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วันอาทิตย์ที่ 29 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Ten Tips to Buy a Luxury House for Sale in Tuscany

Ten Tips to Buy a Luxury House for Sale in Tuscany

Buying a house in another country can be an intimidating affair. There are language barriers to think about, and often words that mean one thing in English can mean something entirely different in the native tongue. That's only one of the pitfalls you face. Below, we've listed ten tips for purchasing one of the prestigious properties for sale in Tuscany.
Find a Lawyer You Can Trust: This one is crucial; you need to be absolutely certain that your lawyer is working on your behalf, and your behalf only. Many foreigners have been burned by dishonest agents, so perform due diligence when finding someone.

Don't Fall in Love at First Sight: There are thousands of historical Tuscan villas for sale; don't immediately jump on the first one you see.

Location, Location, Location: Like real estate the world over, prices vary greatly depending on where you look. Consider living a bit outside the city limits; you could save yourself a bundle and end up with a larger, more luxurious place.

Talk to Your Accountant: There are certain tax implications that you may have to consider when purchasing a home outside of your native land. Talk to a tax professional to determine whether it is a good move financially.

Buy to Own, Not to Rent: Many people bring in extra income by renting their home when they're not living there. When you consider purchasing luxury property for sale in Tuscany, however, remember that it's your home first and foremost, so think of yourself before potential visitors. A buy to let in Tuscany is a great investment, when done right.

Don't Forget Taxes: Taxes in Italy may be a good deal higher than the same taxes you would pay in your home country. Factor these prices in before settling on a property.

Think About the Future: Look down the road when deciding on a property. Do you plan on doing a lot of work on your home, or would you rather have a house that you can move into right away? If it's the former, check out some of the restoration villas in Tuscany: you might be able to find a steal that only requires a little tender loving care.

Size Matters: How many bedrooms does your ideal home have? Will you be frequently entertaining visitors like family and friends? If so, consider purchasing a larger space.

How Will You Get There?: One mistake that many first-time vacation home buyers make is a purchase far away from the airport. Remember that you'll likely have to fly in and out... do you really want to live hours from the nearest major airport?

Picture Daily Life: Living way out in the middle of nowhere seems romantic and quaint, but could become quite a hassle in everyday life. Is your new home near stores where you can buy food and other essentials? How far are you from a major population center with less frequently need but equally important goods?

Las Vegas Real Estate Market

Las Vegas Real Estate Market

Everyone knows Las Vegas as the universe for entertainment and gambling. However, the real estate market currently is not as hot as the temperature there. On a great note, for everytime the market has gone down south in Las Vegas, history has shown that it has come back to be even stronger. Las Vegas really doesn't need any introduction as most people around the world come to visit this mecca for entertainment year round long.
The average property in Las Vegas goes for about $170,000. Experts analyzed that properties are expected to appreciate at 8% this year and is expected to rebound as more people are expected to move into this wonderful city. In addition, job growth is also expected to increase monumentally. Furthermore, if you factor in how Nevada does not have any income tax, the real estate market here is primed to explode once again.

The reputation of Las Vegas full of gangster and mobsters has dramatically changed to a more family oriented atmosphere. Averages for Schools in Las Vegas has risen to become higher than the national average, and is improving each and every year. Look for Las vegas to break out within the next 5 years to greater real estate heights. Don't be like most people who passed up this opportunity during the last real estate market crash. The ones who did take advantage of the opportunity became millionaires within a few years time frame.

Relocation services Real Property Data Search

Relocation services Real Property Data Search

Can anyone please make me aware if you have any experience of using an independent property finder agent?? It is someone that works alongside various agents to find / source properties however who is not an Estate agent! We are about to start on buying a property in London, UK but need to find an independent agent who can find the properties so that we can schedule a trip to view.

Property finding is something that I do undertake on behalf of buyers. I have just finished one for a couple moving down from London. If you wanted me to help look for a property, I'd be happy to chat with you about what it is that you are looking for. I don t work with any estates agencies it's not that I am an agent, I'm employed as an independant. With provided info I investigate in a chosen location, I make agreements to view properties, I negotiate the prices and help with all of the administrative and legal procedures and even after the sale I remain at your service, relating to the paper work in relation to the common-or-garden running of the property.

If you know which areas you wish to look the notaries can help freely. Some are more active than others. Yet details, perimeter's and price range would aid the search of there files. Most have there ears and eyes out in the local communities which they otherwise deal with so have intimate understanding of areas! They can sell directly to you so cutting out the estate agent and there occasionally considerable fees!

Finding your next property can be challenging. It takes time. Our local expertise can give you a shortlist of appropriate properties, fast. We shall research, find and negotiate the purchase of your next property. Whether a home purchaser or investor you will love our results.

วันพุธที่ 25 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Real Estate Accounting - An Indispensable Asset for the Business

Real Estate Accounting - An Indispensable Asset for the Business

Accounts are the building block of all the businesses. No matter the business is small or huge; a requirement for proficient accounting system always thrives without which a business cannot operate smoothly. It is largely the accounting department's accountability to update all the records of each and every monetary transaction taking place. For the business to prosper and register profits it becomes extremely essential for the accounting professionals to be expert and skilled in their task. An industry whose existence is not possible without the assistance of proficient account section is real estate. The industry of real estate constantly involves huge transaction of money, which states that the process of real estate accounting has to be excellent.

Real estate accounting incorporates immense care as you will have to track certain principle as well as strategies, which makes the task exhaustive and at the same time needs you to be dexterous as well as proficient. In the business of real estate it is extremely vital to keep up the retail records as well as money dealings of the company. With this the process of real estate accounting is made extremely tiresome as well as burdensome. To keep up the records properly, professional assistance is extremely necessary. In this case if employees are hired then the whole affair will prove to be quite costly. But going by the usual trend that is followed nowadays, outsourcing different services has proved to be beneficial for the organization. Opting for outsourcing the services of real estate accounting is quite a beneficial idea.

Outsourcing of real estate accounting facilitates quality as well as professional services. The professionals of the outsourcing firms are competent and experienced enough to handle all your accounting tasks with ease. They ensure that you absolutely face no problems in keeping up your accounts. The accounting professionals maintain their calm along with performing the tasks with much more efficiency. They render you with an appropriate picture of the ways things are taking place enabling you to chalk out things in the right frame and prosper. This also enables you to managing your funds in a better way as the cost of appointing in house professionals is slashed.

Looking out for outsourcing firms for real estate accounting is not at all a difficult task. For this you will require to carry out a search on the Internet. With this you will gain access to numerous service providers out of which you can shortlist the ones which meet all your requirements. Prior to short listing, contact the firm for price quotes. Make a comparative analysis between the price quotes as well as terms and conditions of the various firms you have shortlisted. Besides if it is possible browse through the existing client's list to have a fair idea regarding their services. This will enable you to review their performance.

Prior to making a selection of the outsourcing firm, make it a point that you go through their classified policy. Ensure that all your valuable details are not misused by the firm. Also, if you want to increase the visibility of your business portal online, avail the search engine marketing solutions offered by outsourcing firms.

Buying A Home Now Makes Sense

Buying A Home Now Makes Sense

Everyone knows that the economy has been shaky to say the least over the last year or so. However, with these uncertain economic times always comes an opportunity to take advantage of affordable deals in the housing market. Here are two reasons why you should consider buying a home in today's market.

Reason #1: Home Values and Mortgage Rates are Low

You have probably heard the old adage to "buy low, sell high", but when the real estate market has been in turmoil, it is hard to know when the sell high part will arrive. However, we do know that right now it is very possible to buy low. Sometimes, you can buy very low. Homes in some areas that were $100,000 only three or four years ago may now be selling for $40,000 or lower. Real estate agents report that some homes are going for as much as 80% of the value they were just a couple of years ago.

If you are thinking about buying a house, you could not find a better time in history to do it. Not only are the deals great right now, but some of the loan programs available are fantastic too, especially for those people who have great credit.

Reason #2: Home Buyer Tax Credits Can Offset Your Cash Outlay

Another opportunity for home buyers are possible home buyer tax credits. The government has really focused on making home ownership a possibility for as many Americans as possible. This has translated into several opportunities for actually making money in the way of a tax credit after closing. There are also fantastic deals for those who may be interested in HUD owned homes, including a program where the buyer only has to put $100 down!

As you can see, the deals are endless for buyers right now. Short sales, foreclosures and other great deals are everywhere, but you must do your research and your due diligence. There may never be another time in history where the prices of homes are this good in many areas of the country. Those who take advantage now will reap big rewards in the future.

Don't Get Into Fights When Buying A Home

Don't Get Into Fights When Buying A Home

There are few things in this world that can be more stressful than buying a house. After all, it is the largest investment most people will make in their lives. Because the real estate market has changed so dramatically in the last few years, the home buying process is even more stressful now than it ever has been. The red tape, paperwork and new regulations can be quite difficult to navigate.

Because of these factors, the stress can easily cause issues in your love relationship if you are not careful. Many couples notice that they begin fighting more during the home buying process because of all of the stressful decisions that must be made.

Factor #1: Arguing Over Which House to Choose

Some couples start arguing early on in the process over things like which house to choose. This can be a real problem because you never want one person to "win" and the other to "lose". Learning to compromise can really be difficult when it comes to choosing something as important as a home.

Factor #2: Fighting Over the Housing Price and Terms Offer

Often, couples also fight about what to offer and what terms to ask for in the purchase offer. Many times, you will have one spouse who wants to be a deal maker and negotiate in a hard ball kind of way. The other spouse just wants the house, and does not want the deal maker spouse to screw it up. Unfortunately, real estate agents often get caught in the middle of this argument because they end up having to choose a side.

No matter what the situation, you need to remember that your relationship is far more important than any house could be. Buying a home to enjoy together should not tear your relationship apart because that makes the whole process pointless. Couples need to take great care in making sure that they talk about these issues, listen to each other and compromise where they can. This will make for a much happier home when the closing is over and the moving trucks are on their way.

Foreclosure Is NOT The Only Choice

Foreclosure Is NOT The Only Choice

Considering Home Loan Modification? Read Through These Basic Facts

Mortgage Modification really means a permanent change in one or more of the terms of your home loan allowing it to be changed so that you have a lower payment.

Read through the following to determine whether home loan modification is right for you:

* This service is a viable option when the rate or terms of your current home loan make it impossible for you to continue making the payments, thus risking losing your home. * Mortgage modification is not synonymous with debt consolidation, refinancing loans, or even forbearance. Your lender is agreeing to change the terms of your mortgage originally agreed to when you closed on your home or refinanced. * Mortgage modifications stop foreclosure proceedings and put you back in good standing with your lender. There are some other facts that explain why lenders actually want to work with you to negotiate a loan modification.

The good thing about loan modification is that you can roll the principal and interest, past due escrow, and late fees into the mortgage modification and thus will not be lost revenue to the lender. Loan modifications may use a step rate approach or an extended term methodology to allow you to repay and get up to speed on your mortgage. It's a win win situation - as you get more time to pay, and your lender gets more overall interest!

Steer Clear of Foreclosure with a Home Loan Modification

Mortgage lenders don't want to foreclose on you any more than you want it to happen. Face it - they're not in the real estate business - they are in the banking business. They'd much rather work with you to modify your home loan. Loan modification lets you spare your credit score the major damage it would take from a foreclosure. And, if you don't know it yet, let me tell you: Your credit score is your key to the kingdom, so to speak - so keeping it in good shape should always be your goal.

Here are the requirements you must meet in order to be considered a good candidate for a loan modification process to be started on your behalf:

* Your monthly mortgage must be impacted by a verifiable reduction in income * You must be currently employed or have another source of verifiable, stable and predictable monthly income * The home loan you wish to modify must be for your primary residence

If your current mortgage payments are too much for you to handle, don't panic. If you have the ability to pay your mortgage at a lower rate, loan modification may very well be a viable way for you to stay out of foreclosure.

How to Make Profit from Gurgaon Commercial Properties

How to Make Profit from Gurgaon Commercial Properties

It is the right time for you to make profit from Gurgaon commercial properties. Owing to the recent recession, Gurgaon real estate market is in a slump and it is great time to buy properties in this stretch. The Indian property market also has borne the brunt of the global economic meltdown and the market is slowly recuperating from the shock. Hence, the price of properties, especially commercial properties, has gone down considerably and those who are prudent enough to appreciate the trend can make good profit now. Industry insiders and investment consultants aver that before the slump there had been a continuous growth in property value appreciation in the region for several years. This has been due to several factors. The better infrastructure facilities, growing commercialization and industrialization, higher concentration of multinational corporate offices, etc. had been the reason for the continuous appreciation of real estate properties in Gurgaon. However, with the recession, the prices receded and it is the right time for investors to make profit from property deals in Gurgaon.

In order to make profit from commercial Gurgaon properties , one need have direct knowledge about the property market in the city. The city is poised for a great growth momentum and hence elaborate developmental work is expected to take place around the suburban belt of the city. If one is prudent enough to identify and foresee the locations which have primary thrust of development in the region, by investing in properties in such locations now, one can make good profits. It is estimated that before the slump, there had been for several years an average annual appreciation of 10 per cent to 15 per cent in commercial properties in this place. However, during the recession it went down up to minus 10 per cent annually, and is expected to bounce back with in a short period. Also, it is advisable to consult investment and property consultants in the region before making any investments. The infield knowledge of the real estate agents and consultants will be of immense help in identifying the ideal property which can yield you better profits in the coming days of appreciation. Sensing the future growth possibilities, major infrastructure development and construction companies have begun to acquire land for new projects around the city. Again, as the market shows a speculative trend, the savvy investor should purchase land and develop or complete projects in the shortest time available and should be ready with the product for immediate sale at the peak of the growth trend. This is because, after the expected growth, there may be possibly a decline in property values.

วันจันทร์ที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Fix and Flip These Homes

Fix and Flip These Homes

Rehabbing houses has become a reprieve for those who are looking for an additional source of income amid the tough times. They see real estate investing as a way to secure their financial standing. And why not, it pays handsomely. Here are the kinds of properties you can fix and flip today.

Fixer upper homes are first on the line. These are basically properties that are in disrepair and are very cheap. Owners of these properties are usually struggling financially and could not afford to fund repairs. Other owners opt to rent or move to other places and thus see repairs as a waste of money. You'll find scores of fixer upper homes across the country and one could be in your neighborhood.

When buying these types of properties, choose those that only need cosmetic repairs. These are minor repairs needed merely to beautify a home and raise its value. Examples of cosmetic repairs are applying a new coat of paint, laying out new carpeting, and improving outdoor landscapes. Addition of appliances, faucets and other plumbing fixtures, and electrical fixtures may also be considered as cosmetic repair.

It is given that fixer upper homes have damages but you should always be on the lookout for structural repairs. Structural repairs are those that are considered major and could eat up your repair budget. If the roof has a few broken shingles, then that won't cost you much. But if the whole roof needs to be replaced, reconsider buying that fixer upper as it might cost you a fortune. Tearing down or putting walls is also considered a major and expensive repair. Termite infestation can be a headache, depending on the magnitude.

Apart from fixer upper homes, you can also buy REOs, or real estate owned properties. These are houses repossessed by banks from owners who failed to settle financial obligations like mortgage. A lot of these houses need very little cosmetic fix and flip. Houses up for a short sale might work a well.

Inherited houses are ideal properties to fix and flip. Many owners prefer to sell these houses at very low prices. You can also target properties of divorcees. These homes are often easy to purchase as owners want to dispose of them, due to financial and emotional factors.

Read more about ideal houses to fix and flip at rehab-real-estate.com. The website is a database of videos and articles about real estate investing.

Finding Suitable Jackson Hole Real Estate

Jackson Hole is the name of the valley where the town of Jackson in the state of Wyoming is located. A part of Teton County, Jackson and Jackson Hole Valley are known for their stunning natural beauty and superb skiing. If you have decided that now is the time to purchase Jackson Hole real estate, the best first step you can take is to find a great local jackson hole real estate agency with which to work toward your goal of teton valley real estate ownership.
It makes sense, at the beginning of this exciting journey, to take stock of why you want to buy Jackson Hole, WY real estate. Are you looking for a house designed by a famous architect that offers a modern aesthetic, or a ranch house out in the country? Do you wish to be close to town to enjoy restaurants and cultural events, or would you prefer to get away from it all in a larger acreage property? Would you like your Jackson Hole real estate to be located near the fabulous mountains with unlimited ski opportunities that abound in this area? Having the answers to these types of questions helps you to narrow your focus on the specific details that you want your new Teton Valley real estate to encompass.

Next, after you have a good idea of the type of Jackson Hole, WY real estate you want, you will want to find a Jackson Hole real estate agent who can help. You definitely will want to work with a local Jackson Hole real estate agency if you are shopping for Jackson Hole, WY real estate from long distance. A local Realtor will be very familiar with all the different properties that are currently available for purchase, and will be able to sort through all of those to offer you the ones that best meet your specific criteria for the perfect Teton Valley real estate.

Various types of jackson hole wy real estate are available now. You might want to purchase a residence, or you may be looking for commercial property or real estate to develop. Your Realtor can locate any of these types of properties, and show you the best of what each neighborhood and area has to offer in Teton Valley real estate. In short, your Jackson Hole real estate agent can be your "go to" person to help you find the property you want, negotiate the offer and terms, and work with you all the way through escrow to signing. Realtors in Jackson Hole are ready to help you with every step of the process in purchasing real estate.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 15 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Beer is Good & People are Crazy Not Starting a Work From Home Business

Beer is Good & People are Crazy Not Starting a Work From Home Business

Country singer Billy Currington was the inspiration for this peice with his song "People Are Crazy" I don't want to start a work from home business; I would rather commute long hours, miss family events and make someone else rich, is that crazy? Why is that the norm and not the exception?
Top of the list responses would be security and being afraid to make changes in life (also know as the fear of the unknown).

Who is really secure today, whether in corporate america, the real estate or mortgage industry, or struggling with your own brick and mortar business.Can we really feel secure in these current times or do we just make ourselves beleive it is so for peace of mind.

What do we do, make a decision to transform now, before it is too overdue or delay and say "what if". A great book entitled "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, MD describes this scenerio best . The craziest time in any ones life is when they are out of control and forced into change. We see in the news and read in the paper daily of the out of their mind things that some people due when faced with this kind of pressure.

The logical thing to do would be to create additional value in yourself now by gaining knowledge and new skills. The most successful home business entrepeneurs are rarely focused on money, it is usually something much more personal like family.

Understand that a work from home opportunity is a business and should not be entered into lightly. No matter what you read or hear on the internet a work from home business is a job. I hate to call it that because it is so much fun when you conquer it. Working from home has allowed me to accomplish my main goal of having more time with my wife, family and friends. It is work, but there is no comparison to anything you have ever done.

Think of it this way, you need to become a work from home professional. Less than 10% of those that dive into the work from home business actually earn a profit, those 10% are the professionals. Experts at their skill, proficient in their time management and above all a winning mindset. In the year 2009 and beyond, that equates to internet marketing mastery. Just like doctors, lawyers, electricians and plumbers, who also go through mentoring, apprenticeship or internships for years. Has there ever been a better time? Not really, so knowing all that needs to be done are you ready to begin your work from home business journey?.

If you are independently wealthy or if as the aforementioned song goes "he was a millionaire,he left his fortune to some guy he barely knew" (you), then there is not much value in this article. If thats not you and you need to work, why not work for yourself and work from home.

Do I have any regrets, yes. I am not different from most, I waited until I was forced to seek change. Not the brightest guy in the world, but smart enough to not make the same mistake twice and give others some basic advice.

If you are interested in gaining the expertise and developing the skills needed to produce a booming work from home business, click on the link in the signature of this article for more information and a place to begin.

As always, wishing you success and happiness.

Turkey and Marbella Property, Good Investment Property Options

Turkey and Marbella Property, Good Investment Property Options

When investing in property it is important to invest in property which can give you good returns in the long run when sold or a good rent income. For this tourist places are considered more viable to invest as they promise both higher gains and good rental income. Some of the foreign investment options can be Turkey Property, Marbella Property, Bodrum property, Costa del Sol property and others. With millions of people visiting these places they have good tourism income. Turkey property can promise a life with nature and luxury. The natural beauty is mesmerizing and it will be just amazing to find a house overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The houses, villas or restaurant you name and you get it in Turkey. With a fantastic location on the south part of Spain Marbella also offers eye catching natural beauty. The Marbella government has developed the region nicely to attract more tourists. Marbella property with all the luxurious house design, interior, plantations, and pools is a delight for anyone. Now let's talk about the prices of Marbella property. The recession has hit most of the countries in the world and so the prices of many things have fallen while for some it has increased. However real estate remains the worst affected. Most of the Turkey property and Marbella property are available at 30-40% discounted rates than the previous year. Also for the luxury you have to pay accordingly. The price of the property depends on the choice of the property. Many rural areas also developing in Marbella and you can find many builders in these areas offering good deals for luxurious houses. While some may not buy them due to the area where they are located some with long term investment goal may still find them a lucrative offer. For the fact as the years pass the prices of the property will increase.

Top 3 Mistakes Sellers in South Windsor Make When Selling Their Homes

Top 3 Mistakes Sellers in South Windsor Make When Selling Their Homes

Selling your home can be tough. There are so many things to consider and so much money on the line. Unfortunately, a lot of sellers make mistakes that cost them a lot of money. Three of the most common mistakes are not repairing and staging, not marketing properly and not having proper professional support. Let's go into more detail on each 3 so you can avoid making these mistakes.
Mistake #1 - Not Repairing and Staging

Would you pay top dollar for a shabby car with engine problems and trash strewn all over the interior? Me neither.

Yet sellers so often try and sell their house when it still has problems that need repair. They try and sell their homes without staging it properly. If your front yard or living room is a mess, how can you expect a buyer to pay top dollar for your property?

Mistake #2 - Not Marketing

Simply placing a "For Sale" sign or placing your property on the MLS will not sell your property. With the South Windsor real estate market, it's crucial that you market your home to make sure it sells.

There are many ways to market your home. For Sale signs, MLS, proper staging and open houses are the start. Offline and online classifieds come next. Real estate agent to agent connections are also a powerful marketing resource. That brings us to our last point...

Mistake #3 - Not Having Professional Support

88% of all FSBOs won't sell and end up listed with a real estate agent anyway. Listing with a real estate agent will help you sell your house, and sell for more than a FSBO after commissions are taken into consideration.

Statistics consistently show that having professional support makes a big difference when it comes to selling your home. Real estate agents know what repairs need to be done, how to stage a home, how to market, how to set the price and how to negotiate. They've done it hundreds of times before and can be a huge asset in your transaction.

If you simply avoid these three mistakes and properly stage your house, make the necessary repairs, market your home well and work with a professional, you'll be better off than most other sellers on the market.

The 3 Real Estate Professionals You Should Know when Buying a House in South Windsor

The 3 Real Estate Professionals You Should Know when Buying a House in South Windsor

During the South Windsor home buying process, it's important to get advice and expertise from experienced individuals. The three most important advisers you'll find during the home buying process are: An experienced real estate agent, your loan officer and your home inspector. In this article, we'll talk about what each of these professionals can do for you.
Your South Windsor Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent is the single most important real estate professional you'll be working with throughout your home buying process. Your real estate agent is the person who's responsible for finding properties you might be interested in, educating you on the buying process, and finally helping you negotiate a great deal on a property.

Choosing a good real estate agent is absolutely vital. The best real estate agents to work with are the agents that are experienced and have your best interest at heart.

Your Loan Officer

Having a good loan officer is absolutely essential to the mortgage process. Your loan officer is the person who'll make sure that your loan goes through. Your loan officer is also the person who will educate you on the different types of loans available and your mortgage options.

Make sure you are comfortable with the loan officer you select. Picking a mortgage company based on a rate off the internet is a recipe for disaster. A South Windsor local who can meet with you in person and isn't just call center operator half way across the country will know how to get your south Windsor mortgage approved.

Real Estate Inspector

Your South Windsor real estate inspector is another important professional in the home buying process. The inspector is the person who will inspect your property and let you know if anything is wrong before you make your purchase.

Make sure you ask a lot of questions during the inspection process. Remember that you're paying for a professional service, so make the most out of it. Ask questions, even if they seem stupid.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 12 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Yucatan Real Estate offers a Unique Combination of Lifestyle and Provincial Atmosphere in Progreso

Yucatan Real Estate offers a Unique Combination of Lifestyle and Provincial Atmosphere in Progreso

The Mexico Beachfront real estate destination known as "El Progreso" in the Yucatan Real Estate area, is one of the few modern oceanfront communities which offers a large variety of attractions unique in Mexico; it also perfectly combines the beauty of its natural setting with the dynamic development and infrastructure of a city, while maintaining the provincial atmosphere of the old port.
As you arrive, you are welcomed by the fresh ocean breeze and the aroma of sea salt; the sky will offer you that perfect blue which, passing the beach, is reflected in the ocean. A variety of beachfront birds fly gracefully through the sky as they guide you to your destination: Progreso.

Now, imagine living in this beautiful location every day, or even at least part of the year. But the Progreso's beachfront lifestyle doesn't grow old. This unique branch of Yucatan Real Estate offers many activities for family, friends or couples, offering water activities such as kayaking, boating, diving, and snorkeling , sports, recreation or adventure.

Progreso is located about 20 miles north of Merida, with access by one of the best highways in the Yucatan Peninsula. While most services are readily available for real estate owners in Progreso, Merida, which is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, provides quick access to anything you may not find in Progreso.

In Progress fun and adventure are limitless for anyone who likes to live the unique experience surrounded by nature. Just a little southeast of Progreso, is the community of Corchito Springs, The Corchito is an area of freshwater springs where you can watch a variety of flora and fauna. The area provides refuge and food source for various species such as birds, crustaceans, molluscs and reptiles. There is also a camping area.

Back in Progreso, The International Rowing and Canoeing Track is considered one of the most important in the western hemisphere, and even in the world for its natural characteristics, and throughout its brief history it has hosted various national and international competitions such as the 2001 Pan American Championship and the CANAMEX canoeing championship and two national youth rowing Olympics. When athletes are not training, boats are available at no cost for residents and visitors alike.

On Progreso's beachfront itself, the boardwalk, the site most visited by hundreds of visitors looking for an escape on the beach and in the sun, also offers a beautiful place for residents to spend an evening, with an especially beautiful sunset tinged with a fiery ocher. On the boardwalk are many little shops which include local crafts, clothing stores and restaurants.

Progreso offers over a mile of beachfront, where you can use a paddle boat or other watercraft, as well as beach volleyball or soccer, or just sitting on the beach to seek relaxation in a contact of natural fullness. On the beach there are palapa-style restaurants that are along the street to enjoy the most delicious Yucatan seafood cuisine.

Walking through the main streets of the city, you breathe a peaceful atmosphere of an old port that still retains its provincial atmosphere. In the town, modern luxury is combined with traditional Mexican architecture, dating from 1856, it was founded. One example is the new modern marketplace and culture house located in one of the oldest port houses.

If you love architecture and history, you will appreciate the Municipal Palace, with colonial arches and murals which offer visitors and residents alike to connect with the area's history. The port of Progreso was founded because of the need to relocate the state's main port to a site closer to the state capital, so when the request was presented to the Federal Government, President General Ignacio Comonfort, granted permission to build port on the 25th of February, 1856.

This combination of beachfront living and provincial atmosphere are not common, not to mention the proximity to all the conveniences of a large city. To find out more about real estate in Progreso, contact the TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK.

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate - Government Cooperation

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate - Government Cooperation

Puerto Vallarta Real estate is a prime example of how the attractiveness and value of properties can be improved by a high level of cooperation between various governments of different levels. The Puerto Vallarta Real estate area includes not only the city of Puerto Vallarta and some of the surrounding municipalities in the state of Jalisco, but also some of the city's suburbs in the neighboring state of Nayarit. In addition to inter-municipal cooperation in government investment in the area, there has also been "inter-state" cooperation. The cooperation of the governments involved, and the high level of investment included has made Puerto Vallarta one of the prime destinations for retiring in Mexico and second homes for North Americans. Government Cooperation
The "6th International Forum from the Local - Municipal Building; A Task for All," a recent convention hosted in Puerto Vallarta, was a reflection of the area's strong inter-government cooperation. The event hosted 6,760 representatives from all three levels of government. Specifically in the case of Puerto Vallarta, the kind of cooperation promoted by the Forum has been reflected through the local mayors' coordination in various infrastructure projects, including regional landfill sites. In turn, Puerto Vallarta Real estate buyers can be confident that services will be offered continuously and efficiently as the the city's real estate growth requires expansion.

Strong Government Investment The cooperation and the projects in brings about are backed by a very solid base of financial investment, which is ever growing. Public Works, for example, has received an investment of nearly 80 million dollars over the past 3 years, which is more than it had received in total during the 10 years before. This kind of financial backing - especially during a time when there are budgets cuts happening everywhere - shows the governments' confidence in the area's economic strength, and is a good indicator that the financial backing will continue. Just as properties in Puerto Vallarta are top notch, providing a high level of luxury at relatively low prices, Puerto Vallarta's infrastructure is top quality, and has the support to be kept that way. Clean Municipality An example of another result of the city's investment into keeping the area at par with the excellent quality of the real estate purchases available, are two awards the city has recently received for being among the cleanest municipalities in Mexico. Two of Puerto Vallarta's beaches have received Mexico's prestigious "Clean Beach" award; only 6 other beaches in the whole country have been given this distinction. Likewise, Puerto Vallarta has been named the first "Clean Municipality" in Mexico, another prestigious distinction, received by meeting strict requirements of the highest level of visual and environmental cleanliness. While Puerto Vallarta was already a very clean city, the strictness of the certifications required not only financial investment but also a significant time dedication from the government. The government efforts are measured by their results, and the awards given to Puerto Vallarta are a great indicator of what you will see when you visit this amazing beachfront destination, and live in everyday when you take the step to buy a property here. The area is clean, very safe, and has the financial support to stay this way; it is an ideal location for retiring in Mexico, or for your home away from home. Find out more about the benefits of buying real estate and living in Puerto Vallarta, contact TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; OUR EXPERIENCE; thousands of Property transactions & years of assignments in Mexico AT WORK, PROTECTING YOUR INTERESTS.

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Valle de Bravo Real Estate offers Culture and Tradition in the Annual "Festival of Souls"

Valle de Bravo Real Estate offers Culture and Tradition in the Annual "Festival of Souls"

Valle de Bravo Real Estate offers a relaxing ranch - life style or a the provincial atmosphere of a traditional, small Mexican town. While these are the main factors that contribute to people buying in Valle de Bravo, anyone buying real estate in a new town will also want to know what else is going on. In addition to the waterfront activities of the lake and the country-side outings popular here, Valle de Bravo offers an excellent blend of cultural activities which bring a pleasant variety to the area's lifestyle.
A prime example of Valle de Bravo's is the Festival of Souls, "Festival de las Almas" in Spanish. While the festival attracts many visitors, this annual event is a pleasure for residents and offers an attraction for anyone considering buying Valle de Bravo Real Estate. The most recent "Festival de las Almas" started on November 1st of this year and wrapped up November 7th, offering a whole week of activities. This is a plus for residents, since it allows the flexibility to enjoy the festival at a time that suits your schedule best.

This year the festival featured artists from 12 countries and seven different states of the Mexico. The festival is considered "one of Mexico's main cultural expressions to the world."

The opening of the Seventh Festival of Souls included the well-known of the Italian singer, Filippa Giordano and a splendid fireworks display. The festival included performances such as folk dancing, classical ballet from Russia, Mexican legends performed in theater, and monologues. Music, of course, was a central part of the festival, offering Mexican jazz, traditional guitar music, Trova, classical performances on violin and piano, and children's choirs, among many others; the final day of the festival also saw a performance from Alex Syntek, a favorite Mexican pop singer. There were also numerous art expositions, including paintings, engravings, drawings, sculptures, and photography. The festival also included book presentations.

A highlight of the festival was also the traditional offerings for the Day of the Dead. While this tradition is held on the first two days of November, it is somewhat different from Halloween. While Halloween focuses on costumes, ghouls and ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, candies and parties, the Day of the Dead honors friends and family who have passed away, making "offerings" for them - a table with many of their favorite things on display, along with pictures, candles, candy skulls, and the well known bread of the dead, "pan del muerto." which are often open for the public to visit and pay their respects to. The festival included a display of variations on this rich tradition from different parts of Mexico.

This festival is only a taste of the culture and activities offered by Valle de Bravo. While the relaxing life on a ranch is the main attraction of buying property in Valle de Bravo, events such as "The Festival of Souls" and the rich Mexican culture in represents gives us just one more reason to choose Valle de Bravo Real Estate.

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Lake Chapala Real Estate ideal for Retiring in Mexico

Lake Chapala Real Estate ideal for Retiring in Mexico

If you are thinking about Retiring in Mexico, or just looking for the ideal place to retire anywhere, Lake Chapala Real Estate is one of the best choices available. Besides easy access back home, a near-perfect climate, lots of activities for all tastes and a large North American community, Lake Chapala Real Estate prices are very low, not only compared to American and Canadian prices, but also compared to other favorite Mexico retirement destinations.
If you choose Lake Chapala as your retirement destination, you will find getting here and back is quite convenient, for you or for friends and family who want to visit. The main towns on Lake Chapala, Ajijic and Chapala, are about 50 minutes away from Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city. The international airport is on Lake Chapala's side of the city, so it's only 45 minutes away. This airport offers direct flight to most major cities in the United States and Canada. Toronto or New York are about a 5 hour flight away, and many American destinations are even shorter. If you friends or relatives who love road trips, Lake Chapala is only 600 miles from Texas.

While Chapala and Ajijic offer most services you'll need on a daily basis, anything not availabe here can easily be found in Guadalajara, a major metropolitan city. Top notch medical service with modern, state of the art equipment is readily available for very reasonable prices, compared to back home, with excellent speed as well.

Climate

When it comes to climate, Lake Chapala is perfect for retirement, offering a warm climate, that also never gets uncomfortably hot. At 5200 feet sea level, the average temperature for the year is 74º F. During the hot season - April and May - temperatures can reach up to 90º, but the evenings are still quite refreshing, often going down to about 60. The "rainy season," lasting from June to October, is the favorite time for most retirees, either visiting or living here, because of the overall moderate temperature, balanced with sunny mornings and rainy afternoons to cool things down. During this season the trees are greener, the flowers are in bloom, watered by the rain, with their colors brought to life by the sun, and the air has a fresh feeling to it. Since it is not by the coast, there is no problem with hurricanes or tropical storms. It is not surprising that National Geographic has named Lake Chapala the second best climate in the world. What better weather could you as for for your retirement?

Activities

Lake Chapala also offers a large variety of things to do, fun for everyone, and especially suitable for a retirement lifestyle. If you enjoy sports, there are golf courses in the area; tennis, volleyball and softball are popular as well. The climate and picturesque roads winding through provincial villages, the lush, green hills of the countryside, or mountain trails are perfect for jogging, walking, cycling or even horseback riding. The lake offers more than just a beautiful view; you can enjoy boating and fishing very close to home. Other kinds of activities are common, such as playing cards, craft clubs and shows, garden and plant shows or just having a barbeque in your back yard. Lake Chapala offers something for whatever kind of retirement lifestyle you prefer, unless, of course, you like stress; here, there's only relaxation!

Foreign community

Lake Chapala is one of the favorite retirement destinations for Americans and Canadians. In Ajijic and Chapala and the surrounding villages, there are about 6,000 Americans and Canadians, not to mention a European community. Many of these are retirees, but there are a large number of younger families as well. You may find that most of your neighbors are from Ontario, New York or Texas.

Real Estate

one of the most important steps in getting ready for retiring in Lake Chapala is finding the right property to do so. In Ajijic and Chapala there are properties available in a variety of styles. There are colonial style Mexican homes to match the cobblestone roads, or modern recently built condos, and many choices between. Real Estate prices in Lake Chapala are considerably lower than similar properties in the U.S. or Canada, and even lower than other destinations for retiring in Mexico. A small, but well designed and built condo can be found for less than $100,000 US. Larger, luxury condos and beautiful single houses can go up to around $300,000 US - which is more like the starting price for something very simple and small in many destinations near the ocean!

Since, finding the right house or condo for retiring in Lake Chapala is one of the most important decisions you will make, it is equally important to find a real estate agent who will provide you with all the information you need and make sure that the paper work and transactions are carried out correctly; this way all you have do is choose the place that's best, and get ready to enjoy retirement! Contact TOPMexicoRealEstate.com, "Your Expert Property-Finders," to get start your property search on the right foot!

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Finding the Best Philippines Homes for You

Finding the Best Philippines Homes for You

Of course, when you are finding Philippines homes, you may not have to deal with huge problems. This is because the real estate industry in the Philippines is actually a very competitive industry. And remember, free competition always entails quality services and cheap prices. These are the reasons why many people are actually choosing the Philippines as their next residential location. However, we must not fall into the trap of just getting the first real estate property that we can encounter. In any competitive market, it is still the job of consumers to shop around for the best developers that offers the best Philippines homes available.
It is true that there are many different real estate developers that offer Philippines homes at prime locations. In fact, there are even low cost communities that are located right in the perimeter of the metropolis. However, these communities usually suffer the same urban living hassles that most urban dwellers experience. In this case, homes that is located near or in the urban centers also takes their share of the noise, pollution, and monotonous concrete facades that characterize urban communities. This would be very problematic for a consumer who wants to experience living in the outdoors.

There are also instances wherein developers offer homes that enjoy beautiful, wide open spaces. However, most of the time, these communities are just located many miles away from the major metropolis. This situation would also pose a problem to consumers who want the metropolis easily within reach. Surely, having Philippines homes that enjoy wide open spaces, while being within reach of major urban centers is the best deal. This is exactly what is offered by NUVALI by Ayala Land.

First, NUVALI offers the best Philippines homes that enjoy wide open spaces. In fact, these homes are actually located right in the center of a green environment. In this case, having your home located here would surely be a great place, especially when you are the person who loves the outdoors. In addition, NUVALI is in fact also an ecologically friendly planned community. The good thing, it is only located 30 minutes away from the major Philippine metropolis, making you enjoy the conveniences of a city easily.

วันอังคารที่ 10 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Wanna Flip a House? Learn From These 5 Secrets

Wanna Flip a House? Learn From These 5 Secrets

If you're looking for a way that you can boost your investment portfolio, you may want to think about real estate. Many investors have found that flipping houses is one way that you can build up quite a bit of money. However, there are investors that have lost a lot of money when trying to flip houses as well. The good news is that there are some top secrets that the professional house flippers use that you can use for success when flipping houses for profit.
Secret #1 - Be an Expert in Your Location If you are going to flip houses, it is best to just work in one location and become an expert in that location. Learning important local data can help you to be successful as you flip houses for profit. Some of the statistics you should know is the number of homes that have sold the month before, the houses that are for sale in the area, the average selling prices, and whether or not home are sitting vacant while waiting to sell. This local information can be invaluable and can help to save you from crashing and burning when you start investing in real estate.

Secret #2 - Always Do the Math Before you ever do a deal, make sure that you do the math and your due diligence. Take time to check comparable homes and ensure that they are accurate comps for what you are working with. The last thing you want to do is purchase a home, and then get stuck with it, realizing that it isn't worth as much a you thought it would be. This is why doing the due diligence before a deal is so important for your success.

Secret #3 - Treat it Like a Business If you're going to start flipping homes, you must treat this as a business. It's easy to get attached to a home, but if you do, you'll start making mistakes. If you avoid becoming emotionally involved with a home, you will make the right decisions and save money. Remember, you need to do the numbers, not think about how much you love about the home. Stay detached if you want to make money.

Secret #4 - Avoid Mistakes By Getting Advice In some cases, you may end up making some repairs on home before you are able to resell them. If this is the case, avoid mistakes by getting some advice. If you have some plans drawn up for construction on the home, always have someone else take a look at them. Having another pair of eyes to take a look at your plans can save you a lot of money, since they can see mistakes and flaws that you may miss. So, make sure you get some advice to help you make the right decisions.

Secret #5 - Only Work with Quality People You'll be working with quite a few other professionals when you begin flipping homes. You'll be working with real estate agents and some contractors as well. You want to make sure that you only work with quality people. If you surround yourself with top quality professionals, it will make your job easier and help you succeed. Ask around and check into the reputation of the people you work with to ensure they'll help you successfully flip homes for profit.

Vacation Rental Property: A Good Investment

Vacation Rental Property: A Good Investment

Purchase of house property deals with many issues and even more if it is used for rental purposes. Buyers are subjected to procedures determined by local authorities, and this may vary from one country to another. These days, the scarcity of land means a great deal to those who own more than one house. House owners can convert their houses into vacation rental property to generate more income. To do so, the house should be located in a strategic tourist destination in order to attract potential occupants. Otherwise, it should be located in a beautiful landscape overseeing unique scenery. That way, the house retains potential value for conversion into a holiday rental. Owners should note that certain countries impose regulations and laws to regulate the growing vacation rental property business. This is to protect the local hotel industry, whereby may suffer due to lack of occupancy demand. It is important to find out more about the restrictions and weigh whether it is viable to continue with the conversion. Different types of holiday homes can be leased for rent. They include cottages, villas, apartments, condominiums, and estates. Each type of property has its own specialty. Owner may determine the best rental rate by consulting real estate agencies or holiday rental agent. Depending on the furnishing and renovation done on the house, better furnished houses can fetch a much higher rate of rental. It is also important to maintain the condition of the house so that guests feel comfortable during their stay. General maintenance and housekeeping is necessary and this is the responsibility of the caretaker of the house. Bear in mind that occupants often review their stay and it helps to create a pleasant stay so that they will want to return for their next vacation. There are many aspects to oversee when a person owns a vacation rental property. A well managed house lasts a long time and will continue to generate income for you as an investment.

วันจันทร์ที่ 9 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

How to Buy a Prime Real Estate Property through Brooklyn Foreclosures?

How to Buy a Prime Real Estate Property through Brooklyn Foreclosures?

Finding a prime real estate property in today's times can be a very expensive deal, but with a large number of highly affordable properties located in some of the most livable communities in the US being available through Brooklyn foreclosures, home buyers and real estate investors can now make a lucrative purchase at amazing bargain deals.
Why to buy a foreclosure property in Brooklyn?

One of the fastest growing areas in New York in terms of real estate value, buying a property in Brooklyn has several benefits:

* Benefits for first time home buyers - Home buyers interested in purchasing a foreclosed home can avail of low interest housing loans, down payment assistance and tax credit abatements which make the venture highly profitable on the whole.

* Department of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development - The department works in close cooperation with its residents in order to ensure that they receive the best utilities and quality neighborhood services.

* Popular attractions - The city is home to various recreational spots like the famous Times Square and Rockefeller Centre as well as family attractions like the Children's Museum and the Grand Army Plaza.

How to purchase a home through Brooklyn foreclosures?

The guidelines listed below will help interested buyers in finding a prime real estate property through Brooklyn foreclosures successfully:

1. Plan your budget - In order to carry out a productive and focused search for suitable Brooklyn foreclosures, start by planning out a realistic budget for your home.

2. Find the latest deals on foreclosed homes - Now find the latest foreclosure deals by subscribing to online listing services, visiting real estate and bank sites and regularly referring to newspaper classifieds and real estate journals.

3. Pick out the most appropriate properties - From the various foreclosure deals available pick out the properties that closely match your housing needs and fall within your price range.

4. Evaluate offering prices - Compare the prices of the properties chosen by you with their features and zero in on the most suitable and bargain deal that is located in a good residential area.

5. Check property history - Now that you have decided a property through Brooklyn foreclosures, check its background and ensure that the house is free of back taxes and is in a prime condition.

6. Submit your offer - Finally try to estimate the property value by enquiring about the selling prices of similar properties in the vicinity and submit a reasonable offer to the sellers.

So go ahead and find a suitable home through Brooklyn foreclosures and get yourself a prime real estate deal at a highly lucrative bargain purchase.

Why Hard Money Is The Ideal Financing For Real Estate

Why Hard Money Is The Ideal Financing For Real Estate

Hard money interest rates are twice as high compared to traditional loans but it is still considered as the best form of financing when it comes to real estate investing. Hard money financing has many advantages over traditional loans despite the higher interest rate and this is why it is in demand among house flippers.
The first advantage of this form of funding is that it is processed much faster. Banks and other traditional lenders usually take at least 30 days to process loan applications. Hard money loans on the other hand are approved or rejected in just a matter of days. In some established online networks like RehabHardMoney.com, it takes at least two days to process applications after the submission of papers. Rehab Hard Money also uses a prequalification system that further speeds up the processing of loans.

Second, hard money financing can fund repairs in a fixer upper project. Traditional lenders will only lend you the amount to buy the property, for instance a fixer upper home. Hard money loans, meanwhile, can cover the repair costs since these are computed based on the ARV, or after repair value of the property. For example, you will buy a fixer upper home for $90,000 and spend $15,000 for repairs. If the lender will give you 70% of the ARV, you'll get $150,000 - the same amount you'll need to buy and repair the property. That means you will be able to flip a house without spending a single cent.

Third, hard money loans are approved based on the "collateral." The fixer upper you will flip is the collateral here. If the lender sees the property's potential to yield profits, then you'll get the loan. Your credit score will barely matter when you apply for such loans.

Such is the case when you search for lenders through web sites like RehabHardMoney.com. Rehab Hard Money has a network of lenders across the country. You'll be able to prequalify for loans by filling out a borrower's form on the web site. Rehab Hard Money also entertains lenders who want to join its elite network.

How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Canada

How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Canada

A real estate agent is a fun and lucrative job with many opportunities to advance one's career. To become a real estate agent, one must be at least eighteen years of age and have a Canadian High School Diploma or equivalent, and speak English. Each province in Canada is responsible for licensing real estate representatives in that province. However, there is a three-step process common to most, with a Board exam unique to each province. British Columbia will not grant a license to anyone with summary convictions until two years after restitution is made. Quebec will not issue a license to someone with a criminal offense in the prior five years. Check with your province of residence for specific local requirements. They can be found in most cases under the provincial Real Estate Commission or Council.
The first step is to complete the requirements for the Initial License. This must be completed within eighteen months. The program is available by correspondence or on-line. Phase one covers the benefits and limitations of a career in real estate, an outline of the requirements for registration as a real estate representative, an overview of the mathematics skills needed, and an indication of the specialties and career options. Phase two introduces the technical aspects of the profession and covers the statutory laws, rules and regulations governing transactions in real estate. Phase three gives a choice of two aspects of real estate; Residential and Industrial Commercial Investment (ICI).

The residential course is completed during eighty hours of classroom time. Practical aspects of real estate are presented through workshops covering the topics of acquiring listings, marketing, qualifying buyers, preparing and presenting offers. The ICI course requires eighty hours of classroom time. A wide variety of workshops cover topics including office, retail, industrial, multi-unit and vacant land practices.

The next step in becoming licensed is to complete a two-year articling period with a licensed broker. During these two years, one must complete three additional courses. Real Property Law is a mandatory course, with optional courses including Principals of Appraisal, Principals of Mortgage Finance, Principals of Property Management, or Real Estate Investment Analysis. There is also a mandatory Phase 3 course. One may renew a license after completing the articling stage and completing these courses.

To maintain a license, one must complete twenty-four hours of Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) every two years. Other opportunities to advance one's career are available in Continuing Education Units (CEU). CEU courses offered include: Agency courses, Practical Approach to Agency, Agency for Profit, Agency for Practice, Dealing with Purchaser Agency in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, Disclosure of the Real Estate Profession, The Broker's Toolkit: Standards and Compliance, Conflict Resolution Skills, Valuing Diversity; Increase Profits with Multi-cultural Clients, Housing Technology, and Technology for Profit.

If one wishes to become designated in a specialty, the Real Estate Institute of Canada offers several professional certification programs. These include certifications for property management, condominium management, appraisal specialist, and land planning and development.

Real Estate is a large and varied profession with many opportunities for specialization and advancement.

Investing In Your Real Estate Know-How Online

Investing In Your Real Estate Know-How Online\

There are things you must leave to experience to learn, but there are a lot you must study yourself. When it comes to real estate investing, you'll be better in time. But before you get better, you need to be good. To be good, you must learn the basics of the trade today.
Learning about real estate investing also need not be expensive. Web sites like RehabList.com offer free educational articles for those interested in the business. Learn about flipping houses, handyman specials, hard money lending, and everything real estate investing through RehabList.

RehabList.com is an advocate of "rehabbing" properties, as reflected by its mission to turn old houses into new homes. RehabList has a Learning Center section where you'll find written articles. You will also find video testimonials by successful names inspiring and educational.

Here are a few things you'll learn online:

On starting in real estate investing, the first skill you must develop is having a keen observation. This will allow you to judge whether a property is potential gold mine or a time bomb ticking. Negotiation is a trait you must master. In any given business, nothing beats a good negotiator. Master timing. Know when to buy a property and when to sell it. Learn the jargon. Relevant terms like hard money, fix-and-flip, and buyers market, among others, should be in your vocabulary. A few branches of the real estate market are thriving even as the country is in a recession. Flipping houses, for example, is a good business to venture in nowadays as many owners are opting to sell their properties amid harsher times. With proper knowledge and guidance, you can cash in on these businesses.

Visit the likes of RehabList.com to familiarize yourself with how the market works. With a foundation laid by RehabList and other online resources, your real estate investing career is good for take-off.

Real Estate Brokerage Business Plan: Key Things You Can Learn

Real Estate Brokerage Business Plan: Key Things You Can Learn

Believe it or not, it isn't just funders who will learn about your new real estate brokerage business when you create a business plan. You can learn a great deal of important information from the process of creating a business plan which will better prepare you to manage the business going forward.

Market Research

You may think you've done market research, but creating a business plan requires you to look deeply into the industry, your customers' needs, and your competitors. The research must be systematic, looking not just at a couple of competitors, but at the entire field until you've identified your top opponents. Looking at competitors can also uncover some of the best practices of the industry which you may not have known, as well as weaknesses in other businesses which give you an opportunity to create competitive advantage. By delving so deeply into these areas that you can write a coherent and complete business plan, you will be armed to better deal with your market situation both before and after your launch.

Operations Plans

How the business will actually operate may become an afterthought until you are required to write it clearly in the business plan. By not putting off the work of planning your sales, administration, and marketing processes, you will discover additional costs to plan for and opportunities for savings. In the process, you will have to make decisions with a significant impact on the job descriptions of your team, better preparing you for hiring process. All of these activities within the business are key drivers of costs and revenues, and only by planning these systems can you project those costs and revenues accurately.

Projecting Financials

Finally, the act of creating detailed, multiple-year financial plans asks you to look behind the critical launch year to consider your firm's future potential. Only by looking three to five years ahead can you see if you are really launching a brokerage which will meet your personal needs for reward based on the risk you are taking on. You will also learn a lot in the process about what kind of business you are creating. Will you lead the company through rapid expansion to a multiple broker firm? Will you want to hire additional management help at a future date? Or is a small brokerage with consistent, steady income what you desire out of this venture?

วันเสาร์ที่ 7 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Search for your dream Philippine Real Estate in Umbrella Online

Search for your dream Philippine Real Estate in Umbrella Online

Are you searching for your dream Philippine real estate? Well, search at the right place. At umbrella Online Real Estate, you can find the real estate property of your dreams. You can find apartments, condos, houses and more with just a click of a button.

You can find real estate in Makati, Ortigas, Pasig, Fort Bonifacio, Paranaque, Taguig and in other Metro Manila cities. Just enter your desired propety location, price range, number of bedrooms you want, the property type and you can access various suitable properties in Manila that Umbrella Online manages. This includes some of the best and most luxurious Manila Houses, Manila Condominiums and apartments in Manila.

You can also find upcoming projects and newly constructed complexes at Umbrella Online's website. Many of the Philippine real estate properties displayed in the company's website have been constructed by famous land and property developers like Ayala Land and Filinvest Land. Almost all of Umbrella Online's various properties in Manila come with facilities and amenities fit for a modern lifestyle such as; indoor clubs, tennis courts, restaurants and bars, badminton courts, swimming pool, spas, playground for kids, manicured lawns , CCTV cameras and many more.

Not only that, Umbrella Online can also help you sell or lease your land in the real estate market. The company can even offer you expert advice for you to understand the current property trend and values. Umbrella Online Real Estate agents are knowledgeable in this field and they will surely help you come up with the right decision.

No matter what properties in Manila you need, from Manila condominiums, Makati house for sale to Manila homes, just come to Umbrella Online for support.

Ann Arbor Real Estate Buyers - Two Expensive Mistakes to Avoid Today

Ann Arbor Real Estate Buyers - Two Expensive Mistakes to Avoid Today

Some years ago our Ann Arbor real estate company published a report titled "37 Expensive Mistakes Ann Arbor Home Buyers Should Never Make Again!". The report has been downloaded thousands of times and I know many buyers have benefited from it. But in 2009-2010 we are seeing some new mistakes.
The purpose of this article is to give you some advanced notice of these two critical issues.

Mistake 1. Not learning about the different types of real estate agents.

In our market you can typically chose from seller agents, designated buyer agents, buyer agents, and exclusive buyer agents. Each one has different roles and obligations. The first step in understanding the options is to understand that your relationship is with the company, not just with the individual agent. Any contracts you sign will reference the company and any compensation must go to the company.

Of all the agent options the simplest to understand is exclusive buyer agency. This is where the whole real estate company represents only buyers. They never list homes and they never represent sellers. These offices give up the lucrative listing business to avoid the conflicts of interest that come from trying to represent buyers and sellers. Since they specialize they can often offer unique services and expertise. The term "exclusive buyer agency" was defined many years ago by both the largest national association of real estate agents and by the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. Unfortunately these days some less than reputable real estate groups mis-use the term to try to capture more business from home buyers.

The second option is buyer agency. In this situation the brokerage and everyone in it represents the home buyer, but only on that transaction. The company also represents home sellers. This often leads to dual agency where the company is representing the buyer and the seller on the same transaction. This is good for the company but bad for you. This is the primary concern with buyer agency, the probability that the company will change to dual agency. If you interview an agent from a company who offers buyer agency you need to understand and be comfortable with the potential to lose those benefits if you are interested in one of their listings.

The third option is designated buyer agency. Designated buyer agency is a creation of a large special interest group in the state and it effectively lets the broker of a company designate one single agent to work for you. Other agents in the company may be working against you by representing other buyers on the same property, or they can be working against you by representing sellers of property you are interested in.

In designated agency there is a "supervisory broker" who is responsible for managing the designated agents. Often that supervisor becomes a disclosed dual agent so you are back to dual agency. Normally designated agency agreements have you give up the right to have your own advocate from the very start if there is a situation where the agent can sell you one of their own listings or an office listing. This is one of the major problems.

One of the other significant problems with designated buyer agency is that you lose the benefit of the whole company's expertise. This often comes into play where one agent in a company knows something significant about the property you are interested in. Under buyer agency you have access to that knowledge. Under designated buyer agency you don't. An example of how this has been a very expensive problem for Ann Arbor real estate buyers is found in the next mistake.

Mistake 2. Not having an video inspection of a home's sewer line.

In Ann Arbor Michigan there are a lot of homes built between 1940 and 1965. Many of these homes had their sewer lines constructed out of a material called orangeburg pipe. These pipes were made out of layers of wood pulp glued together and for about twenty five years it was considered an acceptable material to use underground. The problem is these pipes are wearing out. And when they fail it can be an inconvenient and expensive repair.

This involves many neighborhoods in Ann Arbor, but if your agent is not aware of the problem and your home inspector doesn't think to recommend a sewer inspection, you could be in for a costly repair shortly after you move in. This has become a significant problem for buyers who use designated buyer agents because often the less experienced designated buyer agents don't have the knowledge to know which neighborhoods are likely to have this type of problem. In the larger offices there are agents with enough experience, but with designated buyer agency they don't share their knowledge with you. In fact, that experienced agent may be representing the seller and they may be hoping you don't do a sewer line inspection.

Our company helped a buyer buy a home recently where the sewer was failing. That seller had just purchased the home a year before and their designated buyer agent didn't warn them. If they had used a buyer agency company I'm sure they would have learned and avoided the expensive surprise.

For more information on exclusive buyer agency visit the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. Also, there is a lot of information on Orangeburg sewer lines now online including some Ann Arbor videos on Youtube.

How to Create A Real Estate Lead Generation Automation System

How to Create A Real Estate Lead Generation Automation System

Did you know that anyone can set up their own real estate automation system? It's not even all that expensive, and if you do it right, it could generate lots of leads. Let's take a look at what you need to do and how to do it. A real estate automation system could be just what you need to get your business going in this slow market. Here's what you need to know.
If you ask the average real estate agent whether they can use the Internet to drive leads for their business, they'll tell you it doesn't work. That's because most of the people who've tried doing it didn't know what they were doing. Poorly used methods and the wrong tools can add up to a lot of wasted money. But, the majority of home shoppers now start their search online. That means that using only traditional methods to generate leads could keep you from getting in touch with the very people who want to do business with you.

If you want to succeed in generating online leads, the important thing is to focus on using an automated system that's effective and builds relationships with people who might become your clients. If your prospective clients feel like yet another number, they're not going to be interested in working with you. It's that simple.

Most agents fail at one of those important factors. Either they use an automated system that makes their prospects feel unimportant, they use an inefficient, ineffective system, or they forget about automation entirely and try to do all the work by hand. Any of those problems is going to result in a failed online lead generation system. Fortunately, you don't have to end up like them.

Want to make the Internet work for you?

You can stop having do to print mail and reduce your marketing expenses significantly, without paying a lot for online leads. It's not just luck, either. Simple techniques, like keyword marketing, blogging, use of an autoresponder, SEO methods, and other ways of getting in touch with people in the market for a new home are all it takes. Here are a few of the basic techniques and what you need to do with them.

Keyword Marketing Research Most people look for homes using search engines. This means that they find their real estate agents through keywords. Knowing which keywords they're likely to use can help you find leads. Take the time to do some keyword marketing research (there are many guides out there that can help you get this information) and you'll know where to start with your campaign.

Blog Based Websites and Landing Pages

A blog based website is the better choice for most real estate professionals than a static site, these days. Blog sites let visitors get to know you and your business. They allow a personal feeling without a lot of investment on your part, too. Just write about what you do, what's available, and your methods. Be sure to use a landing page or squeeze page for visitors, though. These pages are the ones that get their names and contact information - the important data that you need to generate leads.

Auto responders or Auto Notifiers

An autoresponder is an important part of your automated system. It gets the information out to your prospective clients as soon as they sign up. It's also a great way to distribute newsletters and other information about you that'll help them stay interested in what you have to offer.

Search engine optimization (SEO), is an important part of using those keywords. It's a method to make sure that the search engines know what your site is about and what keywords to rank it for. Take the time to do it well, and you'll find yourself climbing in the rankings. Look for free SEO plugins from Wordpress for your blog.

Video Creation Video advertising is another method to get the information out to your prospects. Try sites like www.getafreelancer.com and others to find freelancers who'll make your videos for you. Just remember that you get what you pay for, and the cheapest isn't always the best.

Syndication Don't forget to syndicate the great content you're distributing through your blog. Sites like feedburner.com can help you get the word out through syndicated blog feeds. Readers will sign up to read them without needing to go to your site.

Other Online Property Submission Web Blasts Sites like Vflyer.com also have some great features that can help you automate your lead generation, bringing in the people you need to do business with.

If you do it right, you can automate your real estate lead generation. It's remarkably simple. Just take the time to check out all the options, and make sure that you go at it in an organized, human, automated fashion. You'll be surprised by how many solid leads you generate by spending only a little money and a little time at the beginning. Don't miss out on all the great leads you could be getting through the Internet. It's where people go to look for their next home, so it should be where you go to look for your next client.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 5 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2552

Generate Online Real Estate Leads With Call Capture

Generate Online Real Estate Leads With Call Capture

Modern real estate agencies are faced with a fairly serious set of problems. The current economic downturn began as the market took a heavy hit, and in order to stay profitable, agencies have been looking to all possible innovations in technology and approach. Internet marketing has been extremely helpful to some agencies, as have real estate call capture systems. These are systems based on toll free numbers that provide potential buyers with information on a home while simultaneously acting as a follow up tool for agents. When call capture systems are combined with online marketing efforts, the result can be improved sales and lead generation for real estate agencies and individual agents.
The specialized nature of real estate call capture systems is a very helpful feature in all marketing, particularly efforts on the Internet. Individual extensions can be assigned to different properties, so that off of a general toll free number, a customer can dial in to get information about a variety of homes. Agents can include these specialized extensions in online property listings, so that potential buyers are able to obtain instant information with a simple phone call.

A potential buyer might request an audio tour of the home, information about the house's size and price, or any other details that the agent wants to impart. When the call is finished, the call capture system can prompt the potential buyer to hit a certain extension to speak directly to the agent. This can be a good, non-invasive way to generate quality leads for an agent. It can also forward the most serious calls directly to an agent's mobile phone, establishing a direct connection that's invaluable in making sales. The agent is easily able to differentiate calls coming from online marketing efforts from other types of calls, enabling the agent to change his approach based on the caller. The call tracking features of real estate call capture allow agents to carefully control their advertising budget, putting more money into online marketing efforts that are effective and cancelling ads that aren't working.

Call capture systems can also offer click-to-call systems that are ideal for websites, as they don't require customers to pick up a phone and dial a number and an extension. Instead, a customer enters his or her phone number into a dialog box on the website, and within a minute, the customer is automatically contacted by the real estate call capture system. The system tells the Internet viewer about the property the caller is interested in using information and recordings from the real estate agent for that property. These might be the same recordings that the agent uses for direct callers, or they may differ in approach depending on how they're set up.

Internet marketing efforts favor agents that keep consistent contact with clients, and call capture systems are helpful in this area as well. Many real estate agencies offer newsletters and reports about the properties that they represent, and real estate call capture systems can be used to offer these electronic reports to potential customers. A customer who calls a call capture system (or enters his or her number on the web) or who enters an email address via the system can join a mailing list. The mailing list can be used to send reports about a specific house or homes in a certain neighborhood or price range, rather than blitzing a customer with information about every property that an agency is selling. The call capture systems provide organization for this type of mailing, and collect relevant information from buyers to make a mailing list worth an agent's time.

A real estate call capture system is a good way for agencies to generate new leads and sales, but combining the system with online marketing can make an agent's Internet marketing far more effective. The systems create and keep an innovative, technologically impressive, and user-friendly way to keep in contact with clients. In bad economies, especially, these types of innovations are extremely valuable to real estate companies. Call capture can mean the difference between struggling to get by and establishing great market presence and respectable sales figures for real estate agents.

Call Capture Helps Real Estate Agents Maximize ROI

Call Capture Helps Real Estate Agents Maximize ROI

Real estate agents know the value of every dollar in every part of their business, especially in a serious economic downturn with overflowing competition. Advertising budgets, in particular, need to be carefully scrutinized, as they're typically a very high expense and need to be assessed and justified as a reasonable cost of business. Call capture systems are one way that some agents are adjusting their ad budgets, and the technology is certainly an interesting and innovative way to approach ads in Homes magazines, mailers, sign riders, online and more.
Call capture systems, for the uninitiated, are phone systems set up to manage the incoming calls for a real estate agent. Separate extensions can be assigned, which allows an agent to set up audio tours for different houses, collect basic information from callers, and allow serious inquiries to be forwarded directly to their cell phones, complete with information about which house a caller is referencing to help an agent make a sale. The indications of a call capture system on an agent's advertising budget aren't immediately apparent when learning about call capture, but they're actually extremely beneficial for agents that are looking for a way to maximize their advertising returns.

The major disadvantage to traditional advertising is that the process is firmly rooted in chance, if not properly researched. Real estate agents need to have a thorough knowledge of markets, demographics, and reach for their advertisements to be profitable. Taking out ads in a large variety of publications is a sure way to ineffectively advertise, so it becomes necessary for real estate agents and companies to consistently evaluate their advertising budget to try to maximize returns and cut out unnecessary expenditures.

This is precisely where a call capture system may be beneficial for an agent. It allows an easy way for real estate agents to track advertising leads by assigning different extensions to different advertisements, areas, and homes, so that an agent simply needs to look at call volume to a certain extension to determine whether or not advertising has been particularly beneficial in that area. This avoids the need for rigorous and time-consuming research. Further, it can save an agent money that might have been used to hire an advertising analyst, as a basic but accurate form of analytics is already intuitively built directly into a call capture system. It's a simple yet innovative and effective way to go about marketing, when set up and used correctly.

Exactly how effective the real estate call capture systems are, though, is up to the individual agent and office employing the technology. Assigning different numbers for different properties is a good, obvious start, but enabling a direct extension for certain ads can quickly give an agent an idea of an ad's effectiveness. Direct extensions can even be used as an attention-getting technique in the ad itself. By advertising a home and offering a call capture number (and individual extension), an ad can tempt potential buyers by offering an audio tour of a home, pricing information, a quick way to set up an in-house tour, and more--whatever can make the potential buyer feel that he is getting some type of advantage for free.

Call capture systems also offer call forwarding and recording, allowing an agent to directly and immediately interact with serious buyers who found a property through a certain ad. Agents can also use the call capture systems to gather information such as name and address from callers, which generates a consistent set of leads that can allow the agent to put less time, energy, and money into active advertising.

Real estate call capture systems are a direct and instant way to assess a real estate advertising budget, and can help many agents put their advertising dollars into ads that work while pulling ads that aren't very effective. Since call capture works automatically via an automated system, it can even act as a secondary form of advertising. It can function as a way to hook potential buyers after a postcard, flier, or billboard grabbed their attention in the first place. Of course, the intuition and ingenuity of the agent are equally important when assessing an ad budget, but many real estate agents are finding call capture systems to be a welcome change in how the industry approaches ad effectiveness.

How to Invest in a Prime Real Estate Property through Foreclosure Homes?

How to Invest in a Prime Real Estate Property through Foreclosure Homes?

If you are on the lookout for a prime real estate property, opting for foreclosure homes is one of the wisest decisions you can make. With their comparably low prices and properties located in some of the best neighborhoods in the country foreclosures offer a unique investment opportunity for prospective homebuyers.
The term foreclosure homes refer to those properties that have been repossessed by banks and mortgage companies when the previous owners have been unable to repay their loans. Once foreclosed, these properties are resold by the lending agencies to interested buyers directly and through public sales at highly discounted rates.

Though the process of purchasing foreclosures is different from investing in traditional real estate deals one can buy a suitable home with a little amount of research and patience. The following list of guidelines will be helpful for interested buyers in finding a prime real estate property successfully through foreclosure homes:

1. Prioritize your requirements - Prioritizing your housing requirements such as the budget as well as the preferred locality and size of the house beforehand goes a long way in finding the best deals on foreclosure homes successfully.

2. Study the foreclosure buying process - Collect information on the process of buying foreclosures by visiting bank websites and subscribing to newsletters related to foreclosure homes in order to get a sound knowledge of the rules and laws as well as the latest market trends.

3. Source the latest information on foreclosed properties - Register yourself with a trusted online listing service, in order to get the latest and comprehensive updates on suitable foreclosures.

4. Select the best suited homes - Once you have availed the services of an online listing site, select a couple of foreclosure homes that are closest to your housing requirements.

5. Zero in on the perfect deal - Now compare the asking prices with the size as well as the location of the properties in order to zero in on the best value deal.

6. Assess the property - Before you make a final decision on the property you have selected make a thorough assessment of the properties' renovation costs as well as ensure that the house is free from back taxes.

7. Make your bid proposal - Finally, estimate the worth of the house by collecting information about the market prices of similar properties in the area and get in touch with the sellers and make a reasonable offer for the house.

Rehabbing in Today's Real Estate Market

Rehabbing in Today's Real Estate Market

Let's accept the fact that the real estate market is currently recovering from the recession. Experts have said that if you plan to venture into real estate investing, you must do so in a booming market. This may be true although there are exemptions. Rehabbing, for example, is thriving today, even as the economy is still struggling to rise from a slump.
Rehabbing, known to many as flipping houses, is basically buying an undervalued property and swiftly reselling it after making repairs and renovations. It is considered a risky business by some because of the capital involved. But to those who have already made millions from it, rehabbing is a lucrative business, especially under the current economic conditions.

Flipping houses, for many reasons, is fast money. The business itself is based on a fast-paced schedule. A project can take just weeks or a few months. That means you get to take home a paycheck as soon as you complete the project. Under today's economic condition, earning from flipping houses is much faster. A lot of people know that the economy is bound for a recovery and with this comes a higher range of prices of properties. They are taking advantage of the rare chance to own a home at an affordable price. You can capitalize on this and sell more properties.

Searching for houses to rehab is also much faster nowadays because of the availability of various properties on the market. There are scores of cheap properties that you can rehab and turn into new homes. Fixer upper homes are the most common houses flipped by rehabbers. These properties need repair that range from purely cosmetic to structural so be careful when purchasing them. Be sure to be on the lookout for major repairs when inspecting fixer upper homes.

You can also rehab REOs, or real estate owned properties. These are houses repossessed by banks from owners who failed to settle financial obligations. Because of their growing number amid the recession, banks are "giving away" these properties at bargain prices. So be sure to check with banks in your area if they have REOs available. Chances are they have a lot of them for sale. While there are REOs that need repairs, others are in mint condition. That means that you won't have to spend much on repairs and renovations.

Flipping houses today can be profitable especially if you know the tricks of the trade. To learn more about rehabbing today, feel free to visit REIwired.com. The website has videos and articles about various topics on real estate investing.

Property Investment Buying Amid The Recession

Property Investment Buying Amid The Recession

Several "experts" have countered ideas of property investment buying amid the recession, especially long-term investments. They say that it will be better for the economy if we will instead buy goods that we immediately need. In this philosophy, money is injected into the market and helps boost the economy. For instance, if you buy a burger and fries meal, you help boost the business of the restaurant where you bought the meal. In effect, you also help increase the demand for potatoes, bread, and beef and help farmers and bakers in the process, and the cycle goes on.
However, there's always the other side of the coin. Many market analysts recommend property investment buying amid the recession. They are particularly upbeat on real estate investing. Experts see the recession as an opportunity to buy "seeds" that will in time grow into "trees," which in turn will yield "fruits" for investors. Analysts say that now is actually the best time to buy houses whether for your family or as an investment.

A lot of opportunities await those who are interested in real estate investing. An example would be buying REOs, or real estate owned properties. REOs, which are repossessed by banks from owners who failed to comply with financial obligations, are increasing amid the economic slump. This led to a decrease in the prices of REOs, giving investors lots of opportunities to buy homes at very affordable prices.

You can also try other forms of real estate investing like wholesaling and flipping houses. The main idea is to buy low and sell high. In wholesaling, you assign contracts to buy a property. In flipping houses, you buy an undervalued house and sell it for a higher price. You can "rehab" it to increase its value or you can keep it as is and wait for the real estate market to pick up. In any case, the point is you are able to buy property at a lower price. It's simple logic that if you can buy a house for a penny today, you will get it now instead of spending a dollar for the same property in the future.

Experts believe that the economy in general is on its way to recovery. That means that the waiting period for your "seeds" to grow is lessened. Property investment buying has never looked so attractive than today.

But before you dabble into the deed, make sure you educate yourself on real estate investing. Read articles and watch videos about the business through websites like REIwired.com. It has very informative content on "REI" or real estate investing.

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