Are Real Estate Investing Apps Good Tools for Beginners?

Real estate investing is an excellent way to create residual income and improve your financial picture. And thanks to the development of real estate investing tools and other technology, it’s easy for anyone to start. Here are a few tips for getting your start in real estate investing, even if you don’t have any experience.

Research Top Investing Apps

With the increase of mobile and smartphone technology, the real estate investing space has witnessed tremendous innovation. Smartphones have made the investing process easier for anyone interested. If you’re looking to start your real estate investment journey, then exploring some of the best investing apps is an excellent starting point.

As one of the top investing apps for real estate, HappyNest gives you the ability to invest on the go. You can check the status of active investments, purchase shares of a REIT quickly, and monitor growth from one easy-to-use interface.

Learn About Real Estate Investment Basics

While you don’t need to become an expert on real estate investing overnight to get started, it certainly doesn’t hurt to learn some of the basics. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to find information about real estate investing.

For example, there are many tax benefits received from investing in real estate that help maximize returns. New tax laws that went into effect this year now allow for a 20% deduction of income earned through pass-through entities such as LLCs. With a few hours of research and education, you can learn a lot.

There is a wealth of information freely available online also. Many of the top investing apps offer informative sections and educational modules to help you improve your literacy in the arena of real estate investing.

Knowing your way around terminology and concepts can lead to incredible results for your portfolio in the long run.

Work with Real Estate Investing Tools Designed for Beginners

Whether you’re a complete novice, have limited experience, or looking to improve, real estate investment tools are an excellent resource. At HappyNest, we understand that you might not know everything at once. That’s why we’re one of the top investing apps for beginners.

With the HappyNest app, we are here to help you get started on your journey into real estate investing. HappyNest makes it easy to start investing, whether you’re putting in $5,000 or $500. Get in touch with us today for more information.

Can Real Estate Investing Bring You Closer to Your Financial Goals?

If you’re like most people, then you probably have some financial goals that you’re working towards. It doesn’t make a difference if you’re trying to get rid of pesky student loans once and for all, or if you’re trying to save up for a once in a lifetime vacation, there’s no denying the importance of setting financial goals and doing everything you can to work toward them.

But even the most dedicated people sometimes feel it is impossible to save and make progress. Life’s obstacles and bills can get in the way. That’s where investing in a commercial property for sale or any other form of real estate offers you some options. Here are just a few ways that real estate investing can move you closer to your financial goals, no matter how lofty they may be.

Real estate investing can create substantial passive income for non accredited investors

If you are going to work and paying the bills, it’s easy to feel as though it’s impossible to get ahead on your expenses and move closer to your financial goals. If this sounds anything like you, then you can rest assured in knowing that there are many others just like you. Nevertheless, this way of life can be quite suffocating when it comes to your financial goals. That’s why you need to create multiple passive income streams and set yourself up with assets that provide you with additional income outside of your day job.

Investing in real estate is one of the most reliable ways to generate passive income. Passive income is any form of income that is earned with little to no effort. Some work is required to set up the income stream but after the initial investment, you should be able to sit back and collect.

Investing in one or more properties is a great way to receive passive income, all the while, you work your regular day job. The additional income can help you build towards financial independence or even early retirement.

Using a real estate investment app makes things quick and convenient

Real estate investing is more accessible than ever. According to  revealed that the ultra-wealthy invest an average of 15% of their portfolio into real estate. But many people make the mistake of thinking that you have to be rich or brilliant to turn a profit in real estate investing these days. That is far from the truth! Thanks to recent developments in information systems and smartphone technology, it’s now easier than ever to get started in real estate investing from your phone.

A real estate investment app can guide you along your financial journey. If you don’t know what to do when you’re starting, then choosing the right apps can give you the support you need. Furthermore, real estate apps allow you to track your progress and earnings. With real estate investment apps, even the beginner can make tangible progress toward their financial goals without much trouble. Investing in real estate has never been more convenient!

At HappyNest, we are proud to offer a premier app for investing in commercial real estate. With our service, you don’t even need much experience or money to get started. When you invest, the real estate investment app tracks your progress. Not sure how to proceed and get started on developing your commercial real estate investment portfolio? Just looking for a little more information on what HappyNest does? No problem! Don’t hesitate to reach out and get in touch with a member of our team today. We can’t wait to work with you!

Do You Need A NEW New Year’s Resolution?

Many of us make the same New Year’s resolutions year after year. But why? Isn’t the definition of insanity doing “the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”? The answer (which some of you already know) is that most people don’t stick to their resolutions. Even with the best intentions, many of us fall off the wagon after as little as one month (80% in fact). If you, like some of us, already have failed your New Year’s resolution, don’t despair! We have some simple tips for setting (and achieving) a new New Year’s resolution, and a couple of suggestions for new areas to focus on as you revamp your 2022 resolutions.

Perfecting Your NEW New Year’s Resolution

There are a number of reasons why the majority of us fail to achieve our New Year’s resolutions. From the psychology behind the word ‘resolution’ to the unrealistic nature of our goals, few of us set ourselves up for success.

Fortunately, Inc. magazine has outlined seven steps we can take when setting a new New Year’s resolution we can actually keep:

  1. Create a measurable goal.
  2. Identify clear action steps.
  3. Set yourself up for success.
  4. Plan for obstacles.
  5. Start when you’re ready.
  6. Track your progress.
  7. Learn from your mistakes.

Money and happiness

Before we delve too deeply into the specifics of each of these steps, however, let’s discuss why we’re talking about setting a new New Year’s resolution in the first place.

Money and financial habits are the biggest source of stress for Americans, according to research conducted by Northwestern Mutual.  Many of us do not budget properly. We do not have an emergency plan nor savings. We rely too heavily on credit cards, ultimately paying the price.

The result? Poor financial health.

Financial Health: The state and stability of an individual’s personal finances and financial affairs. Source: Investopedia]

Poor financial health bleeds into other areas of our lives, putting a strain on marriages and relationships, and even affecting our physical and mental well-being. In fact, 72% of participants in a Financial Stress Survey conducted by the John Hancock financial institution admitted to “worrying about their personal finances at work,” with “one in three doing that more than once a week.” In 2018, Americans’ credit card debt hit a record high of more than $1 trillion dollars, according to the Federal Reserve. And not only are we drowning in debt, but one in four Americans don’t have “even a single dollar saved for an emergency.”

But does poor financial health really have a tangible effect on us? According to a survey from LendingClub, Americans that report poor financial health also tend to have poor physical health. In fact, these Americans are “significantly less likely to practice healthy physical habits (59% do not get routine check-ups and 60% do not get regular exercise) and are more likely to skip preventative health measures due to cost (38%).” The conclusion? “Bad wealth begets bad health.”

‘Bad wealth begets bad health’

Indeed, according to the journal of Anxiety, Coping and Stress, the biggest negative impacts of poor financial health include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Migraines
  • Ulcers and digestive issues
  • High blood pressure and heart attacks
  • Disrupted sleep

Even if more Americans are beginning to recognize the importance of financial health, most financial resolutions aren’t helpful. Resolving to “manage finances better,” “rethink financial habits,” or “save more money,” for example, is self-defeating. These kinds of resolutions aren’t measurable, don’t set out clear steps to take in order to achieve your goal, don’t anticipate obstacles, and don’t allow you to track your progress in a meaningful way. Essentially, we’re setting ourselves up for failure rather than success.

A proper resolution should not be summed up in just a few words. If possible, think of resolutions as goals and establish specific tools to achieve them. Set a timeframe, make sure your goal is measurable, keep track, identify ways to keep yourself accountable, prepare for obstacles–they’re inevitable!–and perhaps most importantly, start when you are ready. Choosing an arbitrary start date like New Year’s day doesn’t make sense if you haven’t put a plan in place to achieve your resolutions. Don’t force yourself into a failing situation simply because of social pressure.

What Is a Healthy Financial Portfolio?

A healthy financial portfolio is a diversified portfolio. But what is a ‘diversified’ portfolio? Simply put, diversification is “a risk-management technique that mixes a wide variety of investments within a portfolio.” As NerdWallet puts it, diversification means investing in “different assets that aren’t highly correlated, meaning they don’t move in lockstep. […] Spreading your money around reduces overall risk by ensuring your portfolio’s performance isn’t too dependent on any one particular asset.”

With that in mind, we want to discuss how real estate investing fits into a diversified financial portfolio–particularly because this frequently is an overlooked investment opportunity. Real estate investing is a great way to diversify your finances, earn more, and ultimately save more. Without help, however, learning the nuances of real estate investing can take some time.

That’s why we founded HappyNest real estate app–to provide experienced real estate investors and beginners alike with a simple, easy-to-use way to take advantage of the benefits of commercial real estate investing and provide the education needed for each of you to make the most of those investments.

Portfolio Diversification: Varying an individual’s investments by type (real estate, equities, bonds, etc.) in an effort to reduce the risk associated with investing.

“Another term for ‘diversification’ is ‘asset allocation,'” Michael Crawford, principal and founding member at Nationwide Wealth Management, has said. “Many financial advisors will divide investments by equities and bonds, depending on risk and age. There are other asset classes to consider, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate, and collectibles.”

That’s where HappyNest real estate app comes in.

Achieve Your New New Year’s Resolution This Year with HappyNest Real Estate App

HappyNest simplifies real estate investing to make it easy for anyone to diversify their portfolio. How do you get started? Simply download the HappyNest app to your Apple- or Android-based smartphone, connect your bank account (securely), and purchase shares of a diversified real estate portfolio.

The real estate investment team at HappyNest vets properties under strict guidelines to ensure they add value. Specifically,  HappyNest REIT purchases properties that have long term leases, strong tenant credit, and rent growth. This investment strategy creates a strong real estate portfolio that will help keep your real estate investments and financial portfolio sound.

Done right, real estate can be incredibly profitable (in fact, 84% of real estate investors would happily make another investment).

What Will HappyNest Real Estate App Actually Do For Me?

HappyNest is a mobile app that can allow you to unlock the potential of real estate investing, starting with just $10. Download the HappyNest app and use your smartphone to experience the stability, tax benefits, and wealth creation traditionally reserved for those of advanced means. With us, you can own an equity interest in a portfolio of high-quality commercial real estate and continuously receive dividends for years to come.

Download HappyNest for Apple or Android and experience an app that reflects your priorities. Don’t miss out on the tools you need to establish healthy financial habits and accomplish your goals.

My Financial Journey: Jesse Prince, Founder

My name is Jesse Prince, and this is my financial journey.

I often think about the series of events that led me where I am today. 

A vibrant childhood (I am the third of four boys), years of playing team sports, a 6-year-long military career – all formative experiences of being part of something bigger than myself. 

It might sound cliché, but bear with me. I think many of you reading this will be able to relate.

The Prince Family principles

You see, growing up, my parents impressed two things upon us:

  1. Never live outside of your means, and
  2. Do good things. 

When the time came for me to fly the nest, so to speak, I enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point, in accordance with these principles. (Go Army!) 

Head shot of HappyNest Founder and CEO, Jesse Prince
Me in my Army days

By serving my country, I could sidestep burdening my family (or my future self, for that matter) with the crushing student debt that burdens so many young Americans today. It was a win-win.

After six years of active duty – including two tours in Iraq – my worldview had fundamentally shifted, to say the least.

Perhaps the biggest challenge of assimilating back into civilian life was that what had once satisfied my desire to “do good” just wasn’t cutting it anymore.

Frankly, I had to do something bigger. Something great. I wanted to have a meaningful impact.

But how?

Lost in combat 

Three things serving in the military will give you: Thick skin, lasting life skills, and a deep love for learning. 

That, and a paycheck every first and fifteenth of the month.

What the military doesn’t give you are the skills needed to manage that paycheck effectively. As far as I can tell, schools aren’t acing the subject either

Growing wealth, saving for retirement, building rainy day funds – these might not be the skills you need to survive combat. But you sure as hell need them for a fighting chance at the American Dream

When my time in the service was over, I found myself in a position I never thought I’d be in – aimless, unemployed, and defeated. 

Overnight, I went from a Captain in the Army with command over 120 soldiers, to reading rejection letters from employers due to “lack of work experience” in my parents’ basement where I was living.  

The transition was jarring and brutal. 

I had neither income nor resources. The only thing lower than my self esteem at the time was my bank account balance. It was humbling. It was terrifying.

A lot of grit and a little luck

Fast forward a few months (and a handful of rejection letters).

There I was, standing in my parents’ kitchen (staring into my mother’s freshly packed refrigerator, oddly enough), when it struck me: “Speak the language of your profession.” 

Of course. Classic Occam’s razor: The simplest answer is usually the best one. And as expected, something I had learned in the service would indeed guide my life outside of it.

I started with a list of all the things I find joy in. I’ve always had a natural interest in real estate – it seemed like now was as good a time as any to explore that further. 

Step one, of course, would be to learn the language of the real estate industry. I was essentially starting my career anew. There was going to be a learning curve.

I didn’t just want to learn it – I wanted to master it.

I enrolled into graduate school with a Real Estate Finance degree fixed in my crosshairs.

At the same time, I looked for employment in the industry. Every soldier knows you never truly master your craft until you’ve had real combat experience. After what felt like a lifetime in the reserves, I was more than eager to get my boots on the ground. 

Luckily, I stumbled upon a handful of amazing people who helped me do just that.

Building the nest

I’d always known real estate investing was an incredible way to build wealth. However, like most Americans, I didn’t exactly have mountains of cash at the ready to drop on investment properties. 

So I turned where many of us do when we need answers to life’s pressing questions: Google. 

A quick search for how to invest in commercial real estate without having to front large sums of money for a downpayment only brought up a GIF with a menacing Jack-in-the-box popping out holding a sign that said “better luck next time.”

Okay, okay…that didn’t really happen. 

But it may as well have, because all I found were real estate investing platforms with high minimum investment requirements ($1,000 or more) and confusing, technical language. 

Without access to wealth building investment opportunities, how could everyday people build their financial future? 

I thought to myself, “If I, as a professional, am turned off by these platforms, I can only imagine what others are feeling.” 

And then it hit me. I could satisfy my “do-something-great” drive by helping others live within their means while building wealth.

In other words, I could feed two birds with one scone. That’s how HappyNest was born. 

My vision was to create a place where everyone – regardless of the financial hand they’re playing – can access an opportunity to build their wealth and improve their financial literacy.

HappyNest takes flight

I gathered the information and resources needed to help HappyNest take flight. 

My first order of business was lowering the barrier of entry. A thousand dollars is a lot of money for most people – prohibitive even. It certainly was for me at one time. 

Real estate was an investment asset class once reserved for the wealthy. We may not serve caviar or champagne here, but $10 will get you a seat at the table. 

I made $10 the entry point because, at one point in my life, that’s all I had in my bank account. I like to think that if I could afford it on my worst day, others could also buy into the chance to change their financial futures. 

My path hasn’t been the easiest, but I’m confident that I am not alone. I hope HappyNest can help you achieve whatever goals you may have.

And that is my most important mission to date. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

My name is Jesse Prince, and that is my financial journey.

We Couldn’t Be More Eggcited: HappyNest is Officially Available for Download TODAY!

As of today, HappyNest commercial real estate investing app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Okay, but let’s take a step back.

For those of you that don’t already know what HappyNest is and what we’re about, HappyNest is a mobile commercial real estate investing app that provides everyday people like you and me with access to top-quality, high-performing real estate investments. HappyNest is making the entry into this asset class easier, allowing everyone the ability to truly diversify their investment portfolio.

When it comes to investing, many of us consider the stock market the ultimate (or even only) financial investment option. After all, that’s how it’s usually portrayed in the media. Without a diversified portfolio, however, each and every one of us risks losing large amounts of money from a dip in the market.

An often-overlooked alternative investment class is Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). REITs (pronounced “reets”) allow each investor to own a stake in real estate properties that have the potential for both share value appreciation and dividend-based income (derived from rent and real estate value growth, of course).

If you don’t believe us, just look at the numbers: between 1960 and 2015, REITs outperformed global stocks, averaging 6.43% per year, compared to just 5.45% for global stocks.

HappyNest Commercial Real Estate Investing App Origins and Mission

Our founder and CEO, Jesse Prince, recently discussed the impetus behind HappyNest: “I created HappyNest so that investors, regardless of their financial means, could achieve their savings and investing goals.

Our easy-to-use mobile app removes all of the traditional barriers to investing in commercial real estate with a $10 minimum investment. It’s part of our mission to educate investors about the benefits of having a diversified financial strategy that includes options like real estate investing so everyone can have a brighter financial future.”

Traditionally, accessing non-traded REITs has been very difficult for several reasons. Among them: high minimum costs for investing, high management fees, and high front-end load fees.

At HappyNest, we try to do things differently. If you use our app, you’ll have access to a high-quality REIT for as little as $10. In addition to the flexible investment options, investment education, and guidance we provide on real estate investment best practices. HappyNest will allow you to:

  • Easily Access a Top Real Estate Fund. An easy-to-use, intuitive user interface will allow you to set up and manage your accounts quickly and easily.
  • Invest With Flexibility. Invest in amounts that meet your lifestyle and investment goals. Quickly choose your goals and determine how much you need to invest in order to meet them.
  • Maximize Investment Returns. Take advantage of reduced fees to ensure your investment dollars are working for you–not an investment manager.

The HappyNest app allows everyone to diversify their portfolio through commercial real estate investment and gain access to an asset class that has proven itself as a secure, high-performing, long-term investment option.

For more information on our app or our company, visit www.myhappynest.com. Download HappyNest for iOS or Android and start planning for your financial future today.

About HappyNest

HappyNest is an app that allows investors to unlock the potential of real estate, starting with just $10. Experience the stability, tax benefits, and wealth creation traditionally reserved for the wealthy–all from a smartphone–with HappyNest’s commercial real estate app. Investors can own an equity interest in a portfolio of high-quality commercial real estate. While they hold, they will continuously receive dividends for years to come. Visit www.myhappynest.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more information.

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