Short explainers on creative financing, BRRRR and underwriting US real estate deals.
Seller financing: buying a property directly from the seller
What seller financing is, which terms are common, and how to check whether a seller-financed deal actually works.
4 min read
Subject-to: taking over the existing mortgage
How a subject-to purchase works, why a low existing rate is so valuable and which risks you need to cover.
4 min read
Assumable mortgage: taking over a loan officially
The difference between an assumable mortgage and subject-to, and when FHA and VA loans are worth chasing.
3 min read
Underwriting BRRRR: from purchase to refinance
How to calculate all-in cost, ARV, the refinance amount and the cash left in a BRRRR deal.
5 min read
DSCR and cashflow: when will a lender fund your deal?
What DSCR means, how to calculate it and which expenses you must never leave out of your cashflow.
4 min read
Balloon and exit: plan the way out before you step in
How to model a balloon date and whether refinancing or selling in year five leaves you better off.
4 min read
How do I find properties with seller financing?
Four ways to find properties where the seller will carry the note, from listing copy to free-and-clear owners.
5 min read
How do I find off-market deals and motivated sellers?
Where off-market supply comes from, which signals point to time pressure, and how to underwrite before you call.
5 min read
Subject-to versus assumable mortgage: what is the difference?
Two ways to take over an existing mortgage, with different risk, cost and speed.
4 min read
Seller financing versus hard money: which costs you less?
Why a note from the seller is usually cheaper than a private loan, and when hard money is still the better call.
4 min read
BRRRR versus buy and hold: which strategy fits you?
The difference in cash required, speed, risk and return between refinancing after a rehab and simply buying and renting.
4 min read
How do I calculate my maximum offer?
From ARV and rehab to an offer you can defend, including the version where you leave no cash in the deal.
4 min read
Which tools can I use for market research?
The free and paid sources you need for rent, appreciation, neighbourhood data and supply — and what each one does and does not tell you.
6 min read
Data from public sources and licensed feeds. Not investment advice.