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Continue reading →: The Real Cost of a Fixer-Upper: Rehab Budgets That Won’t Sink Your ROIFixer-uppers can be goldmines—or money pits. The key difference? The budget. Too many investors fall for the sticker price trap, underestimating what it really takes to bring a property up to market standards. Cosmetic touch-ups are one thing, but structural surprises, code compliance, and outdated systems can eat through your…
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Continue reading →: Cap Rate vs. Cash-on-Cash Return: Know the Difference or Risk Losing ThousandsCap rate or cash-on-cash return? Mix them up, and you could misread a deal by thousands. This quick guide breaks down the difference—and shows you which one really matters when it’s time to invest.
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Continue reading →: The 1% Rule, the 50% Rule, and the 70% Rule—Which Actually Works in 2025?Rules of thumb are everywhere in real estate investing—but how many of them still hold up in today’s market? In this installment of the Will It Pencil? series, we’re putting the 1% Rule, the 50% Rule, and the 70% Rule under the microscope. You’ll learn what these popular shortcuts really…
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Continue reading →: Your First Rental: How to Run the Numbers Before You BuyThis guide outlines how to effectively evaluate rental properties by focusing on realistic rental income estimates, comprehensive operating expenses, and essential calculations like net operating income (NOI) and cash flow. It highlights common rookie mistakes and provides real-life examples, emphasizing the importance of detailed analysis for successful property investment.
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Continue reading →: Will It Pencil?Before you fall in love with a rental’s curb appeal or dreamy income potential, there’s one question every smart investor must ask: Will it pencil? This foundational article walks you through the essential math behind real estate investing—breaking down cash flow, cap rate, and hidden costs in plain English. Whether…
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Continue reading →: Welcome to the “Will It Pencil?” Series
“Will It Pencil?” is your go-to guide for evaluating investment properties with confidence. This 8-part, no-fluff series breaks down the formulas and real-world factors every investor needs to know—from cash flow and cap rate to rehab budgets, rental strategy, and long-term ROI. Whether you’re buying your first rental or scaling…
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Continue reading →: Thinking About Selling on Your Own? Here’s Why a Real Estate Agent is Your Best AssetSelling real estate isn’t as simple as putting up a “For Sale” sign and waiting for buyers to roll in. It takes strategy, marketing, negotiation, and careful attention to deadlines and legal requirements. Many sellers consider the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route to save on commission, but what they…
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Continue reading →: Listing Prices Uncovered: A Guide for Buyers and SellersHow Listing Prices Are Set—Insights from Both Sides of the Deal When you’re house hunting, the listing price is often the first thing that catches your eye. But what does that number really mean? As a buyer, understanding how listing prices are set can help you make informed decisions, spot…
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Continue reading →: Unlocking the Secrets of Assumable Loans: A Hidden Gem in Real EstateIn the ever-evolving world of real estate, finding creative ways to save money and secure favorable terms is always a win for buyers. Enter the assumable loan – an often-overlooked option that can be a game-changer in certain situations. Whether you’re a savvy buyer or a seller looking to make…
Marjorie's Real Estate Confessions… Spilling the (Real Estate) tea, one confession at a time!
Welcome to Marjorie’s Real Estate Confessions—where I spill the secrets, share the surprises, and break down the real (estate) talk you actually need to know!
As a REALTOR® and broker-owner of Go North Realty, I’ve seen it all—the dream homes, the deal-breakers, the negotiation wins, and the lessons learned along the way. This blog is your inside scoop on buying, selling, investing, and everything in between.
Here, you’ll find honest advice, expert tips, and behind-the-scenes stories that make real estate less intimidating and a whole lot more fun. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or just love a good real estate story, you’re in the right place.
So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger 😉), and let’s talk real estate—the good, the bad, and the SOLD!
Got a burning real estate question? Ask away! Your question just might end up in my next blog post.
Marjorie's Real Estate Confessions... Spilling the (Real Estate) tea, one confession at a time! 