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วันเสาร์ที่ 27 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2552

Sell Your Home Before it is Auctioned: Taking a Step Ahead From Foreclosures

Sell Your Home Before it is Auctioned: Taking a Step Ahead From Foreclosures

Having to lose your home is a disheartening experience. While there are a number of different situations that may cause you to lose your home altogether, there are some situations that may bring about more feelings of distress and helplessness than others. Perhaps the worst way any homeowner can lose his or her home is through a foreclosure. This is because not only would they be losing their home. They would need to face the long-term effects of the foreclosure to their credit standing that could last for years after the foreclosure incident. It is for this reason that, once a homeowner receives a notice of foreclosure, they begin to look for a number of options which could help them prevent the foreclosure from taking place and save their home. However, there are situations when despite the numerous options available, none would be able to be a realistic option for the homeowner. In these situations, the only viable option left is to sell his or her home altogether before this is foreclosed and sold off to auction. Benefits of Selling Your Home Apart from saving you the long-term effects brought about by a foreclosure, selling your home in order to get out of debt does offer a number of different benefits. One such benefit is that you would be able to pay back your loan or mortgage as well as other financial obligations. Because you are the one who sold your home, and not the creditors, you would be able to get the money after paying the real estate agent for his or her services. This would allow you to make a fresh start after selling your home. Moreover, because selling your home to pay back the money you owe to the creditors and financial institutions, you would not be blacklisted from their shared systems and as such, would be able to take out another loan or mortgage when the need arise. What to Consider when Selling Your Home Once you have decided that selling your home in order to pay off your outstanding debt to avoid a foreclosure is the only option that you have, there are some things that you would need to first take into careful consideration. Your Real Estate Agent's Reputation. Although reputable real estate agents do not come in cheap, they would be able to ensure that you get the best deal for your home. This is particularly important since you would always have to take into consideration that the primary reason you are selling your home is to pay off your outstanding debt in order to prevent a foreclosure. As such, you need to have a real estate agent who would be able to sell your home at a high market value within the time frame imposed to you by your creditor or financial institution. Determine Your Property's Value. The price you are willing to sell your home would also determine on just how soon you would be able to sell it. Remember that in house hunting, many potential buyers would try to haggle with you for a lower price. As such, it is important to provide yourself with a buffer so that even if your potential buyer haggle the price down, you would still have enough to pay your outstanding debt with your creditor and get a new home for you and your family. Limitations of Selling Your Home While selling your home may already be a drastic measure for any homeowner facing an impending foreclosure to do, it still has its limitation. This limitation is dictated by the amount of your outstanding debt. If you determine that your home is going to be selling for an amount lower than the total outstanding debt you currently have, selling your home would do you no good. One way you can go around this is through the use of a Deed Foreclosure in Lieu. Instead of selling your home, you are offering the deed of your home directly to your creditor or financial institution as a form of payment for your outstanding debt. While you still lose the ownership, you would still be allowed to live in your home until you are able to find a new home.

Foreclosures and Houses With Multiple Mortgages

Foreclosures and Houses With Multiple Mortgages

Buying a foreclosure is a bargain, right? If you have been looking for a house for a while, you may have thought of this as an option to get more for your money. With Canadian mortgage rates at all time lows, many people are turning away from a Toronto refinance in exchange for selling their existing home and then buying a new one at the new, lower interest rate. With the abundance of foreclosures on the market, many buyers are considering looking at these properties in an attempt to get a bargain. Foreclosures can be bargain-priced, but what many buyers do not know is that they may end up paying more than the property is worth because it has more than one loan on it. The Distressed Homeowner Foreclosures come from distressed homeowners. Something, whether it be unexpected medical expenses or the loss of a job, made it impossible for the homeowner to continue paying his bills. As a result, the loan goes into default and the home is foreclosed on. However, most homeowners will only stop paying their mortgage as a last resort. They usually try to find some other way to deal with their financial crisis. Sometimes, if they view their problems as temporary, they will choose to take out a second mortgage to pay some impending bill. It is not uncommon for a foreclosed property to have two or three mortgages or liens on in, and this can create a problem for buyers. How Mortgages Are Paid in Foreclosure Each province has its own laws about how sales of foreclosed properties will occur, but once the money is received from the new buyer, the liens against the property are paid in a similar fashion. First, any back taxes will be paid. Then, the primary mortgage will be paid. If there are any other mortgages, they will be paid third. There is often not enough money from the sale of the property to pay all debts, so some creditors are left with nothing. What Happens to the Unpaid Debts? The unpaid debts do not follow the property. Rather, they follow the buyer. However, on these properties, it is important to do a title search to make sure there are not any liens that are not properly cared for after the sale of the home. The buyer is responsible for paying the leftover loans, and the lenders cannot hold the property as security for the loan after the foreclosure sale. How Multiple Mortgages Affects Foreclosure Buyers Foreclosing on the first mortgage cancels the other mortgages as far as the new homeowner's responsibility. However, the price of the property could be inflated to accommodate for the other mortgages, especially if they are with the same bank. If the home goes to auction, the starting price may be inflated, depending on the foreclosure laws in the province. If the property is bought before auction with a traditional purchase, the asking price may be inflated. This can make the property less of a bargain than the buyer might assume. How can you combat this if you are trying to take advantage of the low Canada mortgage rates and numerous foreclosures on the market? First, do a title search on any property you are considering, and always purchase title insurance when buying a foreclosure. Then, be sure to have an appraisal done on the property to determine whether or not the asking price is, in fact, a bargain. If it is, do not be afraid of the second mortgages, as they will not be your responsibility. Take advantage of the low Toronto mortgage rates, get your Canada mortgage pre-approval, and put your bid in for your new home.

Why Buy Real Estate

Why Buy Real Estate

Home owners pride is a feeling that really can't be beat. Owning your own home means it is yours, really yours. Something to be proud of. If you feel like painting the walls, you can paint the walls! You can remodel if the fancy strikes you or change appliances or pretty much whatever you want. It's your house! Having your own home makes you part of a community. A place where you can raise your family. It gives you and your children security for the future Many people end up actually paying less money on a mortgage than they do on rent. Imagine never writing that check again making your land lord richer. You can be making yourself richer instead. Acquiring equity is likely the best reason to own a home. Equity is basically the profit built into your house by you. By definition equity is "the monetary value of a property or business beyond any amounts owed in mortgages, liens, claims ect.". No more throwing money away on rent every month! Every time you make a mortgage payment you are building equity in your house. When you improve your home you are building equity into it. Those weekend projects are actually making you money! Besides, it's fun working on your own house. There are some really great tax credits this year for first time home buyers. The Government is giving an $8000 tax credit if this is your first time buying a home. Soon you'll also be able to use that tax credit for your down payment. But only until December 1st 2009. That's an $8000 reason to buy a home! Any remodeling done to your home or energy saving improvements are also eligible for tax breaks, and no one likes paying taxes. Here's the chance to have the Government give you money for a change! The economy is cyclical. Home prices go up and home prices go down. Real estate is known to appreciate in value over time more than any other investment. That's assuming of course that you make smart informed decisions when you buy. It's also the most stable investment you can make. Think about it, the land will always be there. Another favorite reason to have your own home is the capital gains advantages tied to ownership. If you build or buy a house and live in it for at least two years, when you sell you get to keep all the money. You won't be taxed up to $250,000 or $500,000 for a married couple. That's a sweet deal. There are many arguments in favor of home ownership, both personal and monetary. These are just few. There are many more, such as building credit and just the satisfaction of waking up in your own castle every morning. If you've ever thought about buying a house, first time or not, now is the time to do it. It's a buyers market out there with home prices and interest at almost historic lows. It won't last forever. Get in now before it's to late.

Making A Quick House Sale The Easier Way

Making A Quick House Sale The Easier Way

The traditional method of selling your home is of course getting in touch with an estate agent. You have to have your home valued and then they come and stick up a for sale sign in the garden. You then sit back and wait for potential buyers to come flooding in and snap up your home. However in the majority of cases a rush to buy your home does not materialise, in fact your home can be on the market for many months, if it should sell at all. If you want a quick house sale then you could look at taking an offer from a reputable company who offers to buy your home fast. Taking this option means that you would find a company online and then answer a few questions relating to your home such as the type, the area you live in and the average price of homes in your area. You will then get a rough idea as to how much you would be able to sell your home for to the company. Of course this amount would generally be below what you might be able to sell for yourself however you would need to take into account that you would be guaranteed a quick sale, often in just a couple of weeks. You would also not have fees to pay to an estate agent or solicitor which can add up to a huge amount. There could be many reasons why you might want to sell a home quick and an ethical company would buy your home for any reason. A quick home sale could be needed if you and your partner are going through a divorce and neither of you wishes to remain in the home. As divorce can be stressful enough without having to put your home up for sale and see would be buyers walk around it, if you got any, you could sell within just a couple of weeks and begin your new life with cash in the bank which you can split 50/50. You could need to sell your home fast if you are relocating. Rather than have your home sit on the market for many months, even assuming you made a sale, you could sell quickly and have no loose ends to worry about or to have to come back for. You would be able to use the money from the sale in your new life and not have any fees to payout to an estate agent or solicitor. You might also choose to use this option if you need to get your hands on a large sum of money quickly. You could use the equity in your home and have cash in just s couple of weeks from the sale. In this situation you would be able to rent back the property with the option of buying back in the future. Another reason where a quick sale of this nature could come in handy is if you have been left inheritance property. You would be able sell without hassle and without the costly fees associated with selling and split the proceeds if needed with siblings.

Costa Rica Real Estate Listing

Costa Rica Real Estate Listing

If you have been following real estate around the world for any amount of time, you have probably realized what a real estate boom is going on in Costa Rica. The country is a small one, and many people are finding that Costa Rica is the paradise that they have been searching for. Perhaps you are interested in purchasing property in Costa Rica, and if you are, you may want to check out Costa Rica real estate listings to find a piece of property that you are interested in. However, you may be wondering where you can find a good Costa Rica real estate listing, so the following are a few places that you may want to check.

Check with an Agent

One popular place to look for a good Costa Rica real estate listing is with a real estate agent for Costa Rica. There are many good agents that deal with real estate in Costa Rica, and they can provide you with many real estate listings and help you find the property that you really want in the country. All you have to do is tell the agent what you are looking for, and they can probably come up with several Costa Rica real estate listings that you’ll want to have a closer look at.

Take a Look at Online Sites

Another place that you can find a great Costa Rica real estate listing is at online sites. There are a variety of sites that actually have listings for properties in Costa Rica. Often the have descriptions of the property, and many actually have some pictures that you can look at as well. While it may take a bit more work on your part, you may enjoy the search for the perfect Costa Rica real estate listing. So, if you don’t really want to go to a real estate agent yet, then consider going to an online site for the Costa Rica real estate listing that you want.

วันศุกร์ที่ 26 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2552

Reasons to Buy Real Estate in Brisbane

Reasons to Buy Real Estate in Brisbane

For anyone considering investing in real estate, the biggest challenge is finding the right location. While some investors prefer to look for great capital growth potential, other investors tend to look for cash-flow positive investments instead. The beauty of Brisbane real estate is that you can benefit from both continued capital growth and ever-increasing rental yields that are fast becoming cash-flow positive in many suburbs. Add the bonus of rising rental yields to current reductions in interest rates and you have an equation that is ideal for any wise investor looking to expand an investment portfolio. Aside from the fact that Queensland is renowned for its wonderful sub-tropical climate, Brisbane is still attracting record numbers of immigrants from not only the cooler, southern states of Australia, but also internationally. This has led to somewhat of a housing shortage in and around the Brisbane area. Rental properties are always in high demand as the population continues to grow far in excess of all other Australian states. Another benefit to investing in Brisbane real estate is that the prices remain reasonable. When you compare similar properties in suburbs surrounding Sydney or Melbourne, it's easy to see why Brisbane is a more attractive option. Brisbane's close proximity to the exciting Gold Coast and the glorious Sunshine Coast means that families living in the city and suburban areas have an easy drive to some excellent weekend get-away locations. Many of the older areas around the Brisbane CBD are under-going a period of gentrification. Some astute investors have discovered that there are amazing profits to be had by purchasing some of the older homes that were built on large blocks of land. Sub-dividing and redeveloping those blocks into higher-density living can return excellent investment profits for those willing to take the plunge. Of course not all investors buy properties with the intent of renting them out or pulling them down. There are many investors who specialize in renovating the older ‘Queenslander' style homes. The object is to find a structurally sound Queenslander-type home. These are often sold at lower prices than they could have received if they'd been completed properly. By working to a renovation budget and bringing the home back to its former glory, clever renovators are able to make quite substantial profits from homes like these in the Brisbane area. Taking the time to find a pre-finished home does not need to be a difficult process if you contact one of the local real estate agents in Brisbane. The right real estate agents will have many "for renovation" homes available for you to look at and hopefully you will find the one that is right for you. After finding the right home, it is only a matter of finding a renovation specialist that is affordable, for you to make a profit on your newly purchased home. So if you're considering investing in real estate and aren't sure which areas you should investigate, perhaps consider the huge benefits that investing in Brisbane can offer you.

Is the Real Estate Market Rebounding?

Is the Real Estate Market Rebounding?

Along with the weather, the real estate market seems to be getting better. Stale homes which have stayed the course through the sleet and snow are now hanging sold signs on the front lawns. These properties that have sat for 6 months are now selling in multiple offers. It is almost like a spoiled child syndrome. No one wants to play with it until another child indicates that they like it. It is not just rumours that properties are selling in multiple offers. I have been involved in two recently and have talked to many colleagues who are finding the same thing. One agent had 11 offers registered on a place in midtown Toronto. That means there are now at least 10 unsatisfied people who are ready to jump on the next 'right thing' in Toronto. We are not seeing the builders or flippers out in droves but they are starting to come out of hibernation. What does this mean? If they get started up again we will definitely see the return of central core Toronto real estate, especially if they can get access to this low interest money. We were never too far down in prices in the central core, 5%-8%. The media mainly focused on properties that were grossly overpriced in the first place. People overvalue their homes in both good and bad economies. Are these buyers all just optimistic suckers? Or are they the last of the people who will be getting the "good deals"? The economy seems too fragile right now to set stand in one camp or the other. I must say that I am not so naive as to think we are in the clear, but I am certainly enjoying the sun while it is shining. There doesn't seem to be imminent doom but the fall out of GM and Chrysler has yet to be seen. These are good reasons to keep your money invested in bricks and mortar. People will always need shelter to buy or rent. I will continue to say that right now is a great time to sell, especially if you are moving laterally, moving up or diversifying your portfolio of real estate. If the market keeps trucking along like it has this spring Toronto proper seems like it will tighten up, if you look hard there are still some really good prices on properties right now. Another cause to applaud is the government's reluctance to change Canada's immigration policies. Immigration has been a staple when it comes to the health of Toronto's real estate. Of the 250,000 permanent landed new-Canadians 60% of them move to the GTA. That is exactly what we need to keep stimulating our housing market. Canada has embraced immigrants in good times as well as bad and has been rewarded with the newcomers strengthening the country's economy. A lot of newcomers generally are more inclined to own homes. People from Hong Kong, China and India all put a very high importance on home ownership. Quite often their first order of business is to buy a home. Toronto real estate seems to be in a very healthy space right now. The whole World's economy seems to be fragile but at least it appears that we are moving in the right direction.

Why You Should Consider Investing in a Carlsbad Real Estate

Why You Should Consider Investing in a Carlsbad Real Estate

To reside in Carlsbad, California is tantamount to luxurious living. After all, it isn't called the Golden State for nothing. If you plan on relocating or living here, a Carlsbad real estate isn't going to be a cheap investment—it isn't something that anyone can afford. But if money is not an issue at all then living here is worth considering for the plethora of benefits that a Carlsbad lifestyle offers. Carlsbad, located on the beautiful coast of Southern California, boasts of exquisite landscapes, mountains and lagoons by the sea—a perfect, relaxing haven amidst a busy, urban lifestyle. The captivating shoreline where the earth meets the sky promises incomparable fun and leisurely, coastal living with the family—opportunities to surf in some of the most perfect waves or to indulge in submerged pleasures in the crisp, ocean water. Getting that perfect tan isn't going to be too far ahead, either. Carlsbad also offers a myriad of recreational activities. It is rich in restaurants and beautiful parks famous for the free Jazz concerts that professional musicians tender to the community. Having some wine, picnic or a couple of dances with some friends amidst the music under a starlit sky makes a perfect paradise out of a supposed typical weekend. Also well known as the world's golf capital, Carlsbad lives up to that reputation with two world-class golf courses and over 30 golf businesses thriving in the state. If these are not reasons enough yet for you to consider investing in a Carlsbad Real Estate, perhaps mentioning the practical aspect of Carlsbad living will help. Apart from the wonderful ambience that the state offers to its residents, it in fact has also substantially grown in value because of its strong local economy and industrial development throughout the years. Thus, due to the good number of companies and businesses that have already been established in the state, employment opportunities are abundant. The numerous good schools in Carlsbad and within its convenient proximity have a very solid educational system. These in turn have produced a surplus of talented workforces. And because test scores are excellent at all levels for most of the pedagogical institutions in Carlsbad, more and more businesses have opted to operate in this area, confident that the quality of labor force that they will get from the state will be exceptional. And for would-be residents, they are confident that the education that their children would be getting is of top quality. In terms of safety, Carlsbad has very low crime rate and offers a safe environment to live in. It has its own police department that ensures the safety of the clients as well as the security and comfort of the residents and business establishments. Safety and security are maintained through collaborative partnerships and public safety providers continue to uphold high standards in community protection, support and care. Knowing that the environment and lifestyle in the city as well as its economic vitality and level of security fit your preference is amongst the important factors to consider taking a good look at before deciding to relocate to or live in Carlsbad, California. It will be more helpful to take a good personal look at the city yourself and decide first-hand. Once you've come to know for yourself that you're making the right decision, the next best thing to do is to contact your nearest Carlsbad Real Estate agent or office to help you in your endeavor, so they can guide you towards living the life that you've always dreamed of.

Real Estate Management Companies

Real Estate Management Companies

Real estate management companies can offer you the skills and services you need to maximize your investment properties. These companies are professionals who can market your properties, screen potential tenants, conduct all maintenance repairs and keep your properties running smoothly. When your investment properties are ready to be rented, you will find property management services are an invaluable resource. Your management company can help you establish a reasonable rent for the area, screen potential tenants, and maintain rental records. The management company will also help to recover rent that is past due, or even begin the legal process of eviction in the case of rent non-payment. The renting process is guaranteed to be smooth when you have a qualified real estate property management team on your side. Real Estate Management companies are not all alike Some management companies specialize in managing certain types of properties. You will want to make sure you hire one that specializes in your type of property. Types of properties include single-family houses, condos, apartment complexes, commercial and Community association properties. Some companies manage all types of properties while other may manage single-family houses up to small apartment complexes only. Make sure to ask, as each type of property can require different skill levels and qualifications to manage. On-site and Off-site Property Management Most of the time, you will use one of the off-site property management companies to help you maintain the rental of your properties. The off-site management companies can help you determine reasonable rents for the area, as well as screen any potential tenants. If you own apartment buildings, then you might prefer an on-site real estate manager take care of the rental process for you. An on-site manager hired through a management companies in your local area can help you maintain your apartment buildings, and keep them occupied to their full limit. Benefits of Using Real Estate Management Companies The main benefit of using real estate management companies is that you can save time. Time is especially valuable if you own several properties in a different state, and cannot easily oversee those properties. These companies are found throughout the nation, and can often oversee properties that are quite some distance from your local area. Also, using management companies to monitor your properties is useful when you do not have the expertise or the desire to perform these tasks yourself. You always want to screen your applicants carefully, but without professional knowledge you may have a hard time choosing the right tenants. You know that the wrong tenants can cause a lot of problems, and you may take longer and longer periods of time to find a tenant to fill your vacancy. This is when you need real estate management companies to step in. A professional company knows what you need to look for in a tenant, and can fill your vacancies quickly. Another Perspective A management company can also offer their professional opinion when you are considering making a new investment. Bringing a true professional with you to inspect your potential properties can help you by giving you another, more objective and professional opinion. These companies are trained to spot any potential problems with the property, such as when a property needs intensive repairs. Also they can make sure that you are paying the right price for the properties that you are interested in. Being prepared with your own real estate management professional can help you with all your management needs. Business Aspects In addition to knowing which properties make the best investments, real estate management companies also know all of the laws pertaining to real estate in your state. While the law may not seem important when you are just beginning to invest in real estate, all you need is one troublesome tenant to know the law is a vital aspect of renting property. Qualified management companies are dedicated to helping you receive the cash flow you need from your properties. All of your management needs can be met by one of the real estate management companies in your area, from buying real estate to renting your properties. Karen McDaniel Principal/CEO Property Management Profile LLC Property Management Profile offers the most up-to-date listing of full-service property management companies nationwide. We have become a wealth of information and resource for the first-time landlord as well as the seasoned investors. We should know what we're talking about, as owner and creator of Property Management Profile, Karen McDaniel, has owned and managed many of her own properties. Today, all are managed by professional property management companies, so she now has more time to continue her work educating and helping others make better choices when it comes to finding a qualified property management company. For any property management company that is looking to gain national exposure by capturing the attention of out-of-state investors or be found by local clientele, PropertyManagementProfile.com is the place to showcase their business model and expertise to these prospective clients. We offer an opportunity for all property management companies to list their company on our website, whether you specialize in residential, commercial, vacation or community association management. We accept small to corporate size management companies. We also offer a Free basic listing.

Why Buy Real Estate

Why Buy Real Estate

Home owners pride is a feeling that really can't be beat. Owning your own home means it is yours, really yours. Something to be proud of. If you feel like painting the walls, you can paint the walls! You can remodel if the fancy strikes you or change appliances or pretty much whatever you want. It's your house! Having your own home makes you part of a community. A place where you can raise your family. It gives you and your children security for the future Many people end up actually paying less money on a mortgage than they do on rent. Imagine never writing that check again making your land lord richer. You can be making yourself richer instead. Acquiring equity is likely the best reason to own a home. Equity is basically the profit built into your house by you. By definition equity is "the monetary value of a property or business beyond any amounts owed in mortgages, liens, claims ect.". No more throwing money away on rent every month! Every time you make a mortgage payment you are building equity in your house. When you improve your home you are building equity into it. Those weekend projects are actually making you money! Besides, it's fun working on your own house. There are some really great tax credits this year for first time home buyers. The Government is giving an $8000 tax credit if this is your first time buying a home. Soon you'll also be able to use that tax credit for your down payment. But only until December 1st 2009. That's an $8000 reason to buy a home! Any remodeling done to your home or energy saving improvements are also eligible for tax breaks, and no one likes paying taxes. Here's the chance to have the Government give you money for a change! The economy is cyclical. Home prices go up and home prices go down. Real estate is known to appreciate in value over time more than any other investment. That's assuming of course that you make smart informed decisions when you buy. It's also the most stable investment you can make. Think about it, the land will always be there. Another favorite reason to have your own home is the capital gains advantages tied to ownership. If you build or buy a house and live in it for at least two years, when you sell you get to keep all the money. You won't be taxed up to $250,000 or $500,000 for a married couple. That's a sweet deal. There are many arguments in favor of home ownership, both personal and monetary. These are just few. There are many more, such as building credit and just the satisfaction of waking up in your own castle every morning. If you've ever thought about buying a house, first time or not, now is the time to do it. It's a buyers market out there with home prices and interest at almost historic lows. It won't last forever. Get in now before it's to late.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 14 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2552

Austin TX Condos - the many uses of an Austin, TX condo

Austin TX Condos - the many uses of an Austin, TX condo

Austin TX condos are a good investment for many different reasons. Austin has always been one of the most reasonable and attractive places to live in the United States. Located close to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Austin boasts of a warm climate throughout the year. It is the perfect place to sit back and relax and the people in the city are friendly. You can find many uses for an Austin, TX condo.

One of the uses for Austin, TX condos are to use them for retirement purposes. Those who are considering retiring some day to a warm climate should take a look at Austin. Austin has warmth and is close to shopping and conveniences. There are hundreds of golf courses in the area and many of the condominium complexes have swimming pools as well as clubhouses. Austin can be the ideal place to retire and, as the prices of the condos are lower than ever, now is the ideal time to buy.

Another use for an Austin condo is to use it as an investment. Those who are looking for long term investments know that real estate is always a good idea. While the price of real estate in the United States has dropped over the past two years, most experts believe that it will not drop further and will begin to rise towards the beginning of next year. Real estate is a good long term investment and, unlike investing in stocks, this deals with something tangible that everyone needs. Those who are seeking a way to put their money into an investment that has a bit more security than the stock market can diversify their portfolio by purchasing condos in Austin.

Of course, one of the main reasons that people buy an Austin, TX condo is to have a place to live. The cost of living is less in Austin than in other parts of the country. If you are thinking about a place where you want to relocate, you might want to consider Austin, Texas. You can choose from many different Austin, TX condos with various floor plans suited for you.

To find an ideal Austin, TX condo for yourself, whether it is an investment for later or for a place to live now, you can go online and peruse the site of an Austin real estate agency that lists properties on the internet. This is so much more convenient than having to travel to the area and look for condos for sale. You can deal with an Austin realtor that is used to people relocating to the area and knows the area well. You can go online and take a look at the Austin, TX condos that are for sale and choose a few that you would like to see. Then you can make arrangements for the realtor to take you to see the condos when you are in Austin. This is the best way to be sure of getting what you want when you purchase an Austin condo.

Austin Condos - Finding the best Austin condo for you

Austin Condos - Finding the best Austin condo for you

Some of the nicest and most reasonably priced properties in Texas can be found amid the Austin condos for sale. If you have been looking for an Austin condo, now is the perfect time to buy. You can get a mortgage on your condo and often pay less for your mortgage payment than you do for your rent.

One of the best aspects about Austin condos is that you do not have to worry about cutting grass or upkeep of the outside of the building. Many of the condos in Austin not only feature pristine grounds, but also swimming pools and clubhouses. An Austin condo can be the ideal setting for singles, couples or anyone who wants to have a home but does not want the expense of taking care of a single family residence.

If you enjoy the downtown atmosphere of Austin, you can choose an Austin condo located in the downtown area. This can be not only a great way to live, but can also be convenient. If you work in the Austin area, you can skip the car and expense that entails by having a downtown Austin condo.

You can find condominium deals all around the area of Austin right now. There has never been a more perfect time to buy property than right now. In addition to condominiums, you can also get some good deals on homes in the area. Right now, Austin has incredible deals when it comes to condominium sales.

Some of the Austin condos that are on the market are brand new, while others are older. You can take your pick from what you want by going online. If you are considering relocating to Austin, Texas, you can do so by purchasing a condo unit that is available. You can look online at what is available by way of condos in Austin and then arrange to see them for yourself when you visit this part of the country. By working with an Austin realtor, you can have everything arranged for you by the time you get down to Austin.

Condominiums make excellent investment opportunities. Many investors are purchasing blocks of condos all over the country as a way to invest in the real estate market. Many of the Austin condos can be rented out or used as vacation property. Austin has a warm climate throughout the year and draws in tourists throughout the year, especially in the winter months.

Anyone who is thinking of retiring to Austin should consider buying an Austin condo now. Retirement often seems far off to most individuals, but it creeps up sooner than people think. This is the ideal time to invest in retirement property in an area that is warm and sunny throughout the year. You can take your pick of new and older Austin condos that are on the market and make a purchase that will provide you with a long term investment and can be used for various different purposes, including for an eventual retirement home.

Never Say Die: The Eccentric Architecture of Arakawa + Gins

Never Say Die: The Eccentric Architecture of Arakawa + Gins

Architecture has, and continues to be, constructed with the goal of marrying form and function in a purposeful and aesthetic way. Perhaps it's time for loftier goals.

Arakawa and Gins are two artists and architects that have worked together for over 45 years. Troubled by the notion of mortality, the two have decided that they're never going to die, and are working to outlaw death for everyone. One way they're doing this is by creating residential spaces that will extend the lives of those who live in them.

Their self-made anti-death philosophy is known as "reversible destiny" and their building designs are based on something they call "procedural architecture." Their design methods create unusual structures that "steer their residents to examine minutely the actions they take...and recalibrate their equanimity and self-possession, causing them to doubt themselves long enough to find a way to reinvent themselves." What this heady explanation means is that the houses they build are challenging structures, designed to keep their residents off-kilter at all times. By living in a perpetual funhouse, you're forcing your body and mind to stay active and seek new answers to problems. This could then lead to a new way of approaching life and facing obstacles from a new, enlightened perspective.

Arakawa and Gins could be onto something. There's been a great deal of discussion in the medical community about brain plasticity, and about how stimulating the brain will help keep neurological problems like Alzheimer's at bay.

In terms of the physical challenges inherent with their structures, Arakawa and Gins believe that the body can be challenged to greater health as well. They feel that their disorienting spaces can help improve one's immune system, and even recommend their designs for seniors who have health problems and mobility issues. As Arakawa explained, even if people are forced to crawl on the floor like a snake, the health benefits will be worth it.

While most people want a living space that oozes comfort, for Arakawa and Gins, comfort is a harbinger of death. As Madeline Gins explains, "comfort is rife with anxiety, and elation comes when you erase that." By living in a home that challenges your senses and is difficult to get around in, "everyday you are practicing how not to die."

Their first American structure is known as the Bioscleave House, or Lifespan Extending Villa. It is located on Long Island NY, and cost $2 million to build. The home has remained unoccupied since the project was completed.

There are no doors on any of the rooms (bathroom included), thereby forcing you to reassess your need for privacy. The walls meet at strange angles and are painted with a multitude of bright colors. The concrete floors are hilly and covered with smoothed-over bumps that make walking a challenge, and the windows are set at varying heights so you can't orientate yourself with the horizon. The kitchen is sunk into the center of the home and is practically unnoticeable. Fortunately, there are brightly colored poles to help the unbalanced. Altogether the home has a cheerful yet dizzying effect.

An instruction manual comes with the home, and a waiver must be signed before entering.

Innovative design that challenges our notions of home and life—this is what the architecture of Arakawa and Gins does for us. They force us to question things that we take for granted such as comfort and the inevitability of death. While the author of this article may prefer to live in a house that is relaxing and comfortable, it's good to know that there are still people out there who are questioning limits, challenging perceptions, and working to achieve something we all want—to outsmart death

How to find the perfect home in South Florida

How to find the perfect home in South Florida

You have heard and read about prices coming down and real “steals” available in houses and condos in Miami. You probably also have heard about Miami’s foreclosures, short sales in Miami, REO, bank owned properties and other terms that intuitively you understand but might not know the implications.

Well, it's a thriving buyer's market right now, but it still isn't that easy to find the perfect home in Miami. Finding it takes some work -- eyeballing options and keeping a close watch on prices. Now with South Florida saturated with foreclosures, homes have become much more affordable.

However, you need to be patient, since the house that you want is out there. Narrow your focus to an area where you would like to live and start doing your homework. Most of it can be done online by using property search tools that allow you to search specifically for short sales in Miami, Miami REO’s, Miami Florida foreclosures or simply properties that meet your criteria.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Get an agent: Since many of the properties you'll be looking at will be Miami short-sales or bank-owned homes in Miami, getting the help of a real estate agent is probably more important than ever. If you want to exclude Miami, Florida foreclosures and short-sales from your search, which would seem unlikely since that's where bargains abound, a real estate agent will be able to eliminate those using the MLS data base. Also, if your agent is being a little clingy, don't be shy about suggesting you limit your discussions to once a week or every two weeks.

• Narrow your choices: At the end of January, there were about 64,000 homes on the market across South Florida. Doing some research on your own to winnow your choices will save you and your real estate agent a lot of time. It's worth holding out until you find exactly what you are looking for. With property values on the decline, you don't stand to lose much by holding out for the perfect home.

• Get prequalified: Getting a loan is tricky business these days because banks have significantly tightened their underwriting standards, making it a time consuming and cumbersome process. By getting prequalified, you'll not only find out how much home you can buy but you also might gain a negotiating edge because sellers know you can close a sale. Many agents handling foreclosures are swamped managing properties and want to know they're dealing with a serious buyer before extending the time and effort needed to close a sale.

• Make a reasonable offer: Clients can lose out on smoking deals because they make unreasonable offers on homes already priced to sell fast. If it's a fantastic deal, don't try to make it a super fantastic deal. Premium foreclosures will sell in seven days with multiple offers, so don't assume that the bank will give the home away for peanuts.

• Beware of short-sale listings: Don't get over-excited when you see a staggeringly low price for a short-sale listing. In a short sale, a lender must agree to allow a buyer to sell a home for less than the amount owed on it. But usually a lender doesn't approve until there is an acceptable offer, so any listed short-sale price is usually an agent's guesstimation of what a bank is likely to accept. Some agents list short sales at excessively low prices just to get the bids coming in and increase the odds of finding a buyer acceptable to the bank.

• Know what you're getting into: Buying a foreclosure is usually an as is purchase with no warranties. So what you see is what you get. Before buying, make sure you do your research. You don't want to get stuck in a home that you can't afford because you have to spend thousands bringing it up to livable standards. Also, beware of liens and other encumbrances that you may be responsible for when you take title.

Constec Realty is real estate brokerage firm that works exclusively with prospective buyers looking to purchase a condominium or house in Miami. Bank owned properties and short sales in Miami provide the best opportunities in the current market place. We have access to practically the entire inventory of short sale and bank owned Miami condos and houses available for sale in Miami. Again, we represent the buyer and have their best interest in mind. Commissions are pre-negotiated with sellers (i.e. banks) so there is no cost to you. A condition to purchase is that you will need to be financially pre-qualified or willing to purchase the property cash.

Incorporating Universal Design Into Your Home

Incorporating Universal Design Into Your Home

As our population ages, it becomes more vital to take different levels of ability into account when building or renovating our homes. By incorporating universal design elements into a new home or renovation project you can not only increase your number of potential buyers if you sell your home later on, but it will make your home more accessible to you if you find yourself having mobility problems later in life.

Universal design isn't designed specifically to be a home style for disabled or elderly residents however. The purpose behind the philosophy is that the designs are to work well for everyone, no matter their ability level, from the very young to the very old. Many of the differences that would be important in a universally designed home would be overlooked by someone without any disability. However, it is amazing what a difference that small changes can make in someone's day to day life.

One of the most important aspects of universal design is that of the entrance way. It is essential that at least one entrance way into the house be at ground level to make it easily accessible to anyone, including those with mobility problems. Along with the entrance height of the entrance way, it is important to ensure that the doors and halls in the house are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and allow it to navigate through the house.

The bathroom is also a vital area that requires enough space for wheelchair accessibility as well as certain other safety features. At least one bathroom on the main floor of the house should be set up with a wheelchair in mind. It should have a raised toilet, lowered countertops, and a curb-less shower for easy entry. Non-slip floors in the bathroom, particularly the shower area are also beneficial.

Most of the design changes that would be needed to make your house more universal design friendly are things like making space for a wheelchair to maneuver, large rocker switches, lever door handles, loop-style drawer and cupboard pulls, and other easy design choices that have an eye toward being use able by everyone. It's not hard to finish your house with some universal design elements, try to keep the principles in mind when planning your new home or renovation for best finished results.

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