Real Estate Workshops

How to Protest Your Property Tax Assessment
May 24th, 2012 at 7:00pm.  Towne Square Community Center in Steiner Ranch.

If you think that your 2012 property tax assessment is too high, this is the workshop for you.  We'll discuss the protesting process, deadlines, and expectations for success.  All attendees will receive sales information for their specific neighborhood that can be used to protest.  This year TCAD has gone back to the old method of valuing property in Steiner Ranch so forget everything I taught you last year about regression analysis and how to protest.  It's a new (but really, old) game this year!

RSVP requested, but not required.  You can reach me via email, online form, or at 512-735-7200. 

Investing in Real Estate Workshops
I led a series of workshops from late 2010 to early 2011 about investing in real estate.  Below are the workshops that were offered.  If you are interested in learning more about investing in real estate, I am more than happy to meet with you to discuss the material that was presented.

Investing in Foreclosure Properties
I'll explain REOs, bank foreclosure sales, and sheriff foreclosure sales.  We'll discuss the differences and similarities between them as well as which might best for a given investment objective.  We will cover which ones are eligible for financing and what type of financing is available (Michael Scott with Capstar Lending will be on hand).  We'll discuss the opportunities for foreclosure investments in the Austin area (everyone hears about California, Florida, and Nevada, but there are foreclosures here, too).

How to Finance the Purchase and Structure the Owning Entity
In November, we'll focus on two very important aspects of owning investment property:  how to finance it and how to structure the owning entity (such as a corporation).  While cash is king, many investors have to finance the purchase of properties - especially when just starting out.  We'll discuss how investment property loans differ from owner-occupant loans, what is required financially to be approved, what to expect in costs, and more.  Lynn Morenz with Capital City Funding will help out with the discussion.  In terms of how to structure the owning entity, real estate attorney Gayle Rosenthal will discuss the pros and cons of the various ownership arrangements for individuals and groups of investors.

Working with Tenants (& Basics of the Texas Property Code)
We've discussed various aspects of acquiring investment property.  The next step is to cover what to do once you own it.  This workshop will address how to find and properly screen tenants, basics of the Texas Property Code that pertain to landlords, and other experiences to expect with tenants.

Investing in Real Estate with IRAs, Using 1031 Exchanges, and Buying HUD Homes
March 22 at 7:00pm.  This workshop will provide an overview of three topics:  using self-directed retirement funds to buy investment real estate, using a 1031 exchange when you are ready to sell your investment, and buying HUD homes.  You did not have to attend the other workshops in order to attend this one. The workshops are designed for those who are new to investing in real estate or those who just want to find out about it.