Ep. 55: Live for Free through House-Hacking with Weston Harding

Originally from Houston, Weston Harding was about to move to Dallas for a job. Before his supposed move, he had a serious conversation with his father over lunch and was advised to explore another big city. He wound up moving to Chicago, where he took a one-day mentorship with Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation resulting to a career in the commercial real estate. Fast forward and Weston has become well-respected in the Chicagoland real estate and sits on the board of directors of the reputable foundation. Geared with expertise and knowledge, he founded X Plus Real Estate in 2011, the no. 1 seller of 2-4 unit property in Chicago to date. Without holding back, he shared about 2-4 unit properties, hot neighborhoods and financing advantages on this episode.   Key Market Insights Moved to Chicago from Houston to explore another big city as advised by his father Worked for Essex Group, which introduced him to 2-4 unit property As President, founded X Plus Real Estate in January 2011 No. 1 seller of 2-4 unit property in Chicago Couldn’t keep up with the number of clients, end up losing some to competitors Hired employees to disseminate tasks and provide quality service Sold $20 million dollars plus of real estate in 2017 Ranked number 62 out of 15,000 realtors in Chicago 80% of current buyers are house hackers Buyer’s vision: Live in one unit have the other 2-3 units pay off the mortgage 2-4 unit property: Alternative way to living for free, and earning passive income House Hacking Tips: Screen tenants, identify building and property needs, secure property funds for maintenance and repairs 60618 zip code: Avondale, Irving Park, Roscoe Village is the number one seller in 3-4 unit properties for the last four years Hot Sub-Market: Areas along the blue line train, a natural draw for renters Number one driver: Updated Home Possible Loan Program by Freddie Mac - stretches loan limit up to $870,000 available anywhere in Chicago Pilsen: Emerging art community lots of buildings and giant murals Continuous growth and development in the Southside area. Prices remain significantly lower up to date Provides proforma which includes current rents, projected returns, etc. on every single property available in X Plus Real Estate   Bull’s Eye Tips:   Winning Your Market: Getting out there and actually getting into it.   Tracking Marketing Changes: Getting together for coffees and lunch with other people doing things in the area.   Daily Habit: Get up early. If you can, be the first person in the office and the last person to leave.   Resources: Home Possible Loan Program   Book Recommendation: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi   Digital Resources Easy Texting Software   Tweet This: “Get off the couch. Get out from behind your computer, and go look at properties.” - Weston Harding   “When you make a mistake, you have something very big to learn.” - Weston Harding   Places to Grab a Bite: Staropolska   Connect with Weston: www.xplusrealestate.com [email protected] Leave us a review and rating on iTunes or Stitcher. Be sure to check out more info at TargetMarketInsights.com.