Cash & Flow: Investor Podcast

The “Cash & Flow” podcast is specifically designed to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge base as a real estate investment beginner. With new episodes regularly, this podcast presents a wealth of information to help you make informed real estate investing decisions and improve your investment strategies.

Learn Investment: In this podcast, you will learn step by step how to successfuly invest in real estate. From choosing the right properties to calculating returns and effective property management, all the important topics are covered. You’ll get valuable tips and proven strategies to maximize the potential of your investments.

Real estate management: A successful real estate investment also requires efficient management. In the “Cash & Flow” podcast, you’ll learn how to effectively manage your properties to generate stable long-term revenue. From tenant management to maintenance to leasing strategies, practical insights and best practices are shared.

Current Topics: In addition to the basics, the podcast also covers current topics in the real estate industry. You’ll stay up to date on new legislative changes and technological innovations such as the heating ban, heat pumps, solar panels, and wall boxes. This allows you to identify trends and developments and adapt your knowledge accordingly to be proactive in your investments.

From real estate-experience.com:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Immocation Podcast: Real Stories

On the “immocation Podcast,” you’ll learn how to successfuly build wealth through real estate, whether as a retirement plan, foundation for financial freedom, early retirement, or even full-time employment. Here, the hosts share stories from their coaches and from the community and offer exclusive content, including select YouTube series, to expand your knowledge of real estate investing and help you on the path to success.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Real Estate Wiki: The basic knowledge

“Real Estate Wiki” – The podcast “Real Estate Wiki” is specially designed for real estate investment beginners like you, who want to specifically expand their knowledge of technical terms and basics of the real estate world. In this podcast, the most popular and most read articles from the Real Estate Wiki are presented in a short and understandable form.

Popular articles from the real estate wiki: The wiki covers a wide range of real estate terms and information. The Real Estate Wiki podcast selects those articles that are most requested and read by other listeners like you. This gives you the opportunity to focus on the most relevant topics and deepen your understanding of the real estate industry in a targeted way.

The podcast “Immobilien Wiki” offers you new episodes every day. You can find it for free on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and many more. Whether you’re cleaning up, sitting in the car, or playing sports, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of real estate anytime, anywhere.

From real estate-experience.com:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Tip. Buy your first property (cheaply)

Want to invest your money in real estate? We have 30 steps for your first real estate purchase as an investment. Capital investment means: buy and rent. Ideally, you’ll get so much rent that your property will pay for itself!

Learn how to do it here:

• Buy first apartment as an investment
• Buy property (cheap)

The Immopreneur Podcast

“The Immopreneur Podcast” – If you’re interested in real estate development and real estate entrepreneurship, then “The Immopreneur Podcast” is for you. Here you’ll hear firsthand from successful real estate entrepreneurs about how they analyze their projects, close deals, and build their real estate businesses. Whether you’re looking to venture into real estate yourself or simply want to learn more about this exciting field, this podcast will provide you with inspiring stories and valuable insights into the world of real estate entrepreneurs.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Immo Insider: Broad spectrum

“Immo Insider” – Dive into the world of real estate financing with the podcast “Immo Insider”. Here you’ll get comprehensive information about different financing options, tips on choosing the right lender and important aspects to consider when financing real estate. This podcast is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to successfuly finance their real estate projects.

From Engels & Völkers:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

The Landlord Podcast: Says it all

“The Landlord Podcast” – The Landlord Podcast is a valuable resource for all landlords and those interested in getting into the rental property business. It covers all relevant topics related to renting, including legal aspects, leases, tenant selection, tenant management, and optimizing rental income. Whether you’re already a landlord or thinking about renting out a property, this podcast will provide you with practical tips and helpful insights to make your rental efforts successful.

From ImmoScout24:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Real Estate Investor Podcast

“Der Immobilieninvestor” – The Real Estate Investor is a podcast that specializes in sustainable real estate investing. Here you will learn how to find high-yield properties, which investment strategies are successful and how to make your real estate portfolio sustainable. The podcast offers valuable insights into the world of sustainable real estate investing.

By Alex Fischer:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Old But Concrete Gold

“Old But Betongold” – Fabian Fröhlich, who describes himself as a likeable “doer”, gives easy-to-use tips on real estate, investments and entrepreneurship in his podcast. With his hands-on mentality and easy-going manner, he appeals especially to the younger generation who want to start immediately to achieve financial prosperity through clever real estate strategies. Although the podcast hasn’t had any new episodes since 2021, the old episodes are definitely worth listening to and provide valuable knowledge for long-term success.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

L’Immo: real estate and housing industry

“L’Immo” – The real estate industry is undergoing a transformation. In our podcast, you will hear leading minds talking about challenges, political decisions, approaches to solutions and new developments. Dirk Labusch and Iris Jachertz, the editors-in-chief of “immobilienwirtschaft” and “DW Die Wohnungswirtschaft,” ask topical and personal questions. Stay informed about the real estate industry.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

The best real estate apps

Don’t miss the chance to benefit from these great real estate podcasts! Learn, invest and manage real estate with the “Cash & Flow” podcast, while the “Real Estate Wiki” podcast explains the most important terms in a way you can understand.

Listen to them for free on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and many others. Use your time effectively by expanding your real estate knowledge while commuting, on your lunch break or during a relaxing walk. Start now and build your real estate knowledge step by step!

Have fun learning!

Karl Who? the cult of Karl Lagerfeld’s living space

Anyone who hears “Karl” and immediately thinks of black sunglasses, a tight white braid and a stiff collar knows the fashion icon Lagerfeld – and understands why his Parisian apartment went under the hammer for a dizzying sum. Five years after his death, his home made for a brilliant finale: sold for a hefty ten million euros, and that’s no bargain price, it’s a statement!

The bidding battle! From 5.3 to 10 million US dollars!

How does an auction like this actually work?

It’s all happening at an auction! You start with an amount, which in the case of Lagerfeld’s luxury love was already 5.3 million euros. Then it’s time to put on your poker face and hope that the other bidders don’t realize how much you want the piece. After all, prices rise, hearts beat faster and when the last “Sold!” is heard, you know it’s more than just a purchase – it’s an event.

In the heart of Paris: live when millions flow

Two videos brought the live action straight from Paris to the world. Like at a fashion show, fashion victims and real estate moguls sat on the digital front row while the bids for the Lagerfeld loft shot through the roof. What a show! You could almost feel Karl somewhere watching the spectacle with an ironic smile.

Lagerfeld was already a magnet at Paris Fashion Week, and he still is today.

More than just four walls: Lagerfeld’s apartment as a style symbol

Sure, the apartment has style – like everything Karl touched. But it’s about more than that: it’s about the attitude to life that the designer embodied. Every corner, every view out of the window onto the Seine tells a story of fashion, of art, of Paris. Anyone who lives here is not just buying square meters, but a piece of fashion history.

Karl who?!

Karl Lagerfeld’s influence on the fashion world was enormous – he was not only the creative director of Chanel, but also a visionary designer who knew how to combine tradition and innovation. His apartment? A reflection of his character: elegant, extravagant and with a pinch of flamboyance. And who knows, perhaps the new chapter of this place will be just as exciting as the last. One thing is certain: the spirit of Karl continues to waft through the rooms, while somewhere out there, in a new home, a fan giggles in his legendary leather gloves.

Designer through and through.

One of the last interviews

One of the last interviews with Karl.

Checklist: Goals and criteria of the first condominium

When buying your first property, you should make a well-considered decision. You should set a goal for yourself, which criteria play the biggest role for you in a property and in no case buy for emotional reasons. Make your decision based on business facts and figures that compare well.

In the following post, we’ve broken down for you the points for setting goals when buying a property. Here are our eleven points summarized in short questions:

1. Self-interest or capital investment?
2. What is the maximum purchase price?
3. How low is the maximum gross rental yield?
4. Should I buy rented or unrented?
5. Which cities are eligible?
6. What is the perfect location?
7. Invest in existing or new buildings?
8. How old can a property be?
9. How big does a property need to be?
10. Ground lease?
11. Social binding or post-binding?

Step 1 – Self-interest or rather capital investment?

As already explained in our article on the subject of owner-occupation vs. capital investment, it is always better to use the first property as a capital investment. Because, with owner-occupancy, you always pay 100% of the running costs yourself. Capital investors, on the other hand, primarily let the tenant and the tax office pay.

• Here you will find everything on the topic of self-interest vs. capital investment

Here in brief what self-interest and capital investment mean:

• Self-interest: 100% responsible for costs
• Capital investment: Tenant and tax office pay

Step 2 – What should be the maximum purchase price?

This question depends on many factors. However, the most important criterion is probably the creditworthiness in terms of assets, as well as the monthly balance of assets and equity. These are all decisive factors for your bank when it comes to deciding on financing.

• Read more about maximum purchase price here.

Here is a brief overview of the most important factors:

• Credit rating
• Monthly balance sheet
• Equity

Step 3 – How low can the minimum gross rental yield be?

You want to make the biggest possible profit from your apartment. How high must the rental yield be at least so that the tenant ideally pays off the property and you yourself do not have to pay for repayment and interest?

• Read more about minimum gross rental yield here.

Here, in brief, is the formula for calculating the gross rental yield:

Formula: Annual rent / purchase price x 100 = gross rental return

This goal is also called efficient asset accumulation. Accordingly, the gross rental yield of an investment property should also be high.

Step 4 – Buy a property rented or unrented?

When buying an apartment for personal use, it is always advisable to buy unrented. The exception: notice of termination for personal use. For capital investors, however, an unrented property would be much more time-consuming, since you have to look for new tenants.

• Read all about buying rented or unrented here.

Buy unrented as an investment:

Here in brief the advantages and disadvantages!

Advantages:

• Renovation work: Immediately feasible and deductible
• Use of own lease
• Market rent

Disadvantages:

• Vacancy at the beginning: loss of rent
• Renovation expense

Buy rented as an investment:

Advantages:

• No time required for new leasing
• Payment behavior and behavior of existing tenants is known
• Low risk of vacancy

Disadvantages:

• Rental mostly below current market value
• Existing rental agreements must be taken over

Step 5 – Which cities are eligible?

A-, B- or C- location, where is the best place to buy my property? The central question here is whether I choose an investment property or a yield property.

• Read more about layer types here.

A, B or C position

Here is a brief overview of how which of the three layer types is defined:

• A-location (simply: metropolis)
• B-location (simple: large city / city with positive development)
• C-location (simple: small town / country in stagnation)

Where do I buy which property?

The different location types compare areas. Higher yields go hand in hand with lower appreciation. Therefore, depending on the location, one chooses between yield or investment property.

• Investment property: Only to be found in A-location
• Yield property: Good B- or also C- location

Macro, meso, micro location

After the comparison of the A-, B- or C- location, districts and the concrete neighborhood are compared.

• Read all about macro- meso- micro- location here.

Here is a brief overview:

• Macro location (A, B and C location, i.e. where in the country / which city?)
• Meso location (where in the city)
• Micro-location (exact location)

Step 6 – What is the perfect location?

Where exactly should I buy my first property? Owner-occupiers and capital investors, as well as yield properties or investors with the goal of value appreciation, accordingly, the decision of the perfect location is different. Here we go into the analysis again to help you find the best location for your goals!

• The perfect location

Step 7 – Invest in existing or new buildings?

When buying a home, in addition to the question of owner-occupancy or capital investment and return or investment property, one wonders whether to invest in existing or new construction. Both forms have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, you will learn what they are.

• Read all about existing or new construction here.

Advantages of new construction

• Current state of the art
• Low risk for maintenance and repairs
• Co-determination in interior design

Disadvantages of new construction

• Higher purchase price and incidental purchase costs
• Lower rental yield
• High value loss at the beginning
• Other costs for public development

Step 8 – How old can a property be?

You want to invest in an old building? Then you need to consider a few things before buying. Old properties have some advantages, but also disadvantages. We have compiled a brief overview of all the facts of the different construction years in comparison.

The age of a property is a decisive factor when it comes to buying a property. But what are the differences and defects depending on the age and year of construction of a property? Is it worth investing in an aging house or apartment?

• Year of manufacture and condition

Step 9 – How big does a property need to be?

How big should my first property be? Micro-apartment, 2, 3 or even more rooms? This question is answered here by comparing living space for owner-occupancy and investment. In general, the number of square meters and the room layout is particularly important.

• Read all about the maximum size of a property here.

Here is a brief summary of the criteria for owner-occupants:

• Well-being has priority
• Plan sufficient living space for the future, e.g. family planning
• Area not too oversized > Purchase price, ancillary costs
• Equipment can be improved later

Here is an overview of the three goals for capital investors:

1. High rental yield
2. Good rentability
3. Few vacancies

Step 10 – Is a ground lease necessary?

When dealing with the topic of ground leases for the first time, many questions arise. What is a ground lease and does it make sense? Also one wants to know whether one can deduct the costs of the ground lease, the ground rent from the tax? All your questions will be answered here.

• Read more about ground leases here.

Here is the ground lease summarized in brief:

• Ownership and usage rights permanently separated
• 2 parties: ground lease giver and ground lease taker
• Leasehold lender cedes a plot of land for development
• Leasehold owner receives ground rent for it

Step 11 – Social binding & post-binding?

Before looking for housing, you should know everything about the topic of social commitment in housing. Here you will learn all the pros and cons and what you can do everything from low-interest loans by public authorities for social housing, to obligations, to the grace period.

• Here you will find everything else about social binding and post-binding.

Social binding summarized in brief:

• Affordable housing through public funding
• Very good conditions for loans or grants
• Rent for persons with a certificate of eligibility for housing

The rebinding in a nutshell:

• Commitment to social housing until loan is repaid

Berlin real estate: an urban investment

Urban treasures: Berlin’s real estate market

The properties we are looking at are located in the vibrant metropolis of Berlin. The city is known for its dynamic culture, history and growing economy, making it an attractive market for investors. The increasing demand for residential and commercial space in Berlin has led to a significant increase in value and thus to interesting investment opportunities.

The Rolex Daytona: an icon of luxury watches

The symbol of exclusivity: the Rolex Daytona

The luxury watch we are analyzing is the Rolex Daytona, an icon among luxury watches. Known for its precision and iconic design, the Daytona is not only a coveted collector’s item, but also an investment that has gained considerable appreciation. Its popularity and value are closely linked to the quality and prestige of the Rolex brand.

Performance since 2012: a detailed comparison

The figures speak for themselves: both real estate in Berlin and the Rolex Daytona have experienced an impressive increase in value. But the figures also show that the Daytona has put in an outstanding performance, outperforming the solid gains from the real estate market.

Table of value appreciation: a direct comparison

The following comparison shows the percentage increase in value of both forms of investment since 2012. The table illustrates the increase in value and the potential of both investment options:

Sources: Watch prices / Real estate prices

Rolex wins!

Rolex = 260.77 %

Property = 189.29 %

Conclusion: The importance of diversification

These figures underline the importance of diversification in investment portfolios. Investors should always monitor market developments and can minimize risk and maximize returns by spreading their capital across different asset classes.

Outlook: The future of the plant in style

Investing in luxury watches and real estate remains attractive. These forms of investment are expected to continue to play an important role for style-conscious investors seeking a combination of financial return and aesthetic value.

Rolex & Luxury Watches

• Luxury watches
• Rolex

5 mistakes! What to look out for when investing?

Your goal is financial freedom? Anyone can build wealth with real estate. Investments allow you to build up money over the long term. By investing, you can make your real estate work for you and benefit from interest, dividends and price gains over time. However, investing in real estate without any knowledge is too risky. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Every real estate professional has already made mistakes that you can benefit from. Stick to this checklist, avoid the 5 mistakes and minimize your risk of failure. Let’s go!

Risk checklist: What you should avoid

Stick to these points and nothing will stand in the way of your successful investment:

1. Don’t invest in real estate with too low a return
2. Designing financing for the long term instead of the short term
3. Bring in enough equity
4. Financing compared
5. Calculate net return not just gross return

Find out now what the 5 biggest mistakes are that you can make when investing.

Is it worth investing in capital assets?

Does real estate make sense as an investment? Capital investments are currently becoming increasingly popular as protection against inflation. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money over time. Real estate increases in value over time and can therefore serve as inflation protection and wealth accumulation. For more and more people, capital investments are the path to financial freedom and a secure pension.

For whom is a property worthwhile as an investment? Purchasing condominiums as an investment has become a proven strategy for generating passive income. However, this approach is not equally suitable for everyone. To assess whether a property as an investment is worthwhile for you, you should consider your individual goals, financial resources and risk tolerance.

The right location: The first rule of real estate investment is: location makes all the difference! You need to be aware that not every area provides the same returns. A-locations, such as sought-after city center locations, often offer the highest rental and appreciation opportunities. B-locations, i.e. areas close to the city, can also be attractive. C-locations, the outskirts or less popular neighborhoods, are often less expensive, but also involve more risks. Choose the location wisely, as it has a significant influence on your return.

Return and positive cash flow

How to find real estate with good returns: Your investment should be worthwhile, right? To achieve a solid return, aim for at least 9%. This means that after deducting all costs (maintenance, taxes, insurance), you still achieve a positive return. A positive cash flow is crucial to generate profits beyond cost recovery. Remember that real estate investments are for the long term, so it’s worth waiting patiently for a good return.

The right financing for capital investments

Financing is a key aspect of your real estate investment. We recommend putting at least 20% equity into the property. This reduces the risk and increases the chances of a positive return. The loan should pay for itself through the rental income. This means that the monthly rental payments cover the loan installments and also generate a profit after some time.

These were the essential basics of what is important when investing in capital assets. Do you want to get started with real estate now?

The first capital investment: guide & tips

Read an article and take away the most important tips for investing in capital assets. Start your career in the real estate industry now with the investor’s guide. Learn how to do it:

• Real estate as an investment for beginners

5 mistakes! What to look out for when investing?

Successful investments are the key to financial stability and independence. But how do you achieve this goal? In this article, we present you with a useful step-by-step guide on how to invest successfuly. Whether you already have experience or are new to the world of investing, this checklist will help you achieve your financial goals. Get started with real estate now!

• Risk checklist
• Buying an apartment: 11-point checklist

Our readers were subsequently interested in these articles:

• Owner-occupation vs. real estate as an investment: advantages and disadvantages of owning your own home
• Real estate investment: Tax advantages? Nursing home? – Questions and answers
• Beach house: features, renting, buying or building and pros & cons of an investment
• Your own property in Mallorca: a secure investment
• Property tax for real estate: Annual costs of your first home
• Real estate crowdinvesting: Invest in real estate with little money!
• Leasehold: tips for investors – advantages and disadvantages
• Determine maximum purchase price

Investment book recommendations: Basics & C0.

Would you like to invest in a property as a capital investment? For the bookworms among you, here are some great book recommendations on specific real estate topics such as taxes.

• Real estate as an investment Book recommendations: Passive income, taxes & tips for beginners
• Real estate investment book recommendations: Basics, investment & tax tips
• Buy real estate book recommendation: mistakes, process, taxes and investment

Video tips: Real estate as a capital investment

Do you prefer to learn with helpful videos? Then these video tips are just right for you. Find out about the basics of real estate investment now!

• Real estate as an investment Video tips: Service charges, taxes & returns
• Buying real estate video tips: Mistakes, process, taxes and investment

Learning tips: Building wealth with real estate

No time to study? With these real estate podcasts and real estate apps, you can get all the important information you need to be successful in real estate on the side.

• Real estate podcast: The 9 best podcasts on Apple, Spotify & Co. – prices, management, investment
• Apps for real estate: knowledge, online tools, renting & buying

This is why you should start with Airbnb – The advantages

Who couldn’t enjoy some extra income? By renting out your property or rental apartment through Airbnb, you can generate a steady flow of cash. Whether you provide a room in your own home or a separate unit, Airbnb allows you to make the most of your property and generate income that can reduce your monthly expenses or even enable financial goals.

Generate an attractive side income with Airbnb and unused living space.

As an Airbnb host, you have full control over your availability. You decide when you want to rent out your property and you can offer it according to your own needs and schedules. Want to rent out your property only on weekends? No problem. Do you want to make it available during your own vacation time? This is also possible.

You stay as flexible as you want with Airbnb.

Are you worried about possible damages or inconveniences that could arise from renting out your property? Airbnb offers comprehensive host insurance that protects you from financial risks. Also, Airbnb’s customer support is available around the clock to help you with any questions or problems.

The advantages of Airbnb for hosts at a glance:

• Additional income
• Flexibility and control
• Intercultural exchange
• Airbnb Support + Insurance
• Worldwide network

Sounds attractive? Then there is only the question regarding the legal and tax aspects.

Is renting through Airbnb legal? What you need to know

You’ve already learned about the many benefits of hosting on Airbnb. But before you jump into this exciting adventure, it’s important to consider the legal and tax aspects. You may be wondering, “Is Airbnb even legal?” Let us give you all the information you need to be a safe and legal Airbnb host.

Are you allowed to rent out your apartment? Authorities and landlord permits

The legal situation regarding Airbnb can vary depending on the country, region and city. It is therefore of utmost importance that you familiarize yourself with the local regulations to avoid potential legal problems. Some points you should consider are:

• Zoning and permit regulations
• Rent laws
• Neighborhood agreements

If you live in a rented apartment, you must also obtain permission to sublet from your landlord. If you do not do this in advance, you may be threatened with termination of your apartment in the worst case.

Do you have to register a business as an Airbnb landlord?

In Germany, renting out Airbnb accommodation is generally considered a commercial activity. According to § 14 Gewerbeordnung (GewO), you must register a commercial activity in Germany with the local trade office. This means that as an Airbnb host, you are required to register a business in most cases.

If you rent permanently through Airbnb, you must register a business with the local trade office.

However, there are some exceptions to the business registration requirement. For example, if you only rent occasionally and temporarily, a business registration may not be required. However, it is important to note that the exact definition of “occasional and temporary” may vary from state to state.

Location, amenities, etc.: Is every apartment suitable for Airbnb?

Do you have a property or permission to sublet your rental property and now want to turn it into Airbnb accommodation? Before you take the plunge, it’s important to check if your property has the right conditions to build a successful Airbnb business.

Most importantly:

the situation.

The location of your property is one of the most important factors for success as an Airbnb host. Consider if your property is located in an attractive and easily accessible area. Are attractions, public transportation, restaurants, or shopping nearby? A central location in cities is especially desirable to guests and potentially attracts more guests.

In addition, the following aspects are still relevant to the question of whether your property or apartment is suitable for the Airbnb business:

• Equipment
• Space available
• Cleanliness
• Availability

The equipment should be both attractive and useful. It should have the necessary amenities to provide your guests with a pleasant stay. These include a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, working heating or air conditioning, and a reliable internet connection.

These are the mistakes you should avoid when starting out as a host

Now you’ve learned a lot about getting started on Airbnb – but are there risks associated with renting on Airbnb? Getting started in the Airbnb business offers a variety of opportunities, but it’s also important to understand the risks involved and common mistakes. By being aware of these aspects and being prepared, you can maximize your chances of success.

Here are the most common risks and mistakes when getting started in the Airbnb business:

• As a host you bear a certain liability risk
• Handling and scope of guest communication
• Over- and underestimation of prices
• Lack of flexibility and adaptability

As a host, you bear a certain liability risk. It is important to take out a suitable insurance policy that protects you and your guests from possible damage or accidents. Inform yourself about the insurance conditions and make sure that you are sufficiently covered.

Setting the right prices for your accommodation can also be a challenge. A common mistake is to price either too high or too low. Overpricing can scare off potential guests, while underpricing can hurt your profitability.

Airbnb Guide: How to start your Airbnb business

Convinced by Airbnb? Then the question is how to become a host. Here are the steps you need to take to get started as a successful Airbnb host:

1. Research and planning
2. Registration and profile
3. Design of the advertisement
4. Setting the prices
5. House rules
6. Booking Management

Now you can learn exactly which tasks are hidden behind these steps.

Set goals and plan concept

You have already started this step when you opened this guide. Start by researching the Airbnb platform to see if it’s a good fit for you and your goals. Read reviews from other hosts and guests to get insight into their experiences. Think about the type of accommodation you want to offer (e.g. a whole house, an apartment or a single room) and the target audience you want to attract.

Checklist for research and planning:

1. Understanding the platform – does it fit your ideas?
2. Read reviews from other hosts.
3. Considerations for your accommodation – What? Where? When?

Once you have clarified these points, it’s time to move on to the next step: creating a profile on the platform.

How to create a profile on Airbnb

Registering on the platform is relatively simple. Go to the Airbnb website or download the mobile app and create a host account. Fill out the registration form and provide all the required information, including your contact details. You should create a meaningful profile that represents your home and personality.

How to register with Airbnb:

1. Open the web page.
2. Open the registration form and fill it out.
3. Verify your email address and account.
4. Store profile information.

Create the advertisement of your accommodation

You should take enough time for this step, because this is how you want to earn your money. Take your time to create an appealing and meaningful advertisement. Describe your accommodation in detail, provide high-quality photos and emphasize the unique features and amenities your accommodation offers. Be honest and transparent to meet the expectations of your future guests. The listing is the basis for marketing your accommodation and attracting potential guests.

Let’s summarize the most important things about the advertisement:

• Appealing images
• Attractive price
• Meaningful title
• Detailed description

Let’s now take a closer look at the attractive price.

How to set the right price

Besides pictures, price is one of the most important criteria for most Airbnb users when choosing a vacation rental. Think about how you want to price your accommodation. Consider factors such as location, size of the accommodation, amenities, and demand in your area. Also, use Airbnb’s price suggestion feature to set competitive prices.

You should take this into consideration when setting the price of your accommodation:

1. Competitive prices and regional/seasonal demand
2. Location, facilities and surroundings of the accommodation

Set rules for your guests

As an Airbnb host, you have the ability to set your own rules and expectations for your guests. House rules are important to ensure a pleasant and smooth stay for both you as a host and your guests. In principle, you are free to choose your own rules, but you should keep the following tips in mind:

• Be clear and precise
• Be realistic and fair
• Communicate the rules in advance

Think about what rules are important to you personally and what you expect from your guests. Think about aspects such as smoking, pets, noise levels, use of common areas and compliance with local laws. Also consider the specifics of your accommodation or environment that may require specific rules.

Airbnb Interview: Getting started, costs and advantages – Expert tips

Now that you’ve learned the basic steps to successfuly get started as an Airbnb host, you may want to get more insights and expert tips. That’s why we’ve conducted an interview with an experienced Airbnb expert who will share his knowledge and experience with us.

Click here for the interview:

• Airbnb Interview

Interview: This is what it’s all about

As an entrepreneur, it is important to think from the outset about how one’s own assets and business can be secured and maintained in the long term. A family foundation can be an interesting option here, as it not only offers asset protection and inheritance planning, but can also have potential tax advantages. By establishing a family foundation, for example, entrepreneurs can reduce their tax burden and thus achieve tax savings.

We talk in the interview about:

1. What is a family foundation, why and when do you “need” it
2. What are the 3 central advantages of a foundation
3. What about taxes? Corporation, donation, inheritance & Co.

We conduct the interview with Immobilien-Erfahrung.de (in conversation “IE”).

What is a family foundation?

FIV: Let’s start with an overview:

IE: To ensure that family assets are preserved in the long term, it is important to protect them from various risks such as inheritance disputes, creditors and the tax office. One possible option here is to set up a family foundation, which can provide the founder and his family with economic security over generations and protect the assets from being broken up. This is a legally independent foundation that manages real estate, company shares and other assets.

So in a nutshell:

• Protection of family assets over generations
• Avoidance of inheritance disputes and break-up of assets
• Possibility to manage assets such as real estate and company shares in the foundation
• Tax advantages due to the taxation of the foundation with corporate income tax
• Possibility to avoid the right to a compulsory portion of family members

Well-known family foundations in Germany

FIV: Strong, because we have many articles on the subject of first capital investment buy & Co. So that it does not become too abstract for our readers, what are the most well-known family foundations in Germany? Who do you know? Can you tell us 3 examples?

IE: Yes, of course, there is the Bertelsmann Foundation, for example, founded by Reinhard Mohn, is one of the largest foundations in Germany and is involved in the areas of education, society and culture.

There is also the Robert Bosch Stiftung, founded by Robert Bosch, promotes projects in the fields of health, science and technology, and international relations. Another flagship would be the Krupp Foundation, founded by the Krupp family, is involved in the areas of culture, education and science as well as in the promotion of social projects.

Then there is:

• Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd Stiftung Stiftungs GmbH
• Otto Group Foundation
• BMW Foundation of Herbert Quandt
• And many more!

When does a family foundation make sense?

IE: Roughly speaking, very roughly speaking:

It only really makes sense to set up a family foundation with a capitalization of around 1 million euros.

Protection of family assets and businesses

FIV: Now let’s get to the core of the interview, the why and wherefore! What does protecting assets mean, from whom and why should I protect my assets – once I am a millionaire?

IE: Even though the family foundation is not tax-exempt, several factors can make it worthwhile to establish:

Raising a family is often a long and arduous process of hard work and hardship. It is therefore understandable that entrepreneurs are concerned that their legacy will not be carried on in their spirit after their passing.

One way to alleviate these concerns is to establish a family foundation.

Divorce, inheritance, family dispute – examples

Establishing a family foundation ensures that the entrepreneur’s assets remain in the family and are not fragmented by divorce or inheritance.

A foundation can also help avoid the breakup of the company, as foundations do not issue shares that can be bought out. This provides effective asset protection, as the foundation retains control over the assets and manages them in accordance with the wishes of the entrepreneur and his family.

In addition, family foundations can also help preserve family peace by providing a clear structure for the management and distribution of assets.

However, the foundation can also play an important role in supporting charities and non-profit projects, which can be of great importance for entrepreneurs who want to engage in social responsibility, of course also in the point of self-PR.

Inheritance: taxes and protection

FIV: According to the Hans Böckler Foundation, the annual inheritance volume in Germany, including gifts, will amount to up to 400 billion euros in the period up to 2027 – per year. Inheritance is an important topic. Therefore the question, what can a family foundation do in terms of inheritance?

To illustrate this, here are the figures for the number of taxable inheritances and gifts in Germany from 2008 to 2021.

400 billion per year

180,000 inheritances per year

You can find more statistics at Statista

IE: By establishing a family foundation, family members can be provided with binding security during the founder’s lifetime. The clear structure of the foundation can help to defuse potential inheritance disputes in advance. This can be of great advantage, especially in the case of large estates or complex family structures.

Inheritance and mandatory shares

Another advantage of setting up a family foundation is that the founder can avoid the claim of children or parents to his inheritance (so-called claim to a compulsory portion) if he transfers the assets to the foundation ten years before his death. This can be particularly important if the founder intends to concentrate his assets on certain family members or if he wishes to support a charity, for example.

In addition, the establishment of a family foundation can also help to protect the assets from creditors. As long as the assets remain within the foundation, they cannot be seized by the founder’s creditors. This can be important for entrepreneurs who have a high personal liability risk or who operate in a particularly high-risk business field.

Tax advantages: Only 15% tax

FIV: Now to question that everyone is most interested in, what is it about “saving taxes” when you set up a family foundation?

IE: In Germany, the establishment of a family foundation can bring tax advantages. The foundation is subject to corporate income tax, which can lead to a lower tax burden compared to other types of companies such as a GmbH, which have to pay trade tax. In addition, donations to the foundation may be tax-deductible under certain conditions.

FIV: Can you explain that in more detail?

IE: Simply put:

You can legally lower your tax burden to 15% with a family trust.

FIV: With a family foundation you can legally reduce your tax burden in Germany to 15%, ok. How does that work and what does a “normal” GmbH pay?

IE: The establishment of a family foundation can indeed help to reduce the tax burden in Germany to 15%.

This is the corporate income tax levied on the income of the foundation.

In contrast, a “normal” GmbH must pay trade tax, which can vary depending on the municipality. In addition, there is corporate income tax, which is levied on the income of the GmbH and is usually higher than for a family foundation.

However, the 15% corporate income tax for family foundations only applies up to a certain exemption amount and depends on various factors such as the size of the assets and the structure of the foundation. But it pays off, especially over the years.

But we don’t want to go into too much detail!

Inheritance tax and gift tax

FIV: As far as I know, you also have advantages in terms of inheritance tax and gift tax, especially through the allowances, which are taxed more favorably and can thus be paid in year after year. Can you tell us something more about this?

IE: Unlike charitable foundations, the family foundation does not enjoy any automatic tax benefits – that’s just in advance. Nevertheless, it can offer great potential for tax optimization compared to other corporate forms.

Transfer of assets to the foundation

When assets are transferred to the foundation – in particular when they are established – gift or inheritance taxes are incurred. In the case of a “normal” private foundation, the unfavorable inheritance tax class 3 is generally applied. In the case of a family foundation, on the other hand, the relationship between the founder and the entitled family members (beneficiaries) is decisive. If only the spouse and the descendants (children, grandchildren) are beneficiaries, the favorable tax class 1 applies.

Here’s a tip on the side, we also have a handy gift tax calculator. Here you can calculate what typically has to be taxed.

However, in the case of family foundations, a fictitious inheritance is assumed every 30 years, on which inheritance taxes are incurred. Here, an allowance of 800,000 euros applies, the so-called double child allowance. Otherwise, the general regulations for inheritance and gift taxes apply. However, if there are favored business assets, the corresponding exemption discount can lead to significant tax savings.

If you would like to learn more about this, please visit our blog. I can recommend, among others, the articles Asset Protection and Vermögensschutz durch Familienstiftungen by our foundation expert.

FIV: Thank you for the insight into family foundations!

Summary: 10 Learnings on the Family Foundation

Let’s briefly summarize the most important facts for you.

	Learning foundation
1	A family foundation provides asset protection and estate planning for family assets and businesses.
2	A family foundation can protect assets from divorce, inheritance and break-up, thus avoiding inheritance disputes.
3	A family foundation provides a clear structure for managing and distributing assets and can preserve family peace.
4	By establishing a family foundation, family members can be provided with binding security during the founder’s lifetime.
5	A family foundation can circumvent the claim of children or parents to the inheritance (claim to a compulsory portion).
6	A family foundation can protect assets from creditors.
7	A family foundation can be used as an instrument of social responsibility.
8	A family foundation is subject to corporate income tax and can thus reduce the tax burden to 15%.
9	A family foundation offers great potential for tax optimization compared to other corporate forms.
10	In the case of a family foundation, the relationship between the founder and the beneficiary family members is decisive for the tax classes for gift or inheritance taxes.

Metaverse and real estate

In the interview Real Estate & AI with Lukinski, we talked about the future with AI. We had a few follow-up questions about the exciting topics and what we can expect in 4, 5 years. Among others, it was about:

Metaverse: What’s next?

FIV: Thank you for taking a moment again! How will this affect metaverse visualization, construction and co.

Lukinski: The metaverse is a term that refers to a virtual world where people can interact and communicate with each other in real time. Metaverse technology is expected to have a significant impact on visualization, construction and other aspects of the real estate industry.

One of the main benefits of Metaverse is that it can facilitate collaboration and communication between project stakeholders. For example, architects, builders and engineers can hold virtual meetings to review designs and discuss changes without having to be physically present. This can speed up the design process and improve collaboration.

In addition, the Metaverse can enable immersive 3D visualization of buildings, guiding viewers through the building without having to be physically present. This can help builders and investors get a better picture of a building and its surroundings before it is built.

The metaverse can also help make real estate construction faster and more efficient by allowing virtual buildings to be designed, constructed and tested before they are physically built. This can help minimize errors and optimize the construction process.

Overall, the Metaverse can help transform the real estate industry by providing new ways to collaborate, visualize and plan buildings. However, it will take time for the technology to mature and become widespread to have a significant impact.

Buy real estate in the metaverse

FIV: Can you already buy real estate in the metaverse?

Yes, it is already possible to buy real estate in the metaverse. Virtual worlds like Second Life, Decentraland and Somnium Space already offer the possibility to buy and own virtual land and buildings.

In these virtual worlds, users can buy their own virtual property, build on it and erect their own buildings on it. The virtual buildings can also be rented or sold, similar to real life.

There are also already startups specifically focused on trading virtual real estate in the metaverse. These companies offer platforms where users can buy and sell virtual land and buildings.

It is expected that virtual real estate trading in the metaverse will continue to grow in the future as technology and virtual worlds continue to improve and attract more users.

Metaverse real estate examples!

here are some examples of virtual real estate in the metaverse:

1. Decentraland
2. Somnium Space
3. The Sandbox
4. CryptoVoxels

Decentraland

In Decentraland, users can buy and own virtual properties on which they can create their own buildings and applications. There are already several companies that own and use virtual properties in Decentraland, such as Atari, which operates its own virtual casinos.

Somnium Space

Somnium Space is a virtual world where users can buy and own land and buildings. The platform also offers the possibility to rent or sell the virtual properties.

The Sandbox

The Sandbox is a virtual world where users can own and build on their own virtual land. The platform uses blockchain technology to manage the ownership of the virtual land and buildings and enable trading with them.

CryptoVoxels

In CryptoVoxels, users can buy and own virtual plots of land on which they can create their own buildings and artworks. The platform uses the Ethereum blockchain to manage the ownership of the virtual plots.

These virtual worlds and platforms are just a few examples of virtual real estate trading in the Metaverse. It is to be expected that further platforms and virtual worlds will emerge in the future that enable trading in virtual real estate.

Fancy more future?

Real Estate & AI (Artificial Intelligence) – The Interview

Today and the future – How is a villa created and how would it be created if artificial intelligence were in play. This interview with Stephan Czaja of Lukinski provides an overview of the steps involved in planning and visualizing villas and their timeline. Architects usually create 3D visualizations to give their clients a better idea of their design.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the process of 3D visualization in the future through automation, personalization, simulations, increased efficiency and real-time updates. Other possible developments include automation of planning, control of construction machinery by AI, creation of 4D visualizations, and personalized advice through AI-based tools. A look into today and the future with AI!

• Real estate & AI (artificial intelligence) – the interview