Smart guides for first-time home buyers and new investors
BuyInMoSmart explains buying your first home, mortgages, personal finance and real estate investing in plain English, for readers in the United States. Every guide is written by Ferran Pujol Acosta, a real estate agent who advises beginners on buying and selling property, and cites official sources such as the CFPB, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, HUD and the IRS.
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This calculator gives estimates for educational purposes only. Real offers depend on your lender, credit profile, and location. It is not financial advice.
Rental property calculator
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This calculator gives simplified estimates for educational purposes only. Actual results depend on your market, financing, taxes, and how the property is managed. It is not financial or investment advice.
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- What Is Earnest Money? How It Works and How to Avoid Losing ItWhen your offer on a home is accepted, you are usually asked to put down money right away to show you are serious. That money is called earnest money. For many first-time buyers, it is the first large amount of…
- Home Purchase Contingencies Explained: Financing, Inspection and AppraisalA contingency is a condition written into your purchase contract. If it is not met, you can usually walk away without being forced to buy the home. For first-time buyers, contingencies are the main safety net between “offer accepted” and…
- How to Build a Real Estate Investment Portfolio From ScratchBuilding a real estate investment portfolio can sound intimidating. When people hear the phrase real estate portfolio, they often imagine someone owning dozens of apartment buildings and generating millions of dollars in rental income.
- Rental Property vs Airbnb: Which Investment Strategy Is Better?Buying an investment property is only the first decision. Once you own—or plan to buy—a property, another important question appears: Should you rent it long-term or use it as a short-term rental?
- How to Invest in Real Estate With Little MoneyOne of the biggest myths about real estate investing is that you need hundreds of thousands of dollars before you can get started. It’s true that buying a property directly often requires a significant amount of money.
- Real Estate vs Stocks: Which Investment Is Better?If you have money to invest, one of the biggest questions you may eventually face is simple: Should I invest in real estate or stocks? Both have helped investors build wealth over long periods.