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Hiển thị các bài đăng có nhãn the-decision. Hiển thị tất cả bài đăng
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How to Buy an Apartment Without Money

If you live in a city or a major metropolitan area, single family homes are probably not as available in the real estate market as apartments and condominiums. Apartment buildings usually have units that are rented and purchased. You will need a mortgage, and lending standards have gotten stricter in recent years, especially for borrowers who have not saved for a down payment. Buy an apartment without money down by maintaining an excellent credit score and proving you can afford your mortgage.


Buy an Apartment Without Money
1
Understand what buying an apartment means. In most cities, apartments are either co-ops or condominiums.
Buy an Apartment Without Money
  • Buy a condominium the same way you would buy a single family home. Condos are considered real property, and applying for a loan is similar to applying for a mortgage for a single family home.
  • Buy a co-op as a shareholder in the entire building. Owning a co-op means you are not buying the actual property, you are buying a share in the building based on the size and value of your particular apartment. The mortgage process is a little different, and the lender will take the value and condition of the building as a whole into consideration.
2
Check your credit report. You will need to have excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage on an apartment with no money down.
Buy an Apartment Without Money

  • Aim for a credit score of at least 750 in order to ensure you will not need to make a down payment.
  • Work to improve your credit score before you apply for a mortgage. Review your credit report and rectify any errors. Pay off all outstanding debt and make sure your bills are paid on time regularly. Stop applying for credit about one year before you buy your apartment.
3
Decide what you can afford. Most lenders will not want your monthly mortgage payment to exceed 28 to 31 percent of your income.
Buy an Apartment Without Money

4
Consider other costs associated with owning an apartment. Many apartment buildings are co-ops, which means as an owner of a unit, you will need to contribute to the cost of maintaining the apartment building.
Buy an Apartment Without Money
  • Estimate the real estate taxes, closing costs and homeowners insurance you will need to pay when you buy your apartment.
5
Get pre-approved for a mortgage with a broker or lender. If you are pre-approved, the lender will let you know how much of a mortgage you can expect to qualify for.
Buy an Apartment Without Money
  • Search for an apartment that costs less than the mortgage you have qualified for so you will be able to include maintenance fees, taxes and insurance.
  • Prepare to pay higher interest rates. If you are approved for a mortgage without a down payment, the amount of interest you pay on the loan may be higher.
  • Find out if mortgage insurance is required for your loan. Some lenders will require you to pay for insurance if you do not make a down payment. This protects them if you default on your loan and they need to foreclose.
6
Apply for a Veteran's Administration (VA) loan if you are eligible. You can get a VA loan with no down payment if you served in the military and meet eligibility requirements.
  • Check with the department of Veteran's Affairs for specific requirements. Your lender can also help you collect all the eligibility documentation you need.
  • Do not use a VA loan for the purchase of a co-op apartment. Unless all of the residents of the building are veterans, you will not be able to finance a co-op apartment through the VA.

How to Buy an Apartment Complex

Buying an apartment complex is a long, sometimes complicated, process. It’s important for you to gather as much information as you can before you make the decision to buy. Applying for a mortgage to finance an apartment complex is not at all similar to applying for a home mortgage. Apartment complexes with four or more units are commercial properties, and loans for them have different underwriting rules.
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

1. Decide if you want to purchase a residential apartment complex of a mixed-use building. A mixed-use building has a combination of office and residential units, but at least 80% of the space has to be residential. The complex has to have a grade of C+ or higher. This means you can’t rent the units daily or weekly, and the units can’t be single-occupancy, as in a rooming house or motel.
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

2. Ask yourself these questions before you consider applying for a loan:
  • Is the price reasonable?
  • Will I be able to finance it? Is it a profitable enterprise? Lending institutions look at rent income, taxes and mortgages to calculate an accurate value of the property for financing. In the eyes of commercial lenders, your personal financial state is not as important as the building’s ability to pay for itself.
  • Do I have a good credit rating?
  • Do I own property that I can use as collateral?
  • Should I consider taking out a loan as a corporation or Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)?
  • Will I be able to manage the apartment building by myself, or will I have to pay a property management company to handle tenant problems or maintenance issues that may arise?
  • Should I consider a partnership?
  • Is the building in good condition?
  • Will I be able to increase the value of the building?
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

3. Gather information about the building you would like to buy. You may not be be able to get a loan if the building will require excessive maintenance, or if the complex has not had 85% occupancy for the three months immediately preceding your loan application.
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

4. Talk to other commercial real estate investors. Ask them about the pros and cons of owning an apartment complex.
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

5. Talk to local real estate agents. Get their advice about the location you have in mind. Inquire about the possibilities of future zoning changes or any public works projects that may impact an income producing property. If there are plans for a regional airport to be built a few miles away in the next few years, for example, you might find it difficult to rent out your residential units. Don’t assume that everything will remain static; look at the past history of the location and try to imagine any major changes that could be likely to take place in the future.
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

6. Consider your end goal—the reason you want to buy the property. With that in mind, figure out what your exit strategy would be should you encounter financial difficulty, or if you decide you no longer want to own an apartment complex. Three exit strategies to consider are:
  • Convert the units to condominiums and sell them to homeowners.
  • Take advantage of the 1031 Exchange. Under U. S. law, you can exchange your real estate asset tax free instead of paying the capital gains tax when you sell the building.
  • Refinance the property. Use the equity you have acquired to buy another piece of commercial real estate.
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

7. Have the building inspected by a professional who has experience inspecting commercial buildings. Make sure the inspection covers every aspect; don’t settle for a standard inspection, which may not include trouble spots, such as a wet basement. Pay extra money if you have to for a thorough inspection that goes above and beyond what is required by mortgage lenders. If the inspection reveals serious flaws, don’t make an offer, or reduce your offer amount by the amount it would cost to make the necessary repairs.
How to Buy an Apartment Complex

8. Assemble the documents you will need for the loan application. Your real estate agent will be able to assist you in this. Most lenders require the following documents, but your lending institution may require more:
  • Your personal financial statement (or Fannie Mae Form 1003 if you plan to apply for a mortgage through Fannie Mae).
  • Documentation of the property’s current rental income.
  • The building’s operating income statements or Schedule Es for the past two years.
  • The building’s year-to-date operating income statement.
  • The monthly breakdown of income for the building for the previous 12 months.
  • Current photographs of the building.

4 Ways To Narrow Your Apartment Looking

When you first narrow your apartment looking, the number of options can seem overwhelming. There are some key elements you can look at to help you narrow the field down to the few best candidates, however.


4 Ways To Narrow Your Apartment Looking


Here are some factors to consider when narrowing down an apartment search and comparing the candidates at the top of your list.

Price
It may seem like a no-brainer, but remember to compare the total price over the course of the lease, not just the monthly rent. Also factor in whether a particular apartment comes with certain utilities paid, such as gas or water/sewer.
Amenities you’ll useAny apartment community will offer two types of amenities: those inside the apartment itself (porches, fireplaces, marble countertops) and those for the whole community (pool, business center, social room).
If there’s a particular amenity that interests you, see if you can get more details from the apartment management — how much does the valet dry cleaning cost? When is the pool open? How often can you use the concierge service? What are the limitations on the use of amenities?
Layout
Two apartments may have the same amount of square footage, but be laid out in different ways. Choose an apartment that has a layout that fits the way you live. For example, if you like to cook, you will want to pick a unit with a kitchen that is comfortably large enough to spend time in.
If you have a roommate, you might want to factor your different living styles into the layout. If you’re a light sleeper and your roommate stays up late, for example, you probably want plenty of space between the bedrooms.

Location, location, location
One apartment may be closer to work, ensuring you a shorter commute. Another may be within walking distance of a grocery store. Still another may be close to school, public transportation or a dog run. Try putting the apartment’s address into Google Maps and measuring the time to travel to important destinations.
With these criteria, you should be able to whittle your list down to just a few choices—enough that visiting them all in person will be manageable.

What should we ask before rental apartments

Choosing a new apartment can be an exhausting process with many variables to consider. It can be hard to know whether you will be truly happy living in a particular location. Besides, if you’ve been apartment hunting for more than a day or two, every place may start to look alike to you.





What should we ask before rental apartments

When you’re committing to living somewhere for a year or more, a little information goes a long way. Take a few minutes to make a list of the things that really matter to you. What makes you really feel at home in a living space? Here are some questions to ask before you sign a lease.
Making a list, checking it twice
To help keep track of different spaces you visit, keep a notebook with entries for each one. Comparing the answers to the questions on your list for each potential apartment will help you decide which place will make the best home — whether it was the very first place you saw last week, or the one you just left moments ago.
Rental cost, convenience to work, school and local attractions and important lease terms will be spelled out everywhere you go. The more personal questions you will want to ask can be found by examining where you already live, or recalling places where you have been most happy living in the past. Daily habits of exercising, cooking, shopping and driving, preferences in home decor, details about the apartments’ interiors and information about surrounding neighborhoods may all come into play when making an informed decision.

Making yourself at home
If home decorating is a big part of your lifestyle, there are some rules you might want to ask about. What kind of painting, if any, is allowed? Are there restrictions on wall-hangings? What changes must be made if you move out?
Breaking up is hard to doIf you’re considering changing jobs, going back to school or moving in with a significant other in the near future, you might want to think ahead. Find out what your leasing options are (full-year leases, month-to-month leases) and how much notice is required to leave the apartment. This information might factor into your decision. 
Standard amenities are great — the more of them you can have, the better — but making a list of your own priorities and asking questions up front is the best way to find a good fit in your new home.
Here are important questions you may want to ask before renting a new apartment.
While looking at prospective apartments, consider the following:
  1. How long is the commute from this apartment to your job?
  2. How far is the apartment from major highways or rail stations?
  3. How long has the managing company been in business?
  4. Where are nearby services you’ll need to use often (grocery store, drugstore, dry cleaners) or want to have close by (hospital, fire station)?
  5. What kind of amenities does the apartment community offer?
  6. Where will you park your car?
  7. Does the community have a pet policy?  Is there a pet deposit? What amenities might the community have for pets?
  8. How are general noise levels in the unit you are considering? Is the unit located close to the street or a common space?
  9. How is maintenance handled in the apartment community? Is assistance available for after-hours needs at night or on the weekend?
  10. How does the apartment community management work to prevent nuisances such as mold or pest problems?
Other questions to ask before you sign a lease:
  1. When is rent due, and how do you pay it?
  2. How much is the security deposit?  When/how will you get it back?
  3. What is the penalty for breaking the lease early?
  4. How much notice do you have to give before moving out at the end of the lease?
  5. Are there any outstanding maintenance problems that need to be taken care of before you move in? If so, when will they be fixed?
  6. What changes are you allowed to make to the apartment?  (For example, can you repaint the walls or hang pictures?)



While you’ll want the community management or landlord to answer most of these questions, you may get additional perspective from your future neighbors or other people who have lived in the apartment community, as well.









How to Look For The Best Apartment for You

Wondering how to look for best apartment for you?
While the idea of the “best” apartment certainly varies from person to person, these tips should help you find the apartment that suits you to a “T.”
How to Look For The Best Apartment for You

Know thyself

Before you can figure out how to find the best apartment, you’ve got to know yourself — your home lifestyle, that is. A good way to start an apartment search is to think about how your lifestyle affects your apartment needs. Ask yourself: what kind of apartment dweller are you?  Do you need a quiet apartment where you can relax or study all day long? Or do you need a place to rest your head at night in between work and an active social life?
When you consider how your lifestyle affects your apartment needs, think about the following factors:
  • Rental price. How much money is in your budget for living expenses?  How much can you put towards rent after you pay other life expenses?
  • Work. Do you work 9 to 5? Are you in school? How far from work do you want to live?
  • Space. Can you fit everything in a small studio apartment? Or do you need several bedrooms to accommodate your family?
  • Children. Where is your child’s school located? Is there a safe place for your kids to play outside?
  • Social life. What do you do for recreation? Do you like to be near restaurants and shops? Do you like the outdoors?
  • Transportation. Do you drive everywhere? Bike? Use public transportation?
  • Pets. Where will you walk your dog? How many times a day do you take your dog outside?
All of these questions will help you pinpoint exactly what you need and want in an apartment, which is important. In any given city, you’ll likely have a number of apartment hunting options, so it’s best to know what you want before you search — that way you stay focused and don’t get overwhelmed by choices.

Set apartment hunting prioritiesThe next step in finding the best apartment is to set apartment hunting priorities.  Once you know what you need from your next apartment, it’s good to get all of your needs and wants down on paper. As you start your apartment search, you can refer to this list to ensure you only consider apartments that meet your criteria.
Organize your apartment searchOnce you determine the location, amenities and price that make up the best apartment for you, an important way to make sure you get what you want is to stay organized. That means planning your moving schedule, taking detailed notes while you are on apartment visits and keeping all of the related paperwork in one handy place. Creating an apartment search file is a good way to stay on top of all of the brochures, references and applications you’re going to accumulate. You can also check out the Apartment Guide Apartment Search Checklist to make sure you do not forget any important steps during your search.
How to Look For The Best Apartment for You

Give yourself an advantage over other apartment huntersKeep in mind that while you’re apartment hunting, so are many others. In areas where competition for the best apartments is stiff, you can give yourself a leg up on other renters. First, have all of your references and application items ready to go so that when you do find the apartment of your dreams, you’ll be ready to submit an application on the spot. You’ll likely also need to have your checkbook with you so can write a check for the application and security deposit. (In many apartment communities, your new rental is not a “done deal” until you’ve handed over this money.)
Take this well-prepared approach to apartment hunting, and you’ll likely find a great apartment in no time. With a bit of research and organization, it may be easier than you imagined to find the best apartment just waiting for you.

Ways to support you nab your first-change apartment in a competitive rental market

In some rental markets, apartment hunting can be as competitive as a job search.
In fact, modern, savvy apartment seekers often visit apartments as prepared as if they’re on a job interview.
Ways to support you nab your first-change apartment in a competitive rental market

If your apartment search lies in a highly-competitive rental market, like Ho Chi Minh City, you may want to employ a few clever approaches to help secure your tenancy.

Here are some tactics to help you nab your first-choice apartment and seal the deal on the spot!
Dress for the apartment you want
Remember the old saying “dress for the job you want?” It applies to your apartment search, as well.
If you’re first-choice apartment is in a swanky high-rise building, then ditch the Saturday sweats and dress up for an in-person visit. A variation of the same rule applies if you are hoping for a hip pad in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Skinny jeans, flannel shirt and nerd chic glasses might help your future landlord visualize you living there. Within reason, do what it takes to look like you are the perfect fit for the new space!
Ways to support you nab your first-change apartment in a competitive rental market

Over-prepare
Most folks who land great jobs do their homework, carefully studying the company they are interviewing with. This is a “best practice” you might co-opt to convince a property manager that you are the right person for their apartment community.
Come prepared with knowledge about the community. Use apartment search engines like Apartment Finder as a resource to study the amenities and features the community offers. Then let the leasing agent know how much you value those options. You can also use sites like Yelp to learn more about the neighborhood and rave about how much you love restaurant X and coffee shop Y. Community managers may well appreciate your knowledge — and compliments!

You can also borrow this job search tip: bring a cover letter to introduce yourself. This will get a property manager’s attention and help him or her remember you after your initial tour.
Think like a networkerOnce you’ve made a positive first impression, you might dig a little deeper to make a personal connection with the landlord. If the decision comes down to two renters with similarly positive credentials, the landlord might choose the one he feels most comfortable relating with.
Think like a networker. As in business networking, you should ask questions and then really listen. Keep your ears open for commonalities with the community manager. You might be from the same hometown, have attended the same college, or share the same favorite restaurants. Develop a rapport with the property manager by paying attention to and highlighting these details.
Follow up with a friendly thank-you
Best behaviors for job hunting — and apartment hunting — include a proper “thank you.” Once you’ve nailed the interview, send a note to thank a landlord or apartment community manager for their time, perhaps mentioning specific things you like about the apartment. Be sincere, and let them know it’s your first choice.

Because time is of the essence in apartment searches, email might be your best form of communication, though it never hurts to drop a handwritten note in the mail. (Even if the note arrives after you’ve signed the lease, your community manager will be glad she chose you!)
Remember your rental reputation
Of course, all of these strategies rely on the basis that you are prepared to be an excellent resident. Keep in mind you must also meet any legal apartment community requirements, including perhaps passing a credit check, to be the best candidate for an apartment that is in demand. You may be asked for referrals from former landlords, as well.
If you are confident, prepared and sincere, however, you’ll likely have a much better shot at nabbing your favorite apartment on the first try!

How to choose best rental apartment

Sometimes it seems there are so many details to consider when choosing an apartment that it’s hard to hone in on a final decision. There are many angles that might make one new apartment seem more appealing to you than another.

How to choose best rental apartment


Search carefullyThe first step in choosing the right apartment is to search in the right way. Be sure that you record the details of the apartments you visit in a binder that contains all of the property’s stats, your notes, photos and answers from the landlord on whatever questions you have.

Know your priorities — and stick to them!The most important aspect in making a choice is knowing what is really important to you. By putting your apartment priorities down on paper, you’ll know what to keep in mind during your search. Considerations may include location, how much rent you can afford and the type of apartment you’d prefer. When you’re ready to choose an apartment, consult your priority list, note how the contenders match up and narrow your choices to a very few.

Get a second opinion


How to choose best rental apartment

If you are looking for a new apartment with a roommate, your task may be easier as you’ll have someone to evaluate your choices with. If you are conducting an apartment search solo, on the other hand, you may need to call in some reinforcements. Bringing a friend or family member along is always a good idea, or you can tag a trusted person to go over the notes and photos from your hunt to help you decide.





Choosing the right apartment feels like such a weighty decision: what if you choose the wrong one and feel stuck in an unhappy situation? Though you can’t control every variable of life in your new apartment, you can be as careful in your selection as possible. Use your instincts to guide your direction, but remain clear-headed about what you want and need and you’ll likely determine the best apartment choice for you.

How to Make the Call furnishing or Unfurnishing Apartment?

Whether you’re renting your first apartment or just moving on up, you might ask yourself a question that many renters face: Furnished or unfurnished? Furnished apartments are far less common, but it might be the right choice for you if you’re a student, a traveling professional, or you just don’t want the hassle of buying and moving furniture.

READ MORE : Apartment for rent in hcmc


Furnished apartments usually come equipped with furniture, basic kitchen appliances and tableware, bathroom necessities such as a shower curtain, a washer/dryer set, and possibly a few other amenities. The exact items will vary depending on the landlord and what kind of place you’re renting. Here are a few pros and cons to consider before you decide if furnished or unfurnished is right for you.
How to Make the Call furnishing or Unfurnishing Apartment?

Furnished apartments: The pros
1. Moving will be a breeze. If you’re a frequent mover, you definitely want to keep your stuff to a minimum. Renting a furnished place means you won’t own most of the big items in your place, and it’ll be easy for you to pick up and move on short notice. Bonus: You’ll never experience the joy of moving a couch up a flight of stairs.
2. You’ll save money on buying furniture. Be careful, though – furnished apartments often cost more per month than unfurnished places, so you’ll have to do the math to see if you’re really saving money. It might pay off in the long run to just buy your own furniture and rent an unfurnished place. But if you don’t want to own furniture, this is a way to get out of buying your own stuff, but you’ll still have a place to sit.
3. They’re good in a time crunch. Ideally, if you’re searching for a new apartment, you should measure your existing furniture and then pick a place that will fit your stuff. This can be a problem if you’re relocating on short notice, or if you’re moving across the country and can’t make the trip to see your new place in person before moving day. A furnished place takes the hassle out of moving in a time crunch – all you have to do is show up.
4. Sometimes you can get a shorter lease. Most furnished apartments won’t require a year-long lease, since they cater mostly to students and traveling professionals who don’t stay in one place for too long. If you’re not ready to commit to one place for too long, a furnished apartment might be for you.
Furnished apartments: The cons
1. Your rent and security deposit might be higherUnlike an unfurnished apartment, when you rent a furnished place, you’re not just renting some empty rooms – you’re renting all the furniture and amenities that are in them. Your landlord spent money to equip that place, so of course that cost is going to be passed on to the renter.
2. You face a higher liability. In an unfurnished place, you might not get your security deposit back if you accidentally bust a hole in the wall or your kid draws all over the walls with crayons. In a furnished place, you have to consider the furniture as well. Did you tear the upholstery in the couch? Scratch the dining room table? That stuff doesn’t belong to you, so you’re going to have to pay to get it fixed. Better be careful!
Tip: Take a video inventory of everything the landlord provides in a furnished apartment before you move in. Take note of anything that’s broken. That way, you’ll have indisputable evidence if your landlord tries to charge you for something you didn’t break.
3. You’ll have no control over most of your décor. If you don’t like the couch in your furnished apartment, tough. You could go out and buy a new one, but you’ll have to figure out what to do with the old one, and you’ll have to make sure it’s OK with your landlord. You can hang art on the walls and add other personal touches around the place, but you won’t have complete control over the look of your apartment.
4. You’ll have fewer apartments to choose from. Furnished apartments simply aren’t as plentiful as unfurnished places. You won’t have as many choices when you look for a furnished pad, but they’re out there if you’re up to the task.

7 reasons why staying puts in their current apartment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, at least for the Apartment Guide team. Renters are making tough decisions about whether to stay put in their current apartment, or move on to a bigger and better abode.

READ MORE : SaiGon Pearl Apartment for rent in Binh Thanh

It’s natural to assume that after a few years of renting, you’re automatically ready to take on the title of homeowner. But you might need to slow your roll before you’re in too deep. Are you really ready to own a home? Like, really? Below, we outline a few reasons why you might need to renew that apartment lease.


7 reasons why staying puts in their current apartment



  1. Bad credit. Do you have a history of late or missed payments on your loans or credit accounts? This track record is one of the first factors that mortgage lenders take into account. They want to see how responsible you are when it comes to paying your debts, which usually is a good indicator of how you’ll do with a mortgage. If bad credit is looming over your head, take the time to correct any errors and get back in good standing with your creditors before contacting any lenders.
  1. You’re drowning in debt. Do you cringe each month when shelling out money for car payments, student loans and credit card bills? If your debts are devouring your paycheck, adding a mortgage into the mix would not be wise. Once you can pay those debts down and have some disposable income left over, that will be a better time to re-evaluate your transition from renting to owning.
  1. You have no rainy day fund. One benefit of renting is that when something goes wrong in your apartment, the landlord or maintenance professional is there to save the day. As a homeowner, the opposite is true. From toilet leaks and termites to broken water heaters, you must foot the bill yourself. With no savings, an unexpected disaster could be a major budget buster. Here’s one way to look at it: If your roof started leaking one month after buying your home, would you have the funds to repair it with no problem? If not, your dream of homeownership should be put on hold until you do.
  2. You have no money for a down payment. Mortgage requirements vary by state and by lender. Even if you have great credit, you’ll typically be required to shell out a down payment of at least 20 percent. If your money is funny, you can expect to pay even more. So for a modest $100,000 home, you’d have to pay at least $2,000 out of pocket before they even hand you a key. If you don’t have that kind of cash on hand, you are not ready to own a home.
  3. READ MORE : Thao Dien Pearl Apartment for rent in District 2
     
  1. You only have enough money for a down payment. So, let’s say you do have a few thousand dollars in savings. Are you willing to spend your savings on a down payment and immediately be left with nothing? If not, continue to grow your savings until a down payment doesn’t completely wipe out your bank account.
  2. Your income or job situation is unstable. If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that no job is 100 percent guaranteed forever. Whether you’re a freelancer working on a project-by-project basis or you hold down a full-time position, you should feel very confident with your career and income before looking for a home. Just remember that if your income ever disappears, it will be much easier to get out of an apartment lease than to try selling your house.
  3. You can’t seem to stay put. People move around for lots of logical reasons. Folks graduate, change jobs and start families all the time. Some people just get bored and need a change of scenery. If you’re prone to moving regularly, owning a home wouldn’t be the best transition. A better idea might be to rent an apartment in the neighborhood that you’d like to eventually buy in. That way you’ll already be familiar with the area when it’s time to start looking for that dream home!
  4. If you’re ready to make the jump into your very first house, congratulations. Even if you’re not, turn that frown upside down. You may not be able to buy now, but homeownership can still be a future goal!

 

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