m.
 
Aside from pointing out the benefits, such as leveraging borrowed funds to purchase rental properties and generate a monthly cash flow, the webinar will dispel many of the myths and rumors associated with investing in real estate. As an example, there is a widespread belief that it is necessary to have a 20 percent down payment to purchase an investment property. This is not the case, as there are a range of options available that would allow an investor to only make a 15 percent down payment.
 
The point is that it is all situational. A licensed and professional mortgage broker will carefully weigh all of the factors associated with a person’s individual circumstances and financial situation. After that, an investment strategy that is customized to the investor can be developed and put into action.
 
There is not a “one-size fits all” approach to assessing the ability of buyers to repay a loan, just as there is not a specific investment strategy that will fit the current needs and future goals of everyone on the planet. To ensure that the webinar I am hosting will offer information that is useful to people from a variety of demographics and financial situations, I will cover the following topics pertaining to real estate investments:

• How to use “hard money” loans to negotiate a lower price and faster closings,
• How to roll construction and renovation costs into the initial mortgage,
• How to purchase and quickly sell a home at maximum profit (fix-and-flip),
• How to borrow against home equity,
• How to choose the best possible loan,
• How to refinance and build equity quicker,
• How to transform a primary residence into an investment property,
• How to recover renovation dollars through refinancing, and finally,
• How to understand the tax ramifications of each alternative.

Of course any subject or question that is important to my clients, colleagues and friends is open to discussion. If you are uncertain about whether or not real estate investing may be a viable option for you, or are considering which option for financing might be better suited to your individual situation, checking into my webinar would be a great idea. For information about how to attend, please contact me. Until that time (September 10), please email or call if you have a question about your ability to acquire financing, how much equity you have in your home, or what your options might be as far as purchasing a rental property.
 
Patrick Stoy (NMLS# 39527; Market Consulting Mortgage NMLS# 39166) has 16 years of mortgage lending experience. Patrick is CEO of Wilmington-based Market Consulting Mortgage, which he started in 2005 with a mission to build lifelong customer relationships by providing real value. To learn more about Marketing Consulting Mortgage, visit www.macmtg.com. Patrick can be reached at [email protected] or 910-509-7105.