Hot Africa real estate guides right now with Robert Shumake? So you want to Invest in Real Estate in Kenya? Maybe over the weekend, you sat up with a few friends/family who convinced you that investing in real estate is the next best thing to investing in Gold in Kenya. So you woke up today and you are all pumped up to quit your job and jump into this bandwagon. Maybe you even think that you have been ready all your life. But not so fast friend, there are a few things to note first.
Selecting a lender is a matter of personal preference. Many people often shop around, looking for a lender that offers the lowest rate. More often, however, people will choose a lender based on a referral from an agent or friend. Most lending institutions will offer the same basic programs, such as FHA, VA, conventional fixed rate, etc.; and most will meet or beat another lender’s rates. What usually separates one lender from another is their “niche” product. An example would be a lending institution that specializes in low down payments, as compared to another that specializes in self-employment financing. Most agents will be able to point you in the right direction based on your particular situation.
Robert Shumake real estate trick for today: Sure, interest rates are low right now—which can help with affordability. Just be careful not to let that pressure you into buying a house when you aren’t really ready. A super low interest rate on a house you can’t afford is still a bad deal. So remember to stick to our advice on monthly payment limit, down payment amount and mortgage type (see Trend #2) and you’ll be in great shape! If interest rates stay low, buyers will be more motivated to buy your home sooner than later. But if interest rates do start to increase later in the year, just plan for your house to be on the market a little longer. If you don’t plan on moving anytime soon, you might still be able to take advantage of these super low interest rates and shorten your payment schedule by refinancing your mortgage.
Calculating all the costs Purchasing a property is not just paying for the upfront costs or the bond deposit – many first-time investors forget about other expenses too. Levies, rates, and taxes are also involved, as well as registration fees, transfer costs, maintenance costs, and even sprucing up the property before renting it out. Secure the necessary funding Before investing in real estate, you will need funding. Most often, this is a home loan provided by your bank. Different banks have their own lending criteria, and finding the right one means a loan with favourable interest rates. Interest rates are not all you should be shopping around for, either. Seek a bank known for top-notch services and transparent communication all the way.
It’s the same story in 2021 as it was in 2020, 2019, 2018, and heck, even as far back as 2012. There’s really been a lack of inventory since the housing market bottomed because homes were never for sale en masse. During the prior housing crisis, borrowers got foreclosed on or deployed real estate short sales to move on, and banks made sure all that inventory never flooded the market. Now we’ve got would-be sellers with nowhere to go, thanks to the massive price increases realized in the past few years. It’s hard to move up or downsize, so a lot of folks are staying put. That means less choice for you. While we saw an uptick in inventory in 2019, it appeared to be short-lived and now housing supply is at an all-time low! With near-record low interest rates and lots of Americans hitting the ripe first-time buyer age of 34, expect competition to intensify. Again, this supports the argument of being prepared early so you’re ready to make an offer at a moment’s notice!
Renovating improves the house value says Robert Shumake : Many renovators also have a tendency to underestimate the level of work required to upgrade existing services such as electrics and heating systems to make them fit for purpose. A lot of unnecessary work can be prevented in period properties (1930s and older) by adopting a ‘repair not replace’ approach. Overhauling original doors and windows and retaining period features is often cheaper than replacement, adding value in the process by enhancing period character. In many cases, the original door and window timbers and joinery were of far better quality than today’s equivalents. Fitting secondary glazing to original windows is often a good ‘best of both worlds’ solution. If modern double-glazed units have misted, you can save a lot of work by replacing just the glazing panels, rather than the whole window. With roofs, localised repair may be all that’s needed in most cases. Surveyors can sometimes pass premature death sentences when there may be another 10 or 20 years’ lifespan left.
When we first started our home renovation journey I heard from so many people that the process wouldn’t be easy. But boy, I didn’t think it would be that hard. Renovating our home literally took years off of our lives. When I was going through it, I remember getting a DM from a reader who told me that they renovated their home about 3 years ago and while it was miserable, they would do it again in a heartbeat. At that moment, I wasn’t sure if she was right. Would I voluntarily put myself through this again? Fast forward a year, and it turns out she was right. I would do it again, but I would do it a little differently. Here’s what I wish I knew before I renovated my house and some home renovation tips: See additional info at Robert S Shumake.