Get The Best Beginners Investing Tips

Maximizing Profit With Real Estate Investment

Real estate investment may prove to be extremely profitable and satisfying if done with proper planning, concentration and knowledge. Real estate agents can prove to be very helpful for this purpose.

Real estate investment has been treated as one of the major cases of budgeting capital with the use of up to date investment analysis incorporating future streams of income that it is able to generate and the related adjustments of risks. It has been in the highlight as many investment theorists have extended analysis to techniques since 1970's such as money's time value, probability and utility.

Basically, real estate is defined as any immovable property like buildings and land. From a business point of view, investing in real estate can be extremely attractive as it is able to generate cash flow in the form of rent, business venture, resale amount and cash savings upon tax-deductible rate of interest losses.

Real estate of an individual includes the property in which he or she resides in and other properties owned through which rental income is accrued. It may also be associated with the appreciation that comes in the property's value in the form of capital gains.

Things to consider before investing
The foremost thing that you should consider before making your real estate investment is whether you can afford the property or not. If you want to take a loan to make your investment, make sure that you will definitely be able to repay it within time. Even if you are purchasing the property outright on cash, make sure that you do not render yourself in financial crisis after investing such a large sum of money.

Next, you should consider the purpose of your real estate investment. If it is intended for yourself or your family as a residential property, you need to check out all the papers and other formalities regarding the property and also consider road, electricity and water connectivity. Other things you should look into include schools, markets, shops and other necessities present in the nearest neighbourhood.

The e-book available over the Internet will guide you on how to check the property for any necessary repairs and renovations. If you are making your investment for business purpose, look into its future prospects as per its previous appreciation or depreciation.

Learning to make sound investment
The ebooks on real estate investment include tips and strategies of experienced investors who have practical hands-on experience in this field. It will guide you on how to finance your loan and communicate with other parties to earn a profitable deal.

Getting knowledge from this professional, qualified and experienced will assist you in finding and securing the property that you had always desired for and make a wise real estate investment decision.

With these ebooks on real estate investment, you can make massive profits in real estate market irrespective of the fact that you area a novice or an experienced realtor. These ebooks are easily accessible on the Internet and can fetch you both short-term and long-term benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Access the easily available e-book and start making profits out of the business of real estate.

by Matt20 Gerchow20

Why Investors Are Still Buying Property in Dubai

Some doomsayers are warning that the property boom in is now over, thanks to an oversupply of property in Dubai. While this may indeed be the case across some parts of the emirate, certainly as far as apartments are concerned, overall demand for property in Dubai, which initially stimulated international appetite for UAE real estate, reportedly continues to outstrip supply.

Property in Dubai has witnessed robust growth over the past few years, since the Dubai government developed a strategy aimed at encouraging foreign investment, supported by the liberalisation of foreign freehold ownership of property in Dubai.

The decree was officially issued by the then Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum in 2002, and stems from the emirate's desire to reduce its reliance on oil, and to diversify its economy into the financial services and tourism sectors.

With prices of property in Dubai generally low and payment terms rather favourable, the government sparked a wave of mass investment in property in Dubai from investors from all around the world.

This in turn led to increasing levels of new developments and regeneration. In fact, the plans for the emirate are truly remarkable and the state's pockets are seemingly bottomless.

Dubai's awesome skyline is rapidly expanding, as it is one of the fastest growing cities in the world - a true global hub for large businesses.

The volume of investments in new property in Dubai is expected to reach well in excess of £100 billion by 2020.

Capital growth
Prices of property in Dubai have appreciated significantly over the past few years, as demand has far exceeded supply. This has typically attracted a surge of speculators - many of which have traded in off-plan property in Dubai - buying and selling title deeds, long before ground has even broken on a new development, otherwise referred to as 'flipping'. This is not uncommon in an emerging market, as it can prove to be a highly lucrative, high risk, way of making money.

Average prices of property in Dubai's 'Marina Terrace', for example, constructed by Damac, have appreciated by well in excess of 200 per cent since the development was launched in 2002.

Residential units in 'The Waves', also located in Dubai Marina, have appreciated by over 160 per cent per cent since its launch, also in 2002.

Cluttons Middle East reports that the average price of property in Dubai stood at between £90 to 100 per square foot in 2004. Today, that figure stands at close to £250 per square foot.

Alex Upson of Cluttons Middle East says: "A one-bedroom apartment in The Greens sold by the developer in 2004 for approx £75,000. Today the same unit changes hands at £250,000."

Although capital growth has now generally slowed, average prices of property in Dubai continue to grow at an impressive rate, currently appreciating at annual rate of around 15 per cent per year, according to Middle East business provider, AME Info. However, with so many off-plan projects now nearing completion, there is a genuine fear that there may soon be an oversupply of property in Dubai and that the phenomenal level of growth recorded in the past cannot be sustained.

Not so, according to some market experts. "Investors who enter the market now will be able to snap up a property in Dubai for far less than if they wait until a later date, says an AME spokesperson. "Furthermore, buying property in Dubai early will allow owners to enjoy considerable capital appreciation.

"Sitting on an asset that is rising in value makes obvious sense. The boom in property in Dubai is far from over, as all the drivers of growth in the market are firmly in place." Upson supports these views, adding that the residential market remains "very active", due to growing demand for property in Dubai from end-users. "If buyers are looking for growth then current demand appears to be exceeding supply and prices continue to rise," he says. "However, we urge caution and always recommend thorough research into comparable property prices and developer history. Delays in delivery should be expected."

Construction delays are one of the biggest risk factors of buying property in Dubai. Earlier this year Middle East developer Rakaa Properties estimated that 40 per cent, or $160 billion (£79.5 billion) worth of total construction projects in Dubai have so far been suspended, due to rising material costs, which in part is fuelling soaring inflation levels. Construction delays are also holding up the supply of property in Dubai, which could very well culminate in further capital growth over the coming years.

In fact, 57,000 properties in Dubai were due for completion last year, and yet only 11,000 residential units were actually delivered, according to Peter Riddoch of Damac Properties.

Nevertheless, the volume of land being purchased in the emirate is increasing - up 170 per cent in 2007 to reach $48 billion (£24billion), illustrating the fact that there are plenty more developments in the pipeline. Much of this land is being purchased by Britons, who are now the leading foreign owners of land in Dubai, according to a report compiled by the Dubai Land Department.

Major developments
Nakheel, which is currently constructing The World, among other projects, has announced that it plans to build the 'Universe'. The project, which will be situated off the coast of Dubai, in between Palm Deira and Palm Jumeirah, will take up to 20 years to construct.

Other spectacular projects recently announced or already under construction, include the £395 million Palazzo Versace, Trump International Hotel & Tower on Palm Jumeirah, and the world's first rotating tower, the latter scheme, an 80-storey skyscraper, will see each floor spin around a central core, offering residents an ever-shifting view of the Persian Gulf.

Buy-to-let
Anyone wishing to invest in buy-to-let property in Dubai should expect to achieve an annual rental yield of eight to ten per cent, according to Riddoch. However, investors in rental property in Dubai should avoid prime developments, as they tend to offer relatively low rental returns.

The greatest returns from rental property in Dubai can be found in The Palm Jumeirah and Old Town Burj Dubai, according to UAE estate agency Asteco.

However, the largest rental increases are being recorded in the cheaper areas in and around International City. Comparable data shows that the greatest annual rental increase of property in Dubai has been recorded in International City, where average two-bedroom apartments have appreciated by 36 per cent year-on-year.

The declining cost of finance to buy a property in Dubai could yet boost the market further. This is because the UAE Dirham (AED) is fixed to the US dollar, which means that the currencies do not fluctuate against each other and remain fixed at one value. Consequently, the UAE Central Bank has to follow US interest rates, which currently stands at 2.25 per cent. This effectively devalues the local currency, it also lowers the cost of borowing money to buy property in Dubai, which can lead to higher property investment returns.

Moving forward it's almost impossible to forecast what will happen to the market for property in Dubai. The sheer volume of new homes coming onto the market suggests that it's not long until there is an oversupply of property in Dubai, if not already the case. However, the emirate has one of the fastest growing populations in the world.

It's reported that up to 857 people are moving to Dubai every day, totalling some 5,000 per week. In fact, Peter Riddoch of Damac Properties estimates that around 60,000 people will be looking to purchase property in Dubai this year. He also reports that Dubai's workforce, which currently stands at around two million will grow to around five million by 2015, undeterred by the likely introduction of VAT next year.

One thing is for sure - Dubai will keep growing.

by Marc Da-Silva

Unsecured Personal Loans: For Those Who Have No Collateral To Offer!

We've all heard of the importance of collateral when it comes to taking a loan. It is this collateral that puts the hesitance of taking loans in us. Additionally for those of us who have no collateral to offer, does it mean we have no option in case we meet a financial crisis? Hold on—this time the answer's NO! There are Unsecured Personal Loans to help us!

Unsecured Personal Loans are a tenant's best friend. Not only tenants; in fact, anyone in need of financial assistance, with no collateral to offer tends to befriend Unsecured Personal Loans; for example, students, non homeowners, etc. Being unsecured means not compelled to offer collateral.

Collateral is any asset offered by the borrower to assure a lender of repayment. It usually takes the form of your home, vehicle, jewellery, bank account, etc. Higher the value of your collateral, better and more flexible are the loan terms and conditions offered to you. So what happens now when collateral isn't required? Does it mean no flexible terms and conditions?

“Yes and no!" —Unsecured Personal Loans do not offer the best possible options. These are loans meant solely for individuals who have no collateral to offer. To compensate for the absence of collateral, lenders hike interest rates, minimize loan amounts and shorten repayment terms, tightening the repayment schedule for all borrowers availing them. This is justified because no lender in his right frame of mind would approve a loan when he has no assurance of repayment from the borrower.

This is why Unsecured Personal Loans have more stringent terms and conditions compared to Secured Personal Loans. At the same time, if you scan the market well and search for the right lender, you can most certainly find a loan that offers better options than other unsecured loans.

Unsecured Personal Loans encompass a whole lot of options that you can choose from. Your repayment potential is often determined by your past financial records, i.e. your credit history. You need to have an excellent credit record to obtain the best opportunity. Additionally, to better your position, you must be in full-time employment and you must have few or no outstanding payments. These essentials differ from lender to lender and so you need to offer your lender exactly what he needs.

Unsecured Personal Loans approve loan amounts that extend up to $15,000. Your credit score determines how much actually gets approved. A typical loan term or repayment term for Unsecured Personal Loans extends up to 10 years only. This is a very limited range when compared to the “up to 30 years" for secured loans. A lender wants his money returned as soon as possible. This is typically why he shortens your loan term.The interest rate offered on Unsecured Personal Loans is much higher than that offered on secured loans due to the absence of collateral.

It may seem a little unfair. But if you put yourself in your lender's shoes and have nothing to bank on when your borrower defaults in his payments, then you'll definitely understand the restricted options.

If your do your rounds well enough, choose your Unsecured Personal Loan from the right lender, select a loan tailored to your pocket and stick to your repayment schedule, then Unsecured Personal Loans are simply perfect! They are all you can ever ask for. Ultimately, it's not what the loan offers but what you make of it that really matters...!

Where to Find Cheap Property for Sale in France

The Basque Country and beyond
With direct, low-cost flights into Biarritz and Pau (plus Bilbao, across the Spanish border), the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département is easily reached from the UK. Most visitors are familiar with bourgeois Biarritz and its chic, art deco architecture, but beyond the cosmopolitan town is a less-populated landscape of palm-fringed coast, rolling green countryside, white-water rivers, forests and mountain peaks, where the thermometer rarely dips below six degrees Celsius.

To the north of the county, the Landes area encompasses pine forests and vast, deserted beaches; one of France's least-populated areas, it is perfect for property hunters craving unspoilt scenery. “Property for sale on the coast will always command high prices, but head half an hour inland and there are vast farms with land starting from €550,000," says Julia Troccaz of Beyond Biarritz. “Basque farmsteads traditionally housed both family and livestock, so this kind of property comes with huge amounts of living space; villages like Sare, Ascain and Espelette are attractive, well-kept, and still relatively near the Atlantic."

Farms to be renovated cost from €300,000 (£240,000), but remember to factor in the work needed to render the property habitable; materials and labour are expensive here, according to Troccaz, who suggests that the best buys to be had in Landes are directly inland from the popular resorts of Capbreton and Hossegor: “Prices of property for sale in Landes are lower than around Biarritz, because there's more available land, yet the access is still incredibly good; you can be 15 minutes inland but only 20 minutes from Biarritz airport, five minutes from the motorway, and 25 minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz."

Budget upwards of €500,000 (£397,000) for a renovated Landaise farm with around 6,000 square metres of land.

Lozere - the road less travelled
Down on the Mediterranean coast, the region of Languedoc-Roussillon is made up of five administrative departments, of which only one - Lozère - lacks a coastline. This hilly, land-locked area of long, winding roads has low visitor numbers and an even lower profile, particularly when it comes to British property buyers (figures released last year classified Lozère as the French département with the lowest number of overseas-property owners, qualifying the presence of Johnny Foreigner as “insignificant.")

This authentically French spot is also very quiet: French news magazine L'Express and its 2007 “Best Places to Live in France" survey voted Lozère the ideal retirement destination, by dint of its unspoilt landscapes, quiet roads, and low pollution and crime rates. It has a small population (around 73,500, which works out as 14 locals per square metre), and arguably not much in the way of cultural infrastructure (the area is ranked 94th out of 96 on this particular point), but Lozère is undeniably well suited to those in search of a quiet, safe base, and property for sale in Lozère comes cheap.

The L'Express survey ranks Lozère as the seventh least-expensive area to buy property in.

Alex Charles of Crème de Languedoc comments: “You won't find much opportunity for capital growth or rental potential, but Lozère's property market offers great value, and its large, stone-built properties are perfect for self-sufficient types with the necessary know-how. Your money will go further here than in the Languedoc's busier southern areas of Gard and Hérault. A budget of €242,000 (£192,000) buys a two-bedroom stone property set in 1.5 acres [over half a hectare] of land in the Cévennes national park, which would be ideal for nature lovers; or, for twice the price we're selling a vast, five-bedroom, renovated farmhouse with outbuildings, with an acre [just under half a hectare] of ground near the village of Florac."

Cognac - Tipped to rise
The Charente area sits amid the undulating countryside and forests of western France's Poitou-Charentes region, and has been in the spotlight recently for two reasons.

Firstly, some of the world's most famous brandy is produced in the Charente town of Cognac, and sales of this precious tipple reached a new all-time high in 2007. With business booming, the cherry on the cake for locals was the opening, in spring this year, of the new Angoulême-Cognac airport, with direct flights to London Stansted.

"It's bound to have a positive effect on the property market in and around Cognac and Jarnac," says Graham Downie, a property search agent who tips this part of western France to soar. “There are several reasons that make the Cognac area worth a look: it has a very convenient location, within striking distance of four airports, and only five and a half hours by train from London; the cognac industry makes it an affluent area popular with tourists, who come to visit Rémy Martin, Hennessy, Martell and Courvoisier, which means it's lively year-round; and the thriving local economy spells good news for property owners and investors alike."

Figures released in June 2008 show that of the nine areas that make up Poitou-Charentes, property for sale in Charente has the most accessibly priced dwellings, and its traditional stone properties will appeal to property buyers with a penchant for character property. According to Downie, a two-bedroom townhouse within five minutes' walk of Cognac's main square can be picked up for around €120,000 (£95,000), while €200,000 (£159,000) bags a three-bedroom stone property in a nearby village, with a small garden and easy access to shops and restaurants. For an imposing four- to six-bedroom property with pool, walled garden and vineyard views (the kind coveted by many UK property buyers), allow €300,000 to €450,000 (£240,000 to £355,000); in the lively market town of Jarnac (home to the house of Courvoisier), a three-bedroom property in immaculate condition, with pool and garden, is selling for just under €400,000 (£318,000).

by Louise Taylor

Property Investors! Are You Under Pressure?

As the credit crunch bites, fixed rates come to an end, and cash flow dries up, more and more investors are feeling the squeeze. Countless investors I talk to are finding things tough with several even going back to work full time, and only last week a high profile lead provider was in the spotlight on the forums as his Ready Made Deal partner went into liquidation. These things are never nice to hear but will, I fear, become more commonplace in the months ahead.

Whether we are individually 'hurting' yet or not, this is a wake up call to us all. It is all too easy to get complacent when cash flow is rolling OK and the feel good factor of easy money is around. But as they say, the only thing we can be certain of is 'change' and the successful people are those that are prepared for and adapt to changing conditions.

If you are 'hurting' or feel that you will be shortly then PLEASE make sure your head is not in the sand and take some action NOW! I remember several years ago when I got made redundant again and things got on top of me as it took me 8 months to find work. I continually felt so overwhelmed and I will never forget the feeling of instant relief when I faced up to the mess we were slipping into and TOOK ACTION. It was an unbelievable feeling of the proverbial weight being taken off of my shoulders and there was far more help around than I ever imagined once I faced up to the fact that I needed it - understanding listeners to talk to, experienced people to advise and guide, clear sighted help from an independent viewpoint who could see through the fog when I couldn't.

As I have said many times in the past, property can be a lonely business at the best of times but even more so if you are struggling and not facing up to it. Confide in a partner, trusted friend or mentor. Speak to your creditors as early as possible to put them in the picture and gain their support and understanding. Look at all possible income sources and brainstorm ways to raise capital or generate extra income. Its incredible how resourceful we can all be when we put our minds to it and it can be surprisingly good fun too. It is also important to look at ways to reduce your outgoings to help bridge the cash flow gap - both personally and in your businesses.

On a brighter note its certainly not all doom and gloom out there with many BMV bargains still to be had out there and more financing options available. The biggest stumbling block is still the lenders themselves but that is an issue we cannot control, and why those who have looked after their cash reserves in anticipation of this market will be doing the deals that others can't.

Work Less and Earn More

Perhaps, the most protracted parts of property management are the synchronization of rent gathering and increases. So as to abridge your property management for superior profitability, focus on the listed three items first:

1) Rent should be due on the first day of the month. Some people gather rent founded on when during the first month an occupant or tenant moved into the place. This is a disastrous tactic. Knowledgeable property managers will tell you to at all time pro-rate the rent of the first month and then gather all upcoming rents on the first of the month.

2) Raise rent on all leases at restitution. When signing the lease, it should be implicit that rents will ascend at the ending of the lease period. The best way out is to make the resident or tenant agree to the increase in rent in their original lease. People are usually excited to get a new place and usually agree to the raise on the rent by say $50 after a year from now.

3) Raise all month-to-month payments at the same time. If you utilize a rigid lease period with the inhabitant having an alternative of pulling out on a month to month basis, then plan all increases at the same time. By this means you can send out a blanket letter to all residents fitting in that category. This is a way of making everyone feel equal as when a whole group of people receive the same notice they do not feel singled out for the increase. What is more is that it is easier to modify your bookkeeping/billing program one time per year for this function than multiple times. Additionally, if you decide intelligently what time of year to put into practice these enhances, less people would be going away from your place because of the supplementary rent for the reason that they will be too active to look for a different place, the weather would either be too hot or too cold, or they will wish to have stable holidays. The lifestyle of your residents would give you a fair idea about the best time of the year.

If you develop your business to take benefit of this kind of management process in a methodical manner, you will discover that property management is not as hard or time consuming as is generally believed. Property Management can be a magnificent and money-spinning part of the business.

Taking Care Of Your Property

Taking Care Of The Property

Living in a rental property brings up questions of how to care for the residence. The property should be treated with respect and free of intentional damage, of course, there are areas where the renter might not be sure of their responsibility or privileges in their position as the tenant. An agreement will, in most instances, clearly state answers to any questions. The agreement will point out what the leasing companys and the renters responsibilities are.

Care for the Property Like it Is Your Own

The idea behind treating a rental property like your own home is appropriate but in reality often times will not be true. You should treat it in the same manner you would if it were your own home. Simply, this means the renter should not do damages intentionally or neglect repairs needlessly. Often this will not happen because the renter is not free to do modifications without permission through the contract.

Obtain Assistance from the Manager

The manager of a rental property is there for the renter to get assistance when repairs are needed. These repairs that fall under the contract might include plumbing needs such as clogged drains, fixing or replacing broken appliances and installing new lighting fixtures. The contract will specify what items are the responsibilities of the property owner or manager, even if the renter is able to perform the repairs themselves. Renters can be held liable for damages if they attempt to fix the items themselves. Although the renter may be capable of performing some or all of these actions, the agreement may specify these items are the responsibility of the property owner or manager. Renters who make an attempt to fix these items may be held legally responsible for damages that can crop up during these attempts.

Agreements can imply, simply by leaving out certain items, what the renter is responsible for. Usually these are small items such as replacing light bulbs or something like that. The renter is allowed to make the changes needed in these instances. If the agreement states the manager will handle certain types of complaints, the renter should let the management know quickly.

Manager Complaints

Occasionally the manager of a rental property does not respond to complaints from renters. Situations brought to the attention of the manager are often not dealt with. The renter can bring complaints against the manager to the attention of the supervisor of the manager. The responsiveness of the manager to address repairs and concerns is necessary for the safety for the tenants. When the manager fails to do so, the tenants should not be afraid of retaliation for reporting the lack of care. The contract specifies the rights of the renter to complain to higher authority when the quality of service is not satisfactory.

When you live in a rental property, you often have questions on how the maintenance of the residence should be handled. The property should be treated with respect. The contract will specify the types of maintenance each party is responsible for. When repairs or problems are needed, a renter needs to report them to the manager. The manager is responsible for addressing and fixing any possible problems in a timely manner. When those complaints are not met by the manager, or satisfactorily addressed, the supervisor should be contacted.

Green Property Management

As spring approaches, many cities and towns will celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is a day that is set-aside for people to recognize the beauty of the Earth and to try to minimize the impact we have on it. Earth Day celebrations often include booths that have information about Earth friendly products, and services. Many booths will include information on how you can become more Green. Music is usually included in many Earth Day celebrations and of course there is always food. People gather together to show their respect for the planet we live and love on.

Being more Green is a very hot topic right now in the news and media. It seems that everyone from soda pop to soap to light bulbs to cars are getting the Green treatment. Jumping on the Green bandwagon shows that you are trying to be responsible in your treatment of the Earth. One industry that is getting on the Green train is the self storage industry. Property management companies that own self storage facilities are seeing Green. Some self storage sites that are owned by property management companies are looking over their existing sites to see where they can improve in the Green department. Here are some things that property management companies can do to help their self storage sites be a better place in this world.

Putting lights on timers and motion sensor switches to avoid prolonged usage
Using Earth friendly chemicals for melting ice and snow and fertilizing the grass
Using Earth friendly pest control chemicals to knock down those pests
Reduce office paper consumption
Recycle office paper, and aluminum cans
Collect rainwater or use reclaimed water for watering plants and grass in your green areas
Plant more trees, grass and flowers around your property
Switch to more energy efficient light bulbs
Utilize rooftop space for solar panels
Hiring property management companies that have a Green plan

These are just a few of the many things that property management companies can do for their properties. You do not have to be some long haired tree hugging type person to believe in doing what is right for the environment and the planet. Many people are seeing the impact that people have on the Earth and they want to stop it. Many property management companies have self storage sites that look barren and industrial. But what if property management companies wanted to build a self storage site that was full of greenery and laid out to be very pleasing to the eye? Some property management companies are trying to get away from the old industrial gray building style and going to the trendy, hip looking self storage site. These newer or refurbished self storage sites can easily fit on the outskirts of a neighborhood or nestled next to an elementary school. Property management companies do not have to be ugly to be functional. Functional can be hip and it can be Green.

So, in recognition of Earth Day, try to find property management companies that are doing their part to save the Earth. If we all can do a little it will turn out to be a lot. Jumping on the Green bandwagon is a way to feel good about what you are doing to save the planet we call Earth. Do your part!

Online Real Estate/Property Search:Making us smarter

"The notion that the world's knowledge is literally at your fingertips is very compelling and is very beguiling."
--Vint Cerf, Internet pioneer

Terabytes of easily accessed data, always-on Internet connectivity, and lightning-fast search engines are profoundly changing the way people gather information. A decade back, information could be sourced through newspapers, magazines, books. A lot of it was 'Word of Mouth'. Searching for relevant information was not only difficult but also cumbersome. Internet has brought it all under one roof and technology has made it searchable. Hours of work reduced to seconds, just at the click of a button.

The ease is extended to real estate search. Unlike earlier, house searching is no longer a tedious task and online portals offer the convenience of browsing properties anytime, anywhere. In fact, a lot of information flow in the space is being facilitated by online portals. The Broker and Builder community have adapted and realized the potential of the medium and a plethora of sites have come up to cater to their needs. Indicative of the pace with which they are growing is, that barely two years old in the country, sites like www.99acres.com have over 2 lakh residential and commercial properties listed on the site. Consequently, Internet is emerging as one of the most relevant, trusted and easily accessible source of information.

It is however important to know the right source and how to optimally use information available online on Real Estate.

Through real estate portals like www.99acres.com, one can buy, rent, sell and much more. One may search property on budget, type and location, and further refine search based on requirement. The sites provide complete contact details of brokers and builders. Builders also post a virtual walk through and complete description of the property on the site. Therefore, the initial search may be done online before getting on the ground. One may also set an alert for properties and sit back and relax, while the portals send regular alerts on the property updates on the site. After shortlisting, you may find it judicious to surf the website of the builder and get a fair idea on the properties and thereby doubly ensure safe investment

With extensive reach, real estate portals are a convenient medium to showcase your property to the world. Advertising on the medium is not only cost effective but measurable as well. Posting property details on the site for a year comes at a cost of one full page print ad in the newspaper and therefore the medium is very cost effective. Besides it also ensures targeted reach. When displaying a property on the website, the user gets to see just the kind of information that he is looking for and therefore it helps in eliminating unnecessary inquiries. One may also be able to eliminate the middleman fee in the process.

You may also advertise on listing websites for space available for commercial rent out on Yellow Pages sites like yellowpages.co.in, Indialist.com. Post in detail about your property on a blog. One can host a free Blog on Blogger, Type Pad or Word Press. So, get your mouse rolling and fingers ticking to bringing the customer to your doorstep.

Another important aspect of real estate investment is finance. Investment is all about judicious risk taking. With information at fingertips one may minimise the risk by researching the net carefully.

Investigate property rates: Check out the recent developments in real estate on news websites like indianrealtynews.com. Search for news specific to the city you are keen on investing in. Refer to research reports of Cushman and Wakefield, Jones Lang La Salle etc. 99acres.com, host a section on reports on property rates in various cities as published by Cushman and Wakefield.

Check the location on Wikimapia and Google Maps: these sites provide a satellite view of a city. One can log on to the sites and take a virtual look at a city. The sites give a fair idea on location of a property, routes and connectivity. In their nascent stage, these sites are sure to evolve to become a Mecca for routes and maps and locations.

Find about Home loans and interest rates: Sites like Loanwala.com and Apnaloan.com give exhaustive information on Home Finance. These sites breakdown each of the different parameters you should be considering while taking a home loan, into the minutest detail. Home Finance information is also available on real estate and property sites. One may also browse through websites of banks like ICICI and HDFC that have evolved overtime and can get genuine information as well as apply for loans through their site.

Another useful new age tool is RSS and XML readers. For regular news updates subscribe to e-newsletters and RSS feeds on real estate from Economic Times, Indianrealtynews.com etc. RSS feeds automatically updates the reader as soon as there is an update on the site subscribed to. RSS reader software is available online and can be easily setup on the computer. One may also create an online account with Google reader.

To summarize it all, you can research and get advice through real estate experts through reports released by them, get advise on finance and get news updates by being active as well as subscribing to the right sites.

The information on the net is easily searchable and downloadable and new age tools bring them straight to a desktop. As internet penetrates, it is sure to transform the information sharing and communication landscape and to be competitive one must be on the internet edge at all times.

by Aakriti Bhargav