Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Investing in Rental Real Estate

Have you ever considered getting into the business of rental real estate? This could potentially be one of the BEST times to invest in a rental property! Interest rates are low, and the market is flooded with available properties at some of the lowest prices in recent history.

What are the long-term benefits of investing in real estate?
* Cash flow from rental income
* Increase in value due to appreciation
* Increased equity as the mortgage is paid down
* Tax advantages
* Leverage (the potential for a great return with little money down)

Tax-Related Information:
* Generally, you will file a Schedule E with your Form 1040 (Individual Tax Return)
* For most taxpayers, you can deduct up to $25,000 in losses related to your rental real estate (with a phase-out if your adjusted income is over $100,000, and a carryforward of those losses until the property is sold)
* Qualified Real Estate Professionals do not have the above limitation
* Residential Real Estate is depreciated over 27.5 years, so an additional 'non-cash' deduction is taken each year
* The depreciation is 'recaptured' upon sale of the property and taxed at a special 25% tax rate
* Additional depreciation is taken for purchases of personal property, such as appliances
* You can deduct any expenses related to the rental property, including (but not limited to) mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, homeowners dues, utilities, repairs and maintenance, supplies, travel, and management fees

It is very important to consult with your own tax advisor before investing in a rental property! Your individual tax situation will have a great impact on the immediate benefits of owning a rental property. Remember that investment in real estate always involves a high risk factor, and does not necessarily generate immediate cash flow or tax advantages ... so your goal is generally the long-term possibility of increased value and cash flow.

If you would like more information, or need the name of a great mortgage professional (your first step in considering a purchase!), please feel free to contact me at any time.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Monarch Real Estate Consulting

I'm very excited to announce that I will now be working as an Independent Broker, doing business as Monarch Real Estate Consulting!

My goal is to continue to provide real estate services - sales and consultation - for friends, family and referrals ... I have enjoyed so much working with the people in my 'sphere', and meeting new friends as well.

You can expect to receive the same great service in my new capacity as a business owner, with a lot of personal attention, and focus on the details ... and hopefully we will also have fun in the process!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions ~ And thank you for your support!!

cynthia@monarch-real-estate.com

Monarch Real Estate Consulting Website

Announcement

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Charming Victorian in Erie Village!

Just Listed at $319,000!! This beautiful property is immaculate, and move-in ready! Designer colors and upgraded details enhance this 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom home, and the location next to a park and professional landscaping are exceptional. Note the wrap-around front porch, hardwood flooring, 9 foot ceilings, gas fireplace with mantel, new carpet, new water heater, air conditioning, sprinkler system, and crown molding as well!!

**No longer available :(!!**

Credit Scores

Your credit score can range from 400 to 850, and is an essential element in loan qualification. A score of 720 or above will usually qualify a borrower for the best interest rates and terms. The score is determined by the following:

1. Payment history (35%)
2. Amounts owed (30%)
3. Length of credit history (15%)
4. New credit (10%)
5. Types of credit in use (10%)

In general, it is better to avoid new purchases on credit, to avoid closing or opening accounts, and to keep balances below 30% of the credit limit. In addition, mortgage/installment debt is preferable to revolving accounts (such as department store and credit cards).

You can obtain a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit bureaus using the following link to the official website (though you might pay a small additional fee for your credit score):

www.annualcreditreport.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Fabulous, Updated Townhome in Boulder !!

**SOLD** Just Listed at $375,000!! Immaculate and completely updated 3 bedroom/3.5 bath with granite counters, new tile, stainless steel appliances, wood and slate flooring, oak-framing around windows and doors, cedar-lined closets, and more! Backs to large open space ... Ideal location between Boulder and Longmont:

4965 Clubhouse Circle

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

St. Vrain Valley School District Update

At the Longmont Association of Realtors general meeting last week, we were fortunate to hear two speakers from the St. Vrain Valley School District ... Superintendent Don Haddad, and Skyline High School Principal Patty Quinones. Both were excited about the future of this school district!

Superintendent Haddad pointed out that although state funding has decreased, the district is in a relatively strong financial position due to the Mill Levy increase (thank you voters!!) ... In our district, student scores are increasing, and programs have been added at many schools (International Baccalaureate (IB), technology, and the arts). He reminded us that schools are the driving force behind our economy, and that the quality of our educational system has a direct impact on the community. So please take a very strong look at the ballot next November, as new legislation could have a negative impact on this system! Vote 'no' to lowering income taxes, lowering all mill levies, and limiting borrowing on property taxes prior to collection ... all of these will impact schools financially (at a time when the state has already decreased funding!).

Skyline Principal Quinones presented a great overview of the new STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), the new Visual Performing Arts program, and the recent renovations and additions to the Skyline High School building. The STEM program is an advanced level high school program which includes a direct partnership with the University of Colorado Engineering department, and features an educational laboratory incorporating community experience (for example, a Lecture Series presented live on the web, with students blogging and discussing the lecture with people all over the world). The Visual Performing Arts program focuses on music and performance, taking advantage of the huge theater already available at Skyline. In addition, the building itself is currently under construction ... with a second story addition, and a partial renovation ... classrooms will be expanded, and new labs will be added (science, CAD, and fabrication). State of the art technology will be available to students ... and all of the above is possible with funds from the Mill Levy override!

Please continue to support the St. Vrain Valley School District in its mission to help students become contributing members of our community ... the future depends on it!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Popular Keystone Model in Fox Creek Farm

**SOLD** New listing!

Perfect location near shopping, park and schools! Fabulous open floor-plan! Highlights include a finished garden level family room with wood floors and fireplace, cathedral ceilings, Bolivian Rosewood flooring in the kitchen and nook, ceiling fans throughout, upgraded wood and cellular blinds, wet bar rough-in, recently painted exterior, Redwood deck and Flagstone patio, fenced yard, sprinkler system, with brand new carpet and entry flooring!! Don't miss out!

1550 Cedarwood Drive