If your local Realtor? is to be believed, the stabilization of housing prices and the cooling of the housing market is good for the entire community. But, how can such a slowdown possibly be a good thing? Homeowners, used to seeing double digit gains in their homes values, are concerned when their home does not sell in a matter days with multiple offers, as homes were doing until the end of 2005.

Surprisingly enough a more stable market is better for everyone, and a slowdown is not a stop. David Lereah, NAR's chief economist states, 2006 is still expected to be the third strongest on record. In this case, experiencing a slowing from a hot market is a good thing because we need a solid housing sector to provide an underlying base to the economy, and slower appreciation will help to preserve long-term affordability.

In general, the overwhelming opinion of those in the know, is this slowdown will result in a stable housing market through the end of 2006. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan on May 18, 2006 said that Americans' consumption could taper off somewhat now that the U.S. housing market's extraordinary boom has ended. Greenspan, in his first public U.S. speech since retiring in January, predicted there is no danger of a total collapse of the housing market.

UCLA Anderson Forecast Director Edward Leamer, who also does not expect real estate prices to fall significantly, notes that sales volume is what typically drops, and drops more precipitously than prices, as the price cycle lags behind the volume cycle. Locally we have seen this as homes have stayed on the market longer, although prices have remained stable.

According to the NAR (National Association of Realtors), Two conditions are necessary for price softness in a given area: an oversupply of homes available for sale, and adverse economic conditions ? generally a weak local job market. Fortunately, our local job market continues to be strong, with Florida's unemployment rate at 3.2 percent in May, up only slightly from 3.0 in April. Florida's May 2006 rate was 1.4 percentage points lower than the national rate of 4.6 percent.

We are fortunate in the Tampa Bay area that Florida continues to be the destination for aging Baby Boomers and others looking for vacation properties and second homes. With a strong economic forecast and a desirable destination, Tampa Bay should be able to weather the housing bubble rumors and come through the remainder of the 2006 housing market safely.

Visit http://realestatemarketingpro.blogspot.com for free real estate marketing tips or see these tips and tricks in action at http://www.ComeToClearwater.com

Realtors and mortgage bankers/brokers, please feel free to use this article provided this reference is included and all links remain active.

Posted in: on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at at 8:30 PM 0 comments  

A real estate agent is someone who facilitates real estate deals. Real estate agents market a property to be sold and try to get the best possible price and terms for their clients. If a client wants to buy a property, the agent ensures that the client gets the best possible deal. According to US law, a person needs a permit to act as a real estate agent in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale is the fifth largest city in the US. Scottsdale is growing fast especially in the northern regions of the city. There is a huge increase in the number of new residents every year. Increase in population directly results in an increasing demand for accommodation. This makes the real estate business a thriving business opportunity and many real estate agencies make use of this opportunity. Excellent climatic conditions, low tax rates and low housing costs are some of the other factors that contribute to the growth of the real estate industry in Scottsdale.

In a booming real estate industry, contrary to expectations buying or selling is not an easy task. Though there is sufficient demand, an amateur would find it a challenge to reach out to more buyers or sellers or strike a fair price on a deal. This is the chief reason for many property owners and buyers deciding to deal with an agent. Agents work on a commission basis but this does not deter people from dealing with them as long as they are able to strike lucrative deals. A single real estate agent can handle the case of both the buyer and the seller, provided he has the consent of both parties to do so. An agent is more experienced in property matters, trends and market conditions and will use this expertise to negotiate on behalf of clients. A large number of real estate agents operate in all the major cities of Arizona including Scottsdale Research on the Web or a quick scanning of the local Yellow Pages can help find an agent. It is important to talk to more than one agent simultaneously for a better chance of either buying or selling a property.

Scottsdale Real Estate provides detailed information on Scottsdale Real Estate, Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate, Scottsdale Arizona Real Estate Agent, Scottsdale Real Estate Agent and more. Scottsdale Real Estate is affiliated with Tucson Residential Real Estate.

Posted in: on at at 3:30 PM 0 comments  

A recent poll in England on people approaching retirement age revealed that over 50% were considering retiring to a warmer country. Spain was by far the first choice of destinations. Economics were the first reasons cited, with climate and pace of life following.

There is no way to identify from initial enquiries what age the person is, but not too much land, easy access to shops as requirements are good indicators, plus the ?old give away? better spelling and formal use of grammar in emails! I am still often surprised by them when we finally meet in the office. Most of them are very positive and well informed on the implications of their move, with knowledge of the systems for retiring here ie pensions and health care issues. Some comments made by this group once they have settle, are lovely ?????

He was easier to live with, when he was out to work all day

I see more of my children and grandchildren since moving here!

I always wanted time for a hobby, now I have so many hobbies it?s like full time work again (was this comment a moan or bragging?).

It?s true, the more you have to do the more you achieve (well not in this office!)

The days in Spain are so much shorter. (This comment still makes me smile.)

What does it feel like being retired in Spain? (I will let them know in a good few years, a quick look in the mirror confirms a tired look, must get an early night!)

When I was in my late teens an elderly French woman living opposite my flat befriended me. Softly spoken, very independent and proud she invited me into her home. I was fascinated with her life story and wisdom. On the subject of age her accented voice I can still hear. ?Don?t dust the mirrors too often?; ?soft lighting will put you and your guests at ease.? ?If there is nothing to laugh about use your memory to go back to a funny moment?. ?Don?t stop eating what you like as you get older; be grateful you have the choice?. ?Worry not about tomorrow, just hope that it comes?. There were many pearls of wisdom this eighty something lady offered me. Less than a quarter of her age, I did not understand their importance but her most often used line was, live each day with the person you love as though it is the last one you will have together. As I get older I see that time is precious, this point has started to be relevant. So all those things I have always wanted to do I plan to achieve soon, as later may just be too late!

The short email a friend sent a few weeks ago has prime place on my desk Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. Laughing at yourself is therapeutic.

Finally, I came across this abbreviation S.K.I in an article about retirement. Spending the Kids Inheritance. Yes this feels good??????Sorry Darling, but Mum and Dad are just enjoying life now! The house is all yours, including the sand, cement and bricks it you want to finish it.

One in five British - nearly 10m adults - are considering leaving the country amid growing disillusionment over the failure of political parties to deliver tax cuts, according to a new poll by ICM.

Posted in: on at at 10:30 AM 0 comments  

Estate agents are there to help people in need of properties for housing, commercial or other purposes. They are there to provide their services that varies from giving advices for properties, making two parties meet up for a deal. They are there to lend a hand to tenants, property sellers and buyers, to landlords etc. They are can provide an interested party with all the technicalities, particulars, prices and everything through their own medium, right at the party's doorstep. It is convenient to involve a middleman when a person wants a property so that he can save his time and energy. These estate agents carry out these services in return of what is known as commission.

The darker side of their business is that while they are offering their services they are filled with greed and they aim at gaining their commissions as much and soon as possible. In trying to achieve this they cause a misbalance in the proper flow of country's economic development.

Many of the agents in greed of earning commission mislead buyers through false information concerning the peculiars about the property. Rental housing acquired with the aid of agents for middleclass people often have them facing a huge financial loss. They end up having a totally contradictory situation to what they had been informed about by the agents. The extra loss is rendered for the commission paid by them. Mental stress plays its own part. They may sell properties already been sold off. The property owners pay agents extra if they manage to fish and convince buyers who are willing to buy their properties at double prices. This is especially a trait that these middlemen possess of convincing their clients and talking them into making deals they would otherwise get at much lower rates. It is more like a trend these days to involve these middlemen to escape and avoid efforts required for buying property whether it involves residential, business, trade or commercial purposes.

The other thing that agents do is they hardly ever let the two parties that he's dealing with meet one another and interact on their own, making their own false statements. Make people believe the buyer or the seller is out of reach and there is no way the can have direct contact with them. Real, professional agents would never turn to such acts but many unemployed people adopt these measures in order to earn easy money and pretend that they are professionals and thus looting innocent people. Estate agents are both a blessing and curse to people in the business world at the same time.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Real Estate, Investing, and Finance

Posted in: on at at 5:30 AM 0 comments  

Las Vegas. Some call it the city of dreams, others dream of striking it rich at the casinos. It?s a city of lights, of laughter, of entertainment, of money. A city that never sleeps. Where fortunes can be made at the turn of a card and lost just as easily. With the legalization of gambling, the city attracts tourists all year around. And it?s never off season any time of the year. It holds the reputation of being the most populated city in the United States, has many identities like Sin City and Paradise. Given this background, one is not surprised to know that Las Vegas is one of the hottest real estate markets in the world. Real estate agents work overtime to make it one of the fastest growing metropolises in the country.

Las Vegas has its own crop of real estate agents. Some of the more popular ones are Jacqueline Garrens, who is part of Absolute Reality, Austin Texas, who operate in both the Austin as well as the Las Vegan communities, Adam Realty who are based in North West Arizona, Duffy Tarantino, Jana Thompson, Clark County and the Prudential Americana Group. Given the natural advantages of the place which has so much going for it, and which needs no introduction, one has to be careful in selecting a real estate agent. Don?t get carried away with the glib talk. Make sure you know exactly what you are looking for in terms of a home or office and stick with it. There?s a real estate guide to Las Vegas available or you could read up the current news from broker Edd Ahrens.

If Las Vegas is your dream, look for a nice, maybe quiet place to live in so you have the best of both worlds and one does not intrude into the other.

Real Estate Agents provides detailed information on Real Estate Agents, Find A Real Estate Agent, Las Vegas Real Estate Agents, Commercial Real Estate Agents and more. Real Estate Agents is affiliated with How To Get A Real Estate License.

Posted in: on at at 12:30 AM 0 comments  

Panama allows for the use of an anonymous bearer share corporation to own real estate, boats or planes. The person who has the physical possession of the stock certificates of the corporation is the one who controls the disposition of the asset be it real estate, a plane or a boat. There is no registry to look up who owns the bearer share company. Ownership is anonymous. There is also no requirement to report sales or transfers of the bearer share stock, so no one knows who the new owners are, possibly not even the old owner if the sale was to another bearer share corporation or Panama Foundation which is also anonymous. Let us take a hypothetical example:

An investor from outside of Panama wishes to acquire some real estate as an investment and wishes to derive rental income from it all done anonymously to secure the investment away from the reaches of potential financial enemies. A trip to Panama is made to inspect various properties for investment. After a property is isolated an offer needs to be made. So an anonymous corporation is formed to make the offer. Remember no one knows who owns this anonymous corporation. The owner never appears in any registry. This is not to say that a court order is needed, it is to say that there are no records to get a court order for. So now the attorney representing the client submits an offer on the property in the name of the anonymous corporation.

This is a common practice in Panama. Now the offer is accepted. So the client wires the funds to the lawyer representing him/her, the lawyer puts the funds into the escrow and the purchase is made with title going to the anonymous corporation. When the property is sold the stock certificates from the corporation are transferred to the new owner thus avoiding tax of 10% on the profit realized from the real estate transaction. The lawyer can obtain the services of a real estate broker to rent the property and sign a lease on behalf of your corporation. The lawyer can collect the rental income in their bank account and forward it to you or do with the funds as you so direct. This is a relatively solid asset protection scenario. To add another layer to the structure (normally not needed because no one knows who owns the corporation) one has a foundation own the corporation that owns the real estate. The personal debts do not transfer to the foundation if the debt was not in place at the time the foundation received the assets in question from the person.

So if you legally owe people money today and transfer money, real estate etc to a foundation next week the debt could follow the asset. If you tried to collect this in Panama and the debt was from another country the expense, time delay, chances of success collecting on a civil judgment concerning matters outside of Panama, etc would probably not warrant the collection action but the exposure would still be there but only for three years from the date of the transfer since Panama has a statue of limitations on these transfers to defraud creditors. If the court case took longer than three years which it probably would that could possibly be the end of it as well. So if the lawful collectible debt was not in place at the time of the transfer to the foundation the asset would be immune from court ordered collection. If it is starting to sound like it couldn't be better even if you wrote the laws, you are getting the idea.

The same scenario can essentially be used to acquire boats, planes, art, jewelry and other collectibles.

For more information go to: http://www.panamalaw.org

Posted in: on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at at 7:30 PM 0 comments  

If you are a real estate investor and missed the housing boom, you may get another chance. Overheated in the eastern and western markets are cooling off, but there are new opportunities out there. Some of the cities that sat out the boom of the last few years are now showing stronger appreciation gains. Cities such as Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are showing signs of a strengthening real estate market.

Real Estate in hot markets like the San Francisco Bay area market is showing signs of s a slowdown. Prices are rising slowly, however inventory is up. Another sign of slowdown in this hot market is the time it takes to sell a property. Last year some were getting nervous because there were only three multiple offers on a property instead of nine. In one year we have seen quite a change. Now homes that would have sold in one or two weekends are sitting on the market longer. It is not uncommon to see homes sitting on the market thirty to sixty days. This is more like a normal market.

Meanwhile in Texas the demand for housing is increasing. With the new boom in the oil market aiding the job market, workers are coming to Texas from the US and abroad. This is putting upward pressure on the housing market. There are no signs of this slowing down anytime soon. While home prices in Dallas and Texas may not appreciate at the high rates of 20% + seen in some areas in the last few years, the appreciation rates should still be healthy. Real Estate Investors have been aware of this and are investing in these markets that have previously been very slow.

The Atlanta market is benefiting from a healthy job market. Unlike the Texas markets, the Atlanta market is also seeing a rise in inventory. This rise in inventory should restrain the appreciation in Atlanta.

A number of cities in the southwest which have seen high appreciation rates are seeing a strong increase in inventory. Cities such a Phoenix and Las Vegas are also showing a strong job market. Inventories of homes in these cities will need to be watched. If inventories continue to rise sharply, prices will tend to stay flat or fall slightly.

Meanwhile the California market is looking vastly different from a year ago. In Sacramento and San Diego the market is cooling rapidly. In California it now takes an average of six months to sell a home. I was not that long ago that in some California markets, homes were selling in one weekend.

In California the average home now costs over $500000. This is out of reach for many families. The pressure is now on housing prices to come down in some areas. Higher interest rates, slower sales, home prices beyond the reach of the average family all point to falling prices in some areas.

Another scenario is that home prices will remain flat until wages catch up.

As the market changes, more and more homeowners are getting caught in foreclosure. As prices appreciated quickly, homeowners who could not meet their mortgage obligations benefitted from an increase in equity. That will not be the case in the coming years. There are a number of sites dedicated to homeowners wanting to sell their homes without a Realtor, investors looking for deals, and agents looking for new business. RealtyTrac is one such site. Here you can find home bargains, sell a home without an agent, and discover your homes value.

Andrew Goldman is president of Metal Rabbit media services, the operator of http://www.Exchangetradedfundinvesting.com and http://carealestateinvest.com He has written a number of articles on finance and investment over the last ten years.

Posted in: on at at 2:30 PM 0 comments  

Austin is the capital of Texas and a beautiful city to live in. It is the 4th largest city in Texas, 16th largest city in United States, and continues to grow rapidly. Weather is relatively mild and the capital boasts of some great historical sites and hosts several cultural events. Austin is referred to as the ?live music capital? of America as it hosts a number of music festivals. Music artists from around the world participate in such music programs.

Real estate prices in Austin are increasing rapidly due to many developmental projects. Several highways and freeways are being constructed to cope up with increase in vehicular traffic due to new industries coming up. More and more people are looking towards Austin for employment and better living conditions. Many such new settlers prefer to buy their own accommodation. A number of people who have been staying in rented accommodation in Austin, may like to purchase their own homes. People from other cities also wish to buy a permanent home in Austin due to its good living conditions and cultural scenario. Real estate prices in Austin are escalating as demand is rising. Prospective homebuyers are advised to buy their home quickly before real estate prices shoot up the roof.

Demand for real estate prices is increasing with influx of new immigrants in this city. Local builders are developing many residential apartments and premises considering this need of home seekers. As yet, most developers have affordable housing options available to customers. A house in suburban Austin costs almost half the amount of the same type of house in the heart of the city or many other cities.

Customers are advised to select a suitable real estate agency only after proper study of their background and past history. It is essential to contact and choose only certified estate agents, as a lot of fraudulent deals could be possible in real estate market.

Texas Real Estate provides detailed information on Texas Real Estate, Texas Real Estate Commissions, Austin, Texas Real Estate, Houston, Texas Real Estate and more. Texas Real Estate is affiliated with Houston Real Estate Schools.

Posted in: on at at 9:30 AM 0 comments  

All property investors want to do it - buy cheap property for sale and sell it at maximum profit quickly.

This article is all about the best locations to do this in and how to get the biggest capital gain with the lowest risk in the shortest period of time.

We all know the North American and European markets look vulnerable as economic growth slows and interest rates rise. It?s an economic fact that property prices fall under these conditions.

So what?s the solution?

Buy cheap property for sale overseas it?s cheap easy to do and the risk to reward is far better.

If you have never considered buying cheap property for sale overseas you should as you can make stunning gains with low risk and you don?t have to go far.

Central America is booming at present and Costa Rica just a 3 hour flight from the USA offers property at up to 70% less than in the US and Americans are buying in ever increasing numbers

Why?

Because their making huge gains consider this:

Investors who bought $30,000 of real estate just 15 years ago near the popular resort of Jaco, are worth as much as $800,000 today.

These gains are not unusual and as foreign investment pours in gains are getting bigger in many areas investors are turning 100% profits in a year.

Never buy cheaply just for the sake of it

Property is cheaper in Costa Rica but it is important not to buy the cheapest you can find. Keep in mind it?s cheap for a reason!

Investors often make the mistake of buying countries or locations where they think as prices are cheap they must go higher, but this is simply not the case.

What you need to do is, buy property in a booming country close to expanding popular resorts or changes in the infrastructure where you KNOW that prices are likely to increase quickly.

Risk and reward

This way you will have high capital growth potential and low risk. It?s important to keep the risk low, as you don?t want to buy a cheap property for sale and be stuck with it.

You want to be able to turn it over for a quick profit.

Buying in Costa Rica is easy and red tape is at a minimum..

The Government wants investment and therefore offers tax advantages, the same rights as residents and the security of buying in one of the safest investment markets in the world.

Future potential

The future for buying cheap property for sale in Costa Rica looks good as investment from overseas and America in particular drives prices upwards as more baby boomers buy or retire here.

Are you getting these sort of gains?

Their getting property at up to70% less than the US and a great standard of living in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

If you want to be able to target triple digit gains annually with low risk and buy cheap properties for sale ( far cheaper than in the US ) and turn these around with bigger profits and lower risk then look at Costa Rica.

Costa Rica offers one of the best markets to buy cheap property for sale in the world and has fantastic risk to reward. Look at the facts and see for yourself.

FREE Essential Report

On how to investing in property and land for big capital gains and low risk, with all the facts you need to take advantage of this opportunity grab your report now at http://www.costaricalandlots.com

Posted in: on at at 4:30 AM 0 comments  

Real estate in Miami has seen skyrocketing prices in recent years. Thanks to this popularity, Miami is a haven for real estate investors from across the US, Latin America and Europe.

If you plan to invest in commercial real estate, you can choose income-producing condos, hotels, restaurants, warehouses and other properties, like retail spaces or land lots that are for sale. Recent real estate properties that are popular include condos, houses, lofts and new pre-construction projects. Whatever be the property, real estate in Miami Beach today roughly ranges from anything between $75,000 to over $15 million.

Real estate, however, is a tricky area. While deciding to invest in real estate, you are likely to be confused from the several options available, and you may not be able to make a sound investing decision. It is therefore recommended that you seek the services of real estate agents in Miami for finding a good property within the limits of your budget. While selecting your real estate, take time to research the several real estate agents and services offered. You can also talk to some of your friends and find the best agents who have a long, credible history. You can also seek the services of agents if you plan to sell your property in Miami. Some realtors will offer a country-wide exposure to your property so that you get the best price.

Buying or selling real estate is a nerve-shattering business, largely because of fluctuations in prices. There are times when individuals do not get a fair deal because they tend to do less research. If you want to get the best deal on real estate, you will need to analyze your budget and priorities more strategically. One thing to do is prepare a list of the features that you are looking for. Once the list is ready, all you have to do is scout places in search of your ?dream investment.?

Miami Beach provides detailed information on Miami Beach, Miami Beach Vacations, Miami Beach Real Estate, Miammi Beach Condos and more. Miami Beach is affiliated with Discount Miami Hotels.

Posted in: on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at at 11:30 PM 0 comments  

Looking for a Real Estate and Marketing Idea that can take your business to new heights? Then you should Prewritten Real Estate Marketing Reports!

Why Real Estate and Marketing Reports? Because Marketing Reports are effective tools for educating consumers. Unlike days of old, most consumers looking to buy, sell, or trade real estate first look for information.

Once, it cost a lot to run a website - but those days are long gone. There are pay as you go services out there now charging as little as $1 per gigabyte of bandwidth. If you're sensible about the size of your pages, that dollar could last you a whole month, or even longer!

If you don't want to pay for design, it's never been simpler to do it yourself, or find free and/or reasonable cost software and pre-written content to do it for you. Really, it's never been cheaper to have a website than it is today, nor easier to market your message 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Savvy real estate agents are getting onboard by offering consumer information formatted as real estate web site content, special buyer and seller reports and email ecources. They're informing their visitors about closing costs, appraisals, preparing their homes for the market, what to expect at closing, gardening tips and even information about how to quit smoking and other health related information.

When you're on the web, it doesn't matter whether someone is next door to you or on the other side of the world - they can see your website just the same as anyone else can, at no extra cost to you or to them.

Phone and postage both cost enormous amounts of money, but a website lets you send information anywhere without any extra effort or expense. You can make friends and contacts in places you've never been and will never go. Suddenly, working globally is no more effort than working locally.

The beauty about using pre-written reports is that when you find really good ones you can practically use them as is. But if you spend even just a few minutes personalizing them and making them uniquely yours the results could be huge. Although others may buy the same reports as you, your personalized approach will go a long way in distinguishing you as a helpful, and successful real estate sales professional.

Some agents think that a 30-40 page web site is enough to generate leads and result in high search engine rankings, and it might, but probably won't! While most real estate web sites appear to have just a few pages, the more dynamic ones frequently have hundreds of hidden, hard working pages feeding the search engines and directing visitors to them.

Why? Because each web page acts as a doorway to your web site by which visitors arrive from all over the Internet. So it makes sense that the more web site pages you have on your site the more visitors you can expect.

Prewritten reports can provide excellent content at affordable prices, plus they can be uploaded to your web site in a matter of minutes. Their cost and utilization can't be beat!

You'll be able to convert more leads to paying customers with great content. They visit your web site, like the information on it and keep returning for more. And after they have gotten familiar with you, your style and the information you provide they may then surprise you with the call requesting your help in making a real estate transaction.

If you don't know what to write don't worry about it. Stop struggling with what to say with prewritten content; content ready for instant use. Use it as is or make it uniquely yours with little effort, then get ready for a boost in business!

Visit Real Estate Marketing Talk for more information about Prewritten Real Estate Marketing Reports and Web Site Content

Posted in: on at at 7:28 PM 0 comments  

Texas is the second largest state in United States next to Alaska in terms of area and California in terms of population. Texas has several metropolises due to its oil industry that contribute to its growth. Several cities have a lot of historic importance and are known for its cultural heritage.

Real estate scenario in Texas has shown an upward trend in many cities. Influx of immigrants from nearby cities and states has increased demand for real estate. Most immigrants prefer to settle down and buy on their own home.

Most cities in Texas offer reasonably priced homes that are affordable to most consumers. Dallas is one of the biggest cities of Texas and has a definite oil influence, which has contributed to growth of real estate in this city. Yet, real estate prices are surprisingly cheap as compared to other big cities. Austin is another good city preferred by many home seekers as an ideal destination for standard living. Real estate prices in this city are increasing rapidly and customers are advised to make an early bid to avoid increase of prices. Houston is another major city in Texas that is growing at a steady rate. San Antonio is a small city, which has now started growing and developing as compared to other established cities.

On an average, a good family home in Dallas is priced at around $ 260000 while that in Austin is approximately $ 200000. A similar home in Houston would cost approximately $ 150000 on an average while that in San Antonio would cost

$ 220000. It is observed that on an average, appreciation of real estate prices is a little over five percent every year. Thus the future of Texas real estate seems to be bright. Prospective customers need to take advantage of such low prices at the earliest to avoid higher rates in future.

The real estate market comprises of various agents and agencies dealing in buying, selling and leasing of accommodation for residential and commercial purposes. It has many professionals such as estate agents, brokers and lawyers that provide their services to individuals that require a home in Texas.

Texas Real Estate provides detailed information on Texas Real Estate, Texas Real Estate Commissions, Austin, Texas Real Estate, Houston, Texas Real Estate and more. Texas Real Estate is affiliated with Houston Real Estate Schools.

Posted in: on at at 2:40 PM 0 comments  

Mortgage insurance provides lenders a form of financial guarantee which protects the lender in cases in which the borrower defaults on a loan. For those looking to buy a home, agreeing to loan terms which include mortgage insurance, increases the purchasing power of the buyer a great deal. Agreeing to buy mortgage insurance allows individuals the opportunity to buy a home with a down payment of only 5%-10%, as opposed to the 20% that is often required when the lender does not have the guarantee of mortgage insurance.

Buyers typically purchase and pay for mortgage insurance in three different ways. These ways include paying in annuals, monthly premiums, or singles. We are going to take a closer look at the available mortgage insurance payment options below:

1.) Annuals: The annuals payment option allows the lender to collect the first year?s premium at closing and then all subsequent payments are made on a monthly basis.

2.) Monthly Premiums: This payment option requires the buyer to only pay for one month at closing and all remaining payments are then made on a monthly basis.

3.) Singles: The singles payment option requires the buyer to make a one-time single payment that is typically financed as part of the mortgage amount.

Mortgage insurance ensures the lender is covered in cases in which the borrower can no longer pay the loan and defaults on it. It is also a powerful bargaining tool for potential borrowers who are unable to come up with a large down payment. Offering to pay mortgage insurance can decrease the amount of ones? down payment by 10% to 15%. But it is important to note that mortgage insurance does not have to be paid forever. After a certain period of time and when certain conditions are met, mortgage insurance is no longer required to be carried on the mortgage.

For more information on better Mortgages as well as great Mortgage Broker tips, tricks, and techniques and money-saving info visit www.lenoxnationalmortgage.com

Posted in: on at at 9:39 AM 0 comments  

At some point, every buy-to-let investor will face the spectre of rental voids but it?s what you do about them that makes you either a victim of circumstance of a savvy investor. The smart investor takes action to minimize such down periods and here are a few tips I?ve found helpful in doing so:

Seasonality: There are certain times of the year when people stay put because they're focused on other things. Summer holidays and Christmas are just a couple of those ?things? that affect large numbers of people at the same time. After summer, you?ll find that September should see more activity (and you can probably write off most of January, too). The summer dip is particularly relevant in areas of high student density, e.g. university towns, especially if your property might normally be let to these types of people or people related to this business. Wherever possible, then, ensure that your existing tenancy doesn?t end around these times.

Apathetic Letting Agents: Try and gee them up by telling them that you're placing your own ad and if you introduce the tenant you want a reduction in their fee. You could also make your property available to more than one agent and promise that the first one to fill the vacancy gets the management for the next year. If an agent thinks they?re the only one, they won't be inclined to try so hard.

Be Proactive: Don?t just sit back and wait for others to do the work. Remember, it?s your money that?s dripping (or gushing) away all the time the property is empty. Here are some ideas of actions you might take:

? place your own ad
? directly contact large employers and accommodation officers in local hospitals and universities
? offer an incentive (free TV/DVD player/holiday/champagne, etc)
? drop the rent to just below market for the area (a reduction of ?5 a week for the year = ?260, compare this with how much you?re losing each month the property is empty and you have to continue paying the mortgage)
? find out what people are looking for that would make your property more attractive than others that are currently vacant

To Furnish or Not? Only consider furnishing the property if you're getting people asking for it to be furnished. If you just do this on the off chance, you could end up with a bunch of furniture to get rid of if they then want it unfurnished. You might list as will furnish if required. Quite frankly, the achievable rental will be barely affected, if at all, and you'll then be liable to replace things as they wear out (although you will be able to depreciate the costs of furnishings by about 10% per annum off your tax bill ? see my article on ?Reducing Property Income Tax?).

If you do go the route of furnishing, get new (IKEA, perhaps) rather than second hand. Although the 1950s furniture will be around forever, people prefer new and modern rather than old and sturdy. In addition, if you do buy from IKEA, the products are cheap and stylish and it?s probably the only store that will be able to fill your order quickly (even though you have to do the legwork yourself). Here?s a tip you?ll appreciate if you?ve ever gone the flatpack route? get a professional to do the assembly for you, it?ll be done quicker, to a better standard and they?ll probably have spares if any of the fittings are missing. And a tip within the tip is, if you?re buying at IKEA, ask around among the loading staff in the aisles whether they know anyone who does such assembly, some IKEA staff have side businesses doing just this.

Rental Assisted Tenants? In certain areas rentals predominantly go to such tenants. The only implications I've found is that the proportion of the rent paid by the council doesn't always come on the same day each month. However, if you have claimants screened in the usual way (as they have to make up the shortfall and be trusted to pay the assisted monies if it's paid directly to them), then you should be fine.

Remember to get references from the landlord PRIOR to the one they're about to leave as their current landlord might be glad to be rid of them and will provide a glowing reference in order to do so. Look for longevity in their past rental history. If they flit every few months it could be a bad sign. Don't be scared to consider such tenants. Most people don't enter a home in order to trash it, no matter who's paying the rent.

Renting Room by Room: If you do this, the property could be classified as an HMO (home in multiple occupation) if it?s let to 3 or more tenants who form two or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Each council will have an HMO Officer and you can check with them if you?re unsure where your property stands. If it is so classified, as of April 2006, your property will need to be registered. This carries a fee and has requirements covering room square footage, kitchen food security (yes, really), fire system, fire escapes, etc. You also have to prove that you?re a ?fit and proper person? to hold the license. Even after the license is granted, running an HMO involves more management and might not be a route you want to go down. You might wonder, then, why anyone bothers with them. Well they can yield high income, you just have to weigh up the pros and cons.

When It Just Won?t Rent: If this is the case, you will want to look at other options such as:

? is the property suitable for conversion to self-contained flats (if they?re not self-contained, they still fall into HMO territory)
? is it best to sell up and buy something with higher yield in a higher demand area where, this time, you do your research first? See my article: ?Before You Buy-to-Let? on www.womeninpropertyinvestment.com

? Maria Davies, www.WomenInPropertyInvestment.com This article may be distributed or reproduced in full provided the above Copyright line is also included in full. Maria Davies has been a property investor since 1990. She freely admits that she's probably made every mistake in the book but she has learnt from them. Maria is a professional speaker whose specialist subjects are property investment and sales presenting.

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