Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Local Community

Whether you?re buying a residential house for investment purposes or as your home, the local neighborhood and community where it is located will make a big difference in your enjoyment of that property and in your prospects for the future. Here are some of the basic things to look for:

1. Essential Shops and Services

Are all the essential shops and services in the area and are they you?re your house? Drive around and look for the local grocery, convenience stores, church, gas stations, dry cleaners and the like. While you?re at it, take a good look at the community?s leading shopping center. Oftentimes, if the local shopping center is in decline, chances are that the neighborhood is in decline as well. In addition, if there are a lot of vacant storefronts along that neighborhood, it might be a good idea to explore other options, perhaps go down a street or two for your house hunting.

2. Proximity to neighborhood center You want your home to be neatly tucked away at the center of the residential neighborhood or as close to it as possible. You do not want to purchase a house on the edge of town or close to its outskirts. And neither do you want a house that is at the back or side of a busy thoroughfare either. If it?s a single family residence you are eyeing, try to avoid purchasing property that borders a bustling business enterprise, condominium, apartment complex or school because these places are naturally bustling with activity which can be a distraction.

3. Access to major thoroughfares The ideal property provides easy access to local highways, major traffic routes and major thoroughfares as well as to mass transit. Try to avoid purchasing a house located on a street that is a favorite shortcut of motorists between two busier streets. If it?s a residential home you?re thinking of buying, also avoid a house located at a corner lot since these tend to attract more street traffic and may not be that safe for children. Instead, try to find a house that is in the middle of the block or on a cul de sac. Now if it?s a business or commercial property you are eyeing, a corner lot would be more desirable.

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

Monday, October 13, 2008

Elegant Real Estate Locations in Paris France II: The Elegant Faubourg Saint Germain

The aristocratic ?Faubourg Saint Germain? is situated on the southern riverbank behind the well-known ?Mus?e d?Orsay? and includes the entire area between the skirts of ?Saint Germain-des-Pr?s? and the ?Esplanade des Invalides?.

The historic origin of this district dates back to the late 17th century. After King Louis XIV?s decision to build the ?Invalides? church and its flamboyant golden dome, the big meadow toward ?Saint Germain-des-Pr?s? began to attract many investors.

Primarily aristocrats purchased large plots. They were inspired by leading architects and constructed splendid town palaces, the so-called ?h?tels particuliers? which are architecturally very interesting. A modest wall facing the street is in stark contrast to the exquisite interior. Directly opposite and across from a spacious courtyard, the so-called ?cour d?honneur?, is the main part of the building, the ?corps de logis?, which has a beautiful garden behind it. The entire setting is flanked by two lateral wings on either side of the courtyard but the most precious apartments are situated in the main building between the courtyard and the garden; in French ?entre cour et jardin?. Most ?h?tels particuliers? (the term has nothing to do with ?hotels?) are considered monuments of French history and house important institutions, such as ministries and embassies. They are very rarely divided up and sold as apartments.

Some ?h?tels particuliers? are open to the public for visits. Although its architecture does not entirely follow the traditional setting, one of the most attractive is the so-called ?H?tel de Biron? at ?77, rue de Varenne? which houses the famous ?Mus?e Rodin?. The sculptor himself lived there and its magnificent park showcases many of his famous sculptures.

Except for the ?Mus?e d?Orsay?, the ?Mus?e Rodin? and some heavily guarded and important political institutions, the ?Faubourg Saint Germain? does not offer spectacular sights. One of the most interesting features may be the simple fact that it is a very pleasant residential area offering attractive family apartments and excellent shopping facilities right in the centre of the city.

KHS is a real estate agent in Paris ? KHS Apartments Paris ? specialising in selling and renting first- class apartments in the French capital. Read also the new ? KHS Paris Real Estate Blog ?

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Base Formula~ A "Settlement Example"

~The Base Formula~ A "Settlement Example"

~THE BASE FORMULA ~

A “SETTLEMENT EXAMPLE"

Because I’ve received so many contacts, and questions, regarding BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula) from the readers of the sensational EzineArticles.com I’ve decided to provide you-all with insights (via a “Settlement Example“) regarding THE BASE FORMULA.

OKAY, SO HERE WE GO: It’s 10:00 AM on a clear, dry day. You’re operating your motor vehicle north on Main Street in your home town. You’re 62 years old and the assistant manager of a local video store.

Fred Fuddle is a chronically unemployed local with a reputation for being a loud-mouth degenerate who has a string of convictions for drunken, disorderly conduct.

Fuddle is driving his dilapidated van at a high rate of speed, proceeding East on Elm Street. As you approach the intersection of Main and Elm you have a green light. You proceed through, perking along under the posted speed limit. Too late, Fuddle realizes he has a red light. He hits his brakes, leaving 70 feet of skid marks behind him as he flies into the intersection. The front of his van strikes your left rear with a mighty crash. Your arm hits the steering wheel and the $300.00 watch your spouse gave you for your last birthday is smashed. The Property Damage to your motor vehicle will be determined to be $1,700.

The police investigate at the scene. Fuddle is charged with dangerous driving: You note that this is written up in the Police Report. The ambulance takes you to the Angel Of Mercy Hospital Emergency Room, where you’re x-rayed and treated. Diagnosis: A mild to severe strain to the cervical-dorsal area which is known as a "Whiplash"-Type" of injury.

You’re eventually treated by your family physician, Ole’ Doc Comfort. (You later ask for and receive copies of all medical reports from the Angel Of Mercy and also from Doc Comfort).

As soon as possible, after the impact, you asked you son “Chip” to return to the scene of the accident and he snapped a dozen close-up photos of the skid marks plus the damages to your motor vehicle and then Fuddles van. Chip very wisely visits the police station where he purchases a copy of the report that the Cruiser Patrolmen wrote at the scene.

YOUR FINAL "SPECIAL DAMAGES" ARE AS FOLLOWS: Ambulance, Emergency Room, X-Rays, Prescription for pain, Heating Pad, Dr. Comforts bill, plus your Lost Wages. THE FINAL TOTAL OF YOUR "SPECIAL DAMAGES" COMES TO: $1,831.15.

PROPERTY DAMAGES: Cost to repair your (car - motor vehicle) $1,750.00 plus the provable replacement of your wrist watch $300.00. TOTAL PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSS: $2,050.00.

Using the “Formula” (as detailed by BASE which is found in my book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM) you determine that the value of your Personal Injury claim falls into the 4 areas provided by “THE BASE FORMULA“ and (in your particular situation) they are: THE PREMIUM VALUE $7,324.60, THE MEAN VALUE $6,408.02 THE CORE VALUE $5,493.00 and a LOW VALUE $3,680.00.

Your case has a number of positive factors that fall on your side of the evaluation ledger, such as: #1. Fred Fuddle is far from being a model citizen. #2. He was driving his vehicle much too fast, as evidenced by the skid marks Chip capture on film. #3. The police cited Fuddle for operating his van in a dangerous manner, as proved by the copy of the Police Report you now have in your possession.

Ole’ Doc Comforts report (which you have a copy of) indicates you sustained a “Whiplash-Type” injury to the cervical-dorsal area. Following Doc Comforts instructions (as written into his report) you purchased a heating pad (a copy of the bill you have for proof) which you used for 5 days to help relieve your “Pain and Suffering“. In addition to the hospital bills, you’ve also kept copies of the pain killer prescription drugs that Doc Comfort insisted you must take.

Now, enough time has passed for you to sit down with Insurance Adjuster I. M. Smart of GRANITE MOUNTAIN INSURANCE CORPORATION. Smart knows the potential of your developing more physical problems (which can be tied into the accident) is much greater because of your age. No matter which way Smart would like to slice your cake he’s aware that you went through a ton of inconvenience plus a solid period of “Pain and Suffering” which has been sustained within the confines of Doc Comfort’s written report.

As detailed in THE BASE FORMULA your Personal Injury claim positions itself in the area of THE PREMIUM VALUE. You must aim for a settlement as close to this figure as possible. PLUS the $1,750 Property Damage of your motor vehicle and also the $300 to replace your new wristwatch.

How one can and must proceed to do this (plus THE BASE FORMULA) is detailed in my third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) found on the internet at caraccidentclaims.com or autoaccidentclaims.com.

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article ~ THE BASE FORMULA ~ A “SETTLEMENT EXAMPLE” is to help readers understand the motor vehicle accident claim process.

Dan Baldyga makes no guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.

About The Author:

Dan Baldyga worked for over 30 years as an insurance adjuster, supervisor, manager and trial assistant. Since his retirement he has written 3 highly successful "How To" Insurance Claim books. He now spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims, so they will not be taken advantage of.

Dan Baldyga - Author

dbpaw@comcast.net

AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM

(How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss)

autoaccidentclaims.com

For 30 years Dan Baldyga was a Claims Adjuster, Supervisor, Manager and also a Trial Assistant. He is now retired and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims so they will not be taken advantage of. Mail to:

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Monday, September 29, 2008

A Car DVD, Your Kids And Your Next Trip

If you've had problems with controlling your kids on those long cross-country drives, you'll certainly appreciate the difference that a car DVD can make on your next trip.

A car DVD ensures that your kids have enough entertainment while yourself and your spouse have some quiet. I don't know if you've had the privilege of being a passenger in a vehicle that's equipped with a good DVD system.

Here's what happens...

You simply forget about time as you're immersed in entertainment. The monotony of counting the milestones changes to watching that movie your busy schedule never allowed.

For most of us, it is killing two birds with a stone. I guess if we, adults, like the entertainment that an incar DVD provides plus the boredom it drives away, then children will certainly love it a lot more.

Try it. Install one before your next trip (And get their favorite DVDs) and you'll see a lot of unruliness disappear.

There's certainly a car DVD player that will fit your tastes and purse. Look around online there are great stores that will give you great deals.

However, I must chip in that you must ensure you install it in a position that does not compromise your safety and your passengers'.

This is a personal opinion: Unless your DVD display doubles as a navigation display, don't install it in the dash. I guess it matters a lot to me because I am a very visual person. I can easily get engrossed in a visual event. And, I guess that's not great when you're the driver.

So if you're like me, it is best to have it installed for your passengers (For me, that does not include the front seat passenger). There are laws that forbid certain positions. Check to ensure you're not breaking the law.

If you need my recommendation for a DVD player, check this store: . If you're not in Europe then you'll certainly find my other recommendations

Chimezirim Odimba writes for CarAudioPlus.

10 Auto Accessories That You Can’t Be Without

Car Cover. This is one of the most popular auto accessories, especially for those who do not own a garage or carport. A car cover can protect an automobile from inclement weather and even from the occasional flyover of a bird. However, when purchasing a car cover, be sure to read the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the car or having the paint peel off from an improper application.

Seat Cover. One of the most popular auto accessories for your car’s interior is a seat cover. They can help to protect your car’s original seats from stains, cigarette burns, tears, etc.

Steering Wheel Cover. This product, which is designed to provide improved grip on your steering wheel, is created to help your interior in a number of ways. If you purchase a cloth steering wheel cover, it will protect your hands from grabbing an otherwise hot steering wheel after your car has been sitting in the sun. Additionally, a steering wheel cover is one of the more popular auto accessories because it helps to protect the steering wheel from scratches.

Floor Mats. Every automobile is susceptible to dirt, mud and anything else on the bottom of our shoes. In an effort to keep the floor clean, mats are ideal auto accessories.

Handheld Vacuum. Not commonly thought of as auto accessories, handheld vacuums are essential to keeping your interior clean. These handy little gadgets are ideal for cleaning seats and the floor of your car.

Hands-free Cell Phone Connector. Although it is not recommended that anyone drive while talking on the cell phone, there are often emergency situations or calls that need to be addressed and this is why a hands-free cell phone connector is one of the best auto accessories that you could have. Rather than shuffling for the phone, using a hands-free connector is much more convenient and will not distract you from driving.

Cell Phone Charger. This is one of the essential auto accessories if you own a cell phone. A cell phone charger connects to your phone and also to the cigarette lighter in order to recharge your cell phone’s battery. If you happen to encounter car trouble on the highway only to find that your cell phone battery is empty, you will be glad to have this handy little device to give you instant use of your cell phone.

Emergency Battery Charger. Owning one of these auto accessories could be one of the smartest purchases you make. They are charged at home using a regular outlet, then placed in your car. If your car’s battery runs down, you are out of luck unless you have an emergency charger. These will help get you back on the road quickly and without the help of a tow truck.

Child safety seat. If you have a child, the proper safety seat is a must-have for traveling. While you are on the go, you want the little one to be safe right along with you. A child safety seat is one of the best auto accessories in existence for both you and especially your child.

Harness seatbelt for your pet. If you have to take your pet to the veterinarian or on a road trip, but have difficulty finding a travel crate large enough to fit him/her, a harness-style seatbelt for your pet will be ideal for keeping your pet in the seat and will prevent it from wondering aimlessly throughout the automobile. This can be both distracting and dangerous to the driver and other pedestrians on the road.

See how to make your car invisible to photo radar with or read more about and many other car accessories on

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Arizona Reaching The Filipino Family?s American Dream

Why would Arizona among all other US states, be perfect for the Filipino American who wishes to settle or find a second home?

Coming to America is a common Filipino dream. In the quest for better job and more comfortable American living, Filipinos (Pinoys) have looked to the US as a paragon to realize that goal.

From the story of a friendly Filipino American and a growing movement of Pinoy population in Arizona, you?ll come to discover that USA?s 6th largest state has:

- affordable cost of living

- huge employment opportunities

- no major natural disasters

- the best retirement communities

- a lot of Catholic churches

- closeness to the best hospitals, schools and low-priced commercial centers

- similar summer temperatures

- proximity to Las Vegas and California

- open-wide spaces away from pollution and congestion

- more family-friendly way of living

Arizona is one of the Four Corners states that also borders New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. It is home to the colorful and steep Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The state?s large area and variations in elevation make it possess a wide variety of localized conditions. Isn?t it amazing to know how Arizona can have temperatures that can actually adapt water skiing and snow skiing in the same day?

Approximately 118,000 square miles, the State of Arizona is almost the same size as the Republic of the Philippines. Arizona is predominantly a Christian region while the Philippines is the 3rd largest Christian nation. And geographically, the Philippines lies within the typhoon belt of the Western Pacific and the earthquake path of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Arizona is free of major catastrophes except for minor occasional dust storms.

The Philippines today is a major source of Filipino migrant workers because of its high 96% literacy rate which is one of the highest in Asia. Over 8 million overseas workers? remittances contributes a significant portion of the country?s gross national product. Arizona, on the other hand, provides ample job opportunities for the skilled Pinoy as one of the fastest growing states in the USA now.

To describe Arizona?s untapped geographic and economic attributes befitting the Filipino / Filipino American family?s needs to relocate to the USA would not fit in a page. If you?re thinking of moving to the US and don?t know where to begin, it?s well worth checking out further why Arizona is the Filipino?s best kept secret in America.

More helpful guides were created by a fellow Filipino American now happily settled in Arizona.

Get to know Arizona's majestic grandeur and Philippine Real Estate at its best.

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Friday, September 12, 2008

A Mover's Guide to Las Vegas Real Estate

Las Vegas, Nevada is a growing area, not just for vacationers, but also for individuals and families that are moving there as well. A common misconception is that Las Vegas features only fancy hotels with grand casinos or resort areas for family travelers; however, many people move to Las Vegas to enjoy other benefits. Las Vegas offers educational opportunities, tax breaks, employment opportunities, and much more. So, finding Las Vegas Nevada real estate is getting easier as the city continues to grow.

Moving to Las Vegas from another state can seem overwhelming. Not only do you need to find Las Vegas real estate, but you also must become familiar with Nevada state regulations for moving to that area. You can do all the research yourself or hire a dependable Las Vegas real estate agent to assist you in your search. Whether searching for Las Vegas condos for sale or Las Vegas homes for sale, choosing the right Las Vegas real estate agent will save you from many headaches.

How to Choose a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent

Be sure the agent you choose is willing to go the extra mile for you. If you live far away from Las Vegas, you'll want an agent who can do the legwork for you in finding a new home. The last thing you need is to travel back and forth only to see new homes that do not match your criteria. The real estate agent might also be willing to help you find Henderson real estate if you want to live on the outskirts of Las Vegas.

Choose a Las Vegas real estate agent who will carefully research each new home to be sure it fits perfectly with what you want. Be sure they offer online services as well so you can view the possible homes online before taking a trip. This will save you much time and money.

Building a New Home in Las Vegas

Perhaps you'd rather build a new home in Las Vegas. If so, choose a real estate agent who can help you find affordable Las Vegas land in a good location. The agent might also be able to help you find a dependable builder in the area.

Other Helpful Services

Other services your agent might provide that can benefit you when buying Las Vegas real estate include providing connections with an affordable mortgage lender, experience in foreclosures, repossessions and estate homes, and experience in corporate relocation.

Where to Look

To find a dependable Las Vegas real estate agent, start by searching online. The Web is a great resource where you can learn all about an agent before you ever meet them! This too will save time and money.

Whether you're planning on moving into a new home, a Las Vegas condo, or building a Las Vegas home, you'll find that hiring a dependable Las Vegas real estate agent to be a great time-saver!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Guide to Las Vegas Real Estate or Majon's Real Estate directory.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Humble Ranch Home May be Making a Comeback

After World War II, the most ubiquitous style of home being built in America was the ranch. It was simple in design and cheap and quick to build, which allowed builders to fill the tremendous need for housing that was created when American GIs returned from the war and began setting up their families. Ranch homes were the primary residents for a majority of Baby Boomers in the 1950s and 60s, but as those Boomers became adults, they often looked toward other architectural styles when setting up their own households.

Over the years, the ranch style home has become almost reviled for its lack of character. Critics have said it's just a single-story box, with no uncomplicated angles, a low roof, and a picture window facing the street. Since ranches were built in such abundance in the mid-twentieth century and were often thrown up as quickly as possible without regard for decoration or individuality, they came to represent the worst of American architecture in many people's minds.

However, the humble ranch does have its boosters, who say it's actually a quite livable style of home that offers a number of advantages. It's biggest plus comes from its footprint on an average lot, which allows for a reasonably large backyard in most neighborhoods, providing a significant amount of space for swing sets, sandboxes, and other children's recreational activities. A big backyard can also be a wonderful place for adult entertaining, as well.

As home prices continue to escalate, it's entirely possible that the ranch home will begin making a comeback in America. Since they don't require unusual angles and special building materials, builders can still construct them cheaper than their more elaborate counterparts. But that doesn't mean ranch houses can't be customized to make them more interesting or energy efficient, and if sited well on a lot, a ranch home can actually seem to be rising naturally from its lot, making it quite attractive from the street.

Interestingly, it may be the same Baby Boomers for whom the ranch was originally constructed in such abundance that will drive its comeback. As Boomers age, they'll begin to appreciate having everything on one level, providing easy access to every room in the home and to the outside. Their smaller price tags will also be easier to handle on a fixed income as Boomers begin to retire. Ranch homes, being simpler, will also require less upkeep and repair than other styles of homes.

Ranch homes can be as elegant as a person's taste and budget, and the same large backyard that was good for young children can be just as wonderful for adults with the addition of a swimming pool, large garden, or other amenities. Ranches also lend themselves well to gourmet kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, large fireplaces, or any other type of room that can benefit from being larger than average.

Even though the humble ranch has been disparaged for decades, it's provided a functional home to generations of families, and may find a renewed popularity as Baby Boomers begin to enter their Golden Years.

Learn how to fix ranch houses for money: Jeanette Fisher, best-selling author of home staging books, offers free fixing and flipping houses ebook at http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

French Leaseback

What is a leaseback?
Leaseback is a unique process developed by the French government more than 15 years ago to encourage quality development in tourist areas. Investors buy a freehold property and at the same time sign a lease contract with a property management company who will rent it for short term rentals for a renewable period generally 11 years.

In return, investors receive major tax breaks (no VAT on purchase price) as well as a guaranteed return for the duration of the contract. A guaranteed return is typically between 4,5 and 5,5% and is linked to an official index. The management company takes care of the running costs and maintenance. Thanks to tax breaks the income is not taxed during the first 10 years.

Finance
You can get 80% finance from local banks with rates on French mortgages of between 3.5 and 4% on 20-25 years with a down payment of a minimum 20%.

Importance of fixed guarantee
These last few years of poor equity market performance have made it abundantly clear how important guaranteed income investments can be.

Hassle Free
Leaseback schemes are ideal for people who want a complete hassle free investment. This is a complete hands off investment.

Risk
As long as the sourcing is well undertaken (sourcing of properties in areas with potential for resale) and verification of the management company is done properly then the risk for this type of investment is minimum.

For more information on Leasebacks in France, including property listings see www.myinvestmentinfrance.com My Investment In France is a fully licensed English speaking real estate agency located in Paris. My Investment In France has many quality leaseback properties available.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Licensed Real Estate Agents

Better government policies, increased salaries, and easily available mortgages have improved consumer purchase capacities despite inflation. People would rather pay for their own property rather than opt for rental properties. Many people have also been purchasing property as an investment. Such a situation has proved to be good for the real estate business. Clients could avail of services of licensed real estate agents when contemplating acquisition, sale, rentals or lease of property.

Licensed real estate agents are certified professionals who are experienced in real estate trading. Licensed mediators possess comprehensive knowledge about property they deal in and are well versed with the legalities of real estate deals. Licensed agents are qualified to answer queries associated with property overheads, assessments, and intention of trade. They are conversant about property sizes, repair costs, legal restrictions, and reconstruction of property, if any is necessary.

It is advisable to verify credibility, success rate, and charges of an agent when considering a particular licensed real estate agent. Comparisons between listed professionals help locate agents who are affordable and suit individual needs. Licensed real estate agent listings can be found in the yellow pages, at local estate firms, and online. Clients may also choose to hire professionals that have worked with family members, friends, or acquaintances. Licensed agents may work as salaried employees at real estate firms or may be self-employed as private brokers. Agents working within a larger organization may be salaried employees but are liable to receive additional commissions based upon the volume of business they bring in.

Potential clients may choose to communicate with licensed real estate agents prior to hiring them. It is advisable to clarify details regarding service charges, expenses, and time required for a deal in advance. Licensed real estate agents can provide valuable information regarding mortgage types to potential clients who may be in favor of outright purchases. In addition, they may suggest names of banks and financial institutions that could provide funds upon presentation of testimonials. Apart from operating as mediators between clients, they may also be empowered to negotiate on their behalf if one party is not present at the time of closing a deal.

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Monday, September 8, 2008

Investors are Buying Savannah Georgia

Invest in Historic Savannah, Georgia!

There is great interest in our market not only because of the beauty and charm that is Savannah, but also because other real estate markets are not doing as well. Ours is an undervalued and accelerating market.

The Savannah economy benefits from its strategic location and port facilities. The area's transportation and distribution networks have produced increased economic activity and development. Tourism also has been a significant force in Savannah's recent economic growth. Last year Tourists contributed $1.5 Billion to our city's economy. NOW is the time to invest in real estate in Savannah, Georgia.

Unlike other markets, Savannah's is not top heavy in any one sector. Manufacturing, service, government, tourism, and a growing number of creative and technical businesses characterize Savannah's economic diversity.

Top TEN Reasons why the Savannah Economy is RED HOT!

- The Georgia Ports Authority is expected to move more than 2 million containers by the end of June 2006, which could move Savannah past Charleston to become the No. 4 container port in the country. Savannah Morning News - May 23, 2006

- Savannah - Fastest Growing Port in the USA! ~ Savannah Morning News

- $88 Million Dollars Invested in Private Property near the Downtown area. ~ Savannah Morning News - March 8, 2006

- Tourism Numbers are up in 2005. ~ Savannah Morning News - May 27, 2006

- Tourists spent $1.5 Billion in Savannah Last Year! ~ Savannah Morning News - June 23rd, 2006

- Hunter Army Airfield Grows by 1,300.... All of our new housing on post is filled and families are looking for places to live. ~ Savannah Morning News - June 30, 2006

- Gulfstream Aerospace adding at least 1,100 new jobs. ~ Savannah Morning News - March 7, 2006

- West Chatham County is BOOMING! ~ Savannah Morning News - June 4th, 2006

- Job Growth makes Savannah's Economy one of the State's Best. ~ Savannah Morning News - May 24th, 2006

- Tybee Island's Growth Continues with Luxury Homes. ~ Savannah Morning News - May 30th, 2006

- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) continues to improve Historic Downtown. ~ Savannah College of Art and Design

- Savannah Out Performs Atlanta! ~ Savannah Morning News - March 8th, 2006

....Why Stop at TEN!

- Georgia Pacific's puts $100M in New Savannah Plant! ~ Savannah Business Journal

- AirTran Call Center to add more More Jobs in Savannah ~ Savannah Business Journal

- Maersk Line Signs 20-Year Agreement with GA Ports Authority ~ Savannah Business Journal

- Gulfstream Delivers 100th G550 Business Jet ~ Savannah Business Journal

- Memorial Again Named to Most Wired and Most Wireless Lists ~ Savannah Business Journal

- Savannah, Fastest Growing Job Market in the State ~ Savannah Economic Development Authority

- Ritz-Carlton eyeing Ogeechee River Location ~ Savannah Morning News

- STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT HELPS SAVANNAH ~ SouthEast Real Estate Business

- Local Private Schools Investing MILLIONS in Expansion Projects ~ Savannah Morning News

Rob Caldwell - Caldwell Marketing and Development, LLC Savannah, Ga. - http://www.SavannahInvestmentProperties.com

Sunday, September 7, 2008

14 Steps to Creating a Real Estate Business Plan You Can Use

This model of business planning and goal setting for Real Estate Professionals breaks the process down to five sections and fourteen steps.

SECTION A: The Big WHY

It is important to first look at who you really are and what your core values are. These things will drive you and carry thorough to your business.

Step 1 - What is your purpose?
Uncover your purpose, what provides the foundation of our values, vision and goals.

Step 2 - What are your values?
Know your core values which dictate what is important in both life and business: how business should be conducted, your view of humanity, and your role in society.

SECTION B: Vision - Goal Setting

This is where you take a hard look at where you are at and figure out where it is you are going in your business and in your life.

Step 3 - The Year in Review
Recognize what it is you have done this year, celebrate the accomplishments and also look at what may have stopped you short of reaching a goal.

Step 4 - Is your life in balance?
The Wheel of Life, sometimes called the Balance Wheel, will help you visualize your current situation, providing a snapshot of how you see your life today.

Step 5 - Business Review
Take a look at the results of the last 12 months. Did you reach your goals and achieve what you wanted?

Step 6 - Goal Setting
Don't hold back, dream LARGE, think BIG, aim HIGH.

Step 7 - Production Goals
Work the numbers. Create specific number goals for the next one to five years.

SECTION C: Creating an Action Plan to Achieve Your Goals

All Real Estate Professionals know they need a Business Plan. By following these steps you will create a plan that will help you hit your business goals.

Step 8 - Define Your Niche and Value Proposition
Become a specialist and build perceived value. Know your true value and learn to articulate your value proposition to your clients.

Step 9 - Lead Generation/Marketing Plan
Recognize what specific changes to your current plans are necessary to make in order to reach your goals.

Step 10 - Define Your Team Organizational Structure
Understand the organizational structure of your team.

Step 11 - Development Plan
Capture all of those things you have wanted to research, create, do, perfect, delegate and implement in your business.

Step 12 - Budgeting
Review your expenses for the current year and include any new marketing and development changes.

Step 13 - Production Plan
Create and monitor goals on a monthly basis in order to hit your production goals for the upcoming year.

SECTION D: Achieving Your Goals: How do I get there from here?

By breaking your large goals into smaller steps you will always know what you need to do next in order to keep working toward hitting your business and personal goals.

Step 14 - Creating a Master Project List
Change your goals into projects to actively work on over the next twelve months, and from this create a Master Project List.

Real Estate and Life Coach Cheri Alguire has partnered with hundreds of Real Estate Professionals to help them become more successful in business and in life. Coach Cheri is also the creator of the highly sought-after Five Year Business and Life Planning Guide for Real Estate Professionals. Learn more about this and Coach Cheri's other products and services at http://www.NextLevelServices.net

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Great Reasons to Invest in a Property in Turkey

There are many great reasons to consider purchasing a property in Turkey for both fun and profit; here are a few great reasons why any serious property investor should not miss this superb opportunity.

Over the past 5 years Turkey's popularity with holidaymakers from across Europe has been increasing rapidly year on year.

This has lead as in all other holiday destinations to an equally rapid growth in ownership of property by non-Turkish nationals from many European countries but significantly from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Many of Turkey's out dated airports have recently been fully re-furbished with new terminal buildings becoming the norm.

Large amounts of capital have been invested by the Turkish Government on the improvement of infrastructure including new motorways to enable shorter travel times to the main holiday resorts.

Many new Golf courses have been built to attract a higher end consumer and others are currently under development.

The cost of property in Turkey whilst still very good value for money when considered against property in the already built up markets of Spain, France, U.S.A and Portugal has risen in many areas by up to 100% over the past 3 years.

Property is still available from below ?20,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Altinkum or Didim and the potential rental yields could prove very attractive to the serious property investor looking to diversify their portfolio.

The climate in Turkey is amazing, the people are friendly and helpful and Turkey is quickly becoming the destination of choice for an ever-increasing number of holidaymakers looking for a cheaper alternative to Spain or Portugal for their summer holidays.

In certain locations it is possible for some months to go skiing in the morning and after a spot of light lunch swim in the warm ocean by afternoon.

There are an increasing number of budget airlines starting to fly into Turkey's airports and they are extending the length of the season to allow for those who have holiday homes.

For further information and a wide range of properties in Turkey's most popular locations please visit www.onestopturkishpropertyshop.com

Atlanta Corporate Apartments

Corporate apartments are temporary lodging facilities for corporate travelers. These are situated in usual apartment complexes or complexes owned by a lessor and structurally similar to other apartments regarding the number of bedrooms available and indoor or outdoor facilities. Atlanta, a world-class business center, has a number of renowned corporate apartments in its downtown and suburb areas.

Atlanta corporate apartments are excellent accommodation options for business travelers for temporary, interim stays. These are more comfortable and convenient than hotels. Atlanta corporate apartments are available in various sizes and with a full range of facilities and amenities. Many apartments are ready to be rented directly to corporations, which enable the relocating personnel to engage in their work without the usual delays involved in hunting for a suitable house.

Modern corporate apartments in Atlanta offer standard to luxury stays for every budget and lifestyle. Corporate apartments are generally sited close to public transports and next to services such as restaurants, Internet centers, and convenience stores. Furnished Atlanta corporate apartments are first-rate solutions for extended- and temporary-stay travelers, relocating employees and their families, home buyers, or any person seeking a weekly, monthly, or extended stay.

Fully furnished single-, double-, three-bedroom, or three-plus-bedroom apartments are available for short- and long-term leases. Corporate apartments are rented at a rate of a minimum of about $50.00 per day, but this rate may vary with additional facilities. Standard facilities such as a business center, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, playground, clubhouse, and tanning bed are also available in some reputable apartments. One can select apartments with a fully functional kitchen including a refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher, and icemaker, and with a washer and dryer. Some apartments allow pets.

Atlanta corporate apartments maintain competitive and flexible rental rates and terms, seasonal discounts and incentives, and master leases for corporate clients. The specialized property management companies in Atlanta will assist any corporate traveler with a number of furnished, cost-effective corporate apartment options and housing needs.

Atlanta Apartments provides detailed information on Atlanta Apartments, Loft Atlanta Apartments, Atlanta Apartment Rentals, Cheap Atlanta Apartments and more. Atlanta Apartments is affiliated with Apartments for Rent in Chicago.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Surge in Leasing Charges for Dubai Property

The current property boom in Dubai has sent rental charges rising upwards since the year 2002, at an average 37% increase according to The Dubai Municipality. The higher cost of living, unregulated rental increases and average 1.5% salary increase in the private sector, according to a study done by GulfTalent.com, has put a lot of pressure on Dubai?s tenants. To alleviate some of that pressure, the Government of Dubai moved to impose a rental cap of 15% in October 2005.

Considering the rapid increase in Dubai?s population that has swelled from approximately 800,000 in the year 2000 to 1.3 million in 2006, where it stands today, there is a shortage of residential apartments and villas for rent. This excess demand over supply has led to higher rental charges because property continues to be in short supply.

Despite the current shortage, the future of Dubai property remains extremely bright. Over the next three years an additional 84,000 accommodation units are expected to be ready for occupancy as new projects are completed. The addition of these properties is expected to help stabilize the marketplace for rents.

Investors who have put their Dubai properties out for rent yield an average of 8-9 percent on their property at the current market rate. Deemed a good investment, several new comers and existing residents in the city are seeing the benefits of buying their own accommodations, instead of renting.

Visit www.bhomes.com for buying, selling, renting, investing, managing and short-term renting your Dubai property.

Sellers Buyers and Earnest Money Deposits

Once an offer is made on a home, the counteroffer process can move very quickly. Before you start whipping numbers back and forth, the issue of earnest money deposits needs to be addressed.

Sellers, Buyers and Earnest Money Deposits

If you are selling a property, nothing gets your adrenaline up like receiving an offer from a potential buyer. All the hard work and inconvenience has paid off. All you have to do is get through the offer and counteroffer process. Of course, you are not going to accept the first offer. Instead, you get on your thinking cap and start strategizing on an effective counteroffer. While you are thinking, it is important to remember the earnest money deposit.

An earnest money deposit separates the men from the boys when it comes to evaluating potential buyers. In essence, this is where you see both how credible and serious the potential buyer is regarding your property. It is both a statement of their liquidity and their knowledge of the process.

An earnest money deposit is also known as a good faith deposit. The amount of the deposit is entirely negotiable, but typically is an amount of ten percent or less of the sales price of the property. The custom and practice in your area regarding the percentage is the key. It will differ from area to area in the country, so make sure you get a bead on what is expected. If the customary deposit amount is five percent and you demand ten percent, it could be a deal killer from the outset and the buyer could move on to another property.

Once you have agreed on a percentage, the buyer should deposit the earnest money deposit with a third party. The party can be the escrow agent, an attorney or even a bank in certain states. If the transaction goes smoothly, the deposit is credited as part of the down payment on the home when the transaction closes. Ah, but what if it does not go smoothly?

The earnest money deposit can be forfeited to the seller in certain situations. Ostensibly, the particular situations are governed by what the parties agree to in writing and state law. In general, the buyer will get their money back if the deal falls apart because of a seller issue such as massive termite problems that were not identified by the seller before the offer was made. In turn, the buyer can lose the deposit amount if they simply refuse to go forward with the transaction. In some real estate contracts, this process is known as liquidated damages automatically awarded to the seller given the fact you wasted time with the buyer and had your property off the market.

All and all, earnest money deposits should be looked at as back up protection, not a potential profit center. If a buyer is unwilling to make a deposit, reject the offer and move on.

Raynor James is with the site - FSBO America - FSBO homes for sale by owner.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Feng Shui in Real Estate Sales

Literally translated Feng means wind and Shui mean water. Deeply rooted in connection to nature, Feng Shui is the 4000 year old Chinese are of placement and philosophy that supports living in awareness and harmony with our surroundings.

As the awareness of Feng Shui increases, more real estate agents are being asked to show buyers homes with good Feng Shui. If a real estate agent has knowledge of this ancient and highly respected design philosophy will assists him/her to:

Increase the value, marketability, and emotional appeal of a home.
Build confidence with Feng Shui savvy buyers and sellers.
Provide solutions to remedy a home's Feng Shui energy challenges.
Build referrals by selling Feng Shui friendly homes that support the well being of your clients and their sphere of influence.

This section will explain the 5 Feng Shui tips for your references.

Tip 1 : Main Entrance

The main door is like the mouth for the house. It is the gateway between the world and the privacy of the home and air currents literally enter and exit at this point.

The positioning of a main door can determine the fortune or misfortune of the occupants. Therefore you must keep the entrance clear of any clutter to allow the energies to flow freely.
Make sure there is nothing in direct alignment with the door such as a tree or telegraph pole. To remedy this place a Bagua mirror over the door so it is reflecting the Sha Qi.
Avoid facing a dark, pokey room, an interior staircase, mirror, stove, sink, fireplace, the door of a toilet, laundry, bathroom or bedroom. To remedy this keep the doors closed or place a screen between the doors.

Tip 2 : Bedrooms

Bedrooms should be sacred spaces where an adult or child can retreat and regenerate. Most people spent roughly one third of their lives in their bedroom, so maintaining balance and serenity in this area is essential.

Tip 3 : Kitchen

In any case, it's better if you don't see the kitchen immediately upon entering the house, as this can portend digestive, nutritional, and eating problems. Having the kitchen at the entry point can also mean that guests will come over and eat and then leave immediately, and such a placement can also encourage the inhabitants to eat all the time.

Tip 4 : Windows

A house should have sufficient windows. Windows are in very important to allow sufficient light or pleasant views into the room.

Tip 5 : Dining & Living Room

Whenever possible the dining room should be separate from the living room. It is a social area for family members, thus it better to have as big as possible.

Summary

So with the above tips, you as a real estate agent when meet with a Feng Shui savvy buyer, you can use the above tips to talk with them, the chances to close the deal is high because the buyer see you as a knowledgeable in Feng Shui and the property you propose to them must be good in Feng Shui. And Feng Shui is a very good topic when come to a price negotiation with the sellers, agents with Feng Shui knowledge might be able to negotiate a better selling price for their buyers and close the sale.

http://www.studykiosk.com - Free Mortgage Tools For Home Buyers & Sellers. Sell Price & Budget Buy Estimators available for Home Buyers & Sellers.

Tucson AZ Realtor An Invaluable Resource for Home Buyers

Whether you are a first timer or and experienced home buyer a good Tucson AZ realtor can help guide you through the process of buying a home, helping you to avoid many of the mistakes that home buyers make. An uninformed home buyer without the advice of a qualified Tucson AZ realtor might make costly errors in choosing an agent, selecting a location, and securing financing. As you become educated, with the assistance of your realtor you will be confident that you can get the best home for you, your lifestyle and your budget. A home is one of the most important investments you will make, and you owe it to yourself to approach it with knowledge and care.

The first step in choosing a qualified Tucson AZ realtor to help you find and purchase your home is to choose a buyer?s agent. You don?t want to have someone who works for the seller handle your side of the deal as well, because you want to get the best possible deal for yourself. A buyer?s agent who is a Tucson AZ realtor has special training to help you find the best home at the best price. Find a realtor who knows the area where you are looking to buy really well and who can direct you to the types of homes and neighborhoods best suited to your needs.

Any good Tucson AZ realtor will tell you ?location, location, location,? is one of the most important pieces of the home buying puzzle. Look at potential homes not only during the day but at night as well. If possible, meet some of the neighbors as well. Check for any factors that are important to you. Do you need good schools, or a terrific golf course? You can find them with the help of a Tucson AZ Realtor. One note about price-if your home is a much higher value than others in the neighborhood, it could cause problems down the road if you want to sell.

A good Tucson AZ realtor will help you to find financing which will meet your budget and lifestyle needs. Your total debt after buying the home should not be more than 36 percent of your gross income before taxes and your mortgage payment should be about 25 percent of your gross income. A Tucson AZ realtor should be fully aware of your financial situation before you begin looking at homes so that they can show you homes in your price range. They may also have you pre-qualify with a lender or mortgage broker that they do business with.

A realtor is an invaluable asset when finding and purchasing a home.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Real Estate, Home and Family. To learn more about what a good Tucson AZ Realtor can do for you, visit real-estate-lx.com.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Real Estate That's Out Of Sight

Many real estate investors have been flocking to some of the less expensive or newly appreciating parts of the country and plunking down their hard earned cash in order to get into the game. In this Special Report, we are going to take a look at what you need to know before you invest in real estate that?s out of sight.

One of the mistakes that many real estate investors can make is to confuse what seems like inexpensive investment property with investment property that is a smart buy. This happens especially when real estate investors are used to the high prices of hometowns such as Los Angeles, New York City and Washington D.C. Real Estate investors that hail from these cities must take off their hometown ?real estate goggles? and heed the advice of local experts in the cities they are considering for investment.

Ron Akin, owner of Sunridge Management in Dallas Texas, says, I have seen real estate investors come to Texas from places where the property is expensive, like California, and they get so excited to see apartments selling for $22,000 per door when they are used to $80,000 - $120,000 per door. The key is to understand that what seems inexpensive for your home town does not mean it is inexpensive for our town. There is a lot more to consider than the price of the property before you purchase in a new market.

Once you leave the comfort of your own town to venture out to exciting new real estate destinations, real estate investors need to be aware that if property prices are lower it is also going to mean that rents are most likely lower. Sometimes rents are so low that properties won?t cash flow even if they do seem ?cheap?. Another consideration is maintenance and management expenses. When buying out of state you are going to be at the mercy of someone else watching your building and you aren?t going to have the ability to do things as inexpensively as you would if you were close to your property. Here in L.A. I have access to a very large, very reasonable labor pool. In New Jersey, where I own investment property, the available labor pool is extremely limited and at least two to two and a half times as expensive, says real estate investor Sandy Shaud.

When you are considering investing out of town or out of state, one of the first things to do is find a local investment real estate agent. It is crucial to be aware of all of the special considerations of your potential new city. Joanne Ferraro of Prudential Fox and Roach in Margate NJ says, Our city has restrictions on renting, like how many occupants you can have per unit and also restrictions on how you can?t terminate a tenant, even if their lease is up. Unless you get assistance from a local real estate agent, there is no way you can know all that you will need to know as a new property owner in our town.

If you are considering a larger purchase like an apartment building, have a few professional property managers check out the building and the rents and expenses to see if they are realistic. Ron Akin says, I have seen a lot of cases, especially sales of buildings that were managed by private owners, where the number of vacant units or the monthly expenses were not the least bit accurate. A good property manager can review the building and the books and give you their neutral opinion on whether a property can give you the cash flow you are looking for.

Another consideration is property taxes. Property taxes can vary greatly and have a great impact on your bottom line. The latest run up in real estate prices has been great for many real estate investors net worth yet bad for their monthly cash flow. If you own property in an area that reassesses property values every year, you could see a big jump in your tax liability since your property value has gone up. Sandy Shaud says, My property taxes in California are set permanently at 1.25% of the purchase price of my property. In Dallas, where I have a large apartment building, my taxes are about 3% and reassessed every year. Three percent is a huge bite out of my monthly operating budget.

Finally, you want to look at the tenant base and vacancy rate of your potential new investment town. You can buy plenty of inexpensive rental property all across the country, but will you be able to rent it out for at least a break-even cash flow? Again, this is where your local real estate agent comes in handy. They can tell you the going rents and how difficult it is to find tenants in the neighborhood you are considering.

Another consideration is the type of tenants you will most likely attract depending on where you buy. I have an investor who bought a property for $55,000 and it cash flows, but he wants to sell because he is having trouble dealing with the tenants. He bought in a rough part of the city and the occupants of his property are of a different mindset, says Megan Weil of Prudential Fox and Roach in Philadelphia. Frankly, he is scared to deal with them. Sometimes it works out better to buy a more expensive property in a neighborhood where you will be dealing with like-minded tenants, even if the cash flow isn?t as good.

There is a lot to consider before you jump into a real estate investment outside of your home town. Many seasoned investors will not buy out of town or out of state due to the increased expenses of managing a property from afar and the lack of control. Randy Bach, a CPA from Encino, advises, I tell my clients that they shouldn?t buy out of town unless they have the time and money to visit their property at least once a year. Hormoz Azizzadeh, a long time investor in Los Angeles says, I won?t buy rental property out of my area as it is too expensive and difficult to manage from far away.

However, many new real estate investors need to start in less expensive areas, as they don?t have enough money to buy in a more expensive town. Investor Sandy Shaud says, It is possible to have a successful real estate investment outside of your own home town. Just be prudent, do your homework and personally inspect the property and neighborhood. I do not recommend buying property from a meeting or on line without a personal visit.

Sandy Shaud, producer, Real Estate TV www.realestateinvestmenttv.com

Developed and launched in 2006, for real estate agents, brokers and investors, old and new, www.realestateinvestmenttv.com has exploded into a diverse website covering the latest news and information in the world of real estate investing, Check out the Real Estate Monthly Update Program, the latest Trends and Data or listen and learn from a free PodCast. Choose from over 50 different ?Channels? of specific content to watch, or upload your own ?Street Report? and become a REITV.com correspondent. By utilizing impactfull, original, and valuable content, via articles, advice, news, information, videos, Podcasts and professional reference, Real Estate Investment TV is being touted as ?the? place to go on the web for Real Estate Investment news and information. Check out the latest Trends and Data, choose from over 50 different ?Channels? of specific content, or upload your own Street? Reports and become a REITV correspondent.

Avoiding the Rental Voids in BuyToLet Property Investment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Wyoming Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Wyoming

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

The median price of a home in Wyoming is $96,600. However, home prices can vary widely between Wyoming zip codes. Foe example, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the summer of 2005, median home prices were $221,000. Home appreciation rates in Wyoming are slightly below the national average; however, land value per acre in Wyoming is the lowest in the nation.

Wyoming is among the top ten states in the nation for job growth rates. Average interest rates in Wyoming are above the national average. The state of Wyoming does not regulate home radon levels. This means that home buyers must test for radon levels in the home they are purchasing and decide for themselves how much radon is acceptable in their home.

Wyoming law states that mortgage lenders must clearly disclose the terms and conditions of the loan to the borrower within three working days of granting the loan. Lenders cannot ask a borrower to pay any fee other than a loan cancellation fee before loan closing. Additionally, Wyoming law states that lender fees should be reasonable, customary, and should not affect a borrower?s interest.

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

Avoiding Discriminatory Real Estate Practices

Real estate agents should never say or imply that the presence of persons of a particular protected class (race, national origin, etc.) in a neighborhood could or will result in:

lower property values;

a change in the composition of the neighborhood;

a more dangerous neighborhood; or

a decline in the quality of the schools in the neighborhood.

Most real estate agents would not act in an overtly discriminatory way; for example, they wouldn?t raise the listing price because of the race of the prospective buyer. Yet some of these same agents might tell racial or ethnic jokes or make derogatory remarks about a particular group of people.

Although these jokes or remarks don?t necessarily indicate a willingness to actually discriminate in a transaction, a listener might assume that they do. Even listening or going along with inappropriate remarks can give the impression that the agent agrees with these discriminatory attitudes. Agents need to watch out for signs of such attitudes, in order to avoid helping others violate antidiscrimination laws.

Listing agents should make sure the seller is willing to follow the law, and decline to take the listing if the seller is not.Real estate agents should also provide equal service to buyers and sellers without regard to their race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, familial status, age, or disability. For example, an agent should never refuse to show a property to a potential buyer based on discriminatory reasons.

Monday, September 1, 2008

California Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in California

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

The median price of a home in California is $211,500. Recently, homes in California have been appreciating at rates well above the national average. As a result, income levels in many parts of California are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. Although average interest rates in California are below the national average, California has one of the lowest levels of home affordability in the nation.

California?s Civil Code Provision of the Real Estate Act regulates the issuance of variable interest rates for the purchase of real estate. Therefore, borrowers who are issued large mortgage amounts are guaranteed a fixed rate mortgage. California law also prohibits the charging of interest more than one day prior to the recording of the mortgage even if the borrower received the loan prior to that time.

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

How To Negotiate Real Estate Commissions When Selling A House "As Is"

A real estate commission is a specified charge, which is paid to the agent or the broker hired for the purpose of selling a house. To avoid being duped by paying unreasonable amounts of money as commission, it is advisable for sellers to study the market themselves and get to know the general range of commission rates first. In reality, the commission rates are never fixed and most of the states forbid the Real Estate Commissions from doing so. This means that the agents can quote any price they like as long as the customers are willing to comply with the demands. However, this does not imply that the customers are compelled to pay the stated rates; they have the option of negotiating as much as their negotiation skills allow them to. The competition factor between agents also helps keep the commission rates from soaring too high.

The rules of estate commissions

Usually the Realty companies set the minimum and maximum rates of commission and leave the finalization of the rate to the brokers. The agents however, are not allowed to discuss their company commission rates with agents of different realty companies. No realty company is allowed to advertise its rates to attract customers. The commission to be paid to the seller's agent is decided when the listing contract is being drawn and the commission payable to the buyer's agent is determined when the contract for the sale of the estate is being written. Usually, the total commission is divided equally between both the agents.

Tips to negotiate

Here are certain pointers for you to keep in mind when you try and negotiate the commission payable to you real estate agent:

Study and calculate the value of your home and draw an estimate of how much would be the ideal commission charge for that value.

Enquire about other homes in your area that have been put up on sale and find out how much those owners are paying their agents.

Keep a track on the market trends, whether it is favoring the sellers or the buyers. In case it is supporting the sellers, then the negotiation power lies more with the sellers.

Make a precise budget before negotiating the commission rate.

Before hiring an agent, make a background check to see if he is adequately qualified to carry out the job. Carefully observing the agents' weaknesses and use them to your benefit.

Discuss payment options other than straight commissions such as a flat fee or a dual fee. The dual fee states that a certain percentage will be paid if the house is sold for more than a specified rate.

Alternatives

In the situation where you do not manage to find an appropriate agent or broker, you can always sign yourself with a real estate firm that charges a flat rate instead of any percentage. Moreover, if your house is in a good condition and well maintained, you will not only pay a nominal fee for the sale procedure but also get a good value for your house.

Caution

It is advisable that individuals wanting to sell their house do not fall for tempting offers made by certain agents who promise to sell the house at a higher price, and in turn, charge a higher commission. The customers should also be wary of the agent who says that the value of the house is very low and would require a lot of effort and time to sell. These are just tactics to extract as much money as possible from the client.

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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Financing Land Development: Little Known Secrets

There are alternatives to conventional bank financing for land development deals.

OPM, Others People's Money

But I know you've heard all that before, but there are little known secrets that Major Land Developers have been using for years which I want to share with you.

My clients are absolutely amazed when I share these secrets with them, they always respond so that's how they do it.

So why would a commercial financial broker want to share these secrets with you?

The reason is very simple, at the opening page of this site I told you I wanted to educate you, and so I am.

Also if you're able to implement some of these strategies, you're eventually going to need capital to build out your project.

And we'll be here to help you. There are three ways in which you can secure your land development deal without closing a conventional loan. The last way you must seek professional accounting and legal assistance, and will not be discussed here.

Work Directly with the Seller

Use Options to Control The Property

Arrange a 1031 Exchange

The above are three methods or ways to get a commitment to sell the property with little or no cash at time of opening an escrow.

Working directly with the Seller

By working directly with the seller you can help the seller solve many of their problems, and in return he becomes your partner in the land development transaction.

Sellers often believe that they can get a better price for their real estate if they carry the paper that evidences the debt themselves. Here are some of the reasons

Buyers may have qualification issues, and if that's the case you as a buyer may not be as concerned about the interest rate, price and terms and therefore the seller as the one assuming the risk will get a higher price and you get the deal that you were not bank qualified for.

The Seller will get greater after-tax profits.

By the seller carrying paper they will not be taxed on the amount of the sale, but their tax will be based on the installments paid over the years.

In other words a large capital gain may push them into a higher tax bracket, but if the sale is spread out over a period of years, the seller may not be pushed into a higher tax bracket.

Use Options to Control the Property

An option is an agreement specifying some future performance in exchange for a benefit.

Simply stated, give some money control the property!

You offer the owner a price for the option to buy the land. That price (the option premium) buys you the right to buy the land at an agreed upon price at a certain time in the future.

You can exercise the option by closing the sale at any time before the expiration date of the option. The seller must sell, when you are ready to buy, no matter how much the market value may have escalated during the holding period.

A more sophisticated approach is to acquire a rolling option for large land development transactions.

This is much more complex then a simple option agreement. Rolling option is utilized when there is a great deal of property that an individual needs to control. We usually see the use of rolling options in large master planned communities, where developers are planning to phase the development project into numerous phases with an absorption of the homes exceeding five years typically.

In a Rolling option the buyer controls the entire tract but only puts up the option for the first portion of the land, after each execution of the options, the buyer is able to take down more land, until the developer controls all the property of the original contract.

If you do not exercise your rolling options ass they come due, the entire contract is cancelled as to future property that is secured through the initial option agreement...and of course the seller retains the entire premium, and he can immediately offer the property to another buyer.

Benefit to the Buyer is that they can now plan an orderly development of the entire acreage, as well as knowing exactly what the land costs for the entire project are for the proforma and any Return on Investment calculations.

Benefit to the Seller is that the seller can get the price he wants for the property, and he knows that at the least he received a sizable option premium, and at the best he receives the price he wants for his land.

Harlan A. Friedman, Esq., is president of Lightning Commercial Funding Inc., a California mortgage broker. He has more than 25 years of experience as an investment banker and financial consultant, issuing municipal debt for his clients. Lightning Commercial Funding specializes in financing commercial projects exclusively, from the startup of new business to large commercial transactions. Reach Friedman at (858) 592-0659 or harlan@loanforbiz.com. Visit his company at http://www.loanforbiz.com.

Saturday, November 29, 2008