The state of Virginia represents important chapters in the history of the United States of America. It is the site of one of the earliest British settlements and the place where epic battles were fought. Besides its historical background, Virginia offers some great places to stay and none are as perfect as the county of Virginia Beach.

Located in the southeastern edge of the state, Virginia Beach is the biggest city, as well as the only beach resort of the state. The city is bound by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the river James in the north. It is home to some of the most beautiful locations in Virginia and has been famous as a place of rest and relaxation from colonial times. Virginia Beach is a family tourist destination as well and stringent laws have been put in place to prevent rash behavior from visiting groups. The town is well known for its quiet and rustic quality of life, where no one is in a hurry to get anywhere. Many types of properties, from ranches to colonial villas, are available for sale on Virginia Beach, A lot of undeveloped land is also on the market and thus, individuals have ample of choice on their hands while selecting real estate in Virginia Beach.

Before making a decision to move to the city of Virginia Beach, individuals must determine whether they are ready to slow down the pace of their lives considerably. Virginia Beach still possesses the colonial air, which can become uncomfortable for those used to the ways of crowded cities. Perhaps the best way to begin searching for a home or property in Virginia Beach is to look up prospective situations on the Internet. Although realtors in Virginia Beach maintain lists of all properties that are on the market to be sold or rented out their online lists are far more interactive. These real estate portals help individuals pick out the locality and accommodation that suits their budget and tastes. The most impressive feature of these portals is the pictures and videos that they carry of properties and the neighborhood.

Virginia Real Estate provides detailed information on Virginia Real Estate, West Virginia Real Estate, Virginia Beach Real Estate, Northern Virginia Real Estate and more. Virginia Real Estate is affiliated with Williamsburg Virginia Bed And Breakfast.

Posted in: on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at at 9:32 PM 0 comments  

You have found your perfect piece of San Diego real estate, and now you only need secure a real estate mortgage at a great rate. Simple, right? Definitely not!

Before a mortgage makes that real estate yours, the lender is going to check your credit score, which will determine what type of terms they offer to you, how much you will pay over the life of the real estate mortgage, and even if you can secure a mortgage. Your credit score tells a lender what type of credit risk you are and the likelihood that you will repay the money loaned.

Though there are several types of credit scores, most real estate mortgage lenders use the FICO score, which was developed by Fair Isaac. The FICO is used for several types of credit and can affect terms offered for credit cards, car loans, home equity loans, private mortgage insurance, the required size of your down payment, and even the amount of documentation a lender will require of you during your mortgage application. Your score determines what type of loan for which you are eligible, as well as how much money you can borrow.

Every person has three FICO scores ? one with each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Since the information retained by each credit bureau varies, your score will differ between the ?Big Three?. Before you begin hunting for real estate, it is a good idea to check all three bureaus for your FICO score, as well as right before securing a real estate mortgage. Even if you have checked your FICO scores recently, your scores fluctuate as new information is received by the credit bureaus. It is best to know for certain your FICO scores, than to be surprised during crucial negotiations.

Some of the things each credit bureau looks at in developing your FICO score are your payment history, the amounts your currently owe, the length of your credit history, new credit you have obtained, and the types of credit you use.

The Higher Your Score, the Better

There have been many commercials on television recently about the FICO score and how it follows you wherever you go (as far as credit is concerned). Just remember, the higher your score, the less you will pay to buy real estate on credit. You can save thousands of dollars every year, or you can pay thousands of extra dollars each year on your real estate mortgage, depending upon your score.

The median FICO score is 723, with most lenders requiring at least a score of 760 in order to get the best real estate mortgage terms. The highest FICO score attainable is 850; however, only 13 percent of the population score over 800.

According to myfico.com, a score of 760 or better currently makes you eligible for an average interest rate of 5.98 percent on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage of $216,000. The interest rate rises to 7.47 percent, if your score is between 620 and 639, which translates to paying an additional $227 each month or $81,720 for the life of the mortgage. A score below 620 can add another three-to-six percent interest. Even a point or two can make a major difference over time. As scores dip below the 700 mark, borrowers are often limited on how much money may be financed; while many lenders will disqualify you all together for a mortgage, even if the rest of your credit file is fantastic.

So, check your three FICO scores when you first decide to look for real estate. Get counseling in how to raise your scores, if it is below 760. If you must purchase sooner than you can repair your credit scores, then plan to refinance after you have raised your FICO scores. Buy real estate with terms that are to your advantage. Know your credit scores and repair any problems early.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

Posted in: on at at 4:29 PM 0 comments  

Why buy a whole pie if you only want a pie? If fractional jet ownership makes sense to you, fractional vacation home ownership will too.

As the second home market is experiencing a boom time, 1/3 of all homes sold last year were for second homes. Many will be used as retirement residences in the future, but who wants a single retirement home when you can buy several in different locations for the same expense?

The 76 million baby boomers who will retire in the next 15 years are studying their options and one hot option is fractional real estate ownership. The biggest number of boomers turned 50 this year and last, and at 50 years old, statistically people begin to shop for a retirement residence. At the same time, the fractional real estate business is red hot.

Where do boomers want to be in retirement? On a golf course? Although many do, most want to be in walkable communities, with shopping and dining options. Many want to return to school, and pursue educational interests they never had time for before. What if you can own 4 homes, for 3 mos a year each, and enjoy all the best places.

Quarter-share fractional ownership allows this dream to be an affordable reality.

In a fractional ownership share you are guaranteed a set period of time in your residence. You know years in advance when you will be enjoying your vacation spot. Many fractionals also allow exchange so that if you ever bore of the 'same old great place' you may be able to trade it for another destination residence.

How is fractional different from timeshare you may ask? Timeshare is typically sold in 1/52, or one-week, shares. This greatly increases the marketing expense and dilutes the real estate value or your deeded purchase. With fractional, 1/12 or a full month of use, is typically the minimum share, and the real estate value you are purchasing is closer to that of whole ownership.

Mortgages for timeshare are readily available, but again at a much higher rate and cost - typically 10% or higher rates. Financing for a fractional is again much closer to that of a typical second home with many of the same 30 year type mortgage options. Few lenders understand fractional financing.

Buyers of fractional also benefit by sharing the cost of these facilities, boomers will be able to afford the lifestyle for which they desire and have become accustomed to while affording multiple homes in retirement.

Bob Waun , Founder & CEO
Vacation Finance
bwaun@vacation-finance.com

Bob is CEO and Founder of Vacation Finance, America's First Second-Home Lender, which is a leader in the fractional ownership, condo hotel, cottage and timeshare financing business. Vacation Finance offers a full range of mortgage options for second home buyers and offers fractional financing from 1/4 share to 1/12 share.

Posted in: on at at 11:37 AM 0 comments  

Existing home sales fell 1.3% in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. This marks the eighth decline in 10 months.

June's average price of a sold home increased 0.9% from the year prior, to $231,000. This is the smallest year-over-year price increase since May of 1995.

Regionally, June's sales were down 3.5% in the Northeast and 2.3% in the South, while sales in the West and Midwest remained steady.

The supply of unsold homes has risen to a record 3.725 million units. The inventory is a 6.8 month supply at June's sales rate -- the greatest amount of time in over eight years.

Single-family home sales were down 0.9% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.81 million units, whereas sales of condominiums fell 5.5% in June.

David Lereah, NAR chief economist, says that home sales are beginning to level out after five years of record sales. With interest rates increasing, housing sales have slowed.

Lereah suggests that there are two markets seen in the industry right now -- one where red-hot markets are cooling, and the other where moderately priced areas are starting to heat up.

The NAR reports that sales have decreased in New York, Boston, Minneapolis and Chicago, but have increased in Syracuse and Pittsburg.

Overall, sales are increasing in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, while decreasing sales are seen in Maryland and Virginia.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Posted in: on at at 6:37 AM 0 comments  

Slowly the housing market is becoming a buyer's venue. Prices have been sliding downward. Finally it appears people are getting tapped out. Cancellation rates on contracts and price concessions have become an increasing pattern. Housing depreciation has hit for several straight months. Many will say this is a bad thing since the less people buy the less will be built and the less economic activity and all the rest. Well, good. It appears much of this market boom was built on a shaky foundation ready to come tumbling down. It was basically built on credit, credit, credit. The average American salary is roughly $40,000. Even with the wife working the cost of a house is a severe strain along with all the usual things to go along with it. Thus, all sorts of financial schemes have been thought of- along with low interest rates- to make an unaffordable house, well, affordable. Be it adjustable rate mortgages or virtually no money down risks, the housing market became a gamble.

As usual, many people keep betting their houses will just keep going up in value. In places like New York, California and South Florida, the price increases have been utterly outrageous. Some of the air is starting to come out of the fat balloon. The average price for a house is now about $225,000.

Predictably we see the old pig-out. People get a sense something is booming and then grossly overreact. Thus, we have around 4 million units of housing just sitting around due to over building. Buyers will just keep on waiting for things to come down a bit more.

States like Indiana and Ohio have seen their foreclosure rates go up since the auto industry did its workers in thanks to the joys of free trade. If you have no job or no decent paying job, well, no house to purchase. That is the heart of the problem, of course.

If there is no real money then the house of cards has to come crashing down the way it did during the internet boom. Shaky deals, weird lending policies, etc. can go on for awhile but like the old Wendy's commercial of Where's the beef? the money must be there. No beef equals a housing disruption. Really just common sense.

Most economists agree there is more shaking out to do. Good. If you don't have the money then you really have no business owning homes. Painful but true. If you have to get a deal where you put no money down or very little for a house that is too expensive for your budget and then you hope you can get the money back due to housing appreciation, well, good luck. Some get lucky on that one. But for the average person that is a stressful gamble. Better to pay what you can afford on traditional mortgages.

Of course, some people are gamblers by nature. But do not be shocked when your gamble turns to dust. That is nice if you are one of the big boys like Donald Trump or Steve Wynn or lesser known individuals with the financial means.

In the end it is very simple: Do you have the money or not?

Robert Carberry is a writer from New York

Posted in: on at at 1:38 AM 0 comments  

Maybe you?re buying your first home in New Mexico, or perhaps you?re relocating to New Mexico from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on New Mexico home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in New Mexico:

Home prices can vary widely between zip codes in New Mexico. For example, the median value of a home in New Mexico is $108,100; however, in the summer of 2005, the median price of a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was $300,000. Recently, average interest rates in New Mexico have been above the national average. Job growth rates have also been above the national average.

New Mexico law prohibits the issuance of balloon loans. Additionally, creditors are prohibited from financing credit life, credit unemployment, or credit property insurance. New Mexico has strict anti-predatory lending laws that went into effect with the New Mexico Home Loan Lending Act. Among the many provisions set fourth by the act is one that puts limits on lenders? issuing of high-cost home refinance loans. It is unlawful in the state of New Mexico to issue a borrower a high-cost refinance loan when there is no obvious benefit of doing so.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about New Mexico Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Posted in: on Monday, September 29, 2008 at at 8:29 PM 0 comments  

No, there's no Starbucks here. And you won't find a regional mall or any big name bookstores either.

But according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau News report issued on June 21, 2006, Cape Coral Florida remains the ffifth-fastest growing city in the country! Owners of Cape Coral Florida real estate are rejoicing.

Why? Because Cape Coral Florida real estate values are poised to continue it?s double digit growth.

The Census report, released on June 21, 2006, said the city grew at 9.2 percent from July 1, 2004, to July 1, 2005, reaching a total population of 140,000. Almost a year later, 154,000 people live here, based on city estimates. Cape Coral also was No. 5 on the census growth chart in 2003-2004.

Florida had three cities among the 10 fastest growing in the nation: Port St. Lucie (third), Cape Coral (fifth) and Miramar (eighth).

For buyers wanting a waterfront lifestyle, Cape Coral real estate offers miles of canals to the Gulf of Mexico, and is in great demand.

Bordered on the east by the Caloosahatchee River and on the west by the Gulf of Mexico, Cape Coral Florida real estate provides thousands of waterfront property opportunities with access to the Gulf.

Founded in 1970, Cape Coral Florida?s year round temperature averages 76 degrees. Cape Coral can very well be known as the new Naples.

The second largest city in the state spanning 115 square miles, Cape Coral has been coined the ?Venice of the West? as it hosts 400 miles of canals.

Real estate buyers can take advantage of the unique Cape Coral Florida real estate opportunity by locking in at yesterday's prices. Says one local Realtor, ?Instead of saying, 'I can't afford it,' why not ask yourself 'How can I afford it?'

Cape Coral Florida real estate provides abundant lifestyle opportunities to raise a family, start a business, or get a job with one of the new companies that have also recently relocated to the area.

Cape Coral Florida is also a wonderful place to retire with some of the best golfing and boating to be found anywhere.

Considering all that Cape Coral has to offer, it's no surprise that the Cape Coral real estate market is healthy.

Whether it is the boating, fishing, golfing, restaurants, or great weather Cape Coral Florida real estate offers, this beautiful city does not seem to disappoint.

Brad Wozny is a real estate expert! Check out his his latest website on Cape Coral New Homes. There you can find lots of interesting information about what every investor raves, as the #1 place to buy lots and houses in the country! Article Submitted by That Article Guy

Posted in: on at at 3:38 PM 0 comments  

Maybe you are buying your first home in Montana, or perhaps you are relocating to Montana from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Montana home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you will need to know before buying a home in Montana:

The median price of a home in Montana is $99,500. Recently, homes in Montana have been appreciating at rates below the national average. However, in some parts of Montana, appreciation rates are at an all time high. As a result, income levels in many parts of Montana are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. In fact, homeowners in many Montana cities pay more than the recommended 30% of their incomes toward housing.

Average interest rates in Montana are above the national average, and job growth rates are below the national average. Both of these factors further the problem that Montana home prices have surpassed personal income growth.

Montana does not have a mortgage tax. Montana state law states that no loan can be secured by property of more than 40 acres. Montana?s Fair Housing Act prohibits mortgage lending discrimination against individuals based on their race, color, religion, gender, familial status, or national origin.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Montana Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Posted in: on at at 10:38 AM 0 comments  

In the Fraser Valley?s rapidly expanding real estate market there are several elements to consider. You are probably aware of the concept of inflation. But just to recap, inflation means that the increasing cost of buying a service or a product (tangible or intangible). This decreases your purchasing power. For example, an item that cost perhaps 10 dollars ten years ago, now cost 50. People in today?s world that are on fixed incomes are very aware of their purchasing power of the Fraser Valley rental dollar.

This factor is very important to consider when renting your new home, apartment or townhouse in the lower mainland. The inflation rate in Canada varies at different times of the year and in different regions across the country. At one time Canada had what?s known as ?double digit inflation. However, currently in the Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, New West and Richmond area, inflation has stayed relatively low.

Naturally, the appreciation of property value over time includes inflation factors. And historically, land appreciation value for residential homes has been between 4 and 5 percent greater then inflation rate. When you buy a home in the Fraser valley your buying a home with inflated dollars. That is, you are probably getting more money now in terms of salary increases to pay off lesser-value money when you took out that original mortgage. So your beating the system!

Renting in the Fraser Valley can often be a disadvantage given our appreciating real estate in Abbotsford and Vancouver. In fact Every city across the Fraser Valley has been hit by the real estate boom and has experienced some level of Appreciation. This includes Richmond real estate, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New West, White Rock, Mission, Maple Ridge, and all other major cities across the lower mainland. Appreciating simply means the increase in value of the property over time. It is the growth in value of your original capital investment.

The national average of appreciation with real estate in the Fraser Valley is 5%. However, real estate in the lower mainland has seen gains as much as 25%. It?s important to understand that trends will go up and down. But with the 2010 Olympics coming up, interested rates staying under 10% and our economy the way it is, you?ll notice the real estate market will continue to clime. The ?rent BC? option has rapidly changed into a wealth building endeavor for any middle class investor.

Shane Toews is a Licenced Realtor who helps others to educate themselves on current real estate issues. He also provides assistance on how to locate quality homes, apartments or vacation rentals in Canada's Fraser Valley area. Visit his website RentFraserValley.com for more information on Canada's Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

Posted in: on at at 5:38 AM 0 comments  

Currency market update 28th April 2006

US dollar continues fall, Sterling gains some ground on Euro

Sterling hit a new 7-month high against the dollar and rose to the day's highs against the euro on Friday after the release of a strong UK consumer confidence survey.

The Gfk consumer confidence index gave a reading of -4 in April, up from -7 in March, and above the forecast -6.

Earlier on Friday, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research revised up its growth forecast for 2006 to 2.5 percent from 2.3 percent predicted in January.

It has come in a bit stronger than expected, so it's been a reasonably bullish environment for sterling, but personally I am a bit more cautious than that, we are still in the rate cut camp, said James Knightley, economist at ING.

Sterling rose as far as $1.8079 by 0942 GMT, up a third of the percent on the day.

It also gained slightly to 1.4390.

In New York the dollar slipped on Friday, extending losses against a basket of major currencies into a sixth session after a report showing robust U.S. economic growth did little to overturn the market's view that interest rates are close to a peak.

The dollar edged lower after data showed the U.S. economy grew at a steady clip of 4.8 percent in the first quarter -- the fastest pace in two and a half years and broadly in line with expectations -- but inflationary pressures in the data were softer than expected. The euro rose to $1.2578, up from $1.2565 where it was before the data.

Interbank rates

GBP/EURO ? 1.4380

EUR/GBP ? 1.4430

EUR/USD - 1.2544

GBP/USD ? 1.8081

USD/GBP - 1.8153

GBP/AUD - 2.3870

GBP/NZD - 2.8533

GBP/CAD - 2.0246

GBP/CYP - 0.825

GBP/AED ? 6.6340

GBP/ZAR ? 10.9300

GBP/CHF ? 2.2530

GBP/PLN ? 5.545

GBP/CZK ? 40.30

GBP/THB ? 67.45

Toby is a senior FX manager who writes daily articles concerning the Euro Pound currency exchange markets and how this affects the Spanish property market.

Posted in: on at at 12:37 AM 0 comments  

Identity theft has emerged as one of the dominant white collar crimes of the 21st century?a crime that can range from inconvenient to catastrophic for its victims. Though everyone needs to safeguard their personal information, it is especially important that you as a real estate investor protect yourself.

To understand why, let?s first discuss exactly what identity theft is: The criminal steals your personal information to facilitate other crimes, such as credit card fraud, check fraud, or mortgage fraud. An identity thief can open new accounts in the name of a victim, borrow funds in the victim?s name, or take over and withdraw funds from existing accounts. While these are the most prevalent, the FBI says that these financial crimes are not the only criminal uses of stolen personal information. Other crimes can even include evading detection by law enforcement in the commission of violent crimes. Beyond the direct economic impact of identity theft, victims may be unable to cash checks, obtain credit, or purchase real estate for a period of months or even years?and they may even be arrested for crimes committed by the identity thief.

If you are the victim of identity theft, you could easily find yourself in the middle of a great deal and be unable to close because the financing won?t go through. Correcting a credit report damaged by an identity thief is a time-consuming process?you?ll probably lose that deal and others before you get the problem resolved. The solution is to avoid becoming a victim or, if you are a victim, to find out early enough to minimize the damage.

Signs that you may be a victim of identity theft include:

- Charges on your accounts that you did not authorize.

- If you are denied credit even though you have a good credit history.

- If you are contacted by creditors regarding debts you never authorized for goods and services you never received.

- If your credit card and bank statements are not received in the mail as usual.

- If a new or renewed credit card is not received.

The most important thing you can do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft is to be aware of the problem and protect your personal information. Store your personal information in a safe place and don?t give it out unless you initiated the contact. Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit lines and telemarketers. Shred credit card receipts and old statements before discarding. And check your credit report regularly.

You are entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year. (Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to order yours.) Though it?s possible for each credit report to be different, they usually contain much of the same information. Request one every four months and check the report carefully for unfamiliar activity. Take immediate action if you see anything that looks suspicious.

Consider investing in a credit monitoring service which will alert you to changes in your credit file. The cost ranges from $24 to $60 a year. Money Magazine?s Pat Regnier says this may be worthwhile if ?you?re a biz owner or real estate buyer who can?t afford any halt on your credit after an ID fraud.?

Bottom line: don?t make it easy for someone to steal what you?ve worked hard to build.

If the Worst Happens

If you are?or even suspect you might be?a victim of identity theft, take immediate action. Follow these steps recommended by the FBI:

- Contact the fraud departments for the three major credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your credit file to reduce your risk of further victimization.

- Obtain and review a current copy of your credit report; the credit bureaus should automatically send that to you when you request the fraud alert.

- Contact the account issuer(s) where fraudulent accounts have been opened or your accounts have been taken over; ask for the fraud/security department and notify them by phone and in writing.

- Close all tampered or fraudulent accounts and ask about the existence of secondary cards.

- File a report with your local police department, as well as with the police department in the area where the ID theft occurred; get copies of the police reports.

- Keep a detailed log of who you spoke with and when, including name, title, phone number, and other contact information.

- File an identity theft complaint at www.consumer.gov.

Jordan Taylor is the editor of Millionaire Mentor? Newsletter, which is published by Whitney Education Group, Inc.? To sign up for a free subscription, visit http://www.russwhitney.com

Posted in: on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at at 7:38 PM 0 comments  

There are primarily five disclosure items to keep in mind if you are a Puget Sound property owner. The first is with regard to the Landlord-Tenant laws themselves. A summary of the Washington State and City of Seattle Landlord-Tenant laws must be supplied to the tenants at least once per year. This summary highlights the obligations of both the landlord and the tenants, including provisions regarding evictions. Tenants can recover actual damages, legal costs, and penalties through private action against landlords who violate this law.

The second is with regard to the lead paint. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that landlords provide prospective residents with notice of certain known information regarding lead paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. This is a federal rather than a state or local requirement, but it is a law and it is mandatory. You can find the HUD Pamphlet on lead paint and lead-based paint hazards online at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development site. If your building was built before 1978, print out the pamphlet, give it to your tenant, and have them sign or initial an acknowledgement indicating that they have received and reviewed the pamphlet.

The third is with regard to deposits. The City of Seattle requires that landlords give tenants a written receipt for each deposit. The term deposit can only be used with regard to money that can be refunded. If the money is not going to be refunded, such as a non-refundable pet deposit, it should not be called a deposit. Call it something else instead, like a Non-Refundable Pet Service Fee.. The rental agreement must be in writing and it must state what each deposit is for and what the tenant must do to get the money back. A checklist describing the condition of the unit must be filled out and the tenant must sign it and the tenant must be given a signed copy. The deposits must be kept in a trust account with a bank or escrow company and the tenants must be informed in writing where the deposits are being kept. The landlord, however has no obligation to pay interest to the tenants on the deposits being held.

The fourth is with regard to rent increases for Seattle tenants. The City of Seattle requires that landlords give tenants at least sixty (60) days notice if the landlord intends to increase rents by more than ten percent (10%) within a twelve (12) month period. Seattle landlords are also not allowed to require a month-to-month tenant to stay for more than one rental period. Rental provisions that penalize a tenant any such violations are not enforceable.

The fifth is with regard to mold. The Washington State Department of Health has a website listing Frequently Asked Questions about mold. Mold can impact human health. For some, the impact of molds can be significant. Molds may trigger asthma attacks or allergy symptoms (not unlike hay fever). Although mold and the mycotoxins they may produce are still a topic of considerable debate, they should not be tolerated in your investment properties, even if you don't live there. Landlords notify new tenants starting on July 24, 2005 and current tenants by January 1, 2006. Landlords must supply information to tenants about the the health hazards associated with mold and what steps a tenant must take to control mold. This information may be posted in a visible, public location. The mold pamphlet, which has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, containing the required disclosure can be found here.

Anything else I should do to ensure a great landlording experience?

The best thing that a landlord can do to ensure a great experience for himself and his tenants is to manage firmly, but fairly. By that, I mean that you should fix problems promptly when they are reported, be reasonable when tenants ask for things to be done or improvements to be made, make yourself reasonably accessible in the event that they need to contact you for any reason (my tenants have my cell phone number and my email address, both at work and at home), keep the property in a well-maintained state, and try to go above the call of duty if you can. If situations arise that are unforeseeable that cause your tenants some inconvenience, consider giving them a slight break on their monthly rent simply as a gesture even if you are not contractually obligated to do so. Even a $10 reduction in rent will buy a significant amount of goodwill, which will translate into fewer calls, more reasonable requests over time and, if something really does go wrong, your tenants will be more inclined to work with you to resolve the problem.

Federal law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to a person or imposing different rental terms on a person on account of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (having children or seeking custody of children), or national origin. State law gives protection as well to the same individuals regarding marital status, creed, the presence of sensory, mental or physical disability. Anyone of feels that they may have been a victim of housing discrimination may file a written complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission or the federal Fair Urban Housing Section of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Peter is an active real estate investor in the Puget Sound Area. Peter has been married to Grace for 12 years, and they have two daughters, Sydney (7 years old) and Ashley (2 years old). Find out more about Peter at http://www.peterku.com.

Posted in: on at at 2:38 PM 0 comments  

One of the best kept secrets among top selling real estate agents, and the most successful home builders in the country, is that staged homes sell faster and for more money.

So what is a staged home? A staged home is one where the interior elements of the home, such as furniture, paint and accessories, are well considered, and arranged or postitioned in a manner to highlight the best features of the home, while offering the most desirable look and feel that buyers want.

Just as you would ?set the stage? to create a mood for a scene in a play, you?ll ?set the stage? at home to create the look and feel your audience, potential buyers, are looking for.

Staging a lived in home versus a newly built home usually involves removing many items from the home. Moving, or even taking furniture out altogether for the sake of appearance and flow are typical when staging a home.

Most of us move to a new home because we want and need more space. One thing that can make a room seem smaller than it actually is, is clutter. Removing clutter is a must. To make the most of the space you have, you must de-clutter.

Too many personal items, such as collectibles and multiple family photos, can be a distraction to a buyer. You want potential buyers to concentrate more on the features of the house itself, not what?s in the house. Buyers need to be able to visualize themselves in the home.

De-personalize: A house full of your personal pictures and your favorite gone with the wind collectibles might make a you feel warm and fuzzy all over, but odds are pretty good that they're merely a distraction to a potential buyer. When you're selling a home, your home needs to appeal to the greatest number of buyers possible and that's hard to do if your home is over personalized.

Moving or removing furniture: Sometimes all it takes is just ?angling? a sofa a little differently to really open up a room, make it look larger, and give it a better ?flow?. Also consider removing some furniture if that?s what it takes to make a room look and feel more comfortable.

Highlight the positive aspects of each individual room. Give each room a purpose and focal point. In the living room for example, draw the eye to the fireplace or mantle by angling furniture toward the fireplace. Place only three or five items on the mantle. Group smaller items, such as candles, together in odd numbers to look best.

In a bedroom, you might have a chair in a corner with an afghan draped over the back, a reading light behind it, and a book on the seat cushion.

A great kitchen can literally ?seal the deal? for many buyers. Buyers love to see lots of clean, clutter free counter space. Give them what they want. Remove all but necessary items. The fewer items you have on a counter, the more spacious it appears. Do the same in the cabinets and pantry. The kitchen should be clean, uncluttered, organized, and well lit.

In bathrooms, it?s much the same. Buyers are impressed with clean, uncluttered, organized rooms. Get rid of the messy soap dishes and all the bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Hang a new shower curtain along with a few new towels. Maybe even put a couple of candles out by the bathtub.

In the dining room, set the stage as you would for an elegant dinner party. Put out your best place settings, a bottle of wine, a couple of nice wine glasses ... and of course, a couple of candles. Make it romantic and memorable.

Fresh cut flowers, or a bowl of fresh fruit will help add color and fragrance in the kitchen or dining room.

And just before your ?Open House?, go ahead and put a batch of pre-made cookies or brownies in the oven. It's easy and memorable to buyers. Do you remember wonderful brownies and cookies smell right out of the oven?

What's the best way to get some ?staging? inspiration? Visit a few of the decorated model homes near where you live. The designers and decorators that ?stage? model homes are paid to know ?what?s hot and what?s not?. Use their expertise to help you ?set the stage? at your home!

Michael Hart is a former real estate agent, a private real estate investor, author of numerous articles and reports on the subject of real estate, including ?Top 10 Tips To Sell Your Home By Owner?. He is also a Senior Mortgage Consultant with Anderson Lending Group, inc. based in Peachtree City, GA. He can be contacted at 678-318-3542 or on the net at http://www.InternetLoanCenter.com

Posted in: on at at 9:38 AM 0 comments  

One of the most important people you will meet in the purchase of a home is your home inspector. While most people have their homes inspected, many don't really think about the person inspecting the home.

We've heard horror stories of inspectors who miss major defects, skip over major problems or find problems that they can fix for a small fee.

But these aren't reasons not to have your home inspected. They are reasons to look more closely at your home inspector choices.

It is important to make sure that your home inspector is well trained and insured, especially since he or she will help you decide whether or not this investment is a good one for you. Look for the following things in a home inspector:

• Your inspector should be properly trained in all aspects of home inspection and is up to date in changes in residential construction techniques and systems.
• The inspector should be certified by a reputable training institute. He or she should test annually, such as required by the National Institue of Building Inspectors.
• The inspector must have insurance coverage. This includes general liability, worker's compensatio and Errors and Omissions insurance. If you find an inspector that doesn't carry the E and O insurance, it is an indication that the inspector has no formal training or a poor track record in the industry. It is the same as malpractice insurance for doctors.
• The inspector should be willing to provide a written guarantee to back up his or her inspection findings.
• An inspector should only be an inspector. You don't ever want to do business with an inspector who is also a contractor. This gives a conflict of interest, an opportunity for repairs made for problems found.

The inspector is very important. You want to make sure that you are doing business with someone reputable. Even if he says he is certified, you must make sure that there is insurance in place. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the inspector is hauty or doesn't want to answer easily, look for another inspector. After all, this is a major purchase. You want the best people on your team.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Posted in: on at at 4:38 AM 0 comments  

If you're looking for a way to diversify your real estate portfolio and are having trouble with traditional replacement properties, investing in 1031 royalty interests in an oil or gas project may be a viable alternative strategy.

Basically, a 1031 Exchange is a way for investors to take the money they make off of the sale of a property, and reinvest it into another property. One of the main reasons for doing this is to defer capital gains taxes from the relinquished property to the replacement property. If you currently own real estate, and you're looking for a replacement property, you might want to consider investing in 1031 royalty interests in an oil or gas project . The IRS has some tricky rules when it comes to exchanging oil and gas rights. For example, minerals beneath the surface are considered part of the real estate, but when they are extracted they fall into a different category. You can exchange 1031 royalty interests for another royalty interest, as well as for a hotel, office building, shopping mall, or any other "like-kind" property.

In a standard oil and gas investment, investors have "subsurface interests" or "mineral rights" to the oil and gas reserves which lay beneath a shared property. One type of interest is called a "royalty interest." Under these circumstances, the investor is the owner of the mineral rights, however the owner plays no role in the exploration or the drilling of the oil and gas; they simply are entitled to a percentage of any extracted minerals.

Oil and gas interests have several very attractive characteristics. For one, the demand for oil and gas is virtually unwavering. Also, in many of the oil and gas deals, there are no closing costs or additional fees to consume part of your investment. Finally, oil and gas investments have a significant upside in respect to returns.

If you are interested in making a exchange, 1031 royalty interests may provide an profitable avenue for you. Remember, it's essential to do your homework regarding royalty rights to ensure you comply with state and federal laws regarding the exchange of oil and gas rights.

Posted in: on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at at 11:38 PM 0 comments  

You've decided that you want to get your real estate license. You've heard of a broker license too. What is the difference between these two real estate professions? Unless you've been involved in a real estate transaction or are familiar with the careers, you might not know the exact differences.

If you want to pursue your real estate license, you should thoroughly understand the similarities and differences.

All states require that real estate sales professionals, including salespersons and brokers, be licensed by that state. Brokers will generally be required to complete more real estate education and experience than a salesperson.

A real estate agent is usually an independent contractor who provides his or her services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the real estate broker pays the salesperson a portion of the commission earned from the agent's sale of the property.

Real Estate Salesperson - An individual who can show property for sale on behalf of a seller, but who may not have a license to transact the sale and collect the sales commission.

* Assist sellers in marketing their property and selling it for the highest price.
* Assist buyers in purchasing suitable property for the best possible price.
* Acts as an intermediary between the buyer and seller.

Real Estate Broker - A person licensed by his or her particular state to charge a fee for bringing a buyer and a seller together to purchase real estate.

* Assist sellers in marketing their property and selling it for the highest price.
* Assist buyers in purchasing suitable property for the best possible price.
* Acts as an intermediary between the buyer and seller.
* Buys and sells real estate for a company or individual on a commission basis.

Real estate salespersons and brokers perform many of the same duties including: obtaining listings, determining sales price; showing properties; assisting with financing; selling property; overseeing inspections, and more.

The state examination, which is more comprehensive for a real estate broker than an agent, includes questions on real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Most states require that a real estate salesperson complete between 30 and 90 hours of instruction. A real estate broker needs between 60 and 90 hours of real estate education and a specific amount of experience selling real estate (usually 1 to 3 years).

http://www.realestatelicense.com

Heather Brunson is a lead marketing writer for Allied Schools. She has a B.A. in Journalism with an emphasis on public relations. She has additional experience in technical writing.

Posted in: on at at 6:39 PM 0 comments  

For many Realtors, direct mail is a staple of their to-do lists. Holiday cards, promotional giveaways, just sold cards, new listing brochures, farming neighborhoods, and many more things get mailed every day by Realtors expanding their businesses. However, the National Association of Realtors recently released a study showing that 77 percent of buyers begin their home search online. Most Realtors would take this to mean that their website is now their most important tool to generate leads. So, what place, if any, does direct mailing still have with today's Realtors?

Price is Certainly a Factor

Compared to website maintenance, web ads, and email, direct mailing can be very expensive. In order to keep your name at the top of buyers' and sellers' minds, you need to mail frequently, as many as two or three times a month. Postage prices continually rise, and even the price of a postcard stamp seems oppressive when compared to sending off a quick email.

The cost of producing quality direct mail is steep not only in terms of dollars, but also in terms of time. Think of the hours you spend proofreading, designing, ordering, stamping, and addressing. Is it worth it? There are so many Realtors fighting over the same turf that many Realtors are increasing their farm areas and adding new territory. That budget just keeps going up.

How Is Direct Mailing Working For You?

A simple analysis of your return on investment will show if your direct mailings are still working for you. Do many of your leads mention that they received your postcards? Do former clients remark on your holiday cards and continue to send you leads? Do you feel that you have ample time to explore all marketing opportunities available and that you're not bogged down with mailing activities?

If you answered yes to these questions, there's no sense in changing a plan that works. However, always remember to do your research. If 19 of your last 20 leads found you through your website, maybe direct mail can be phased out of your marketing plan.

Brett Miller is the founder of HoopJumper.com and has created the best lead generating real estate websites in the industry and helped hundreds of real estate professionals make the most of their Internet presence. Call 888-Hoop-Jumper for a complimentary web analysis today or visit http://www.HoopJumper.com to see how HoopJumper can help you grow your business.

Posted in: on at at 1:29 PM 0 comments  

Buying a new home is an exciting, yet complicated process. If you are interested in buying a new home, do you know where to start? A large number of homeowners actually do not; therefore, they seek assistance from an individual who is sometimes referred to as a buyers broker. Los Angeles is a beautiful place to live and raise a family. If you are interested in living in the area, you have a number of options when it comes to selecting a buyers broker.

Many individuals automatically assume that there is only one type of buyers broker. The truth is that there are a number of individuals that could be considered buyers brokers and all of these individuals operate in different ways. There are real estate agents who act as duel agents and then there are those who act only as a buyers broker. Los Angeles has a combination of both types of brokers.

Duel agents are individuals who are often classified as traditional real estate agents. In addition to assisting new home buyers with find their dream home, a duel agent will also assist other homeowners with selling their home. Many first time home buyers choose to work with a duel agent. This isn?t because there is anything wrong with an individual who specializes in assisting home buyers, but it is because many aren?t even aware that such a thing exists.

If you are searching for a buyers agent in Los Angeles, you will search for them like you?d search for any other service or company. You can use a Los Angeles phone book or the internet to your advantage. If you are interested in speaking directly to a broker then you will only need their contact information. If you are interested in researching the individual or company online, you will need to find the address of their online website.

In this day in age, there are many individuals who prefer to communicate online versus through the mail or on the telephone. If you want to communicate with a buyer agent online you can do so, but when searching for a buyers broker you are encouraged to have direct contact. This direct contact is important to find the perfect buyers broker. Los Angeles is filled with a large number of individuals who specialize in offering assistance to home buyers. Finding the perfect broker may enable you to get a better deal on your new purchase.

If you live in or around the Los Angeles area, you may not need to seek assistance from a buyers broker. Los Angeles is located on the west coast; therefore, if you live elsewhere it may be difficult for you to visit all of the homes that you are interested in buying. While a Los Angeles resident may not need assistance when buying a home, you are encouraged to obtain it if you are from out-of-town.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great Los Angeles Buyers Broker

Posted in: on at at 8:38 AM 0 comments  

You want to buy a home. Or you have one and wish to profitably derive some immediate cash from it for emergency needs. Either ways, you should opt for a home mortgage online right away. The feeling of freedom that comes with having one?s own space is incomparable. Whether it is living, working or entertaining, your home represents your aspirations. Somehow, you have been postponing the decision for many reasons. Insufficient earnings, other debts, lack of advice or plain laziness could have stopped you.

With home mortgage online, finding the right financial support for your home buying decision is just a click away. There are several factors that should be considered before closing the mortgage agreement. Determine the budget range in which you would shop for a home. This in turn depends on your present and future earnings potential discounted for living expenses, debt repayments and other outgoings.

Most mortgage lenders would give a preapproval based on your score in their credit appraisal. This gives you credibility when you negotiate with sellers or their agents. Home mortgage online is an easy and transparent process. The mortgage lenders provide quotes on their websites or through directory sites. This makes comparison between competitive quotes faster and easier.

Lenders offering home mortgage online provide a wide array of products like simple mortgage, interest only, fixed rate, adjustable rate or bad credit consolidation.

There is an innovative option of deriving equity from your home. This means you could use your home as a collateral to create a mortgage. The funds received could meet an immediate requirement. Home mortgage online offer this scheme as well as bad credit mortgage loans to help erase painful memories of poor credit performance.

Many mortgage lenders have personalized advice available online. You submit details about your requirements and you would get the best advice for your unique needs. Wells Fargo, Quicken loans, eloan and Greenwood Capital are some of the well known mortgage lenders who offer home mortgage online.

Copyright ? 2006 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. (You may publish this article in its entirety with the following author's information with live links only.)

Joel Teo writes on various financial topics relating to Home Mortgage Finance. Learn how you can make money today by signing up for his free online Real Estate Investing newsletter today and gain access to the ?Six Day Real Estate Investment Profits Course? at http://www.realestateinvestment101.info/HomeMortgage.html

Posted in: on at at 3:38 AM 0 comments  

When you get a loan from a bank, you are usually required to put up an assurance of payment. This is usually a piece of real property whose value matches that of the amount you are borrowing. In the case that you fail to meet the requirements of the bank for repayment, the bank will have the legal right to repossess or get the deed of the real property. This act of technical default is called a foreclosure.

In the United States, there are two types of foreclosure. Depending on the state that you are in, the creditor or bank can enforce either a strict foreclosure or just a foreclosure. A strict foreclosure allows the bank or creditor to fully possess or own the title or deed of the property as full payment for the loan it granted an individual or business entity. Otherwise, upon failure of an individual or business entity to complete the repayment schedule, the court -through the sheriff or other officers- is given the right to auction off the property.

The bank or creditor that lent the money usually offers their bid on the property in this public auction. The public may know of this bidding through announcements or a disclosure of a list of properties foreclosed.

Real estate brokers often get foreclosure lists and bid for the properties. Most foreclosed properties are auctioned off at the amount or value of the loan the original owner had. Thus, the value may be lower than its true market value. By reselling these properties, the brokers often earn a few thousand dollars more.

More enterprising brokers look at pre-foreclosure listings for more properties. Preforeclosure listings feature properties that are not yet foreclosed or offered to the public for auction. You can have access to this information by joining or opening accounts on several websites dedicated to offering information on foreclosed properties.

Foreclosures provides detailed information on Foreclosures, Bank Foreclosures, Foreclosure Listings, Foreclosure Homes and more. Foreclosures is affiliated with Stop Foreclosure Loans.

Posted in: on Friday, September 26, 2008 at at 10:28 PM 0 comments  

WHY FLORIDA?

Have the dough? Know not where to put it? Here's the answer.

INVEST IT

Investment is an art! It's not a risk at all!

WHERE DOLLARS FLOAT

Florida is flourishing! Waiting for you! Just know the safest and the swiftest mode of multiplying your money. The answer is Florida! Dollars float on Florida waves. Florida sands reveal more dough. Just dig your heels deep into Florida land.

THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION

It's now or never. Invest in Florida and dance your way to the bank! Florida is the ultimate dream destination. Plenty of open spaces, swirling waves, and plots of houses await you in Florida. All are on sale.

WISH ONE FOR YOURSELF

Dreaming of a lovely house, or an apartment? Just don't tarry! Florida will provide you the roof. Florida will make your dreams come true. Now blow away your blues. Bring in the smell of the Florida dollars!

SEE YOUR WALLET FATTEN

Florida is the key to the dough world! All roads now lead to Florida. Peg your hopes high. Use the Florida slot. Wait for a few weeks. Feel the Florida estate change into hard dough. This is the real hot real estate spot on earth today.

TARRY NOT?

What are you thinking about? The secret is out: Your neighbor has grabbed Florida fortune? Now that you are all ears, its time you move into the beach, sun and sand state. Do I have your attention now? Yes! I very well have it. Re-sell the mansion, or the plot, or the apartment. And, feel the touch of dollars multiply in just a few weeks time.

FINDING THE RIGHT FINANCE MEANS

Obviously, you would be looking out for the banks to finance your dream project. Don't take whatever falls on your plate. Do some researching. Some of the loan-giving institutions charge a flat interest rate. Others have a decreasing rate of interest. Simultaneously, juggle the dough you would be able to spare for the project. Keep a considerable amount for your rainy days. If possible, consult a financial planner. The discussions will open up new avenues.

CHECK OUT THE ODDS

Always check out the odds prior to investing in real estate. Here's a list of the must-do things before you lay down your hard-earned dough for a tenement or a piece of land. And when those objects are really desirable but located far away, you better be careful First, try to rope in the best real estate dealer. The best way to do that is to surf the internet. The net would immediately provide you with the list. (ii) Now it's your responsibility to sieve out the best among them. You can scan the list and also cross-check the testimonials with their owners. All the real estate sites will have such testimonials of their clients. (iii) Communicate with them. (iv) Don't ever take things on face values. (v) Ask questions. Find out the answers the hard way. It's paying this way. (vi) Find out the money transfer details. (vii) Do know who their lawyer is. (viii) Also keep your lawyer informed of the proceedings. (ix) Go for the partial payment mode. This method helps you to monitor the construction of the dwelling place or the development of the plot of land. (x) Lastly agree for the cheque only if you do not have any inkling of doubt about the deal.

CONCLUSION

It is always better to spend some time cross-checking the details. Also do some bargaining. After all, it's your dough and dream!

Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published more than 1000 articles and a popular adventure book for children. For more information log on to http://articles.fastrankingsonline.com/

For more ideas on Florida real estate, log on to florida real estate market

investment forum

Posted in: on at at 5:38 PM 0 comments  

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to relocate their family. This relocation often takes them to a different city or even a different state. If you are interested in relocating your family, you may be also interested in selling your home.

If and when you make the decision to sell your home, you need to consider all of your options. Those options are likely to include using the services of a realtor or selling your home privately. Privately sold homes are often referred to as for sale by owner homes. Many individuals feel that they would retain a larger profit from selling their own home; however, this has been found to be untrue in many cases.

There are a number of reasons why using a realtor to sell your home is more profitable than doing it on your own. Perhaps, the most obvious reason is the amount of experience that most realtors have. Before becoming a real estate agent, many realtors are required to undergo extensive training. This training often includes appraising a home, assisting potential buyers, marketing the homes available for sale, and much more. Most homeowners are inexperienced in these real estate fields.

If you are interested in using the services of a real estate agent, but you are concerned with the cost of doing so, you do not have to worry. There are a large number of low-cost realtors in the Los Angeles area. With a little bit of time and research, you could find the perfect discount realtor. Los Angeles residents have a number of different choices when it comes to finding a discount realtor.

If you live in or around the Los Angeles area, you can use your local phone book or the internet to find a number of realtors. Printed and online phone books do not classify real estate agents by their fees. This means that you may have to contact each discount realtor. Los Angeles residents are encouraged to use this contact to compare the fees associated with using a particular realtor. If you are interested in finding a low-cost realtor, you can compare prices to find the best deal.

In addition to using a local phone book and online phone books, you can also perform a standard internet search. This search is likely to produce a large number of online websites for discount realtors in the Los Angeles area. You are encouraged to fully examine the website of each discount realtor. Los Angeles residents, in addition to reviewing a realtor?s online website, may also want to establish direct contact. This contact will give you the opportunity to decide whether or not a particular realtor will meet your expectations.

Trying to find a discount realtor may seem like a difficult task. Unfortunately, a large number of realtors charge more for their services than they should. With a little bit of time and research, you could be on your way to saving money with a discount realtor.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great resource for information regarding Los Angeles Discount Realtor.

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

Downtown San Diego offers a wide range of real estate opportunities because of the expansion that it has experienced in recent years. Evidence to this vibrancy is the construction of over twelve thousand housing units in recent years and hotels, condominiums and shopping centers have replaced old buildings. This real estate boom has been accompanied by various businesses setting up shop in downtown San Diego, all indicators point to further vibrancy that real estate investors, homeowners and buyers can take advantage of for bigger returns.

Neighborhoods and notable sites

There are eight neighborhoods that make up Downtown San Diego; these include Columbia, Core, Cortex Hill, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, Little Italy and Marina. Across these neighborhoods are various sites that have contributed to the vibrancy of the area. One notable site is the Seaport Village shopping center, which boasts of open air eating and specialty shops. Another notable site is the Gaslamp District, which is composed of Victorian style structures that are lined with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and antique stores. In Horton Plaza, there is the San Diego Zoo and a number of museums, which have made Horton Plaza the most visited neighborhood in Downtown San Diego.

Apart from notable and historical sites, there are also quite number of major hotels in Downtown San Diego like the Marriot Hotel, the Pan Pacific Embassy Suites and the Hyatt Regency. The transportation infrastructure located in Downtown San Diego include train stations, an airport and trolley stations which interconnect San Diego to other areas.

Prices of homes

When of purchasing a house in Downtown San Diego, you can expect to pay as an average of two hundred seventy thousand dollars for smaller houses and as much as three million for high priced large houses. Specific prices of an attached house range from two hundred seventy-nine thousand dollar for a one-bedroom house to three hundred ninety-five thousand dollars for a two-bedroom house. For detached houses, you can expect to pay around seven hundred thousand dollars for a three-bedroom house and one two million dollars for a four-bedroom house. There are currently a number of detached homes and around six hundred condominium units available in downtown San Diego. Given the vibrant real estate environment in Downtown San Diego, it can be expected that players in the real estate business are going to take advantage of the opportunities available there.

San Diego Real Estate provides detailed information on San Diego Real Estate, Buying Real Estate In San Diego, Downtown San Diego Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate Agencies and more. San Diego Real Estate is affiliated with Miami Beach Real Estate.

Posted in: on at at 7:38 AM 0 comments  

Don't wait to the flurry of activity right before closing on your new home to decide how to hold title to the property you're purchasing. After you have an accepted contract on a home, consult with an experienced real estate attorney to determine which option is best for you and anyone else you are buying the property with. Title is the legal document that gives you ownership or evidence that you own a specific piece of land. Here are some common types of ways to hold title. Check with an attorney on variables in holding title by state.

-Tenancy in common. When two or more persons own a piece of real estate. Each owns an undivided fractional interest.

-Joint tenancy. When a property is owned by at least two people, and all have the right of survivorship, until only one person is left and that person takes sole ownership. Rights of survivorship in some states have been terminated.

-Tenancy by the entirety. Created for married couples with full rights of survivorship. Each person has an undivided interest in the property. These tenancies can be terminated by death, divorce, legal judgment, or written agreement.

-Severalty. One person holds title to a property.

-Trusts. Ownership to real estate can be held in a trust. Control is transferred to a third-party for the benefit of the owner.

-Cooperatives. The corporation who holds title to the land and structure delivers owners or shareholders stock in the specific units. Consult state laws for further information on cooperatives.

-Ownership of real estate by businesses varies state by state, consult local laws for applicable information.

-Verify that your title has been properly recorded after it has been delivered and accepted by you.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. His tried and true real estate tips has been featured on Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. Purchase his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com .

Posted in: on at at 2:38 AM 0 comments  

Costa Rica developments are gaining in popularity and demand. Investors are pouring a lot of money into this small country.

But why Costa Rica?

Because Costa Rica's blend of beauty and business culture is attracting a growing number of travelers and international businesses to this Caribbean area.

Since the late 1970's, Costa Rica has been luring tourists to its lush rainforests and exotic beaches. A pioneer of eco-tourism, the country, wedged between the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean on the east, is primarily known for its amazing biodiversity that includes an astonishing array of flowers, birds, butterflies, and other creatures. In more recent years, however, the country has also become an attractive destination for scores of foreign companies. In the case of Costa Rica, perched between two of the world's largest markets (North and South America), there's a highly developed tourist industry and a growing expatriate community.

Enticed by Costa Rica's low costs, highly educated and often bilingual workforce, political stability (the country abolished its army in 1949), attractive tax incentives, pleasant climate, and one of the highest standards of living in Latin America, Costa Rica has become a growing haven for companies & business travelers. And this has led to the influx of Costa Rica developments.

Coffee Anyone?

Perhaps one of the most famous enterprises to come out of Costa Rica is Caf? Britt. Steve Aronson, who is from New York, founded the company in 1985. Caf? Britt is Costa Rica's leading exporter of gourmet coffee, with estimated sales of $39.1 million. Also, large U.S. companies such as Intel, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard have come to Costa Rica, investing hundreds of millions of dollars.

The widespread interest and success of these companies has sparked a need for more upscale hotel and entertainment facilities, as well as residential communities.

Costa Rican Law

Also, unlike many Latin American countries, it isn't necessary to have a Costa Rican citizen as a business partner and foreigners have the same absolute right to own real property, as do citizens. This is a strong reason why Costa Rica developments have become so popular. Many countries have restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate but not Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, everyone, nationals or non-nationals have the same legal rights, which are protected by their Constitution and reflected in their laws. Even so, most developers & companies hire Costa Rican attorneys to help them navigate the system

The legal system in Costa Rica is based in the so-called civil law system, which is derived through the Spanish Civil Code with roots in the Napoleonic Code. All titled property in Costa Rica is registered in the National Registry. Almost all legal liens and encumbrances will also be on file in the Registry.

What?s Not To Love?

With all of these positives and not too many negatives, developers are flocking to this tiny country. They are developing hotels, condos and housing communities. In some parts of the country, you almost feel like you?re in the U.S. or Canada because of all the expatriates. If you?re looking for a dynamic market, then Costa Rica is for you!

Visit http://www.all-about-commercial-mortgages.com to learn more about commercial properties and commercial financing. Educate yourself before buying that commercial property!

Patti Porter is a Commercial Mortgage Broker specializing in income producing properties.

Posted in: on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at at 9:38 PM 0 comments  

Buying real estate is as popular as ever, and it seems pretty straightforward at first glace. With mortgage interest rates at all time lows and plenty of real estate to buy, many investors truly believe that they can do a bit of cosmetic work, accessorize a bit, and then put up the for rent or for sale sign. Unfortunately, it is not quite that easy and there are some common mistakes that can be avoided if one plans ahead and truly understands what he or she is getting into before investing.

Don't Fall In Love

The first rule of thumb when you are investing in real estate is that you cannot fall in love with any one property. When you are looking at real estate to buy for investment purposes you can't think like a homeowner, you must think like a business owner. Don't think about what you like about a home or a piece of real estate, think about how well it will sell or rent in the current market.

Not Exercising Due Diligence

When you invest in real estate you can't simply invest if the property looks good at face value. A very thorough inspection of the structure needs to be done as well as research on the local market. One must also look into the vacancy rates and average rents for homes or structures that are comparable. A diligent business owner will also look into how the neighborhood is zoned as well as any regulations that will apply to the rental property. You will also want to check into how many other rental properties are in the area and if they are comparable to the property you are looking at.

Forgetting the Rule about Time and Money

Many new investors forget that all home improvements are not as cheap and as straightforward and they hoped that they would be. The rule that most investor's use is that it will take twice as long and three times the money than you would think to ready a unit for rent or sale. Real estate isn't transformed over night, so one must plan accordingly. Failing to plan ahead for this can leave you in a real bind where you lose money because you don't have the resources to complete a project.

Believing You'll Secure the Lowest Mortgage Rates

Television can be very deceiving for those that are in the real estate investment business. The low mortgage rates are not offered for just anyone, they are for owner occupied homes, which are considered much less of a risk than a unit that is rented out. Homes that will not be owner occupied will experience mortgage rates that are 1.5 to 2% higher, which can make for a huge difference in monthly payments for the investor and his or her tenants. You also need to be aware of your credit, if you have terrible credit you won't have much luck getting a loan, but the better your credit is the better your rate will be.

Failing to Pre-Screen Tenants

Many new landlords are so anxious to get their new tenants moved in that they forget all about screening them to be sure that they have a relatively clean credit history, they are gainfully employed, and that they have a good rental history. While screening tenants can take a bit longer than you might like to wait, it's easier to get this done than to try to evict a tenant. It's always better to pre-screen than deal with the headaches later.

Breaking Your Own Rules

New investors often set business rules for themselves, and then occasionally they get a bit soft. If you have established rules about what day the rent is due, pet policies, waterbeds, or lawn care, stick with those rules. The minute you stop obeying your own rules you set your self up for disaster. If you stick to your rules and you refuse to break them no matter the situation, you will find that you are much more successful in a business sense.

Investing in Obscure Areas

Generally, it is not a good idea to invest in properties that you cannot visit regularly. Long distance real estate investments leave you out in the cold and you may have no idea what is going on in or around your property. It is a good rule of thumb to only invest in areas that you live.

Paying More than the Property Is Worth

New investors often do not do the proper research and end up paying more for a property than it is worth. When you are investing you have to think about yourself, even if that means that you have to low-ball the seller at first. Investing in real estate is all about getting the right price for you. You need to know that you can cover your mortgage and your expenses from a rental payment, so really consider what the local market will allow.

Failing to Look into the Competition

It's a good idea to look at the competition, especially if they are successful. Lower payments, exciting features, and more will often help fill rental units. Pay attention to what works in your area and duplicate it if possible.

Not Acquiring Enough Insurance

Being under insured is a common mistake of new real estate investors. You need to know that your insurance company will cover accidents on the property as well as damage due to fires or natural disasters.

As you can see, there are a lot of mistakes that you can make. Luckily, if you plan ahead and do not rush into real estate investment you can avoid a lot of these pitfalls, saving you a lot of time and money. Avoiding mistakes will help you become a much more successful real estate investor.

Andrew owns a website that offers useful guide on real estate business. Vist his website at: http://www.buy-and-sell-house-fast.com/ for more tips.

Posted in: on at at 4:38 PM 0 comments  

It's the American dream -- a home of your own. Too bad the American reality is much different -- a mortgage, repairs, insurance and added responsibilities weigh on every homeowner.

It is a big step to take. Whether you are a renter looking for your first home, a growing family needing a bigger space or a retired couple looking for a peaceful retirement, buying a home is a daunting task. There are signs to let you know that you are ready to buy.

Sign #1: Finding money isn't an issue

Sounds funny, doesn't it. Most consumers have a lot of trouble finding extra money. But if you have the money for a down payment and closing costs, then you are ready to buy. The down payment will range anywhere between 3% and 20% of the property value. You should aim for 20% down for several reasons. First, you will owe less, have less of a payment and pay back less in interest. Second, you won't have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MI). If you pay less than 20% down, you will be required to pay for PMI until you pay down your mortgage principal under the 80% mark.

A lot of people forget to factor in their closing costs. You will have to have cash on hand to pay for points, taxes, title insurance, financing costs and other prepaid or escrowed items. You can expect closing costs to hit anywhere between 2% and 7% of the property value. I suggest being on the safe side and making sure that you have the 7%, just in case. You should receive an estimate of the closing costs (a good-faith estimate) from your lender within three days of applying for a mortgage. But be aware that cloudy titles and other circumstances can cause your closing costs to be higher than expected. The estimate is based on a simple, pain-free closing.

Sign #2: Knowing your finances

Do you know your finances front and back by memory? You should. It's part of financial management that comes with successful habits that you practice regularly. Budgeting, debt reduction and savings are a part of your management. For example, proper management results in a person who can, within five minutes, tell you their net worth, how much they owe, who they owe and how much they have in savings. Someone really on their toes can tell you their recent credit score as well.

If you know how much you can afford, you are ready to buy. Freddie Mac suggests that your monthly payments be less than or equal to 25% of your gross income. But you should look at your debt and other expenses when deciding how much of a home to purchase.

Sign #3: No curves in your credit

If your credit report is a straight and narrow line to a great credit score, then you are in good shape. One of the most important things a lender will look at is your credit report and score. This is affected by how much debt you have, how much credit you have available and whether you pay things on time.

Well in advance of starting to consider buying a home, check out your credit. Get a report from each of the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), because they each can contain different information. Take your score with you when you apply so that the lender knows that you are aware of your credit situation. If you've applied for a lot of loans in the past, you may have encountered the occasional lender that likes to say you have marginal scores, when in fact they are perfect. This is simply to get you to pay a higher interest rate on your loan.

There are many other signs that you are ready that are more personal, such as the longing for a place of your own. We all find that our timing for making the move is different. Some of us buy as soon as possible and for some, it is best to remain a renter. But make sure that you aren't just making an emotional decision, but a financial one as well. Be smart and that American dream and American reality may fit well into your life.

Martin Lukac, represents http://www.RateEmpire.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies! Visit http://www.RateEmpire.com today!

Posted in: on at at 11:38 AM 0 comments  

Im sure by reading the title of this article your probably saying to yourself just another con to make me part with my hard earnt money. Well if you dont believe me then just read the facts about this amazing overseas property investment oppurtunity open to everyone.

The country i am talking about here is the European state of Bulgaria. Bulgaria only twenty years ago was behind the Iron curtain of Russia.The country was of poor economic stability, little overseas investment with many people living in poor condfitions throughout this beautiful country.

Twenty years on Bulgaria is fast becoming the quickest developing european country in the world. The cost of living in Bulgaria is extremely low compared with the UK and especially London. Restaurant meals can be purchased for the equivalent of a few pounds and Bulgaria is expected to become a popular budget holiday location as more and more airlines offer direct flights. British Airways now flies direct from Gatwick from only ?75 return including taxes, although most investors are eagerly waiting the entry of easyJet and Ryanair which will happen in 2007.

Cheap Bulgarian Property prices can start from as little as ?4,000 for a modest sized house with 500sq M of land attached.

Bulgaria and cheap Bulgarian propertys are being hailed as the new Spain by property investment experts. Spain was under developed just like Bulgaria Fifteen years ago. Once investment started in the country's infrastructure, Many English, European & American holiday makers flocked there in their Thousands searching for sun and cheap propertys to invest in.

If you look today for an apartment on the coast of Spain, you would have to spend an average of ?110,000 upwards. The same equivalent apartment on the Bulgarian coast today will cost you ?15,000. The investment potential is amazing for anyone willing to keep their Bulgarian Propertys for a number of years will look to profit considerably.

Cheap Bulgarian Property is so affordable at the moment that any one visiting the country with a Credit card can become the proud owner of Bulgarian Propertys.

With the inclusion into the EU in 2007 Bulgaria will no dought follow the same direction that other European countries have since joining the European Union with amazing growths in economic stability,employment and overseas investment in production and exportation which will result in Bulgaria becoming one of Europe's most profitable countries in the near future.

Bulgarian propertys will be one of the top property markets in Europe during 2006 / 2007. Currently, in the European market, Bulgaria is the current hotspot with an average growth rate of 30% with the cheapest property prices in the EU. There are several other countries in the EU, which attract foreign investment for a variety of reasons. None, however, can rival the sheer number of factors, which makes Bulgaria an irresistible, safe location for your investment capital.

Bulgaria boasts the amazing Black Sea cost with at one point on the coast a strip of beach 8km long. Resorts such as Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and other resorts attracting thousands more year on year holiday makers looking for a cheap sun drenched holiday. The summer season boasts an amazing five-six months of sun with temperatures ranging from 75-110 degrees in peak summer.

With all this in mind, can you really afford to miss out on the last affordable country in Europe to purchase your dream holiday home or sound investment for you and your families future.

Amazing Overseas Property Investment - Make up to 500% profit!

Cheap Bulgarian Property!

Are losing or experiencing thinning hair & baldness, treat & cure baldness today!

Treat Baldness Now!

Cure your Alopecia Today!

Posted in: on at at 6:38 AM 0 comments  

This may come as a surprise to you but trust me when I tell you the grass is not always greener on the other side.

What kind of oddball do you think I am here making this type of statement as a real estate investing lesson?

Well, for me this lesson was one of those rather costly, hard learned lessons that I'm sharing with you. This is one of the most basic fundamentals when it comes to investing in real estate that far too many people overlook when on the lookout for their first property or gaining more properties. They believe they'd be better off investing in an area other than their own backyard.

They see all the stories of where someone picked up a property cheap and they think, I wish I could, I would have if I were in an area like that, blah, blah, blah. Or they think of the area that has seen double-digit appreciation rates and think if I was only in an area like that. The fact is whether you're in a red-hot market or a slowing market, there's a way for you to make money investing in real estate. It starts by just realizing that you've got opportunity in your own backyard to make this a successful business.

Here's why:

When you're thinking of investing in real estate, you're looking for sellers that have some underlying situation that's causing them to want to sell. Usually, these sellers have a problem of some sort that's causing some undue pressure. We call these 'Motivated Sellers' and if you're not attracting motivated seller then you're wasting your time.

And there's not an area in the country without motivated sellers!

The problem with thinking the grass is greener in another market keeps you from looking in your own backyard for the next profitable deal.

Even though, this sounds basic, it's easy to fall into this line of thinking. At one point, I was convinced that I could work another market that was nearly 4 hours from where I lived. I've got to confess that this was a costly lesson.

While you can make money in another market, I was stepping over dollars in my own backyard to pick up dimes in a completely different market. See I tried building my business wide instead of building it deep in my own market. Lesson Learned.

See, I want you to focus on your own market, instead of making the mistake of spreading yourself too thin. Once I realized this lesson, I refocused my business and started building it like a business instead of a mom and pop shop. See, so many people are opportunist and just look for wherever they could make a potential buck. Just realize you know more about what's going on in your own backyard than anywhere else. Also, it's imperative that you work to build key relationships with people in your business. This was a major problem when attempting to do deals in too many markets - you've got to find new contractors, new realtors, new closing agents, and new investors to flip to. It's like basically starting from scratch in every aspect.

So, the key lesson is to stick to your own backyard and master the system before you even think of looking outside your area.

Derek Pierce is a full time real estate investor and business owner. He got his start investing in real estate when he bought his first property in September of 2000. After this first deal, Derek literally became obsessed with Real Estate Investing. After being faced with the possibility of being downsized in 2001, he quit his job to be full time in the business and hasn't looked back since. Now, he reveals the real estate investing techniques he swears by in his Free Real Estate Investing E Coaching Program. To sign up for the Free E-coaching program, go to http://www.thereisecrets.com

Posted in: on at at 1:38 AM 0 comments  

Guaranteed loans are one of the best sources of funds for people who are in need of additional capital. This is especially true for those small and medium scale entrepreneurs who are still starting out in their business. Starting out in a business is often very difficult, especially if you have limited funds to run your operations. More often than not, small and medium size entrepreneurs who are starting out have some of the most innovative businesses in the country. They may find themselves in a difficult situation when trying to get additional capital for their business. The typical reason why most banks and lending institutions tend to shy away from innovative entrepreneurs is that the business that these entrepreneurs are engaged into is still very novel and untested in the market. To compound the difficulty of the situation, most of these entrepreneurs do not have the necessary properties to serve as collateral for the loan.

More often than not, small and medium size businesses tend to die out shortly after they are started, due to lack of necessary capital to run the operations. However, with government guaranteed loan programs, qualified entrepreneurs may now be able to get loans to finance their business operations, even if they do not have the necessary collateral to back their loans. As long as the entrepreneur qualifies under the guidelines of the government guaranteed loan program, he or she may take out a loan at the affiliated banks and lending institutions without much trouble. Since the government has guaranteed that if he or she fails to pay the loan, the government through its designated agency, will purchase the loan from the bank or the lending institution concerned, there is little concern overall.

Check Out More Articles:

Singles Topeka Kansas, free webcam chat with sexy girls, free webcam talking girls

Posted in: on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at at 8:38 PM 0 comments  

If you are buying cheap properties for sale then you need to follow the simple equation enclosed to make sure you maximise your capital gains.

Many investors do, achieve triple digit annual gains and it can work for you to, so here it is:

Price Paid V Location Time to Potential = Price Profit

The above is a simple equation but most people who buy cheap properties for sale don?t understand it and never make as much as they should, in terms of capital growth potential.

Let?s look at it in more detail

Price Paid

You want cheap property but you need to balance this with the potential for growth.

Keep in mind cheap property is cheap for a reason; there is no guarantee it?s going to increase in value.

Many investors simply buy cheap property for sale on the basis it?s a bargain, but this is only the case if it goes up in value!

When buying cheap property for sale keep in mind that you should only buy property that there is already a specific REASON you can see for it to rise in value.

NEVER base your purchase on you think at some future area for reasons in your head you think the area is going to come up.

2. Time to Potential

Time to potential means the time it will take for a specific development to occur that will increase the value for the cheap property for sale you are looking at.

For example, you are buying on the coast and you know a new marina will be completed in two years ? that?s the time to your potential.

You spot a growing resort and buy on the outskirts and on the potential for the resort an overspill of buyers is about 3 years that?s your potential.

Some locations are short some are long term.

Your best bet if you can to buy within a two year time span to make sure your money is working harder.

The sooner you get in the better, but if it?s public knowledge other will be buying.

That doesn?t matter, so long as you get a fair price and good profit potential. Sure, you can buy cheaper further out but your aim is to make money quickly with low risk.

Another point

If you want to buy cheap property for sale and make big gains buy overseas. Why? Because you get more for your money and a great example is Costa Rica

Costa Rica is just a 3 hour flight from the southern US, but property is up to 70% cheaper.

Furthermore, growth rates are far quicker than in many established countries such as the US and many people are making triple digit annual gains by buying in the right location.

Finally

When buying cheap properties for sale, keep in mind you want cheap, but you don?t want the cheapest and always look for factual reasons that the area is going to be in high demand, not you just think it?s a nice place to be and others will to!

Buy in the above way, focus on boom overseas markets and you could make a lot of money by buying cheap property for sale.

More FREE info

For more free info on investing in property and locations where you could make triple digit annual gains go to http://www.costaricalandlots.com.

Posted in: on at at 3:38 PM 0 comments  

Buy, sell or hold seem to be the biggest worries of home buyers and real estate investors in the 2006 residential real estate market. After solid double-digit appreciation in many major markets the last five years, investors and home buyers alike see the brakes on growth in 2006. Where to go? Mark Nash real estate author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home lays out where investors and home buyers can make a go it in 2006.

-Atlanta, Georgia. Below average appreciation rates that have not matched other major markets.

-Austin, Texas. Good news here, affordable housing prices attracting employers. Rising appreciation.

-Boise, Idaho. New on real estate investors radar, attracting scores of out-of-state buyers. Good profit prospects.

-Dallas, Texas. Prices creeping upward, fueling investor interest. Many tired of northern winters put this on their must-move-to destination list.

-Houston, Texas. Demand from Katrina transplants driving a strong market, plus attractive pricing is making this a popular relocation market.

-Las Vegas, Nevada. Market returning to normal appreciation rates, demand stays steady. One of the fastest growing areas in the country.

-Phoenix, Arizona. Ignored in the boom, now being discovered by investors. Most cities here are bargain-priced.

-San Antonio, Texas. Waking from a stagnant appreciation period. Good returns projected here for the next several years.

-Seattle, Washington. Good economy and low inventories offer attractive appreciation gains in 2006.

-Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Solid Midwestern values speculate-proof this burgeoning market.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. His tried and true real estate tips has been featured on Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. Purchase his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com.

Posted in: on at at 10:38 AM 0 comments  

A ?cap rate? is short for capitalization rate. The term is usually used in real estate when people are talking about the ?rate of return? they can expect to make or want to make on an income producing property. Huh?

Okay. Let?s say an owner wants to sell his property for $1,000,000. He is also advertising that his property has a cap rate of 6%. Now here is where a majority of people check out. People see numbers, and their eyes roll up in the back of their head, their breath becomes shallow, and they break out in hives. No, really. But you know what? It?s not hard. Really really.

There is a formula that I?ve used for years when talking about commercial property. It is:

Rate x Paid = Made

Rate is the rate of return, the interest rate, the cap rate, that you are using with this particular property.

Paid is what someone would actually pay for the property. The value.

Made is the money the property generates after expenses, which is called the Net Operating Income, or NOI. Whenever somebody mentions NOI, remember, it means then money made after expenses, but before the payment of the loan.

So back to the example. If the owner says the property is worth $1,000,000 and has a cap rate of 6%, then we know that he is saying the money you can expect to make after expenses is:

Rate 6% x Paid $1,000,000 = Made $60,0000.

Now let?s suppose an investor wants to make 7% on his money, so he?s going to use a 7% cap rate when looking at properties. This means he doesn?t care what the owner is asking. He cares about what the NOI is when determining the maximum amount he would be willing to pay. He?ll then compare it to the asking price and see if the owner is asking what the buyer is willing to pay.

Example.

Our investor wants 7%. Our owner has a property listed for $2,500,000 with a reported NOI of $40,000.

The investor doesn?t care yet what is being asked, he cares about the NOI.

Formula: Rate 7% x Paid = Made $40,000

According to our formula, he?s going to take the7% and divide into the NOI.

.$40,000/.07 = $571,429. The most our investor would pay is $571,429.

Which means he would not be buying this property.

The cap rate is used by brokers and investors to determine what a property is worth and how much an investor would be willing to pay.

Tom Bruner is President of Bruner & Associates, Inc., a full service California commercial property brokerage since 1989. Tom spent four years teaching students Real Estate Principals for Kaplan Schools.

?By spending extra time with each of my clients, I?m able to help that investor buy or sell their income producing property by maximizing that information. Visit me at http://www.brunerandassociates.com.?

Posted in: on at at 5:38 AM 0 comments  

Unlike neighboring Virginia, the state of West Virginia offers far greater diversity in living arrangements. The state has one of the most perfect blends of urban and rural neighborhoods, which make it an ideal place to settle down.

The biggest deterrent to real estate development in West Virginia is the state's mountainous and rocky terrain given to it by the Appalachian Mountains. The towns are far apart and small for the want of space in the squeezed valleys. However, if it weren't for these very mountains, American history would have been written quite differently. There are many historic sites within the state that still bear the scars of the Civil War and other turbulent periods. The state is also famous for its gorges, through which run the state's rivers, making it an ideal destination for adventure water sport enthusiasts. The state plays home to many of the countries top schools and colleges and consequently offers very good professional opportunities. The state has seen greater development than most surrounding states and this has lead to the growth of modernized cities with a booming real estate market.

There are many real estate agencies that people can approach when they wish to purchase property in West Virginia. The agencies can help individuals fix budgets and find suitable localities with homes that fit the budget. At times, individuals choose to scour the counties for appropriate properties and then approach a realty agent for the determination of price. Whatever the approach, people need to be careful while choosing a real estate agent and make certain that the credentials and claims of the agency are worthwhile. The best way to ensure this is to work with nationally renowned real estate agencies. Another important thing to be remembered when purchasing property is to fix a budget before approaching the realtor. This is helpful because it helps narrow down the possibilities and allows the search for a suitable abode to proceed faster.

Virginia Real Estate provides detailed information on Virginia Real Estate, West Virginia Real Estate, Virginia Beach Real Estate, Northern Virginia Real Estate and more. Virginia Real Estate is affiliated with Williamsburg Virginia Bed And Breakfast.

Posted in: on at at 12:38 AM 0 comments