Real Estate Grants

What is a real estate grant? It's cash that individuals can obtain to purchase a new home, repair or update their existing home, or to help them pay down a mortgage. This is funding that is available regardless of income or credit.

Real estate grants are available through local and state government agencies as well as private foundation groups. They provide you with the cash you need, which in one way or another they benefit from as much as you do. Here's how...

Let's say you obtain a real estate grant to help you buy a new home. First time home buyers, for example, can receive as much as $20,000 in cash to be used for a down payment or closing costs. By obtaining these funds, it gives the individual the opportunity to buy a home when she may not otherwise be able to.

As a result of helping thousands of people in your community, the government helps move the needle in the real estate market by assisting with home sales. That means property values will rise, hundreds of construction workers keep their jobs as investors and home builders continue to have opportunity. In the end, the government imposes real estate taxes and makes the money back in the long run.

Similarly, with a home improvement grant, you can get the cash you need to upgrade, restore or expand your home. That increases home values for the entire neighborhood, which increases taxes and attracts a higher class of buyers. While real estate grants may be $20,000 in free money for you, it's just a drop in the bucket for the government who wins in the end.

Build Your Reputation As an Apartment Seeker

What is the value of a reputation? The old adage speaks volumes about "who you know" in lieu of "what you know" so is reputation really that big of a deal? In short, 'Yes' but I want to dispel some common myths about the value of reputation in commercial real estate and thus motivate you to pursue this wonderful investment vehicle.

Myth #1: Commercial real estate is basically a 'good 'ol boys' club that shuns new members.

Truth: In rare cases, usually in smaller communities, there is a bit of a protective approach to commercial real estate, favoring local ownership. By and large, this myth is false. The myth is propagated by the fact that the world of commercial real estate is populated by different players. When investors don't know the players or how to play the game, they presume it to be off-limits.

To build a reputation as a seeker of commercial real estate, make a point of finding out who the players are and let them know your intentions. Most players will see an active interest in the business of commercial real estate as a good thing, made more real when you can perform and actually buy something. Any hesitancy from a member of this group to work with you is usually founded on the fact that most people they've met who were just like you never did much of anything. When you have a solid approach to the business, you can perform and this will do wonders for your reputation with other commercial owners.

Don't Fear the Competition For Commercial Properties

One of the hallmarks of being in business is to be aware, concerned about, or even intimidated by one's perceived competition. After all, competitors can swoop in and gobble up sales that were otherwise yours for the taking, right? The better approach is to embrace the idea of competition and I, in this article, will help you feel better about this issue, when it comes to commercial properties.

Reasons for fearing the competition in commercial real estate usually stem from a feeling of not being financially ready to pursue larger purchases. If you're feeling this way, what would it take to feel more comfortable? What capital would you need to raise? What funding commitments would you need from a bank or banks? The answers to those questions form the basis for a sort of to-do list that needs to be your first priority. You have your checklist. Now, let's move on.