While property tax delinquencies have declined in the last few years, the United States is still faced with approximately $11.8 billion in unpaid property taxes. Each year, $3–5 billion in delinquent real estate taxes are offered for public sale. In a tax-sale state, delinquent taxes can be sold as quickly as within six months.

Even in an upswing market, these are serious numbers, and investors must be vigilant to protect their assets. Delinquent and sold reporting is best monitored with real-time, accurate, and detailed information regarding delinquent and sold tax liabilities.

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When most people buy homes, they browse through home listings, use a realtor to find the perfect fit, and prepare their finances for a down payment and closing costs. Buying a foreclosed home is a little different. “Buying a foreclosure is definitely a bit of a grind. It’s not easy,” says Robert Jensen, broker and president of the Rob Jensen Co. in Las Vegas. “You’re getting fantastic pricing, but sometimes it takes going through a lot of houses and writing a lot of offers to get the home you want.”

Before you take the plunge into buying a foreclosed home, make sure you know what it is and how to buy one.

Read Full Article [Source: www.bankrate.com]

Top Markets for House Flipping

There is still great money to be made in house flipping in 2019. It’s all about picking the right strategy, location and having the marketing plans to make it happen.

In the first half of 2018, house flippers still made an average gross return of 44.3%, or $65,250 per deal. Only 32% of those where purchased as distressed sales according to ATTOM Data, while the number of investment properties on which financing was used has continued to increase.

The US property market has been changing significantly over the past year. That has many property investors wondering where the best markets are now. Where are the best states and cities to flip to keep up profits and expand to scale up volume?

Best States for House Flipping for Profit

According to CNBC’s ‘Make It’, the top states for flipping houses now are:

1. TN
2. PA
3. NJ
4. LA
5. CO
6. MD
7. VA
8. FL
9. IL
10. KY

Read Full Article [Source: www.reww.com]

The Vacant Property Problem

Abandoned and vacant properties are not just eyesores, they pose a real threat to public safety. When not properly secured, a vacant property, especially in a distressed area, will attract criminal activity. Drug and theft calls to the police are more than double in communities with abandoned buildings.

Another threat to public safety results from fires in vacant buildings. Arson and accidental fires in vacant structures cause numerous deaths and injuries and cost millions of dollars in property damage annually. Fires in vacant properties unnecessarily put the public and firefighters at risk.

Homeowners also pay the price

The true costs to communities with vacant properties affect homeowners who take on the financial burden associated with abandoned buildings and crimes that take place. Studies reveal that property values are decreased in neighborhoods with vacant properties. In addition to plunging property values, homes in close proximity to abandoned properties often times have higher insurance premiums. Higher premiums are assessed due to the risks associated with abandoned properties.

Steel Door and Window Guards Stop Break-ins

A vacancy not properly secured only exasperates these problems. The issue raised by a lack of security is what should be done with abandoned buildings to reduce or eliminate these problems. In distressed neighborhoods, the only sure way to stop break-ins and reduce crime is with DAWGS steel door and window guards. DAWGS recently surveyed Property Investors, Rehabbers and Real Estate Professionals who have used steel door and windows guards to secure their vacant properties. These property stakeholders agreed that steel is the most effective material when it comes to safeguarding a vacant property in distressed neighborhoods.

With the help of DAWGS steel door and window guards offering a security solution for abandoned houses, investors may feel more confident about turning liabilities into assets when it comes to a vacant property. The repurposing of abandoned buildings presents opportunities not only for financial growth for investors, but it also presents an opportunity to reduce levels of crime associated with vacant properties.

Tips for Investing in Vacant and Abandoned Properties – vacant and abandoned properties turning liabilities into assets

When it comes to buying vacant and abandoned properties, the first thing to note is that a vacant property has the potential to encounter a few more problems than usual. Since the property is sitting vacant, there may be damage from bugs, mice, or vandalism. While these issues could create a small speed bump for your investment deal, they should instead be thought of as factors that would increase the likelihood of a sale from the owner’s point of view.

Similarly, vacant properties, like any, demand upkeep. They may fall victim to a number of issues simply by sitting untouched over a given period of time. Depending on the amount of time a property has been vacant, sellers may not even realize how much upkeep should be going into the home. For those wondering how to buy a vacant property, consider the seller’s motivation: they may be ready to part ways with the home because of their current holding costs.

Find out what you need to know to successfully invest in and profit from repurposing vacant properties.