How Can Patch of Land Change the Way You Invest?

If you want to invest in real estate but don’t have the cash, a new crowd investing service might be for you. Our Patch of Land review covers the details, including the claim of a 12% annual return.

Many of us dream of being a real estate mogul, enjoying the success and financial freedom that often accompanies the position. However, most people simply don’t have the money or connections to begin investing in Manhattan skyscrapers.

However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. You still have opportunities to make smart property investments that could pay off in big ways. This country is actually filled with properties that simply require smart investors and some rehab work to become valuable, profit-creating ventures. And Patch of Land wants to help you do just invest in them.

Patch of Land is opening up a world of new possibilities for ambitious folks just like you. They help aspiring real estate investors get property purchases and rehab projects done without the assistance of banks and traditional lending institutions. So, is this a company that could help you enter the property world with a relatively small commitment?

Let’s discover the lay of the land, if you will, in this Patch of Land review.

A Quick Overview

Patch of Land is a good fit for someone looking to create passive income from smaller investments, rather than investing in and managing properties on their own. The company boasts the ability to earn up to 12 percent of your investment back in one year.

The average loan size for projects is $521,287. Patch of Land uses the growing trend of crowd-sourcing in its investment model. This allows people to come together to back property investments and own a piece of the pie. Investors are able to invest directly in brick-and-mortar real estate without going through a ton of red tape.

Learn More About REITs: Real Estate Investment Trusts

The main perk this company offers is a high-tech platform where investors and borrowers can connect from around the country.

What to Expect When You Invest

Investors who participate with Patch of Land have access to detailed, transparent information regarding borrowers and projects. This can be used to determine whether or not the option being presented is a good investment.

Investors have total freedom when it comes to searching for investments based on geographical location, project type, loan type, and more. In addition, they are able to view real estate project proposals and key documents regarding interest rates and other details.

There is plenty of room to do your own due diligence, based on the information that is provided for each investment. Most projects listed on Patch of Land feature 12-month residential loans or 18-month commercial loans.

Related: Real Estate Versus Stocks: Where Should Your Nest Egg Go?

Who Can Participate?

While Patch of Land is certainly opening up the world of real estate investing to a wider population, it isn’t something that everyone will be able to participate in.

You actually must qualify as an accredited investor to participate. This means that you will need to earn at least $200,000 annually for two years in a row. In addition, your net worth must be at least $1 million, excluding the value of your primary residence.

Patch of Land requires a minimum investment amount of $5,000.

The Big Pros

Patch of Land’s platform is really innovative. You can complete all of your transactions and view documents via the company’s mobile platform. This is ideal if you’re simply investing in your spare time, while also tending to other businesses.

The platform uses bank-level encryption from Symantec, which should give you added peace of mind. This provides a secure setting for your personal information and transaction histories.

Patch of Land implements traditional underwriting procedures for things like third-party appraisals, property valuations, and borrower risk profiles.

One thing that makes Patch of Land stand apart from other similar investment platforms is that the company actually brings its own funding to the closing table and pre-funds each deal. This means that the money you’ve invested will begin earning interest right away. This also means that you can count on closings to happen on time.

An Alternative: Is Realty Mogul the Easiest Way to Invest in Commercial Real Estate?

Patch of Land is also one of the only platforms to actually allow investors from outside of the United States to join. They simply need to have a United States bank account and accreditation from their country of origin.

A Few Cons to Consider

The world of crowd-sourced real estate investing is still relatively new. This means that investors don’t have a lot of examples to look to when it comes to what happens if a platform folds or encounters legal issues. This could give you a reason to be cautious about investing too deeply using a product like Patch of Land.

Because they’re fairly new and only gained traction after the 2008 crash, it’s also hard to predict what these sorts of investments would do to a portfolio when the market has another downturn.

Something else that may give some investors a reason to pause is that gains earned using a real-estate crowdfunding website are taxed as ordinary income. This could be a negative factor depending on your tax bracket.

Lastly, there is also the possibility that you could encounter a loan default once you’ve invested.

Is Patch of Land a Good Investment Platform?

There’s no question that Patch of Land is the real deal when it comes to crowdfunded property investing. The company is hard to top when it comes to getting deals approved and funded quickly and efficiently.

It is definitely worth considering signing up with Patch of Land if you’re interested in putting your money toward short-term debt with generous yields. Make sure to keep the downsides of this type of investing in the back of your mind and ensure that you have the required assets to invest.

Patch of Land could be your first step toward becoming a successful real estate investor.

Have you invested with Patch of Land, or other crowd-sourced real estate funding companies? What has been your experience? What are your concerns?

Topics: Investing

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Choosing a Bathroom Countertop

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Choosing amongst the various types of vanity top will depend on a number of factors. Appearance and ease of maintenance are two of the main things to consider. Here are three of the best materials you can find:

Image Source: Flickr

Granite and Marble
In a master bath, it pays to install granite or marble, which attract buyers at resale and give the vanity top a rich, sleek look. And with affordable “grades” of granite available on the market today, you don’t have to empty your wallet for this feature. You will, of course, spend more on granite than laminate, but the result is a surface that can handle heat and wear. Be advised: granite must be sealed to repel grease (which you could run into in hair products and such). Marble stains easily, while granite stands up to most stains. Source: HGTV

Ceramic
Ceramic is another common material used in the construction of vanity tops. This material offers almost unlimited color choices and is easily cleaned and maintained. Ceramic is typically manufactured in both glazed and unglazed finishes. It is also possible to mix different colors and textures for a customized look. A grout sealer should be used for ceramic countertop applications to prevent the growth of mildew. Source: WiseGeek

Manufactured Quartz
Manufactured quartz is one of the most popular options for countertops of all types, including bathroom vanities. It looks similar to a natural stone, like limestone, granite, or marble, but it is more durable and better equipped to resist stains and scratching. Quartz is actually a synthetic composite, comprised of about ninety percent quartz particles. It can be ordered in a range of colors and customizable thickness options, and it is a great choice if you want a unique or customized vanity edge. Source: Ebay

We can help you find the best quality vanity that will perfectly fit your bathroom. Contact us!

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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3 Ways to Childproof Windows at Home

Children’s curiosity pushes them to try out new things and explore new places. As a parent, you have to ensure their safety by childproofing your entire home. Here, you’ll find the best tips in making your windows much safer for the kids.

Image Source: Flickr

Securely Anchor Curtains and Drapes
When toddlers first learn to walk, they tend to use things around them to pull themselves up. This makes long drapes susceptible to tugs, and if they are not securely anchored to the wall, the result can be disastrous.

Make sure your curtain rod is securely fastened to its wall mount brackets, not just resting on them. If these brackets are not attached to studs, be sure to use hollow wall anchors. Another option is to simply switch up your décor and hang shorter drapes until your child gets a bit older. Source: Omaha

Keep the Cord Out of Reach

• Do not place any cribs, beds, or furniture close to any windows because children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.
• Make sure to make all loose cords inaccessible and keep all window cords out of the reach of children at all times. If you have tasseled pull cords short, make sure to keep them as short as possible, and permanently anchor any continuous-loop cords to the floor or wall.
• Lock cords into position when lowering horizontal coverings or shades to prevent inner-cord hazards.
• If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut. Source: TheSpruce

Don’t Leave the Window Open
Lock your windows. Many windows have built-in locks you can latch shut with a key to prevent the window from opening. If your windows have keys built-in, this is your best option for baby proofing your windows. If your windows do not have keys, however, use another method. Installing keys is costly and time-consuming and it’s far easier to use an alternative window locking method. Source: WikiHow

We can help you pick a window treatment that isn’t just safe for your kids, but also functional and trendy. Give us a call!

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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How to Win a Credit Card Dispute

Have you ever glanced at your credit card statement, only to discover a charge that you didn’t make? It can be stressful.

An incorrect charge could be the result of fraud, or it could be a simple mistake. Determining which case you’re dealing with is the first step in resolving the issue quickly.

The good news is credit card companies handle most disputes very quickly and with very little trouble. Most companies are accommodating when it comes to fraudulent or mistaken charges. However, you will occasionally run into a case that’s hard to figure out. Or you may encounter a retailer that is unwilling to comply with you.

Patience and fortitude can help you to clear up any inaccurate charges and protect your credit score. Here are the steps you should take in order to win a credit card charge dispute.

How to Handle Fraudulent Charges

You should call your credit card company immediately if you think that a suspicious charge on your statement is the result of fraud.

Almost all companies waive your liability for fraudulent charges as long as you file your dispute as soon as you discover them. Be sure to do this as soon as possible, though, as some companies only offer this coverage for a certain number of days (usually 60 or 90). As long as you report the charge in a timely fashion, you’ll only be legally liable for up to $50 in charges if your credit card has been stolen or compromised.

Related: The Best Credit Monitoring Services

You may need to cancel your card and request a replacement. Depending on the situation, some companies will opt to close your account entirely and reopen it with a new account number (no, this won’t negatively affect your credit!). You also have the option to file a police report if you feel compelled to do so following high-dollar fraudulent charges.

How to Handle a Retailer Mistake

You may breathe a sigh of relief to know that your charge was simply an error, and your account was not compromised by a thief. Don’t rest easy just yet, though.

The surprising thing is that dealing with a charge that happened as a result of a retailer’s error can actually be more of a headache than dealing with a fraudulent charge.

Billing errors and friendly fraud typically come in the form of a merchant charging you for the same purchase twice or overcharging you. The sooner you catch the error, the better off you’ll be.

You usually have 60 days from the time you discover the billing error to notify your credit card company. You can also try to simply contact a merchant directly to resolve the incorrect charges. Many businesses will be more than happy to cancel a charge or reimburse you.

However, alerting your own credit card company to the issue is a good idea if you’d like to start a paper trail. That could be particularly helpful if a merchant ignores your calls or messages or insists that the charge is valid.

What if the charge is for a product you never received, or one that you received in an unsatisfactory condition? In this case, retailers may not be as helpful. It’s better here if you get your credit card company involved, so that you have their power backing you in resolving the conflict.

Related: 5 Ways to Build Your Credit Without Going In the Hole

Creating Your Paper Trail

It’s time to start putting things on paper if you’re not getting anywhere with a merchant even after alerting them to an incorrect charge.

Compose a certified letter to your card issuer that contains as many details as possible. You should also dig through your files or belongings to collect any documentation related to your disputed purchase. Compile receipts, proofs of return, or messages exchanged with the merchant. These can help you build your case if things progress.

Consumer Rights During a Charge Dispute: What You Need to Know

The law protects consumers by creating some basic guidelines. These establish the duties and responsibilities of credit card issuers and merchants when disputes arise.

Here is the big checklist for what you need to know when dealing with a charge dispute:

• Your card issuer is required to investigate and get back to you within two complete billing cycles or 90 days following your complaint.
• You do not have to pay the disputed charges while the dispute is still ongoing.
• You do have to pay the undisputed portion of your bill while a dispute is still ongoing.
• Your credit card company cannot report your payment as late and cannot charge interest on the disputed amount while the dispute is still ongoing.
• You have a right to continue to challenge the error as long as you do not pay the disputed amount.
• Your card issuer has the right to count the disputed amount against your credit limit.
• If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the company should cancel all charges and interest for the disputed charge.
• You will be responsible for the disputed charge and all interest that has built up during the dispute period if the issue is not resolved in your favor.

Read More: How to Correct an Error on Your Credit Report

It’s also important to remember that any charges you fail to pay after a dispute has been settled in favor of the other party could damage your credit report. Failing to pay simply because you feel that a ruling was unfair won’t help you in the long run because it could still damage your credit history. Always keep the impact on your credit score in mind when making decisions.

Once the Situation is Resolved

What should you do once the dispute is done and settled? You should still hold on to all paperwork associated with the case just in case a retailer decides to pursue some type of action against you down the road.

If your dispute was the result of credit card fraud or theft, you should file away any documentation you have regarding the fraud and it being removed from your account. There’s a chance your identity was compromised in other ways that you may not notice yet. Being able to reference the “when” and the “what” could come in handy if future issues are brought to light.

Lastly, it may be a good idea to sign up for a company that monitors suspicious financial activity for a while. You should also check your credit report, just to be safe.

Topics: Credit

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3 Things Every Renter Needs to Know Before Signing a Lease

Rental agreements are necessary. But they’re generally designed to protect the landlord. Here are 3 things all renters should know before signing a lease.

Contracts and agreements are necessary in the business world, for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, they hold businesses accountable for their actions. Once upon a time, a handshake and a man’s word were all that was needed. Unfortunately, we don’t live in that kind of world anymore, and the law-binding power of a contract is a necessity.

Owners use contracts to protect their business in case of a lawsuit. While contracts hold businesses accountable and protect them at the same time, individual consumers need to pay attention to contracts the most. This is particularly true when it comes to rental agreements.

Anyone familiar with signing a lease knows just how long that document can be.  Including the terms of your rental arrangement, this contract also includes sections that explain procedures, rights of the tenant and landlord, and a variety of other circumstances. The lease establishe’s rules and gives direction should problems arise.

The few leases that I have signed over the years have all exceeded 20+ pages, and that’s with very small type. Before signing them, though, I read every single word at least three times over. It’s the only way for me to ensure I know the rules of the game. It’s important that you do the same.

Resource: 6 Things You May Not Know About Renter’s Insurance

Two key terms every rental agreement includes are early termination fees and concessions. I’ve gotten to know these terms firsthand while helping a friend settle his debt with a previous tenant. Understanding them provides you the potential to save thousands in penalties.

Early Termination

A lease is a binding contract, good for the set term stated. So, for example, if you sign a one-year lease beginning January 1st, 2018, you agree to make payments for one full year, based on the arrangements written out in the lease.

Assuming your rent is owed monthly, 12 payments must be made in full and on time to avoid default of the lease. Should a renter decide to terminate the lease early, an early termination fee applies. This generally goes one of the following two ways:

1. No matter when the lease is terminated, the renter agrees to pay the landlord for the full years’ worth of rent prior to vacating the premises. This means that even if a renter decides to leave in March, they owe the entire year’s worth of rent in full. This option should NEVER be agreed to by a renter! In this case, thousands of dollars can be lost if you wind up in a bad situation. Negotiate with the landlord before signing, if at all possible.
2. Most rental agreements come with an early termination clause, which allows renters to pay two additional months of rent prior to vacating, regardless of how many months remain on the lease. This option allows the landlord ample time to find new tenants while compensating them handsomely in the process. An early termination clause usually shows up as an addendum to any lease, so make sure it’s something you sign in addition to the standard lease.

Another option includes an early termination clause in which the tenant agrees to continue paying rent until the landlord is able to find another suitable renter to occupy the premises. Depending on what time of year you need to break your lease, this could be a very good thing or very bad thing.

Leave in April when renters are out shopping for new places, and you could wind up paying only a few weeks’ rent. Leave in November when the rental season has slowed, and it could take months to get a new tenant. However, it is a fair option for both the tenant and landlord, if breaking the lease is your only option.

Related: Does Paying Rent Improve Your Credit Score?

Monthly Concessions

Sometimes, when signing a lease, a special deal is added to make the pot sweeter for the renter. These can come in the form of concessions, or rental price breaks.

When renting my apartment, for instance, I was able to knock $266 off the rent every month. In addition to that, I was able to fork over only a small security deposit of $99.

It’s extremely important to note, though, that these monthly concessions are given ONLY if the lease is completed in full.

For example, let’s assume that I broke my lease four months early because of a new job opportunity. My first thought is that I can simply pay the remaining two months’ rent (my early termination agreement) and call the case closed. However, because of my concession, I probably have to pay more.

Most landlords require the tenant to pay back the entire concession if they break the lease. So, I would now be on the hook for an additional $2,660 ($266 concession x 10, for the 8 months I lived in the apartment and the 2 additional months I owe for). Add that to those two extra months of rent, and we are talking about handing over a pretty penny in exchange for skipping out early.

If I can’t pay back the concession fee plus the early termination fee, my landlord will surely sue me. And, he or she will probably sue for all four months’ rent I did not pay and the entire amount of the concession. This was the exact situation my friend fell into, but luckily, the landlord worked with us for a smaller settlement amount.

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Rent-to-Own Homes

Security Deposit Rules

Most landlords require a tenant to pay a month’s worth of rent as a security deposit before moving in. The landlord uses the security deposit to protect the landlord from damage caused by the renter. If you don’t cause any damage, you’ll get this deposit back — and you’ll definitely want to get this deposit back!

Make sure before moving into a new apartment, you’re prepared to do the following two things:

1. Rental Walk-through

Bring a camera and bring a notepad. Document every single thing about the residence that you think isn’t perfect, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Look both inside and out (if you’re renting a home), looking under cabinets, in closets, and on the ceiling. Don’t be shy about documenting things that you may think aren’t worth your time, either! That stained sink or frayed carpet may not bother you now, but it will when they demand you pay to replace it upon move-out.

Security deposits can be thousands of dollars and your landlord won’t be shy about charging you for damage when you leave. Have as much proof as possible that any damage to your rental is not your fault.

If you need help, Zillow has a 25-point checklist that you can download here. It gives you tips on what to look for during your walk-through.

2. Read Reviews

Spend time online trying to find reviews about your landlord and/or new property. Positive reviews are nice but it’s the reviews from people with problems that I find to be most helpful.

How did the landlord handle a broken lease? How did the landlord handle damage to the bedroom furniture? It’s nice to think you’ll be a model tenant and leave your rental in pristine condition, but things happen. It’s comforting to find a reasonable landlord when you confront an obstacle.

Related: Should You Rent a Home or Buy One?

Most people don’t sign a rental agreement with plans to break the lease. However, sometimes it just happens and there’s nothing you can do about it.

No doubt, the penalty will be higher than any tenant thinks they deserve to pay, but that risk is included when signing a lease. Make sure you take every precaution necessary and talk with the landlord prior to signing a lease. Two months’ rent owed is the industry standard, and you should settle for nothing less.

Topics: Personal Finance

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How to Remove Tree Sap from Hammock Straps

New and Improved Changes Coming to The Recreation Online Shop!

In order to make shopping for our amazing programs, classes and trips more seamless we are upgrading our online store coming September 13th! Here are some of the highlighted changes:

• One registration date  We will no longer have separate registration for swim, students and community starting this fall. Registration will open at 7am Wednesday, September 13 online and in-person.
• Create a profile You will be required to create a profile your first time registering for any classes, programs, services or trips. Once created you will be able to log in and out. You can create your profile a few days prior to the registration date.

Questions? Contact Clayton at 858-534-6757 or our Programming Assistants 858-534-377

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