Business

How To Become a Real Estate Investor in South Carolina

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2022

Everyone should be planning for their financial future. While you may have a good job with a 401k and a retirement plan, that doesn’t necessarily mean your bank account is reflecting stability. Along with managing your budget, it’s important to look into alternative investment strategies.

One of the most profitable choices for many people has been turning towards real estate. South Carolina has become an incredibly popular choice for those looking to relocate. In 2020, it was listed as the second most popular state for relocation, with around a 38% population increase.

The state is more affordable than most on the East Coast and has everything to offer, from beaches to mountains.

If you’re interested in becoming a real estate investor in South Carolina, take a look at what steps you can take to start increasing your financial stability.

Get Your Real Estate License

While not everyone needs to become a licensed agent to become an investor, it can certainly give you a competitive edge. You’ll have greater access to new listings, will learn how to negotiate prices, and will have a better understanding of how the final contracts work.

It can also save you thousands of dollars on your final closing costs because you won’t have to pay for a real estate agent when looking for potential investment property. The best part is you can take a South Carolina real estate license course online at an affordable price.

Expand Your Current Property

This is a great option for people who already own property and have more available space. Expanding your current property could mean building an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) which acts as a small, liveable home on the property.

This can be rented out monthly as a lease or can be a temporary rental home such as an Airbnb or Vrbo.

Rent Out A Room In Your House

Are you an empty nester with more rooms in your house than you know what to do with? If you want to make passive income without having to take on any additional costs, you can simply rent out a room within your house. Again, this can be temporary or long-term. This also depends on what you are comfortable with as you’d be having someone else stay in your home.

Buy a Second Property to Rent

Because house prices are so competitive right now, many people are choosing to rent until the market slows down. Buying a second property as a rental is more of an initial financial investment, but can have a very big monthly cost.

Cash-flowing properties are the most lucrative. These are homes that are ready to be lived in. You can purchase them and immediately rent them out to a new tenant.

Flip a House

For people who are handy and don’t mind putting in a little labor, flipping a house can be a great way to make a large sum of cash as a real estate investor. The trick is that you’ll have to be financially stable enough to afford the mortgage.

Flipping a house takes time and you’ll have to work with the schedules of several contractors to get the job done. You also need to account for the time it takes to complete renovations, lists the house, and find a buyer.

Crowdfunding and REITs

This is one of the easiest ways to get into real estate investing. Crowdfunding or buying shares of a REIT (real estate investment trust) make it easy to get started. Companies will list a house or property which outsiders can opt-in to invest.

As the building is rented or flipped, the investors will make a percentage of the profits. These can be found through individual companies or major stock exchanges.

Things to Note In Real Estate Investing

Before you run to the bank to apply for a loan or put money towards a REIT, there is a lot of preparation that should be done first.

Decide what type of investment strategy is most suitable for your lifestyle and budget.
Research and learn as much about the real estate market and industry as possible.
Ensure you’re financially ready to make this type of investment by securing your capital.
Learn about local and state real estate laws and regulations.

It’s possible to start investing in real estate as there are so many viable options depending on your specific needs. Make sure to do as much research as possible and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Jump into online forums and talk with other investors who have done this before. Learn by reading books or taking online courses. Anyone can become a real estate agent with the right tools and resources at their disposal.

Business

From Contracts to Counsel: Your Essential Guide to Hiring a Probate Attorney in Chicago

Published

3 weeks ago

March 31, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Like many people, you’ll come across the term probate after a loved one, such as a parent or spouse, passes away. So, what is probate, and why do you need an attorney for it? As defined in Forbes, probate is a legal process that occurs after death. It entails transferring the assets of the decedent (the person who passed) to beneficiaries named in their last will.

With that in mind, having a probate lawyer by your side is essential. The last thing you want to do is deal with the legal complexities of settling a loved one’s estate while grieving. A probate lawyer oversees the validation of the deceased’s will and the fair distribution of assets among family members. One challenge lies in finding a top-quality probate lawyer.

In this guide to hiring a probate attorney in Chicago, we’ll discuss the tips to identify the right legal professional for probate proceedings.

Understand the Responsibilities of a Probate Lawyer

It’s difficult to hire a talented probate lawyer when you don’t know what they do: Start by understanding the roles they play.

When you work with a Chicago probate lawyer, some tasks they might do include:

Act as an estate executor or administrator
Collect proceeds from the life insurance policies of the deceased
Identify and secure the decedent’s assets
Get an appraisal for the deceased’s estate
Pay debts and resolve estate tax issues
Prepare and file documents required in probate court
Transfer assets to rightful heirs
Represent you in litigation proceedings if someone challenges or contests the will

A probate lawyer could also help you and your family navigate state inheritance laws if a loved one dies without a valid will. That way, you can avoid unnecessary taxes or other ramifications of not creating a will, such as losing ownership rights of the deceased’s business or financial support.

Search for Lawyers Online and Offline

You’re probably thinking, where do I find the best lawyer to hire? You could seek referrals from friends or colleagues. Friends who worked with probate attorneys before might provide important details, such as how the lawyers communicate and handle the probate process.

Alternatively, do a simple online search using the terms “probate lawyer near me” or “probate attorney in Chicago.” Go through various websites or online directories and write names of lawyers with positive ratings and customer testimonials. Then, contact the potential lawyers to set up free consultations. Note that not all legal professionals offer free consultations, so make sure to ask before setting a time in your calendar.

Ask the Right Questions

A free consultation provides opportunities to ask questions to better understand if the lawyers in question have the qualifications to handle your probate case.

Four questions you might ask attorneys during the initial meeting may include:

Do You Have Experience in Probate Law?

When evaluating lawyers, prioritize experience. An experienced probate lawyer is aware of common pitfalls that can result in the probate petition being postponed or dropped by a judge. To feel more comfortable about an attorney’s expertise, ask them if they’ve handled probate cases similar to yours before.

For example, let’s say the deceased owned a substantial estate or had complicated assets like royalties and mineral stocks. Working with an attorney with a track record of successfully handling cases like that could save you time and money in the long run.

What Do Other Clients Say About You?

Experience alone doesn’t make a probate lawyer perfect for your case. Look for someone with an outstanding reputation. These reviews likely live on Google next to their business profile or are featured on their website. If you can’t find any endorsements, ask for testimonials written by past clients.

One point to focus on is what reviewers say about the lawyer’s efficiency and speed. Beyond that, does the lawyer offer expert guidance, conflict mitigation, and proper asset management during probate?

A probate attorney in Chicago, IL, should be an efficient expert in asset preservation. This can be crucial to helping avoid hefty taxes and excessive debt claims. Additionally, if the lawyer receives positive feedback on conflict mitigation, it suggests they have experience in resolving or mitigating family conflicts that tend to stall the probate process.

How Long Does Probate Last?

One way to test a probate lawyer’s knowledge is by asking them, “How long does probate last?” While the numbers vary, probate can last for a few months to over a year in many states, including Chicago. When highlighting factors that affect the duration of probate, your counsel might mention things like estate size, family disputes, debt and taxes, absence of a will, and state laws.

A knowledgeable lawyer can explain clearly why your probate case could last a few months or even years. A lawyer that makes too brazen or hard-set of promises might not be the most honest.

How Do You Want Us To Communicate?

There’s no hard rule on how you and your probate attorney communicate. You can talk via text messages, email, video calls, or phone calls. More importantly, check that the attorney communicates in simple language to help you understand your case.

In fact, one essential of a lawyer’s dos and don’ts to gaining clients’ trust is to avoid making clients feel clueless. If a potential lawyer uses complex legal terms or avoids communicating directly, search for probate services elsewhere.

Conclusion: Finding a Probate Attorney in Chicago

Reviewing the will of a loved one after their death and ensuring fair distribution of their assets often involves complex legal issues. For this reason, consider hiring an attorney who specializes in probate law.

To maximize your chances of finding the right probate lawyer, familiarize yourself with their responsibilities. Next, search online for lawyers within your state or ask for recommendations from people you trust. Then, interview prospects to help ensure they possess experience, a remarkable reputation, communication skills, and knowledge of probate law.

Settling the affairs of a loved one who has passed on can be an overwhelming time. A probate attorney can help lift some of the pressure off your shoulders as you focus on grieving and healing.