Posts with tag 'Cressy & Everett'

While some people buy homes as investment property to supplement their income, others are making it their sole source of income. Additionally, income-earning home purchases are taking on different forms as homebuyers are becoming more creative with exactly how they use their new digs to gain wealth.

With so many competitive South Bend homes for sale, there's no doubt that there's an income-earning home just waiting to be purchased, but when should you consider an income-earning home or investment property? Let's take a look.

• Rental Property
  Rental property is probably the number-one way buyers are getting into income-earning homes. In relatively high turnover areas such as large cities and areas near colleges, rental property can be a wise long-term investment for the savvy investment property owner.
  
  Unfortunately, many rental property investors initially forget the fact that with rental property comes a number of issues, including finding renters, upkeep, maintenance, and making sure bills are paid, all while realizing an income. If you're looking to purchase strictly for rental property, make sure you establish a business entity and speak with your CPA or financial advisor first.

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If you're looking for a reason to clear off your calendar and clean off your cleats, then make sure to mark August 1st on your calendar. While you're at it, since you work hard all year long, you should go ahead and mark the whole month off. August is National Golf Month and that's all the reason you need to take a break and give yourself the gift of some "me" time on the course. It's your opportunity to explore the region's best courses and ponder which of the fabulous South Bend homes for sale you want to put an offer down on.   

1. Notre Dame's Warren Golf Course - State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46601
   Easily one of the most beautiful courses in the state, the Warren Golf Course is as challenging as the courses taught at the university. Over the past 20 years, the course has earned a reputation as one of the best collegiate courses in America.

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It's difficult if not impossible to sell a cluttered home. When looking for South Bend homes for sale, a disorganized home can turn off prospective buyers. Many are unable to see past the surface clutter to the infinite possibilities of the space.

That's why most South Bend real estate agents recommend that before homeowners list their properties, they first declutter their living spaces and consider renting a storage unit to hold some of their household goods.

Decluttering to Sell

Everyone has different levels of tolerance for the amount of clutter they can live with, so it's important that you defer to your agent's expertise in this assessment. He or she has a vested interest in moving your property quickly and for the highest selling price, so if the agent suggests decluttering and storing household items, heed their advice.

Homes without clutter appear larger. Most industry leaders suggest that when staging a home for sale, about 30 percent of the furnishings and contents should disappear. Because family photos and pet items are so owner-specific, it's better to (temporarily) part with these so potential buyers can more easily picture themselves and their belongings in the home.

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Exploring South Bend homes for sale is a fun and exciting process, but after a long day of comparing your options, it's nice to kick back and relax. When you don't feel like going out to dinner and the bar scene feels like too much, a couple of hours at a casual or classy wine bar is the perfect answer.  

National Wine and Cheese Day is right around the corner, so now is a great time to start visiting some of the area's top wine bars. Here are four of our favorites. Which will you try first? 

1. Ironhand Wine Bar: 1025 Northside Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617
   When our real estate agents want to give someone a true taste of South Bend, they always recommend a visit to Ironhand Wine Bar. All the wines served here are grown, created, and bottled right in South Bend at Ironhand Vineyard.
   
   Not sure what kind of wine you want? No problem! Ironhand has a wide selection of varieties and offers tastings. They also serve wine cocktails and offer cheese & charcuterie boards, as well as small plate options like melted brie with bacon jam, marinated mozzarella, and lavender goat cheese dip. 

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Getting a mortgage isn't what it once was. After the market crash of a decade ago, getting the funding for the most expensive purchase most people will make during their lifetimes has been heavily regulated and for good reason. If you're looking for South Bend homes for sale and happen to be self-employed, your journey toward a mortgage comes with some additional challenges.

Even so, our real estate agents can help you take the right path to mortgage approval.

• Get Your Documents in Order
  The first rule of getting a mortgage for anyone is to get all of your financial documents in order and be prepared to present them if asked by your lender. A non-self-employed person who earns regular wages can expect to provide a couple of months of bank statements, a handful of paystubs, and a couple of years of tax returns.
  
  The self-employed mortgage applicant, however, may be required to provide the same documentation but more of it. If you keep proper books, then it shouldn't be any trouble providing both business and personal documents that show cash flow through the business and translated into personal income. In short, be prepared to do a little more work to prove your financial status and income.

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