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How the Affluent Manage Home Equity to Safely and Conservatively Build Wealth

Money, Ric tells the story of two brothers,

More than half the nation’s banks failed

If you had enough money to pay off your mortgage right now, would you?

Many people would. In fact, the ‘American Dream’ is to own your own home, and to own it outright, with no mortgage. If the American Dream is so wonderful, how can we explain the fact that thousands of financially successful people, who have more than enough money to pay off their mortgage, refuse to do so.

The answer? Most of what we believe about mortgages which we The answer?and Mosthome of whatequity, we believe about mortgages and home equity, learned from our parents and grandparents, which we learned from our parents is wrong. They taught us to make a and big down grandparents, They mortgage, taught us and payment, get isa wrong. fixed rate to make a big down payment, get a fixed make extra principle payments in order to pay rate mortgage, and make extra principle off your loan as early as you can. Mortgages, payments in order to pay off your loan as they arecan. a necessary evilthey at best. earlysaid, as you Mortgages, said, are a necessary evil at best.

The problem with this rationale is it has become outdated.

Therationale rules ofismoney The problem with this it has have become outdated.

Thegrandparents, rules of moneywe will changed.

Unlike our have changed. our job grandparents, no longer have Unlike the same for 30 years. In we will no longer have the same job for many cases people will switch careers five 30 years. In many cases people will switch orcareers six times.

Also, unlike our grandparents, five or six times. Also, unlike our we can no longer on ourdepend company’s grandparents, we depend can no longer pension plan for a secure retirement. on our company’s pension plan for a A recent secure survey retirement.

A recent Gallup showed that Gallup 75% ofsurvey workers showed that 75% of workers want to retire want to retire before the age of 60, yet only before thethey age can. of 60, yet only 25% think 25% think they can.

Unlike our grandparents, we will no longer Unlike our grandparents, we will no live in the same home for 30 years. Statistics longer live in the same home for 30 show that the average homeowner lives in years. Statistics show that the average their home for only sevenhome years. homeowner lives in their forAnd onlyunlike our grandparents, we will no longer keep the seven years. And unlike our grandparents, we will no longerforkeep the same mortgage same mortgage 30 years.

According to the for 30 years.

According to the Federal Federal National Mortgage Association, or National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Fannie Mae, the average American mortgage Mae, the average American mortgage lasts 4.2 years. People are refinancing their lasts 4.2 years. People are refinancing homes everyevery 4.2 4.2 years their homes yearstotoimprove improve their interest rate, restructure their debt, remodel their interest rate, restructure their debt, remodel their home, or tomoney pull out their home, or to pull out formoney investing, for investing, or other Given expenses. education or education other expenses. these Given these statistics, it’s difficult to statistics, it’s difficult to understand why understand why so many Americans so many Americans continue to pay a high continue to pay a high interest rate interest rate premium for a 30-year fixed rate premium mortgage, when they are likely to only use

the first 4.2 years of the mortgage. We can financial planning goal, and in fact how you only conclude theyrate aremortgage, operatingwhen on outdated ultimate handle issuesplanning of homegoal, ownership financial and in may well for a 30-year fixed how you handle issues of home they are likelyfrom to only use thegenerations first 4.2 knowledge previous when factdetermine whether you achieve financial may well determine whether years the mortgage. can than only the 30 year ownership thereofwere few optionsWe other success.” you achieve financial success.” conclude they are operating on outdated fixed mortgage. Wealthy Americans, those knowledge from previous generations with the ability to pay off their mortgage but when there were few options other than Why people fear mortgages, refuse to do understand how to make Why people fear mortgages, the 30 year fixedso, mortgage.

Wealthy and whyyou youshouldn’t shouldn’t and why their mortgage for them.

Americans, those work with the ability to pay off their mortgage but refuse to do so, In order to discover how our parents order to discover how our parents and They go against manytheir of mortgage the beliefs of andIngrandparents understand how to make got the idea that a grandparents got the idea that a mortgage traditional work for them.thinking. They put very little mortgage was a necessary evil at best, a necessary evil at best, we must go back money down, they keep their mortgage we was must go back in time to the Great in time toInthe Depression.

They go against many the beliefs of choose Depression. theGreat 1920’s a commonIn the 1920’s balance as high as ofpossible, they traditional thinking. They put very little a common clause in loan gave banks adjustable rate interest-only mortgages, clause in loan agreements gaveagreements money down, they keep their mortgage right tothe demand repaymentfull of repayment right full to demand and most importantly they integrate their thebanks balance as high as possible, they choose theof loan at any time.

Since this was loan at any time. Since like this was like mortgagerate intointerest-only their overallmortgages, financial plan to askingthe adjustable for the moon and the stars, no one asking for the moon and the stars, no one continually increasethey theirintegrate wealth. This and most importantly their is how worried about it. When the stock market worried about it. When the stock market mortgage intoricher. their overall financial plan the rich get crashed on October 29, 1929 millions of crashed October 29,money, 1929much millions of to continually increase their wealth. This is investors loston huge sums of Thethe game is the same, but while most of itinvestors how richboard get richer. lost huge sums of money, on margin. Back then, you could buy much Americans are playing checkers, the affluent $10ofof itstock for a $1. Since value on margin.

Back the then, youofcould buy The board is theThe same, but while stocks dropped, wanted aregame playing chess. good news is the the$10 of stock for afew $1.investors Since the value of the most Americans are playing checkers, the to sell, so they had to go to the bank strategies used by the wealthy work for the stocks dropped, few investors wanted to sell, affluent are playing chess. The good news and take out cash to cover their margin rest of America as well.

Any home-owner can so they had to go to the bank and take out is the strategies used by the wealthy work call. It didn’t take long for the banks to implement the strategies of the wealthy to tocash coverand their margin It didn’t take for the rest of America as well. Any homeruncash out of start callingcall. loans increase their net worth. owner can implement the strategies of the theAmericans banks to who run were out of cash and duelong fromfor good wealthy to increase their net worth. faithfully making their mortgage start calling loans due from payments good Americans RicEdelman, Edelman,one oneofofthe thetop topfinancial financial planners every month. However, there wasn’t any Ric who were faithfully making their mortgage in the country and aand New York York Times Best demand to buy these homes, so prices planners in the country a New payments every month. However, there Times Best Selling author, summarizes in The continued to drop. To cover the margin Selling author, summarizes in this book wasn’t any demand to buy these homes, so this book The Truth About Truth About Money, “TooMoney, often,“Too people buy calls, brokers were forced to sell stocks prices continued to drop. To cover the margin often, people buy homes in a vacuum, homes in a vacuum, without considering how and once again there wasn’t a market calls, brokers were forced to sell stocks and without considering how that purchase is that purchase is going to affect other aspects for stocks so the prices kept dropping. going to affect other aspects of their lives. once again thereDepression wasn’t a market for stocks Ultimately, the Great saw the of their lives.

This can beand a big mistake, and stock market fall more than 75% from its This can be a big mistake, therefore so the prices kept dropping. Ultimately, the therefore you mustthat recognize owning a 1929 highs. you must recognize owning athat home Great Depression saw the stock market fall holds important implications for the homevery holds very important implications for more than 75% from its 1929 highs. rest your plan. Although a theofrest of financial your financial plan. Although a fine goal, owning a home is not the

fine goal, owning a home is not the ultimate

More than half the nation’s banks failed and millions of homeowners, unable to raise the

cashand they needed to payoff their loans,tolost millions of homeowners, unable theirraise homes.

Out of thisneeded the American Mantra the cash they to payoff loans, lost own their homes.

Out of this wastheir born: Always your home outright. the American Mantra was born: Always Never carry a mortgage. own your home outright. Never carry a

Themortgage. reasoning behind America’s new mantra The reasoning behind ifAmerica’s new fell was really quite simple: the economy mantra was really quite simple: if the to pieces, at least you still had your home economy fell to pieces, at least you still andhad the your bankhome couldn’t take it away from you. and the bank couldn’t take Maybe you couldn’t put food oncouldn’t the table it away from you. Maybe you putor payfood youronbills, but your was but secure. the table or payhome your bills, your secure. Since Great Since thehome Greatwas Depression lawsthe have been Depression have been introduced introduced thatlaws make it illegal for banks to illegal for banks to call your call that yourmake loanitdue.

The bank can no longer loan due. The bank can no longer call you call up youand upsay, and“We’re say, “We’re running a little running a little short on short on cash and need you to pay your cash and need you to pay off youroff loan in loanthe in next the next thirtythirty days.”days.”

Additionally, the Fed is now quick to

Additionally, the into Fed the is now quick to infuse infuse money system if there is money into the system if there is a run a run on the banks, as we saw in 1987 on Y2K. the in FDIC wasand created the and banks, asAlso, we saw 1987 Y2K. to Also, insure banks.

Still, it’s no wonder the fear the FDIC was created to insure banks. Still, of losing their home became instilled in it’s no wonder the fear of losing their home the hearts and minds of the American became instilled in the hearts and minds people, and they quickly grew to fear of the American and and they60’s quickly their mortgage.people, In the 1950’s grewfamilies to fearwould theirthrow mortgage.

In the 1950’s mortgage burning to celebrate paying off their andparties 60’s families would throw mortgage home.parties And so, this fearoff of their burning tobecause celebrateofpaying their mortgage, for nearly 75 years most home. And so, because of this fear of their people have overlooked the opportunities mortgage, for nearly 75 years most people their mortgage provides to build financial havesecurity overlooked the opportunities their mortgage provides to build financial security.

Why people hate their mortgage andtheir whymortgage you Why people hate andshouldn’t why you shouldn’t Many people hate their mortgage because

Many people hate the their because they know over lifemortgage of a 30 year loan, theythey know lifeinofinterest a 30 than year the loan, will over spendthe more cost them in the place.than To save theyhouse will spend more in first interest the money it becomes very tempting to make house cost them in the first place. To save a bigger down payment, or make extra money it becomes very tempting to make principal payments. Unfortunately, saving a bigger down payment, or make extra money is not the same as making money. principal Or, put payments. another way,Unfortunately, paying off debtsaving is money is not the as same as makingassets. money.ByOr, not the same accumulating mortgage put tackling anotherthe way, paying pay-off off debtfirst, is and not the the same as accumulating assets. By tackling the mortgage pay-off first, and the savings goal second, many fail to consider the important role a mortgage plays in our savings effort.

Common Home Equity Misconceptions Many Americans believe the following statements to be true, but in reality they are myths, or misconceptions:

Your home equity is a prudent investment.

FALSE Extra principal payments on your mortgage saves you money.

FALSE Mortgage interest should be eliminated as soon as possible.

FALSE Substantial equity in your home enhances your net worth.

FALSE Home Equity has a rate of return.

FALSE savings goal many failistoaconsider Every dollar wesecond, give the bank dollar we the important role apaying mortgage plays in our did not invest. While off the mortgage savings effort.

Every dollar we give the saves us interest, it denies us the opportunity bank is a dollar we did not invest. While to earn interest with that money. paying off the mortgage saves us interest, it denies us the opportunity to earn interest with that money.

A tale of two brothers

Ric Edelman has educated his clients for A tale of two brothers years on the benefits of integrating their mortgage intohas their overallhisfinancial Ric Edelman educated clients plan.

Inforhisyears book, The New Rules of Money, Ric on the benefits of integrating their overall financial tells themortgage story of into two their brothers, each of whom plan.

In his book, The New Rules of secures a mortgage to buy a $200,000 home. Each brother earns $70,000 a year and has $40,000 in savings. The first brother, Brother A, believes in the old way of paying

off a mortgage, which aismortgage as soon astopossible. each of whom secures Brother A bites the bulletEach and brother secures a fifteenbuy a $200,000 home. earnsmortgage $70,000 aatyear and APR has $40,000 year 6.38% and shells out in savings.

The first brother, Brother A, down all $40,000 of his savings as a 20% believes inleaving the old him way of paying off a payment, zero dollars to invest. mortgage, which is as soon as possible.

This leaves him with a monthly payment of Brother A bites the bullet and secures a $1,383.

Since he hasat 6.38% a combined fifteen-year mortgage APR andfederal and income taxofrate 32%, as he is left shellsstate out all $40,000 his of savings a 20%an down payment, leaving zero cost with average monthly nethim after-tax dollars to invest. with a of $1,227.

Also, This in anleaves efforthim to eliminate his monthly payment of $1,383.

Since he has mortgage sooner, Brother A sends an extra a combined federal and state income tax $100 to his lender every month. Brother rate of 32%, he is left with an average B, in contrast, subscribes the new way of monthly net after-tax cost ofto$1,227.

Also, mortgage planning, choosing instead to in an effort to eliminate his mortgage carry a big, long-term He secures sooner, Brother A sendsmortgage. an extra $100 to his lender every month. a 30-year, interest-only loan at 7.42% APR. He outlays a small 5% down payment of Brother B, in contrast, subscribes $10,000 and invests the remaining $30,000 to the new way of mortgage planning, in a safe, moneymaking account. His choosing instead to carry a side big, long-term monthly is $1,175, 100% of which mortgage.payment He secures a 30-year, interestis taxloan deductible 15 ayears, and only at 7.42% over APR.the He first outlays small over 5% down payment $10,000 and him 64% the life of theof loan, leaving invests the remaining $30,000 in a safe, a monthly net after-tax cost of $799. Every moneymaking side account. His monthly month he adds $100 to his investments (the payment is $1,175, 100% of which is tax same $100 Brother A sent to his lender), plus deductible over the first 15 years, and 64% the he’s from his lower over$428 the life ofsaved the loan, leaving him mortgage a payment.

His investment account earns an monthly net after-tax cost of $799. Every month $100 to his investments 8% rateheofadds return. (the same $100 Brother A sent to his

Which brother madehe’s thesaved rightfrom decision? lender), plus the $428 his lower mortgage payment.

His investment The answer can be found by looking into account earns anjust 8% rate return. the future.

After five of years Brother A has received $14,216 in tax savings, however he Which brother made the right decision? made zero dollars in savings and investments.

The answer can be found by looking into Brother B,After on the hand, has received the future. justother five years $22,557 savings$14,216 and hisin savings and Brother A in hastax received tax savings, however he made zero dollars in investment account has grown to $83,513. savings and investments.

Brother B, on thelose Now, what if both brothers suddenly other hand, has received $22,557 in tax their jobs? The story here turns rather bleak savings and his savings and investment Brother A. Without any money in savings, for account has grown to $83,513. Now, what he hasbrothers no way tosuddenly get through the crisis. if both lose their jobs? Even though he has $74,320 of equity in his The story here turns rather bleak for Brotherhe A. can’t Without money in savings, home, getany a loan because he doesn’t he has no way to get through the crisis. have a job. With no job and no savings, he Even though can’t make his monthly payments and has no choice but to sell his home in order to avoid foreclosure. Unfortunately, at this point it’s a fire sale so he must sell at a discount, and

3

A Tale of Two Brothers Adapted from the book, The New Rules of Money

Our story begins with two brothers, each earning $70,000 a year. They each have $40,000 in savings and both are buying $200,0000 homes.

Brother “A” believes in “The Old Way” – paying off the mortgage as soon as possible

Brother “B” believes in “The New Way” –carrying a big, long mortgage

15-year mortgage at 6.38% APR

30-year mortgage at 7.42% APR

$40,000 Big Down Payment

$10,000 Big Down Payment

$0 left to invest

$30,000 left to invest

$1,383 Monthly Payment

$1,175 Monthly Payment

(56% is tax deductible first year/33% average)

(100% is tax deductible first 15 yeas/64% average)

$1,227 Monthly Net After-Tax Cost

$799 Monthly Net After-Tax Cost

Sends $100 monthly to lender in effort to eliminate mortgage sooner

Adds $100 monthly to investments, plus $428 saved from lower mortgage payment where account earns 8% rate of return

Results after 5 Years Received $14,216 in tax savings

Received $22,557 in tax savings

has $0 in savings and investments

has $83,513 in savings and investments

What if both brothers suddenly lost their jobs?

Has no savings to get him through crisis

Has $83,513, in savings to tide him over

Can’t get a loan – even though he has $74,320 more in equity than his brother – because he has no job

Doesn’t need a loan

Must sell his home or face foreclosure because he can’t make payments

Can easily make his mortgage payments even if he’s unemployed for years

At this point – it’s a fire sale – he must sell at a discount and pay real estate commissions (6-7 %)

has no reason to panic since he’s still in control – remember... cash is KING!

then pay real estate commissions.

Brother B, while not particularly happy at the prospects of searching for a new job, is not worried becauseofheequity has $83,513 in savings to he has $74,320 in his home, tide him get over.a loan He doesn’t need a loan and can he can’t because he doesn’t easily his monthly payments, even if he have amake job. With no job and no savings, can’t make his payments and isheunemployed formonthly years. He has no reason to has no choice but to sell his home in panic, as he is still in control. Remember… order to avoid foreclosure. Unfortunately, at this is point it’s a fire sale so he must sell Cash King! at a discount, and then pay real estate commissions.

Now, let’s say neither brother lost his

job.

We’ll check in on them after fifteen years have Brother B, whilethey not particularly passed since purchasedhappy their athomes the prospects of searching for a new job, and evaluate the results of their financing is not worried because he has $83,513 in strategies.

Brother A He hasdoesn’t now need received savings to tide him over. $25,080 taxeasily savings, $30,421 in a loan andincan makehehishas monthly payments, even if he savings and investments (once his home is unemployed years.saving He hasthe noequivalent was paid off hefor started reason to panic, as he is stilleach in control. of his mortgage payment month), and Remember… owns his home outright. Not too bad, right?

Cash is King!

Now let’s check on his Brother. Brother B Now, let’s say neither brother lost his job. has received $67,670 in tax savings and has We’ll check in on them after fifteen years $282,019 in since savings investments. have passed theyand purchased their If he chooses to,evaluate he can the payresults off the remaining homes and of their financing strategies.

A has now mortgage balance ofBrother $190,000 and still have received left $25,080 in savings, tax savings, has $92,019 over in freehe and clear. $30,421 in savings and investments (once

Results After 15 Years Received $25,080 in tax savings

Received $67,670 in tax savings

Has $30,421 in savings and investments

Has $282,019 in savings and investments

Owns home outright

Remaining mortgage balance is $190,000 – and he has enough savings to pay it off and still have $92,019 left over, free and clear

Results After 30 Years Received $25,080 in tax savings

Received $107,826 in tax savings

Has $613,858 in savings and investments

Has $1,115,425 in savings and investments

Owns home outright

Owns home outright – so starts fresh and enjoys the same benefits once again

his homelet’s was assume paid off he started saving Finally, that rather than pay the equivalent of his mortgage payment off his mortgage at fifteen years, Brother B each month), and owns his home outright. decides to ride out the whole thirty years of the Not too bad, right? loan’s life. While Brother A has still received only inon taxhissavings, savings Now $25,080 let’s check Brother.his Brother B and investments have grown to $613,858, has received $67,670 in tax savings and and hasstill $282,019 investments. he owns inhissavings homeand outright.

Brother B, If he chooses to, he has can received pay off the on the other hand, a whopping remaining mortgage balancehas of $190,000 $107,826 in tax savings, accumulated and still have $92,019 left over in savings, an incredible $1,115,425 in savings and free and clear. investments, and also owns his home outright.

Heassume can start Finally, let’s thatover ratherfresh than and pay enjoy off his mortgage fifteenagain. years,Unfortunately, Brother the same benefitsat once B decides to ride out the whole thirtythe same the majority of Americans follow yearsas of Brother the loan’s A they path A,life. as While it’s theBrother only path has still received only $25,080 in tax know. Once the path of Brother B is revealed savings, his savings and investments to them, a paradigm shifting epiphany often have grown to $613,858, and he still occurs as they Brother B’sB,path enables owns his homerealize outright.

Brother on the homeowners to received pay their ahomes off sooner (if other hand, has whopping they choose to), while significantly increasing

Are you still doing this?

“Here is an extra $100 principal payment Mr. Banker. Don’t pay me any interest on it. If I need it back, I’ll pay you fees, borrow it back on your terms, and prove to you that I qualify.”

Money you give the bank is money you’ll never see again unless you refinance or sell.

Many Americans believe the best way to

Certified Financial Planners) contained

$107,826 in tax savings, has accumulated their net worth and maintaining the added year loan and a 30-year loan, as well as the tax 4-5%, the chances are pretty good that you the first academic study undertaken on pay off a home early is to pay extra principal an incredible $1,115,425 in savings and into a safe side investment account can the benefits of liquidity and safety the entire way. savings earn 5% on your money. Interest rates question of 15-year versus 30-year on your mortgage. Similarly, many finance investments, and also owns his home earning a conservative rate of return, you will are relative.

In the 1980’s, moneythe was30-year costingloan mortgages.

They concluded professors think a 15-year loan saves you outright. He can start over fresh and enjoy have enough to pay your home off in 13½ 15%, but individuals could still earn 15% on is better. Based on the same logic, wouldn’t money by reducing the interest you pay. the same benefits once again.home Unfortunately, Successfully managing years (or in 15 yearsAndrew with $25,000 to spare!). their money. Due to the tax deductibility of However, Doug points out in his the majority of Americans follow the same equity increase liquidity, an interest-only loan be better than an book, one Missed Fortune,Fortune that thistalks thinking is in Missed about path asto Brother A, as it’s the only path they Chapter mortgage interest and compounding returns, If mortgage money If you do the made math, you find if youof youamortizing know. Once of Brother safety, rate the of path return, and B is revealed theflawed. $25,000 mistake by millions can borrowloan? at a higher rate and investcost it atyou 4-5%, the chances are pretty good that you set asidewho thechoose monthly payment difference to them, a paradigm shifting epiphany often Americans the fifteen-year loan. a lower rate and still make a significant profit. tax deductions occurs as they realize Brother B’s path homeowners to pay their homes In enables 2003, Doug Andrew, a top financial planneroff sooner theythe choose while significantly from Utah,(if was first to), to clearly articulate increasing their net worth and maintaining the strategy the wealthy have been using the added benefits of liquidity and safety the forentire decades in his book, Missed Fortune. The way.

book is based on the concepts of successfully managing home equity to increase liquidity, Successfully managing home safety, rate of return, and tax deductions. equity toreaders increase Doug educates to viewliquidity, their mortgage ratethrough of return, and andsafety, home equity a different lens, the same used by the affluent. He shows taxlens deductions how relatively minor changes in home equity In 2003, Doug Andrew, a top financial perception and positioning can produce planner from Utah, was the first to clearly monumental long-term effects in financial articulate the strategy the wealthy have security. been using for decades in his book, Missed

Fortune. The book is based on the concepts Many Americans believe the best way to of successfully managing home equity to payincrease off a home early is to pay extra principal liquidity, safety, rate of return, and ontax your mortgage.

Similarly, many finance deductions. Doug educates readers professors thinkmortgage a 15-year to view their andloan homesaves equityyou money by a reducing the the interest through different lens, sameyou lens pay. used However, Doug Andrew pointshow outrelatively in his book, by the affluent.

He shows minorFortune, changesthat in home equity perception Missed this thinking is flawed. If and positioning can produce monumental you do the math, you find if you set aside the long-term effectsdifference in financialbetween security. a 15monthly payment

between a 15-year loan and a 30-year loan,

as well as the tax savings a safe side Cram Investment Groupintoteaches an investmentseminar account for earning conservative educational the apublic based rate of return, you will have enough to largely on the Missed Fortune concepts.pay In home we off inbreak 13½ years in 15 years theyour seminar, down(orthe four key with $25,000 to spare!). Chapter one in benefits of integrating your mortgage into Missed Fortune talks about the $25,000 your financial plan (increased liquidity, safety, mistake made by millions of Americans who ratechoose of return, tax deductions) the and fifteen-year loan. in order to look at each one in more detail

can earn 5% on your money. Interest rates are relative. In the 1980’s, money was costing 15%, but individuals could still earn 15% on their money. Due to the tax deductibility of mortgage interest and compounding returns, can cash borrow at a higher and invest By you having available ftor rate emergencies at a lower rate and still make a significant andit investment opportunities, most homeprofit.

Large equity in your home can be a big disadvantage

owners are better off than if their equity is tied up in their residence. Large, idle equity, also Large equity your home called ‘having all yourineggs in one basket,’ Cram Investment Group teaches an Oureducational goal is to help clients conserve their home can be a big disadvantage can be risky if the homeowner suddenly seminar for the public based equity, notonconsume it. Fortune We are concepts. one of theIn needs cash. While employed and in excellent largely the Missed By having cash available ftor emergencies fewthe financial planning firms who health, borrowing on a home is easy, but most seminar, we break down theencourage four key and investment opportunities, most homeclients to secure debt in order become debt benefits of integrating yourtomortgage into people, especially owners are betterretirees, off than if unexpectedly their equity financial plan (increased liquidity, safety, need freeyour sooner. when theyresidence. are sick, unemployed is cash tied up in their Large, idle or rate of return, and tax deductions) in order to haveequity, insufficient income.

Obtaining home also called ‘having all your aeggs in In look Aprilat 1998, Thein more Journal of Financial each one detail basket,’ be risky if the loanone under thesecan circumstances canhomeowner be either Planning (published by the Institute of suddenly cash. While employed impossible orneeds very expensive.

Our goalFinancial is to help clients conserve their Certified Planners) contained and in excellent health, borrowing on a not consume it. We are one thehome first equity, academic study undertaken on Howhome manyisofeasy, us feel go toespecially the bank butwhen most we people, of the few financial planning firms who the question of 15-year versus 30-year we almost retirees,need unexpectedly need cash when to prove we don’t need thethey encourage clients to secure in order are sick, unemployed or have insufficient mortgages.

They concluded thedebt 30-year loanto money before they’ll loan it to us? The bank become debt free sooner. income.

Obtaining a home loan under these is better.

Based on the same logic, wouldn’t wants to know we have the ability to repay can be how eithera conversation impossible or an Ininterest-only loan be better than an the circumstances loan. You can imagine April 1998, The Journal of Financial very expensive. amortizing If mortgage Planningloan? (published by the money Institutecost of you might go with your banker: “I brought up

“It’s better to have access to the equity or value of your home and not need it, than to need it and not be able to get at it.”

your loan application up to the board this There are actually three primary reasons:

How many of us feel when we go to the morning and I explained to them you’re going bank we almost need to prove we don’t through some hard financial times, you’re need the money before they’ll loan it to us? unemployed, your credit is not so good and The bank wants to know we have the ability maybe lendcan youimagine some cash to repaythey the could loan. You how to a get through thesemight rough times.

Their response conversation go with your banker: “I was... ‘Fatupchance!’ brought your loan application up to the board this morning and I explained to them What many is that even you’re goingpeople throughdon’t somerealize hard financial if they’ve consistently been making double times, you’re unemployed, your credit is not so good and maybe they could lend you mortgage payments for five years in a row, the some cashhas to get rough times. bank still no through leniency.these If suddenly they Their response was...

‘Fat chance!’ experience a financial setback, the bank will

not care. They can go to the bank and plead,

What many people don’t realize is that even “I never thought in a million years this would if they’ve consistently been making double happen to me, but it did. I’ve been paying my mortgage payments for five years in a row, mortgage in has advance for years, how about if the bank still no leniency.

If suddenly I justexperience coast on my mortgage payments for a they a financial setback, the bank fewnot months?”

Theycan get go thetosame answer every will care. They the bank and plead, never thought in ajust million time... “I‘Fat chance!’

Banks don’tyears workthis that would happen to me, but it did.

I’ve been way. Regardless of how much you’ve paid your paying my down mortgage in advance for payments years, mortgage or how many extra how about if I just coast on my mortgage you’ve made, next month’s payment is still payments for a few months?” They get the due in its entirety no matter what. same answer every time... ‘Fat chance!’

Banks just don’t work that way. Regardless of how much you’ve paid your mortgage down or how many extra payments you’ve made, next month’s payment is still due in its entirety no matter what.

mortgage payment, or have an additional financial times, would your rather have $25,000 of equity trapped in your home? $25,000 of cash to help you make your Almost every person who has ever lost their mortgage payment, or have an additional home to foreclosure would have been better $25,000 of equity trapped in your home? off if they hadperson their who equity from Almost every hasseparated ever lost their 1. Liquidity home in a liquid,would safe, conservative side home to foreclosure have been better These three elements are also commonly their 2. Safety fund that could be used to make mortgage off if they had their equity separated from used asofthe test of a prudent investment.

3. Rate return their home in a liquid, conservative side during their safe, time of need.

When evaluating a potential investment, payments fund that could be used to make mortgage These three elements experienced investors are will also ask commonly the following The importance of liquidity became all too payments during their time of need. used as the test of a prudent investment. three questions: clear when the stock market crashed in cash position. Why in the world would you want to have the1.equity removed from your Liquidity home? There are 2. actually Safetythree primary reasons: 3. Rate of return

When evaluating a potential investment, experienced1. investors will ask the following How liquid is it? three questions: (Can I get my money back when I want it?)

2. How 1. How liquid issafe it? is it?

(Can I get my back when I want it?)

(Is itmoney guaranteed or insured?)

3. Whatsafe rate ofisreturn 2. How it? can I expect?

(Is it guaranteed or insured?)

Home equity fails all three tests of a prudent investment.

Let’s examine each can of these core 3. What rate of return elements in more detail to better understand I expect? why home equity fails the tests of a prudent Home equity and, fails allmore three tests of a prudent investment, importantly, why investment. Let’s examinebyeach of these core home-owners benefit separating the elements in more detail to better understand equity from their home. why home equity fails the tests of a prudent investment, and, more importantly, why home-owners benefit by separating the equity from their home.

The importance became too October of 1987.of Ifliquidity someone had alladvised clear when the stock market crashed in you to sell your stocks and convert to cash, October of 1987. If someone had advised they would have been a hero. Or, if you had you to sell your stocks and convert to cash, enough liquidity you could have weathered they would have been a hero. Or, if you had the storm. Those with other liquid assets were enough liquidity you could have weathered able to remain invested.

Theyliquid wereassets rewarded the storm.

Those with other aswere theable market rebounded to remain invested.and Theyrecovered were fully withinas90the days.

However, those and without rewarded market rebounded recovered fully withinto90 However, liquidity were forced selldays. while the market those without liquidity were forcedsignificant to sell was down, causing them to accept while the market was down, causing them losses. In Missed Fortune, Doug Andrew tells to accept significant losses. In Missed the story of a young couple who learned what Fortune, Doug Andrew tells the story of a he calls “The $150,000 Lesson on Liquidity”. young couple who learned what he calls In“The 1978 this couple built a beautifulIn home $150,000 Lesson on Liquidity”. that be featured Better home Homesthat and 1978would this couple built a in beautiful Gardens. couple’s home appreciated would be The featured in Better Homes and The by couple’s inGardens. value, and, 1982,home it wasappreciated appraised for in value, by 1982,They it was appraised for just underand, $300,000. had accumulated just under $300,000.

They had accumulated a significant amount of equity, not because a significant amount of equity, not because they had been making extra payments on they had been making extra payments on the property, but because market conditions the property, but because market conditions improved improvedover overthat thatfour-year four-yearperiod. period.

Why separate equity from your home?

Separating equity to increase liquidity

In the book, Missed Fortune, Doug Andrew suggests people strongly Why from equity considerseparate separatingequity as much your as theyhome? possibly can from their house, and place it overMissed in a cash position. in the In the book, Fortune, DougWhy Andrew world would youstrongly want to have the equity suggests people consider separating as much equity as they possibly removed from your home?

What is the biggest secret Separating equity toin real estate?

Your mortgageliquidity is a loan against your income, increase not a loan against the value of your house.

What is the biggest secret in real estate? Your Without an income, in many cases you cannot mortgage is a loan against your income, not a get a loan. If you suddenly experienced loan against the value of your house. Without This couple thought they had the world by difficult financial your get rather an income, in manytimes, caseswould you cannot a This couple thought they had the world tail. They had a home valued at $300,000 have of cashexperienced to help you make loan. $25,000 If you suddenly difficultyour the by the tail. They had a home valued at

can from their house, and place it over in a

during which wasbalance forced to who got stucktime withthe the lender deficiency of $30,000 on mortgage their creditand report? original pay the first alsoThe accrued an owners, of$30,000 course! of interest and penalties. additional By the time the home finally sold, less the They hadhad thethe misconception that thethe equity in This couple not only had a foreclosure They misconception that $30,000 in accrued indebtedness, guess equity their home had of a rate of return appear on their credit report for seven years, theirinhome had a rate return when, when, in fact,init who got stuck with the deficiency balance of fact,was it was a number a sheet of paper. the report also showed a deficiency balance justjust a number on aonsheet of paper. $30,000 on theironcredit report? owing $30,000 a home they The had original lost owners, of course! nearly one year Then, a series of unexpected events reduced Then, a series of unexpected events reduced earlier. In a time of financial setback they lost their income to almost nothing for nine months. their income to almost nothing for nine This couple not only had a foreclosure appear of their most valuable assets due to a They couldn’t borrow money to keep their months. They couldn’t borrow money to keep onone their credit for seven years, the lack of liquidity.report If they had separated their mortgage payments current because without their mortgage payments current because report also showed deficiency owing $150,000 in homeaequity and balance repositioned an income they did not have the ability to without an income they did not have the ability $30,000 on a side homeaccount, they had lostwould nearlyhave one it into a safe they repay. Within six months they had sold two to repay.

Within six months they had sold two year easily beenInable to make their mortgage other properties to bring their mortgage out of earlier. a time of financial setback they other properties to bring theirthat mortgage payments and prevented this series delinquency.

They soon realized in orderout to lost one of their most valuable assetsofdue to of delinquency.

They soon realized that in protect their $150,000 of equity they would have a events. lack of liquidity. If they had separated their At this point in the story, Doug admits the to sell their home. As Murphy’s Lawofwould order to protect their $150,000 equityhave they $150,000 in home equity and repositioned couple was really he and his wife, it, the would have to sell their home. As Murphy’s it young into a safe side account, they would have Sharee. Despite objections from his editor, previously strong real market turned Law would have it,estate the previously strongsoft. real easily able make their mortgage Dougbeen insisted the to story remain in the book estate market turned soft. payments and prevented this series of events. with first and second mortgages owingowing only $300,000 with first and second mortgages only$150,000. $150,000.They Theyhad had“made” “made”$150,000 $150,000ininfour four short years. short years.

Although they reduced their asking price several times – from $295,000 down their to $195,000 they Although they reduced asking –price could not find a buyer.

Sadly, they gave up the several times – from $295,000 down to home in foreclosure to the mortgage lender. $195,000 – they could not find a buyer. Sadly, Sometimes sad stories only get sadder. The two they gave up the home in foreclosure to the mortgages on the property were in the amounts mortgageand lender.

Sometimes sadThe stories of $125,000 $25,000, respectively. only mortgage get sadder.

The two mortgages on the second holder outbid the first one property were in the amounts of $125,000 at the ensuing auction, feeling that, much like theand original owners, itrespectively. was in a goodThe position. $25,000, second Knowing that the house had been appraised mortgage holder outbid the first one at for the $300,000, the obligation owing was like only the ensuingand auction, feeling that, much $150,000, thought ititcould turna around and originalit owners, was in good position. sell the property to cover the investment. It took Knowing that the house had been appraised nine long months to sell, during which time the for $300,000, and the obligation owing lender was forced to pay the first mortgage and only $150,000, it thought turn alsowas accrued an additional $30,000 itofcould interest around and sell the property to cover the and penalties. By the time the home finally sold, It in took nine long months toguess sell, lessinvestment. the $30,000 accrued indebtedness,

because he wanted his readers to know he understands first hand the importance of Atpositioning this pointassets in theinstory, Doug admits the financial instruments couple liquidity was really and ofhisan wife, young that maintain in theheevent Sharee.

Despite objections from his access editor, emergency. If Doug and Sharee had Doug insisted storythey remain inhave the book to their home’sthe equity, could used it to weather the his readers to know he because he wanted financial storm they the could get back of understands firstuntilhand importance on their feet.

Dougin learned frominstruments his own positioning assets financial experience the importance of maintaining that maintain liquidity in the event of an flexibility in order to ride out market lows emergency.

If Doug and Sharee had access and take advantage of market highs. And, tomost theirimportantly, home’s equity, they could useda he learned neverhave to allow it significant to weatheramount the financial storm until theyin of equity to accumulate could get back on their feet. Doug learned his property.

Home is not the same cash in theof from hisequity own experience the as importance bank; only cash in the bank is thetosame maintaining flexibility in order ride as out cash in the bank.

Being house rich and cash market lows and take advantage of market poor is a dangerous position to be in. It is

highs.

And, mostaccess importantly, he learned better to have to the equity or value of yourtohome not need amount it, than toofneed it and never allowand a significant equity not be able to get at it.

Keeping home equity to accumulate in his property. safe is really a matter of positioning yourself to act instead of not reactthe to same marketasconditions over Home equity is cash in the which youcash have bank; only inno thecontrol. bank is the same as

cash in the bank. Being house rich and cash Separating equity poor is a dangerous positiontoto be in. It is better to have access to or value of increase safetytheofequity principal your home and not need it, than to need it and The Seattle Times, in an article published notinbeMarch able 2004, to get reported, at it. Keeping home equity “Remember that safehousing is reallyprices a matter of positioning can and do level off.yourself to They act instead of react to market conditions sometimes decline – witness Southern over which you have no control.

California just a little more than a decade

ago, when prices took a 20 percent to 30 percent corrective jolt downward.” Real estate equity is no safer than any other investment whose value is determined by an external market over which we personally have no Thecontrol.

SeattleIn Times, fact, dueintoan thearticle hiddenpublished “risks of life,” estate equity is not nearly as safe as many in real March 2004, reported, “Remember that other conservative housing prices can andinvestments do level off.and assets.

A home that is either mortgaged to the hilt They sometimes decline – witness Southern or owned totally free and clear provides the greatest safety for the homeowner.

California just a little more than a decade ago,

Separating equity to increase safety of principal

when prices took a 20 percent to 30 percent corrective jolt downward.” Real estate equity is no safer than any other investment whose value is determined by an external market “Home equity over which we personally have is nonot control.

In fact,the due same to the hidden “risks of in life,”the real as cash estate bank. equity is not nearly as safeinasthe many Only cash other conservative investments and assets. bank is the same as A home that is either mortgaged to the hilt cashfree inand theclearbank.” or owned totally provides the greatest safety for the homeowner.

the Enron Corporation collapsed a few years ago, and thousands lost their jobs and homes, again in Houston, Texas. What would happen in the Seattle area if Microsoft or Boeing had major lay-offs? Money you give the bank is money you’ll never see again unless you Americans typically believe home equity is refinance or sell. When the people in Houston a very safe investment. In fact, according to pleaded, “Mr. Banker, I’ve been making extra a recent study, 67% of Americans have more mortgage payments for years. I’m well ahead of their net worth in home equity than in all of schedule. Will let you let me coast for a other investments combined. However, if 100 while?” The bank replied, “Fat Chance!” financial planners looked at a client portfolio that was 67% weighted in a single investment, 99 out of 100 of them would immediately To reduce the risk of foreclosure recommend the client diversify to reduce during unforeseen set-backs, their risk and increase safety of principal. keep your mortgage balance as Holding large amounts of home equity puts the homeowner at unnecessary risk. This risk high as possible could be greatly reduced by diversifying their Is your home really safe? Unfortunately, home equity into other investments. many home buyers have the misconception An example of the necessity of keeping your that paying down their mortgage quickly home’s equity safely separated from your is the best method of reducing the risk property can be can be found in Houston, of foreclosure on their homes. However, Texas. When oil prices fell to all time lows in reality, the exact opposite is true. As in the early 1980’s the city of Houston was homeowners pay down their mortgage, hit hard. Thousands of workers were laid off they are unknowingly transferring the risk and ultimately forced to sell their homes. from the bank to themselves. When the With a glut of homes on the market, housing mortgage balance is high, the bank carries prices plummeted. Unfortunately, there the most risk. When the mortgage balance were far too many sellers and far too few is low, the homeowner bears the risk. With a buyers. Homeowners were unable to sell and low mortgage balance the bank is in a great unable to make their mortgage payments. position, as they stand to make a nice profit As a result, 16,000 homes were foreclosed. if the homeowner defaults. In addition to Did these 16,000 families suddenly become assuming unnecessary risk, many people who bad people? No, they just couldn’t make their scrape up every bit of extra money they can to mortgage payments. Just prior to this series apply against principal often find themselves of events many of these people were making with no liquidity. When tough times come, extra principal payments. Unfortunately, they they find themselves scrambling to make could not coast on those extra payments, and their mortgage payments.

“Home equity is not the same as cash in the bank. Only cash in the bank is the same as cash in the bank.”

with so many houses on the market for sale, Assume you’re a mortgage banker looking some people literally had to walk away from at your portfolio, and you have 100 loans their home. that are delinquent. All of the loans are The equity these people had worked so hard for homes valued at $300,000. Some of to build up was lost completely. They learned the loan balances are $150,000 and some the hard way that home equity is fragile, and are $250,000. Suddenly, there is a glut in certainly not as safe as they once thought. the market and the homes are now worth Could this happen today? Just look at when $200,000. Which homes do you as the banker foreclose on FIRST? The ones owing the least

amount of money, of course. After all, as a banker you’d make money taking back those homes, however you’d lose money trying to sell a home for $200,000 that still owed $250,000 on it. Banks have been known to call delinquent homeowners with high mortgage balances and offer assistance, “We understand you are going through some tough times, is there anything we can do to help you? We really want you to be able to keep your home.” The last thing they want to do is take back a home that they will lose money reselling.

It’s interesting to note, during the Great Depression, the Hilton chain of hotels was deeply affected by the stock market crash and couldn’t make their loan payments.

What saved them from financial ruin? They were so leveraged, in other words they owed so much more on their property than it was worth, that the banks couldn’t afford to bother wasting their time foreclosing on it.

The Hiltons understood the value of keeping high mortgage balances thereby keeping the risk on the banks. The Houston homeowners would have been better off if they had removed a large portion of their equity and put it in a safe and liquid side fund, accessible in a time of need.

Ask yourself, if you owned a $400,000 home during an earthquake in California (and you didn’t have earthquake insurance), would you rather have your equity trapped in the house or in a liquid, safe side fund? If it were trapped in the home, your equity would be lost along with the house.

our home appreciates, or our mortgage balance is going down, thatTherefore, the equity home has a the home’s appreciation. rateequity of return.

That’s not true.

Home equity simply sits idle in the home. It does rate of Home return.values Assume you hasnot NOearn rateany of return. fluctuate have a home worth $100,000 which due to market conditions, not due toyouthe own freebalance. and clear.

If thethe home appreciates mortgage Since equity in the 5%, you own an asset worth $105,000 at home has no relation to the home’s value, the end of the year. it is in no way responsible for the home’s appreciation. Therefore, home equity simply Now, assume you had separated the sits$100,000 idle in theofhome.

It does not earn any rate home equity and placed it in of areturn.

Assume you haveaccount a home worth safe, conservative side earning $100,000 you own would free and 8%. Yourwhich side account beclear. worthIf the home appreciates ownyear. an asset $108,000 at the5%, endyou of the You worth still own theathome, which appreciated 5% and $105,000 the end of the year. is worth $105,000. By separating the equity

Separating equity to increase rate of return What do you think the rate of return on home equity was in Seattle for the last 3 years? What about Portland? Careful, this is a trick question.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter where you live or how fast the homes are appreciating, the return on home equity is always the same, ZERO. We have a misconception that because

Now, assume a new you asset had which separated the you created was also $100,000 of home and Therefore, placed it in a able to earn a rateequity of return. safe, sidemore account 8%. youconservative earned $8,000 thanearning you would have money werebeleft to sit$108,000 idle Your sideif the account would worth in the home.

To be fair, you do have at the end of the year. You still owna the mortgage you didn’t have home, whichpayment appreciated 5% and is before. worth However, since interest rates are relative, $105,000. By separating the equity you if we are assuming a rate of return of 8%, created a new asset which was also able to we can also assume a strategic interestearn a rate of return. Therefore, you earned only mortgage would be available at 5%. $8,000 more mortgage than youinterest would ishave the Also, since 100%if tax

money were left to sit idle in the home. To be fair, you do have a mortgage deductible, the net cost of thepayment money isyou didn’t have before.

However, since interest only 3.6%. This produces a 4.4% positive spread betweenif the costassuming of moneyaand rates are relative, we are rate of the earnings on that money. return of 8%, we can also assume a strategic interest-only mortgage would be available at The story gets much more compelling 5%.

Also, since mortgage interest is 100% tax over time, although the mortgage debt deductible, the net cost of the money is only remains constant, through compound 3.6%. This produces a 4.4% positive spread interest, the side account continues to between the cost of money and the earnings grow at a faster pace each year. The onearnings that money. on $100,000 in year 1 are $8,000. Then in year 2, the 8% earnings

The story gets much more compelling over on $108,000 are $8,640. In year 3, the time, although the mortgage debt remains earnings on $116,640 at 8% are $9,331. constant, compound interest, Since thethrough mortgage debt remains the the side account continues to grow at aoffaster same, the spread between the cost the pace each year.

Theand earnings on $100,000 mortgage money the inearnings year 1 are Then inequity year 2, the 8% on$8,000. the separated continues widen further in the In year 3, earnings on to $108,000 are $8,640. homeowner’s favor every year.

If we$9,331. allow the earnings on $116,640 at 8% are home equity to remain idle in the home, Since the mortgage debt remains the same, give up the opportunity to put it to thewespread between the cost of the mortgage work and allow it to grow and compound. money and the earnings on the separated equity continues to widen further in the Homeowners would actually be better off homeowner’s favor everybackyards year. If we burying money in their thanallow

home equity to remain idle in the home, we give updown the opportunity to put since it to work and paying their mortgages, money allow it to grow and compound. buried in the backyard is liquid (assuming you can find it), and its safe (assuming Homeowners would actually neither be better no one else finds it). However, is off burying amoney their backyards than paying earning rate ofinreturn.

It’s actually losing down their mortgages, since money buried value due to inflation. Few people today in the backyard liquid (assuming you can find bury money inisthe back yard or under their mattresses, because they have confidence it), and its safe (assuming no one else finds it). in the banking system.

They also However, neither is earning a rateunderstand of return. idle money loses value while invested It’s actually losing value due to inflation. Few money grows and compounds. As Albert people today bury money in the back yard or Einstein said, “The most powerful force in under their mattresses, because they have the universe is compound interest.” After all, confidence in the banking system. They also homes were built to house families, not store understand idle money losesto value while cash.

Investments were made store cash.

invested money grows and compounds. As Albert from Einstein said, “The mostsuppose powerfulyou force Taken a different angle, in theoffered universe compound interest.”

After were an is investment that could never go in value, might down.

How not all, up homes werebutbuilt to go house families, much of it would you want?

Hopefully store cash. Investments were made tonone. store Yet, cash.this is home equity. It has no rate of

return, so it cannot go up in value, but it could go down in value if the real estate marketyou Taken from a different angle, suppose declines or the homeowner experiences an were offered an investment that could never uninsured loss (e.g. an earthquake), disability, go up in value, but might go down. How much or a foreclosure

“Homes are designed to house families,not store cash.”

“Investments are designed to store cash.”

5%.we It’sgive whatupmakes millionaires, millionaires! had $100,000 of equity in of it would you want?

Hopefully none. Yet, this TheLet’s home, the “opportunity” to earn a The power of leverage costsayofyou not borrowing Learn to be your own banker. By using the your home that could be separated. Current

is home equity.

It hasano ratecan of return, so it 5 percent return on the money.

Let’s be clear, buying home be a great (employment cost vs.isopportunity cost) principles that banks and credit unions use, mortgage interest 5%, so the cost of that cannot go up in value,thebutwealthy it could gothe down investment.

However, buy you can amass a fortune.

A bank’s greatest money would be $5,000 per year (100% tax By separating the equity we give it new life. in value if as thelittle realofestate market declines home with their own money as or When homeowners separate equity to assets are its liabilities.

You can substantially deductible). Rather than bury the $100,000 We give ourselves the opportunity to put it to possible, leaving the majority ofan their cash in the homeowner experiences uninsured reposition it in a liquid, safe,going side to account, net worthon byit.optimizing in the backyard, we are put it toa workenhance and earnyour something Assumingthe a other investments where it’s liquid, safe, and loss (e.g. an earthquake), disability, or a mortgage payment is created.

The mortgage assets that you already have. By being your work, or “employ” it. If I were an employer, 28 percent tax bracket, the net employment earning a rate of return. One of the biggest foreclosure own banker you can make an extra $1 Million why would I be willing hire an assistant payment is considered the to Employment Cost. cost for is not 5%, but 3.6%, or $3,600 per year misconceptions homeowners have is that their retirement. for $35,000 per year?

The expectation is I What many people don’t understand is when home is the best investment they ever made. after taxes (mortgage interest is 100% tax am going to be able to grow my business If you purchased a home in 1990 for $250,000 we leave equity trapped in our home, we incur deductible). It’s not too difficult to find tax and earn a profit on it. As a business owner, to create an extra and sold it in June of 2003 for $600,000, that the same cost, but we call it a lost Opportunity free How or tax deferred investments earning I believe that by investing in an assistant I Let’s be clear, buying a home can be a Cost. represents a gain of 140%. During the same dollars fortaxretirement will earn a return that’s greater than the costmoremillion than 3.6%.

Using the benefits of a period, the Dow Jones grew fromthe 2590 to 9188, great investment.

However, wealthy of employing that assistant.

If we choose to you can create your own arbitrage that’s parked in your home doing mortgage, By repositioning $200,000 into an equity a gainthe of 255%. realityashere is that buy homeThewith little of financing their The money leave the $100,000 of equity in our home, by management borrowing at one rate and earning account with a financial advisor could be put to work earning you your was the investment decision own home money as best possible, leaving the nothing we incur almost the same cost. The only you can achieve gain ofhigher $1 million investment returns ata net a slightly rate. that you ever made.

When you purchased the something. majority of their cash in other investments difference is, instead of referring to that cost over thirty years.

Assume you separate the It’s what the banks and credit unions do all $250,000 house in 1990, you only put $50,000 employment cost, it is referred to as an where it’s liquid, safe, and earning a rate of Let’sassay $200,000 of home equity using a mortgage you had $100,000 of equity in down. The $50,000 cash investment produced a borrow our money at 2% and opportunity cost. By leaving the equity in thethe time.aThey return. One of the biggest misconceptions 5% interest rate. If the $200,000 profit of $350,000. That is a total return of 600%,your home that could be separated. Current thenwith loan it back to us at 5%. It’s what makes home, we give up the “opportunity” to earn a grows homeowners have is that home is mortgage at a conservative rate of 6.75% per far outpacing the measly 255%their earned by the interest is 5%, so the cost of that millionaires, millionaires! Learn to be your 5 percent return on the money. year, it will be worth $1,419,275 in 30 years. the best investment they ever made.

If you stock market. money would be $5,000 per year (100% tax own banker.

By using the principles that After deducting the $216,000 in interest purchased a home in 1990 for $250,000 deductible).

Ratherthe thanequity bury the $100,000 By separating we give it newinlife. banks and credit use, youmortgage, can amassyou payments andunions the $200,000 and sold it inofJune 2003 for $600,000, the backyard, The cost notofborrowing we are going put it to work, or it toa fortune.

We give ourselves the to opportunity to put A bank’s greatest assets are itsA still have $1,003,275 left in your account. that represents acost gainvs. of 140%.

During cost) the “employ” work it. and on why it. Assuming If Iearn weresomething an employer, would I a liabilities. (employment opportunity net gain over one million enhance dollars. your Youofcan substantially same period, the Dow Jones grew from be willing 28 percent tax bracket, the net employment to hire an assistant for $35,000 per net worth by optimizing the assets that you When homeowners separate equity to reposition isexpectation not 5%, butis3.6%, or $3,600 per year 2590 to 9188, a gain of 255%. The reality year?cost The I am going to be able Thishave. example simplyyour shows timeyou already By being owna one banker it in a liquid, safe, side account, a mortgage after taxes (mortgage interest is 100% tax here is that financing your home was the to grow repositioning of equity.

Imagine how the my business and earn a profit on it.

As an extra $1 Million for retirement. payment is created. The mortgage payment is deductible). It’s not too difficult to find tax can make best investment decision that you ever a business numbers grow for individuals that harvest owner, I believe that by investing in considered the Employment Cost. What many free or tax deferred investments earning and reposition their home equity every 5 made.

When you purchased the $250,000 an assistant I will earn a return that’s greater people don’t understand is when we leave more than 3.6%.

Using the tax benefits years as their home continues to appreciate! house trapped in 1990,inyou putwe$50,000 down. equity ouronly home, incur the same thanofthe cost of employing that assistant. a mortgage, you can create your ownIf This is how the wealthy manage their home The $50,000 investment produced cost, but we callcash it a lost Opportunity Cost. a we choose to leave the $100,000 equity arbitrage by borrowing at oneofrate and in equity to continually increase their net worth. profit of $350,000. That is a total return of our home, earning returns at a slightly weinvestment incur almost the same cost. The Conversely, if the same $200,000 $200,000 into an were equityleft The money that’s parked in your255% homeearned 600%, far outpacing the measly rate.is, It’sinstead what the andtocredit only higher difference of banks referring that By repositioning to sit idle in the home for 30 years, it would doing could be put to work earning you account with a financial advisor by the nothing stock market. unions do all thecost, time.it They borrow ouran management cost as employment is referred to as not have earned a dime. something. money at 2% and then loan it back to us at you can achieve a net gain of $1 million

The power of leverage

How to create an extra million dollars for retirement

opportunity cost. By leaving the equity in the

from the NASD: “Brokers are not prohibited Betting theAssume ranch;yourisking 401 vacation condo to make the mortgage payments. client over thirty years. separatehome the investment recommendations.

This would include from making such a recommendation per $200,000 home equity using a mortgage adequately explaining the inrisks such an equityofto buy securities Many successful people the of Northwest se, equity so longisas Serious the investment isWe reasonably Home Money. don’t with a 5% interest rate. If the $200,000 grows which and are buying significant, to the dream of retiring a second suitable for investment in general, it is investment, Recently the NASD issued an alert, “… gamble home equity. Liquidity and and safety at because a conservative rate of 6.75% per year, it investor.”

The NASD simply wants to ensure home in Arizona or Hawaii.

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Individuals interested in it. As part long termThe planning, Recently the NASD issued an alert, “…because best partner offsets taxes due on retirement withdrawals, the isNASD: “Brokers are not prohibited investments should ask preparing for retirement may want wevariable are concerned that investors whothemselves, must rely fromwho thetax netlaw effect free withdrawals Under you of cantax deduct up to one fromtomaking such a recommendation per giving will I make mytomortgage if have a mortgage going into retirement on “How investment returns make theirpayment mortgage from their retirement account. million dollars of mortgage interest subject my investments decline? Do I have reserve to help annual IRA/401k tax bill long offset as thethe investment is reasonably payments could end up defaulting on their se, so to income restrictions.

You can also deduct funds or a secure income?” In April 2004, and enhance their overall financial goals. suitable for investment in general, and it is home loans if their investments decline an additional $100,000 from home equity the following question was posed to the For many, thespecific mortgage interest deduction suitable for the customer.

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The NASD is absolutely deductions, make sure to secure a large prohibiting a broker from recommending that giving the net effect of tax free withdrawals Many successful people in the Northwest consider the client’s investment objectives, mortgage when you buy. Under tax law, correct inaadvising against separating if I take mortgage out on my houseequity and invest from their retirement account. dream of retiring buying only a second mortgage interest and is deductible for money securities?”

The written thethe client mustinrely on the returns from answer their financial status, tax status, and any other information a firm uses to make suitable home in Arizona or Hawaii. With one million

dollars or more saved in their IRA/401Ks, they decide to retire and buy the vacation home where they will spend their winters. What a surprise when they discover that to pay cash for a $350,000 condo they need to withdraw nearly $500,000 from their 401K/IRA. What if instead they had purchased the condo 15 years earlier, when it cost $175,000, by using the equity in their home?

Today their net worth would be $175,000 higher, due to the condo’s appreciation, and they would have the mortgage interest deduction to help off-set their IRA/401K withdrawals. In addition to the financial advantages, they would have enjoyed the lifestyle benefits of owning their vacation condo 15 years sooner than they planned.

Making uncle sam your best partner Under tax law you can deduct up to one million dollars of mortgage interest subject to income restrictions. You can also deduct an additional $100,000 from home equity loan interest. To take advantage of these deductions, make sure to secure a large mortgage when you buy. Under tax law, mortgage interest is deductible only for $100,000 over acquisition indebtedness (the mortgage balance when home is purchased). Home improvements are the only exception. For example, if you sell your home for $400,000 and buy a new home for $400,000 with the cash from the sale, you will lose the tax break and liquidity.

But worse, if you later decide to take out a home equity loan, only the first $100,000 will be tax deductible. Instead, secure a $360,000 mortgage (90%) when you buy the home and the entire amount is deductible.

vehicles. Tax favored safe investments are ideal. You should consult your financial planner for the best investment vehicles for your specific situation. Many financial planners prefer the following tax favored products for investing home equity: • Investment grade insurance contracts • Annuities • Real estate investment trusts • IRAS • 401ks • Tax-free bonds • 529 savings plan

Case study: home equity management There’s a recent case study of a couple living in a $550,000 home in Bellevue, WA. They owed $360,000 on a 30-year fixed mortgage at 5.875% with a monthly payment of $2,130.

They had $190,000 built up in home equity.

A very common “Brother A”-type traditional scenario. After understanding the liquidity, safety, rate of return, and tax benefits of properly managing their home equity, this couple decided to separate $155,800 of their equity to invest in a safe conservative side account. By using an interest-only ARM they were able to increase their mortgage balance to separate this chunk of equity while decreasing their monthly mortgage payment to $1,656, a monthly cash flow savings of $474 per month.

The couple conservatively invested the $155,800 lump sum and the $474 per month savings with their financial planner.

If we assume a conservative 6% rate of Where to safely invest return, their investment account will grow to home equity $520,196 in 15 years. In the 15th year, they Home equity is serious money. We are will have enough cash in their investment separating it from the home to conserve it, account to pay off their mortgage completely not to consume it. Therefore it should not be if they want to (15 years earlier than with invested aggressively. Rather, home equity is their original 30 year mortgage!). However, best invested in safe, conservative investment armed with their new equity management

knowledge, they plan to keep the mortgage well into retirement so they can keep the tax deduction benefits and keep the money in the investment account where it’s more liquid, more safe, and will continue to grow and compound.

T H E C A P I TA L G R I L L E I N V I T E S Y O U

Case study: cash flow management It’s not necessary to have a large chunk of equity in your home to benefit from using your mortgage to create wealth. Many homeowners without a large equity balance have benefited by simply moving to a more strategic mortgage which allows them to pay less to their mortgage company each month, thereby enabling them to save or invest more each month. For example, a couple in Redmond, Washington followed traditional thinking when they bought their $400,000 home. They put 20% down and obtained a $320,000 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 6.00% with a payment of $1,919 per month.

This is how the vast majority of Americans would purchase this home.

However, once this couple understood the benefits of integrating their mortgage into their financial plan, they decided to make a change. They moved to a more strategic interest-only mortgage. They kept the same loan balance, but were able to reduce their monthly payments to $1,133 per month, a savings of $786 per month from their previous mortgage. The couple invests the $786 savings each month, and assuming a 6% rate of return, they will have enough money in their investment account to pay off their mortgage in 19 years (11 years sooner than their previous 30 year schedule!).

Therefore, by simply redirecting a portion of their monthly mortgage payment, they were able to potentially shave 11 years off their mortgage. In addition, they also received the benefits of having their cash in a more liquid, more safe position throughout the process.

TO B E

WINED, DINED & DAZZLED. J o i n u s a t e i t h e r o f o u r T W O V A L L E Y L O C AT I O N S t o e n j o y S I G N AT U R E D RY- A G E D S T E A K S , F R E S H S E A F O O D a n d a n A W A R D - W I N N I N G W I N E L I S T.

Scottsdale Promenade 16489 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale , AZ 85254 480.348.1700 Call or visit thecapitalgrille.com to reserve your table today!

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WE WINE. WE DINE.

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PRIVATE ROOM PARTIES

Around Town

The concept of stepping out for “dinner and a show” may be the kind of lost art that the owners of BLK Live in Scottsdale are bringing back. Gone are the days of grabbing a burger on the way to see your favorite throwback band across town or hitting up the latest trendy modern fusion joint before your favorite band hits the stage across the street. BLK Live puts both the fine dining experience and live music together on one stage with great results! My husband and I had dinner before our show, and we were blown away by the food which certainly achieved Fine Dining Level status. (That’s saying a lot coming from this self-proclaimed foodie!!) Not only was the meal delectable but we were seated next to the band playing that evening. It was such a surreal experience. A night we won’t soon forget.

CORPORATE EVENTS

★ Join Us For Lunch ★ Best Patio Dining in Chandler ★ Come back at Night for Live Music or DJ ★ Great Happy Hour Destination

When you first walk into the comfortable rustic/chic space you can feel the understated elegance. Greeted by the hand-drawn artist murals on the wall, industrial lighting and beamed ceilings, the cushy upholstered booths invite you right in. It’s all centered around the main bar, which serves up a carefully crafted cocktail list. (Be sure to ask Conner to create one of his hand-crafted made-to-order drinks! We watched in awe as he played with fire on a cedar plank to add some smoke to our citrusy Bulleit Rye concoctions.)

Originating out of Southern California where the owners have opened 6 other successful spots, BLK Live has been in North Scottsdale for 2 years, and they have a winning combo. The menu changes seasonally, so you may find something new upon each visit. We started with the elegantly stacked Tuna Tower. The combo of sweet mango house-made salsa, tangy seaweed salad and creamy avocado topped with loads of fresh ahi tuna complimented the unique crispy wonton chips perfectly. Such a refreshing summer-y start! Next, we couldn’t pass up the Pork Belly. It was melt-in-your-mouth perfection with the ideal complement of cherries, smoked peaches and a drizzle of bourbon glaze to pull it all together. Our server recommended the brussel sprouts, and we were glad he did.They were prepared in a fresh fashion: cut into smaller bites then roasted and crispy with a topper of applewood smoked bacon, a complimentary sprinkling of Grana Padano parmesan and a tangy sweet balsamic reduction to finish. (You may need to order 2 with a larger party, they were that good!!)

The main course is where our excitement peaked!! Black Wagyu beef (the restaurant’s namesake in part) is the highest quality certified beef in the US and makes up the hand cut steaks and burgers on BLK Live’s contemporary menu. I like to consider myself a steak aficionado and have had selections from all of the fancy steakhouse spots in the Valley.Taking that into account, let me just say, that this was the BEST ribeye I’ve ever had! The meat itself was a cut above, but the preparation was unparalleled! The Snake River Farms American Wagyu ribeye is 14 ounces. It was grilled to perfection with a juicy warm pink center and nestled next to a small pool of creamy blue cheese sauce. I took unexpected delight in the included accompaniments-not an add on like those other places! Sides included: a bed of Kale salad balancing crispy and tender with a salty kick, several spears of smoky sautéed broccolini, and last but not least a lovely generous square of creamy and savory potatoes au gratin. I could detect gruyere cheese, my fav, and a subtle hint of a spice. I would also like to give a shout-out to the BLK Burger, my husband loved it – and in his words “You can taste the quality!”

More of the famous Wagyu beef, expertly grilled and topped with crispy bacon and L & T on a challah bun with house-cut fries on the side. The Cobb salad was our last entrée. Not your mama’s Cobb, this take was modern and fresh! The house made Thousand Island dressing should be bottled- it’s that good. The usual suspects were mixed with shredded white cheddar, fresh corn and avocado, bacon and hard-boiled egg, and topped with a delectable sliced parmesan panko crusted chicken breast.

BLK Live does not have a set desert menu as every evening they whip up a special treat. We tried a lemony and light cheesecake with berry compote; it was subtly sweet with a homemade graham crust.This southern girl always ends her meal with dessert and was super satisfied!! I’m hard pressed to find any negatives from our dinner. I guess I could say that the portions were large. (But having a little extra for the next day is a bonus in my book. Score!!) They even offered to place our to-go box in the fridge until after the show. At the conclusion of the meal we stepped out to the open air venue to enjoy the sounds of Fiji and his Island kissed blend of reggae. Featuring the top-notch sound of national acts on their regular calendar, a pool and tiki bars, VIP section, and chic cabanas; BLK Live’s experience takes your evening to another level. We were the still savoring dessert when the show started, and were delighted to realize that the music is patched directly into the restaurant’s own overhead speakers. I highly suggest treating yourself to an amazing pregame meal before catching your next live show; you can even stay and hang afterwards at BLK Live’s reverse happy hour!

1245 SOUTH PRICE RD. SUITE 1, CHANDLER, AZ 85286 480-696-1150 • WWW.MERIDIEMAZ.COM

Author - Lowr y Petty-Hughes

Be smart...

Ask questions…

Get answers!

CONSUMER REPORT– HOME LOANS

SHOPPING AROUND?

More than likely, this is one of the largest and most important financial transactions you will ever make. You might do this only four or five times in your entire life… but we do this every single day. It’s your home and your future. It’s our profession and our passion. We’re ready to work for your best interest.

HERE'S THE INSIDE SCOOP ON HOW TO DO IT RIGHT

First: make sure you are working with an experienced, professional loan officer. The largest financial transaction of your life is far too important to place into the hands of someone who is not capable of advising you properly and troubleshooting the issues that may arise along the way. But how can you tell?

Here are FOUR SIMPLE QUESTIONS YOUR LENDER ABSOLUTELY MUST BE ABLE TO ANSWER CORRECTLY. IF THEY DO NOT KNOW THE ANSWERS… RUN…DON’T WALK… RUN…TO A LENDER THAT DOES!

1 3 4 2

What are mortgage interest rates based on?(The only correct answer is Mortgage Backed Securities or Mortgage Bonds, NOT the 10-year Treasury Note. While the 10-year Treasury Note sometimes trends in the same direction as Mortgage Bonds, it is not unusual to see them move in completely opposite directions. DO NOT work with a lender who has their eyes on the wrong indicators.)

What is the next Economic Report or event that could cause interest rate movement? (A professional lender will have this at their fingertips. For an up-to-date calendar of weekly economic reports and events that may cause rates to fluctuate, visit our Facebook page Finance of America Mortgage – Bryan

Johnson Lending Team – for daily updates. Want more? Let me know if you want to be added to my weekly distribution list.

When Janet Yellen {Chairmen of Federal Reserve} and the Fed “change rates”, what does this mean… and what impact does this have on mortgage interest rates?(The answer may surprise you. When the Fed makes a move, they can change a rate called the “Fed Funds Rate” or “Discount Rate”. These are both very shortterm rates that impact credit cards, Home Equity credit lines, auto loans and the like. On the day of the Fed move, Mortgage rates most often will actually move in the opposite direction as the Fed change. This is due to the dynamics within the financial

markets in response to inflation.

For more information and explanation, just give us a call).

Do you have access to live, real time, mortgage bond quotes?(If a lender cannot explain how Mortgage Bonds and interest rates are moving in real time and warn you in advance of a costly intra-day price change, you are talking with someone who is still reading yesterday’s newspaper, and probably not a professional with whom to entrust your home mortgage financing. Would you work with a stockbroker who is only able to grab yesterday’s paper to tell you how a stock traded yesterday, but had no idea what the movement looks like at the present time and what market conditions could cause changes in the near future? No way!)

SHOPPING... PART 2 Once you are satisfied that you are working with a top-quality professional mortgage advisor, here are the rules and secrets you must know to “shop” effectively.

FIRST, IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS. But you didn’t really need us to tell you that, did you?

Mortgage money and interest rates all come from the same places, and if something sounds really unbelievable, better ask a few more questions and find

the hook. Is there a prepayment penalty? If the rate seems incredible, are there extra fees?

What is the length of the lock-in?

If fees are discounted, is it built into a higher interest rate?

SECOND, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. If you are looking for the cheapest deal out there, understand that you are placing a hugely important process into the hands of the lowest bidder. Best case, expect very little advice,

experience and personal service.

Worst case, expect that you may not close at all. All too often, you don’t know until it’s too late that cheapest isn’t BEST. But if you want the cheapest quote – head on out to the Internet, and we wish you good luck. Just remember that if you’ve heard any horror stories from family members, friends or coworkers about missed closing dates, or big surprise changes at the last minute on interest rate or costs… these are often due to working with discount or internet lenders who may have a serious lack of experience. Most importantly, remember that the cheapest rate on the wrong strategy can cost you thousands more in the long run. This is the largest financial transaction most people will make in their lifetime. That being said – we are not the cheapest.

Of course our rates and costs are very competitive, but we have also invested in the systems and team we need to ensure the top quality experience that you deserve.

THIRD, MAKE CORRECT COMPARISONS. When looking at estimates, don’t simply look at the bottom line. You absolutely must compare lender fees to lender fees, as these are the only ones that the lender controls.

And make sure lender fees are not “hidden” down amongst the title or state fees. A lender is responsible for quoting other fees involved with a mortgage loan, but since they are third party fees – they are often underquoted up front by a lender to make their bottom line appear lower, since they know that many consumers are not educated to NOT simply look at the bottom line! APR? Easily manipulated as well, and worthless as a tool of comparison.

FOURTH, UNDERSTAND THAT INTEREST RATES AND CLOSING COSTS GO HAND IN HAND. This means that you can

have any interest rate that you want – but you may pay more in costs if the rate is lower than the norm. On the other hand, you can pay discounted fees, reduced fees, or even no fees at all – but understand that this comes at the expense of a higher interest rate. Either of these balances might be right for you, or perhaps somewhere in between. It all depends on what your financial goals are. A professional lender will be able to offer the best advice and options in terms of the balance between interest rate and closing costs that correctly fits your personal goals.

FIFTH, UNDERSTAND THAT INTEREST RATES CAN CHANGE DAILY, EVEN HOURLY. This means that if you are comparing lender rates and fees – this is a moving target on an hourly basis. For example, if you have two lenders that you

just can’t decide between and want a quote from each – you must get this quote at the exact same time on the exact same day with the exact same terms or it will not be an accurate comparison. You also must know the length of the lock you are looking for, since longer rate locks typically have slightly higher rates.

Again, our advice to you is to be smart. Ask questions. Get answers.

As you can imagine, we wouldn’t be encouraging you to shop around if we weren’t pretty confident that we feel that we can give you a great value and serve you the very best.

Who's Who in East Valley Real Estate Meet Erik Walbot

Tell us what got you in to this crazy business? My great grandfather had a brokerage in Southern California and my Grandfather worked for him. I grew up with many stories and learned some invaluable things. I think I was always destined to be in Real Estate. Prior to Real Estate I traveled the country as a National Account Manager for a large international software company. Being in different cities across the US has helped me understand and connect with all of my out of state clients in Real Estate.

What are you passionate about? I simply care about my clients. Nobody cares about their finaces as much as the person. They care about their finances and well being and I tell them” I am a close second though”. I care. Outside of real estate I am passionate about travel, experiences, and great food. I have been to many countries and different continents and always try to find some time each year to have an adventure.

What are your sales numbers for the last 12 months? Not worried about talking numbers What area’s do you specialize in? I live and work in the East Valley. I take pride in market knowledge and being an expert in trends and the analytics of Real Estate. I have a mantra. It is simple. Best location with the most square footage for the lowest price. This is as simple as it gets. Everything disseminates from this as a buyer. How is the interior? How is the floorplan? What do your eyes see and how comfortable are you? I call it the eyeball test. It really doesn’t fail.

Tell us about your family. I was raised in “Sunny Southern California” as they say. Hermosa/ Redondo/Manhattan Beach and was fortunate to have been an athlete that excelled. I came to ASU as a scholarship athlete and have been in AZ since my freshman year of college.

When you think of the word “Successful”, who’s the first person who comes to mind and why? My Grandfather………My grandfather was a REALTOR in Southern California for decades and made connections with people on a daily basis. I saw how how work, respecting others, and being a market expert made him successful. I will always remember these components and work hard every day to emulate those principles of action and attitude.

Do you have any mentors? Gary Valenzuela is a mentor. He was the 4th employee at Yahoo and took them public. He is a self made billionaire who I met in 2012. He pushed and challenged me. He has made me a better REALTOR. He appreciates my analytical mind and has rusted my business vision for his investment properties. BEST LOCATION/MOST SQUARE FOOTAGE at the LOWEST PRICE!!!!

I developed some proprietary software because of him to let the best deals come right to the surface.

My clients always appreciate me looking after their dollars and my fiduciary responsibility is to protect them in a myriad of ways.

In addition to his many many investment properties he trusted me with his daughter’s 2 million dollar purchase for her and his grandkids.

Partnering for Success

Who has been the most influential person in your career? The most influential person in my Real Estate career is a non living organism. It is embracing technology. If you aren’t growing you are dying.

I strive to be a better REALTOR every day and embracing technology as the most influential person has allowed me to be BETTER. What is something you believe that other people think is insane? I believe we are underpriced substantially around the valley. When you look at where we are relative to ALL other large cities in the US. We have a very healthy job market. Forbes Ranked us the #1 Job Growth Market in the country projected the next three years. The largest university in the US. ASU has also been ranked as the MOST innovative college in the Country ahead of MIT and Stanford 3 years in a row. Additionally ASU is #1 in the US for Research and #1 in the US for International Students. We are leading the country in NET GAIN population (people leaving the state versus coming into the state). Appraisals are keeping pricing in check. If there was no such thing as an appraisal our pricing would be MUCH higher. In summary many good markers are happening in our Real Estate market.

What is your favorite documentary or movie? Facing The Giants…..if you haven’t seen you need to watch this movie. There are so many lessons and moving monents. You will watch and become a better person.

What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last 6 months? A screen recording app for my smart phone. I have been able to connect with my clients and friends better than ever. Being able to show people data faster and better.

What are your morning rituals? What does the first 60 minutes of your day look like? Every night before shutting down I write the top 5 things I need to accomplish the next day.

When the morning comes I try to accomplish as many of the 5 I can in the first 60 minutes.

What topic would you speak about if you were asked to give a talk on something outside of real estate? Travel and creating experiences. The importance of experiences over material items.

Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often? Embrace rejection daily.

If someone told you they were thinking about becoming a real estate agent what advise would you give them? Be prepared to work and be comfortable calling and facing rejection. If you aren’t going to pick up the phone and connect with people you will fail.

Do you have any interesting hobbies or talents? I enjoy cooking, fitness, travel, photography, and creating experiences

I have been selling homes in the East Valley since 2001 and have a strong team of professionals that support our clients. I come from a family of REALTORS and sincerely care about every one of my clients. I see more that 10 times the number of homes as the average agent and have developed proprietary software to find the best deals in any part of town. I have represented first time home buyers to billionaires and my skills are the same for all. Everyone gets the same level of service always. As an ASU grad and Scholar Athlete I take pride in being a valley resident. From primary homes to 2nd homes to investment homes my clients receive detailed information that adds value to their decision making process. I look forward to hearing about your real estate needs.

Erik Walbot

REALTOR, PRESIDENT

602.430.7519

Erik’s Financial Team

A veteran loan officer and an innovator in the real estate industry, Ricky Khamis is the branch manager in the corporate office of AmeriFirst Financial, Inc. where he oversees an annual loan volume of $200 million. His in-depth understanding of bond markets and ability to accurately gauge the direction of interest rates has helped him consistently rank within the top 1 percent of lenders for the past 10 years.

Ricky is also a subject matter expert who assists real estate professionals and executives with growing their businesses. He is an instructor at the Arizona Academy of Real Estate where he has taught hundreds of realtors and loan officers how to develop high-yielding internet marketing campaigns. His innovative system allows them to create a prominent presence on the World Wide Web using proven tactics. He has taught classes in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah. Additionally, he coaches and consults with business executives through his company, Barrier Breaker Coaching, LLC (est. 2014). He also conducts presentations and publishes articles about internet marketing development and sales tactics.

Ricky attributes his success to discipline, dedication, and drive; commitment to continuous education and growth; and an exceptional ability to open doors others cannot. These traits coupled with technological, web site building, and social media expertise allow him to provide high-level advice, tools, and resources for his clients.

Ricky received training from The CORE Training, Inc., a premier real estate and mortgage coaching company that serves top producing loan originators and real estate agents throughout the country.

Earlier in his career, Ricky served in the US Army as an infantryman with the 3-505th 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg North Carolina. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal and four Army Commendation Medals, and he was named Soldier of the Month.

Ricky Khamis NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER NMLS 173141

480.339.1565 rick@amerifirst.us www.TKTLending.com

Erik@TheWalbotGroup.com www.FindGreaterPhoenixHomeListings.com

“What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate” - Cool Hand Luke AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL, INC. | NMLS 145368 1550 E. MCKELLIPS ROAD, SUITE 117, MESA, AZ, 85203

Meet the Team Ricky Khamis National Business Development Manager | NMLS 173141 | AZ Lic 0911814 480.339.1565 | rick@amerifirst.us the United States Army, a producing Branch Manager, and a mentor with a long track record of success. Ricky prides himself on leading by example by always putting his heart into everything he does. This is the very thing Ricky coaches when he is working a husband and a father of five, he has a family that looks up to him, and he wants to be sure that he is setting the best example.

Christopher Arbuckle

Team Captain | NMLS 946796 | AZ Lic 0925894

480.339.2003 | carbuckle@amerifirst.us Handles the team process flow. Chris ensures the accuracy of information, follow up and client care through every stage of the process. Chris reports directly to Ricky Khamis daily with metrics numbers including time frames for milestones and client satisfaction. Chris comes to Amerifirst with many years of management experience as well as a diverse background on customer service.

Jordon Partridge

Loan Partner | NMLS 1415917 | AZ Lic 0934087

480.374.7032 | jordon@amerifirst.us As a Loan Partner, Jordon works to provide a very high level of communication right out of the gate with every new client. He runs the application, pulls credit, checks debt to income, and then schedules an appointment with Ricky for their formal application. He will update the Referral Partners throughout the transaction, and is always a point of contact to get any questions answered. He also handles Ricky’s schedule, applications, client appointments, and much more.

APPLY ONLINE: www.tktlending.com

THE HEAD SAYS YES. THE HEART SAYS DEFINITELY, YES.

Ryan McDonough

RKT Production Manager | NMLS 203017 | AZ Lic 0915596

480.225.6699 | ryanm@amerifirst.us Ryan has over 15 year of experience as a Loan Processor, Originator, Solution Consultant and Production Manager. Ryan is the initial point of contact for The Khamis Team taking the application and qualifying them pre-contract. Ryan takes special care to make sure every client is fully approved prior to sending our agent partners a Pre-qualification Form.

Austin Khamis

Business Development Representative II | The King of Hustlers

480.374.0993 | akhamis@amerifirst.us In the Business Development Role II, Austin’s primary duty is to prospect leads, assist clients by connecting them with the right contact, and further developing consumer facing business.

khamisteam@amerifirst.us

AmeriFirst Financial, Inc. | NMLS 145368 | AZBK 0013635 | CA-DBO 4130901 • 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203 AmeriFirst Financial, Inc., 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203 (NMLS # 145368). 1-877-276-1974. Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all productsare available in all states or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. AZ: Arizona Mortgage Banker License No. BK0013635; CA: Licensed by The Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; CO: Regulated by the Division of Real Estate; WA: Washington Consumer Loan Company License No. CL-145368; New Jersey: Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance. AmeriFirst Financial, Inc. is an independent mortgage lender and is not affiliated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

8 Habits of Millionaires

By Holly C. Brauer, Financial Advisor and Wealth Manager

Imagine you look back on your life a year from now, and it is the best year of your life! What does it look like? What is your career? How much money did you make? How much did you save? What is your relationship with your family and loved ones? What are the things you are most passionate about that you had the freedom and time to do? All of these questions will help you get to your true why? Why is this important? Because if you want to become a millionaire, you must think like a millionaire. Have you heard the adage “You become what you think about?” Therefore, in order to think like a millionaire, you must study millionaires.

From many years of research, daily habits can dictate how successful or unsuccessful you become in life. The good news is that all habits can be changed, and you can start implementing them today!

1

Millionaire Mindset

Millionaires have a mindset they will become successful and wealthy. They envision it every day. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” If you could have anything in this world, would you go after it? So, what is stopping you now? Many people have a fear to fail. When Thomas Edison was asked how it felt to fail 1,000 times before inventing the light bulb, he replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times, the light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” It’s all about how you perceive things, and mindset is everything! There are many millionaires who went broke several times, and even bankrupt, but learned the greatest lessons and never gave up until they succeeded. Start now by getting in the right mindset, and you will be unstoppable!

Photo Credit: RB Branded (www.RBbranded.com)

2

They wake up early and set goals

Many millionaires will have accomplished more by 9am, than the average person does in a day. They wake up early, and have crystal clear goals. More importantly, they pursue their own goals rather than living someone else’s dream. This gives them more passion, determination, and energy creating long-term happiness and success. Your goals act as a roadmap. Could you imagine showing up at the airport, and just hopping on any flight hoping to get to the right place? It would be difficult to plan a trip, without a destination in mind. Goals also create more opportunity and less obstacles. You focus on the positive, and stop noticing the negative. Start today by writing out your goals and dig deep until you get to your true why. Then start tomorrow

by waking up three hours before you begin your workday. This strategy will help deal with disruptions, which can subconsciously make us feel like we have no control over our life. Get up early and tackle the top three things you want to accomplish that day!

3

7

They have successful friends

We often hear you are as successful as the average five people you hang around. It’s the law of attraction. If you’re constantly hanging around negative people, then it will shift your mindset and can stop you from reaching your full potential of success. Remember, great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people. If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room. Look for mentors and other successful people to surround yourself with, and re-evaluate your circle of influence. Even the negative news media can have an influence on you, and so you must be aware of your thoughts.

Set a goal to go 30 days without listening to the news, and instead listen to a positive audiobook, podcast, or TedTalk to learn something new.

Must read books: “The Millionaire Next Door”

by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

“Think and Grow Rich”

by Napoleon Hill and Steve Harvey

“The Compound Effect”

by Darren Hardy

4

while saving time and money. If you’re not up for wearing the same thing every day, then make sure you plan tomorrow today.

They never stop learning

Millionaires read constantly and consistently, and would rather be educated than entertained.

They read at least 30 minutes a day and read to maintain or acquire knowledge. They mainly read informative books on history, personal development, or biographies of other successful people. Set a goal to read a minimum of one educational book a month.

Photo Credit: Lark Pronty of Prime24photography

5

They keep their mind and body fit by working out

Exercise is not only good for the body, but is great for the brain. Research shows that cardio helps grow neurons (brain cells) in the brain, and produces more glucose which fuels the brain.

The more it grows, the smarter you become.

Knock out 30 minutes of cardio a day, and read a book while you’re at it.

6

They are mindful of the choices they make

Did you know on average we make over 35,000 decisions a day! You decide what time to set your alarm, if you hit snooze, should you brush your teeth or shower first, what you should wear, what you will eat, and the list goes on.

Have you noticed that Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg wore the same kind of outfits every day? Why? Because it was one less choice they had to make that day. Have you heard the term decision fatigue? It’s when your choices start to deteriorate after having a long session of decisions. The removal of just one decision can leave more room for mental space, and better productivity. By having a routine, your brain doesn’t have to work as hard and reduces stress,

They are aware of their spending habits

They live below their means, and don’t drive the nicest cars in the neighborhood. Have you read the book, “The Millionaire Next Door?” Years of research has gone into this book to study millionaires. What they found is the average millionaire doesn’t live in the biggest house or drive the fanciest car. In fact, often times the millionaire lives next door to you. These are the individuals who you wouldn’t recognize as millionaires unless you saw their bank accounts.

They live below their means, and build their wealth in investments such as real estate, the stock market, and have multiple streams of income. Many times, it’s the broke people who make a good income, but overspend to live in a big house with many cars. They are house rich, but cash poor. Challenge yourself to save at least 15% of your income by paying yourself first.

Then create a spending plan of needs and wants so you become in charge of your money, and it doesn’t control you. Subconsciously, you will think twice about every purchase.

8

They become successful and pay it forward

Chances are millionaires had a good mentor along the way. They surround themselves with positive, influential people, and when they succeed they pay it forward. A great mentor, Mr. Bill Walsh, Founder and CEO of Business Coaching/ Venture Capital Firm of Powerteam International, says to create so much value in other people’s life and expect nothing in return.

Living by this philosophy will set you up for success, and you’ll be surprised with what you get in return.

Remember, small changes over time lead to great results. Implement these habits into your life, and you will be on a great path to success!

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Advanced Spine & Rehab PC Advanced Family Healthcare PLLC 4121 E Valley Auto Drive, Suite # 110 Mesa, AZ 85206 480-892-1122 • 480-892-2243 www.advancespine.com

BECOMING A DEFAULT LANDLORD: 5 Things to Consider

Starting in March of 2007 the real estate market plummeted from a national high of roughly $329,000 in median home prices according to Census.gov to roughly $242,300 in October 2011.

Terms were coined such as, “short-sell” where homeowners were forced to negotiate with banks to sell at much lower prices than what was owed and “shadow inventory” where a staggering influx of homes were foreclosed on or otherwise abandoned from homeowners who through various reasons couldn’t afford their homes and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack took those and held a large inventory of homes that had not been put on the sale market through typical real estate agents. Consequently,

When being faced with becoming a default landlord the prospect of becoming aware of all the risks and advantages can be daunting... in 2007 – 2009 the US economy experienced one of the worst recessions in modern economic times since the great depression and many homeowners found themselves choosing between work and home. Ultimately, in 2011 investors saw investment opportunities and the real estate market began to stabilize. As of January 2018 with the latest national median home prices at roughly $318,700 in November 2017 according to Census.gov.

During this time another term was coined as well, called the “default landlord” or investor. This was a market of individuals that encompassed people who either liked their home and wanted to keep it but were forced to move due to a job transfer or loss or otherwise and they couldn’t sell their home for what they owed, or they wanted to eventually move back into their home. Or they simply wanted to move, job transfer or not, with the goal to hold out until home prices stabilized or bounced back

because they had some equity that they didn’t want to risk losing. Or, basically, any combination of these typical traits. Either way, these individuals were faced with a choice and an option automatically presents itself; finding someone to rent the home for a period of time while the homeowner figured out what to do when prices came back.

Though home prices have largely bounced back, and the glut of short sell homes or foreclosed homes has been diminished and the unemployment rate has been reduced from 10% in December 2009 to 4.1% in November 2017 according to the latest US Dept of Labor Statistics, we still see a job market that is highly transient as millennials enter the work force who compete for jobs that require new mobile instant access technologies which has ended up putting more and more pressure on an older aging work force. Which means that Default Landlordism has lingered.

Page. 33

With an ever-changing real estate market and economic scene what does one do when finding them-self as a default landlord?

Here are a few things to consider: 1. Holding Costs:

3. Laws:

4. Accounting:

Factor any expenses that will be incurred to maintain homeownership.

This included fixed costs such as the mortgage.

Other costs may fluctuate such as utilities or landscaping maintenance; typically, once a home is leased to a tenant this cost

One of the biggest pitfalls that a default landlord finds are legal ramifications.

Often the common phrase rings true; “they don’t know, what they don’t know”.

For example, in the state of Arizona where I’m from a property must be registered as

There are cases where a landlord experiences negative cash flow. However, this alone doesn’t necessarily mean one has a poor investment. For example, the holding costs are more than income or even a large home repair occurs, or any large unexpected cost arises.

Depending on the tax reporting strategy a homeowner may receive an increase in tax savings. Determining the proper rent price is critical to maintaining accurate and profitable values.

5. Hiring a professional:

will go away when a tenant turns utilities on in their name. Holding costs is how much it costs on an going basis to own the property.

2. Positive Cash Flow: Determine if you can achieve a positive monthly cash flow. First, factor what the monthly rent value of your home is vs the monthly mortgage and other the holding costs such as projected vacancy periods, projected home repairs, monthly utilities, etc. Ideally the monthly income should be more than the monthly expenses.

a rental property with the county where the property is located, most cities charge a “rent” tax and homeowners must apply for a tax license and pay the tax not to the city but to the state, and if living out of state a homeowner must file with the secretary of state a “statutory agent” form an assign a statutory agent who resides within the state and who can receive legal notices.

Also, most states have specific general landlord tenant statutes that define how the landlord tenant relationship should operate and time frames and procedures if a party is breaching a contract.

When being faced with becoming a default landlord the prospect of becoming aware of all the risks and advantages can be daunting especially considering a job or other personal change is creating the circumstance and one has too much on their plate to deal with all at once. As they say, “ignorance is the most expensive education”. For many, finding a qualified property management professional to handle all the details and advise on a winning investment strategy is worth its weight in gold. Most property management professionals will offer free rent price determinations and consultations to help discover the best route that meets the needs of landlords. So, don’t be afraid to do some investigating and find one that fits your needs.

By Russell Hathcock Designated Broker, East Valley Property Management, LLC

COMMUNITY FEATURE

Shades of South Mountain

Welcome to the Shades of South Mountain, a new condominium neighborhood crafted by Frank Residential, a local company which has been building homes in the Phoenix area since the early 1960’s. Four generations of the Frank family have resided in Phoenix, and their continuing commitment to enhancing the lifestyle in their home town is the reason they still are building quality, reasonably-priced neighborhoods in our community today.

The Shades of South Mountain is being built on land with a special history - this parcel for many years was one of a number of Japanese flower gardens built at the foot of South Mountain along Baseline Road. Thousands of colorful flowers bloomed year-round on this site; and these blossoms represented a beauty and tranquility unmatched in the Phoenix area. This unique history provides the inspiration for Shades of South Mountain. Over the past few years, this area has flourished as an infill housing and recreation district due to its proximity to downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport, ASU, neighboring golf courses, hiking and biking trails and thousands of jobs.

Neighbors living within the Shades of South Mountain will enjoy the advantages of an exceptional modern lifestyle: • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Low maintenance for residents busy at work or at play who prefer not to spend their time and money fixing their roofs, painting their houses, mowing their lawns, etc.

Lock-and-leave capability for frequent travelers or seasonal residents who spend extended time away from home and upon their return expect their residence to be in the same condition as when they left Private amenities such as entry gate, community swimming pool, dog park and green space Affordability for residents who would rather spend their hard-earned cash on travel, recreation, family and other investments Close proximity to urban locations along the much sought after Baseline Corridor - only a short drive away from Downtown Phoenix, ASU and Arizona Mills Mall - 10 minutes to anywhere Recreational opportunities within walking or hiking distance such as the renowned South Mountain Park Private garage spaces for owners with cars that represent an important asset First-floor entries for all residences Single-story units for owners with no desire for the up and down lifestyle Spacious patio and lanai spaces for those who love the Arizona desert air Huge open floor plans to accommodate a variety of lifestyles Soaring ceilings at least 9’ high and up to 12’ high in some homes Open concept kitchens for homeowners who enjoy entertaining

The dramatic mountain range towering above the Shades of South Mountain is a part of the renowned recreational park known as South Mountain Park—the largest municipal park in the United States and one of the largest urban parks in North America. South Mountain Park features some of the most popular hiking, biking and horseback trails in the entire Phoenix area. Hikers can find ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the trails, along with a variety of flora and fauna. It is the elegant hues, tones and shades of color found within this remarkable nature conserve that has inspired the name of our new community, the Shades of South Mountain, as well as the names of our model homes. Rich browns, warm ambers, delicate greens and earthy greys adorn the natural scenery of South Mountain; and these are the colors that define the ambiance experienced in the Shades of South Mountain.

1 home left in Phase 1 and Phase 2 is selling out quickly! Contact us today for specials and incentives at our sales office (602) 875-0918 or Lowry Petty Hughes directly at (520) 247-7007.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY TODAY AND BE A PART OF THE SHADES FAMILY!

4 USES FOR LIFE INSURANCE YOU PROBABLY NEVER THOUGHT OF: We all know the drill about death and taxes. For the first, there’s life insurance. But it may surprise some to know that a life policy can also be a solution for the latter.

For those who plan ahead, life insurance can not only reduce taxes, but can be used to salve a host of other financial headaches.

Most of us take out our first life policy when we become parents or homeowners: our first term policy is usually an emergency cord that our survivors can pull in case a breadwinner dies unexpectedly. But some of the most interesting uses of life insurance can come when the kids are out and the house is paid off.

“People tend to see life insurance as a cost you have to have,” said Cullen Crabbe, CEO of CWC Insurance Group. “But it has multiple functions.”

Those functions can include replacing money you have lost to taxes or donated to charity, maximizing your pension or Social Security benefits, even funding college for the kids and grandkids.

With the approach of the “fiscal cliff,” these non-traditional uses for life insurance have been gaining in popularity.

Some of these alternative applications can look tricky to the layperson, but they still rely on life insurance’s basic purpose: replacing a stream of income, or providing heirs with liquidity when they need it most. But instead of replacing a young parent’s salary, the policy replaces the value of an asset, like a home, a business or even another pile of cash.

FUNDING A BEQUEST Cullen Crabbe gives the example of a couple whose Gilbert house, worth $600,000 constitutes half of their wealth. Their two sons don’t care about the place, but their daughter has made vacations there a centerpiece of her family’s life.

“They can’t give the home to Sally and have an equivalent amount to other kids,” said Crabbe. “So they go out and get life insurance policy for the value of the home. At death of the surviving spouse, the kids still have the house, they have the $600k in savings, and they have the life insurance payout.”

The key to this strategy was using a life insurance policy to effectively turn the house into a liquid asset. “Life insurance is a form of investment that provides liquidity to an estate, period,” said Iestyn Dulais with Liberty Mutual.

Once you start thinking of insurance as a cash stand-in for assets, it’s easy to see other ways to apply life policies to problems of liquidity — the lack of which is often the Achilles heel in affluent families’ planning. Most people connect liquidity with whole life, which builds up cash value that the insured can borrow against. But even term policies can provide liquidity on death. The head of a family business can insure himself to be able to distribute the worth of the business to his children who don’t join the company. Business partners can take insurance policies that will allow one partners’ heirs to, in effect, buy themselves out of their half the business.

More complex strategies include pairing a life insurance policy with an instrument like a charitable remainder trust, which allows investors to donate an asset to a charitable cause while drawing the income that the asset gives off.

With some of that income, the investor buys a life insurance policy to restore to his or her heirs the amount the charity receives, preserving both the tax deduction and the wealth.

Most financial planners recommend putting the life insurance policy in trust, a legal form that allows you to leave instructions as to how the payout is used.

PENSION MAXIMIZATION Life insurance strategies are not for the wealthy alone. Many who expected to leave their children an inheritance before the 2008 downturn, for instance, are using the resources themselves. If a couple who take a reverse mortgage can dedicate a portion of the monthly payment to a life policy, however, they can preserve the value of the home for their heirs and still have a roof over their heads.

A well-funded whole life policy can also be used to pay college costs if you haven’t saved enough in a 529 or other college fund. Though fees and administrative costs make whole life an inefficient way to save for college, a whole-life loan does have the added benefit that federal financial aid programs don’t count life insurance money when reckoning how much you can afford to pay.

Similarly, life insurance can cover a financial shortfall in retirement income. A couple recently came to Crabbe with a predicament. The husband’s pension, which made up a healthy portion of their retirement plan, would stop on his death, leaving his wife with little to live on. The answer Crabbe offered was life insurance — not inexpensive at that juncture in the couple’s lives, but better than the alternative.

A smarter plan is to decide the details of your pension or Social Security benefit with a life insurance policy in mind. Knowing that your spouse will get an insurance payment on your death frees you up to maximize your benefit — but the earlier you act, the better.

COLLEGE COSTS

WEALTH REPLACEMENT

There are even some unconventional uses of life insurance that mimic its most conventional purpose: to make sure bills are paid no matter what happens to you. An older couple who want to contribute to their grandchildren’s college costs can merely take advantage of the annual tax-free gift of $13,500 to each child. But if they are worried they won’t live to complete their program, they can insure themselves for the total amount, and find peace knowing their wishes will be carried out whether they write the last check themselves or leave it to their children.

Life insurance can also be used for what planners call “wealth replacement.” In its simplest form, successful investors can pay for a policy that will cover the estate taxes on their holdings. This prevents his or her survivors from having to busy themselves selling investments while they are grieving — or when selling is disadvantageous — in order to satisfy the taxman.

Life insurance solves so many riddles of financial planning that many insurance brokers, especially the growing number credentialed as financial planners, are thinking of insurance as a way to balance investment risk, not just risk to life and limb. “When you have all your vulnerabilities covered,” said Iestyn, “you can invest in a different way.”

REAL ESTATE AS AN INVESTMENT

MARKET UPDATE

Across many fronts, from what I read in the news, to what I see and hear from friends across the Country, and what I see in my local market.

Indications of key real estate factors are pointing to a bustling housing market across the Country for the rest of 2018. I believe this opens for some continued real estate investment opportunities.

We most likely won’t see any crazy price hikes and gains as was seen between 2011 and 2016, but I believe a solid steady growth at roughly 5% will become the norm again pending specific local market conditions and variations. To me a buy and hold strategy will be best suited for this atmosphere.

Starting in January 2016 the US median home price was $299,000 and at the beginning of 2018 the US median home price was $329,000 according to the US Bureau of Census representing a 9% gain with the raw numbers without a seasonal price adjustment or inflation adjustment. Also, at the beginning of January 2016 there were 1.82 million US homes on the market for sale, peaked at 2.12 million in April 2016, and decreased to 1.52 million homes on the market by January 2018. Another key factor to make note of when analyzing the state of the market and investment opportunities is home interest rates which were 3.87% in the beginning

of 2016 and 4.03% at the start of 2018.

We also need to look at job growth to paint a clear economic picture. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in January 2016 the unemployment rate was 4.9% and 4.1% in 2018.

The unemployment rate hasn’t been this low since 2001. In 2016 the US median household income was $56,039 and increased to $59,055 in January 2018.

Basically, home prices are up and interest rates are still relatively low, more people are working and making good wages, but the house inventory is low which makes it hard to buy. This also means that interests rates have slowly risen.

Another option for these buyers would be to build a new home; however, Robert Dietz, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders says that new home builds are more expensive and are slow to build according to a Redfin.com article “Despite Record-High Costs, New Home Construction Showed Modest Growth in the Fourth Quarter” by Greg McCarriston on February 28, 2018. It also states that new home builders are being faced with labor shortages and increased wages, lumber prices up over 45%, land shortages as

REAL ESTATE AS AN INVESTMENT

MARKET UPDATE

the cost of land is up and availability is low, regulatory costs have increased by 29%, and limited credit since the recession. “We are growing, but not fast enough to keep up with demand,” said Robert Dietz As prices continue to go up along with interest rates and as people can’t find a home to buy they will most likely be forced to rent.

So, what does that mean for real estate investment into single-family homes? According to Zillow the US average rent price was $1385 in 2016 and $1446 in 2018 after a run up from $1250 in 2011. If homeowners and first-time home buyers are having a hard time trying to find a home to buy then they will be forced to rent and at the same time the numbers show that they should be able to afford the rising rent prices.

I recently read in USA Today an article called “10 States Predicted to Have Strong Housing Markets in 2018” by Josh Smith dated February 5, 2018. The author shares some of my own positive feelings about the 2018 housing market and I like his list as I find many of the southwestern states on it and is good news for many of our readers and sponsors.

1. Nevada – Median home price $285,045.

Case-Shiller Index 2018 prediction 5.8% 2. Texas – Median home price $339,950.

2018 Growth prediction 6% 3. Florida – Median home price $275,050.

2018 Growth prediction 5% 4. California – specifically Stockton CA – Median home price $385,050.

2018 growth prediction 4.6% 5. Utah – specifically Salt Lake City – Median home price $360,00.

2018 growth prediction 3.2% 6. North Carolina – Median home price $325,000. 2018 growth prediction 6% 7. Colorado – 2018 growth prediction 3.1% 8. Tennessee – Median home price $358,500.

9. Oklahoma – Median home price $116,800.

10.Georgia – Median home price $218,350 Although I share his optimism I can’t help but take notice that since 2016 real estate growth as been slowing so I mark 2018 as a pivotal year.

I’m not sure that will continue at a 5% increase unless the job market can keep pace. I know that I’ll keep my eye on the major cities of these states as possibilities to buy and hold property for the long term.

Author - Russell Hathcock

THE HEAD SAYS YES. THE HEART SAYS DEFINITELY, YES.

MARKET STREET AT DC RANCH

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