With 50 states to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to invest in the U.S.A. Narrowing down your property search can also be challenging (in a good way) since there are so many promising residential properties in each state and city.
Having numerous options across the country has only encouraged more investors to look into residential properties in the United States to boost their income and create financial stability.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the cumulative level of investment in the U.S.A. from abroad increased from $158.6 billion to $5.96 trillion at the end of 2019, proving that there’s a strong return on investment in U.S.A. for foreign investors and that the market is only going to get hotter in the foreseeable future.
Why investing in the U.S.A. is a good idea
It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about investing in residential properties in the United States given that it’s half a world away from Australia. But this is easily remedied by hiring a dedicated, trustworthy team in the U.S.A. who can take care of your property so you don’t have to worry about the distance.
The investment is definitely worth it once you consider how much cheaper residential property in the U.S.A. can be. To compare, a down payment of $100,000 for a property in Australia is already an entire real estate investment in some states of the U.S.A.
Plus, the U.S. housing market is booming, with prices appreciating and the residential property trends pointing upwards. The uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to worry that this white-hot market will have a similar pattern to the housing bubble (and subsequent crash) in 2006, when lenders were more lax about background checks when approving loans for homebuyers and investors.
But the residential property market is unlikely to crash anytime soon, with stricter lending policies in place and hardset compliance enforced. Just keep in mind that it’s unrealistic for the market to maintain its upward trajectory forever, so it’s best to strike now while it’s hot.
7 states in the U.S.A. to consider investing in
Deciding where to invest in the U.S.A. requires careful consideration so that you get the most out of your investment. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down the seven most ideal states and cities to investing in residential properties in terms of prices, taxes, and location.
1. Michigan
Michigan is one of the best states in the Midwest to invest in because of its affordability. It’s one of the top ten states with the lowest cost of living and cheapest prices to purchase a house. It’s also a profitable location to invest in a residential property as the majority of people prefer to rent out a house than buy one themselves.
Recorded as the most populous city in Michigan, Detroit has been experiencing a skyrocketing demand for family rentals because the median price for a single family home is still below $100,000. This ensures that the rental market in the city leads to profit and positive cash flow for property owners.
The affordability of housing in Detroit allows you to purchase a great residential property for a low price in exchange for high returns and great market appreciation, especially if you rent it out.
We’ve seen this city’s potential firsthand as we’ve helped our clients find low-cost properties in the best Detroit neighbourhoods so that they can get significant return on investment.
Detroit had fallen back since the decline of the auto industry and the Great Recession in 2009, but the Motor City is definitely making a comeback now with new infrastructure, new electric vehicle plants opening, and even a large Amazon distribution centre!
Further, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and even Lansing, with it’s ‘medical mile’ of medical equipment manufacturing market booming, are all excellent cities to look to invest in.
2. Texas
Investing in Texas real estate is a “no-brainer”, given that almost two million people in the country moved there since 2010 because of the affordable housing and the work opportunities it had to offer.
Because it has so many options, Texas has varying levels of growth in terms of the housing market. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin are all considered high-growth markets because of economic growth and demand for housing.
Dallas offers plenty of choices for residential properties, making the housing market accessible for investors and potential renters alike. It also has a diverse economy, allowing people from different income levels to thrive in the city. San Antonio and Austin are also booming, offering similar growth and possibly even lower costs than Dallas or Houston.
It has the lowest rate of home ownership in the country as it’s more cost-effective to rent than to buy. The rising demand for rental properties is another enticing reason for investors to consider San Antonio or Austin as their city of choice.
3. Nevada
Nevada gained its moniker as the “Silver State” because of its silver rush days during the 1800s and, even now, mining is a crucial component to its economy. The state is the world’s fourth largest producer of gold and over 2,000 businesses are connected to mining in one way or another, which results in more work opportunities in mining companies and more people looking for housing.
As Nevada’s world-famous city, Las Vegas is still one of the premier real estate investment locations in the U.S.A. Aside from its booming tourism and entertainment industry, the city is also home to a thriving industrial sector including technology and finance.
Locals and tourists alike reside and visit Las Vegas for a host of reasons: Work opportunities, housing market, incredible attractions, business conventions and trade shows. The pandemic hasn’t slowed this down one bit. Because it’s an international destination, Las Vegas has implemented safety measures against COVID-19.
People go to Las Vegas year-round, which is a good sign for investors who want to enter the renter’s market since people are consistently looking to rent in the city for short-term or long-term stays.
4. Georgia
According to a recent report by the U.S. News and World Report, Georgia ranks as one of the best states to live and work in and it received high ratings for its infrastructure, fiscal stability, and steadily growing economy. U.S. News also ranked Georgia as the 18th most affordable state for housing in the country, contributing to the upward trend of the local real estate market.
In fact, Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, ranking fourth with the most residents in 2019. It’s also home to headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, and UPS. The cost of living in Georgia’s capital is less than half as in cities like Manhattan, proving now is the best time to invest in Atlanta.
There’s also a growth of capital as homes in Atlanta have increased in value by 5% while maintaining low interest rates for investors.
5. Florida
Florida is a renowned tourist destination with year-round sunshine, diverse and dynamic economy, and a thriving global business sector. It’s unsurprising that people continue to flock to the Sunshine State and its population is expected to grow beyond 22 million by 2022 giving a serious housing shortage.
Orlando is a great city to invest in Florida as its economy is booming because of its international tourism attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and countless others. Investors can choose to target either long-term residential or holiday markets with their properties as both offer great returns. The market is also diverse because every neighbourhood has something to offer to everyone, whether you’re a single, family or first-time investor.
The city is also on its way to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic with safety precautions in place while vaccines continue to be easily accessible to residents, making it a smart city to invest in.
Further, if the Orlando market is a touch pricey for your budget, Tampa and Fort Myers, on the West Coast, are seeing an amazing influx of people, great booms in values, and certainly more affordable.
6. Idaho
Idaho has a growing job market and it’s become the state with the largest employment gain in the country, making it an attractive location for both potential residents and investors. A large percentage of people moving to Idaho are young entrepreneurs and technology-focused employees, which has resulted in an increase of business startups and a tech-centred economy.
Boise in particular has experienced an increase in population of 2.9% from 2017 to 2018, with the majority of newcomers prefering to rent rather than buy. This makes it a great opportunity for investors to snap up a bargain.
Boise may seem unassuming but it’s been recognised as the best place to buy a home in 2019. It offers diverse neighbourhoods for different kinds of people including the trendy Boise Bench area for millennials, the community-oriented North End for young professionals, and the prestigious Harrison Boulevard for well-to-do residents.
7. Illinois
Illinois is a geographically diverse state that’s home to agricultural regions, urban and industrial cities, and even natural resources like coal and lumber. More than 30 of the Fortune 500 companies call this state home including Boeing, Walgreens, McDonald’s, and Kraft Foods. It also has a diverse economy fueled by different industries like finance, livestock, manufacturing, agriculture, medicine, and biofuels.
This economic stability makes Illinois an attractive location to invest in. Although you’ll find different real estate options across the state, many of the best residential properties are found in Chicago.
Demand for housing in suburban and city neighbourhoods in Chicago are steadily rising, pushing home prices to rise exponentially in 2021. The Windy City is also known as the business and financial center of the Midwest, and its growing economy and overall affordability contribute to the great quality of life that residents experience.
It’s also home to a great arts and culture scene, with more than 400 theatres and art galleries and 552 parks.
Narrowing down your investment options isn’t easy when there are so many great locations to choose from, but reviewing these seven states and cities is a great place to start when it comes to investing in the U.S.A., given that they promise high returns to your potential residential property investment.
If you need help choosing which state (and city) to invest in, book a call with us.
Linz’s Musings – Finding your true centre
/in Archived, Uncategorized /by Lindsay StewartSpring is certainly upon us, and with the days here starting to really warm up, more sunshine and footy finals upon us, it gives us that small ray of hope in a relatively grim view from lockdowns on the East coast.
And while I am certainly not going to sit here and tell you whether you should or shouldn’t be getting a J A B, I am going to suggest to make sure you listen to your heart…
I mean REALLY listen…
There is so much noise, so much conflict and fear being thrust on us at the moment (media, news, environment etc) that it can be almost impossible to actual hear yourself think through all this.
Fear, anxiety and stress all comes from a place of weakness. When you are not aligning with your core values, anxiety and stress are the indicators your body gives you, the ‘signs’ if you will that something is off.
I spent all last week with my coaches struggling with this exact issue. With so much going on, it is so easy for us to be knocked off course and end up wandering around the wilderness, not on our true path at all.
So my wish for you, is stop… take stock of where you have found yourself and get centred again.
Whether it may be mediation, reflection, prayer, exercise, reading… whatever form it takes for you to clear your mind of the rubbish and be back in a place that you can really listen to your heart.
Your core beliefs.
Suddenly you will start to hear them again, and once you are back on that path, there is a peace, a calmness…
Even though the storm is raging outside, it is like you are now in the eye of the storm. It is here you will truly hear what you need to do, what you are being called to do. Then do that, whichever choice it is, that is your ‘right’ one.
Its not my right choice, or your partner’s right choice, or even your children’s or parent’s ‘right’ choice… but yours.
As Rudyard Kipling wrote in his poem IF –
“If you can keep you head when all around you are losing theirs, and blaming it on you…”
This is the true meaning of power, of strength.
But first, we must really listen to our core beliefs, it all starts at our centre.
7 best U.S. states and cities to invest in
/in Archived, Uncategorized /by Lindsay StewartWith 50 states to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to invest in the U.S.A. Narrowing down your property search can also be challenging (in a good way) since there are so many promising residential properties in each state and city.
Having numerous options across the country has only encouraged more investors to look into residential properties in the United States to boost their income and create financial stability.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the cumulative level of investment in the U.S.A. from abroad increased from $158.6 billion to $5.96 trillion at the end of 2019, proving that there’s a strong return on investment in U.S.A. for foreign investors and that the market is only going to get hotter in the foreseeable future.
Why investing in the U.S.A. is a good idea
It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about investing in residential properties in the United States given that it’s half a world away from Australia. But this is easily remedied by hiring a dedicated, trustworthy team in the U.S.A. who can take care of your property so you don’t have to worry about the distance.
The investment is definitely worth it once you consider how much cheaper residential property in the U.S.A. can be. To compare, a down payment of $100,000 for a property in Australia is already an entire real estate investment in some states of the U.S.A.
Plus, the U.S. housing market is booming, with prices appreciating and the residential property trends pointing upwards. The uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to worry that this white-hot market will have a similar pattern to the housing bubble (and subsequent crash) in 2006, when lenders were more lax about background checks when approving loans for homebuyers and investors.
But the residential property market is unlikely to crash anytime soon, with stricter lending policies in place and hardset compliance enforced. Just keep in mind that it’s unrealistic for the market to maintain its upward trajectory forever, so it’s best to strike now while it’s hot.
7 states in the U.S.A. to consider investing in
Deciding where to invest in the U.S.A. requires careful consideration so that you get the most out of your investment. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down the seven most ideal states and cities to investing in residential properties in terms of prices, taxes, and location.
1. Michigan
Michigan is one of the best states in the Midwest to invest in because of its affordability. It’s one of the top ten states with the lowest cost of living and cheapest prices to purchase a house. It’s also a profitable location to invest in a residential property as the majority of people prefer to rent out a house than buy one themselves.
Recorded as the most populous city in Michigan, Detroit has been experiencing a skyrocketing demand for family rentals because the median price for a single family home is still below $100,000. This ensures that the rental market in the city leads to profit and positive cash flow for property owners.
The affordability of housing in Detroit allows you to purchase a great residential property for a low price in exchange for high returns and great market appreciation, especially if you rent it out.
We’ve seen this city’s potential firsthand as we’ve helped our clients find low-cost properties in the best Detroit neighbourhoods so that they can get significant return on investment.
Detroit had fallen back since the decline of the auto industry and the Great Recession in 2009, but the Motor City is definitely making a comeback now with new infrastructure, new electric vehicle plants opening, and even a large Amazon distribution centre!
Further, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and even Lansing, with it’s ‘medical mile’ of medical equipment manufacturing market booming, are all excellent cities to look to invest in.
2. Texas
Investing in Texas real estate is a “no-brainer”, given that almost two million people in the country moved there since 2010 because of the affordable housing and the work opportunities it had to offer.
Because it has so many options, Texas has varying levels of growth in terms of the housing market. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin are all considered high-growth markets because of economic growth and demand for housing.
Dallas offers plenty of choices for residential properties, making the housing market accessible for investors and potential renters alike. It also has a diverse economy, allowing people from different income levels to thrive in the city. San Antonio and Austin are also booming, offering similar growth and possibly even lower costs than Dallas or Houston.
It has the lowest rate of home ownership in the country as it’s more cost-effective to rent than to buy. The rising demand for rental properties is another enticing reason for investors to consider San Antonio or Austin as their city of choice.
3. Nevada
Nevada gained its moniker as the “Silver State” because of its silver rush days during the 1800s and, even now, mining is a crucial component to its economy. The state is the world’s fourth largest producer of gold and over 2,000 businesses are connected to mining in one way or another, which results in more work opportunities in mining companies and more people looking for housing.
As Nevada’s world-famous city, Las Vegas is still one of the premier real estate investment locations in the U.S.A. Aside from its booming tourism and entertainment industry, the city is also home to a thriving industrial sector including technology and finance.
Locals and tourists alike reside and visit Las Vegas for a host of reasons: Work opportunities, housing market, incredible attractions, business conventions and trade shows. The pandemic hasn’t slowed this down one bit. Because it’s an international destination, Las Vegas has implemented safety measures against COVID-19.
People go to Las Vegas year-round, which is a good sign for investors who want to enter the renter’s market since people are consistently looking to rent in the city for short-term or long-term stays.
4. Georgia
According to a recent report by the U.S. News and World Report, Georgia ranks as one of the best states to live and work in and it received high ratings for its infrastructure, fiscal stability, and steadily growing economy. U.S. News also ranked Georgia as the 18th most affordable state for housing in the country, contributing to the upward trend of the local real estate market.
In fact, Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, ranking fourth with the most residents in 2019. It’s also home to headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, and UPS. The cost of living in Georgia’s capital is less than half as in cities like Manhattan, proving now is the best time to invest in Atlanta.
There’s also a growth of capital as homes in Atlanta have increased in value by 5% while maintaining low interest rates for investors.
5. Florida
Florida is a renowned tourist destination with year-round sunshine, diverse and dynamic economy, and a thriving global business sector. It’s unsurprising that people continue to flock to the Sunshine State and its population is expected to grow beyond 22 million by 2022 giving a serious housing shortage.
Orlando is a great city to invest in Florida as its economy is booming because of its international tourism attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and countless others. Investors can choose to target either long-term residential or holiday markets with their properties as both offer great returns. The market is also diverse because every neighbourhood has something to offer to everyone, whether you’re a single, family or first-time investor.
The city is also on its way to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic with safety precautions in place while vaccines continue to be easily accessible to residents, making it a smart city to invest in.
Further, if the Orlando market is a touch pricey for your budget, Tampa and Fort Myers, on the West Coast, are seeing an amazing influx of people, great booms in values, and certainly more affordable.
6. Idaho
Idaho has a growing job market and it’s become the state with the largest employment gain in the country, making it an attractive location for both potential residents and investors. A large percentage of people moving to Idaho are young entrepreneurs and technology-focused employees, which has resulted in an increase of business startups and a tech-centred economy.
Boise in particular has experienced an increase in population of 2.9% from 2017 to 2018, with the majority of newcomers prefering to rent rather than buy. This makes it a great opportunity for investors to snap up a bargain.
Boise may seem unassuming but it’s been recognised as the best place to buy a home in 2019. It offers diverse neighbourhoods for different kinds of people including the trendy Boise Bench area for millennials, the community-oriented North End for young professionals, and the prestigious Harrison Boulevard for well-to-do residents.
7. Illinois
Illinois is a geographically diverse state that’s home to agricultural regions, urban and industrial cities, and even natural resources like coal and lumber. More than 30 of the Fortune 500 companies call this state home including Boeing, Walgreens, McDonald’s, and Kraft Foods. It also has a diverse economy fueled by different industries like finance, livestock, manufacturing, agriculture, medicine, and biofuels.
This economic stability makes Illinois an attractive location to invest in. Although you’ll find different real estate options across the state, many of the best residential properties are found in Chicago.
Demand for housing in suburban and city neighbourhoods in Chicago are steadily rising, pushing home prices to rise exponentially in 2021. The Windy City is also known as the business and financial center of the Midwest, and its growing economy and overall affordability contribute to the great quality of life that residents experience.
It’s also home to a great arts and culture scene, with more than 400 theatres and art galleries and 552 parks.
Narrowing down your investment options isn’t easy when there are so many great locations to choose from, but reviewing these seven states and cities is a great place to start when it comes to investing in the U.S.A., given that they promise high returns to your potential residential property investment.
If you need help choosing which state (and city) to invest in, book a call with us.
Linz’s Friday Musings – Don’t lose focus
/in Archived, Uncategorized /by Lindsay StewartAs another Friday comes to a close (well here in Oz anyway) we close the chapter on another week in our lives.
It’s a great story we are all creating – unique, jam packed with action, drama, and suspense (oh, and lockdowns!), and I am sure it would certainly make for interesting reading in time; sitting on our front veranda at age 85 reading to our grandkids or great grandkids the story of our lives – them sitting in awe at the twists and turns…
But how will YOU like the story?
Think about how you will FEEL when reading to them? Will you notice the missed opportunities you should have taken? Will you regret the decisions you didn’t make at crucial crossroads? Mourn for the missed time you had with family and friends at times we were “too busy” living and ignored life?
It’s hard when we are up to our neck in crocodiles and viruses, to really see when we are at a crossroads, and often how important is that next decision. In hindsight, we can look back and say “Wow, if only I had taken that step to do <insert thing here> how different might my life have been!” But at the time, is just another thing, that in our busy day to day lives, we just dismiss… I don’t have time… oh, sounds good, but I will do it later…yes I would like to, but not right now…
Then, soon turns into later, and later, and we keep missing these chances.
Particularly right now, with most of the country in some form of restrictions, the pressure on us is almost at breaking point. It is very easy to miss opportunities as they present, or even just miss living…
And I don’t mean existing, I mean really being in the present, noticing all life around us. Do you see how the wind rustles the leaves of the trees? Maybe notice what your pet is doing, right now. Don’t let the pressure force you to miss life, and to live to the fullest.
Even if we can’t get out and travel, forge that story of life; those next chapters in the book – with excitement, experiences, growth and learnings…don’t just rewrite the last chapter again..
What is Luck?
/in Archived, Uncategorized /by Lindsay StewartHappy Friday the 13th! Apparently, an unlucky day. Interesting what we deem in western culture as ‘bad luck’…
While there is certainly evidence in history to reasons why the number 13 might be bad luck, and possibly Friday (historically in the Middle Ages, Friday was deemed to be an ‘unlucky’ day to begin journeys) there does not seem to be any significant reason why Friday the 13th of any particular month should be so…
I guess as time moves on, a lot of us, particularly still working in the J O B, would deem Friday to be good luck, as it symbolises the end of the work week for many.
Truthfully though, I believe we all make our own luck. As was purported quoted by Samuel Goldwyn (Famous Polish film producer that some say the founder of Hollywood) – “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
Whether it was indeed his quote or not, this rings so true…
While there are often things that are out of our sphere of control, and we might see outcomes as ‘unlucky’, the harder we work on areas INSIDE our sphere of control, the more favourable outcomes we get.
Those looking from the outside may say, “Wow, she is lucky!” or “How lucky is he?!” truthfully that ‘luck’ is made up of many hours of hard work, practise, and perseverance.
Particularly now, during times like the Olympics in sports, or even in business, we may see businesses or athletes succeed and think they are lucky, when really, they are just determined and never gave up when things got hard.
The road to luck is through perseverance.
So, while half of our country is still suffering under government-induced lockdowns, chin up Australia! Keep focusing on what we can control, rather than watching what we cannot, and you will see your ‘luck’ improving.
Linz’s Musings – The 8th Law of Nature
/in Archived, Uncategorized /by Lindsay StewartIt is certainly amazing how quickly the weeks fly by, even when in lockdown! We can even start to see the days getting a little longer again, a little more daylight later in the afternoon, giving that glimmer of hope that spring is coming, albeit a way off yet…
Its hard to believe that in essence, here in Melbourne at least, and even other parts of the country, it feels a lot like Groundhog Day. It feels we are in exactly the same position in July 2021 as we were in March 2020…
Or are we?
I want to highlight one of the laws of physics, what I like to call the 8th law nature – the law of Natural Growth (or Decay). There is even a formula you can use to track this! But I won’t go into that level of detail, only to say that this law, together with the 1st law, the Law of Vibration which states that everything is moving, nothing rests, can be a catalyst for how we should act, what we should do when paralysed by fear.
These two laws show that nothing can stay the same.
Everything is moving and either growing or deteriorating.
You will see this in everything around us, people, plants, trees, our bodies, muscles, even cities and populations. If something is not growing or getting stronger or larger, it is decaying, or reducing or deteriorating.
There is no stillness.
This is the same with our goals, our relationships, physically & spiritually, even our financial plans, either we are moving towards our goals and growing, or we are decaying and getting further and further away. We cannot stand still.
So, are we in the same position? No.
Our mindset is different from last year, there is not the fear that there was, and a lot of people are starting to realise to what’s going on. Not as easy for the governments to take away freedoms.
We are forever learning, evolving, changing and growing – or if not, regressing…
Make sure you are at least doing something each day, however small to improve your future, because the laws of nature say that if you are not, you will be going backwards.
In the words of Martin Luther King: – “If you cannot fly, then run. If you cannot run, then walk. If you cannot walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
Everything is always moving; which way are YOU going now?