Friday, February 28, 2014

Goal Setting and Real Estate Investing

Whenever you begin a journey, it is important to know where you are going. As well, it is just as important to know where you are starting from. If you want to go to Chicago for instance, starting from Los Angeles or starting from New York will take a different route. Investing in real estate is the same way. You will begin to see how your unique personal situation will help shape your portfolio of investments. Before you invest in anything, you need to know where you are in terms of income, expenses, assets and liabilities. Knowing where you stand now is critical to how and what you invest in.

If you have not done so recently or ever, write down all of your income and the sources of that income. Next, write down your expenses. This usually takes a bit longer and may take a bit of investigating to find accurate numbers. No one else needs to see this. Accuracy is important. Next, write down all of you assets. These are the things you own that have value. Then, write down your liabilities. These are the amounts you owe to others. Add up the difference between what you make and what you spend. Then, calculate the difference between what you own and what you owe. This will be an eye opening experience for many people.

A person who wants to get the most out of life often has a number of goals they are working on at the same time, in both their personal and business lives. Setting goals is the first step to turning dreams, ideas and wishes, into REALITY!

Recent studies show that less than three percent of the population has written goals. It is no surprise that these are the very same people who are the most successful people in our society. When you set a goal, you commit yourself to a CAN DO attitude. You begin the process of doing what you are dreaming and that is truly a key to success.

Why is it so important to set goals? Mostly it has to do with how the brain works. Setting a goal puts a certain part of your brain into action, especially if your goals are written. If you really want to kick it into overdrive, tell other people about your goals. The more you think about your goals the better your chances of taking action and achieving those goals.

Setting personal goals gives you focus and will solidify an individual's attention into a particular area to the exclusion of other thoughts and activities. The human brain processes thousands of tidbits of information every second. This information comes from the senses, memories and thoughts. The brain processes all of this information and decides which things are the most important to handle now. When you write down your goals, the brain gives more importance to these written priorities. It's like a memo from the President, it gets more attention. If you are constantly thinking about, reviewing and rewriting your goals, your brain becomes more focused and will be much more aware of related opportunities and available resources, which are important to the success of your goal.

When you set a goal, your brain becomes more aware of the opportunities associated with the goal that you might have overlooked or not given any attention to if you had not set that goal. Have you ever noticed that after you start thinking about buying a certain item, suddenly you begin to notice that everyone now has one? It wasn't that everyone else suddenly went out and got the same item, your brain is just more aware of it than before.

Making the choice to set goals in your real estate investing will create a result that far outweighs the person who invests on a whim, like a lottery-ticket mentality or without any concrete path to where they are going.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

A Question on Foreclosure Squatters and Real Estate Law That No One is Addressing

If someone owns a piece of property and allows unabated trespassing across the property for long periods of time, and then arbitrarily starts enforcing their property rights, real estate law tells them they may not have the rights to do this, even if they own the property. Currently, we have a new type of trespassing that is absolutely out of control - Foreclosure Squatting.

This is where someone, could even be a homeless person moves into an empty property and just starts living there. After the subprime lending debacle the number of foreclosed homes has risen by nearly 3500%. With all these home vacated, it is prime pickings for someone moving in. Worse, many of the banks that own these properties have let them go, and have not even been out to see if anyone has moved in illegally.

Even if they do inspect the property, getting a squatter to leave is not as easy as it seems. Now many enforcement agencies will not even serve foreclosure demands to remove people from a property. Worse, the note holders who've bought the mortgages and own the homes may not even be in the United States.

If a foreclosed empty home becomes a de facto residence for the homeless, a habitat for wildlife, an alternative parking lot for the neighborhood, a short-cut to the next block or community center for the locals, then once it's sold these groups could indeed sue to maintain their new rights. Especially after many years of unabated activity in the empty homes. Think on this.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Unclaimed Overages - A Gold Mine For Those Seeking a Home-Based Real Estate Career

If you're looking for a real estate career that not many other people have discovered yet, unclaimed overages are where you should start. Unclaimed overages are funds being held by the government that belong to private citizens. These people, for whatever reason, have lost track of these funds and stand to lose them if they aren't collected in time.

If you decide to become a "found money" professional, you may be tempted to start with state-held funds. These are the funds you can find on states' "treasure hunt" websites, and usually come from things like stock dividends and utility deposits (i.e., aren't for very much money). Unfortunately, you'll never make much with these unclaimed overages. They are too visible, and too small in amount to make much money - these funds are capped out by state law at a 10% finder's fee.

The unclaimed overages you need to focus on are those created by real estate - tax sale overages, mortgage foreclosure overages and the like. These funds run into the tens of thousands of dollars, and due to a loophole almost no one has yet discovered, are NOT subject to the same finder fee limit laws that state-held funds are. That means 30-50% finder's fees. On many thousands of dollars, that's a hefty paycheck. They also aren't advertised online... so people you contact will not be able to check and find the money on their own.

Something else you'll probably like about unclaimed overages is that collecting them can be done entirely from your home office - online and through the mail. You can find records, find owners, contact owners and process claims all from your desk - whether it's in New York or New Zealand.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Will Real Estate Ever Rebound?

The market is falling, the prices of homes are dropping and people are losing thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars each and every day in stocks and bonds. Will the real estate market ever rebound?

The simple answer is yes, but the when is the more difficult question to answer. The financial state of the economy is leading people into thoughts of recession and the pending Greater Depression. While some states and real estate areas are not affected as strongly by the fall of the financial sector, others are floundering and in need of great help.

The Presidential candidates both have differing views on how to deal with the real estate crisis. No matter their personal views, the November 4th election results will be the hinge to the future rise or fall of the real estate world. If the right candidate is elected, the DOW will rise and the economy will slowly work its way out of the hole. If the wrong candidate is chosen, the opposite will happen and the Greater Depression will be a reality.

Unfortunately for real estate agents, the right or wrong candidate is not in our hands. The majority will elect who they feel is right or wrong and as long as that person is placed in office, the world will inevitably rebound. However, if there is a close race, the financial, and thus real estate, markets will rebound much more slowly.

What Can a Real Estate Agent Do to Help?

Nothing. The economical world is falling fast and patience is the only solution. Until the new Presidential official is elected, the world will have to sit on the whims of fate and see where the DOW drops today.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Divorce and Real Estate Law - Living Together During the Divorce - A Nightmare Or a Necessity?

Issues concerning the marital domicile and real estate are often the biggest issues that divorcing couples must resolve. The issues of real estate and divorce are often intertwined with complex issues concerning child custody, child support, marital division of assets, marital debt and other issues related to a divorce. This article only applies to Rhode Island Divorce.

1.) Real Estate and temporary use and possession of the marital domicile during the pendency of the divorce.

While a divorce is proceeding in court, there are several potential scenarios concerning the disposition of the real estate: (Please consult a lawyer / attorney concerning your legal options)

A.) Husband and wife reside together while the divorce is pending with or without children.

In many instances, husband and wife live together while the divorce is pending. In some cases, husband and wife live together out of financial necessity because the parties cannot afford to live separately. Other divorcing couples live together because they believe it is in the best interest of the child /children. Some people live together because both husband and wife refuse to leave the marital domicile.

If husband and wife are living together while the divorce is pending, they often reach an agreement as to who will pay the mortgage, taxes, insurance and other real estate related expenses.

In the event that husband and wife cannot reach an agreement then both parties have the right to file motion for temporary orders, asking the court to intervene and determine who will pay the mortgage taxes, insurance, utilities and other expenses for the marital domicile.

If the parties are not civil towards each other there is constant arguing or there is domestic violence / abuse it may become unworkable for the parties to continue living together. If either party is abusing drugs, alcohol or gambling then cohabitating during the divorce process may be unworkable. Either party has the right to file a motion for temporary orders asking for exclusive use and possession of the marital domicile while the divorce is pending.

If one of the spouse has no income and no ability to earn income then it is possible that the spouse who has income or earning capacity could be ordered to pay 100% of the expenses for marital domicile while the divorce is pending. This is especially the case if the unemployed spouse has minor children living at home.

One of the risks of living together while the divorce is proceeding is the that other party will file a restraining order or a complaint protection from abuse.

B.) Husband or wife vacates the marital domicile and there are no children.

If husband or wife voluntarily leaves the marital hime and the other party is residing on the premises then the parties have two options:

1.) Husband and wife reach an agreement, or

2.) Husband or wife files a motion for the court to determine who pays for the house. The person who vacated the house may be ordered to contribute towards the mortgage taxes, insurance and upkeep etc., if any.

If the parties cannot agree then either party can file a motion for temporary orders seeking contribution towards the mortgage taxes, insurance, and upkeep for the marital domicile. The Rhode Island Family Court will then make an equitable determination of who should pay the mortgage taxes and insurance for the marital domicile. How the Family Court decides this issue, depends on several factors including perhaps most importantly, the income and earning capacity of each of the parties. One Judge in the Rhode Island Family Court consistently rules that the spouse remaining in the marital domicile must pay the 1st $850.00 of the mortgage as rent and the parties split the remaining mortgage taxes and insurance 50/50.

C.) One spouse vacates the marital real estate, while the other spouse resides in the marital real estate with a child or children.

The parent who has temporary physical placement (physical custody) of the child/children will have the right to receive child support as well as the potential to obtain contribution to the mortgage taxes, insurance, and upkeep for marital domicile.

If the parties can agree to the correct child support amount and the contributions towards the mortgage, taxes, insurance for the property then a motion for temporary order may not be necessary.

If the parties cannot agree, the court will determine the correct child support amount using the Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines. The cost of daycare and medical expenses is factored into the Rhode Island (RI) child support guidelines. The court may also order that the spouse who vacated the property contribute to the mortgage, taxes and insurance for the marital domicile.

The courts main purpose is to preserve the marital domicile until the divorce trial can be heard. The amount of the child support and contributions to marital domicile will be highly dependent on the income and earning capacity of the parties as well as a particular circumstances of a case. If the spouse who lives with the children has no job and no ability to earn income and no earning capacity it is possible that the other spouse may be required to pay over and above the child support amount to maintain the status quo so that the other spouse is able to maintain the marital domicile.

The primary goal of a Rhode Island (RI) Family Court Judge is to preserve the marital assets until either a complete settlement is reached or the divorce can be decided after a full trial on the merits.

Rhode Island Attorneys legal Notice per RI Rules of Professional Responsibility:

The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Internet and Real Estate

Finding houses to live in, typically creates a number of problems; as the world population is growing, the necessity for housing can also be rising, because of which individuals usually do not get the kind of houses they need. Even the real estate agent generally do not need appropriate houses in their stock for the frequent people. Besides, searching for an sincere and reliable real estate agent can be fairly problematic and time consuming. Individuals have to spend a lot of time and visit several realtors to choose the most effective one. This may be prevented if people take the assistance of internet.

The websites revealed by the actual estate agents prove to be very helpful for individuals seeking houses. The houses out there to that individual real estate dealer companies are displayed on the web site and detailed information about that real estate company and the facilities they supply are also given within the websites. The use of internet for looking homes has helped the frequent individuals a lot. Nowadays, most people take help of the internet to buy the homes they need.

If you are one such person looking for a very good home in Vaughan Ontario, then it is best to search the internet for the Vaughan real estate companies.

There are many homes accessible in Vaughan, Woodbridge and York Region, folks often discover issues choosing the appropriate one; moreover, the variety of real estate companies in Vaughan is also big which also causes a lot problems. To begin with, both these are very time consuming and secondly, folks find it very arduous to discover a proper house inside their budget. Looking for Woodbridge or York Region.

In case you are one such person searching for an excellent home in Vaughan Ontario, then you should search the internet for the Vaughan real estate companies. As there are many homes available in Vaughan, Woodbridge and York Area, individuals often discover issues choosing the appropriate one; besides, the number of real estate companies in Vaughan can also be massive which also causes a lot problems. To start with, both these are very time consuming and secondly, folks discover it very onerous to discover a correct home inside their budget. Trying to find Woodbridge actual estate brokers and Vaughan homes for sale in individual should be prevented if possible; individuals ought to always search the web first. Now, when a person finds a house in the web site, he can visit the real estate broker and take information about it. Following this manner, many individuals have succeeded in getting new houses at good prices.

Opting for Vaughan house as an alternative of that somewhere else is an excellent and intelligent idea. Since Vaughan is a growing city and huge numbers of industries and businesses are flourishing in Vaughan, many individuals from other areas and cities are choosing Vaughan. In case you are looking for an experienced Vaughan Realtor, have a look at my websites.

Hopefully you have found this article of value if you are trying to find information on real estate especially about Vaughan real estate.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Life and Real Estate in Weaverville, North Carolina

Asheville, NC is consistently voted one of the best places to live in the United States and people are catching on. This is evidenced in real estate prices and the number of people moving to the area. But if you want to enjoy the benefits of Asheville culture, events, and outdoor activities and preserve the small town feel, land in Weaverville NC is only 10 minutes away.

Like Asheville, Weaverville resides in Buncombe County. But With a population under 2500 (2000 census) and a median age (census 2005) of 45, Weaverville NC is the kind of town where people still say hi on the street and everyone knows each other. The downtown area is quaint and welcoming, with a locally owned pizzeria, bakery and other local establishments. Small town parades still happen twice a year on Main street in Weaverville. There is a broad spectrum of Weaverville homes to choose from. Small quaint houses on large parcels of land as well as luxurious gated communities with clubs and activity centers. You can find these same small quaint homes next to farmhouses and campgrounds and rivers.

Weaverville is the home to numerous bed and breakfasts and spas, which make it a great place to visit and stay off the beaten path if you want some peace and quiet while visiting nearby Asheville. Start your mornings off in Weaverville at a local bakery, and end your day with a hearty dinner at a local restaurant and some enjoyable live music.

For the culturally active, Weaverville boasts several local museums and art galleries which often display well-known local and regional artists, potters, and craftspeople of all types.

If you are an outdoorsmen, Weaverville, NC is located right in the middle of some of the best trout fishing streams in Western North Carolina.

On the employment front, many Weaverville residents work nearby in Asheville. But Weaverville boasts several local business and manufacturing operations of their own, including Arvato Digital Services, which is the second largest CD and DVD replicator in the world. Many Weaverville residents work for Arvato, as well as in other manufacturing facilities nearby.

Weaverville homes are almost all nearby local public schools. For a small town, Weaverville boasts 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. In nearby Asheville there are Universities and community colleges: Asheville-Buncome Technical Community College (AB-Tech) is only 7 miles away, and University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) is only 6 miles from Weaverville. Also nearby are Warren Wilson College, Mars Hill College, and Montreat College.

All of this makes Weaverville real estate a wise investment for sure. Property taxes clock in at around 0.9%. According to city-data.com, housing prices continue to slowly increase in Weaverville. Happily, it is still a sound investment as the perceived value of this area often remains underestimated.

More information can be found at Beverly-Hanks.com