First Blog Posts

This is a test. Just to test if my account is working.  09/27/2023

It happened while I was serving in the US Navy in 2005 when I  bought my first property at the age of 23. I bought it so that some of my family could have a place to live. It was never my ambition to own real estate to create wealth. Unfortunately, I didn't start thinking of owning more real estate until I was in my 30s.However, that first condo was the start of my real estate journey. I still own it, and it has continued to provide passive income over the years. Looking back, I realized I made the right choice by not stopping paying the mortgage when I was significantly underwater during the GFC of 2007-2008. Friends told me to "forget about it" and let the back take it back. I'm glad I didn't listen to them!My journey has not been glamorous. As mentioned,  I did not fall in love with ... 09/25/2023

 Hello, ActiveRain Community!If you're an agent or an investor looking to diversify your income streams, you've come to the right place. I’m Frank Worrell, a seasoned real estate professional specializing in Broker Price Opinions (BPOs), and I'm here to share how BPOs have the potential to bring in a steady flow of income.What is a Broker Price Opinion?A Broker Price Opinion (BPO) is an estimated property valuation given by a licensed real estate broker. While it doesn't replace an official appraisal, it serves as an alternative for institutions like banks or mortgage lenders to get a quick and cost-effective evaluation of a property's current market value.Why Should You Care?The demand for BPOs is continuously growing, particularly in a volatile market. It's a service that doesn't take... 09/23/2023

I am going to be writing about dishonesty in real estate and why it's important to be an honest agent. There are a lot of ways to be a dishonest realtor. Dishonesty to me isn't just telling lies. Dishonesty, to me, is lying, white lying, misleading, false advertising, withholding information or being sneaky in any way. Living life honest just in general is a good way to live. Dishonesty can lead to a lost license and the lie wouldn't of been worth it in the end. Even if you get away with something once you won't get away with it forever. How does dishonesty affect others? Let's say a buyer or seller has a dishonest agent. It's a couples first house and they are so excited, it's a really big once in a life time experience. Then their realtor is misleading and false advertising, the realt... 09/12/2023

Introduction Gilbert, Arizona, often referred to as the "Hay Capital of the World," has evolved from its agricultural roots into a thriving suburban community. Located in Maricopa County, Gilbert is one of the fastest-growing towns in the United States, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the real estate landscape in Gilbert, covering everything from its history and demographics to the current market trends, popular neighborhoods, and investment opportunities.A Brief History of Gilbert, ArizonaGilbert's history is closely tied to its agricultural roots. Founded in 1902 by William "Bobby" Gilbert, the town began as a small farming community in the Arizona Territory. Cotton, hay, and oth... 09/02/2023

When your home appliances start acting up, it's tempting to roll up your sleeves and attempt a do-it-yourself repair. However, there are many reasons why hiring a professional appliance repair company can be a smarter choice. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of relying on experts for appliance repairs instead of embarking on a DIY adventure.The Complexities of Appliance RepairUnderstanding the IntricaciesHome appliances are intricate machines with numerous components that must work together seamlessly. While some issues might appear simple on the surface, they can be indicative of more complex underlying problems. Professional repair technicians have the training and experience to diagnose these issues accurately and provide effective solutions.Avoiding Further DamageAttem... 08/30/2023

Step into the world of luxurious and spacious living with 7407 Federline Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21043! This remarkable single-family home is a true embodiment of comfort and style, offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and an expansive 3,000 square feet of living space.A Haven of Tranquility and EleganceNestled in the charming community of Ellicott City, this residence harmonizes comfort, style, and convenience. The 4 thoughtfully designed bedrooms strike a perfect balance between personal space and connected living. The primary bedroom suite, complete with its private bathroom featuring a soothing soaking tub and a walk-in closet, promises a retreat-like experience. Each additional bedroom is generously sized and comes with its own closet, ensuring everyone's privacy is respected.​Expansive L... 08/29/2023

It's very tempting when cash gets tight to dip into the funds you have reserved to pay employment taxes. It sounds easy to just use the money and repay later. However, you face 2 problems. The first is that you'll find it hard to come up with those funds later. The second and most critical is that the IRS strictly enforces the payment of employment taxes.We have all heard about the hiring of many new IRS agents. One area they will concentrate on is making sure business are depositing their employment taxes on a timely basis. The penalties for failure to deposit are very significant. They can also include an additional penalty on the members of your business who are responsible for depositing the taxes. This additional penalty called the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) attaches person... 08/25/2023

What is the Employee Retention Credit program?| What is ERC program?Visit  www.RefundMadeEasy.com  Or Call Lindsay at  877-506-3999About The ERC ProgramWhat is the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)?ERC is a stimulus program designed to help those businesses that were able to retain their employees during the Covid-19 pandemic.Established by the CARES Act, it is a refundable tax credit – a grant, not a loan – that you can claim for your business. The ERC is available to both small and mid-sized businesses. It is based on qualified wages and healthcare paid to employees.Up to $26,000 per employee- Available for 2020 and the first 3 quarters of 2021- Qualify with decreased revenue or COVID event- No limit on funding- ERC is a refundable tax creditHow much money can you get back?You can claim... 08/23/2023

Owning a dream home is a goal that many aspire to achieve. However, it can be difficult to finance your dream home, especially if you are working on a budget. There are several innovative ways to finance your home and make your dream a reality. This blog will explore five strategies to help you finance your dream home, from saving for a down payment to considering a loan with a low-interest rate and seeking financial advice from professionals. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of financing your dream home and making it a reality.Look Into Government-Sponsored ProgramsNumerous government programs are available that can help you finance your dream home. For example, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a variety of programs that can help qualified buyers wi... 08/22/2023

Retired marines, 25% management fees, and why roofs matter…My investment career would have one more sharp detour before I had to deal with the aftermath of 2008. My partner Jeff and I had decided our inter-state enterprise lacked efficiency, along with profitability. He wanted to focus on wholesaling and I wanted to learn how to act like a responsible investor—something that would take another 10 years for me to really figure out. I stopped looking in Orangeburg, Irmo, and Greenwood, SC and narrowed the scope of my search to Augusta and the greater CSRA (Central Savannah River Area). Unfortunately, geography was the only thing narrowed in my search for investment real estate. I still didn’t know how to find or buy investment real estate, but I found a partner named Scott who was known t... 08/15/2023

The community of South Pasadena (in Los Angeles County) is a relatively small community by Los Angeles standards. It measures just 3 square miles and is home to around 25,000 people. Despite its size, South Pasadena is a giant in real estate demand. The fact that the schools are among the best in Southern California along with the safety and security of its own police and fire departments make this small city a particularly desirable location to raise a family. Due to the small size of the city, South Pasadena housing inventory is usually quite low. At any given time there are around 15 single family homes for sale. As of the date of this article, there are currently 20 single family homes for sale.1003 Monterey Road in South Pasadena is currently for sale in the city. The historic home... 06/30/2023

Los Angeles Multifamily Market Report As of June 8, 2023Los Angeles apartment market conditions provide mixed signals. Several data points suggest the market has stabilized in 2023. Rents, which saw slight declines late last year, reached a floor in early December. Renter demand has improved in recent months compared to the negative net absorption witnessed late last year. While property managers are providing more generous incentives than a year ago, the percentage of properties offering concessions, around 16% at the end of April, has declined from a recent peak of 22% in October 2022.However, on a market-wide basis, vacancy, at 4.6%, continues to increase and is up from a recent low of 3.7% in 22Q1. Both demand and supply have precipitated the increase. Net absorption during the past... 06/11/2023

Wells Fargo announced a new campus in Irving expected to create 650 new jobs and $455 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund grant of more than $5 million was extended to the company.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-new-wells-fargo-bank-campus-in-irving 05/15/2023

4620 Holt St. Bellaire, Tx 77401 MLS#66915981Experience this custom-built luxury home featuring a showcase grand foyer w/ sweeping curved staircase, exquisite custom millwork, stunning marble & rich hardwood flooring, butler’s wine room, chandeliers, art niches, & large windows that naturally light up the open-concept space. Spacious living area seamlessly flows into a gourmet kitchen equipped w/ Thermador appliances, walk-in pantry, granite countertops, & 2 generous entertaining islands. Enjoy the decked out patio kitchen & backyard space that offers room for a pool, gardening, pets & relaxation. Indulge in the owner's retreat featuring a double sided fireplace, walk-in closet, ensuite bath w/ dual vanity, vessel tub & walk-in shower. Upstairs, awaits a home office with 2 beautiful Jul... 05/08/2023

Are you struggling to keep up with your tax payments, especially when finances are tight? Ignoring your tax debt is not the answer. Instead, taking action and getting into tax compliance should be your top priority. The good news is that the IRS is usually willing to work with taxpayers to resolve their tax debts. However, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the collection alternatives available to you. In this blog post, we'll discuss what to do when you can't pay your taxes and how to resolve your tax debt.Tax Compliance: The First Step to Resolving Your Tax DebtThe initial step in addressing your tax issue is to get into "tax compliance." This means filing all tax returns due for the last six years and making your current tax payments. Once you're in tax compliance, you can... 05/03/2023

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest new home builder trends and build the perfect new construction home for your unique lifestyle with our ultimate guideLooking for a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions when searching for your dream home? From energy efficiency to sustainable design and smart home features, we cover everything you need to know to build the perfect new construction home for your unique lifestyle.Our guide highlights popular trends that are in, such as multifunctional spaces, outdoor living areas, and personalized design elements, while pointing out trends that are out, including formal living and dining rooms and unused spaces. Check out our blog article "Phoenix New Home Trends in 2023" for a deep dive into the latest new home trends specifically... 04/29/2023

 Let's discuss one of the most serious reasons for losing a license: dishonesty. The worst way to lose your license, in my opinion, is dishonesty, despite what some people may claim. Finding the ideal home for the buyer and ensuring the seller receives the greatest bargain are both essential components of being an honest real estate agent. Being honest is a vital component of the job of a realtor or real estate agent. Many individuals are directly impacted by your work, and even a small falsehood could have a significant impact on a large number of people. Being a real estate agent is not only about representing the buyer or the seller and the transaction, it is also about representing your fellow agents and your broker. In my view, honesty is one of the most crucial qualities for a rea... 04/12/2023

People always ask "where do you see yourself in 5 years?". We moved into our home late 2017, we only had two babies then and in those 5 years we've added 2 more, found the courage to wet my feet in the blogging world, and we enjoyed updating, renovating, and decorating our new family home again and again -- constantly changing it as our lives were changing.For the longest time, it felt like diaper stations, baby-lounge areas, safety gates and soft corners were the hottest design must-haves.  And as most trends, they don't stay -- our priorities then morphed to making sure we had enough seats at the dinner table for everyone, creative toy solutions, "big kid" bedrooms and organizational hacks . Suddenly, we found ourselves in the sports and homeschool era. It's a really fun, crazy and ma... 03/23/2023

Though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy we are experienced a year ago, buyers are showing their interest in purchasing a home. According to U.S. News:Housing markets have cooled slightly, but demand hasn’t disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market.That activity can be seen in the latest Showing Time Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring available homes. There was a  62% jump in showings from December to January is one of the largest on record. There were also more showings in January than in any other month since last May. As you can tell, it’s normal for showings to increase early in the year, but the jump this January was larger than usual, and a lot of that has to do with mortgage ra... 03/18/2023