Real Estate Articles & Insights
Practical insights on real estate investment, financing, property management, and multifamily operations — drawn from over 100 years of combined Menowitz family experience.
Should I Invest in Stocks or Real Estate?
When it comes to investing, should you put your money into the stock market or real estate? This article discusses the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision about where to place your capital for maximum long-term return.
How to Negotiate the Best Deal on Freddie and Fannie Loans
One of the most common questions in real estate: What is Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, why do I need them, and how do I get the best possible terms? Learn how to navigate GSE lending and negotiate favorable loan structures for multifamily acquisitions.
GSE (Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) Volume Caps
In September 2019, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) revised their caps on multifamily loan purchases for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Understanding these Government-Sponsored Enterprise volume caps is essential for any serious multifamily investor.
Zombie Real Estate Assets
What is your time worth? Time is the most precious resource we own. If you want to invest in real estate to own and operate, then you must decide what type of assets deserve your attention — and which ones are quietly draining your resources.
Financing A Project With Tax-Exempt Bonds
States and local governments often finance important projects — roads, prisons, schools — by issuing tax-exempt bonds. These bonds are attractive to investors because of their tax advantages. Learn how to leverage this financing tool for your real estate development projects.
Finding Success by Sheltering the Masses
New York City's cost of living was 68.8% higher than the national average. From rent to food to transportation, city living is expensive — yet existing salaries don't always keep pace. Discover how affordable housing investment creates both social impact and strong returns.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
One of the most interesting ways to kick up the profitability and return on investment for a new or rehabilitated apartment complex is to look for ways to acquire federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Learn how this powerful tool works.
Apartment Maintenance Checklist
Roof — check for leaks and repair at once. As they say: prevention is better than cure. Safety equipment — smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are a must. A comprehensive maintenance checklist is the backbone of any well-run multifamily property.
Tips on Moving
Prepare and analyze which items need to be trashed and those that you will keep because they still have value. Prepare boxes — get more than what you think you need. A smooth move starts with careful planning and the right systems in place.
How To Hire A Manager
One of the keys to profitable real estate ownership is your front-line management. A good manager often increases both the cash flow and the value of a property, while a poor one can destroy both. Learn what to look for when hiring your next property manager.
How To Obtain An FHA Loan Without Getting Ripped Off
The FHA lending program is an excellent one for property owners, offering high loan-to-value ratios and interest rates significantly below market. But the process is totally opaque — with hidden fees and traps for the unwary. Here's how to navigate it safely.