Home Mortgage Refinancing – How Can This Help to Reduce Cost?

Home mortgage refinancing can be a significant cost benefits to homeowners who have too much credit card debt. In addition to reducing the interest cost, you can reduce your obligations even further by careful loan shopping.

Check your credit score

The first step you should take before looking for the lowest cost home mortgage refinancing is to check the score that the credit bureaus are reporting for your credit history. The interest rates that you will be charged on your new loan are related to the quality of the score as tied to your creditworthiness. If your score is high, you generally will get a better rate on your interest. Conversely, if your credit score is low, you will find you must pay a higher interest rate. Often, the credit report will contain errors that if corrected will improve the score significantly.

Use a reputable lender

The next step you should decide on is the lender that you will use for your home mortgage refinancing. Not only should you check the prices and fees that they will be able to obtain for the loan itself, but you will need to check their personal or business fees that can inflate the cost of the loan. In addition, you will need to do the needed due diligence to make certain that the broker or lender is a reputable and professional businessperson. Look for their reputation at the Better Business Bureau site or perform a search to see what other buyers have reported about the professional attitude of the lender.

Interest rates

The interest rates are the largest part of the cost of home mortgage refinancing. As a homeowner, you should strive to get the lowest rate possible. Review the economic situation in the country to decide whether variable or fixed interest rates are your most prudent choice. Variable rates typically start out lower, but can rise quickly to keep pace with rising indices in the country. Fixed interest rates usually start a little higher, but you have the assurance that they will stay the same throughout the repayment period.

What term should you use

The term or the number of payment periods associated with your home mortgage refinancing has a direct impact upon the cost of your loan. Obviously, the interest rate over a longer period means more money to pay in loan costs. But reducing the length of time that your mortgage will run means you will pay less money in interest expenses. It is amazing how much difference even a single additional amount paid against the loan principal can make in the total cost of the interest. Even paying payments twice a month instead of once per month will reduce your interest rate.

Staying out of debt

When you need to obtain a home mortgage refinancing loan in order to pay off debts that are for frivolous items or that are due to lack of pre planning, one of the best ways to reduce costs for the future is to put yourself on a budget--one that includes provision for genuine emergencies. Emergencies do happen, but generally indiscriminate credit card usage is not an emergency. Do you really want to use the value of your house to pay for such things as video rentals and restaurant dinners.

Author : Home Mortgage Refinance or Home Mortgage is one of the best sites on the internet to get a full range of resources about a home refinancing. Here there are hints, tips, cautions and links of all types.

Home Mortgage Refinance - The Benefits of Debt Structuring

When you take advantage of the equity in your home through a home mortgage refinance, you get a lot more than just cash. You get peace of mind and organization to your financial future.

Reduce the number of bills

With a home mortgage refinance, you no longer have to be concerned about missing one of your monthly credit card bills and suffering with added interest charges, penalties and fees. Your refinance loan will pay off the balances on all of those high interest loans and leave you with one payment, one due date, and an amount that doesn't vary from one month to the next. You are likely to have a single payment that costs you less than the total of all the smaller bills. If you receive a regular paycheck, you can even arrange in many instances to have the payment deducted from your payroll so that you don't have any chance of missing the payment.

Set up a savings plan

Discipline yourself to set up a savings plan with the savings you make from not paying multiple minimum payments and set it aside to fund future purchases that previously would have resulted in you charging your credit card and going further into debt. You can save for an emergency fund or save to pay cash for future purchases, or even for creating an investment portfolio to build toward your retirement. A home mortgage refinance should not be a routine part of your financial planning, but a final determination to get your financial house in order. Imagine being able to plan for a vacation and to know precisely when you will be able to book your cruise.

Renovate your home

With a home mortgage refinance, you can provide yourself with a sizable chunk of cash to renovate or even completely remodel your existing home. You won't need to charge the lumber on a credit card and pay double digit interest rates. Instead, you can set up an account with the proceeds of the refinance and pay for your renovation materials and supplies as they are required. You can provide a complete makeover to your home so that its future value will be increased. Whether you need to redo the carpets, replace the roof, or fix the plumbing, a home loan will help you pay for the repairs easily.

Timing benefits

Depending upon the timing of your loan and the purchases you make, you can definitely save money on interest rates. Choose your home mortgage refinance loan period to take advantage of the regular payroll periods at your house. Enjoy the ability to schedule the loan to suit your financial schedule. Imagine the peaceful feeling to know that when the payment comes due, there is already money in your bank account to cover it.


Consistency benefits

The peace of mind gained by knowing each month what the payment will be on your home mortgage refinance loan cannot be downplayed. There are no surprises when the monthly statement arrives. There is also no change in the due date each month. You will never again have to spend money on late fees, minimum payments or over limit penalties. The value of the reduced stress by being able to plan your finances each month is hard to deny.

Author : Home Mortgage Refinance or Home Mortgage is one of the best sites on the internet to get a full range of resources about a home refinancing. Here there are hints, tips, cautions and links of all types.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Solar Power House

Solar power is a renewable source of electricity, which is available in any bit of the planet. Learning the advantages and disadvantages of having a solar power house can help you in making an educated call as to whether to switch to solar or stay with utility-purchased electricity.

Since the physics behind solar electricity can be confusing to many people, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of solar power house can offer you a more clear perception on how a system works to keep power and water bills low, preserve natural energy and save the earth from pollution.

Financial And Environmental Advantages Of Solar Power House

When you choose to build a solar power house, the first investment could be an enormous quantity of money. However, since many companies and regimes offer incentives and refunds by spreading the expenses of your solar electricity system, then you save money in the future because energy production from the sun is totally without costs.

Since solar electricity does not require any fuel, you will not be affected by the demands and possible rate rises of gas. As a result, you can instantly save cash for both utility-based and fuel-based costs.

Although many people weigh the advantages and disadvantages of solar electricity before opting to get a system, some customers immediately find the eco-friendly benefits of solar electricity to be advantageous. Because solar electricity is clean, sustainable and renewable, you are helping to save the environment by preventing air pollution from nitrogen oxide, carbon-dioxide, mercury or sulphur dioxide - the common elements found in standard energy resources.

The Downside Of Solar Power

While some sources target the advantages that a solar energy system can offer you, it's important to realise both advantages and disadvantages of solar energy to make sure that you are ready to face monetary responsibilities, legalities and other issues associated with mounting a solar panel on your rooftop.

The major disadvantage of solar power house is the initial cost of installing the system. Since the materials employed in building a solar electricity system are quality and high-cost components, one solar electricity system can be identical to paying a few years of electricity bills. While monetary options are available, not everybody can afford to substitute a higher finance with their standard utility-purchased power.

Another obstacle of solar energy power is that you aren't certain to receive constant power. After the sun sets, your energy source is totally gone till the sun rises again the next day. However this problem can be solved by installing a storage device or building a wind energy system, so that you will have sufficient power for home.

Now that you know the advantages and downsides of a solar power house you can now make an informed decision as to whether your private circumstances, location and wants can be met by a solar power system.

About The Author:
If you've enjoyed all the exciting information you read here about Solar Power House, you'll love everything else you find at Solar Power House.

Blythewood Real Estate - Community Neighborhood Information

Blythewood SC Real Estate

Blythewood, South Carolina, is a suburb of Columbia and is conveniently located about 20 miles Northeast of the City of Columbia. Blythewood has served as a “last stop” before the 75 mile drive to Charlotte, NC on Interstate 77, as it did in the mid 1800’s for the railroad. Locals pride themselves on the towns quaint setting and charming neighborhoods. Just recently the Town of Blythewood created a new master plan to construct a multi million-dollar community park to service residents and maintain the country-like reputation that Blythewood is known for.

New developments are becoming popular in Blythewood and offer a variety of amenities and unique characteristics that keep this small town consistent to its original landscape. Many business parks and commercial real estate developments, such as Montgomery Ridge, have maintained the beauty of large estates while incorporating the ongoing changes within the community. Residential real estate developments in Blythewood have also tried to maintain low-density country living. Much of the Real Estate for sale in Blythewood consists of large parcels, equestrian farms, waterfront properties and golf course lots. In relation to homes for sale in Columbia, Blythewood has many differences that Columbia Neighborhoods may not offer. Here are a few that are popular and well known:

Longcreek Plantation

Neighborhoods like Longcreek Plantation offer 1-4 acre homesites with resort style amenities such as golf, swimming, horseback riding, fishing and tennis within the community. Although Longcreek is broken into several neighborhoods, it began as one development in the mid 1970’s. The focal point of Longcreek Plantation is Lake Columbia. This is the lake that splits Windemere Golf Course and the Columbia Country Club. Longtown Road, which is the outer band of Longcreek Plantation, consists of a mix of older and newer homes with restrictive covenants prohibiting lot sizes to be split into less than 2 acres. Many of the traditional and contemporary homes in this section contain 4-10 acres and are now in high demand. With the proximity to Northeast Columbia and Fort Jackson, it is no wonder that this is a popular destination for visitors and locals. Neighborhoods that fall within Longcreek Plantation neighborhood include Windemere, Runnymede, Fox Meadow, Westlake Farms, Westlake Woods, Club Colony, Club Cottages, Crescent Lake and The Greens. Home prices have a broad range and homes listed today average just under $400,000.

Cobblestone Park

Originally called The University Club, Cobblestone Park has become a new sensation for Blythewood. Located in the heart of Blythewood, this 700-acre + development offers a plush living environment. The main difference between Longcreek Plantation and Cobblestone Park is that it is filled with new construction of custom homes and small lot sizes. The golf course is the main attraction of this area spanning across the entire improved development and once was home to “Monday after the Masters”. There is still an abundant supply of lots for sale on the golf course with some interior lots that have fallen as low as $20,000. Today the average lot price is around $80,000(of the 75 listed on the MLS today) and of the 23 MLS home listings, the average is just above $400,000. In addition to foreclosed lots, there are also a few high-end custom foreclosed homes in this golf community.

Crickentree
Crickentree is another Blythewood neighborhood that is a diamond in the rough. Initially developed as Blythewood Plantation in the 1980’s, Crickentree has undergone several exchanges of ownership. It is now officially named The Golf Club of South Carolina at Crickentree and is owned by the same company that owns The Country Club of SC in Florence, SC. In Crickentree you will find custom homes from about $375,000 to nearly $2M in this ongoing development. The challenging 18-hole course also offers some golf front property for sale. Amenities fall slightly short of other developments in the area, but with the new YMCA and the residential development of Lake Carolina neighboring Crickentree, you’ll likely find anything that you need minutes from the entrance gates of Crickentree. Crickentree offers more of a traditional neighborhood setting with the benefits of golf.

Ashley Oaks
Ashley Oaks is quite different from the other neighborhoods because it is not geared toward the golf community. I would say that it is a highly desired community with modest homes. Mike Shelly, who is a well-known local developer, created this neighborhood in a similar fashion that his other developments are known for. Shelly’s image of a suburban Blythewood may be one of the contributing factors of Blythewood’s popularity. He incorporates quality and affordability for buyers of a median income. Ashley Oaks is filled with a handful of local builders that have gained Shelly’s respect throughout the years. The lot sizes here are probably more comparable to that of neighborhoods in Columbia, SC. The design of the neighborhood and the minimal, yet logical, greenspace makes for an inviting environment. Homes for sale in Ashley Oaks today are listed on the MLS starting around $250,000 and up to $545,000. Many of the homes top 3500 SF and are constructed of brick with a crawl space foundation. The neighborhood is located off of Fulmer Road and is truly one of the hidden treasures in the community.

This is just a few of the neighborhoods that are in Blythewood, SC. There are plenty of other small neighborhoods in this area that most buyers are not aware of. I have lived in the Blythewood community since 1985 and know the history and reputation for most of the Blythewood and Columbia, SC area. As a real estate agent I provide a service to the public to help them in real estate transaction as a buyer or sellers agent.

This opinion/article was written on June 15, 2009 and the information of market data reflects this date.



About The Author:
Brian Hunt is a licensed SC Real Estate Agent that specializes in Land and Homes in Blythewood and the Columbia SC Real Estate market.

What You Should Know About Miami Beach Condos

Miami Beach is one of the biggest destination spots in the United States. The tourist, fashion, and entertainment is what has made the city famous. Many people decide that they want to move to Miami Beach because it has so much to offer. Those that may move to the city in the future will want to see what the city has to offer in terms of condos. Miami Beach condos are just as elegant as the houses and are less expensive.

The southern beach area of the city is the most famous area for purchasing Miami Beach condos. Part of this is due to the area being the historical district and the original vacation area back in the day. Fifth Street offers several high rise condos that are home to many tourists. These Miami Beach condos are well known for their luxurious lifestyle and have much to offer visitors. The South Beach district also houses various forms of entertainment, shopping, and places to eat.

Miami Beach has become a hot spot for condos recently. The market for condos has increased by 33 percent. In reality, condos are now responsible for 13 percent of the housing market. Many owners of apartments have decided to join the condo market by renovating their apartments into condos. You may wonder why the increase of condos is so great. Part of it is due to the fact that investors keep investing into Miami. Many investors are focusing on investing in Miami Beach condos.

Investors are investing in the region due to several different factors. The biggest factor is the climate. With it being warm all year there are many people that want to live here. Thus the market is always expanding as people keep moving to the area. Miami Beach condos offer highly desired ocean views and easy access to the beach. Also because of the climate, this region of the state is the most populated. It is easy to see why investors would want to invest in Miami Beach.

Miami Beach condos come at a high price. The average condo price for Miami Beach is about $500,000. If you are looking to sell a condo in Miami Beach then you can expect it to take about 150 days.

Many Miami Beach condos are owned by people who live out of the country or out of state. Having a second home is a great way for people to getaway when they want a vacation. During the summer months there are many condos rented out because out of state buyers only stay there during the winter months. These buyers want to be close to their families but like to be away from the cold weather. In the past the area has thrived solely on tourism but this is no longer the case. There is still a lot of tourism, however the city also has a vast real estate market. The Miami Beach condos real estate market shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.


About The Author:
Genaro Jennings is a real estate investor and realtor that specializes in Miami Beach Condos as well as the Greater Miami area.

Construction Heavy Equipment Companies

With increasing population and competition in market, people and companies are acquiring land and making giant building there. Overall increasing population are increasing demand in every field, because of this companies are require to increase production with new plants and huge production machine.

For, any giant project there are require giant machine to reduce time and risk factor during completion. More advance machines are doing jobs at multi level. Means they can do job more than one at a time with great accuracy and in short time. There are lots of companies that are providing this giant machine to other companies.

Hercules Heavy Equipment Trading Company: Established in 1984 and now 200 employees, this company provides electro-mechanical engineering contracting, distribution of heavy machinery, marine services and spare parts. It has branches in Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, India, Oman, Dubai and Fujairah. Its office location is P.O. Box 4756, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates along with phone number +971 6-534-4131.

Superior Heavy Equipment Trading Company: Established in 2005 and having 65 employees, company provides accessories and auto care parts, replacement parts, tires, batteries and exhausts. Its location is Al Utoom Complex, 3rd Floor, 98 Garden Street
Tla Al Ali, P.O. Box 8211012, Amman 11181, Jordan along with +962 6-465-7887
+962 6-465-4774.

Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment Company: this is established in 1974 and having 180 employees, provides supply and distribution of construction tools, heavy construction machinery, earthmoving machines and material handling equipment. It has branches Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi along with lots of warehouses in other cities of Middle East. Its physical location is Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment Company Building, Al Ittihad Road, P.O. Box 11080, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Juffali Heavy Equipment Company: this company is founded at 2001 and has 50 numbers of employees. This provides agricultural and material handling equipments, construction machinery; concrete, crusher equipments and asphalt maintenance; industrial power systems and textile machinery.

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By: Justin Mark

The Importance of Staging an Older Home

It is surprising, even with all the information out there on how much easier it is to sell a decently staged house, that some sellers are still resistant to the idea. Every house, particularly older homes, should be staged before pictures are taken or any showing takes place. Older houses have to compete with newer homes that, due to style changes, may need far less in the way of renovations or upgrades. Staging can make these homes look a lot more desirable than they would otherwise.

First of all, staging involves de-cluttering both the inside and outside of your home. Many people living in older homes have been in residence for a long time. Every year that you live in a house makes for more stuff that you've brought in, adding to the clutter that you already had. One of the key ideas in home staging is that it helps a prospective buyer actually see what your house looks like because you've removed the clutter.

Another important aspect of home staging that is vitally important when you're trying to sell an older house is repainting and wallpaper removal. Many older homes have outdated wallpaper or paint colours; these outdated walls will just accentuate how much work a home buyer will need to do if they buy your house. If you can repaint the walls and remove any horrible 1970s wallpaper, your house won't scream out "fix me" to a buyer.

If you have matching furniture to go with your older home, you have a couple of options. If your home is 1970s era or before, you can likely get away with staging in a retro chic. Many of the elements of '70s decorating are back in fashion now, the thing to understand is that doesn't apply across the board to everything from the age of disco. If your living room needs its orange carpeting to be raked on a daily basis, sports magic mushroom-inspired flocked wallpaper, and has a beach ball sized disco ball hanging in it, then you likely are going to need some updating.

Take a look at some design websites to see what bits of kitsch are acceptable and which should just be burned ... I mean disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. If you don't have furniture that is neutral enough to allow the character of your home to shine through, then consider renting some and putting your own in storage.

Staging allows a prospective buyer to see what kind of potential your house has by letting them see through your things so that they can envision themselves living in your house. If your home is full of clutter and years worth of treasures then a buyer can't see themselves in your space. If your house is tragically out-dated, they likely won't be able to see themselves in your space either. Give your home sale the best chance and stage your home; hire a professional stager if you need assistance.

About the Author:
Learn more about mobile homes and Arizona Gated Community living at PalmGardensOnline.com. The site has extensive information for buyers thinking of relocating to an Arizona 55+ Community, and details on a variety of great mobile home and RV living options.

Make it big in real estate and never look back

If you are serious about making big money and quitting your job then real estate investment is a viable career which can help you make your dreams of financial independence real. What’s more, because it is the kind of career that is driven by you, it allows you to slowly ease into it and invest more and more time as you begin to become more experienced, find greater opportunities and allocate amore and more resources to it until the time you are ready to make the transition from part-time to full-time real estate investor.

In order for this to happen you need to basically prepare by honing up your negotiating skills, understanding your own strengths and weaknesses and utilising them correctly when it comes to uncovering prospects and closing deals and learning exactly what type of skills you need to have in order to succeed.

Real estate investment is hardly rocket science. It needs a basic set of finely-honed skills which need to be applied and, as my case proves, almost anyone can do it. Part-time or full-time however it never stops ceasing being an incredibly tough, personal business with a lot of competition and the potential to make a lot of money which means that unless you are prepared to take it seriously and take yourself seriously in the process there is little point in even thinking about starting out.

This is something I go to great pains to impress upon all those who spend time on my courses and attend my seminars. The real estate business has enough of a bad reputation, thanks to exactly this kind of lax approach by a minority of individuals to not really need us to unnecessarily add to it.

Having been in the business long enough to have seen practically every possible permutation of the market (and having made many of the mistakes I safeguard those who follow my courses from) I know both how hard it is to start out and how easy it become to make money
once you have established yourself.

I may now be a real estate millionaire and owner of more than 4,000 apartments across more than seven states but this has not always been the case and many of the things I lecture and teach about are actually the kind of guidance I wished I had had when I was first starting out.

The fact is that provided you are able to plan your course and stick to it real estate investing is one of the most satisfying and rewarding careers you can possibly have.

About Author : David Lindahl, also known as the "Apartment King" has been successfully investing in single-family homes and apartments for the last 14 years and currently owns over 7,000 units around the US. David regularly shares his secrets and experience on the same stage as Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki, and Donald Trump! For two FREE copies of his highly recognized newsletter Real Estate Insights, please go to http://www.davesoffer.com/ezine

Selling you Home

As you ready yourself to sell a house, the first thing that strikes you is the fact that it is not that easy, and you will not find too may takers unless you plan your sale well in advance and take necessary steps to ensure that it is a smooth transition. Like in anything in life, this also works well if you have a concrete plan and execute it well.

As a starter, you need to disconnect yourself from the house as emotional bonds with your home can tie you quite strongly. Remove clutter, make your house free from unwanted additions like personalized wall hangings and name plates. This gives the intending buyer a feel that there are no emotional strings attached to the property. Proceed to give the house a face lift. Doors, windows, plumbing and electrical systems, and even paints on walls have to be taken care of. Along with these works, an initiative to market the sale has to be started. Always have a pre-sales checklist ready so that you do not miss out on any important facet that needs to be taken care of before the house is let open to prospective buyers to check.

Marketing is best done through media. Print media and internet are powerful tools for this. A real estate agent can be employed if you can afford to pay him his commission. Also ensure that an inspector is called to authorize the regulatory approvals connected with the property.

As enquiries start coming in, you can give appointments for buyers to have a look at the house. Once the initial process is done, it is time to look at the financial aspects of the business. Get quotes and scrutinize them. Have personal meetings with those who have quoted rates that you find closest to your expectation. Now, the rounds of negotiations start. These times can be quite tricky as the price depends on your skills at the negotiating table. Always get details of future projects in the area of the property and try to project the area as a to be developed area which can attract big infrastructure investments from corporates. This gives you a platform to bargain for a better price.

Over all, this entire process is quite energy sapping and if you think you are not upto it, it is always a better idea to employ a broker for sure. They come with loads of experience in handling such situations and are better equipped at getting you what you want, in terms of price of the property for sale.

About Author : "Ravisankar" Experience greenery and peace at Gilbert Homes for Sale , Goodyear Real Estate and Gold Canyon Homes for Sale

Mallorca Property For Sale - A True Investment Plan

If you are seeking Mallorca property for sale to invest in Spain then beautiful Mallorca properties are best place! There are many good Spanish property firms where you can find suitable Mallorca property for sales that can help you in smooth purchasing. Online Mallorca property for sale in Mallorca, offers the most professional, helpful, friendly and no-pressure Spanish property service to assist you in finding your perfect property in Mallorca.

On the internet, you will find a huge collection of Mallorca property for sale, and an equally impressive collection of other Spanish property for sale, in Spain. If you are looking for a Spanish villa, town-house, penthouse, apartment, finca, commercial property or a plot then Mallorca properties are the best option for you. While buying property in Mallorca great care should be taken.

If you buy Spanish property from a person you met in a hotel you are asking for trouble, but by some simple common sense rules it is a very straight forward and safe process. Investors should take care that they do not buy a vastly over priced or over valued Mallorca property by studying the local markets before hand, comparing not just the actual price but the location as well. Always, take care that it is easy to get carried away when you are looking Mallorca properties for sale with a fist full of money seeking for that dream Spanish property, so check before you sign anything.

Most of the true property in Mallorca is with or without an agent. With the help of a good Spanish real estate agency, the transaction can be completed fastly and with little fuss. Mallorca property is still selling if the rate is right, although it can said that there are not the number of Mallorca property purchasers around as there was a few years ago. Spanish properties are the most demanding place for investing in real estate by the whole world. Before buying property in Spain you should have a sound knowledge of the Spanish property market. The simplest option to find suitable Mallorca property, is to start the process of finding your ideal Mallorca property for sale, and means that within a very short period of time you will receive online portfolios of fantastic Mallorca hot properties for sale, tailored to your own specific necessities.

You will easily get a large network of real estate agents in the internet. The majority of Mallorca property agents offer a very good service, but their job is simply to sell you a property in Mallorca. But they doesn't listen to what you really want and send you only Mallorca properties for sale that match your criteria. They will not work with you throughout the entire Spanish property purchase process and beyond!

For any query related, Spanish Property for Sale, Mallorca Property, Property in Mallorca, Mallorca property for sale, property in mallorca, property in Spain contact Nick, or visit at www.spanishhotproperties.com or for seo services .

Can A Novice Flip A Home?

Flipping properties has been happening for a long time, so it may be concept with which you are familiar. There are two basic methods for flipping a home. The first, and most common method, is to first purchase a home, fix or update it, and then sell the home at its new valuation. The other way that people flip homes is to purchase property during a time when property prices are down, and then selling the house once the market goes back up. While waiting for the property prices to increase, you can rent out the home to produce some income.

Finding Property to Flip

Those who are successful at flipping property know that location is key. Flipping property only works if the demand for homes is strong in that area. Study area sales. If there is a neighborhood with a few homes on the market that haven't sold in months or years, you'll need to avoid that area. The longer a home sits on the market, the farther the sales price drops before it sells.

One way to purchase inexpensive properties is by searching for bank foreclosures. These houses may or may not require renovations or repairs, so make sure you have a reliable home inspector who can tell you if there are issues that need attention. Bank foreclosures can cost thousands less than the price of real estate in that area. Once repairs are made, you stand to earn tens of thousands in profit when the house sells.

You can also look for homes with owners who may not have been able to keep up with the necessary repairs. Often, these homeowners are willing to drastically cut the price of their home in order to sell quickly. Again, you will need to make the repairs to up the home's value before you sell it, but there is still a lot of money to be made.

Those who are skilled in property flipping tend to look for one of four words in real estate listings, because they signify desperation on the seller's part:

-Fixer-Upper
-Foreclosed
-Must Sell
-Vacant

How to Get a Mortgage for a House You Intend to Flip

The crisis the mortgage industry has faced recently has made it a bit tougher to get financing for real estate that are going to be flipped. It is possible to do so. One thing that could make the process much simpler is if you have equity in your current home. If you do, you can then borrow the money for the new home against your current home. Another option is to get a mortgage for the new home and list it as a rental property. Before you use this option, make sure you understand all of your bank's regulations.

Whichever way you end up getting financing, a mortgage for a second home is usually only for eighty percent of the home's value. That means that it remains to you to come up with the remaining twenty percent. Some people use a credit card or another type of unsecured loan. Before you do this, find out what the interest rates are, since you will have to start paying the money back before the sale of the home.

Lenders that are experienced with homes that are going to be flipped could be much easier to deal with. For example, an experienced lender may give you 100 percent financing. Some lenders will also offer you extra financing for the needed repairs.

Make Sure You Know Your Financing

You need to fully understand the terms of the mortgage and the implications of the regulations on your home. For example, some lenders force you to keep the home for at least six months. Can you afford to keep the house for six months, as well as the undeterminable amount of time it will take to find a buyer? Make sure you have the income to cover these expenses before you make the purchase.

For your property flip, you may want to look at Santee affordable properties. You may also want to check out San Diego South Bay affordable homes for sale.

Find An Apartment In One Day

Apartment shopping is complicated. You should ideally leave yourself more than one day to find an apartment. It is possible to find an apartment in one day. However, you'll get better results if you have more time to find the property and negotiate the best deal.

The first set to finding an apartment is organizing information on yourself. You know -- where you have lived for the last five years, the name and phone number of your landlord, where you work, how long you have been there, how much you are paid and the phone number for your office. You may also want to get a credit report on yourself if you're concerned that credit blemishes may cause a problem during the leasing process.

To find an apartment, you have to filter out 99.99% of the other apartment complexes. The most important level of filtering is the location. Select the area of town where you want to live. If you are moving to an apartment from out of town, get help from someone in the area where you are moving.

Set a realistic budget. Your cost of housing should not exceed about 30 to 35% of your household income. This includes rent, electric, gas and water.

The next step in selecting an apartment is to select the unit type, unit size and amenities which are important to you. Consider both the in-unit amenities and the project or community amenities.

Use an online apartment search or online apartment locator to find apartment complexes. Your best bet is to find an online apartment search service which has information on all available apartments in the city. Some of the online apartment search services only have information on 10 or 15% of the apartments in the city. Also consider an online apartment search service which offers a $100 rebate. This will help with your moving costs.

Limit the list of apartments to does which seem to be the best fit -- to perhaps five or eight apartment properties. Start calling the apartments to get up to date information on unit availability, and the specials they are offering. Specials offered by apartments can vary from floor plan to floor plan and from day to day. Calling the apartment before you visit will help you to get the best deal. Also ask for information on application fees, deposits and the first months rent. Some apartments offer a reduced payment for the first months rent.

Visit three to five properties which seemed to best fit your requirements. Ask detailed questions regarding the issues which are most important to you. Take notes while you're at the property. Your memory will fade quickly. The properties will start to run together. Confirm information on the deposits, first month's rent, application fee, rental rates and unit amenities while you're visiting each property. Also ask to see the unit they have available for you, instead just seeing the model unit.

After visiting the properties, review your notes and select the property which is best for you. Call and see if they can improve their last offer by perhaps reducing the deposit, waiving the application fee, or reducing the rent.

Visit the property and negotiate the lease. The lease is a legal document. You should read the lease. Ask questions if you do not understand portions of the lease. In most cases, the lease is negotiable. If a lease term does not seem reasonable, ask the leasing agent to change it.

Before accepting the apartment, walked through it with the leasing agent or apartment manager. Carefully inspect items such as counter tops, carpet, vinyl tile, mirrors, switch plates, the level of finish in the bathtub/shower, and wall sockets. If the apartment is not clean, ask the apartment representative if they can clean up before you move in. Also asked about what you need to do (regarding cleaning the property) to have your deposit returned.

Don’t get stressed about finding the best apartment. We provide information whether or not the apartments pay a locator fee. We also provide information regarding Business valuation, market studies, feasibility studies, real estate consulting, income tax, HCAD, Property tax, Cost segregation, Commercial real estate appraisal and Due diligence.

Author : Patrick C. O'Connor has been president of O'Connor & Associates since 1983 and is a recipient of the prestigious MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. He is also a registered senior property tax consultant in the state of Texas and has written numerous articles in state and national publications on reducing property taxes. He continues to set the standard in direction and quality of our appraisal products, adding services ranging from business valuations and business appraisals to cost segregation analysis for income tax reduction.

Patrick C. O'Connor
POConnor.com

The Story Behind Real Estate

Real estate, often used interchangeably with real property, is a term which encompasses land and the fixtures and improvements made therein. Thus buildings, for any purpose categorized as residential, commercial, or industrial, and other type of constructions that are permanently fixed within the determined and absolute location of the land are considered as part thereof.

The first recorded use of the term "real estate" dates back to 1666, a period to which most members of most royal families and nobility had shown the preference to land as a form and symbol of wealth. The primary basis for distinguishing "personal" property from "real" property is the concept of immovable properties against movable ones. History dictates that the term "real" of the "real estate" had been derived from the "real" which means "royal" and that the concept of taxing any person for the ownership and use of land as first implemented by Kings and the members of the royal family and nobility had primarily followed such etymology.

Regulations of land and real estate vary and are primarily based on the three (3) primary and general types of land uses, that is, residential, commercial, and industrial. Allocating the proper and suitable types of activities is prescribed by the zoning regulations that vary among cities of each country. Areas prescribed strictly for residential use would contain only residential or dwelling units. Commercial areas are prescribed to combine a mix of businesses and some units for residential uses. Industrial zones would contain factories, warehouses, businesses, and industrial centers. As industrial zones would mostly host capital-heavy businesses, most zoning regulations do not prescribe residential units to be built within areas that are designated for this type of activity. Though zoning regulations are reviewed and modified to accommodate needs that are unique in an area, the basic and fundamental concept that are prescribed in the designation of areas is hardly variable.

According to Rachel Epstein, author of the book "Alternative Investments", there are four (4) primary ways or means to invest in real estate: buying a house, buying or purchasing rental property, buying land and introducing improvements therein, and buying a land on resale. As there are a number of tax and equity benefits in investing in land, most people primarily invest in buying rights over real estate.Many a number of investors who had been able to build a credible reputation in real estate investments had been able to acquire ownership over real estate without outright cash and through mortgage. Proceeds from rental property and sale of land primarily provide a good passive income to most land owners and investors. Though most land appreciates over time, most investors do not recommend investing in land as this entails higher risk over those that have improvements introduced in it, such as houses and buildings. The 3Ls, "location, location, location", in investing in real estate or the popular rule of thumb most known by investors persists until today.

The real estate industry is composed of a number of service providers that primarily cater the needs of both buyer and seller equilibrium of the market. Some known segments of the real estate industry are as follows, appraisal, brokerages, development, property management, real estate marketing, real estate investing, and even on relocation.

If you are looking to rent any real estate in Tucson, please feel free to contact us any time at Tucson Property Management

Jaxson Smith - To learn more about Arizona rentals, feel free to follow the link Tucson Rentals

Homeowner Title Insurance - What is the Cost of Title Insurance?

Guidelines Set By the Administration

What you are liable to pay as premium under title insurance can vary from country to country. But in the United States, the administration has set a parameter to determine what you will be liable to pay as premium. This is because the states have realized how valuable title insurance has become and they are doing every reasonable effort to safeguard the interest of home buyers from insurers. The administration does this by getting the details of all the expenses that consumers are obliged to pay to insurers. The administration will scrutinize this ahead of accepting it and the expenses will then be made public. Keep in mind that it will be impossible for fraudulent insurers to defraud consumers through this means.

On the other hand, there are some jurisdictions which give the right to a lawyer to scrutinize the provisions of the policy. This lawyer will neither be that of the insurer or the consumer. This is a good way to ensure that the rights of both parties are secure because a party may be tempted to cancel the agreement at any point after the agreement has already gone into force. Also, it may sometimes be provided that extra expenditures to take care of the services of the lawyer will be borne by the consumer. There are also other hidden costs that the consumer may be liable to pay. An example of this is the cost of what the insurer will bear when trying to find out who has or who does not have a valid title over the property. In some cases, these expenses may be taken off by the insurer, although they may still in one way or the other, be included into the premium that the consumer pays.

What Is The Cost Of Title Insurance?

There are no specific expenses if we have to look at what the various states may impose. Keep in mind that the state has the power to decide on what the consumer will have to pay or on what the insurer will charge for title insurance. For example, to protect an interest of about $180,000, the property owner will have to pay something between $700 in Maine to $1,400 in Texas.

Perhaps, the biggest title insurer in the United States and even abroad is First American Title Insurance Company. It controls almost up to a third of the title insurance industry, making the largest insurer under this domain. Perhaps, one of the reasons why they are the largest is that the quality of the services they render to the general public is more than excellent. Another reason might be that they are rich will all the capabilities to run all their policies.

A strong challenger in the title insurance scene is Fidelity National Financial, controlling about one quarter of the title insurance market. Thus, almost 60% of the title insurance market is controlled by just two insurers. If we have to think of the fact that the consumer should be given so many choices to select from, the type of consortium which these two insurers have made and their ability to influence the market may mean that consumers will be left with little or no choice.

What is the cost of getting title insurance? It has been realized that a surplus of about $15 billion is gotten from the premium that consumers pay. What is more interesting is that only 4% of this sum is given out to take care of claims. This will mean that insurers are charging the consumers very dearly. But again, they may have a good reason for this if we have to take into account the risk that is found in the uncertainty in which they insure, the procedure that they go through to verify that title is authentic and a lot more others. Remember that just the satisfaction derived from paying for a property over which no strings or claims are attached to is a simple reason to pay dearly for title insurance.

Discover more about identity theft in title insurance as well as learning the importance in inheritance and title insurance from the experts at http://www.titledefectpolicy.com, the premier resource portal on home property title insurance.

Five Years in Review - The Minneapolis Real Estate Market

Poised on top of the real estate mountain in 2003, it's hard to imagine so much change in the Minneapolis real estate market in the last five years. While the bubble has certainly burst and it's no longer a seller's market, key elements like long-term value of Minneapolis real estate as an investment and the quality of life available to residents has not changed. Even after five years of change, the world of Minneapolis real estate is still a great place to buy a home for you and your family.

2003 was a banner year for the housing market across the United States. In Minnesota, 39,440 people were gainfully employed in the real estate and rental industries with a combined annual payroll exceeding $1,237,000,000. Clearly, real estate was lucrative for sales professionals involved in the booming market. Sellers benefited from bidding wars over their homes. Houses could not be built fast enough to meet the exceptional demand for homes in the market.

Over the next two years, the strength of the economy and the housing market caused lenders to start granting adjustable rate mortgages and larger mortgages than people could actually afford. Lending practices got very loose as bankers were caught up in the housing market frenzy. Add the risky business of real estate speculation to the equation and it soon became clear that some of the growth in the housing market was built on shaky ground.

Builders and lenders wanted to continue the exponential growth of years past, and by 2006, it was clear that far too many new homes were sitting on the market unsold. New home building slowed to a stop by 2007, and because builders could not get new homes sold, the value of homes across the country started to drop. Analysts called it price adjustment for the over inflated selling prices of years past, but homeowners simply saw it as less value in their investments.

Once the dust settled in 2008, however, homeowners realized that although their homes had lost a bit of value, their homes were still solid investments. Compared with the performance of stocks and 401Ks, home equity was a solid place to put hard earned money for those willing to keep homes until the economy began to pick up speed.

While the past five years in Minneapolis real estate have been filled with drama, one thing a smart investor realizes: current prices in the housing market make this the ideal time to buy. Houses and condos that were once out of reach financially are now less expensive and ready to be purchased. In addition, the influx of one-time homeowners that now want to rent homes instead of paying over-inflated and financially dangerous mortgages makes this the ideal time to venture into rental property ownership. Rentals are a great way to invest and make money in the current economy.

The future is anyone's guess, but one thing is certain: Minneapolis real estate is one of the best ways to invest in your future. Over the long haul, it's sure to pay off; thanks to the strength and bright future of the city's schools, commerce and the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents.

Kevin Curtis is a licensed agent with RE/MAX Advantage Plus and The Minnesota Real Estate Team. The #1 Re/Max team in MN For 06, 07 & 08. Search for Minnesota and Minneapolis Real Estate and get ongoing insights into the Minnesota Real Estate market at MinnesotaPropertiesOnline.com.

What Are the Benefits of Using Private Lenders

When you are buying a home you want the best deal you can find. When you find the best deal you will have lower interest rates and sometimes lower payments with a longer pay back time. But finding a deal in today's economy may be hard to do for several reasons. It's harder now then it has been in the past to convince the banks and financial lenders that you are not a high risk and are worth the chance. Because of this reason you may want to consider using a private lender.

When using a private lender there is less paperwork and less time holding a meeting to discuss whether it is too risky to lend you money or not. The money decision is usually made within a few hours to a couple of days. This is a benefit to those seeking money because there is no fuss or hassle, but speed to purchase a property.

Private lenders do not spend their money on advertisement and to keep up their bank image. They are there to lend money and to make money for themselves so they are more willing to take a chance on you as an individual.

Another great reason for using a private lender is the fact that paying back a loan is very flexible. That is because they can work with you to decide the amount that is to be paid back and how long you can take to pay it off. This is very helpful to those who are borrowing for a short period of time or if they are borrowing a smaller amount. Some private lenders do not need monthly payments, but can structure loans so that no payment is needed until property is sold.

When you establish a business relationship with a private lender they soon know what you are capable of paying back and how long it usually takes you to pay it back. Of course you should always start off on the right foot when it comes to private lenders. You want to make sure that you meet your obligations with them so you can turn to them when you need more money or a larger loan for a longer period of time.

Make sure you do your research before you select a private lender for the first time. It's important that you protect your money as well. Be prepared to hand over some collateral for your first loan. You still have to prove you are a good risk even with private lenders.

Private lenders establish a relationship with you based on you as an individual. Financial institutions sometimes think of their customers as a number and leaves out the personalization that sometimes takes the pressure off of banking. Banking can be stressful and may take a length of time before the loan is approval.

Private lenders may not be right for you, but if you are in the market to borrow money, they may be worth at least talking to. Private lenders are there to help and you can have your money quick and easy, but just be careful.

http://www.hatladysellshouses.com

Real Estate - The Cost of Free Advice (And Can YOU Or YOUR Client Really Afford It?)

Chewing the Cud of Buyers Remorse So we're under contract and everything is going just as planned.

Charlotte NC real estate has continued to stay in the top five market nationally...prices are that of 6-7 years ago...and the deals abound...Lender Larry is on top of things and closing looks to be a walk in the park.

Then out of nowhere, the home buyers get the blues, and worry warts start to appear.

How did this happen? They were all excited just a week ago. Rooting around for the source of the remorse, I find the planted seed.

In their exuberance to spread the word they found a Curmudgeon. Some people like to rain on other people's parade.

Seems that an expert relative gave darth warnings about buying a home and all the supposed evil it brings. My clients acted as if they had watched a horror movie the night before.

Time to right the ship. After an hour of rehashing all the right reasons they chose their Charlotte home and pointing out it's value they began to relax. They said that the whole process had been a little emotional and were sorry about dumping their doubts on me. I told them it happens and that it is part of my job. I also told them if their relative had any questions, they could give me a call.

Is there such a thing as a well intentioned Curmudgeon? Maybe....but they better have all the information before plying their trade.

And the buyers?...did they close? You bet ! Just like in the movies, they rode off into the NC sunset.

So Beware of Free Advise...coming to an ear near you! The moral of that story: If you want advise on buying a home, you won't have to go far. There is a ton of free advise. Its everywhere. Unfortunately some of it may not prove to be very valuable.

There are people who have read about buying real estate, and other theorists, that are quick to pipe in.

Then, there are the well intentioned friends who bought a home a couple of years ago, eager to tell you what to do.

Of course we know family members always know best, although they may live in another state.

There is a reason why we hear this phrase repeated year after year: "you get what you pay for"

Free advise has little or no strings attached, but it can most certainly leave you vulnerable to misinformation, and at worst, feeling the pain of from listening only to Auntie Mame.

So today's word is ..."Professional"

How much does Professional advise cost you say?

The answer is: How much will it cost you, if you DO NOT use Professional Real Estate advise.

So here is my professional real estate advise to anyone getting ready to buy or sell a property. (and it's Free !)

Find a local Realtor(r) who has good credentials. That person will have the knowledge of the local market and the experience to advise and guide you. Going it alone, with post-it notes filled with advise, will certainly risk the outcome you desire.

And if its in my market, give us a shout...Charlotte NC Real Estate!

Stop by our Web Site and Begin your new home search. It will become your Tool Box for all your Charlotte NC Real Estate needs. Claude Cross, Broker/Owner Homes By Cross located in Charlotte NC.
http://www.homesbycross.com

Rent-To-Own Property

If you are worried that you income would never be enough for your next home, if you think you might not have access to mortgage finance, you can try a rent to own property. Rent to own is a real estate term, used to describe a contract between a seller and a renter, this contract stipulates that a renter is to pay certain amount of money as rent in lieu of a final or out-right purchase of a chosen property. Meaning the renter can stay in the property for a specific time paying rent but having the option to buy the property at a future time. The rent therefore will not be the market value of rents in that community. It will be much higher by a percentage. For instance 20% higher than the market value, which will make the renter to pay 120% instead of the 100% others are paying in that vicinity. The extra 20% will be targeted towards installment payment.

With this agreement you can have the joy of saving towards the purchase of your new home. While you and your family can actually enjoy the ambiance of the new vicinity you wouldn't have been able to enjoy.
The buyer can in the long run enjoy the capital appreciation of his new home, since he would be buying at cheaper rate years back. Another advantage is that the renter rental repayment may be fixed for the whole tenor of lease, thereby he would not be affected by the changes in rent.

Another merit of RTO is that you have ample time to make up your mind if you would buy the house or not. Its also affords you the opportunity to know the extent of the repairs and maintenance expenses you would incur on the property before purchasing it. It builds the credit worth of the buyer as he monthly deposit his rent to the seller. It builds the income of the seller.

Problems with RTO:

If in the long run you decide not to buy the home, you may forfeit the total sum you paid as well as the installment payments. This is a big disadvantage. A disadvantage to the seller is that the buyer can change his mind. So if you want to have a glimpse of pleasure a while as you build up your finances to buy a new home think about getting a rent to own property.

If you are thinking of buying a new home you need to check our exclusive homes in Litchfield Park AZ Realty Don't forget to check-out Maricopa AZ Homes

The Importance of Selecting a Real Estate Agent

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, or are interested in investing money in real estate, finding a professional agent is one of the most important decisions that you can make. When you find a talented, knowledgeable real estate agent, you can navigate complicated transactions with greater ease. Shopping around for property or other investment opportunities is made much easier by the aide of a good agent. Make finding one your first priority, and everything else will fall easily into place.

The first and most obvious way to go about finding a suitable real estate agent is through reputation. Ask the people who live within the area for referrals. If you know someone who has recently bought or sold property or other prime real estate, ask them about the agent that they used. Often, simply getting a referral from a trusted source is all you really need to hunt down the best agent for your needs. Also, there are often agents that will service other surrounding suburbs.

Look for referrals or find a good Real Estate Agent online -

If you are unable to get a good referral from someone you know, you should try researching the various possibilities online. Browse through local real estate websites, focusing on sites that are dedicated to properties in the area you are interested in. Try to get an idea about which agents specialize in the kinds of homes you are looking for. Try to discern what qualities are important to the agents that you research; for instance, does the agent seem to place a lot of importance on transparency and keeping their customers in the loop? Or do they seem to take a more commanding approach?

Arrange a face to face meeting with the most suitable agents. Come prepared with a list of questions about issues that matter the most to you. Always be prepared to ask a lot of questions ensuring you are using their expertise regarding a variety of topics such as investment opportunities. Quiz the agent on their local knowledge of the area. They should understand where the local shops are, the layout and dynamic of the local community and be able to recommend the best areas based on your current and future situation.

Choose a Real Estate that best suits your personality -

By sitting down face to face with a prospective agent, you can really gauge how well the dynamic between the two of you works. It is incredibly important to choose an agent who get along with well. If there is some unpleasant undercurrent between the two of you, then they are probably not a good option. You want to choose an agent with whom you are comfortable. You should agree with their overall viewpoints and philosophies, as well as the kinds of strategies they like to use.

You will know the right agent for you when you meet them. The dynamic between the two of you will be great, and they will impress you with their knowledge and expertise. Their experience and experience will allow you to feel at ease. With any luck, your real estate endeavours will be well served by the agent you select, and you will experience great success.

With professional real estate agents like Narangba Valley Real Estate, many people are considering North Lakes property and Deception Bay property when trying to break into real estate investing. These are, after all, prime locations. However, little success will be had without the help of proven real estate agents.

Firm Real Estate Investment Tips

The recent downfall of the stock market saw millions of people applying a greater insight analysis over their financial investments. We saw people losing their savings overnight and the retirement funds went into decline; for everyone who had invested their money in stocks and shares sounded very depressed. With the direct impact investors sought an immediate alternative for the asset classes other than the stock markets, so that they could decide where to invest their hard earned money. This criterion has brought about a global boom in the real estate markets and the property prices. Thus it has also brought about a rise in the real estate investors. For people who are thinking upon the fact that: are they too late to venture in the real estate markets, then this article will help you to know some of the key-points that you should not forgo when you are making your real estate investments.

Ensure you have profitable plans at hand: Now you might say that this is a quite easy task, but there are hundreds of people who analyze on this fact that are their plans are very much viable and profitable. When you examine any real estate market you will find people comparing the property values of different areas throughout the city. They make sure what the worth of their properties they buy is. The next thing that you need to be sure about is that: are you asking for a realistic rental rate or are you asking the rental rate that is for the property that is renovated once.

Assumptions are restricted: The moves in the real estate investments need to be sure and they are not driven by assumptions, I accept the fact that experience speaks a lot but try and make least assumptions in your deals. With regard to the tax laws everyone tends to assume that they won’t change but the way the tenants explain the situation that they are proud of the house and they think it is fair enough to take the first quotation. Hence it is important that you need to diligently discharge all your duties right from quoting a fair price for the property till checking thoroughly the returns that the accountant files for you. We all are aware that we need to stand upright for all your responsibilities and duties.

Consult an expert when you are in doubt: There are few people who consider themselves to be the master of all trades but human nature needs to acknowledge that they need to resort to a second opinion when in doubt. The analysis of real estate investments needs to be thought about right from the start of checking the structural soundness of the property till the legal laws for letting out your property. When you are in a doubtful situation or a waverly situation ensure that either you double check or consult an expert, you can take you out from mere assumptions.

Realistic value: For any real estate investor, it is important to understand that you set a realistic price for every property whether you are purchasing the property to rent it or thinking to renovate the property and then let it out. So ensure that you add the expenses along with the budget. Real estate investments require suitable involvement of time in detailing, what are the areas where the cost has to be invested and then you can arrive at a resistant proof budget with no last minute uninvited surprises.

The Art Of Real Estate Investing Is About People

Real estate investing is a wide area of learning as well as practical application of techniques in the market. You might be an experienced real estate investor but every time you realize the fact that there is still something to learn further and further. Then after a commitment of a small mistake, we repent on the fact that why somebody had not taught me about this. Hence we move on to the same topic that real estate investing scenario is a big field that cannot be mastered within one day. But there are a number of webinars, seminars and online options that are available these days and it is upto us how we select them. This article will provide you with some of the basics that should help you in not regretting on the fact “why didn’t I keep myself updated on this":

We all think that real estate is about properties, deals, financing; but as such we need to understand that no business merely exists with the things that are required for its mere functioning. What it involves is more than all these specified things are people.

Real estate investing cannot be learnt by merely our own actions, but we also need to understand from the actions of our competitors also. Like a child learns from his own mistakes, but for real estate investing you surely need to learn lessons from your mistake as well as be alert about what is happening with the competitors also. Learn from their mistakes also, so that you can have an overview about the mistakes that have to be avoided.

For instance let’s consider, a real estate investor made the first deal of his house. The house owner was an old woman whose husband had passed away recently and she wanted to move from state urgently to live along with her daughter and grand children. Her property was more than $15000, but she just directly stated that she merely wanted the balance of the property loan amount and $1000 to move out of the state by the end of the month. There were hundreds of real estate deals which had to be provided the right direction by the real estate investor, but the woman in this deal was just expecting speed in her transaction.

The woman made the real estate investor realize that real estate is not merely about properties, finance but it was about people. People do not necessarily want what the investor’s thinks they want. Hence, it is important that we ask them what are there expectations rather than just making assumptions on our own. The woman’s house was in a very good shape, she could have vacated the house after selling it for full value within two months. But what the woman was not motivated by money but what she wanted a very fast transactions. She just wanted to back the property behind her and move to someone dearer to her. We know that people are quite funny but we need to understand the fact that rather than simply making own assumptions, it would be beneficial to know what they want rather than our own assumptions. Then mutual consent could be reached after negotiations.

The 5 Step Process of Buying a Real Estate Deal

The first step in any evaluation process is first to obtain any of the necessary information about the property in order to eliminate any guesswork when analyzing deals. By taking some easy initial steps and establishing the appropriate systems it will eliminate any fears or risks. A lot of the initial “work” can be performed before even leaving your desk.

Step 1: The In-Office Evaluation

Before even leaving the comforts of your own house or office most of the initial evaluation can be done right at your desk. This first step can save you a lot of wasted time and energy. The first thing you want to do is look up the public record of the property. This information is usually available online and give you valuable information such as the style of the property, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, what the property value is assessed at, what the property was last sold for and sometimes even a picture of the property.

Step 2: Look up Comparable Properties

There are several websites available to the public that you can use to look up estimated property values but sometimes these may not always be completely accurate and should not be used as a final determining factor. The best way is to establish a relationship with a realtor who can look up comparable properties (comps) and what they have recently sold for. When looking up compass you will be able to determine both the “as-is” value of a property as well as the after repair value (ARV). You can look up properties that are currently listed, those that have expired and those that have sold. You can also compare the condition of these properties to the one you are evaluating as well as the similarity of neighborhoods.

Step 3: Property Walkthrough

After you have done your “in-office” evaluation it’s time to hit the pavement. You will need to evaluate the actual physical condition of the property. This will help you determine the as-is and after repair values. When you first meet the seller have them show you around the property, just let them know you are trying to get a general idea of how much work the property needs, if any. You should primarily be looking for major items that need work and that will quickly eat up a repair budget.

Step 4: Negotiating with the Seller

The first step when purchasing a deal is getting the property under contract at a price well below the market value. In this step successful communication is a necessity. You must be able to handle seller objections or it will break the deal. This will greatly increase your success. You should practice and prepare your responses to different objections you may face. This will help you avoid a costly learning curve if you know how to handle objections prior to be confronted with them.

Step 5: Contract Signing and Closing

Once you negotiate your purchase price with the seller the next thing to do is get it under contract. It’s best to use a standard purchase and sale agreement for your state or have your attorney draft one for you. Once you have the property under contract the next step is managing and executing the closing process. In this step it is important to keep a close eye on the details and don’t let anything slip through the cracks. It’s always a good idea to have a checklist in order to manage the various stages of the closing process. The various parties involved in the closing process include you, seller, attorneys, lenders, title companies, appraisers, and insurance brokers. It is very important that communication with all parties involved in this process be frequent and continuous. This will insure that nothing is left to chance and will allow for a smooth transaction.

How To Buy Real Estate with No Money Down

Buying real estate can be challenging in this market. Actually it can be challenging in any market. What if I could show you how you could buy a property without any money out of your pocket and without having to qualify for a bank loan? Do I have your attention? I will show you how you can buy property with no money down and not even a look at your FICO score. Is it easy? The end product is easy but the prep is a must. Lets be clear up front, a “No Money Down” deal does require money just not your money. Here are the steps you will need to do and follow in order to close a del with no money down. Preparation and homework are keys to buying a house with “No Money Down”.

1. Marketing: You must do marketing. Identify the type of property you want to buy. Research that type of property and where it exists and then you will need the names of the owners in that area. Do these sellers want to sell? You don’t know until you contact them. That is what your marketing is going to reveal. Your marketing should take the form of direct mail. It is the most effective and direct form of marketing you can do. You must research sellers in a particular neighborhood and mail postcards to them asking if they want to sell their property. The chance of you sending a postcard to them at the right moment the seller wants to sell is pretty small. That is why 1) you send many postcards (500 to 1500) and 2) you must send multiple times. You are in this for the long term so establish a marketing budget and monitor the results of each mailing. You should be willing to send postcards for at least 6 months to test your campaign.

2. Calls: After your marketing mailings have gone out, you will get sellers calling you. Most will be people who will wonder what you will offer. They are not serious. You need to identify these types of sellers or non-sellers immediately. Do not waste your time. A small percentage will be serious about selling their home; collect information about their property so you can start to put together an offer for them. The point of the call is to gather information and make an appointment. The appointment is made but is not confirmed. Confirmation requires research.

3. Research: This is a critical aspect of the real estate business. You are trying to establish the worth of a property that you will buy from past data. You need to establish the estimated repairs, carrying costs, resell costs and how you will sell the property. Research will give you these answers. It becomes a little easier after you have done it a few times. But having people on your Power Team will make the job easier. A Power Team is a group of individuals that work in the real estate industry and can support you. A realtor is a critical person. You can get information on sales, pending and listings in a particular area; a title company can confirm ownership of the property and a contractor can help with estimate of repairs. All this research will help you establish After Repair Value and an exit strategy. This will confirm if you go to the appointment or not.

4. Appointment: The appointment starts the buying process. You build rapport with the seller, review the condition of the property and present your offers for the property.

This is the preliminary work that is done to present a “No Money Down” offer. You are looking for a motivated seller (they must sell and quickly at a discount) or a seller with a property that is free and clear, they owe nothing on their property. I know that may be a foreign concept to you but they do exist. I have given you the outline of how to buy a property and it is the same in all cases. A no-money down deal is no different. You just have to be ready. Here is how we did it.

We had sent postcards to a particular group of homeowners – months ago. One of those sellers called us and told us that their tenant moved out of a house they owned and they did not want to be landlords any more. That is a great group of sellers – Absentee Owners that are tired of be landlord. We researched the property and found out that the seller owned the property free and clear. They had no loans on the property. This type of property gives us the most flexibility. Also the seller is use to receiving monthly income in the form rent and tenant problems and complaints. We structure our deals so the seller would continue to receive the payments but not the problems. We eliminate that problem.

Here are the offers we made to the seller, always make multiple offers. Offer #1) Purchase price: $130,000 with no money down and $500 principle only payment per month for 15 years; Offer #2) Purchase price $75,000 cash; Offer #3) Purchase price: $121,000 with $10,000 down and $275 per month principle only payments. The property was worth $130,000. Giving the seller full asking price and monthly payments was very appealing to them. Since the payments are principle only we are paying the principle down each month and lowers our risk on the deal. We pay $6,000 on the principle each year. This allows us to offer the property to a buyer for only a small mark-up and still make a good profit on the deal while maintaining cash flow. The seller took offer #1 and we put a small private money loan in the first position on the property to pull money out of the deal to pay closing costs, holding costs and repair costs.

“No Money Down” deals are out there. You find them by marketing to sellers with high equity and asking for the deals. We get a large percentage of NOs on these deals. We know that and are prepared for that. That is why you must have a follow-up campaign because sellers change their minds and what is a NO today may be a YES in the future.

Seller Financing to the Real Estate Rescue

Seller Financing to the Real Estate Rescue

Banks aren’t lending, sellers can’t sell and buyers can’t buy. Seller financing opens up huge pools of potential buyers who are willing to pay fair market value and above average interest rates to the seller who is willing to take payments instead of all cash at once.

Fifty percent of potential buyers today no longer qualify for conventional loans due to stricter lending guidelines being put into place as a result of the current mortgage meltdown and new government regulations. Many banks are still holding bad assets, which forces them to loan what little funds they do have to only their very best credit worthy buyers.

Owner financing has traditionally been used to purchase real estate that conventional lenders regard as non-conforming or difficult to liquidate in the case of foreclosure for a borrower’s failure to pay the note when due.

Owners have often carried back financing on:

• Unimproved land
• Recreational land
• Mobile homes w/land
• Farmland
• Rehabbed houses
• Property that didn’t conform to standard lending guidelines

In today’s tight credit markets, nice middle class homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties of all types are being added to the list of property types above that owners are privately financing.

What are some of the buyers’ advantages of seller financing?

• Less stringent loan qualifying process
• Flexibility of price & terms
• No origination or junk fees
• No points or private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Marginal credit isn’t a deal killer
• No four property limit restrictions on investors
• Down payments can be motor homes, boats, cars or anything of value that the seller is willing to accept as consideration in the deal
• No prepayment penalties which allows buyers to eventually refinance with a conventional lender in favor of lower interest rates and longer terms once their credit standing improves



Who would consider owner financing their property?

• Older people with substantial equity who do not need a lump sum but would rather have monthly payments while earning higher rates of interest and minimizing capital gains taxes
• Property that needs serious repair that banks won’t loan on
• Property acquired through wills that may be a burden or in a distant state
• People who can’t afford to maintain the property they do have
• Tired landlords & other “don’t wanters” of various types
• People who need to sell fast in down markets
• People who have been transferred or are maintaining two homes
• People facing foreclosure (you could make up the payments in default)
• Vacant property

Don’t be afraid to ask a seller why they’re selling and what they’ll be using the money for; inform them that the reason you are asking is to see if they would be interested in being the bank by owner financing. Let them know that this method may allow you to pay full price but lower interest, etc. It will be your job to show the seller the benefits of considering your suggestions while proving to them that you are a very low risk buyer.

Explain to the seller that they can earn 7, 8 or 9% interest on their equity and avoid hefty capital gains tax instead of cashing out and getting 1 or 2% by putting excess cash in a bank account. You could even offer to pay all closing costs which will be much less than a traditional loan. Who knows, you may be able to trade other property, vehicles, pay off their existing debts, etc. to satisfy down payments or some or all of the principle. You won’t know unless you ask! (You as the buyer are currently in charge in today’s markets.)

Prepare to prove yourself as a low risk borrower with a firm grasp of responsibility and financial ability by preparing a statement that begins to answer these questions:

• How much you have or what you have to offer as a down payment
• Provide income statements, credit reports, employment history
• Provide assets and liabilities accounting, i.e. all sources of income, outstanding judgments, liens, credit card debt, car payments, child support, etc.
• An idea as to price or terms that you are willing to offer
• Present a repayment schedule with maturity date
• Detail contingencies and late fees
• Address any other seller remedies and assurances in event that you default
• Provide references, current and past favorable housing history with contact info

Sellers should seek to verify everything submitted in the application process and strive to get as large a down payment as possible. Both parties should use a real estate attorney to ensure the paperwork is done properly in addition to obtaining a seller’s mortgage insurance policy to protect against title defects in the future.

A few more tips for the seller are to work hard to create a very solid and verified buyers note. This promise to pay can be sold to note brokers for 80-90% of face value if the note is correctly constructed, seasoned and so forth. Seek to create a quality financial instrument backed by well cared for property.

The Seven Best Ways on How to Get Real Estate Investing Deals

If you are new to real estate investing, you are probably wondering “where am I going to find my first real estate deal”? There are actually a number of very effective methods you can use. Below I will touch on 7 different methods to find deals. They are a pre-foreclosure listing service, major newspapers, post cards & fliers, bandit signs, MLS, a realtor, and a wholesaler.

Method one is to purchase a list of pre-foreclosure homes from a listing service. Here are just four such services: Foreclosure.com, RealtyTrac, Default Research, and ForclosureS.com. However, one of the drawbacks to a listing service is the cost. Also, be aware that some services have more recent information than others.

Another method would be to look into the classified ads section of major Newspapers. Their classified sections are on the web. You want to search the ads to find words such as “divorce”, “desperate”, “must sell” or “estate sale” to name just a few examples of keywords that indicate the seller is desperate. Think of some on your own and have fun with it.

Another method would be to send Postcards and fliers to targeted homes. However, it is highly advisable that you find someone who can do what is called good copywriting. Good copywriting is combining words, fonts, phrases, pictures, a call-to-action, etc. that will compel your potential home buyers to call your number. Make sure you do this type of marketing correctly otherwise you will be wasting your hard earned money.

Method number four is the use of bandit signs. A bandit sign is a small sign that is posted near major streets with a simple phrase to let home owners know that you buy houses quickly. Don’t forget to have your phone number listed in large letters, so distressed owners know who to call. Just be aware that in many places bandit signs are not allowed.

Another method that is more obvious is to look for a real estate investing deal is the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), however, you must be a licensed real estate agent in order to gain access to the MLS database. A word about the MLS, I know some real estate investors who swear by it and I know others who say it’s not worth your time. Who’s correct? Well, believe it or not, both are right. If you are a licensed agent who can jump on a property that is a good deal when it is put on MLS, you have a good chance to finds deals, otherwise, it will be more difficult.

Method six is to enlist the help of a realtor. If you don’t know anyone who is a realtor, you can find those who work with real estate investors, just by going to realtor.com. You will need to find a realtor who is willing to work with you and to email you a listing with your criteria. What sort of criteria do you use to search for a property? Again look for words like “divorce”, “desperate”, “must sell”, “condemned”, “gutted”, “mold” and any other word that would be undesirable for regular buyers, but a potential deal for a real estate investor.

Finally, there is another method that is simple, yet very effective. Get your deal through what is called a wholesaler. A wholesaler is one who controls or purchases a property at a deep discount and passes the savings on to you, the real estate investor. They typically send the deal right to your email box where you can read about the deal, do your due diligence and then make an offer.

So, as you can see there are various methods that you can use to find your deals. You may be wondering how may deals does it take before an offer is accepted? Well, I know many who say there is a 100-10-1 rule. It says it takes looking at 100 deals to make 10 offers to get one accepted. Choose a method or better yet, a set of methods that works for you and your budget.

Realtor Safety: Don’t Trust Your Instincts

Nearly every page of safety tips on the Internet tells Realtors to “trust their instincts”. To a great degree, this advice is sound. The part of us that is not involved in the rituals of everyday life takes stock of people’s behavior and alerts us if there seems to be something “wrong”. However, this only works as far as the behavior of the potential predator that we may be allowing into our open house or taking to tour an empty property. Many human predators are skilled at mimicking the behavior and speech patterns of people who are genuinely focused on what you are selling.

Realtors are in a high risk profession for being put in compromising situations with potential predators. Many Realtors operate solo, meaning they are holding open houses and conducting home tours for complete strangers. Right now, the foreclosure crisis is making predators aware of the large number of empty homes and the professionals who tour them – alone. Being alone in a house with a predator in a neighborhood of foreclosures can be just as dangerous as going with them in a car to a remote field.

Predators are people, which is to say that the same thing that drives the rest of us drives them as well. It’s hard to equate someone who seeks to do violence to other people with someone who wants a good rate on their mortgage and worries about whether to replace the siding with wood or vinyl. A rapist can be someone who wants to buy a home. Just because he is stalking with the intent to rape does not mean that he cannot have all the right body language and questions right up to the assault.

Instincts are excellent early warning signals, but they have no intellect to direct them. If someone is behaving like a buyer whose only thought is whether the third bedroom will be big enough to fit a home office in, you have no defense except for your intellect. The venue may be open, the person may be showing all the signs of being sincere, but without the safety of their information and perhaps even someone to accompany you to a home showing, you are still not as “safe” as you think you are.

Never go anywhere alone with someone who has not been completely checked out by your office. Nice looking people with great cars can rob and beat people too. Don’t put a great store in how a person is dressed or what they drive (or don’t). A person’s apparent social class does not exempt them from the possibility of being a victimizer any more than it makes them into one. Insist on getting a copy of their identification, vehicle license plates and other identifying features. Being qualified for a mortgage is another good sign that this person’s intentions are on the up-and-up.

Don’t entirely trust your instincts without consulting your intellect as well. If common sense says it’s risky to be alone with a complete stranger without anyone knowing who s/he is and where to find him/her, then put your desire for a home sale on the back burner. A genuine buyer will understand that your safety comes first and be willing to work with your policies concerning your own safety.

5 Key Ideas You Need to Consider Looking for New office space

As we start a business, looking for an office that has the amount of space we need to be productive is crucial. We must be cautious, looking for only the amount of space we need to function properly. There is no reason to pay more for what you aren’t going to use.

• Finding an Office: If you are a starting business, note how much office space you’ll need now and eventually. You will need space to put any files that will acquire for your business. You will need file cabinets where your files will be store. Plenty of desks for current and new employees that are soon to come. Will you have a waiting room where clients can sit? What type of furniture will you have?

• Visualization: It’s important that your business has plenty of exposure to people driving by your office. What kind of marketing will you use to catch their eye? How will you design your office so people who visit will think that you are professional and someone they want to do business with?

• Corporate Offices: When your company reaches a point where it can have a corporate office, corporate real estate will become a key factor in finding corporate headquarters. Do you want these offices to be near your current office? When looking in corporate real estate, be sure that we take the first two steps into account. They apply to any office you plan to open; corporate or commercial.

• Leave Room to Expand: Moving your offices is costly. Make sure that the first office you have leaves plenty of room to expand. As you become more successful, more people will want your services. Make sure you have enough office spacefor new employees to help with your newly acquired work load. The same goes for your corporate real estate. The employees you already retain know your business in and out. They will be the ones training your new employees.

• Relax: Moving into a new office or upgrading to a bigger office is stressful. Not only are you trying to manage the time and money into movie, you are also trying to keep the business running. Stress in this situation is inevitable, but there are ways to prevent. There are plenty of companies out there whose focus is helping you with these kinds of decision. Unnecessary stress is just that.

Remember all of these elements when moving your new business. Knowing how much office space you’ll need for your furniture and employees is important. Your offices and corporate real estate need to look and feel professional. Leave room to expand your business. Having to move your business because you do not have enough space for the two employees you just hired isn’t worth it. The business you could lose during the movie on top of what it already costs to move is just silly.