Negative Media and Real Estate - Pay Attention to What Gets You Paid

Despite what you may hear, the housing news isn't all negative. In fact, with all the negative media you see sometimes with regards to real estate and the "real estate bust", it's sometimes difficult for novice (and even some advanced) investors to know what to listen to and what to discard. I say you pay attention to what gets you paid- and leave the rest of the negative media to the Chicken Littles of the world who won't learn to calculate and take measured risks...and thus won't ever accomplish anything anyway, in investing or otherwise.

As much as professionals in the real estate and mortgage industries as well as professional investors harp on the point that there is no one "real estate market" and that this is a localized investment, people still give credence to sensationalist media claims again and again that the "market is down" or that the "market is bust"-- despite evidence to the contrary in cities all across the United States.

Even as median prices decline and appreciate at a slower rate nationwide, even when people who don't know what they're talking about are still talking about it (i.e. talking about a bust), there are numerous cities in the country where home values are still climbing at a nice clip.

This is pretty much always the case. That's how market cycles work. Seasoned investors know this and they use this knowledge to their advantage.

Again, real estate is LOCAL.

Check out the federal website http://www.ofheo.gov to find the cities bucking the national trend recently.

Homes' appreciation in some of these places during the fourth quarter of last year far exceeded the national average, according to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO calculates appreciation based on repeat sales or refinancings of the same single-family properties) .

In fact, in some markets, the appreciation jumped well into the double digits even in today's market.

The growth of these cities despite a "national downturn"...why?

In part due to an influx of moving-out Californians and people opting out of slumping Las Vegas or Phoenix (cities that jumped sharply in value during the "boom" of recent years before contracting in value), these trends have created smaller booms in these cities. There's other reasons but this should get you thinking and on the road to a quick start to making money!

While some worry that a new group of cities could face a boom-and-bust transition, they clearly don't understand how the real estate market cycles work-- or how a professional real estate investor can use these trends to minimize risk and maximize wealth-building.

So don't pay attention to any overly negative media attention about real estate or "busts", or negative housing news. Instead, do as professional investors do and put your energy instead to work on finding where and how to invest for maximum profit and income. Trust me, plenty of people are making plenty of money. Check out the OFHEO for a quick start to making money when you see where your investing dollars will go the furthest TODAY.

Wholesale Buyers and Real Estate Investors

Wholesale Buyers. (We Buy Homes etc). Like any business, there and good and bad players. Most of these Wholesale Buyers are either part timers and or they just finished reading a few books and are ready for the "first big deal".

First, if you are trying to get a retail price, these are NOT the Buyers for you. Reason being that they have to buy at 50% of value less any improvements needed so that they have a margin to fix and resale for a profit. Again, many Sellers think they have a gem when in reality...it really needs lots of work and improvements, so please don't be insulted when you get their offer.

If the property is over priced based on the amounts owed, the difference can be made up with a short sale as outlined within. Buy low, fix and sell higher. You can contact some Real Estate Investors who know what they are doing and or your Real Estate Agent may have some contacts.

Even though it may be embarrassing, you need to advertise the property as in pre-foreclosure or desperate Seller. Time is ticking and if you are not able to strike a good deal, the lender(s) will own the property sooner than you think, and the borrower(s) with a big judgment.

Also, in a short sale situation, the Seller cannot get any money out of the sale and the best that they can hope for is that the lender(s) will show the loan as paid off for less than what was owed, no deficiency judgment and all other associated items are paid off. Some Buyer(s) may agree to pay cash to the Seller(s) for personal items as a bill of sale.

Buying Your Own Home Or Real Estate

Consider the following points:

o    You would like your children to grow up in a quiet peaceful place which they can call their own home

o    You are tired of shifting from place to place and deal with landlords all the time

o    A sizeable chunk of your earnings goes as rent and enriches the pockets of other people who are getting returns on their own property investments.

o    You want your own place, a space that reflects your taste and personality

o    You want to invest money in something that will appreciate over the years

If this is something that strikes a chord in your heart, something that you often feel, you might want to purchase your own home.  For that you need to enter the real estate market. However it is an expensive investment to make, so you should exercise caution.  Here are some tips you can follow and you will own your own home and benefit over the years to come.

Do your homework well

o    Be very sure what you want.  Property is expensive and you need to pay huge installments every month.  Be prepared for that.  Of course there are hidden costs like moving expense, daily commute to your place of work and cost of refurnishing and repairs

o    Find a good real estate agent.  There are so many in the market and you need to find one you can work with and who is really good.  A realtor who is pro-active and can help not only find the best real estate for you, and also help you negotiate the shifting and repairs would be a big help.  Most real estate agents have contacts that can make your move easy.  Moreover his expertise in closing the deal can be handy once you have made your selection

o    Start talking to banks for your mortgage.  Do not be scared if you have a bad credit score.  You can start repairing it immediately.

o    Build a tidy down payment.  The bigger the down payment, the smaller the mortgage.  Plus you save on interest rates too.  Remember you need every single penny, since you need to purchase your home, furnish it and repair it.

o    Get a financial advisor.  Discuss bank rates, interest options etc.  Be prepared to learn all that you can about making your dollar last longer.

o    Select your home very carefully.  Check if it needs repairs, and how much you may have to pay to get it in order after buying it.  Ask yourself if it will be suited for your needs in five years.  Generally homes in which you could add rooms is the best option.  Check the zoning laws.  If you run your office from home, are there laws forbidding it? 

o    Do not be over confident about your ability to repair and improve your home.  Many times we think we can do a lot, but ultimately have to call in experts who are expensive.

Beavercreek, Ohio - An Outstanding Choice for Home Buyers Seeking Houses and Real Estate

Beavercreek not only offers outstanding quality to both residents and visitors, but also host to excellent shopping and dining venues. Beavercreek, just minutes from scores of parks with miles of walking and biking trails, volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf parks and more makes it popular with outdoor enthusiasts. The city of Beavercreek takes great pride in maintaining this Alpine community which comes alive at night with fun and festivities.

A major shopping complex Beavercreek residents frequent is "The Greene" with not only scores of boutiques and shops, but also hosts requalr events such as live music and other entertaining performances. Another famous shopping mall is The Mall at Fairfield Commons and offers shopping enthusiasts five national brand stores, and over 130 specialty shops, boutiques, and eateries. Something for everyone.

For dining out, you will find something to suit just about any taste. 5 star review Quarter Steak and Lube features juicy steak and their own home-made variety of award winning sauces in a fun, upbeat atmosphere. If you have a taste for something spicy and more exotic, you may stop in and enjoy a repast at the Maharaja Indian Restaurant, also highly rated by patrons. Another highly touted restaurant if you're partial to oriental flavors is the House of Thai with daily lunch specials that are sure to please. Their nearby Miamisburg location also offers Sushi.

Beavercreek's close proximity to Dayton provides tremendous variety of activities, fun, shopping and recreation. Beavercreek boasts a bustling and thriving business economy for its growing community and very accessible to Wright Patterson Air Force Base which in turn fosters local markets and various businesses. This area is also highly desirable to our military men and women, and a prime area for VA loans and no money down opportunities. Beavercreek, known for quality, being fun and friendly is an excellent choice for those seeking houses, condos or property.

Beavercreek's location also provides easy access to major transportation arteries, and though right next to Dayton, it's also a reasonable distance from Cincinnati as well, which offers no end of dining experiences, arts and entertainment, the Cincinnati Reds games, theatre and night clubs. Dance the night away or take in a movie at anyone of many theatres.

Beavercreek houses and real estate range in price from under $100,000 to over one million, and provides opportunities to home buyers of every need and taste; luxury homes, condos, townhomes, cottages, and even investment property. There's never been a better time to buy Beaver creek houses or real estate.

Top Tips for You When You Are Dealing in Property and Real Estate

Dealing in property or real estate is one of the most important decisions in your life. For many of the people this may be once in a life time decision when they want to own a new home for their family. It is therefore important that you keep you every step safe when you are dealing in real estate or any property.

In the time of financial crisis it is very much crucial for everyone to keep themselves on the safe side before they plan to invest in property. There are many of the things that you should keep in mind before going further.

• First of all it is very important for you that you look and examine the property carefully before buying it out. You should never pay any money before visiting the property you are purchasing. You should know what you are getting and what it is worth for.

• Then you should get an idea about the cost of the property. Different real estate properties are available at different rates which mainly depend on various factors. The location is one of the most important factors which decide the value of any property. You should get the idea about it.

• Many of the sellers may increase the cost of the property simply because it's an old one. But the old property does not necessarily mean that it is right for you and you should look carefully about the advantage of getting it at the right price.

• Then it is ms for you that you hire a professional and expert in the field. It is important that you do all the necessary paper work and other legal work after consulting a real estate agent. With their help you will reduce the chances of being scammed and you can get the best deal you are looking for.

Earnest Money and Real Estate Transactions

First-time homebuyers and those that haven't purchased a home for many years are often surprised at how important earnest money in negotiating the purchase or sale of a home. What changed is the prices of today's homes and the old saying give us a thousand dollars and see you at closing is really outdated. Would you take a home you've been actively marketing for ninety days off market for four hundred thousand dollars, for a thousand? No, and you shouldn't. Here are the ins and outs of earnest money and a couple of related experiences.

-Earnest money deposit: The money given to the seller at the time the offer is made as a sign of the buyer's good faith.

-Earnest money amounts vary, but here are some guidelines. 5-10% of contract price is typical. Flat amounts like $5,00 or $10,000 also work.

-Most states require that real estate brokerages now pay interest on earnest monies over a certain amount, here it's $5,000. You will have to fill out a W-9 though to receive interest. Brokers can't co-mingle earnest monies funds with their business, it needs to go into an escrow account.

-Escrow accounts. Require all deposits you make go into an escrow account. Research state brokerage laws to discover what regulations brokerages must follow with buyers funds.

-All earnest money checks should be made out to a real estate brokerage, not a person.

-Require that you receive a receipt for all earnest monies delivered to a real estate agent or brokerage. This should include a copy of the check on the brokerage letterhead and a signature of person accepting delivery, date and location check was received.

-If the earnest money system is a two-step, with an initial deposit and than a balance, make sure the second one is not delivered until after the attorney and inspection approval period have come to a successful conclusion.

-A quick closing date requires certified checks for earnest money. Many a delay in closing has occurred when buyers earnest money checks bounced. If you're closing soon, utilize certified funds.

-The buyer ripped to shreds inches from my face his earnest money check. We looked at over a hundred and fifty homes, it was grueling. I couldn't screw up, this relocating CEO was bringing another two hundred employees, and our firm would be finding them homes too. The problem was that the husband wanted traditional and the wife wanted contemporary, and eventually as their feud escalated, I counseled that it wasn't the inventory, it was their relationship that was creating the barrier to agreeing on a home. So finally he gave in and we put together an offer, including his $100.000 earnest money deposit, except he sabotaged it with an unusually low price and wouldn't move off of it. We lost the house and I met them in my office to return their check. As I was delivering the check back to him, I said that maybe they needed a fresh perspective in their home search and that I would find them a new agent. He got up and took the check and inches from my face tore it up dramatically, with the pieces falling down to the conference room table.

-The huge but lost earnest money check. I was representing young, wealthy newlyweds in the purchase of a very, very, very upper-bracket home. The husband was a principal in a investment banking firm, and audited his money market accounts hourly, 24/7. After negotiating a successful contract on their dream home, the husband delivered an earnest money check for a half-a-million-dollars. I in turn delivered it to the listing agent, as is the custom. A week went by and my banker-buyer called and said the check had not been presented against his account. I queried the whereabouts of the check with the selling agent. She said that it should go through any day, sit tight. Three weeks went by and my buyer called again, still no check had been presented. I called again, um, yes she found the check, I never new it was lost. Don't tell anyone, but my cleaning lady found it behind the sofa in my family room.

Economy and Real Estate Conditions in the Richmond Virginia Area

It has been the best time ever to buy real estate. Mortgage interest rates have been lower than 5%, real home prices are low, and sellers are motivated. To make things better, the government has offered huge incentives to buy a home. First time buyers get $8,000 in tax credits when buying a house.

The government incentives have had an influence. First time home buyers include about 45% of real estate transactions. In Virginia, we've also seen a large increase in the purchase of new construction homes.

Despite these favorable buying conditions, Richmond home sales have been down. Last month, Chester (a Richmond suburb) home sales were down considerably compared with May of last year. Powhatan trends also show a remarkable decline from last year.

Why is it that home sales are down even though purchasing real estate is so advantageous? People can't buy because they can't sell their current homes, they have no equity, no down payment, and can't get mortgage financing, or they just don't feel certain with their job stability.

Some of the government incentives have concluded. The sub 5% interest rates have increased to around the 6% range. A one percent increase in interest rates is a huge deal for housing affordability. A $150,000 home loan at 6% is around $100 a month more than at 5%.

What will happen when the government incentives end? It's difficult to say. The economy and housing market do show signs of recovery, but it looks like the Richmond Real Estate market won't greatly improve in the near-distant future.

The Online Finance And Real Estate In India

Finance for real estate is now easily available in India. The property boom is not restricted to the national capital region but it has even transcended to satellite towns and remote semi-urban areas in and around the national capital. The number of transactions in the real estate sector has increased a number of times, making it profitable for the banks and other lending institutions to offer more finance opportunities to the buyers.

In India, the most of the borrowers in home loan segment fall in the first time buyer category. It means that they are either tenants or living with their parents in their ancestral house. As the salaried-class is spreading and emerging stronger than ever, more and more people are becoming capable of buying house. Their need to get finance from banks is being taken care of by all the major players in the market. Banks like ICICI, Standard Chartered, HDFC and all the nationalized banks are offering home loans at attractive rates.

The procedure for taking a home loan is rather easy. You can directly approach the bank or call for a meeting to be arranged with the bank's loan executive. This can also be done over the Internet. The banks may ask for various proofs like those related to your residence, income, spouse's income, number of dependants, etc. Based on a number of parameters, the banks arrive at your credit rating and offer you varying amount of loans.

Home loans in India come in various forms inviting fixed interest rate or floating interest rates. There are hybrid loans also that are a middle path between fixed and floating options. The borrower can put a part of his loan amount under fixed rate and expose the other part to the floating rates that depend on market conditions and the interventions by the Reserve Bank of India.

The Internet as a medium of loan arrangement is fast catching up in India. Many websites are coming up that take care of individual and corporate finance for various purposes like buying real estate, investments, business operations, etc. This medium of finance is growing rapidly although it is surely in its nascent age as far as the Indian market is concerned.

Vancouver BC Canada Housing Market and Real Estate - Still Viable

There are four main reasons for this assessment.

The first of these is that British Columbia is enjoying period of unprecedented growth and prosperity. This period of economic prosperity forms the bedrock upon which the Vancouver housing market can consolidate its position.

In the February 20,2007 Budget and Fiscal Plan for 2007/08-2009/10 which was released by the Ministry of Finance , the outlook for the BC economy in general and the Real Estate Market in particular, is exceptionally bright.

The second item to consider is the influx of immigration that is expected to flood into British Columbia the years leading up to the BC Olympic Games. The Council projected that "total net migration" to British Columbia would continue to rise to unprecedented levels. In 2007 alone, projections averaged from a "low of 35,423 people to a high of 55,000 people". The general expectation is that this trend will continue in to increase in the coming years with the anticipation that "total net migration to average about 47,000 people in 2008, rising to over 50,000 through the 2009 to 2011 period".

The third area of consideration is the inflation of the Canadian Dollar and its effects on interest rates and the Real Estate Market. The expectation is that Bank of Canada will raise interest rates an average of "4.08 per cent" in 2007. Over the long term the rates should hold fairly steady or even come down slightly. The "Council's forecasts for the Bank of Canada's overnight target rate averaged 4.13 per cent in 2008, falling to 4.01 per cent over the 2009 to 2011 period".

The last piece of information needed to navigate in the complex Real Estate Market, is the forecast for Real Estate Market movement in British Columbia and its implications for you as a home-buyer. The news is good, according to the bi-annual press release published by The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA). In the Housing Forecast Report, Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist gives us this insight, "The market has shifted away from strong sellers' conditions and is expected to operate in a band between a strong balanced and weak sellers' market over the forecast horizon.

The Dow is Down, Economy is Bad and Real Estate is Dead

Yes, the Dow is plunging lower and lower every day and yes people are losing money and investments left and right, but the real estate market is not dead. When it comes to buying and selling real estate, the lower the Dow falls the lower the home prices fall and the better deal a home buyer can find on the market.

While there may be a bit of trouble finding mortgage financing for home buyers with less than stellar credit scores, the mortgage market for buyers with above average credit ratings is fairly unchanged, aside from the huge price reductions that is. The home prices all over the United States are falling at a rate faster than ever before and those potential home buyers who were waiting for the perfect deal are primed to buy, buy, buy.

In order to make the sale and make it fast, the real estate agent needs to understand that the market is full right now of available homes. Never has the cliché phrase, "It s buyer's market!" ever been so true. So what do you need to do to sell a home when there are hundreds just like the ones you are showing within a small mileage radius, offer the buyer more!

Real estate agent package deals are a great way to boost your home sales. Many people are buying right now for investment purposes only. Offering the home buyer a free rental listing with your real estate group, a free rental open house or some other FREE service is one way to stand out among the other home sellers. With so many available homes on the market it is hard to find that inside track without offering something for nothing.

In the long run, the real estate agent that offers the best services to the home buying client will be the one that closes the sale. The dropping DOW, the dropping bank account balances and the increasing home inventory means thinking in a unique and FREE way in order to sell a home.

Fort Lauderdale Homes: Affordable Real Estate Options Within A World-Class Tourist Destination

Fort Lauderdale homes are considered to be one of the most outstanding real estate options for people within South Florida today. The simple fact that these real estate options are found within such a popular tourist attraction makes these homes highly ideal, especially for individuals who appreciate the value of living within one of the region's most well-established waterfront communities.

The city of Fort Lauderdale is located within Broward County. It has become more popular over the years because of the fact that millions of tourists come to visit the city each year to experience the unique way of living that it has to offer to people from all around the world. In fact, the city has become known as the "Venice of America" because of its intricate waterways which run throughout the perimeter of the city.

More often than not, property buyers are easily drawn to the idea of being able to experience waterfront living which is definitely a great option to consider within South Florida. If you happen to be someone who is still unsure about whether Fort Lauderdale homes are going to be suitable for you, you may want to consider the benefits of being able to live within a world-class tourist destination where fabulous home properties can be purchased for affordable prices.

World-Class Tourist Destination

Living within a world-class tourist attraction brings about several benefits such as being able to indulge in the daily experience of the city's tropical climate conditions while being able to live within close proximity to all the events and activities which would normally take tourists hours to experience.

Aside from the sights that are offered within the city, the fact that there are numerous bars, pubs, clubs, and beaches makes it an exciting location for people of all ages. If you are fond of yachts and other boats, you will definitely love being in town for the annual international boat show which showcases the most amazing luxury yachts that are found within the region today.

Furthermore, if you happen to be someone who would like to consider the option of investing in real estate, you are sure to find that Fort Lauderdale homes are one of the region's most highly recommended investment options within South Florida today, especially since there is a very high demand for rental properties during its peak seasons of the year.

Affordable Real Estate Options

When it comes to the aspect of affordability, you simply can't go wrong by choosing to purchase Fort Lauderdale homes. As of September 2012, the median sales price for Fort Lauderdale homes was $185,500. A four-bedroom home within the city can cost around $281,000 while a one-bedroom home can cost as low as $125,000.

If you would like to find out more information regarding the options that are currently available to you on the property market, you are encouraged to get in touch with a real estate agent that specializes in Fort Lauderdale real estate for further details.

Closing Costs and Real Estate Financing

When purchasing real estate, it often seems that the costs never end. The additional expenses, on top of the basic down payments, only add to the stress of making such a large investment. These additional costs are known as closing costs and they are often intended to confuse the buyer. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary that the borrower pay special attention to the costs brought to the table by both the lender and the real estate agent when taking out a mortgage and closing the deal on a home.

Recently, more and more, the malevolence of certain lenders out there has risen to the surface. During an especially vulnerable time for young families, when they are anxious to purchase a home of their own, many lenders will squeeze as much money out of them as possible. Lenders are not required to provide estimates of the expected closing costs before the potential buyer submits his or her application. This makes it very difficult for borrowers to compare closing costs. However, there is the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) developed by the Federal Government, requiring the lender to display charges to the borrower three days after he or she applies for a loan.

In addition to the purchase price of a home, there are basic closing costs that the buyer should generally be aware of. These include, but are not limited to: mortgage fees, costs for inspection, homeowner's insurance, property taxes, title insurance, and settlement fees. On the other hand, sellers are expected to pay costs of their own and these can include: loan payoff fees, real estate commission (this fee may be shared with the buyer), repairs, and transfer taxes.

It is imperative that the buyer monitor closing costs carefully and take advantage of all resources. These can include comparisons made by the real estate agent with similar, recent real estate purchases made in the area.

Non Performing Mortgage Notes and Real Estate Investments

A real estate note (a mortgage) is where banks invest most of the money they receive in the form of deposits from bank customers. With prices in the housing market remaining low after the Global Financial Crisis and the associated recession, many mortgages are classed as non performing notes (the market value of the property is less than the mortgage value and the borrower is not making the required payments on the mortgage). Banks have many of these types of mortgages on their books and want to sell some of them to cut their own investment portfolio risk. This situation makes it is possible for investors to take part in similar estate note investing to that which the banks make and buy mortgage notes at prices that are heavily discounted.

Secured Real Estate Investment

Participating in real estate note investing by purchasing non performing notes through an asset management company provides a great profit opportunity for investors. Asset management companies buy in large quantities mortgage notes from banks at a value less than the appraised amount and offer these to investors (the bulk purchase enables the notes to be sold using a low-cost model). The investments are legally binding contracts that are secured with valuable real estate assets, the associated real estate note is in the name of the investor and they can offer a return on investment in double figures.

Standard Mortgages vs. Real Estate Notes

Real estate note investing (also known as a first trust deed investment) is different to a standard mortgage as three parties are involved than two (a lender and a borrower). The three parties are a lender (investor), a borrower and a trustee (the asset management company). The trustee purchases non performing notes from the bank and holds the title of the associated real estate until the mortgage is repaid. In this circumstance the borrower is offered a reduction in the principle amount of the mortgage, with a legal agreement that they will offer the property title if unable to repay the mortgage.

What Happens if the Borrower Defaults on the Mortgage?

If a borrower does not make full payment on non performing notes the mortgage goes into default and the property goes into foreclosure for sale. As part of the agreement it is also possible for the borrower to walk away from their home and property title to avoid foreclosure. A first trust deed investment takes precedence over any other claims on the property and the mortgage title goes to the asset company as per the agreement with the borrower. The asset management company will then arrange a fast sale of the applicable home (typically below market value but well above the amount invested). The lender is then able to keep the profit from the sale once the remaining loan amount has been paid off along with any associated fees.

The overall mortgage note process offers the opportunity for low risk estate note investing as all finances are secured in a mutual investment. The asset management company will handle the purchase and the sale of the associated estate on behalf of the investor with the potential for large returns on their investment in non performing notes.

Sex And Real Estate

The most sophisticated way of establishing rank order so far devised by humans is by means of wealth, in all its manifestations. To be sure, there are many other activities endeavoured by mankind such as warfare, politics, organised religion, bureaucracy, sport, artistic fame, entertainment, and even who wears the trousers in marriage but the quest for wealth has the most potential for either widespread prosperity or disaster. Humans have even dedicated an entire discipline to the study of the origin and interaction of wealth and abundance with their opposites, poverty and scarcity: the Science of Economics.

Economics, therefore, is best studied by watching what happens to wealth. And the economic discipline best suited to watch wealth, in Capitalism, is that where wealth is primarily created and consumed on a daily basis: Real Estate. This is so, because real estate location and selection - particularly when it comes to residential units - are the main social markers of status. Real Estate is more important, far more important for establishing rank within society than the other competing field where wealth is created and consumed: the Stock Market. One can own the largest single package of IBM's shares, and still the impact on his peers will not be as dramatic as the one of living ostentatiously in a multi-million dollar mansion.

Moreover it can be added that although establishing rank order by means of wealth manifestations is common to all societies everywhere on the planet, in North America specifically this peculiarity unique to the human progeny has taken a somewhat overzealous connotation, by combining the twin concepts of the saga of the self-made man or woman and the fantasy of home ownership. America's love affair with houses is the principal indicator of our cultural idolatries.

This concept is indeed fully and clearly conceptualized by Prof. Marjorie Garber, the Director of the Humanities Center at Harvard University, in her book entitled Sex and Real Estate: Why We Love Houses. From the opening paragraph her thesis is clear: real estate has become a relational substitute in the lives of many Americans. She begins, "What do college students talk about with their roommates? Sex. Twenty years later, what do they talk about with their friends and associates? Real estate. And with the same gleam in the eyes. Real estate today has become a form of yuppie pornography".

The connection between sex and real estate, two fields otherwise light-years apart, is made to the extent that they both serve and satisfy status rank to its best fulfillment through wealth. This is indicated and summarized by a somewhat blunt quotation of Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate who married two of the most famous women in the modern world - Maria Callas, the opera diva, and Jacqueline Kennedy, the widow of US President John F. Kennedy - who died in 1975, when he said "There is no point in being rich unless you can have sex with beautiful women." So when we are talking about the male urge for status rank, or the female urge for a dependable partner who will give her financial security and good progeny, we are really talking about two facets of the same concept: wealth. On the other hand, as humans tend to equate values, when it comes to housing and real estate, the equation is:

achievement + independence + comfort + prosperity + accomplishment + success = wealth

There is so much money around, and buyers want to flaunt it. They will swear and they will protest and say they do not want to show off, but they do. They want a house that makes a clear, undeniable statement that ‘I am rich', ‘I have prosperity' and ‘I have style'. Architectural styles of new constructions are changing and evolving, with the ever increasing round looks of exteriors that reflect feminine sensuality and the use of glazed windows and conspicuous steel beams - male machismo at its best. On the inside, the skillful blend of colors, woods and design elements promotes feminine harmony, warmth and balance with char green, sand, white, red, black, dark brown and all colors of nature at the top of the line whereas, if contemplating a hardwood floor, mahogany is the wood of choice since it enriches the environment by rendering a sense of abundance, and slate flooring and polished concrete walls help create a natural masculine feeling, especially if combined and contrasted with the glacial looks of stainless steel appliances.

The link between sex and real estate is the catalyst to emotional engagement, as important in our social interactions of status and rank as it is in our manifestations of wealth.

Luigi Frascati

The Latest Statistics on Denver's Economy and Real Estate Market

As you are looking to the west to find your perfect home, you may want to look at Denver real estate. The economy is comfortable here as the unemployment rate is lower than the national average and homes are extremely affordable with the currently available record low interest rates. Could those statistics change the value of the homes in the Denver CO real estate market?

Right now the average house hold makes $33,162 in Denver. With that as a median income, it shows to be fairly low, yet not too low. Another good thing to know is that the income change is a great increase to 66.7% since 1990. Even the tax rate is low at 4.6% The average home is about $216,337, which is quite affordable, especially since the interest rates are at an all time low.

Denver is divided into seventy-nine residential districts which allows you many options in choosing a home that specifically meets you and your family's needs. There are about 910,770 residents in the Denver area that cover about 234 square miles. Fifty-four percent of the homes that are owned are occupied by their owner. When searching for your new Denver CO home, it will be worth your time to work with a qualified real estate agent that can direct you to the neighborhood that best suits your needs.

With the economy staying steady and the also the Denver real estate industry easy to work with, who wouldn't want to own some Denver real estate? The average cost for a new home is just right. Not to mention the low interest rate and the fact that consumers are either wanting to move to a smaller or larger home, makes it easier for people in other states to find what they are looking for. Don't forget that the unemployment rate is lower than national average.

Seems like it's the perfect time to take a hike in the Rockies.

Maximizing Your Options - Self-Directed IRAs and Real Estate Investing

The perception of retirement savings is that the money has to be invested in traditional avenues like CDs, bonds, stocks, and funds. However, there are a large number of non-traditional investment options that are available through an increasingly popular type of retirement account, called a self-directed IRA. Self-directed IRAs let the individual investor decide where to invest their money based on their own expertise - and one of the most common investments is in the opportunity-rich real market.

How Real Estate Investing through an IRA Works

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) make up more than $2 trillion of investment assets, about 20% of the total assets in retirement plans. While about 98% of these IRAs are invested in traditional areas like mutual funds and stocks, a large number of IRA holders are switching to self-directed IRAs, which let them decide where to invest their money. In fact, the amount of assets held self-directed IRAs has more than doubled in the last five years, representing tens of billions of dollars in assets.

Most self-directed IRA funds are spent in real estate, and virtually any kind of property is allowed for investment: land, commercial properties, office buildings, shopping and retail centers, single family homes, rental units, condos and multi-tenant buildings. The only limit for real estate investments is that they cannot directly benefit the account holder or a near relative (such as buying an investment property and then using it as your primary residence).

There are three different ways that IRA funds can be invested in real estate:

o By purchasing the property outright. In this case, the assets in the IRA are used to buy the property entirely.

o By supplying a deposit or down payment. The IRA fund can be leveraged to get a mortgage on a property, with the property used as collateral. This minimizes personal risk and can greatly increase the overall value of your investment.

o By buying a property as part of an investment group. As long as the property deed shows your undivided interest in the property, it's available to your self-directed IRA for investment.

When using a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate, you select the property, negotiate the price, and find the lending institution, while an escrow account is created in the IRA trustee's name and the IRA trustee performs the actual transaction. The property is then held as part of the account's assets. This is analogous to picking a stock with great dividends and instructing your IRA advisor to purchase a certain number of shares.

What an IRA Trustee Means

The structure of self-directed IRAs provides a balance between independent real estate investment control and experienced investment professionals. For any self-directed IRA, there has to be a qualified custodian, or trustee, for the account. The trustee understands all legal and tax prohibitions on investments, manages the actual retirement account, handles administrative tasks and carries out all of the actual transactions. The trustee also offers professional advice as you plan your investment strategy, which is particularly important for long-term investing in real estate. All account funds are held in an escrow account managed by the trustee.

The self-directed IRA trustee has an integral role in whether you successfully invest in real estate with your IRA. Even major investment companies may not have experience with self-directed IRAs or real estate investing, and knowledge matters. For example, the profits from a self-directed IRA may be subject to unrelated business income taxes (UBTI) because of the nature of the investment, while depreciation and expenses for the property are calculated differently. (This is in sections 511-514 of the IRS tax code.) An experienced IRA trustee will know all the liabilities and incentives available.

Most importantly, ask about investment goals and options; get involved and be willing to take control of your investments. The most important asset the IRA trustee offers is strategic, experienced planning. Trust Administration Services specializes in IRA-funded real estate investing, along with other self-directed IRA investment plans, with billions of dollars in assets.

Trust Administration Services is available to you to assist in determining whether real estate investments through a self-directed IRA can help you meet your retirement plans.

Floods and Real Estate Considered

Understanding the reality of floods; how they occur, how to prevent them and how to prepare when this type of disaster strikes will inevitably determine the amount of devastation and death that happens. As real estate professionals, we should be aware of these things and have basic understanding of the dangers of mild and severe flooding in our cities and towns, where we live and work. I would like to recommend a book for you to read on this very subject:

Planet Earth - Flood

By Champ Clark and Editors of Time Life Books 1982

Floods do occur and much of the planning and development of cities involves these issues, still, sometimes the overwhelming circumstances create situations that are simply unavoidable. If you as a real estate professional somehow feel uneasy about a certain area or property, check it out, look at the flood zone, ask for professional help or clarification. Contact the local flood control district, have them talk to your client directly.

Great Floods do not only happen in China, India, South or Central America. They are not isolated to the African Continent, Europe or Australia. Floods do occur in the US, some we have seen in our lifetimes, many have killed numerous people; our network of large rivers and tributaries often become overwhelmed.

In 2005, we had huge flooding in Delaware, Pennsylvania, DC and flooding occurs on the West Coast after large fires take away the watershed. Washington State in late 2007 had several cities submerged. In Nevada recently, the town of Fernley outside of Reno, flooded when an agricultural dike broke open after excessive rains.

So many folks buy a home for safety ad security, believing that they are totally safe and free from harm. Floods are ever-present, often they come as a shock to us when we see them on TV, as unexpected, yet they shouldn't be. Humankind has been dealing with flooding for its entire existence. Something to think about every time you show a home?

Improving Curb Appeal for Selling Homes During Real Estate Downturns

Of First Impressions

It may sound cliched, but the truth is "first impressions are the best impressions". First impressions hold a key to a lot of social, interpersonal, and business relations as well as outcomes. Research has established that the first few seconds of your meeting with a prospective employer can determine the chances of your succeeding at getting the job beating out stiff competition.

The age old cliche of "first impressions" can be comfortably extended for homes going on sale as well. A beautifully landscaped "home-for-sale" exudes the confidence of a cool job applicant in a perfectly tailored suit with a firm handshake. Like the sanguine job applicant walking away with the job, the home with a lovely curb appeal finds a taker easily.

When you pull up to an eye catching house, it advertises and sells itself. Additionally, a smart curb appeal job can inflate your real estate value by as much as 12.4%. So even if there is a slump in the real estate market you do not lose out.

Curb Appeal and Professional Landscape Management Firms

The thought of buffing up your home on your own to increase its face value might be an appealing idea. But it is better to leave the job to a professional landscape management firm. They have the expertise to pull the existing and new together for a harmonious result.

Professional landscape management firms will add or remove elements to the landscape for improving your home's curb appeal. Trained professionals from landscape management firms can transform your exterior landscape by re-designing existing plant beds with new shrubs, evergreens and perennials. They can also add curb appeal with flower planters and decorative structures strategically placed throughout the property. Outdoor lighting is another strategic way to enhance the beauty of the landscape.

Curb Appeal in Chicago

A house that may be put up for sale in the future has to have a landscape that will be pleasing to others' tastes. Older people prefer trees in their property and younger people love the lawns. According to Angela Ford, CEO of T.A.G Properties Inc., Chicago, a quicker way to enhancing curb appeal is to add shrubbery, bushes, and evergreens to frame the entrance.

Realtors in Chicago, like the rest of the realtors of the nation, believe firmly in the importance of curb appeal. Nearly 83% of the realtors feel that the saleability of homes listed under $150, 000 is greatly affected by mature trees in the landscape. This perception rises to 98% of realtors in case of properties listed above $250,000.

There are interior design firms that "stage" homes for sale. When planning to put your home on the market, don't forget about your home's landscaping. It too should be staged. Let professional landscape management firms, like many of those in Chicago, provide you with solutions to enhance your homes curb appeal and, therefore, its saleability in a changing housing market.

Hundreds of Renters Being Evicted by Banks and Real Estate Investors Still Profiting

Now that the foreclosure epidemic is in full swing, it is not just home owners who are getting slapped in the face. Hundreds of tenants renting homes across the nation are being evicted and forced to move with little or short notice from the banks.

The renters have no idea the homes they are living in are in preforeclosure status and are scheduled to soon be sold at public auction. The renters only find out when they come home to a notice posted on the front door stating they have 30 days to move or be forced to leave the house.

It all started when investors purchased houses as investments speculating they would go up in the near future. They purchased high end homes with larger price tags so they could make more money in a shorter amount of time. After all when housing prices go up by 10% you are much better off to having a $500,000 house than a $100,000 house.

Now many of those so called easy money real estate investments are falling into foreclosure and the banks are the ones evicting the tenants. Many tenants are in long term lease agreements and have been paying their bills on time for months. They also put down large sums of money as a rental deposit for the home they have been living in.

I see this scenario on a weekly basis. Once the home owner or investor knows they can not afford the mortgage they keep collecting the rent checks but dont pay the mortgage and pocket the money.

Divorce and Real Estate - Protecting Your Interest

How many times have we all heard the statement from friends "No problem, we've agreed on everything and it will be an amicable divorce". It's usually about that time that the fireworks begin! Screaming, shouting "If you want that then I get this". The real estate portion of the divide is no different especially if one party decides to remain in the home. If both parties leave the home and sell it, the bank gets theirs - you split the rest, assuming there's something left. Usually we find that divorcing parties want a quick sale and end up lowering the price just to get it over.

Most states have laws pertaining to equitable distribution.

If one of the parties decides to remain living in the home then the court will want to know the value of the home. This is where an appraiser gets involved. So who is going to hire the appraiser and pay the fee. She says he should, he say she should. The truth of the matter is you both should hire different appraisers simply to protect your own interests. Yes, I know it sounds like appraisers drumming up double business. I assure you that is not the reason.

National statistics show even the best of appraisers can be within 5% of each other or the actual selling price and be correct. Meaning they have done their job properly, according to the rules and regulations of appraising. A 5% difference on a $200,000 home is $10,000. Assuming your divorce is based on a 50/50 split the party leaving the home would be receiving an extra $5,000 for their efforts. Not bad for an hours work which is what the appraiser's inspection generally takes. Yes, you should be there to answer any and all questions YOUR appraiser asks.

Many factors such as condition, appearance and maintenance reflect on the outcome of the appraisal. An example, I had one party tell me the roof leaks, after noticing the marks on the ceiling sheet rock and after contacting my client, who was not at the inspection, I was informed that the water mark damage on the bedroom ceiling was from the air conditioning unit leaking in the attic above which was fixed approximately 4 months ago. She had copies of the air conditioning bill to prove it. They simply never fixed the drywall ceiling. Obviously the husband wanted the appraised value lower since he had to pay the wife.

Your options improve in court as well. Assuming you both have appraisals performed and there is a difference in the market value generally the judge has the option to add the two together and split the difference or get a court ordered third appraisal to see who's right.

Since your only other option is to accept what your other half claims is correct, keeping in mind there is good and bad in every industry, your best option is to HIRE YOUR OWN and BE THERE DURING THE INSPECTION. Inform your appraiser of items you feel need to be addressed so they will appear within the report and strengthen your case in court.

One final note. Make sure your real estate appraiser is a State Licensed or Certified Appraiser.

Politics and Real Estate: What Do All The Changes Mean For Investing?

When you start looking at all of the new government moves and what they mean for real estate investing you wouldn't be blamed for thinking that it almost appears to be an all out assault on the housing market.

Despite the government claims that it is doing all it can to help homeowners the facts and proposed bills out there right now look like they tell a completely different story. Perhaps this is why the National Association of Realtor's president, Ron Phipps was featured in a recent article in the Hartford Business Journal where he portrayed real estate values as being under blatant attack.

We have all heard of the newly proposed jobs plan which at best probably has a neutral affect on the real estate market, even if passed. Then there is the Qualified Residential Mortgage rule which threatens to force home buyers into either paying 3% more for a mortgage loan or have to wait another 9 to 14 years to be able to qualify for a loan.

However, it is perhaps some of the proposals that are skipping under the radar that pose the biggest threats to the housing market. This includes a reduction or elimination of the Mortgage Interest Reduction for home owners. For the last 100 years this tax deduction has been a major incentive for individuals and families to buy instead of renting and by taking it away would essential mean an immediate tax increase for homeowners equal to thousands of dollars a year, even for low and middle income families. Economists from NAR have predicted that this alone could force home values down by 15% and wipe out $2.5 trillion in home equity across the country. Then to add a little icing to this cake you have the potential FHA loan limit reduction. With 30% of home buyers using FHA loans to buy today this could shut the door on many more potential homeowners

We still have to wait to see what Obama's tax on millionaires really looks like but given everything else that is going on this may actually be the least of concerns for real estate investors. Though clearly it seems a little unfair to punish those who have been more responsible with their money than the government by making them hand over more profits.

If that wasn't enough, today new plans were unleashed by the Obama Administration which include a flurry of fees on everything from airfare to mortgages as well as more payroll deductions for federal employees.

Despite appearances, surely this isn't really an attack on the real estate market or investors by the current administration, more likely a series of desperate acts and poor choices.

Cocoplum Homes and Real Estate

Inside of the beautiful city of Coral Gables, there lies a neighborhood that is the ideal of exquisite living - Cocoplum. Homes and real estate for sale in the area boast a number of appealing qualities that guarantee a life of extreme lavishness. Homes in the area are done in the Mediterranean style found throughout Coral Gables, with tiled roofs and stucco walls being common staples, along with most homes having their own private pools. The neighborhood itself in a gated community, and offers a twenty-four hour security patrol that will ensure that you'll never have a moment in your new home where you don't feel completely safe and at ease. If you thought Coral Gables was the idea of paradise, then you'll be blown away by the Cocoplum homes. Real estate in the area is ideal for any type of family, as there are waterfront properties offered for those who love boating, as well as a community pool, playground, and tennis courts.

For those who have a primary concern about the education and raising of their children, Cocoplum homes and real estate are ideal for families. The community is located very closely to several excellent schools, both public and private, and Coral Gables is the home to the highly-ranked Miami University. Coral Gables itself is only minutes away from central Miami, including South beach and the Miami International Airport. Coral Gables is home to many parks, theatres, and even a botanical garden, thereby ensuring that you and your family will never have a dull moment while living in one of the Cocoplum Homes. Real estate purchase or rental isn't something that you should make a rushed decision about - there are many factors to take into consideration such as location, security, and the availability of entertainment and schooling options. Cocoplum provides all of these amenities and more - making the area and top notch choice for any family to live in.

Thanks to Sunny Realty, finding the perfect home in any area of South Florida is a snap. If you're interested in buying a home in the exquisite Cocoplum community, we're here to help you find the perfect match for you and your family. There are many homes to choose from in the Cocoplum area and our agents are here to help you make a sound choice, and to help find a house for you to quickly and easily call home.

Subprime Mortgage Crisis And Real Estate Investing

The verdict on the press is unanimous: We are currently experiencing a scary subprime mortgage market meltdown and it will affect everyone from Wall Street to Your Street. Certainly, the subject has gotten sufficient (ok, maybe a little excessive) coverage. However, I wanted to look at it from a different perspective. More specifically, how is this current crisis affecting (or going to affect) the real estate investment market. Are the subjects even related enough to be discussed on the same post?

I believe that the subprime mortgage crisis will affect real estate investment in two major ways (one more obvious than the other):

1. Put quite simply, there will be fewer buyers available to purchase the fixed-up homes. With some of the biggest players in subprime lending going under, many buyers with spotty credit and not much money to put down will find themselves unable to purchase a home. Home flippers have counted quite religiously on offering $0 down deals to prospective buyers to entice them into purchasing their investment homes. They'll still be able to do that but to a much lesser degree as they will be limited to buyers will good credit. On the other side of the coin, whenever a buyer is found, chances of the deal falling through will be lesser as well.

2. Most importantly, this crisis will reduce competition for foreclosures, hud homes and investment properties in general. This is the less obvious of the two. You see this crisis will "weed out" a lot of the Carlton Sheets/Robert Allen seminar type of investors that purchase investment properties with no money down. These types of subprime investment loans will, scratch that, are no longer available. As such, those who favored a more conservative investment strategy, meaning 10% down minimum on the purchase, will face less competition from the OPM (other people's money) investors.

Working From Home in Real Estate - Make $100,000 This Year From Tax Foreclosure Property

Working from home in real estate is something anyone can do, as long as they're willing to learn and work. The profit potential with real estate - especially tax foreclosure property - is through the roof, and you could easily make $100,000 your first year out. Here are two ideas to get you working from home in real estate in no time.

Turn $200 into $20,000 With Tax Foreclosure Property

You may be under the impression that you need a lot of money to get started investing in property. That's not the case at all. You can get tax foreclosure property for as little as $200 by approaching the owners after their property has already been "sold" at tax sale. During the year redemption period after the auction, owners that haven't redeemed the property will need to sell quickly.

The best thing about these properties? They almost never have mortgages attached to them. Mortgaged properties almost always get bailed out by the bank.

You can often pick up deeds to these properties for as little as $200... and turn right around and sell, even to another investor, for a profit of $20,000 or more. This method is known as "deed grabbing," and it's one of the best ways of working from home in real estate.

Find Tax Foreclosure Property Overages and Make Up To 50% on Each Collection

The tax foreclosure property you try to buy from owners has often created an overage that they are entitled to. If they end up letting the property go, they can claim that overage - but almost never do, because they don't know it's there!

Your "working from home in real estate" job here is to find these overages and reconnect them with their owners. By working like a lawyer, on contingency, you get paid when the money is released instead of taking an upfront fee for your information. But in return, you collect 30-50% of the claim. Want to make $5,000 a week? Only work claims of $10,000 or more and close four of them a month. There are so many overages out there, this is possible to do.

Working from home in real estate is easy, fun, and very profitable if you know what you're doing. Take the time to learn these methods and take advantage of the huge number of foreclosures out there now - before someone else does!

Dubai Freehold Property Market in Overdrive and Real Estate Costs Reaching New Highs

With the Dubai freehold property market in overdrive, and real estate costs reaching new highs, it can some times be hard to see how to achieve a good level of investment at the present time. With most properties on the market already having achieved impressive premiums for owners, is it still possible for those investors new to the market to enjoy such a return on property investments in today's climate?

Well, looking at the secondary property market, it would generally appear a difficult but not impossible task. As mentioned in previous blog entries, it's key to look for a development that yet to fully utilize its' potential, either due to location or advertising reasons. This alone can increase the chances of achieving a good ROI, but is that as far it goes? Well no, not exactly. The secondary market may have already achieved a large proportion of its premiums by now, but premiums are still continuing to rise, all be it at a slightly slower rate. But what of those of you who want more?

Then consider property direct from developers. With the market continuing as it is, new developments are probably going to offer a slightly better ROI. If you can get in early and purchase property directly from the developer, you can be assured of getting the best possible price. With the market continuing to show no sign of price decreases in the near future, you can be positive of a good return on your investment. Of course how good an investment still comes down to where and what you will buy, with some developments having a wider appeal than others. And timing your purchase can always give you that little bit extra of an advantage when looking to purchase freehold Dubai real estate. During the summer months, some developers introduce special offers and rates in order to temp buyers during the market slow down that occurs.

And the good news is that we offer a wide range of property, from all the top developers in Dubai. Emaar, Nakheel, ETA Star, and Damac are just of a few of the developers whose property we have for sale. As an official agent for all these companies, we are able to offer a huge range of property direct from the developers, all in the one place.

The Differences Between Motivated Sellers and Real Estate Investors Online

Joe and Suzy both have similar houses to sell in a hurry. They both know that the internet is a great way to move property quickly, and they both logged online yesterday evening to see what kind of help they could find there. They even both found the same website - Bob the Real Estate Investor's Fantasy Property Solutions page.

This morning, Joe awoke with a light heart because he felt confident that Bob would be able to sell his house for him quickly and enable him to walk away with almost $10,000. Suzy, on the other hand, awoke in despair, certain that she'd never be able to get her property off her hands without losing everything in the process. 3 weeks later, Joe got his $10,000 check at closing and Suzy went into foreclosure.

Joe and Suzy have nearly identical houses and were in nearly identical situations, so why did they get such different results? Bob the Real Estate Investor could have helped Suzy just like he helped Joe, but he never got the chance, because Suzy never even contacted him. It was a lose-lose situation, because Bob would have made a profit on Suzy's property, and Suzy wouldn't have lost her home to foreclosure. Instead, Bob lost a valuable property deal and Suzy lost the house, her credit and probably a lot of her self respect.

The key to this situation is Bob's Fantasy Property Solutions webpage. Bob is a real estate investor, and his webpage reflects this:

oHe's very straightforward about what he does: He assigns contracts on properties to other investors for a fee. His website asks that any interested investors who are in a position to purchase distressed properties contact him immediately.

oHe does not explain where he gets the properties from, just that he sells distressed properties. He assumes that investors won't care that much about the source of the deals as long as they can make a profit.

oHe doesn't define the word "distressed," and it is not easy to find his contact information on the page. In fact, Joe had to sign up for an email newsletter, then reply to the "noreply" address in order to get in contact with Bob.

Because Joe was patient and persistent, he was able to contact Bob, find out that his property met Bob's criteria, and even get contract negotiations underway. However, Suzy was in a very different boat: she was frantic with worry because foreclosure was closing in, and Bob's website didn't calm her worries at all. She thought about calling him to ask him personally for help, but couldn't find a phone number or even an email address. Plus, she didn't know exactly what "distressed" meant anyway, and figured that she was long past that point. Suzy surfed away from Bob's page after just a few minutes, and 3 weeks later she lost everything.

Even when they have the exact same situation on their hands, motivated sellers and real estate investors have very different wants and needs, and they need very different websites to achieve the exact same results! Many investors who advertise their services online do not realize this, and assume that one website will serve to catch all their business. In fact, you must always factor in the mindset of your viewer when you design your websites, and make sure that you address their psychological requirements as well as their logical ones.

Make Money From Home With Real Estate Investments

Investing in anything that is proven and lucrative is a great way and investing in property is a great way to make this happen. Now you can buy and sell properties often right from home. You will, of course, need to view the properties and make any improvements or repairs you wish to complete yourself from the location of the various properties, but just think of all the money you could make if you just rented them out.

Rental properties, if fixed up right, can be home to people for many years. If they are satisfied with the property itself as well as renting from you, they are more apt to stay on for an extended period. Sometimes tenants even ask to purchase the house they have been renting.

If you own several rental properties you might also consider a rent to own type of deal. Here the tenant would agree to buy the home from you while living there. The rent that is then collected each month will go toward the mortgage. This is a great way to sell a rental home you know already has good tenants. If you don't want the hassle of trying to find new renters while you consider selling or waiting for a lease to end so you can sell, you might consider this option. You can also allow your tenants to make the necessary repairs if they choose. One example of how this could work would be if they purchased the materials and you took care of the construction or paid someone else to do this for you. If you have tenants who are already skilled in this area, you might consider switching around so you purchase the materials and they make the improvements. If they are renting to own this may be seen as a way to improve the home while adding value to it before they even make the purchase themselves. This will mean less work for them in the future as well as less work for you now that someone else is making repairs and taking the home off your hands.

There are many ways to make money from home through real estate investments. You can buy and sell property in other locations than the one in which you live as well as keep up with tenants you have in other locations. You will have the opportunity to make repairs, improvements and renovations in order to increase the value of your properties. Flipping houses will also net you quite a profit. By buying a house for a low price, fixing it up then turning around and selling it at a much higher price, you are taking action that will improve the results of the investments you have made.

Copyright (c) 2011 Jack Bosch

Selling Your Home - A Real Estate Agent Can Have Many Faces

This is the second article in a series of articles that will focus on selling your home. This article will focus on choosing the right real estate agent for your needs as a seller, what you should expect from your agent, and explain the different types of real estate agents.

As I previously mentioned in article one of this series, if you are working with a licensed real estate agent there are fiduciary duties that your agent is bound and obligated to use as guidelines when working with you.

It is very important for you to understand that there are many types of real estate agents. Sellers agent, buyers agent, dual agent, and designated agent. Let's take a look at each type.

Sellers Agent: A sellers agent is a licensed agent who enters into a listing contract with the seller of the property. They are obligated to your best interests and should be actively marketing your property to sell. They should advise you in regards to the value of your home and what they would consider to be a reasonable sales price. The selling agent is also obligated to disclose to you any material information they know about the buyer.

Buyers Agent: A buyer agent is a licensed agent who enters in to a relationship with a commission buyer of real estate. The buyer agent will be associated either with your agents broker or from another brokers agency. Remember a buyers agent is obligated to give the buyer full fiduciary duties, and works solely on behalf of the buyer. They will consult with and advise the buyer of market value, other comparable available properties, financing options and many other matters. They will also deal directly with the selling agent when making offers on your property. The seller should not tell the buyer agent anything they would not want the buyer to know. It is the sellers obligation to disclose any material defects to the buyer.

Dual Agent: A dual agent is a real estate agent that works for both the buyer and the seller. They are a licensed agent, who by a written agreement work for both the seller of the property and the buyer. A dual agent is obligated to inform both buyer and seller that they are working as a dual agent.

A dual agent must maintain complete confidentiality to both parties unless providing information about the physical condition of the property that is for sale. A dual agent receives both the listing and selling commission when your property is sold.

Designated Agent: A designated agent is one who works exclusively with the seller. No other licensed agents from that brokerage will represent or owe fiduciary duties to you the seller. A designated agent may occur at the time your property is put on the market to sell or at a later time. Using a designated agent is not typical and limits the number of agents that can show and sell your property.

It's my opinion that working with a sellers agent when selling your home is in your best interest. It is very difficult to work with a dual agent, simply because that agent is trying to get the best deal for both seller and buyer, and in my opinion that is virtually impossible. I will discuss my own personal experience with a dual agent in my next article.

Do not sign an agreement for more than ninety days with your selling agent. If the agent ends up being a bust and you have a contract for a longer period of time than three months it could be very difficult or impossible to break that contract. It's very easy to renew the contract and a good agent should have no problem with doing this.

Interview your prospective agents, ask for referrals, ask how much experience they have. Choosing the right agent is one of the most important decisions you will make, take the time to do it right!

North Cyprus Property and Real Estate

There are many different factors that will influence your home purchase, no matter where you decide to buy. If you're looking to purchase a home in Cyprus, a North Cyprus property guide can offer great information on finding and choosing the perfect home on this Mediterranean island. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a hundred thousand dollar home or a million dollar home; North Cyprus offers a little something for everyone, regardless of financial status.

The first rule to finding and buying a home in North Cyprus is to educate yourself. Real estate is similar around the world, but each country will have its own rules and regulations. For this reason, you need to take the time to inform yourself and know what you're getting into with a home purchase in Cyprus. If you don't take the time to learn, you may end up getting in over your head and making some very bad financial decisions about your home purchase.

Another important rule of the North Cyprus property guide: never buy more than you can afford. If you can only afford a GBP 100,000 home, then don't buy a GBP 500,000 home. Just like any other mortgage, talk to the lender and let them know what you need. If you need a payment around $1000 a month, make sure you tell the lender that. Getting in over your head with real estate is never a good idea, no matter where you're buying property at.

Finally, you need to find a location that suits your needs. You should also note that your location choice may influence the price you pay for your North Cyprus property. For example, if you want beachfront property with a private beach, expect to pay more than you would for a house in the suburban parts of the island. You need to determine whether you want to live on the beach, in the city, the suburbs, or even in the country. No matter what you decide, there will be property that suits your needs in all these areas.

Product Websites and Real Estate Websites - The Necessary Difference Between Them

When you sell a product your website must be focused on the benefits and advantages that owning your product holds for your prospective clients.

With that regard, it doesn't matter who you are or what you know. As long as you convey the benefits, follow them up with logic, and then provide excellent customer service, nothing else matters.

But providing a service such as real estate sales is an entirely different matter.

You are selling a product, of course - your listings. And to a small degree, you're selling your geographical area. But just as anyone can and will sell a bottle of name-brand soda pop, so is every other agent in your area selling your area, and to some extent, via MLS, your listings.

Unfortunately, too many real estate agents fail to realize that what their website really needs to sell is their own personal expertise and service, along with their listings.

Think about this. Most people who will visit your site are already searching for a home in your geographical area. A few are looking around, trying to decide on a city, but most people already know where they want to live. You don't really need to sell the city.

They do arrive at your site looking for a home. So you do need to do an exceptional job in describing both the benefits and the features of each of your listings. Your virtual tours should make prospects' mouths water in anticipation of seeing those listings.

But they're also looking for the agent who will help them find that home in the fastest, easiest way possible. So don't stop with showcasing your listings!

Now remember that buyers aren't the only ones looking at agent websites. Homeowners are looking at agent sites to find someone who will do a great job at marketing their home, and give them the kind of service they want. They're searching for signs that you'll be responsive to their needs, stay in touch with them, give them good advice, and remain loyal to them throughout the transaction.

The bottom line is, you need to sell yourself as well as your listings. How else can either buyers or sellers know what you have to offer?

I won't kid you - selling yourself on a website can be a tricky proposition. You can't just write "I'm the best, hire me." That would make them all think you're the worst. Instead you have to tell them about your services, and how each of those services benefits them as a buyer or as a seller.

In effect, your website needs to be about your prospects and their needs, not about you or even about your listings. You have to show them that you not only understand what they want, but will provide it.

Choose your words with care.

Being a Genius in a Real Estate Bull Market

Flippers are those people who buy properties, have them fixed, and resell them for easy profits. Flipping applies to any type of market and appears risky under the best conditions. It's not just buying at a low price then selling it high. It only becomes unfortunate if the "flip and fall" happens when you're about to put a flipper on a property for sale, and the real estate market plummets below what is expected; however, some think this can be just the perfect time.

The trend on house flips is apparently progressing into default. The dominant woes of these properties are often vacancy, not being taken care of and maintained. As a consequence, the values are slumping and bringing the sale prices down.

A Flipper Doesn't Need a Call for Perfect Timing

Whether the real estate market is cold, warm or hot, the success in reselling flipped houses depends on understanding the strategies and knowing these aren't bonded to any particular marketplace at any given period of time.

Know the marketplace well enough: Knowing people who are engaged in the trade and working with them to find a common ground where the present market situations don't undergo change too abruptly. Make sure that person is knowledgeable about what to buy and very specific on what to work on.

Find the right value: The right track basically comes from finding value and meaning and buying a house lower than the retail value in the market.

Create the value: Determination to perform the process of giving back life to the house, updating and maintaining its prevailing architectural and current aesthetic style. Fixing the house is a step-up and gives you an opportunity to have the property well priced for the market.

Know the right people: Know the flippers who are scouting for "flippable" homes and find the extremely motivated persons who can commit irrevocably to their destiny of bailing out no matter what happens. They know very well when the reasonable time would be to try and when to go for the sale.

Know the local statistics: A purchased house for fix and flip asks for a suitable formula: a staunch power to determine signs of the local demographic drift, the acquisition and fix-up costs, and if there should be a contract for lease purchase with the purchaser.

Know when to enter the market: The art of negotiating the sales price and knowing precisely when to make the resell. There are many situations where flippers are just more lucky than smart.

The Wealth Effect and Real Estate: the Pro's and Con's

Consumerism these days in both the United States and Canada is at its peak in light of the buoyant real estate market. Consumerism is a side-effect of capitalism - the good capitalism as Adam Smith might have called it. Consumerism is that particular economic niche where you find wealthy consumers snapping up goods. Consumerism is good for the economy, as it promotes trade and the exchange of money. It is also bad, as it fuels inflation. And consumerism in 2005 is definitely spurred by ever increasing real estate values.

When people feel rich, they spend - a psychological effect known in Economics as "The Wealth Effect" . It doesn't matter whether their wealth is actual or merely on paper, whether the money they spend is their own or borrowed on the equity of their assets. We saw this phenomenon at work during the stock run-up of the 90's, except that it is even more potent with housing. Over the past three years the wealth effect in Canada from rising home values has accounted for a third of all growth in consumer spending according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at McGill University. Consumer spending, in fact, has been single-handedly responsible for keeping Canada out of a recession for two years.

When house values increase - especially as dramatically as in recent months - people feel freer to spend from the wealth they have, or the wealth they perceive they have. They may decide to buy a bigger car, to eat out more often, to indulge in electronics or fashionable items, all of which is in most cases financed by their equity. And, strangely enough, people spend their hypothetical riches faster when their houses go up in value than when their stocks do, because they believe that housing gains are more stable.

But are housing gains really more stable? This is the $56 billion question of the first boom in the 21st century. Are today's real estate revelers partying like they did in 1999 - just before the stock market bubble burst? To some economists the housing market - especially in hot coastal areas like the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria - is a bubble just as ripe for popping. The main reason, they say, is that there is no reason for it. Prices in certain areas have more than doubled these past three years and there is no fundamental to account for it. Not even the 2010 Winter Olympics which, they say, are still five years away.

Instead many "bubbleologists" believe that what's driving the market is low interest rates, herd psychology, speculation and most of all the expectation of unending price increases. Meanwhile promiscuous lenders keep on throwing money at buyers. The lending business has become so cut-throat that practically anyone can walk into a bank and get a loan with zero percent down at three or four times their income.

Real Estate Boards across the country, however, thoroughly disagree with the doomsayers. Most predict another record year for real estate in 2005 with a median 9% jump in prices nationwide. Most Boards argue that there are substantial differences between real estate and the stock market. Real estate, they claim, is in fact based on tight housing, especially in places such as Vancouver and Toronto where it is expensive to build and where available land is in chronic short supply. Add such population factors as immigration, foreign buyers (especially American buyers who snap up properties cheap because of a relatively weak dollar) and baby boomers' demand for second homes and voila', there you have your sound real estate market.

Fact of the matter is that there are indeed troubling aspects to the real estate boom. If one wants to compare stocks to real estate, it is evident that at the peak of the stock market 1% of the investors controlled 33.5% of stock wealth. But in today's real estate boom, the top 1% of home equity holders nationwide have only 13% of all housing wealth. In other words, a broad drop in housing values - should it ever happen - would affect a far larger cross section of Canadians than did the stock market bust of 2000. To render this situation even more volatile, home buyers have turned to some risky strategies to afford their purchases, with the more or less tacit complicity of the Federal Government. Nothing down, interest-only loans and "negative amortization" (in which you wind up paying so little each month that your principal amount grows larger although, hopefully, your house value rises faster) mortgages are on the rise. Such loans can pay off if you sell within a few years at a profit. But if interest rates rise, borrowers may become overwhelmed by steadily rising payments.

The consequences of such an apocalypse would be felt throughout the economy. If enough homeowners become swamped by their debts and have to sell - or are being foreclosed upon - prices would drop creating a "reverse wealth effect" and bringing the entire economy to a grinding halt.

In any event, whether the real estate market rises, plummets or flattens, whether it happens in one year or five, it will not undo the changes that the boom has wrought in the relationship between the homeowner and the home. This particularly applies to the notion that the house is no longer just a home. By tapping into their wealth through refinancing and home-equity loans, many homeowners have ensured that the idea of the house as piggybank will stay with us for a great many years to come - the wealth effect.

Luigi Frascati

Venetian Island Homes: Luxury Real Estate Options That Offer The Best Of Both Worlds

Property buyers who are interested in finding luxury real estate options within the South Florida region will definitely be delighted with today's fabulous selection of Venetian Island homes which are considered to be one of the luxury sector's most illustrious options for people who seek island communities that cater to high-end needs.

The typical size and stature of these fabulous home properties are considered to be among the finest that that the region has to offer, especially since many of the real estate options found within these islands are designed by brilliant architects and designers who have successfully managed to integrate the natural beauty of the surrounding areas with the elegance that emanates from the islands themselves.

If you are looking for the most sensational waterfront home properties within South Florida today, you are sure to find Venetian Island homes to be among the region's most ideal options for upscale living.

Aside from being among the most ideal options for upscale living, many now know that Venetian Island homes are one of the best ways for people to experience "the best of both worlds" since these real estate options are found on several man-made islands which are located right between Miami proper and Miami Beach - two areas which are considered to be among the region's most popular cities today.

Individuals who are inclined to indulge in the breath-taking selection of beaches that are found within the coastal city of Miami Beach will easily be able to do so as it only takes a few minutes to hop over to the city via the Venetian Causeway which leads through to Belle Isle Park and over to Dade Boulevard where people can either choose to head down south to the South of Fifth neighborhood or further north along Collins Avenue to the trendier parts of the city where bars, clubs, and other nightlife options are found in abundance.

Likewise, people who are looking forward to the arts and culture scene that thrives within Miami proper will also be able to do so since the Venetian Causeway is linked directly to the Biscayne Boulevard where a myriad of attractions, galleries, museums, shopping centers, and other amazing establishments can be found.

Property buyers who are interested in today's selection of Venetian Island homes can find their options located on Biscayne Island, Di Lido Ilsand, San Marco Island, San Marino Island, Belle Isle, and Rivo Alto Island. You may contact a professional agent to find out more information regarding all of your available options.