E-Newsletter September  2018
In This Issue
Welcome to our e-newsletter "The Real Estate Corner." This newsletter is sent out the first week of every month. We wanted to provide a newsletter that provides current information on the real estate market, economy, tax tips, and more! In addition, there are some fun things like golf tips, and recipes for your pleasure. We hope you find these to be useful. If you wish not to receive this newsletter in the future, you can unsubscribe at the bottom. Enjoy!

Why Is Real Estate Rental Property A Good Investment

As some of you are aware, I am a Florida registered investment advisor, and although I spend most of my time on my real estate business, I still keep my licenses "active" and have a third party "manage" my client's portfolios. I have written in previous newsletters about investing into real estate using REITs (real estate investment trusts), and self- directed IRA's.

According to a joint survey by BiggerPockets and Memphis Invest in 2012, "one out of eight, or 28.1 million Americans, either consider themselves to be residential real estate investors or own residential investment properties today." In a 2016 "Pew Study" conducted on information from the census bureau, nearly 37% of the U.S. population are "renters." Here are just a few reasons why rental properties could be a very good investment for the right investor:

1)     Since the recession of 2007-2009, many Americans do not have a credit score worthy of securing an "affordable" mortgage. In fact, many don't even enough in savings for a down payment. Increasing student loan debt is also making qualifying for a mortgage more difficult. The real estate market will go up and down, but the irony of owning rental properties is that demand will never end. People always need a place to live.
 
2)     Depending on your finances, rental properties also offer an incredible amount of variety within this asset class. One could invest into single-family houses, small multifamily properties, large multifamily apartments, office buildings, and any of a number of other options.
 
3)     There are several ways to capitalize on profits such as cash flow, appreciation, and tax benefits. To maximize your tax profits, check with your accountant for further details.
 
4)     Last but not least, "leveraging." Although I am not usually in support of borrowing money and incurring debt, leveraging is a great way to allow you to use a bank's money and spread the risk on your overall financial objectives.
 
 
 
 
Are Home Inspections Worth It?

In any real estate transaction, it is always stated, "buyer beware." Although sellers are not required to complete this specific SPDR (Seller's Property Disclosure-Residential) form, a residential seller does have to comply with the rule established in Johnson v. Davis. In that case, the Florida Supreme Court held that "where the seller of a home knows of facts materially affecting the value of the property which are not readily observable and are not known to the buyer, the seller is under a duty to disclose them to the buyer." These material facts are sometimes referred to as "latent defects." The SPDR form is to be completed only by the seller, not the realtor or broker!

Although I would like to think all seller's are honest and will disclose any material fact, some will not, for fear that it could negatively impact the value or sale of the property. This is why in my opinion it would be in the buyer's best interest to always have an inspection completed. Even if the home is sold in "as is" condition. Home Inspections range in price from $300-$700 depending on the size of your home and if there is a pool. Your home is one of, if not your largest investment, this is a small cost for peace of mind!
 
 
 
River Strand Community- August Updates

In the month of August, 10 properties were sold in River Strand community ranging from $168,500- $560,000. Currently there are a total of 22 properties available including single family homes, coach homes, villas, and condominiums available to purchase from $179,900 to $889,000.

If you reside in the River Strand community, be on the lookout for my monthly newsletter, which will provide further details of our beautiful real estate community. It will include market trends, local vendors, and much more!

If you, or you know someone who is looking to buy, sell, or invest into real estate in the near future, please contact us at Keller Williams On The Water. Michelle and I appreciate the opportunity to assist you with all your real estate needs!





Notes: All index returns (except S&P 500) exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. The total returns for the S&P 500 assume reinvestment of dividends on the last day of the month. This may account for differences between the index returns published on  Morningstar.com and the index returns published elsewhere. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly .


"Money is usually attracted, not pursued."  

- Jim Rohn

Super Easy Fruit and Coconut Ice Cream
Yields 5-6 cups

Ingredients:  

Fruit Ice Cream
  • 2 pounds frozen fruit (take your pick)
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (7 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Kosher salt
Coconut Ice Cream
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (7 ounces)
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • Kosher salt
Directions:  

Fruit Ice Cream
  1. Put the fruit in a food processor and press the pulse button until the fruit is finely chopped and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally. 
  2. Mix in sweetened condensed milk, honey, and ½ teaspoon salt. 
  3. Mix on pulse again until the mix is smooth and whirring in a continuous wave.
  4. Pour the mix into a 5- by 9-inch loaf pan. 
  5. Freeze uncovered until the mix is set, about 4 hours.
  6. Serve. 
Coconut Ice Cream
  1. Attach whisk tool to an electric mixer. 
  2. Mix cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
  3. At the same time, mix together sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and ½ teaspoon salt. Blend in 1 cup whipped cream. Add remaining whipped cream.
  4. Pour mix into a 5- by 9-inch loaf pan.
  5. Freeze uncovered until the mix is set, about 4 hours.
  6. Serve. 
 
Recipe adapted from Good Housekeeping [10]
   

IRS Provides Tax Credits to Help with College Expenses *
Tuition at a private 4-year college can cost $35,000. Tack on another $12,000 for room and board and the annual bill can reach $50,000.  

The IRS provides two tax benefits to taxpayers who are paying for higher education in 2018 for themselves, their spouses, or dependents. The American opportunity credit and the lifetime learning credit may help lower their tax load.


The American opportunity credit is worth up to $2,500 per eligible student, applies only for the first four years of college, and is available for students pursuing degrees.  

The lifetime learning credit is worth up to a maximum of $2,000 per tax return per year for all students. It is available for all years of postsecondary education.

Taxpayers must get Form 1098-T from an eligible educational institution.  
Other details may apply, and you can find more information on the IRS website.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor .


Tip adapted from IRS.gov [11]
Tour Secrets for Improving Your Putt

It's the enigmatic putt, never ceasing to amaze or to frustrate - depending on the hole or the day. Of all the moves in golf, the putt holds the greatest mystery.

But there's hope. Here is what a few top players do to make their putts successful.

Phil Mickelson says to develop a feel for long-distance putts.

During practice, Phil places three tees on the ground at distances of 30, 40, and 50 feet. He tries to roll a ball within an imaginary three-foot circle around the hole. Starting at 40, he putts until he gets three into the circle. He moves to 30 then 50 to avoid getting into a groove. This exercise helps develop distance control.

Brandt Snedeker's routine is short and to the point.

His style is difficult to mimic. He wastes little time preparing for the putt, believing that taking additional time increases stress levels. He typically makes short air strokes with his right hand before the shot. Once he sets up, he takes three or four practice shots with his eyes on the hole. He imagines a trough from the ball to the hole. His advice: Players should watch the hole and the trough, not the ball.

Rickie Fowler gives himself a lift.  

As he steps up, he takes the time, using his right hand, to make sure his putterface is aimed correctly. Before making the shot, he glances at the hole, lifting the putterhead very slightly before making the play.  


Tip adapted from GolfDigest[12]
Look Out for Eye Problems

"The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul." - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

The health of our eyes should be one of our highest priorities. After all, without good vision, you wouldn't be reading this, right?

Protecting your eyes and watching for telltale signs of potential health problems doesn't always top our list of health concerns - until it's too late.  

Eye problems can be harmless annoyances or early signs of a serious disease. Common complaints include blurry vision, spots, night glare, or flashing lights. Schedule a visit if you detect any of these symptoms.

Here are some common eye problems:
  • Color blindness. You can't distinguish colors. 
     
  • Nearsightedness. Items in the distance appear blurry.
     
  • Farsightedness. You can't clearly see objects that are close.
     
  • Presbyopia. You have difficulty seeing fine print. Lenses of eyes become less flexible as you age.
     
  • Astigmatism. Your vision in one or both eyes may be out of focus. 
     
  • Glaucoma. The optic nerves in your eyes are damaged. You often lose your side vision first.
     
  • Cataracts. More than half of people over 80 develop this condition, which produces a cloudy lens. Surgery may help.

Tips adapted from WebMD [13]
Simple Tips for Earth-Friendly Autumn Yard Work

In less than three weeks, we can expect to fall into the cool splendor of autumn. And with the September 22 start of the season comes the inevitable yard work.

So, how do you do your autumn chores and be eco-friendly at the same time?

Here are four tips for making yard work easier and environmentally sensitive:
  1. Use electric implements rather than gas. Gas-powered yard tools emit noise and pollution. A gas-powered leaf blower produces nearly as much pollution as 80 automobiles.  
     
  2. Go with trees. Plant trees that are native to your area. Trees have a better chance of surviving in cooler weather than during the hot summer. Autumn is also a rainier season. 
     
  3. Get organic fertilizer. Use slow-release fertilizers to enrich your soil for the next year. Organic fertilizers are made of natural, nutrient-rich materials that nurture plants. 
     
  4. Leave the leaves. Rather than bagging leaves, make them into compost. The compost becomes organic soil, which you can use in the spring.

Tips adapted from EarthShare[14 ]
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
 
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[1]
www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-stocks/wall-street-mixed-as-u-s-canada-trade-talks-end-idUSKCN1LG1IU


[2]  www.cnbc.com/2018/08/31/us-markets-global-trade-tensions-ramp-up.html

[3] www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-30/asian-stocks-to-weaken-on-tariff-plan-yen-rises-markets-wrap?srnd=markets-vp

[5]  www.msci.com/end-of-day-data-search

[6]  www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2018/8/30/personal-income-rose-0.3percent-in-july
 
[7]  www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-29/u-s-second-quarter-growth-revised-up-to-4-2-on-software-trade

[8]  www.marketwatch.com/story/consumer-confidence-soars-to-18-year-high-2018-08-28

[9]  www.thebalance.com/consumer-spending-trends-and-current-statistics-3305916

[10]  www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/dessert/a22577539/easiest-ever-fruit-and-coconut-ice-cream-recipe/

[11]  www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-credits-help-offset-higher-education-costs

[12]  www.golfdigest.com/story/3-tour-secrets-thatll-get-you-making-putts


[14] https://www.earthshare.org/shhhhhhh/

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