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วันจันทร์ที่ 29 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Seattle Washington Real Estate Has Its Bright Spots

Seattle Washington Real Estate Has Its Bright Spots

Overall, the country's housing values have dropped 9.7% from July to September of this year. Yes, it's no secret that the housing and economic markets are hurting just about everywhere. Although, there's positive news for Seattle Washington real estate owners: Seattle is among 27 markets with high housing value gains since 2003. The Seattle Times reports that the Bellevue-Everett-Seattle real estate area saw a 54.9% appreciation over the past five years.

In a national survey, 52% of real estate agents said they expected the market to bottom out in 2009. Another 16.5% expected the bottom to fall out in 2010 and 7% thought it has already leveled off in their areas. "If we had to pick three states in the country that are large states and where property prices really haven't declined very much and employment has held up, the three states that would fit that criteria would be Texas, North Carolina and Washington State," explained survey designer Thomas Popik at Campbell Communications.

There are other grounds for optimism these days, the Institute for Real Estate Management confirmed this month. Mortgage interest rates, gas prices and construction costs are all finally dropping in the Seattle Washington real estate region. For buyers, the location is desirable: Seattle real estate is hip, accessible and thriving. "Everyone wants to be in Seattle right now," Matthew Gardner, Seattle land-use economist, said. For renters, the vacancy rate remains a low 5% and the newly appropriated taxes will bolster the city's light-rail transit, reviving the suburbs. Boeing, Costco and Microsoft - the area's largest employers - are all remaining stable and retail has only downturned 2% since last year, which is what the national retail sales have dropped each month.

While appreciation is remaining stable and slightly increasing, prices on Seattle real estate are still dropping. For instance, the average price for King County home listings dropped 9% to $395,000 in November. Builder desperation has led to some tremendous deals on Seattle Washington real estate, however. At a recent Real Estate Disposition auction, a brand new four-bedroom house in Everett sold for $295,000, a 1,865-square-foot house in a new Mill Creek development sold for less than $300,000 (down from $365,995) and sixty-two other homes sold for similar deals at an average sales price of $248,387. Typically, anything in these ritzy neighborhoods under $300,000 was considered "junk," but given the buyer's market, great deals can be discovered.

Prospective home owners in the Seattle Washington real estate region can expect a very competitive pool of agents, who are ready to educate, accommodate and facilitate. "The real estate agent of ten years ago is not the real estate agent of today," explains Patrick O'Rourke, VP for Coldwell Banker. "We've become more of a resource for our sellers, rather than you just hire us to sell. The agents today know they have to come to the table prepared and if they don't, it's a challenge."

Ottawa homes for sale

Ottawa homes for sale

Flipping Ottawa Homes for Sale

If you want to maximize your profits off of an Ottawa real estate property, then the way to do it is to flip properties by finding a great Ottawa home for sale. Flipping Ottawa properties is a term that is commonly used in Ottawa real estate. It is where someone will take over an Ottawa property with the intention of making changes so that they can sell it for more money than they paid. The Ottawa real estate market has some great house flipping opportunities as several Ottawa neighborhoods offer great deals for Ottawa real estate buyers.

Usually, you will begin flipping an Ottawa property by finding an Ottawa home for sale that is under priced for the current real estate market. Hiring a professional realtor and letting them know exactly what you are trying to accomplish can be a big help. They will usually point you to 'fixer uppers' and generally there is a steady supply of Ottawa fixer uppers on the market. Any type of Ottawa home for sale that went through foreclosure or auction or that has become rundown, can be purchased for a decent price and when fixed should generate a tidy profit if you manage your expenses properly. Flipping Ottawa properties is done all the time by insiders such as Ottawa realtors, Ottawa real estate lawyers, Ottawa bankers and the like, but it's still possible for just about anyone to take part in the business of flipping Ottawa properties.

Once you have located Ottawa homes for sale that need some fixing simply choose the best candidate and then purchase it like you would any other home. You will have to go through the purchase and the mortgage process. When you do this, you will want to make sure that you consult with an Ottawa Real Estate attorney to protect your interests. Since you will be paying a mortgage on the home, time is of the essence. It would therefore be wise to be well organized before purchasing a home to flip. You should already have sources for materials, performing any work needed, a good Ottawa realtor, a good Ottawa Real Estate lawyer and so on.

วันเสาร์ที่ 27 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Chandler Real Estate Market Showing Signs of Possible Recovery From Industry Malaise

Chandler Real Estate Market Showing Signs of Possible Recovery From Industry Malaise

The City of Chandler in Arizona has fared better than most other Phoenix area housing markets and could be showing signs of recovery from the market malaise that has plagued the Phoenix area for over three years.

Like the rest of the Phoenix housing market, Chandler has seen its share of challenges with the downturn in the market in Arizona. Most recently, the City of Chandler instituted a hiring freeze across city government and laid out the possibility for future layoffs.

But Chandler real estate is a bright spot in the Phoenix housing market and looks like it is weathering the downturn better than other local housing sub-markets. Indeed, there are indicators that suggest that Chandler may have seen the bottom of the market and that 2009 could be a stronger year for Chandler in terms of residential real estate.

Taking a look at current market statistics provides evidence of possible developing trends in the Chandler real estate market.

Inventory Showing Improvement

Available inventory hit a low of 1,765 homes in October, the lowest point since April 2006. In addition, the number of months of inventory has consistently trended lower than 2007 supply levels. In fact, Chandler's inventory supply dropped to a low of 5.6 months supply in July before moving upward again. The onset of the slower holiday season does impact these figures. Nonetheless, both of these figures show a market for the latter half of 2008 that has seemingly broken away from 2007 trends.

Buyer Activity is Stronger

In terms of "Pending" or homes under contract for purchase, Chandler has experienced stronger overall results since mid-2008. In October, Chandler had 291 homes under contract for purchase vs. 233 the same period a year ago, a 25% year over year improvement. Indeed, since mid-year, Chandler's pending properties closely parallel activity seen in 2006 and consistently outperform 2007. Based on this, the Chandler real estate market looks to be positioning for a stronger 2009 if buyer activity follows traditional seasonal patterns.

Foreclosures are Having an Impact

In terms of the percentage of foreclosed homes and their impact on the Chandler housing market, foreclosures are driving a significant part of the Chandler real estate market. Foreclosures (Real Estate Owned or "REO" properties) have grown in 2008 from approximately 7.7% of sales in January to approximately 25% of sales in October. Though this curve is distressing given the implications of so many foreclosures, a newer, more positive trend may be developing.

When looking at available homes, cursory data suggests that the number of foreclosures coming added into the market in Chandler may have peaked in October. Though still early, if this trend develops, a steady decline in new foreclosures could mean that Chandler is working through its tough market climate and on the path to recovery.

Sales Steady in 2008

Final closed sales give the most accurate historical picture of the strength of a real estate market. In this case, Chandler held steady. Estimates show that Chandler home sales figures for 2008 are roughly equivalent to 2007 figures.

Chandler Better Positioned for 2009

Overall, Chandler real estate appears to be better positioned moving into 2009. A healthy buyer demand curve in the early months of the year could point to a stronger 2009 and signal that the bottom has passed. National economic issues could impact developments in the Phoenix real estate market and specifically Chandler but to what extent is difficult to know. Foreclosures are expected to continue for some time.

It is likely that the real estate market will lead the nation out of its current recession. If this is the case, then Chandler may be one real estate market showing signs of doing just that. As such, Chandler is clearly a place to watch in the Phoenix real estate market for the immediate future.

Why a Real Estate Agent Career is a Good Life Choice

Why a Real Estate Agent Career is a Good Life Choice

A real estate career is not only a great career move, but a great life choice. You have the potential to earn great amounts of money through real estate, above and beyond your salary, through commission. You also have the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives when you find them the home they have dreamed of. It is certainly a fantastic feeling making your clients happy whilst getting paid well for it.

Another nice aspect of a job as a realtor is that you can practically set your own hours. You will have clients and will need to work around their schedules, but for the most part you can decide when you want to work. And you get to decide how much you want to work. Of course, the more showings you are willing to go on and the more work you put into marketing yourself, the more you will make. But if you just want to work as a realtor part time, you may be more able to do so then with many other careers.

Most real estate agents work for an agency amongst other agents. Many agencies have targets you must strive to meet, whilst others are more relaxed. It will generally depend on what sort of market you are working in and how high pressure it is there. Every real estate market is different so choosing where to work once you are qualified is an important decision. Do you enjoy the high pressure and fast pace of an inner city real estate agency or would you prefer the slow paced country towns? These are decisions you will need to make when you are ready to seek employment as a real estate agent.

Before you can act as a real estate agent you must become licensed. A university degree is not required for this profession. You can attend college to obtain your real estate agent licence. You must pass the course and all exams to get your license. These courses often take less than two years and can be studied part time. Unlike many career choices, you will not go into work with a huge debt.

Another option for a real estate agent career is to undertake an apprenticeship. Although real estate apprenticeships are not as common as other apprenticeships they do exist in many areas. It is worth asking your local real estate agent if they would consider taking you on as an apprentice. They may appreciate the extra help and you can earn money while you study but more importantly, gain that vital industry experience.

A real estate agent must have excellent communication skills and sales ability. You will be selling people the most expensive item they will ever buy, so making them feel at ease and confident is part of your job. You must also be honest and seek to do the very best by your clients. Honest real estate agents gain an excellent reputation and generally end up earning the most as word of mouth leads them to gain more listings than other agents.

Houston Apartment Incentives

Houston Apartment Incentives

Over the last couple of years Houston has seen an increase in apartment rates for several reasons. Many new class "A" apartment communities had been developed all over the greater Houston, Texas area; including the luxurious inner loop area. The Houston inner loop houses some of the most expensive real estate including the coveted River Oaks area and Downtown Houston sections. As the new apartments commanded higher rental rates, these new communities also began to pull up rates of "B" and "C" properties.

New apartment communities including The Amalfi at Herman Park in the Houston Medical Center command rates above the thousand dollar mark for a one bedroom apartment home. To renters who pay $800 or $900 for a class "A" property; this is too large of a rent increase to upgrade. Many students and young professionals do not have the budget to pay for a property of this stature. Older communities that have been around for 10 years or so continued to fill up and witness their vacancies dry up; therefore these properties had no choice but to raise their rates too. So in essence as the apartment market increased in size properties were able to raise rates as vacancy rates did not swell up. However class "C" properties did not participate in the run up. Some properties like 2111 Holly Hall chose to remodel their interiors to fetch higher rates instead.

As of late we have witnessed properties in the area offering more incentives including gift cards and free deposits to apartment renters. Although this mainly holds only for the brand new communities; this may branch out to other communities like The Plaza Museum District. If Houston sees a decline in its growth if will affect the entire apartment market which may be over-built. New apartment construction in Houston was fueled by movement of the increasing movement of the population of the United States into the sunbelt states and the ease of getting construction loans.

If the recession hits Houston hard; we may continue to see more free rent and other incentives start to bleed into older apartment communities like the The Macgregor too.

Business real estate grant

Business real estate grant

If you need help to pay for courses and qualification as a real estate agent you should consider applying for a business education real estate grant. You may not realise just how dear getting certified is. Testing can vary extensively in cost and is dependent on which type of license you choose to apply for. That's where business education real estate grants come in to help pay your education bills.

You should also consider that most people who want to begin a real estate career are converting from other areas of employment, and want to keep their jobs while making the switch. Paying the extra costs of learning in this region of work can be eased with a grant. If you are smart you will realize that this is an investment in your future and you'll have to lose money before you make money. Before you sell your first property, bills and additional expenses that will surely come up so you want to look ahead to have enough to cover those. While you build your clientele and business, business education real estate grants can help take the stress off, financially.

There are a great many places where you can apply for this money, for example: You can find information about grants on real estate companies, business schools and online programs web sites. You can approach the financial aid office of the school you will be attending. If you don't ask for all scholarships and grants that you can apply for, you are diminishing your chances of receiving financial assistance. The attractive thing about business education real estate grants is that they do not have to be repaid. This can cover all your educational needs such as major living expenses, room and board.

If you so decide to open your own real estate office, you will need money for rent and start up equipment, and that's where business education real estate grants can helpfully come in. Starting a new business can be more costly than originally imagined. Starting your own agency is possible once you have been licensed. You will be able to focus on selling real estate and building a successful business that will continue to grow by having enough money to tide you through the start up phase.

The Housing Bubble Explained and The Future Of Real Estate

The Housing Bubble Explained and The Future Of Real Estate

Regarding the housing market and bubble that we've experienced, there is fault on all sides. Mortgages were handed out to those who probably shouldn't have gotten them, home buyers were taking out frivolous loans that they couldn't afford, and home sellers were asking outrageous amounts for their properties because they could. Loans were obtained with zero down which meant the home owner had nothing invested in the property. Easy come, easy go. Nothing lost. Foreclosure city.

During this housing bubble, properties were appraised high allowing room for renovation and consolidation. Home owners were refinancing at ridiculous terms and temporary rates in order to soup up their dreams, pay off debt or buy unnecessary toys. When these homes started dropping in value due to foreclosures and lack of loan programs available, home owners were stuck in their properties. If you can't sell, you can't relocate. You can't get rid of the property if you divorce or if there's a death in the family. With negative equity, you can't refinance the home to a fixed rate and get yourself out of that nasty adjustable rate mortgage which caused many to have very high mortgage payments. More and more properties foreclose, and housing prices drop even lower. A vicious cycle. Greed was the main villain behind all of this. Greed on all sides.

So what did we learn from this?

* Not to live above your means or try to. * Pay attention to what you're buying and how much it will really cost you. * If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. * Saving for a rainy day is back! * Just because there's a product offered, doesn't mean it has to be obtained. * Buying to impress others or constantly obtaining things you don't need is not cool anymore. * Those who save and build a strong financial future are now the cool ones. * Mortgage requirements have changed now and this is a good thing. * In order to buy a home, you need a down payment of at least three percent. * Loans aren't given to those with shattered credit any longer. * Vacations to Hawaii should only be taken if you can afford it. * Being able to afford it doesn't mean maxing out your credit cards. * Everyone has to be more accountable and responsible for their actions. Everyone.

So what is the future of real estate?

We're not 100% positive. I don't think anyone is. Right now, steps are being taken to tighten lending requirements, which can only be a good thing. The turn around and stabilization looks to be on its way. With the amount of foreclosures right now and properties being priced astronomically well, it is a great time to buy. If you're in a position to purchase a home and you have what you need in order, (at least 3% down and decent credit) it's the time to invest or purchase your own home. Rental property is seeing an increase of demand and interest rates at the moment are incredible. Five percent or below is something we haven't seen combined with the price of real estate currently.

Many part time real estate agents and loan officers are calling it quits. This is a beautiful thing. This leaves more room and space for experienced agents and mortgage experts to get back to what they do best. Agents that succeed before, during and after this housing bubble are agents who operate ethically and who pride themselves in being advocates for their clients and home buyers. So not only are we weeding out unqualified buyers but we're also in the process of weeding out unqualified or less seasoned professionals in the industry. Combining the two screams improvement.

Like with any large purchase or life altering change, it has to be thought out, and you have to make sure it's right for you and your finances. If more take this into consideration, the housing market should start to improve as many on the fence home buyers start to take advantage of the incredible deals and many of these homes come off the market.

3 Steps To Finding The Perfect Piece Of Real Estat

3 Steps To Finding The Perfect Piece Of Real Estat

Are you looking to purchase a piece of real estate? Whether you are purchasing residential, commercial, or investment properties, you can use the 3 steps outlined in this article to ensure that you get the property you need.

Step One: Carefully Define What You Need

If you don't know what you want, you won't get it, as the saying goes. Sit down with a piece of paper and think carefully about what you plan to do with the real estate you purchase. Make a list of what you need and a list of what you want. Decide carefully what features are essential, which are important, and which are optional.

Step Two: Enlist Qualified Help

Once you know exactly what you need and want, it's time to get a qualified professional to help you locate and purchase the real estate. When choosing a real estate agent, consult your list - does the real estate agent have experience with the types of property that you need? Do they have access to the listings you need? Of course, you'll also want to ensure that they are professional, qualified, honest, dependable, etc.

Step Three: Do Your Homework

Once you have found a piece of real estate that may meet your needs, do your homework carefully. Check over your list to see how well the property meets your needs. Research any and all possible variables, such as the neighborhood, zoning, etc. Once you have completely researched the property, then you can consider buying it

BUYING REAL ESTATE HAWAII

BUYING REAL ESTATE HAWAII

If you want to enjoy the luxurious sand and the exotic beach there is no other way to do this but to buy real estate at Hawaii. Buying real estate at Hawaii is going to be a pleasurable yet realistic experience for those who which to enjoy the spectacular Hawaii. Nevertheless to achieve this a lot of research to be done, as you have to know where exactly which part of Hawaii should you get to tickle your buds to enjoy Hawaii.

There are few areas in Hawaii which you would want to look at the popular ones would be Maui, Oahu and the Big Island! If you choose these areas you will have a lot of luxury by your side.

Its probably an American Dream to buy a real estate in Hawaii, so that you can enjoy the beach have a holiday that you have always wanted but without the need to pay for rental or to book a hotel.

If you have your very own real estate, you can enjoy the peace and beautiful beach of Hawaii any time of the year, all you need to do is to drive your car there to enjoy the peaceful beach and to take time off from your busy schedule.

There is never really a right time to buy a house, but if you have set your mind to it then by all means you should and Hawaii would be a wise place to get or maybe a second home option, the reasoning is simple, you need to rewind go to Hawaii, the people are great, their night life is awesome and you get to enjoy the peace and comfort that you will never get in the busy city and your busy schedule working life.

There are thousands of properties that you can choose from in Hawaii, to suit what you want, to suit your family, to suit that special person in your life. Land is considered an asset to any man and perhaps it will be the best property he can have. Because this is an important element you will have to choose wisely and Hawaii is actually a very good place to start looking to get a house because the whole place is just beyond your imagination and considered beyond peoples imagination, and it will be a great vacation home where you can go to unwind with the ones that you love.

Hawaii is the best place on earth to get a real estate, as it's a luxury place to live. All the communities in Hawaii have small-gated communities so you can ensure that you have safety.

Hawaii is also a really good time to relax and it's a great retirement option for many as it's a good place to relax and rest your mind and a place to take it slow and easy and just to rest your mind so that you can rest after all your hard work for the past years.

The crime statistic in Hawaii is also fairly low which is actually good for those people who want to get a real estate property in Hawaii, as you do not have to worry. Hawaii is a very safe place and the people are generally helpful and friendly so that if you are in any kind of trouble or danger there will always be someone there to help or to assist you. The schools in Hawaii are also generally good, so for those of you whom are thinking to get a real estate in Hawaii but fear of the education system, worry no more as Hawaii education is fairly good and there are many people whom has achieved success by studying in Hawaii.

Need Help With An Arizona Short Sale Or Phoenix Short Sale?

Need Help With An Arizona Short Sale Or Phoenix Short Sale?

Do you owe more than what your home is worth? Are you behind on payments and feel that you can't afford your home anymore? Do you think that you wouldn't be able to pay a Realtor to sell your home due to not having enough equity? These are all symptoms of being "upside down" in your home. In simple terms, your loan amount is higher than the current market value of your home. You may want to consider negotiating an Arizona short sale.

So what can be done with a situation like this in Phoenix or Arizona? A short sale might be the best solution for your needs. Many people have never heard of the term "Arizona short sale" or "Phoenix short sale". A short sale in Arizona is when your mortgage company agrees to take a less amount owed on your home in an effort to sell the home before having to foreclose.

Most people who are "upside down" or owe more than their home is worth are left with only 2 options when they can't afford the payment anymore. The first is foreclosure; obviously no one wants a foreclosure. Believe it or not, that bank doesn't either. The repercussions of a foreclosure for both the homeowner and bank can be devastating. The homeowner loses a home and destroys his credit. The bank loses thousands in court costs and foreclosure expenses.

The second option is working an Arizona short sale. The advantages of doing an Arizona short sale or Phoenix short sale is coming up with a win-win solution for all parties. For example, when homeowners complete a short sale in Arizona, they have effectively stopped a foreclosure from taking place. And they have significantly lessened the damage to their credit. As far as the bank is concerned, an Arizona short sale has prevented them from repossessing a home. Repossessing a home or foreclosing on a home can cost banks tens of thousands of dollars.

Furthermore, banks are in the business of lending money, not owning homes.

So how does a homeowner qualify for doing an Arizona short sale or Phoenix short sale? This answer will vary greatly depending on the mortgage company at hand. Every bank has different policies and guidelines when negotiating Arizona short sales and Phoenix short sales. For example, some banks will require the homeowner to be 3 months behind before they will even consider allowing an Arizona short sale. Yet, other banks will allow Phoenix short sales even if the homeowner is current with mortgage payments.

Generally speaking, to do an Arizona short sale, banks will require the proof of financial hardship. This can include loss of job, divorce, overwhelming medical bills, and other various financial stressors. Furthermore, the bank will require that the home be listed with a licensed real estate agent. This is usually done to verify the value of the home. Homeowners are typically not allowed to try and negotiate and/or sell the homes themselves when doing an Arizona short sale or Phoenix short sale. In conclusion, if you feel that you can no longer afford your home, and you owe more than what it's worth, consult with a licensed real estate agent or attorney regarding an AZ short sale.

Why Banks Need REO Agents

Why Banks Need REO Agents

Many real estate agents sell homes for years without knowing exactly what an REO agent is. REO agents are responsible not only for listing properties for banks but also for all of the prelisting duties need to prepare a foreclosed home for the market. Some of the duties a typical REO agent is responsible for include:

* Trash outs and cleaning of the foreclosed home
* Water shut off and de-winterization
* Yard and lawn maintenance
* Turning on utilities and paying the utilities during the listing period.
* Listing reo properties in the MLS
* Negotiating the contract and sale terms with Buyer's agents


Why Bank Need an REO Agent

Many agents don't understand why banks need REO agents. They don't comprehend that listing REO properties requires an agent intimately familiar with the local market the foreclosed home resides in. This knowledge helps banks quickly learn the true value of a home.

Without the REO agent's valuable knowledge banks and lenders would be forced to rely on appraisers for a home's value, a management company's services to take care of the home while it's on the market and an auction company to sell the home.

How to Become a REO Agent

Because of the recent increase in bank foreclosures, many agents are attempting to find out how to become an REO agent and start listing reo properties for banks. While listing reo properties for banks can entail a good deal of work, it can also be very lucrative real estate specialty.

The good news is that with a little hard work, any licensed agent can become an REO agent. There are no special certifications or licenses required to start listing reo properties for banks. You simply need to know what banks to contact and how to sign up with those banks. There are a few good services available that provide comprehensive, up to date lists of banks that can help you become an REO agent quickly.

Benefits of Becoming a REO Agent

While most agents understand that becoming an REO agent means increased income, many of the agents that are considering a career listing reo properties for banks fail to understand all of the benefits that come with it. Having REO listings can mean a flood of potential buyers calling off your yard signs and advertisements. In addition, listing a foreclosed home can open up the door to listing other homes in the same neighborhood.

If you're considering listing reo properties for banks, now is a great time to get into the market. Find a good bank and lender list and become an REO agent today!

วันพุธที่ 24 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Buying home foreclosures in a lucrative way

Buying home foreclosures in a lucrative way

Whether you are a professional real estate investor or an individual buyer, if you are interested in purchasing a great property at affordable prices then buying home foreclosures is the best option for you. You can purchase these properties at cheap prices and resell them at a huge profit margin, rent them out to make an addition to your regular monthly income or provide them to the tourists who like to stay in vacation homes rather than in hotels. Keeping in view such a large number of ways to make money with foreclosure properties, an increasing number of investors are looking for available properties in their area.

Home foreclosures are considered to be a great opportunity in the present world but before investing in these properties, it is important to understand a few points about them. These properties come into the scene when their owners fail to pay back their loan amount to the money lenders and as a consequence, their properties are foreclosed by the money lenders and sold out to the buyers through a public auction.

The reason why these properties are available at much lower price than their actual market value because the money lenders do not want keep the properties for long and in order to attract a large number of buyers, they slash down the prices of these properties significantly. Thus, we can say that foreclosure properties are a great option as money lenders get back the loan amount they had lost through the borrowers' default and buyers also get a nice property at cheap price. So, these properties are beneficial for both the buyers and the money lenders.

There are a large number of people who want to build an asset for themselves but have to live on rent because they cannot afford to buy a house of their own. Home foreclosures are great for such people because they can buy these properties at cheap price, most of which will come into every man's budget. Several real estate investors buy these properties at cheap prices, make some repairs and renovations in them and resell them, thus making huge profits when the market is hot. Whether you are on the look out for a property to increase your real estate wealth, or to build a second home for yourself or to purchase a vacation home in your favorite destination, you will land upon the best possible deal with these foreclosure properties. Apart from the money you will save by purchasing these properties, you will also receive the equity on the property left behind due to the previous home owners.

If you are searching for lucrative home foreclosures in a particular area, you can refer to the foreclosure listings that are available both offline and online. Some real estate agents also provide these lists absolutely free of charge so that more and more potential buyers get attracted to use their services. You can also avail a professional agent's service in order to find out the property which is perfect as per your preferences, requirements and your budget.

A Guide on buying foreclosure homes

A Guide on buying foreclosure homes

Buying foreclosure properties is one of the best ways of making money through investment. This is because these properties are often accessible for discount prices but you cannot just jump up on any available foreclosure property. You will have to spend some time and find out the best property available as per your requirements, preferences and budget.

As far as a guide on buying foreclosure homes is concerned, you need to look out at a number of factors that may be helpful for you in making a sensible purchase. First of all, make sure to find low-cost foreclosure properties. Most of the foreclosure properties are sold through public auctions but there may be several lenders who may choose to resell the properties in a traditional way. Still, these properties are available at discounted prices because the lenders slash down their prices in order to attract a large number of buyers. In order to find out the perfect property at lowest cost possible, it is wise to examine all the available avenues. These avenues may include online foreclosure listings, checking offices of county clerks, searching out local newspapers and magazines. If you are a professional real estate investor and need to buy and sell properties frequently, then you need to keep your eyes open all the time and grab the deal you think is suitable for the market.

Once you have located a real estate foreclosure property of your choice and you have managed to get its physical address, it is the wisest thing to give it a visit so that you can examine its physical condition. There are several foreclosure properties that need a lot of repairs and renovation and if you purchase such a property, you will end up spending your saved amount into its mending. Even if you do not mind spending some amount upon its repairs, you should keep that cost in mind while examining and bidding the price of the property at the auction.

If you want to earn money from the foreclosure property you have purchased, then you have to do something with it. Once you have bought the property at cheap price, you need to find out tenants or buyers so that you can earn a profit out of it. Therefore, while purchasing the property, you should look at the property from the point of view of the tenant or the buyer. This means that the location of the property should be such that all the basic amenities of life such as a hospital, school and grocery store should be available in the neighboring area. It should also be within easy access to the railway station or the airport. If your property is not able to attract prospective tenants or buyers, then your purchase will be a total waste of time and money and this is not at all the goal of your investment.

Apart from that, you should not forget to check the legal documents of the property and if you are not able to understand any clause mentioned in the contract, then it is wise to consult a legal professional.

Las Vegas Real Estate: Buying a Las Vegas High Rise Condo

Las Vegas Real Estate: Buying a Las Vegas High Rise Condo

With Las Vegas real estate prices at an all time low and with numerous bank-owned properties on the market, buying a home or condo in Las Vegas has never been easier. And with convenient online realty venues, you can search for beautiful Las Vegas real estate with the click of a mouse. Lately, more and more real estate buyers are opting for high-rise condos over buying a home.

The Las Vegas real estate market as a whole has recently seen an incredible increase in high-rise condominiums, particularly along the strip. Buyers interested in moving into a brand new condo can even secure a pre-construction Las Vegas high-rise condo by contacting a local realtor. This guarantees the buyer a condo once construction has been completed. Perhaps the greatest dilemma buyers face is whether to buy a condo or a home. Let's look at some benefits of buying a condo to see if this option is right for you.

Live in the City

Buying a Las Vegas high-rise condo enables you to live in or near the city and have access to all its conveniences. If you love being within walking distance of restaurants, festivals, theaters, clubs, and even possibly your workplace, a high-rise condo might be perfect for your needs. Living in the city can be exciting and convenient for singles or young married couples just starting out. Condos can also provide a home solution for single-parent families or retired couples seeking a place to call their own who don't want all the typical hassles of home ownership.

No Yard Maintenance

If the thought of landscaping ruins your day, then you'll be glad to know that there are no landscaping duties with condo living. You won't have to cut grass, plant flowers and shrubs, or even water the lawn. Of course, if you enjoy working in the yard, planting and trimming, you'd better think long and hard before giving up this freedom. But if you're an indoors person who abhors yard work, then by all means - look into buying a Las Vegas high rise condo!

Get the Size You Need

Another advantage of buying a condo is you can sometimes find a condo the same size as a home, with several bedrooms to accommodate small families. Some condos offer just as much square footage or more than a home of equivalent value. You can also increase your buying power with some condo purchases, and pay up to 20 to 30 percent less than you would pay for a home of similar size. When speaking with a Las Vegas realtor, be sure to emphasize your need for square footage if this is important to you. The realtor can then refer you to only those condos that fit your needs.

Share the Costs

When buying a condo, you get to share the costs of upkeep for things like roofing, heating and air, foundation, lawn care, plumbing, etc. The costs for these maintenance services are divided amongst owners, and the costs per family go down tremendously due to sharing the costs. This can save you money on your overall monthly expenses, and it frees your time to do other things when you don't have to worry about these aspects of home ownership.

Enjoy the Amenities

Buying a Las Vegas high-rise condo gives you much more than a place a live. Condos come with all sorts of perks to enjoy that you otherwise might not be able to afford. Imagine having a pool, workout gym, sauna, tennis court, and other extras you and your family can enjoy any time you want. And the great thing is - you don't have to pay or work to upkeep these accommodations either!

Of course, buying a condo does have some trade-offs. You will give up your privacy somewhat with no yard to call your own. You may encounter the usual annoyances of living too close to others, and will have no control over who buys a condo next to yours. You'll also give up the freedom to make decisions about your home as far as maintenance, remodeling, landscaping, which providers to choose for certain services, etc.

Consider the pros and cons of owning a condo before making your decision. View several homes and condos when considering Las Vegas real estate so you can compare the benefits and costs of each. Also, find a dependable Las Vegas realtor that will help you compare both homes and condos. You can go online to view available Las Vegas properties and to find a realtor that can help you reach your goals.

Hoboken Real Estate Market

Hoboken Real Estate Market

In a world that seems to be financially collapsing with every day we wake up, many are reluctant to look beyond the doom and gloom of the media. The saying that bad news sells newspapers is true. I recently even found myself religiously visiting news websites to read more about Bernie Madoff, the auto industry bailout, and the article on the country's worse housing markets despite the fact that I feel I have already read everything there is to know about it. The only good news I read all day was that Mark Teixiera might become a Yankee. The other potential good news I scanned in an instant and quickly forgot about it. Looking beyond all of this, I have decided to bring up a real estate market that is often either loved or hated, but needs to be respected. Instead of writing about the dramatic development including a new W Hotel, urban nightlife, home to many celebrities, and the most convenient public transportation in the country, writers continue to say New York's sixth borough (Hoboken) is going to collapse in front of our eyes with the downfall of Wall Street.

The correction in the housing industry has been a terrible tragedy for some and a gold mine for others. Today is December 22, 2008 and one market I really like to keep my eye on is Hoboken, New Jersey. An urban city just a stone throw away from the West Side Highway in New York City, Hoboken boasts one of the most affluent cities in the metropolitan area with prices half that and then some when compared to comparable housing in Manhattan, and offering twice the amenities. There is a glitch that just got thrown into the Hoboken real estate market, however. Property taxes are going up 47%. Yes, this seems tragic, but on the flip side of the coin, real estate values will take a hit, and buyers on the fence will likely start buying again due to value reassessments. With a significant reassessment of property value, real estate taxes will be lower and when Hoboken finally decides to minimize property taxes, these homeowners that bought from distressed owners in today's market will gain additional equity on their property. This is not rocket science, just the nature of the cyclical real estate market and one major factor that will play itself out.

My brokerage has the highest ranked real estate website in the area. Our tech employee has noticed a drastic pattern. In 11 years in the business, Hoboken has experienced 4 spurts of significant growth and 2 small declines, including the one we are in now. Just months before each and every growth spurt, our website traffic increased by nearly 35%. Today, we are not at 30%, but our traffic has increased quickly by 20%. So what does this tell us about Hoboken real estate? It could be nothing, but it could be something. I am not saying Hoboken is immune to price declinations, but the dropoff percentage in value cannot be compared to most areas of the country. New York City is the financial hub of the world and will be so until the day I die. Despite the Wall Street collapse and many of the 80,000 Hobokenites working in investment firms, real estate, or finance, it is a fair assumption by pessemists that we have more room to decline with the deteriorating industry conditions. I feel the opposite. Despite the financial layoffs, many have found new jobs. Of course it is not an even balance yet, but we are not in the cellar…far from it.

As many people continue to find employment in New York City and its metropolitan markets, expect many to stay instead of jumping ship to another state where the cost of living may even be cheaper. Instead of buying a 2 bedroom apartment on the Upper Ease Side of Manhattan, Hoboken is looking better every single day. In my opinion, this is why our traffic has increased. Expect buyers that have a lot of cash for down payments but are on the fence today, to begin buying by the second quarter of 2009. Hoboken was and still is one of the last housing markets to feel the pinch, but will also be one of the first to recover. Geography is Hoboken's best friend and those people who are staying know it.

วันอังคารที่ 23 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Getting Your Home Sold Quickly

Getting Your Home Sold Quickly

Adding value to your abode goes beyond just making huge repairs; simple upkeep and add-ons to the home can make it more dynamic and likely to sell. When people are looking for a new home, they are looking for size, cost and characteristics. With good characteristics, a small house can sometimes sell for the same price as a larger house with no characteristics. Remodeling a home doesn't have to be an awful job. If you can get to the problems a home has before it becomes a significant ordeal, it will save you time and money. For instance, leaks and cracks should be repaired right away.

Other than fixing the home's roof, floors, walls and other parts of its infrastructure, you can make additions that will really add visible value.

If you walk about the home you are getting ready to sell, you should be able to tell what is absent from each room. Begin in the living room. Are the walls painted inviting colors that match with an assortment of furniture? If the room seems a bit small, consider knocking down a wall that doesn't hold any significance, since this is the most uncomplicated way to add space without having to do any exterior remodeling. Some sellers even incorporate optional furniture in the arrangement. Having everything matching and new will make the home more likable. It is possible that the home buyers will buy new furniture anyway, so if it looks good, they may keep it. Of course, this will increase the price of the home.

A good feature to include in the living room is a flat-screen t.v. Nothing makes a home look more technical and refined than a large t.v. suspended from the wall. This looks terrific with a nice area rug, couch and center table. Furniture can also be included in dining room and master bedroom. It is important that the furniture is new and is of terrific quality, so that they will genuinely be considered to go along with the acquisition of the house.

The bathroom is an additional area of concern for potential home buyers. Make sure to spruce up the restrooms in the home, particularly the master bathroom, if there is one. Think about upgrading the shower and bathtub to something more modern or with better design. If the bathroom is big enough, you can have a hot tub installed, along with a separate shower.

The floors all through the home should be flawless. Are the carpets clean and lush and does the hard flooring look shiny and new? If you have vinyl or other tile that has worn out over time, consider having new long-lasting floors installed, of materials such as wood or marble. Your home will automatically look more plush.

Previous to a would-be homeowner even considering a property, they look at the outside. How does the paint look and does it coordinate well with the neighborhood and design? You may want to work with a professional designer to choose the colors of the inside and outside of the home. The landscaping of your home is also very important. Think about planting new grass, flowers and maybe some water features, such as a water fountain or a tranquil waterfall. Do anything possible to make your home look more attractive. You may even finish your remodeling tasks and decide you don't want to sell it!

These are little, inexpensive ways to add value to your home. And these are all things that will help you sell your home faster. After all, a home with updates is worth more.

If you are looking for a new home, be sure to check out the Fairview homes for sale or the Farmers Branch real estate that is available. After all, Farmers Branch homes for sale are highly sought after.

Using the Buyer's Market with Charleston Real Estate

Using the Buyer's Market with Charleston Real Estate

As most everyone knows, we are experiencing what many in both the media and industry circles term a buyer's market. This is not the case in EVERY market, but in many, it is. The challenge we face today revolves around the high number of people forced to sell for various reasons, and the perceived fall-out from loose lending practices.


As a potential buyer in a buyer's market, you have a number of advantages over the seller that usually are not available. A buyer's market does not mean you will receive a bunch of concessions from a seller, or even at all, regarding price, and you may still end up paying top retail price for your next home. Nice homes in great locations will always command top prices, and if you think otherwise, you may be easily outbid by another, more aggressive buyer who really wants the Charleston real estate.


In this buyer's market there are other significant ways in which you can save money and increase your purchasing power, especially with Charleston real estate.


The seller's goal is to make the maximum amount of money in the shortest time with the least investment into the property they intend to sell. To make any sort of investment in the property, the seller will need access to capital resources to fund the updates or repairs. A seller can avoid spending the cash or tapping a credit line for this venture and offer you, the buyer, a credit on price or in the form of a decorating allowance if they choose.


What typically happens, though, is the seller will not make the repairs or updates and leave it up to the buyer to either accept the home as-is, or to ask for some concessions in the purchase contract. You might try asking the seller to give you a credit for a decorating allowance, or to make the necessary repairs before closing. You would be amazed how many buyers are too timid or afraid to be aggressive with these types of concessions. If you don't ask, you'll never receive. The worst that can happen is the sellers will say no. Plus, people in the Charleston real estate are very kind and are usually open to such negotiations.


Another way to save money in a buyer's market is to include a provision in the purchase contract that requires the seller to pay all or part of the buyer's closing costs and/or pre-paids. This can have a tremendous impact on your buying power because these costs associated with buying a home are what makes the first few years of homeownership unprofitable. If you save this money, you will more quickly realize the benefits of appreciation and the reduction in your debt obligation to the lender. It is very important to coordinate with your lender, your real estate agent, and your financial adviser to determine exactly what to ask for so you receive maximum benefit. It is also critical that the contract be written very precisely to ensure the seller cannot avoid paying certain costs on a technicality.


Most sellers who have elected to list their Charleston real estate with an agent will have access to very detailed market data. It will be obvious to even the most novice seller what the market indicates their home is worth. If the sellers take the time and make the effort to prep their home to sell properly, and they heed the market data, they will most likely settle in on a price that a competent buyer will fairly pay. This means you will probably not be receiving any break in pricing from this type of seller.


But as a savvy buyer who is fully informed on market conditions and fearless in negotiations, you will realize the asking price is fair for the Charleston real estate market and attempt to save money in the other ways mentioned above. Sellers are funny... They will settle in on a price, but will turn right around and give in to concessions worth thousands of dollars when confronted with a strong, motivated buyer and a signed purchase contract.


Never forget that quality and location bring a certain value to a seller, so don't make the mistake of low-balling your dream home and then losing it because you offended the seller. Be fair with the price of Charleston real estate, but get your concessions and savings in other, more creative ways.

Self Directed IRA Rental Property Investments

Self Directed IRA Rental Property Investments

Investing in rental properties has its advantages and its disadvantages. Starting with the disadvantages, you have to deal with renters who often do not hold your property in high regard and who will not care for it as you would. Secondly, you usually must spend a portion of your rental proceeds (typically around 10 percent of the total rent for the property) to pay your property management company.

While the disadvantages are real, the advantages usually outweigh them considerably. It is possible for a rental property to pay for itself and return profits to you on a monthly basis. Only in areas where rent control is an issue is there any reason a fully occupied rental might not cover its costs. Even where rent control is an issue, however, there is almost no reason a fully occupied rental property should not regularly return a healthy profit.

All of this assumes that you have chosen to purchase a rental property in an area where people want to live. Real estate is all about location, location, location, after all. Just because something looks like a good deal at first glance does not mean that it is a good deal. You should always do as much research as possible to shield yourself from bad investments and unnecessary risks.

Why a Self-Directed IRA Is Better for Rental Properties Traditional custodians (some do allow rental property purchases) will often charge a fee every time your IRA has to pay a property tax, pay your management company, cut a return of security deposit, or call in a plumber. Over time, these fees can greatly decrease your profits and turn a real winner into a so-so investment. A good self-directed IRA custodian will keep such fees to an absolute minimum.

How to Find a Real Estate Investing Club: Avoiding the Bad Clubs and Succeeding With the Good Ones

How to Find a Real Estate Investing Club: Avoiding the Bad Clubs and Succeeding With the Good Ones

One of the best resources for a real estate investor is your local real estate investing club. These groups can be great resources for networking and learning, but you must be careful, as there are some kinds of clubs that exist with the sole purpose of splitting you from your money,

Lets keep in mind that we're looking at two types of club here.

The Bad Real Estate Club
The first club is basically one designed so the founders of that group can boost their egos or split you from your money. They are usually based completely upon the group's founder's accomplishments/brand and the goal is typically to sell their books, software, programs, etc. I've attended meeting of several of these "bad clubs," and couldn't get out of there quicker. Most of them spent a tiny fraction of their time talking shop and the bulk of their time pitching some kind of "opportunity", which was typically a real estate deal that any experienced investor would have avoided like a plague. These are the bad clubs! Stay Away!

The Good Real Estate Club
The second type of club usually fosters an environment suitable for learning & networking. These clubs will typically have speakers or other presenters who provide educational information on various subjects. These clubs are usually comprised of people from all aspects of real estate (from professionals to investors to homeowners) who are looking to both network and learn. Most of these groups have time before or after the formal meeting for networking; this is probably the most important part of the meeting, so be sure to get there and bring your business cards! These are the clubs you want to be a part of.

In conclusion, if you're looking to join a real estate investing club, check the club out before shelling out a years' dues. Membership in one of the good kinds of real estate clubs can be a boon to your business, and for the newbies, a great help in getting started investing. Membership in a bad club will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, and hours of wasted time.

วันเสาร์ที่ 20 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Charleston's Beautiful Beaches

Charleston's Beautiful Beaches

Charleston real estate has some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in the country. Whether you are looking for a home by the beach or just looking to visit the shoreline, you will be in for a delight. A special treat arrives with the as the sunset lights up the sky and bounces off the water's edge.

With the Ashley and Cooper rivers to the east and west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, Charleston is surrounded by water. As a result, the fortunate citizens of Charleston can take part in the numerous activities and the beautiful views the city has to offer. Charleston real estate is some of the finest in America!

In order to keep the condition of the beaches high, it is against the law to drive, litter, and pick sea oats on the beach. You also must have your dogs on leashes at all times. Most of Charleston's beaches are not equipped with a lifeguard, so swim at your own risk but be smart about it.

If you're most comfortable around the sand dunes, the Isle of Palms will be a favorite. Situated close to downtown historic Charleston, it is a great place to invest in a second home or just to go and lay in the sand.

Kiawah Island holds the finest beaches in the land. With its white sand and beautiful beach communities, it is stunning. Kiawah Island is famous for being an avid golfer's paradise and being home to the toughest golf course in America. The PGA will also be coming to Kiawah Island in 2012. If luxury accommodations and fine dining are up your ally, Kiawah Island will be a treat.

Charleston Real Estate - Johns Island

Charleston Real Estate - Johns Island

Being on Johns Island is like taking a step back in time. Those who are slowly creeping to its shores are discovering it to be a pristine place to live. The old country tree-lined roads, well cared for farms and unspoiled acreage, are a living paradise in the midst of the greater Charleston real estate market

Johns Island is settled within the borders of Indian River Shores, a picturesque and beautiful town. The breathtaking scenery, carefully crafted architecture, wonderful cuisine, create a culture all of its own. A small shopping village also dons the island and adds much rustic charm.

Angel Oak also calls John's Island her home. This 1400 year old Southern live oak tree is a spectacular site to behold. It stands approximately 65 feet high and is about 26 feet in circumference. To stand beneath the shade of this living legacy is a pleasure.

Most of the island's citizens would prefer to keep it in its rural environment. The well-kept secret was leaked out though and many people are clamoring to be a part of this privilidged community. With its 2 new bridges and the completion of I-526, it is now in close driving distance of downtown Charleston. This is predicted to continue to add to the appeal of the island. Although the island is changing, the vision is to keep it as natural as possible. Fortunately this calls for much of Johns Island to remain unspoiled. If you are lucky enough to own a part of this greater Charleston real estate, consider yourself fortunate!

วันศุกร์ที่ 19 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Dubai Information

Dubai Information

Dubai is a city-state on the Arabian Peninsula that has seen much change in the last generation. After the discovery of oil there, the citizens went from a culture of the 7th Century to that of the 21st Century almost overnight. Dubai is still seeing a huge amount of flux as it tries to diversity its economy. The leaders of the country understand that Dubai cannot maintain its wealth by relying solely on oil income. Therefore, it has welcomed skilled foreign workers and a variety of companies to its shores. The amount of new structures being built in Dubai is mind-numbing. The city is fairly small, built along a natural port, which has made it a good shipping location for centuries. Although the city has been built up a lot just in the last decade, new structures are still being constructed at a high rate. Dubai property values are some of the highest in the world right now and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon. Real estate in Dubai consists of various forms.

There are a plethora of high-class hotels vying for the western business and leisure travellers coming to experience the variety of Dubai. Some of the hotels and condos are built on privately-owned man made islands. Some of the other construction consists of large office projects for the businesses looking to have locations in this city-state. The area has also successfully made itself attractive to the IT and finance industries. There are also huge amounts of foreign workers coming to Dubai for varying amounts of time, which keeps housing in high demand. Some other large construction projects have been centred on the shipping industry, which is still central to the economy in Dubai. The Jebel Ali port is the largest man-made harbour in the whole world. The airport and surrounding area are also centres of new real estate construction. Dubai is also a world-class shopping destination.

Many of the top world fashion designers such as Dolce and Gabanna have locations in Dubai. Dubai is a top shopping destination for customers from the Middle East and far beyond. Dubai currency consists of the United Arab Emirates Dirham, which has been fairly stable with the dollar at about a 3.6 to 1 exchange rate. This means that shoppers who are using western currencies such as the UK pound, Euro, or the Dollar can get more for their money when investing in Dubai real estate. The internet is generally a pretty good source of Dubai information. An investor would be wise to see what types of property are currently in highest demand in Dubai. Your choices are generally between homes, hotels and resorts, retail, and buildings designed for business use. Depending on the amount you have to invest and your personal preferences, Dubai can be a great place to either begin or continue investing in real estate.

Real Estate Accounting - The Simplest Way to Understand

Real Estate Accounting - The Simplest Way to Understand

For the real estate business accounting procedures are often confusing. People who have their share in real estate also need to know about real estate accounting. There are lots of changes in the real estate field and the real estate firms need to adapt to these changes quickly. The real estate accounting software helps firms maintain their data on a daily basis and manage their monetary transfers. With so much work load the firms can filter their accounts quickly and the need to outsource work gets reduced. However sometimes the work requires more than software, it needs a professional accountant.

Real estate accounting comprises of maintaining data, documentations, journals, book keeping, ledgers balance sheet, tracking credit and debit transactions, and all sorts of bills. There have been a lot of real estate firms emerge in the market but very few of them have succeeded. The reason for their failure is the state of business and the unmanageable activities. The accounts department should be proficient in tracking the daily changes and record them correctly. The failure to do so would lead to the failure of the company. The kind of attention and sincerity required needs to be very high skilled.

The trend of real estate to get outsourcings has made the industry even more volatile. These outsourcing projects go to countries of the third world that have cheap labor. The vendors recruit qualified accountants who manage the accounts well with the latest software available at cheap prices. This would give the real estate firm a lot of assurance in the accounts department and that in turn would help them to succeed. The real estate firms save time and money in one significant decision. The firm however needs to make sure the outsourcer is a reliable firm with good past performance. He also needs to make an intelligent decision on the price that he is about to pay for the accounting work. The outsourcer's previous clients and projects should also be duly checked by the firm. It is important for the firm to keep the outsourcer know about the important secret data of the firm since nothing should be hidden from accounts. Also the outsourcer should not divulge this information to anyone. Therefore the firm needs to research a cheap as well as a reputed outsourcer who can handle its accounts and make sure the balance sheets keeps showings profit.

There is lot of competition going on in the outsourcing market. Almost every outsourcing form is equipped with highly advanced tools and software along with expert professionals who are trained to meet the urgent demands of the clients. In such a scenario it becomes essential to make a well thought decision. You cannot just go for any other real estate accounting firm. Check the price list and the services they are offering. Take the demo of the work and once satisfied with all requirements then sign a deal. Definitely you are going to reap great benefits is major chunk of accounting work will be done by your outsourcing firm.

วันพุธที่ 17 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Miami Real Estate Rental Market – 10 Mistakes Landlords Make

Miami Real Estate Rental Market – 10 Mistakes Landlords Make

Renting a property in the Miami real estate rental market is more difficult than ever before. The number of potential problem tenants is overwhelming. The landlord must be able to set the correct rental price, advertise and market the property aggressively, collect all deposits, conduct a thorough tenant screening, collect the rent, do evictions, fill out the residential lease and all other pertinent documentation and disclosures, avoid emergency tenants and don't try to do it yourself. These are the 10 mistakes landlords make in the Miami real estate rental market. 1. Price – The landlord does not know how to obtain the right rental price. He/she will listen to a family member or friend who is not an expert and will offer the wrong amount. The landlord will lose hundreds of dollars a month if the house is rented for the wrong amount. The Miami real estate agent must obtain comparables of recent rentals in the area in order to determine the best rental price for the property. The comparable property must be similar to the subject property. The rental amount should not be negotiated. 2. Advertising – The landlord will try to save money and not advertise the rental property. This lack of exposure will hurt the landlord deeply. It is very important to advertise the property in all local newspapers, magazines, flyers, etc. The Miami real estate realtor should conduct at least one open house to get the proper property marketing. The property must be listed in the MLS to ensure maximum exposure. 3. Deposit – The desperate landlord will rent the property to the first person that walks in and will not collect any money in deposit. This is a recipe for disaster in the Miami real estate market. Never show that you must rent the property immediately. A three month deposit must be required up front. The third month deposit could be negotiated and paid in installments if needed. 4. Screening – Always obtain a thorough tenant screening investigation for potential tenants. Obtain a credit check, get a police report, call employers, check references, call prior landlords and ask if they would rent to the tenant again and did they pay the rent on time. Make sure the tenant has not been evicted before. Properly screening the tenant is an essential step in Miami real estate property management. 5. Evictions – Delaying or not evicting a tenant fast enough is a tremendously time consuming and costly mistake that will devastate the landlord. The landlord must be prepared to evict if after all the screening the tenant still won't pay the rent due to lost of job or other unforeseen problems. Evictions must be started immediately. The Miami real estate rental realtor should be familiar with non-paying tenant eviction proceedings. 6. Emergency – Avoid a tenant who must move in immediately. Do not allow the tenant to move in without a full screening and verification being completed. A tenant who must move in right away is usually being evicted or has some other hidden agenda. Check all prior landlord's references and run an eviction check and a credit check. Don't allow the tenant to rush you into making a decision. 7. Lease – Never rent month to month or worse never rent the property with no lease at all. Always insist the tenant sign a one year lease and collect at least one month deposit. In today's Miami real estate rental market a two month deposit plus the current month rent is the norm. All legal and biding documents should be in writing to avoid any misunderstandings. A lease is always required in court to provide repair, terms, and lease expiration and rent determination. All legal documents should be in writing. 8. Occupancy – Never give the tenant possession of the property without signing the lease or without a deposit. Do not give the tenant the keys to place some furniture or other small items inside the property. Tenants have been known to move in the premises before all terms and conditions have been established. Tenants will occupy the property and keys should be delivered only after all the paperwork is signed and all funds have been verified and deposited. 9. Repairs – Don't allow the tenants to make unnecessary repairs prior to renting the property. Painting and cleaning the property is normal should be done. New refrigerator, new kitchen cabinets, new air conditioner, complete remodeling is not normal and should not be tolerated. Do no rent to tenants that have a long list of things to be repaired. Never allow the tenant to dictate all the terms for repairing the property as a condition of renting. 10. Don't do it yourself – Always hire a Miami real estate professional do all the work for you. A landlord that tries to save money by doing it yourself will make a costly mistake. Usually the fee is only one month's rent. Collecting and Evictions services are not included and are charged separately. The money you save by doing it yourself in the beginning will cost you triple in the end. Landlords must avoid amateur mistakes in Miami real estate property management. Certain rules must be followed in order to rent the property to a good paying tenant who will pay the rent on time and take good care of the property. Most landlords simply do not have the time or the knowledge to properly conduct all the necessary steps in order to ensure renting the property to the best candidate. The best way to prevent non-paying tenants and avoid tenant evictions is by not renting to bad tenants at all. Hiring a Miami real estate professional to rent the property for you is a must.

Hector Lesende is Owner/Licensed Real Estate Broker in Miami South Florida. Please visit Miami Real Estate We will sell your home from only 1% commission. We provide a free Foreclosure and MLS list. Search Miami Lakes Real Estate and Coral Gables Real Estate We offer a South Florida Rental List updated daily.

Connecticut Real Estate - A Credit Check

Connecticut Real Estate - A Credit Check

Many first-time homebuyers, especially those who are just beginning their search for Connecticut real estate, may be worried if they have a less than ideal credit score. Contrary to what you may have heard, a less than stellar credit score doesn't necessarily mean that you can't buy a good property in Connecticut, however, if you want to avoid a mortgage loan with high fees and high interest rates, you'll want to take some necessary steps to repair your credit score. It's quite simple. With a better credit score you will have an easier time finding a lender and landing a feasible interest rate, potentially saving you a ton of money over the course of your loan. Given the prices of homes in the Connecticut real estate market, most people don't decide on a whim that they intend to purchase Connecticut real estate. Therefore, there should be plenty of time to make sure your credit report is accurate before you even begin searching through Connecticut real estate listings, calling Realtors and scheduling viewings. Getting credit discrepancies cleared up before you seriously seek out Connecticut real estate for sale will spare you the potential embarrassment of having your financing delayed, or worse yet, having your loan application denied, over an issue in your credit report that could have easily been cleared up. It's also good to know your credit score whenever you are shopping around for the best interest rate. You'll close on your Connecticut property faster and the entire process of purchasing real estate in Connecticut will be much easier with some advanced preparation! Most of us don't look at our credit report enough. When was the last time you looked at your credit report? Many people don't know that it is their right as a consumer to obtain one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's important to check these reports carefully because it's not uncommon for credit bureaus to routinely make mistakes. Also, with identity theft being more prevalent in today's computer driven world, it's important to make sure that there is no suspicious information showing up on your credit report! Whenever it's time for a Connecticut real estate broker or lender to run a credit check, they too will order reports from each bureau. Because of this, it only makes sense that all three credit reports are monitored simultaneously and cleared up of any discrepancies at the same time. Don't concern yourself with missing information because some creditors don't report their information regularly. That said, if certain accounts should read "closed" but instead read "open", and if accounts that are paid up to date are reading "past due", you'll want to report this as erroneous because the number of open and past due accounts will negatively impact your credit score. Pay close attention to anything that appears in your report that might not belong to you! This is especially important if you have a common name like Kevin Smith. Accounts belonging to another Kevin Smith could be showing up in your credit report. It's not uncommon to find accounts belonging to a parent or sibling just because you once shared the same residence or mailing address. Have you ever received credit card applications where your name was misspelled or had a typo? Make sure there are no accounts with a different variation of your name. Always be aware of the potential for identity theft. You want to highlight anything that is inaccurate or erroneous. If there is something to dispute in the report, write a letter to dispute the authenticity of each error. Tell them what is incorrect, why it's incorrect, and request that your dispute is investigated and responded to. Be sure to mail any documents via certified mail. The agencies in question will investigate the claims and must provide proof that the debt listed in the credit report is valid. The creditor is commonly given anywhere from 14 to 30 days to respond before the item is deleted. At that time, you are to receive an updated credit report. Reviewing your credit report isn't the only step that you can take to improve your credit score. If buying Connecticut real estate is part of your future plans there should be a conscientious effort on your part to make sure that all of your debts are paid on time each month. Being late with payments not only earns you a penalty charge but it also raises your interest rate and can lower your credit score. Limit yourself to five open accounts, don't overuse your credit cards and pay close attention to offers that come your way with 0% balance transfers and limited time 0% or low interest rates on purchases. Don't be afraid of balance transfers! Buying Connecticut real estate can be a daunting task. From finding the right property to securing financing, it can all be simplified with some planning and preparation ahead of time.

วันอังคารที่ 16 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Details About Real Estate Appraising

Details About Real Estate Appraising

If you are not aware of real estate appraising, you are not alone. This is a common term that a lot of people have heard of, but when it comes to the details many have no idea about what they are doing. The good thing is that, for real estate appraising you should have to take too much trouble.Through this you can collect all of the information that you need by getting in touch with professionals, searching online, and much more.

Here are three details of real estate appraising that will help to put you on the right track to knowing exactly what this industry is all about.

1. The first thing that you need to know is what real estate appraising is.A professional looks over a piece of real estate, both inside and out, in order to ascertain about its worth. While real estate appraising may be something that you never look into, there is a good chance that you will have to do this sooner or later. You may need to look into a real estate appraising if you are selling your home, insuring it, getting divorced as well as many other reasons.

2. Real estate appraising is not something that you can do on your own,even you know a lot about your home.Real estate appraising is something that is best left to the professionals. Appraisers are the people who see homes everyday of their life. For this reason they are best suited to appraise your home, and give you the best idea as to what it is worth. Do not make the mistake of thinking that real estate appraising is an easy task; it is anything but that.

3. Many people think that real estate appraising is expensive.But it is not expensive as you think. If you are interested in having your home appraised you will want to get in touch with several professionals in your area.This will allow you to get a better idea as to what type of costs you are up against.

There are many details of real estate appraising, but these are the three that you should be most concerned with.

When You Want To Purchase Real Estate Write An Offer

When You Want To Purchase Real Estate Write An Offer

Yes, write an offer for the real estate you wish to purchase. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, it is more difficult than you might think. It’s not impossible, but there are a lot of things you have to include in an offer to purchase real estate. Think about this – an offer is the first step to the contract to buy the real estate you want! When writing your purchase offer, put yourself on the “other side of the fence”. Think about all the stipulations and the price you are offering. Is it something you feel would be reasonable if you were in their place? Although this is only the beginning of a long process of negotiations for the real estate, an outrageous offer or unacceptable improvement request may turn the sellers away from your offer and toward someone else’s.

Although the price you are willing to pay for the real estate is a big part of any offer you submit, it shouldn’t be the only thing included. Buying real estate is a huge investment on your part, so you should look at adding in protections and contingencies into your offer to limit you risk. Simply saying “This is the price I am willing to pay for this real estate” doesn’t give you any protection in the event of something unforeseeable.

When you write out a real estate purchase offer, the things that should be included are:

1. The price you are willing to pay.

2. How you plan to finance the real estate purchase and what your down payment will be.

3. Who exactly will be paying for the closing costs of the real estate sale.

4. What inspections need to be performed on the real estate.

5. Any repairs you want done to the real estate.

6. What are the purchase timetables and when will you get physical possession of the real estate.

7. What, if any, terms do you have for canceling the purchase of the real estate.

8. How you want disputes settled during the purchasing process.

As you can see, there is a lot that needs to be determined before you can give someone an offer to purchase real estate. Buying a home or any other real estate is a huge decision that can affect your credit and your finances more than any other investment. Keep in mind that careful consideration should go into both writing and considering a real estate purchase offer, as it can possibly affect your life from that point on.

Real Estate Appraising Industry

Real Estate Appraising Industry

The real estate appraising industry is on the up and up. While this may not mean much to you right now, you may need to hire a real estate appraiser at some point in time. The good thing is that since this industry is on its way up you will never face a problem with this. Do you know why the real estate appraising industry is going upwards right now? You may definately consider these facts today.

If you are interested,you may find a great career in the real estate appraising industry Although this may not suit you, for those people looking for a new job it is a great idea. Here are three reasons as to why the real estate appraising industry has seen so much success as of late.

1. More and more people are buying and selling homes in today's day and age. Although the real estate boom has slowed down, it has not done much to curb the real estate appraising industry. But what does this have to do with appraising, you may ask?

First off, when somebody sells a home they need a real estate appraisal so that they get the idea to price their home. So it is better to hire a professional to help them out. Buyers may also look into getting a real estate appraisal if they are having a hard time making a decision about buyig a property. And when the real estate industry is up, so is the appraising industry.

2. People are making a lot of money in the real estate appraising industry. When the real estate market is hot, appraisers can earn lot of money. For this reason, a lot of people who are looking for a new career are considering about making career in the real estate appraising industry . Obviously, this is a good thing for the real estate market and the economy in general.

3. More and more people are learning about real estate appraising. Before there were not too many people who took the time to look into what this industry was all about. But this is no longer the case.

The real estate appraising industry is on its way up, and this is sure to hold true in the near future.

Commercial Real Estate Benefits

Commercial Real Estate Benefits

If you are thinking about buying commercial real estate you may already be aware of the benefits. And if you have no clue what the benefits of buying commercial real estate are you will want to look into them right away. This is the only way to make a final decision on whether or not you should buy. Luckily, there is plenty of information available on commercial real estate. So learning about the benefits is never something that is too difficult to do.

Here are three benefits of commercial real estate.

1. One of the main benefits of commercial real estate is that there is more than one way to make money with it. These investment options are what make commercial real estate so popular among so many people. Not only can you sell commercial real estate after increasing the value, but you can also rent it out if you would rather. Either way, you can make money with commercial real estate.

2. If you are looking to diversify your portfolio of investments, commercial real estate is a great idea. Many people get so caught up with residential real estate that they forget what the commercial properties have to offer. Although they may not be right for your portfolio, you could find out that the benefits will fit in nicely with what you are trying to do.

3. There is a lot of commercial real estate available. This may not be the case in every part of the country, but the majority of areas have some commercial real estate for sale. As long as you search multiple areas and keep an open mind you should be able to find plenty of commercial real estate that may fit in with what you are trying to do.

As you can see, there are many benefits of commercial real estate. You may find out in the end that this type of investing is not what you have been looking for. But with that being said, you at least owe it to yourself to check out the benefits before you make a rash decision. There is a good chance that you will fall in love with commercial real estate, and hopefully end up making yourself a good amount of money. These goals are attainable with commercial real estate if you put you are willing

Newspaper Real Estate Listings vs Online Real Estate Listings

Newspaper Real Estate Listings vs Online Real Estate Listings

The most common ways of looking for real estate listings are through the Internet and through your local newspapers. No matter what you are looking for, whether it is a home for you and your family to live in or real estate to invest money in, real estate listings will be the prime way for you to find the real estate that is best for you. To find real estate listings, you can use both the Internet and newspapers. It is up to you which one you choose.

Newspaper real estate listings

Looking at real estate listings in the newspaper is one of the most traditional ways to find real estate to purchase. Today, it still stands as one of the most used ways to look over real estate listings. Unfortunately, looking through real estate listings in newspapers can become very time consuming. You will find yourself flipping through pages. After reading through them all, you have to go back and find the ones that fit your needs the most.

Once you find the real estate listings that fit what you are looking for, you have to take the time to write down the contact information and then call them and make an appointment to view the property. Sometimes the real estate listings do not include pictures, which can be a total setback. Newspaper real estate listings are updated every week or so. This means that real estate you are interested in may not be available once you get around to it. If someone were to purchase the real estate before you, you have no way of knowing it before you waste your time.

Internet real estate listings

Since the Internet has grown more and more popular, finding real estate listings online has become one of the easiest and quickest ways to find real estate. The best thing about internet real estate listings is that they are updated two or three times a week. This makes it easier for those who are looking for real estate to buy because they do not have to worry about the real estate being unavailable or already sold.

Also with internet real estate listings, you will be able to few high-resolution photographs of the real estate you are interested in, instead of relying on a small black and white photo out of the newspaper. This allows you to truly see what the real estate looks like. Finding the perfect real estate for you is easy online. You do not have to go through lists and lists of listings to find one that is suitable for you because with a simply click of your mouse, you could find the real estate you are looking for.

Online, you can pick certain criteria such as how large the real estate is, where it is located, etc. This cuts down on the amount of time spent looking for real estate that fits your criteria. With online real estate listings, you do not have to worry about finding contact information. Most times, the website will provide you with a service to contact a realtor, or you can easily print out the real estate ad.

วันศุกร์ที่ 12 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Tips on How to Sell and Rent Back Your Home


Is the ghost of repossession haunting you? The sell and rent back scheme was born into the property market around 2006 in response to the fear of thousands of homeowners losing their homes. The idea of sell and rent back your home is basically a rescue from repossession. If the homeowner is struggling financially it is possible to turn to an investor and offer their home for a quick sale but with the benefit of being able to stay living in the property paying rent. About 6-12 months later, the sell and rent back scheme evolved to help the homeowner even further. As many people had built up a lot of equity in their homes over the years, a new buy back option was introduced. This provided a huge benefit as it gave the struggling homeowner the option to buy back their home once they had sorted out their finances and therefore keep the vast majority of the equity for themselves. However, once the homeowner has decided to take this path of sell and rent back, it is very important to be aware of some potential problems and the way in which they can be prevented: Fee Payments All fees in the sell and rent back scheme are paid for solely by the buyer. These include the survey and the solicitor costs. Be aware of any fees the homeowner is being asked to pay. The main reason for this is if the sale fell through, any fees paid will be lost. Sudden increases in rent It is very important the tenancy agreement is thoroughly read before completing on the sale. Make sure the agreement states that the increases are a maximum of twice a year and in line with inflation. Many unscrupulous companies offer a decent rent for the first six months and then on renewal of the agreement, hike the rent so high that the tenant has no choice but to move out. Sale of the Property Be aware that once the property has been sold the new owner can sell the property at any time forcing the tenants to leave with just two months notice. If the sell and rent back scheme was a part of the sale it is very important to ask for a restriction of sale agreement. This agreement prevents the buyer from selling the property without written authorization from the tenant. Although there can be some pitfalls along the way, there are also many advantages in opting for the sell and rent back scheme. The first and most important is the homeowner will not be repossessed. There is always the option of selling the property on the open market; however this can take up to one year for the sale to happen in the present market. It is imperative that the homeowner write their finances down on paper and check if this solution is viable. Another advantage is there is no cost involved for the homeowner who at this point cannot afford any extra expenditure. A third advantage would be total discretion. No one will know and the homeowner's daily life will not be disturbed. With home repossessions on the increase and at the highest level in years, the sell and rent back scheme definitely is an option to be considered at the first symptoms of a financial problem rather than leave it to the last minute. Beese Properties is a well established property company which offers all of the above. They look for the best solution for the homeowner and if the sell and rent back scheme is the best option they will base the rent on the current rental market in the area. For more information

Filing Homestead Exemption in Houston Texas

FilingFiling Homestead Exemption in Houston Texasn in Houston Texas

So, you just bought a new home in Houston, Texas. Or, you are thinking about moving to the Lone Star State and buying some Houston real estate, but you just have not made it to paradise yet. Well, here is some information that will save you money if you're a proud homeowner here. If you have not saddled your horse and headed to Houston yet, this information might get you to Texas a bit quicker. First of all, we Texans don't believe in a state income tax. Yep, we don't have that critter in these parts. If you live and work here in Houston, you won't pay one red cent of income tax to the state. Secondly, for you non-Texans, or, for those who got here as quick as you could, Texas is a "homestead" state. This allows homeowners of Houston real estate to file a homestead exemption with the county they reside in. As a result, the homeowner receives a significant reduction in their annual property taxes from the county government and the appropriate school district. This can save the homeowner a bunch of money over the years. For example, if you live in Harris County, in and around the Houston area, the homestead exemption gives you a 20% reduction off the assessed value of your home. Remember, we are talking about the home that is your primary residence. The school district, say Houston Independent School District, gives you a $15,000 reduction off the assessed value of your home. Let's look at the numbers for county taxes. If you home is assessed at $100,000 (simple math works best for me) and the county tax is .39 cents per hundred of assessed value, then your annual county taxes are $390.00. With a 20% reduction in value, your annual county tax reduces to $312.00. That was easy enough. Now, your Houston ISD tax rate for year 2008 has been set at $1.1567 per hundred of assessed value. By the way, the tax rate in year 2005 for HISD was $1.62. Every little bit helps. Anyways, without a homestead exemption, your annual school tax will be $1,156.70. File your homestead exemption and "bam" your annual school tax is now $983.19 thanks to the $15,000 reduction of the assessed value. The total savings between both tax entities is $251.51 per year thanks to the homestead exemption. Think of the savings if our property is assessed at $200,000 or more. I'm too exhausted now to do the math. I have no doubt you can calculate your savings quickly, especially if you are looking for a new home in Houston, Texas. And, you want to pay more taxes—because? For senior citizens and disabled persons, the tax savings for filing the appropriate exemption is even greater. It's just a bit more complicated. You can go online with your county tax office and get just about all the information you need. Oh! You can call me too if you like, or email me at richardelkowitz@westsiderealtors.com. Whether it's Houston, Texas land for sale or a new Home in Houston, you're Re/Max Houston professional will locate the right property for you.

Don't Worry, We Buy Ugly Houses in Phoenix

If you happen to have ugly houses in Phoenix and don't think that you can sell without remodeling, you are mistaken. There are companies you can find that advertise we buy ugly houses Phoenix no matter what they look like. You don't have to take the time to remodel or change your home if you truly want to sell it, because ugly houses Phoenix are fine just the way that they are. You might be surprised to learn that there is somewhere you can sell your house no matter what shape it's in. However, it can be done, no matter how many ugly houses Phoenix that there are, we buy ugly houses Phoenix, taking the problem off of your hands. If you're trying to sell your ugly houses Phoenix fast, you can. Even in these slow economic times, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars remodeling your ugly houses Phoenix, nor do you need to wait for months to find the right buyer. You can sell your home to someone advertises we buy ugly houses Phoenix, and be rid of the problem in no time at all. We buy ugly houses Phoenix, and being able to sell your home to companies that buy ugly houses Phoenix is going to save you a lot of time and trouble in your real estate endeavors. How great would it be to be able to get rid of your home in no time, and be able to move on with your life without worrying about ugly houses phoenix and waiting for them to sell? We buy ugly houses Phoenix, so that you don't have to live with the stress. Waiting to sell your ugly houses Phoenix might give you a lot of headaches, because the economy is slow and it might take months or even a year for your ugly houses Phoenix to sell if you're not well prepared and know what you're doing when it comes to finding someone to buy ugly houses Phoenix. If you truly want to be rid of your ugly houses Phoenix and can't afford to invest the time and effort that you need into it, you need to check out all of your options. That includes finding someone who has a we buy ugly houses Phoenix program, whether it's a company or just someone who is interested in a fixer-upper. Ugly houses Phoenix are a popular item because too many people let their properties go and can't afford to fix them up. That leaves them with ugly houses Phoenix, which many people won't buy because they want a nice new home to move into. However, we buy ugly houses Phoenix, and there are many other companies that do, as well. It doesn't make a difference how bad your ugly houses Phoenix are or how many ugly houses Phoenix you have. There are plenty of people who advertise we buy ugly houses Phoenix when you're looking to be rid of them. Having ugly houses Phoenix isn't the end of the world, because companies that state we buy ugly houses Phoenix and will be able to help you to be rid of your problems once and for all.

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