Your credit score is a key factor that affects many aspects of your financial life, from securing a mortgage to getting favorable interest rates. Many factors can impact your score—some of which might even surprise you. Some strategies may seem counterintuitive at first, but following these steps can help improve your credit score by up to 100 points. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Keep Your Credit Card Balances Below 10% of Your Credit Limit

One of the most impactful things you can do to boost your credit score is to keep your credit card balances low. Ideally, your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total credit limit) should be kept below 10%. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, aim to keep your balance under $100. When you lower your balance, you reduce your credit utilization, which can improve your credit score. Not only will paying down your balances increase your available credit, but it also signals to creditors that you manage debt responsibly.

• Do NOT Close Paid-Off Credit Card Accounts

When you pay off a credit card, you might be tempted to close the account. However, closing a credit card account—especially one that has a long history—can hurt your credit score. The reason is that your credit history length and the total amount of available credit both influence your score. By keeping the account open, you preserve the length of your credit history and avoid reducing your ... Read More…

Received this email today from an attorney friend and mentor - Lee R Phillips regarding FinCEN and BOI reporting which is back on, again, just in case you missed the latest news on this. Crazy how this keeps going back and forth

So registration is back on. Isn’t this fun! I did a YouTube on all this last week tracking what happened in January, but this new information Trumps (no pun intended) that YouTube. It’s still a good watch if you are having trouble falling asleep Check it out at https://youtu.be/oO4_2sZ0tkc

In the world of real estate investing, finding the right financing option can be the key to success. One of the most effective loan products that has gained significant attention in recent years is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan. DSCR loans are especially popular among real estate investors due to their flexibility and streamlined approval process. These loans are tailored for investors seeking to maximize their portfolios without relying on personal income or traditional credit scores. Here’s why real estate investors should consider DSCR loans as a financing solution.

What is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR loan is a type of financing where the lender evaluates the borrower’s ability to repay the loan based on the income generated by the property itself, rather than the borrower’s personal income or credit score. The debt service coverage ratio is a financial metric that compares the property’s net operating income (NOI) to the total debt obligations, typically the mortgage principal and interest, taxes, insurance, and any homeowner’s association fees. A DSCR ratio of 1.0 or higher indicates that the property generates enough income to cover the debt service. However, some lenders will allow a DSCR ratio as low as 0.75.

1. Easier Qualification Process

Traditional real estate loans, particularly those through conventional lenders or government-backed programs, typically require extensive documentation of the borrower’s income, ass ... Read More…

Finding the Right Real Estate Leads and Deals in Any Economy, Regardless of Interest Rates and House Prices

Real estate investing has long been one of the most reliable ways to build wealth. But with constant shifts in the economy—whether rising interest rates, fluctuating house prices, or changing market conditions—it can sometimes feel like a challenge to find the right deals. The good news is that it’s possible to succeed in any economy, and you don’t need to let interest rates or housing market trends throw you off track.

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, there are proven strategies you can use to consistently find the right leads and deals. In this blog, we’ll explore how to find deals in any economy and how you can adapt your approach to continue profiting from real estate, no matter what the market throws at you.

1. Focus on the Fundamentals: Motivated Sellers Don’t Care About Interest Rates

While interest rates and house prices often make the headlines, motivated sellers are the heart of any real estate deal—and they don’t care about the current economic trends. Motivated sellers are people who need to sell their property for reasons beyond market conditions. They might be facing financial hardship, going through a divorce, relocating, or dealing with a distressed property that requires expensive repairs.

In every economy, there will always be motivated sellers&mda ... Read More…

Unlocking Success in Real Estate: Creative Leads for New Investors with MnREIA

Real estate investment is an exciting and lucrative venture—but for many new investors, it can seem daunting. With so many options, from traditional buying and selling to flipping homes and rental properties, where do you even start? One of the most important lessons any investor can learn early on is that creative leads are the key to finding profitable deals.

If you’re a beginner looking to jump into real estate, the idea of finding properties that offer true value might seem overwhelming. But don't worry! There are countless creative strategies you can use to find leads and set yourself up for success. In fact, creative leads are often what separate average investors from the truly successful ones.

Let’s explore some of the most effective ways new investors can tap into creative leads, find opportunities that others may overlook, and start building their real estate portfolios—especially when you partner with organizations like MnREIA (Minnesota Real Estate Investors Association) to accelerate your growth.

1. Look Beyond the MLS: The Power of Off-Market Deals

As a new investor, it’s tempting to focus all your efforts on properties listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—but here’s the truth: competition on the MLS can be fierce, and prices are often inflated. If you really want to find great deals, you need to go off-market.

Off-market prope ... Read More…

Navigating the Real Estate Market: How Creative Financing and Finding Motivated Sellers Can Help You Thrive

The real estate market is constantly evolving, and while many investors are concerned about where the market is headed, it’s important to realize that there are always opportunities, no matter what direction things are moving. Whether the market is booming or facing challenges, you can still succeed by using the right strategies. One of the most effective ways to navigate the market—especially in uncertain times—is through creative financing and finding motivated sellers. Let’s dive into what you can expect from the market and how these strategies can help you thrive.

What to Expect from the Real Estate Market

Real estate markets can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, including changes in interest rates, shifts in supply and demand, economic downturns, and external factors like global events or political changes. While it's true that a market crash or downturn may be inevitable at some point, it’s also important to remember that real estate is a long-term game. Markets might dip, but they also rise again. What’s crucial is how you respond to market changes and how you structure your deals to capitalize on opportunities.

In times of uncertainty, many investors fear the worst. But if you can train yourself to read the market correctly and act strategically, you can still create wealth no matter the conditions. The key is knowing ho ... Read More…

We have had several posts with the forecasts & prognostications for 2025’s housing market.  They’re always interesting and exciting to look at.  With that in mind, today’s graphic from Keeping Current Matters takes a look at several “expert” forecasts and puts them all in one place.  Their conculsion; mortgage rates will slightly come down, home prices will rise, and there will be more homes for sale.  Indeed…..Happy investing, stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!!

We are thrilled to announce that Merhawit Scramoncini has achieved the prestigious Ohio Professional Housing Provider (OPHP) status! This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the real estate industry.

Merhawit has been an invaluable member of the Greater Dayton Real Estate Investors Association (GDREIA), where she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for real estate. Her journey to achieving the OPHP designation has been marked by her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her desire to provide the highest quality housing for her community.

As a member of GDREIA, Merhawit has not only excelled in her professional endeavors but has also been a source of inspiration and support for her fellow members. Her contributions to the association, including her role in member relations and her active participation in various committees, have made a significant impact on the organization.

Merhawit's achievement of OPHP status is a reflection of her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the real estate industry. This designation recognizes her extensive knowledge in areas such as landlord-tenant law, fair housing, property management, and more.

We are incredibly proud of Merhawit's accomplishments and are excited to see what the future holds for her. Her dedication to continuous learning and her passion for real estate make her a true leader in the industry.

P ... Read More…