Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Getting Started With Bulk REO Packages

In today's real estate market plagued with high foreclosure rates and a large inventory of bank owned properties, buying REOs (Real Estate Owned) in bulk is receiving increased attention. Often these are packages of single family homes that range anywhere from $1 Million dollars to more than $1 Billion dollars and will often contain hundreds of homes. The packages will usually be focused on a geographic area such as a metro area or a region of a state. The bulk REO market has its own rules and its own vocabulary both of which you will need to become familiar with if you are interested in this market.

Buying Bulk REO packages follows a set of rules called the protocol and it must be followed to the letter. This usually isn't a place for applying your creativity but rather your attention to detail. The protocol will define everyone's role in the transaction. The buyer is usually represented by the Buyer's Representative or Buyer's Mandate, the seller is usually represented by the Sellers Representative or Seller's Mandate. There are often one or more third parties are called Intermediaries. You do not need to be an agent or broker to participate in one of these roles. Once all the parties are identified they will enter into NCNDA (Non Compete Non Disclosure Agreement) and a MFA (Master Fee Agreement). These agreements will ensure everybody is protected and define what everyone will get in terms of fees. A typical deal may pay three points (3% of the sale price) with one to the Seller's Rep, one to the Buyer's Rep, and the remaining point split among the Intermediaries. Once these protective agreements are in place the Buyer will submit criteria to the seller in the form of a Letter of Intent (LOI) that defines what they want to buy and what they are willing to pay. The letter of intent may define the type of property (i.e. single family detached), the area (city, state, or zip codes), the price ranges, and the BPO percent. The BPO is refers to a Brokers Price Opinion which is a current estimate of value usually done by a real estate agent for the bank before they list or packages the properties for sale, so the LOI may specify 50-60% of BPO as the price. The Buyer will also need to submit a Proof of Funds (POF). In the case of bulk REOs packages this refers to actual cash in the bank that can be verified, not a pre-approval for financing. This is a cash business and it needs to be real money. After the POF is verified, the seller will provide the buyer a tape (list of properties in the package) and the buyer will usually have 24-72 hours to accept the tape and put a deposit in escrow (maybe 10%). The buyer will have a short period, maybe a week or two to perform due diligence on the package and complete the sale.

In the Bulk REO market the numbers are large and the payouts can be big, but to play you must be able to speak the language to be taken seriously. It is also a cash business so if you don't have $1 million or more that is liquid and verifiable then perhaps you can represent someone who can meet those criteria or act as an intermediate.

Ed is based in metro Atlanta and has been an entrepreneur and real estate investor for over a decade. He has been involved in numerous types of real estate investing including property management, vacant land, single family homes, multi-family apartments, commercial office, and retail. Ed has been involved with land lording, rehabbing, new construction, and creative finance. If you would like to learn more about the Bulk REO market then visit http://bulkreostore.com/ where you can learn more about Bulk REO terminology and protocols. Bulk REO packages are also posted there on a regular basis.


http://EzineArticles.com/6460390

Monday, October 24, 2011

Mexico - A Giant In The Making

Mexico has been the home to as much history on a large scale as any country on the earth. Home to the great civilizations of the Mayans, Olmecs, Toltecs and the Aztecs before the country was conquered by the Spanish of the new world between 1519-1521. Spain brought Mexico under the wing of her Empire for 300 years, until the Mexicans (A mixture of indigenous people and Spanish settlers revolted and won their independence in 1821. Today Mexico (or correctly named The United Mexican States) is a federation with a government that is representative, democratic and republican, with a population of more than 112 million and a landmass of almost 2 million square kilometers.

Mexico has the 13th largest GDP and slowly the level of the population in poverty is decreasing and the middle classes are growing. Goldman Sachs have stated that according to their calculated predictions, Mexico will have the 5th largest economy by 2050, so although they have had their fair share of teething problems and still have issues to contend with as a country, it is widely accepted that Mexico is a good bet for future investments. Mexico has several major economic pillars including oil production and car production, but tourism is also a factor due to its quiet rise from a nation in poverty and the reputation of being the USA's sick cousin, to an emerging global player.

Mexico is 23rd highest on the list for tourist spending in the world and number 1 in Latin America. Most holiday makers are from the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia, with just a small percentage coming from the other Latin American countries.

Some of the major destinations most visited by Mexico's tourists are:

Mexico City - A sprawling great metropolis with the world's third largest urban area, stretching 2240m above sea level. This is a city that beckons anyone who enjoys the intensity of weird, wonderful and magical street life, combined with architecture that spreads across civilizations. This is a fast paced city with a real edge to it, but the sheer diversity of music, art and food mixed with the warmth of the city dwellers makes it an intoxicating mix, and one of the must see cities in the world. Some of the major sites include, The National Museum of Anthropology, Palacio de Bellas Artes which is the cities historic marble building that house's the top performances and also acts as an art museum and the National Palace which was once home to Herna Cortes, the first of Mexico's Spanish overlords. Just outside of the city, some 25 miles northeast is a UNESCO world heritage site of the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacán containing some of the largest Pyramids in the Americas, dating back to 100 BC. A true wonder to behold and one of Mexico's most popular archaeological sites.

Guadalajara, Jalisco - This is Mexico's second most populated city and is known and loved for its extremely 'Mexican' feel. A city built on tradition from Mariachi music, real Mexican cowboys, wonderful food and of course Tequila. Guadalajara is a very popular city with visitors, offering a home grown atmosphere with a cocktail of old and modern architecture, many museums, art galleries, theatres and restaurants. A must visit location.

Cancun - For those looking for the buzz of great nightlife coupled with fantastic beaches in the day time, Cancun is the place where everything is laid on. A firm favorite with North Americans looking to escape for a few weeks at a good price. Here you can find year round sun shining down on a world class resort, with everything you would expect from water sports, jungle tours, ancient Mayan ruins, spas, golf, shopping and not to mention great cuisine with everything available from traditional Mexican food to modern international restaurants.

Acapulco - Offers the best of both worlds. A city, a seaport and a stunning beach that stretches round its semi-circular bay. Made famous more than 50 years ago as the place to go for the rich and famous, the name of Acapulco still conjures up the idea of fun in the sun. Always known as one of the most famous party towns in the world, it is still just that and it continues to be possible to party 24 hours a day here 365 days a year.

Cabo San Lucas - Otherwise known as Cabo may hold a more modern appeal and has been a huge hit with those looking to relocate to Mexico. This city sits at the southern tip of Baja California in the Mexican State of Baja California Sur. With a small population of just seventy thousand, this city offers up a more relaxed approach. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, world class scuba diving and abundant marine life. Cabo is also a first class spa destination, so it is no surprise that this has become such a hit with holiday makers and those looking to buy and live in Mexico long term.

There are many wonderful places to holiday and buy property in Mexico, but as anywhere location is of paramount importance. It is well documented that Mexico is not without its problems, but it is a big country and as such there are plenty of places where the dream of a wonderful life in the sun, with laid back stunning surroundings and warm and generous people, can be realized. So make sure that you have fully researched your chosen location before you start looking for real estate in Mexico.

Property prices vary greatly dependent on area and security of area, but generally prices are competitive when compared with prices in the USA and Europe. Again, make sure you know where you are buying and endeavor to enlist the help of a known and trusted property agent before making offers.

Here are some tips for buying property in Mexico.

1. It is permissible for foreigners to buy property in Mexico. However, there is a restricted region which prohibits direct ownership of property within 100Km of the frontier and 50Km of the coastline. Having said that, there are many foreigners that achieve this by a standard work around being that the law does allow foreigners to hold property on lease from a Mexican bank trust. This is known as a fideicomiso and will require the buyer to set up a company that may act on their behalf.

2. It is imperative that the buyer find good people to work with in Mexico. This includes a trusted local real estate agent and property lawyer, preferably locals that can speak both Mexican and English. If in doubt whilst looking for a realtor, you can refer to Mexico's professional body, 'The Mexican Association Of Professional Realtors' for guidance, known in Spanish as the AMPI.

3. As property taxes in Mexico are fairly bureaucratic (it is expected that as such harmonization with North American laws will follow through in the coming years) it is wise to refer to your chosen legal property expert on the relevant laws pertaining to any one particular purchase. Acquisition tax is a state tax that will roughly come in at 2% of the value of the sale. No VAT is payable on residential property, however, commercial property can expect to pay VAT charges. One should also take into consideration an appraisal tax.

4. There is a registry fee of 1.3% of the value of the purchase, that is to be paid by the buyer. There is also a capital gains tax for non residents which can be up to 25% of the total value of the transaction.

Tony Osust, director: Holprop.com

Search through our large international portfolio of properties for sale and rent. Holprop.com now showcases thousands of rental and sale properties, from single family homes, commercial and recreational properties including hotels, bars-restaurants, new build or off-plan developments for sale worldwide.

See our latest MexicoProperty for Sale | Mexico Vacation Rentals


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Friday, October 21, 2011

Expanding Real Estate Potential By Becoming A Vendor Finance Resource

Over the past decade the financial investment prospect of real estate has gone through a great number of important ups and downs. While traditional resources once dominated the market for a significant period of time, economic fluctuations and decline have assisted in changing the real estate landscape. When looking into some of the best solutions accessible for you to benefit from, one exceptional real estate investment potential is available with providing vendor finance.

When a great number of people think about the options which exist with purchasing a new home, they immediately jump to the conclusion that banking institutions represent the only resource they can depend upon. Unfortunately, increasingly high interest rates and growing restrictions found within this environment have limited the potential available for a lot of individuals. This has aided in developing new opportunities for people to come forward and take over where the banks have dropped the ball through the utilization of property vendor finance.

There are several amazing solutions you can make the most of when looking to compete against some of the largest banking industries that have dominated the real estate environment for so long. Individuals are seeking to cash in on several different real estate opportunities where homes can be bought at a very low value and then turned around for a considerable profit. This encouraging real estate environment aids to inspire homeowners to find alternative solutions when they are unable to find success in the banking industry.

Through the resources offered to you with vendor finance, it is possible for you to tap into a real estate market which is in desperate need of reform. A tremendous amount of money can be made through this environment by providing homeowners and home investors with the finances they need to be able to safeguard new properties. Following this investment you'll be able to provide financial assistance to these people at a predetermined expenditure or benefiting from lower interest rates than banking institutions in order to boost your financial appeal.

While there are lots of amazing resources for an individual to make the most of when seeking to create a presence with property vendor finance, it's imperative to discover all the resources you can make the most of with pursuing this investment potential. While a tremendous amount of profit can be made through the utilization of this financing strategy, it also comes with a large amount of risk when poor investments are made or resources are not properly researched.

In order to aid decrease the risk that is affiliated with becoming a vendor finance company, make the most of unique resources that can provide you with detailed information and programs to help in your entrepreneurial effort.

To determine the best solutions to meet your specific vendor finance related concerns, make the most of the prospective found at http://www.vendorfinanceinstitute.com.au/


http://EzineArticles.com/6487367

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Bartlett Homes For Sale Tidbits: Parks And Sports Facilities At Bartlett

Bartlett is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, and a neighborhood outside but reliant on the Memphis metropolitan area. It was the 12th largest city in Tennessee and is the 2nd largest in Shelby County, a just one rank away from Memphis. As history mentioned, the city started as an "old" town of only 508 people at Stage Road and the railroad in 1960, the city expanded swiftly 1970s and 1980s both through new residents and through incremental expansion primarily to the east and north, to over 43,000 people today. In 2007 Money Magazine recognized the city as one of the best 100 places to live. This is why Bartlett homes for sale are preferred a lot by homebuyers today.

To maintain the quality life of the residents of this continuously growing city, its local government is doing everything to preserve the environment while modernization is taking place. The city maintains its small town spirit by providing a well balanced city environment, combining rural and industrial development, buildings and city amenities. Its residents also never fall short of open spaces and parks. Some of these parks are:

The Bartlett Grove Park and Bartlett Country Park. The Bartlett Grove Park at Santa Cruz Drive is a 5-acre wide community park with 1/2-mile of walking trail and playgrounds. Bartlett Country Park, on the other hand, has a bigger 14.63 acres of walking trail and playground. The playgrounds of these parks are preferred by children and their guardians because of their proximity to the subdivisions. Definitely, your kids will love them too, when you have one.

Bartlett Recreation Center. This activity center located at Flaherty Place offers recreational and fitness activities, services and special events of its surrounding residents and other neighboring communities. This 55,000 sq. ft. facility opened in August 2000 and features a group exercise studio, two racquetball courts, a natatorium with 8-lane competition pool, handicap-accessible facilities, spectator seating & competitive swim-meet scoreboard, a gymnasium with two full basketball courts, a 1/12-mile indoor walking track and a fully equipped strength and cardiovascular room. This center is designed for active people who values physical fitness and health.

The Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center. This 82-acre wide center situated near the recently redeveloped area around Appling Lake, has a new baseball field next to the famous Bartlett Recreation Center. This municipal facility offers activities for children and children-at-heart such as fireworks and fishing events for kids. Even when there is no major activity in place, the lake in the center is still utilized for catching and releasing catfish. One of the highlighted events in the Center is the Children's Fishing Fair that allows kids 12 years and younger to spend a whole day of fishing with prizes awarded in many categories.

Bartlett Blvd Soccer Park (BBSP). This sports facility is situated on the east side of Bartlett Boulevard between Stage and Yale just over the train overpass. Soccer fanatics will enjoy its two illuminated soccer fields and it several multipurpose fields. Concession areas and restrooms are also available to cater every visitor's needs.

To get maximum enjoyment during the usage of these parks as well as the rest of Bartlett Parks not mentioned in this article, every resident should observe the six pertinent ordinances related to Bartlett City Parks. Remember that parks are closed from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, no alcoholic beverages on park property, state curfew law, prohibits golf practice, no swimming in city lakes and no motorized boats in city lakes.

Brenda Tipp is a freelance content writer specializing in real estate. Find affordable single homes among Bartlett homes for sale and visit Bartlett real estate for more property listings.


http://EzineArticles.com/6469342

Sunday, October 16, 2011

New Realtor? Why Activity Plans Are a Must

You're new to real estate sales. You have a million and one things coming at you so organization is certainly a challenge. Surely, it's easy to forget to action or follow-up on key tasks and ensure you're starting out in the best way possible.

If you're a real estate novice, there's also a good chance that you're unsure of the best way to get new clients. What effective strategies and tactics are out there, you might ask, that will help me build a loyal client base? How can I stand out from the crowd and differentiate myself and my services?

You know that you need to market yourself and the importance of real estate marketing, but you just don't know where to start. The idea of creating a marketing plan might seem daunting and if you have no experience or education in business or marketing, the concept might be clear as mud.

As a rookie REALTOR®, this is where Activity Plans will help out tremendously. A good real estate CRM system will include pre-built Activity Plans and allow you to assign these plans to groups of contacts in your database. But... What are Activity Plans and how will they help me?

An Activity Plan is a series of communications or steps that you would follow to achieve a goal. This goal could be listing a home, closing a home, marketing to a prospective buyer or seller, or nurturing contacts in your sphere of influence (SOI). Essentially, there are two different sets of plans: marketing plans and listing or closing plans.

Following pre-designed marketing plans are highly beneficial for a new REALTOR because they a) take away the uncertainty that comes with not knowing how to create an effective marketing plan and b) automate marketing communications which frees up time and ensures no key parts of the puzzle, or key elements to achieving a goal, are missed.

Many Activity Plans for marketing have built-in drip email ( drip marketing ) tied to them. These Activity Plans also come with professionally written emails. Let me give you an example. On day seven, an automatic follow-up email would go to the prospect providing them with an overview of your services. On day 37, another professionally written email would go out to the prospect providing them with information about what kind of mortgage they may be able to get. These emails are fully customizable, of course.

Activity Plans for marketing to prospects are not just a series of automatic emails though. On day 67 (let's say it's a two-year plan), your real estate CRM system would prompt you to make a phone call to the prospect to offer to help figure out what kind of mortgage they qualify for. This ensures that the personal touch is there and you have the opportunity to personally connect.

I don't want to neglect to discuss the significance of listing and closing plans in addition to marketing plans. As opposed to having drip email built into the plans, listing and closing plans are simply a series of "to-do's." A listing plan, for instance, will remind you to enter the listing on MLS, install a lockbox, schedule a virtual tour, and more. You're guided at every step of the way. As a professional new to real estate sales, I'm sure you can see how important and beneficial this is.

As a new REALTOR, you need a system in place to ensure you're staying organized, generating a steady stream of income, and making certain that nothing falls through the cracks. The sting of missing that great opportunity for a potential sale is especially painful when you're new to the business and trying to establish yourself. The system that you need in place is a real estate CRM. And it should be clear from reading this article that one of the most useful features in your real estate CRM will be Activity Plans.

As a part of the dynamic sales and marketing team at IXACT Contact, my goal is to help REALTORS® create more referrals and repeat business using IXACT Contact's easy-to-use web-based contact management system. Sign up for a 5-week free trial! Go to http://www.ixactcontact.com/.


http://EzineArticles.com/6449503

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Tax on Real Estate in Spain

The tax on ownership of real estate in Spain is known as the 'IBI' (Tax on Real Estate). It is an annual tax levied on all real estate property (flats, chalets, parking spaces etc.) and charged directly by the local council to the title-holder of the property as of January 1 of that year. The tax is calculated as a percentage of a base amount known as the 'catastral' value of the property which is the sum of the value of the land plus the construction itself. It is the local council itself that establishes these values and it should be borne in mind that they rarely reflect market value. The percentage applied to this base value will depend varies from place to place and will depend on the number of inhabitants of the particular area under the administrative control of the local council. As the tax is charged to the owner as of January 1 of the corresponding year, any change in the ownership thereafter will not affect the obligation of the original owner to pay the tax. For example therefore if A sells a property to B on March 1, it is still A who will be under the obligation to pay the entire year's tax although of course they can privately come to an agreement regarding a fairer division of the amount to pay.

This tax is levied on the ownership of all real estate property with the following exceptions:

1. Real estate held by the government or other local and provincial government bodies.
2. Motorways and other thoroughfares freely available to the public.
3. Real estate held by the Catholic Church.
4. Real estate held by other non-catholic confessions which are legally recognised by the Spanish state and with whom the state has signed a cooperation agreement to this effect.
5. Property held by the Red Cross.
6. Property held by foreign governments for the purposes of diplomatic or consular representation in line with international agreements signed to this effect.
7. Real estate held by other organisms or entities with whom Spain has signed an agreement to this effect.
8. Land and buildings belonging to railway lines.
9. Land, parks and building considered to be of historical or cultural interest.

It should be noted also that in recent years the percentage applied to the 'catastral' value has steadily increased and is likely to continue to do so bearing in mind the precarious financial situation of many of the local councils in Spain.

The author provides a service helping foreign nationals to set-up businesses in Spain and to get the appropriate legal, business and accounting assistance they require. To find out more click on the link - Lawyers Madrid; Accountants Madrid;


http://EzineArticles.com/6505880

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Buy or Build?

The pros of self building will exist to cancel out the cons of buying, such as agency fee's and building company profit margins. Likewise the horrors of self building projects will give reason to those who opt for a 'safer' acquisition. The assurance of a final buying price, professional agents and warranties may well be the overriding factors for someone on the market for a new house. The cost savings to the new builder are almost certainly attractive as is playing a vital role in raising your house from the earth and nurturing your future home from its inception to it completion.

However, new buyers in their rush to the property ladder world would relish at the relative ease at which they may find their homes compared to those prepared to slug it out, nail and tooth and more often than not with ever dwindling budgets. The costs of materials are never fixed for too long so it may be best to buy in bulk. Also, plots of land are becoming increasingly rare and as such prices are on the up and a person can expect to pay up to ten times more for a plot that has planning permission than one that hasn't. Do your homework first by submitting a query to the Land Registry and for a few quid with an address or title number you can search for a detailed history and ownership of the property that includes information on the land, planning permission and rights of way.

Self builders can relax knowing that once their project is complete and certified their home will generate gains of 20-30%. A self build will enable someone to erect their own home at cost price i.e. cost of land plus building materials and labour. In addition, savings are made on materials as new builds are not subject to VAT at 20%.

A ready built house may be an eyesore for self builders but for buyers it offers the complete package of land, location and property in one. To self build a person must be fairly patient as projects often take longer than expected and you must be good at multitasking in order to keep a schedule of builders and suppliers, but also to coordinate and liaise with site staff and inspectors. Buyers have the distinct advantage of knowing the cost of their home. Those who choose to build will have to be savvy with numbers and budgeting or else they may find themselves sheepishly at their banks door if they go over budget.

In short, there's no real answer. In both cases big commitments are made, each with similar risks.The buyer will pay more commissions to third parties while the builder will run extra risks of possible overspending. The more experienced a builder the shrewder his decisions. For many though, it's nothing more than an idea and a passion to self build that really counts.

Travis Perkins offers advice and building materials for tradesmen, builders and self builders. Visit http://www.travisperkins.co.uk/ for more information and view a whole range of products for any DIY project.


http://EzineArticles.com/6495231

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Why Litchfield County CT Real Estate Is Great For Your First Home

Litchfield County CT Real Estate can be found at a great price if you're looking in the right place. Litchfield County is located in the Northwest corner of the state of Connecticut. New York State borders to the west and the state of Massachusetts to the north. Part of the Appalachian Trail known as the Litchfield hills also makes its way through the County. Litchfield is very scenic; it is home to rolling hills, beautiful forests, and several state parks. Litchfield is a great quiet escape from the city, however is easily within driving distance of New York City to the south and Hartford, CT to the east.

Litchfield County CT real estate is nestled in picturesque beautiful New England. The hills of this County are a great place to live if you are into the great outdoors. There is lots of hiking and biking trials, golf courses, waterfalls, parks, forests and more. There is also skiing and snowboarding during the wintertime. Litchfield is also unique as it has many towns that feel like they come from the past. There are covered bridges, and old New England homes that still look like they did when they were first built. Litchfield CT like all of New England also experiences all four seasons in all their glory, boasting one of the most visually pleasing fall foliage displays in all of New England each October.

Although Litchfield County CT is not home to any of Connecticut's major cities, it does boast a few unique cities worth checking out. Torrington is the largest city in the County, Connecticut with about 36,000 people. Downtown Torrington features the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, which trains ballet dancers who perform in the Warner Theatre, a historic theater originally built by the Warner Brothers film studio for cinema. This theater is the cornerstone of the city's downtown area. In 2008, Torrington was also the number one "Dreamtown" out of ten in the United States to live in by Bizjournals.

Kent is another beautiful town in Litchfield County which sits right along the border of New York State. It features Bulls Bridge, one of two covered bridges that are open to vehicles in Connecticut. It also features Macedonia Brook State Park, the Schaghticoke Indian Reservation, a section of the application trail, as well as the beautiful Kent Falls state park. If you are looking for serene beautiful country to love in, Kent, CT is the perfect place for you.

Torrington and Kent are just two of the many beautiful towns located in Litchfield County, CT. With a low crime rate, excellent education, beautiful nature and beautiful homes, northwest CT makes for a great choice for any couple looking for a great place to live to raise a family. You matter where you decide to live in Litchfield County, you will always be surrounded by beautiful nature, and you will also be within 2 hours of New York City. Best of luck to you, and I hope this article has aided you in finding the perfect piece of Litchfield County CT real estate for your new home!

Litchfield County CT Real Estate is available at a great rate in the housing market today. For more information on Litchfield County and finding a home there, visit http://litchfieldcountyctrealestate.net/


http://EzineArticles.com/6504742

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

How to Determine the Fundamentals of Your Market

There are a handful of criteria to remember when assessing whether or not it makes sense to go into a market. And at the very least, these criteria will establish a foundation for your preliminary market research. You may come into a community for example, where there are sixty developments in a given location in a twenty-five-mile radius, and based upon a grid analysis, you're able to determine that only a fraction of those developments, let's say 20 percent or twelve developments make sense in which to buy because they are priced at the entry level or mid-market level. In this particular example, it may be that only nine out of the twelve remaining developments you've looked at in our particular hypothetical have a build-out trajectory of ten to fourteen months, which is ample amount of time for the flip candidate to "marinate" in appreciation and make a profit on the accumulated float.

Furthermore, additional analysis indicates-after you've spoken with the onsite sales agents and received price setups on the subdivisions-that six of the remaining nine developers offer homes that have deposits in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, as opposed to other developments, that are nicely priced and fit your investment parameters, but may require a 10 percent or $20,000+ deposit requirement, both of which are deal killers. This is what I mean by market grid analysis and preliminary market research. After this type of analysis, you should be able to make a well reasoned decision as to where your target properties will be geographically located and why.

Also, never go into a market that appears it will soon be overpriced. Case in point and as an example, in October 2004 in Las Vegas, Pulte Homes slashed its home prices in nearly every development-including those that were in escrow-by $25,000 to $150,000 a home. Pulte literally and figuratively woke up one morning and unilaterally slashed and reduced prices across the board. At first blush, this may seem awfully generous, but what about the poor guy that just closed his Pulte home last Friday, before the Monday price slash! Suddenly he has a paper loss of at least $25,000 to $75,000, or quite possibly even more. Not only does he have a zero profit, he likely has an equity loss in the tens of thousands of dollars.

What about design upgrade when considering weather or not to enter a market? On the acquisition side of your investment, never build or design a TajMahal. Building a Taj Mahal reduces the return substantially and may not add to the overall enhancement of your home. Ultimately, adding too many upgrades will create a diminishing point of return. When it comes time to sell your investment, this will be an appraiser's nightmare and a homeowner/investor's loss, given that the actual cost of the upgrades will plateau to a certain level, and cease to add additional market value to the home.

As the latter Las Vegas example illustrates, and I can't emphasize this enough, market selection and diversification is crucially important and may be a significant factor in walking away with a check at the close of escrow, as opposed to writing a check at escrow.

As a member of the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders, D. Sidney Potter began his real estate career in 1992 as a mortgage operations consultant for Synergy Consultancy Group, and proceeded to work for Marcus & Millichap and Sperry Van Ness as a commercial real estate broker selling shopping centers and storefront retail. In addition to being a former member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, he holds a BA, 2 MBA's and part of a Doctorate from Pepperdine University. Most recently he served on the Board of Directors for two major HOA's in Las Vegas.


http://EzineArticles.com/6453754

Monday, October 3, 2011

Military Relocation to Victoria BC

If your military relocation means a posting to or from Victoria BC, and you need to buy or sell your home in a timely manner, you need to enlist the help of a professional realtor. Preferably one who understands the local Victoria real estate market and the specific requirements of military personnel.

Military Relocation to Victoria

Have you been posted to CFB Esquimalt? If you are relocating to the Greater Victoria area and need to find a home, you might be concerned about what you've heard about the Victoria real estate market. Generally, housing values in Victoria are fairly high, but the Greater Victoria area encompasses several communities and you will find that housing is available at various price points.

A knowledgeable realtor will be familiar with local conditions and mindful of your need to locate and purchase the right home in a relatively short time period. The service of a realtor experienced with helping military families is invaluable.

One advantage of military relocation is that military people, over time, become expert at the art of moving and all its related tasks. Also, the Canadian military provides much support and information for people who are being relocated, so if you haven't yet experienced a military move, there are resources you can utilize to ensure that your transfer is achieved efficiently and nothing is forgotten.

These resources include:

The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CHFA) - the managing authority for DND housing. The CHFA is responsible for operating, maintaining and allocating roughly 14,000 Residential Housing Units at 32 sites across Canada.

Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program represents the Treasury Board Secretariat's approved policy for CF members on relocation of their Dependants, Household Goods and Effects.

The Lookout Newspaper is a weekly paper providing local and navy news to those posted to CFB Esquimalt.

Housing Services Centre (HSC) Esquimalt - responsible for housing in Esquimalt, located on beautiful Vancouver Island, 4 kilometres from downtown Victoria.

The Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre, whose mission is: To provide programs and services that serve, involve and advocate for the military community and their families, and which address the unique challenges of the military family lifestyle and will result in an enhanced quality of life.

Military Relocation from Victoria

If the time has come for you to leave CFB Esquimalt for a new posting, you may need to sell your home quickly, so that you can begin a home search in your new community. An experienced realtor who has worked with military families understands this, and can also supply referrals to real estate professionals wherever you are relocating to.

Military Retirement?

Perhaps you are retiring from the military, and have a different set of requirements. It could be time to find that perfect home for your apres military life. If you've been in the military it's likely that you've travelled and experienced life in other parts of Canada and further abroad. So you probably know that living in Victoria is about as good as it gets!

The temperate climate, access to recreation and entertainment, and opportunities for education and employment in Victoria combine to make this city one of the most desirable places to live in Canada.

Whether you have been posted to Victoria, from Victoria, or are about to retire from the military, you should use the services of a professional realtor who is an approved supplier for the military and a member of the Canadian Employee Relocation Counceil. These realtors understand military relocation and can provide the type of efficient service and the information that you need when moving to a new community.

Geoff McLean is a realtor in Victoria BC who approaches his real estate vocation with honesty, integrity and straightforwardness.

Geoff is also the primary author of a blog about his home city. Living in Victoria is a valuable source of information about the Greater Victoria area for those who are interested in moving to this beautiful city.


http://EzineArticles.com/6471063

Friday, September 30, 2011

Australia - A Country That Has It All

Australia is without doubt one of the most sought after tickets for those looking to relocate and improve their quality of life. A large country with a land mass of 7,617,930 square kilometers, makes it the Earth's sixth largest country and as such (with just over 20 million inhabitants) has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with only 2 people per square kilometer. This fact, coupled with the knowledge that Australia has perhaps more natural wonders within its borders than any other, an amazing climate and a wonderful quality of life, all go to make it a top spot for holiday makers and those relocating.

An epic country on every level, from its natural deadly inhabitants of insects, snakes and famous sharks, to its vast outback lands that are largely uninhabitable, Australia is home to the most pristine beaches one could imagine. Also incredible national parks and it's capital, Sydney, is a wonderful heady mix of metropolitan sun, sex and surf. Blend that together with great weather and the famously laid back and positive ways of the inhabitants, this country really has it all.

The capital city of Sydney itself is Australia's oldest city, first established as a British colony in 1788. This city is extremely well designed, as is beautifully displayed by the stunning Sydney harbor. Sydney seems to morph from one architectural structure to the next, weaving through an extensive variety of restaurants, bars and clubs, opening up onto possibly the most famous beach in the world, Bondi beach.

It's true that being beautiful is something that is openly celebrated in Sydney and is almost slightly akin to Brazil's Rio in terms of the attention to aestheticism, however, this is Australia and at its core the people remain down to earth and hearty. These two attributes combined make Sydney both beautiful and compelling. Anyone that spends any time in Sydney always thinks of returning.

For those looking for a slightly more bohemian feel, Melbourne is surely the way to go. A smaller and more intimate city, this is the place for creative boutiques and independent swanky bars and cafes all linked together by cobble stoned alleyways. This is the city for great music and alternative arts for culture lovers and like Sydney, boasts wonderful beaches and great climate, a true gem.

In fact touring the cities of Australia is an interesting way to see the country, as each city has it's own distinct personality due to differences in the climate and cultural inheritance. Other cities of note are Canberra, with it's wonderful galleries and gardens surrounding Parliament House. Brisbane, with it's cultural south bank made famous by Australian artists. Adelaide, known for it's central market that boasts a fantastic array of fresh local produce of organic fruit, vegetables, premium meats, farmed seafood, home made cheeses and arts and crafts. Perth, great for it's windsurfing and sailing also loved for it's glistening Swan River. Darwin, known for it's world class restaurants in Fannie Bay, this is a city with incredible waterfront property boasting great harbor side living. Cairns, is the place where many travelers come to hang out along the beautiful coastal esplanade, with great swimming in the large salt water lagoon, inclusive of trendy bars alongside boutique hotels and restaurants. Alice Springs is famous for it's desert landscapes and Australian mythology, as once seen it will never be forgotten, it's red rock land and blue skies are home to much culture, including the Museum of Central Australia.

For those that enjoy the surf, the Gold Coast is a veritable paradise on Earth. With thirty five beaches and some of the largest waves, this is where the professionals of the surfing world come together for the famed surfer Quiksilver Pro event that takes place in February each year.

For those that love wild life, Australia offers this up in abundance. Obviously, water sports and diving are also a huge draw to many fun seekers and serious divers. Off the coast of Queensland in the North East of Australia, lies the Great Barrier Reef, the worlds largest Reef system, with just under 3,000 individual reefs and an incredible 900 islands. Spread over a vast expanse of more than 2,500 kilometers. The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world, a place not to be missed by those visiting and accounts for a substantial 1bn dollars a year in tourism.

Inland, incredible nature is just as abundant. One of the most awe inspiring national parks on the planet is the Kakadu National Park, which is Australia's largest national park and home to many inhabitants of wild life, including Crocodiles, Dingos and Antilopine Kangaroos. There are rocks that date back two thousand million years and the park itself plays out like the historical story of the country itself from it's very inception. There is a mystical feel to the park, as about one third of the rangers are indigenous Aboriginal people and much of the land surrounding is Aboriginal land. This give visitors an opportunity to gain some insight into another idea of Australia's identity.

The average house in Australia is detached and inclusive of outdoor space. The average house price varies. In Sydney as of 2011 the average cost of a property is ?415,000. Melbourne is slightly cheaper with the average house price at ?350,000. In Perth, average house prices are slightly less at ?340,000. Brisbane, where they are ?325,000 and Adelaide coming in well below other areas at ?270,000. It is worth noting, that due to Australia being such a large country, it's cities are spaced out far and wide and vary greatly in property price due to local economics, therefore the smaller cities are often more affordable.

After deciding upon a location, here are some pointers to help with the purchasing process:

1. Look to have between 10% and 20% of the value of your desired new home available, as this is usually the minimum requirement for an Australian mortgage.

2. For foreigners buying in Australia the process would need government approval. This is quite a standard process and purely exists to stop foreign investors, normally companies, from speculation on property that would not help the Australian economy. However, there is nothing to worry about when purchasing a home for personal use.

3. To ensure eligibility in order to make an offer on a property, an application to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) will need to be submitted first.

4. If struggling to find a mortgage, then enlisting the services of an Australian mortgage broker is a good idea as they usually provide a free service, deriving their income from the lender, although they do work independently of them. Not all banks may lend to foreigners, so a mortgage broker will help to pinpoint the lenders that are favorable.

5. Finding a good local realtor to help with the selection process is highly advisable. As is the employment of a trusted local solicitor as they will be responsible for handling all legalities and ensuring that the sale is in the best interest of the buyer and the transaction is water tight.

6. As with any foreign purchase, thorough research beforehand is advised as is surrounding yourself with a few local professionals that can give you the right advice at the right time. Other than this, with a little common sense and patience, finding and purchasing a dream home in Australia is thankfully a relatively straightforward process.

If you are thinking of relocating to Australia, then you will be pleased to know that this country really is the best of the new world, with wonderful people, incredible climate, natural resources, world class infrastructure and one of the best qualities of life available, makes Australia one of the best places to live in the world.

Tony Osust, director: Holprop.com

Search through our large international portfolio of properties for sale and rent. Holprop.com now showcases thousands of rental and sale properties, from single family homes, commercial and recreational properties including hotels, bars-restaurants, new build or off-plan developments for sale worldwide.

See our latest Australia Property for Sale | Australia Holiday Rentals


http://EzineArticles.com/6495233

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

How Do Short Home Sales Work?

Mortgages have become problems for millions of people in America. The housing bubble and concordant debt explosion from 2003 to 2007 resulted in many people taking on more mortgage debt than they could afford. Now that home prices have fallen dramatically from their peak, close to 30 million people have negative equity. Their mortgage balance is greater than the value of their homes. This dreadful circumstance has resulted in record numbers of short sales as homeowners attempt to escape their mortgage contracts. Short sales are unpleasant experiences, but given the current dire straits of the economy, people must understand how they work.

A major problem with short sales in the past has been the fact that under IRS law, people may owe taxes on the "income" gained from discharging debt on their principal residence. The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 allows taxpayers to exclude such income from their taxable income. This law is only in effect from 2007 to 2012. This makes short sales far less painful for debtors.

When a homeowner finds that he cannot pay his mortgage, or he has negative equity, he can ask the lender to accept a short sale. A homeowner that is not in such circumstances can also request the sale if he can demonstrate that the house cannot be sold for the amount owed. If the lender agrees, the lender will accept an offer on the house for less than the value of the mortgage balance. This type of sale is not a sale below market value. For instance, a homeowner who has paid off his mortgage and sells a house worth $100,000 for $75,000 is not undertaking a short sale. They specifically refer to the lender taking at least a partial loss on the remaining mortgage balance.

Short sales are unfortunately burdensome legal processes. The homeowner will be well served by hiring legal assistance to handle the technical details. They involve a lot of back-and-forth banter about small things involved in the process. The bad news is the lender will require the seller to pay the deficiency, or the difference between the short sale price and the mortgage balance. The lender often does this by classifying the deficiency as 1099 income on the part of the seller. This is why short sellers can be taxed on income they do not owe, and what the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 was meant to rectify.

Far worse is for the lender to pursue debt collection actions against the short seller. If this leads to wage garnishment, the seller's only hope is to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Never assume a debt is gone unless written confirmation is received, otherwise the seller may still be liable.

Joann Carlisle is a writer who looks forward to sharing her knowledge and advice with readers. For more on real estate, Five Stars Mortgage offers readers tips for buying a short sale home.


http://EzineArticles.com/6500880

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Tips on Flips (5 Things You Must Really, Really Know)

1. Some people like dirt! By that, it's not meant to be an insult, but this adage will make you money. Hence, it's okay if the development is in a C location, since this may offer some upside. So who cares that you're not going to live there in the actual place that you're buying! If you find yourself faced with this type of opportunity, buy the property if it truly looks like a great potential flip and it's in a C location. This may be a great flip. Just because you wouldn't personally have a desire to live there doesn't mean others wouldn't. Keep in mind that people buy homes for a lot of reasons. They buy it because they've lived in the area. They buy it because they have relatives in the vicinity. They buy it because they're familiarized with the area and feel comfortable. So put your feet in the shoes of the consumer and what their buying criteria is, not specifically your own.

2. Understand demographic trends. Why are people buying in this area? Just like in criterion 8, put yourself in the mind-set of the home buyers.

3. Do a market grid analysis to better understand your market. Ask yourself where the market is priced and more importantly and at what price it is closing. For example, when you do your market research, are the developments that you're focused on priced at, below, or above the prevailing market value, as defined by livable square-footage cost? The living-square-foot value is one of the strongest indicators of comparable market values you can have.

4. Determine the fundamentals of your market. Go out there and kick the dirt. If not, do a satellite Web site search and survey the area from the comfort of your own recliner. This really is the lazy-man approach, but it gives you a great overview of the area. Yahoo! and Google have satellite perspectives of communities, which can genuinely give you somewhat of an idea of the overall feel of the area if you're not able to go out there yourself.

5. What about "Self-Marketing Your Investment" as a tip on flips. Notwithstanding the myriad of ways to nip and tuck away at expenses during the acquisition of pre-construction opportunities and/or resale homes, selling the home yourself - which requires self-marketing, will save you 2 percent to 3 percent on the gross amount of the sale price. This may be the difference of making or not making a profit on a property. This is especially so in a down market, where profit margins may be slow. On the deals I bought and sold myself, the savings were anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 per property. To sell it yourself, sign-up and utilize a private Internet-based MLS. The cost is anywhere from $195 to $495 per listing.

As a member of the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders, D. Sidney Potter began his real estate career in 1992 as a mortgage operations consultant for Synergy Consultancy Group, and proceeded to work for Marcus & Millichap and Sperry Van Ness as a commercial real estate broker selling shopping centers and storefront retail. In addition to being a former member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, he holds a BA, 2 MBA's and part of a Doctorate from Pepperdine University. Most recently he served on the Board of Directors for two major HOA's in Las Vegas.


http://EzineArticles.com/6453715

Thursday, September 22, 2011

International Real Estates - Investing Guidelines You Should Know

In the United States, many economists simply say the economy in this country isn't stable. These people simply say such things because of the increasing cases on oil price hikes and the ever-changing status of the government and politics as well; though these things are true and undeniable, they may come tricky for some investors.

In spite of all the above-mentioned realities, international real estates are still hot particularly when it comes to investing with them. The truth is that many are still in the verge of buying, selling, and remodeling so as to take part in the booming business of international real estates. With these all of these things to be seen existing around us today, would it be right to say that investing in international real estates is a good idea?

Let us put the picture this way: if a real estate business is good at your home front, would it be sensible to think that it can be as good as it is in the international level? The truth is that many investors are gaining lots and lots of money in the United States and many of them are trying to figure out ways on how to cash in on a particular action.

If you think you are interested on international real estate business then this may sound as a good idea for you, don't you think?

But you have to know that this kind of business is not that easy; you need to travel to distant places, buy properties, and conduct deals with different people in the international scene. If you want traveling abroad, making prospects, and dealing with different people then this can be a good source of income for you. As a matter of fact, most investors simply love traveling around and this kind of business actually suits many. If this is going to be your choice then you have to prepare yourself with the different tasks like scouting and spotting properties through online procedures, conducting telephone calls, and of course the on-site inspection.

Now, if you wish to work remotely in your international real estate business then you have to make sure that you should be working with crews or a team. These people will the ones to work for you and attend the locations for you. You need to have people whom you can trust simply because they have a great sense of thinking and decision making particularly in the enhancement of the property, things to be done, and completion of the buying transaction.

Now if you wish to work with only one person then you have to make sure that that particular person should have all the above-mentioned characteristics- characteristics that will make you feel at ease that your business is doing well even when you are far away from the site.

As an investor in the world of international real estates, it is not necessary to be physically present in the site all of the time or get actively involved in the renovation and other aspects of the business; just trust anyone and you will be fine.

Onbip.com is worldwide multilingual classifieds, that offers placing listings, searching and browsing for real estates, apartments, villas, properties, lands, used cars, boats, jobs, private rooms, hotels, tourist accommodations, house rent to all users. You are looking at the group of listings, that were placed by our registered users personally or as a business firm. The web page also offers ad placing and browsing in various languages. For example a citizen of France sells the vehicle and places an ad in french language, and on our web page you can read that ad in a language that you understand. Post free ads and search millions of free classifieds ads for used cars, boats, jobs, apartments, real estate and more. You can also use Onbip to find used cars, apartments for rent, homes for sale, job listings, used motorcycles, used rvs, and used boats. Our website visit more than 800.000(and still growing) unique visitors all around the World - potential buyers. Place listings and sell your real estate now on ONBIP.COM!


http://EzineArticles.com/6476418

Monday, September 19, 2011

Do You Value Your Real Estate Leads?

A recent article by RISMedia brings an alarming statistic to our attention - 75 percent of leads generated online are lost. According to PCMS Consulting and One Cavo, these leads are lost because real estate sales professionals and others in the industry are not responding to them or are simply responding too late.

One Cavo found that of those real estate sales professionals who responded to leads, they responded an average of eight hours after the initial inquiry by the prospect was made. These days, prospective clients don't just want fast response times, they expect them. According to Jose Perez of PCMS Consulting, "...over 70 percent of consumers choose the first company that gets back to them." What does a fast response time mean? Well, to many consumers out there, a fast response time means within 15 to 20 minutes after initial contact.

If you're not responding to internet leads, responding too late, or simply forgetting about these leads all together, you're doing a lot of harm to your business. Not only are you loosing potential customers and referral sources, but you could be causing negative word of mouth about yourself.

Think about the money you could be losing by letting just one lead fall through the cracks. These leads can be easily turned into clients and we can't underestimate this simple fact. Let me paint a picture about the worth of a client. The National Association of REALTORS states that on average, homeowners know at least three to five people who move each year. Let's say you have 50 "A-list" contacts in your database and that on average, each contact will move once every ten years. Let's also say that you represent the client on both ends. Each A-list contact knows at least one person who will move every year, but you won't get them all, so assume you get three referrals over the ten years from everyone on your list. If your average commission is $5,000, that's a $1,250,000 commission income over a ten year period!

But that's not all. For every 100 people in your database that you maintain a relationship with, you can expect a 13% return. That's 13 transactions for every 100 people. The more leads you add to your database and the more relationships you build, the more successful you'll be as a REALTOR.

In order to prevent online leads from slipping through the cracks, you need an automatic website lead capture form on your website. A good real estate CRM system allows you to take advantage of this. Any lead that fills out the form will be automatically transferred to your database and you'll receive an instant email alert when a new lead comes through. This lets you respond immediately by giving the prospect a call to qualify further and/or assign the prospect to an appropriate nurture plan based on level of qualification and urgency.

You want to show prospective clients that you're available and open to answering any questions they have. So you'll want to prominently display your contact details on your website where they're easy to find. That's also why it's extremely essential to have an automatic website lead capture form built into your site. It allows prospects to contact you without going to their inbox or picking up the phone. And it allows you to capture a potentially valuable lead and have that lead automatically entered into your database where you can track it over time.

As the VP of Sales and Marketing at IXACT Contact, my goal is to help REALTORS® create more referrals and repeat business using IXACT Contact's easy-to-use web-based contact management system. Sign up for a free 5-week trial at http://www.ixactcontact.com/


http://EzineArticles.com/6483367

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Interpretation and Translation: The Differences

What is an interpreter and a translator? What kinds of services can these professionals offer? And what does it need to become one? Translators and interpreters are professionals normally hired for special and specific tasks of assisting in breaking the language barrier between different nations. However, there are several differences between these two professions.

Interpreters in Summits
Most interpreters are found in different important international summits, particularly in the UN in which interpreters are found either by the side of each delegates, or through the use of devices such as headphones and mics. This is very different from translations which usually involves the transference of the meaning of the source language through text to text.

Different Methods of Interpretation
There are different modes or methods of interpretation used in different meetings and interviews. Some of the most widely used as the simultaneous and consecutive interpretation.

Simultaneous interpretation usually involves rendering the message from the source speaker while the speaker is still speaking. This is one of the most common modes or methods of interpretation used in many different formal and in-formal (interviews) meetings.

Consecutive interpretation, on the other hand, involves the interpreter speaking after the source-language speaker has finished speaking. It usually involves dividing the speech into multiple segments while the interpreter sits or stands beside the source speaker.

Other popular forms of interpretation include the whispered interpretation, which involve the interpreter sitting or standing next to the small target-language audience whilst whispering a simultaneous interpretation of the matter to hand. Relay and liaison interpretation, on the other hand, involves relaying the language into different languages, while the liaison involves relaying what is spoken to one, between two, or among many people.

Processes of Translations
Interpretation and translation services differs in terms of processes. While interpretation deals with the oral transference of the meaning of the source language into the target language, translations involve the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text.

Although simpler in terms of process, translation services can be a complex profession, particularly for sensitive tasks such as medical and legal translation services which involves a number of unique terms which must be translated accurately while it lacks the idea necessary to make the task easier.

To Become a Translator
To become a professional translator, they must first possess a number of attributes which will allow them to accurately translate their tasks, from as simple as Website translation services to other more complex tasks. Such attributes include the knowledge of both the source and the target language; a deep understanding of the etymological and idiomatic relationship between the two languages; as well as a keen sense of when to to metaphrase, or to translate literally, and when to paraphrase.

Jillian King is a retired linguist instructor and foreign language translator from Porter Ranch, CA who now works as a freelance offering both interpretation and translation services, as well as other simple tasks like proofreading and editing services. Other than her freelancing, she also took interest in making several research materials about the nature of being an interpreter of which she aims to assist her previous students as well as those willing to take up the profession.


http://EzineArticles.com/6469339

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Investments in Vancouver Real Estate to Benefit From Strong Housing Demand in the Near Future

Residential real estate in Vancouver has shown remarkable resilience in the current downturn. While the market has recorded a 5 percent decline in home values compared to the peak reached in 2008, home prices in Vancouver have risen, on average, 17 percent each year since 1980. This has made Vancouver's property market lucrative and attractive to property investors. The trend should persist as a slew of market indicators, economic fundamentals, and other factors suggest that demand for housing in Vancouver-and therefore the market prospects for strong investment performance-should remain strong.

Various indicators paint a rosy picture of the property market activity in Vancouver. Housing sales in the January-August period are about 14 percent higher than in the same period last year. Yet, this compares to an expected decline in housing sales of nearly 15 pecent in the country as a whole. In fact, the home sales rebound in Canada, forecast for next year, will be driven primarily by a robust recovery in sales in British Columbia and Alberta, with the Vancouver area leading the way. Increased housing demand, especially given limited inventory levels, will put an upward pressure on prices, making investments in real estate in Vancouver highly desirable.

In fact, inventory levels in Vancouver have already fallen as many buyers have taken the advantage of low mortgage rates and well-priced properties in desirable locations. New listings are down approximately 23 percent from last year. According to RE/MAX Canada, residential real estate market in Vancouver is currently considered balanced, with purchasers and vendors on the same page for the first time in years. This has exerted pressures on prices, which bodes well for those expecting to earn capital returns on their investment properties.

On the other hand, although the unemployment rate in British Columbia has increased by 3.5 percentage points in a year to 7.7 percent in the second quarter of 2009, wages in the region have actually increased by 2.2 percent. At the same time, consumer confidence has rebounded and most Canadians now believe that the market is expected to turn around, making this the right time to buy. Considering the impending economic recovery, British Columbia, including Vancouver, should see employment and wages rebound. As the region is expected to lead the rebound in the housing activity in Canada next year, Vancouver real estate investments should benefit from the current and emerging economic trends.

In fact, Canadian real estate market-and especially that of Vancouver-should prove attractive to international real estate investors for several reasons. Canada's economic growth next year will be at least double that expected in the United States and more than quadruple that of Europe. Moreover, the Canadian banking sector, which is ranked by the World Economic Forum as the soundest banking system in the world, has created a sound financial environment in Canada that ensures the security of real estate investments in an otherwise highly volatile global investment environment. Besides, the advent of the 2010 Olympics and the opportunity to showcase Vancouver globally should bode well for residential real estate in the coming year. Therefore, investing in Vancouver's real estate could be a sound investment strategy for international investors.

In general, prospects for a strong demand for real estate in Vancouver look optimistic. The expected rebound in housing activity, along with an economic recovery, strong financial sector, and the coming 2010 Olympics all bode well for investments in Vancouver's real estate. Investing in Vancouver properties has proven lucrative so far and will likely continue to be a choice for many local and international investors.

There are quite a few luxury homes for sale in Vancouver west side and downtown area. To invest in Vancouver point grey real estate is ensured to be one of your favorable options!


http://EzineArticles.com/3419439

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Checklist For Looking For Apartment To Rent

When beginning a search looking for apartment to rent, the right place can be found with a little patience. Before the actual search is started, it is important to sit down and list what is crucial in the desired rental. For example, the number of bedrooms that will be required should be noted. Next, list those items that would be nice, but are not required. Items such as a swimming pool or a small yard are examples.

Perusing classifieds is a great way to find listings to take a look at. Asking friends, family, and co-workers is another great idea. These people may rent in a building that has available units, or they may know someone who does. Getting insider information is an invaluable tool when shopping for a new apartment. By talking to those who live in buildings with available spots, things such as, the general state of the building, any problem neighbors, and how quickly management responds to issues can be learned.

These people will also know what type of entertainment and shopping is offered in the neighborhood that surrounds the building. Other neighbors and the sorts of families that reside there an also be discussed. Hidden aspects of the neighaborhood can be learned as well. These type of spots add a lot of character but might easily be missed at first glance.

Other valuable information can be learned too such as great preschools for little ones in the area and the location of public and private schools for older children. The distance to public transportation can also be determined if it is needed. All of this information can help focus a search to the best location and help to weed out undesirable locations. This approach makes the search faster and simpler.

Networking such as this has other benefits too. A lot of apartments rent quickly. People who reside in areas that are being considered will often learn of tenants that are moving in plenty of time before the vacancy is advertised. This information can be used to set up a meeting with the manager and possibly rent the place before it is offered to others.

Use the checklist each time a new place is toured. After a busy day viewing several places memory can become fuzzy. The list will remind one of the pros and cons of each place that was seen. A well informed choice can then be made using the information written on the list for each.

First, the lists of those places that do not have what is required should be discarded. Next, take a look at the amenities that the remaining places have to offer. Using this method, the perfect new place can be chosen with confidence. A great fit for the whole family will be the result.

Searching for new long-term housing may seem like a frightening task. It is such an important decision for everyone. By using a check list and gaining information from those who live in desirable areas, the task becomes a much simpler and more pleasant endeavor.

Leading Whitby homes broker providing home owners with professional service on buying or selling Whitby real estate agents to make it easier for home buyers and sellers


http://EzineArticles.com/6485742

Friday, September 9, 2011

Cottages Sound Like A Great Idea

There are many different websites which offer information that a person can use in order to purchase or rent many cottages in a variety of locations. These types of small dwelling units have become a popular getaway for many busy people and can even become a permanent vacation home for a person and that person's entire family including friends and possibly even coworkers.

What many people may not know is that this particular term usually refers to a small, cozy dwelling located in a rural or a semi rural areas, however, in recent years many homes in such a style have been built in urban centers. While primarily these types of dwellings are used for temporary type of purposes such as vacations, they are sometimes used as primary residences.

Such small houses have had a long history as they were originally used by peasants during the middle ages in Europe. Their simple rural charm has made them a favorite type of a building to use during a vacation when the person in question usually wants to take the time and relax, living a simpler, more easy going lifestyle.

This is precisely the reason why such small houses have become a popular favorite as a vacation destination that is sometimes maintained as a home away from home. These types of homes are frequently located near lakes, rivers, near the ocean, or in heavily forested, rural areas, away from urban centers where a person can indulge in long walks and swimming.

For a person looking to purchase or rent one of these types of houses it is easy enough to find information using the internet. There is a variety of websites which are available that will show price comparisons and locations of available properties. Some of these sites can even have virtual walk through available for a person to be able to remotely see the property in question.

It is very important to do the relevant research and take the time to find out as much information as possible before making a purchasing decision. It is also a very good idea to contact a qualified agent who will be able to facilitate the process of obtaining a lease or purchasing the property in question.

Some people may be surprised to need an agent but in fact there are many requirements to completing either a lease agreement or a purchasing agreement and a person who is not well versed in such matters can make costly mistakes which might end up causing financial ramification far down the line and in the future. It is important to make a quality decision which may require a professional appraisal or a visit to the property in question.

It is no wonder that cottages are becoming a more and more popular way to escape the high flying, rapid fire lifestyle that most people are leading in their professional and family lives, and to spend a few days winding down and watching the world, taking in the moments as they come.

Leading Ajax homes broker providing home owners with professional service on buying or houses for sale Ajax to make it easier for home buyers and sellers


http://EzineArticles.com/6488936

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

A Quick Look On Real Estate Investment Tips

With the economy going down, many are a little hesitant in pulling the trigger when in comes to real estate investment. The idea here is to have a house that brings you some money or a good cash flow. The article below outlines five basic tips that will bring you success in this type of business.

Tip one: Knowing what you want is the first step in succeeding in this game. Many are no sure whether they want to rent the house or are in it for the short term. A short term investment is where you invest in the property and sell it off at a profit. It is better if you decide before hand what you are looking to do with the property.

Tip two: Do most of the duties yourself. There are duties that you can do yourself. You don't want to pay for services that will eat up all your profits. For example, if you made ten thousand dollars in profits then you paid your agent six thousand dollars, paid your lawyer two thousand dollars and then paid the contractor two thousand you are already running at a loss.

It's true that improvements on your property will greatly increase its value, but if these improvements have a potential of leaving you with nothing, then they are not worth it. Identify duties you can do by yourself such as answering the phone. You will discover that you can do most of the duties you pay for more efficiently.

The point here is to minimize on cost. If you feel you can not do any of these duties and you must stay hand off; the best thing to do would be to make sure that you budget is drawn accordingly. This will make sure that you have some profits in the long run.

Tip three: Use some help whenever it is appropriate to do so. There are some duties that will rip you better results if you rather pay a professional than you do them yourself. For instance, if an agent can find a buyer three months earlier that you could, then using an agent is better. You will find that there are duties that will cost you more when you decide to do them yourself.

Tip four: You must be business minded. Real estate is just like any other business. Greed and unrealistic dreams for a quick dollar are some of the best ways to shut your business down. Make sane decisions that are business focused. This is the way to go if your business is to succeed.

Tip five: Lean the market. Knowing the ups and downs of the market is very important in any business. Educate yourself on the real estate investment trends; Go for seminars and forums, you will find a wealth of information in these forums. Talk to people who have experience in this type of investment.

Check the classified to find about the current prices of property; Check the current prices of homes similar to the one you intend to sell; Research on bank loans and other mortgage rates you can find. Research, research and do more research this way you are less likely to under price your property or be over priced on loans. Plus, having home evaluation helps you negotiate better deals on your real estate investment.

Prior to look for any Ajax homes, you need to do some research about the area, your finance situation, then you need to hire an experienced Ajax real estate agents broker to handle your needs.


http://EzineArticles.com/6488954

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Advantages of Sale and Rent Backs

The property market is far from recovered with a large amount of bad debts and also growing interest rates. As a result of this there has been an increase in sale and rent back companies coming into the market specifically targeting overstretch homeowners who have mismanaged their finances.

The way a sale and rent back company operates is to allow homeowners to sell their properties to them at a discounted rate and then the sale and rent back company will rent the property back to them at the market rate.

Obviously one of the downsides to this is that homeowners will be selling their properties for many thousands less than it is actually worth however a sale to rent back proposal can be very appealing to a borrower who has got himself or herself into arrears.

Another huge advantage of this is that these deals can be done extremely quietly with no need for neighbours or family to know about it and this can appeal to many people who do not want the embarrassment of people knowing they are in a difficult financial position.

One thing all homeowners need to know is that these sale and rent back companies are unregulated and this means many of them are looking to turn a profit from another who is in financial hardship.

To give you a better understanding of what a sale and rent back deal looks like we will go into slightly more detail about what one entails. A sale and rent back company will basically purchase someone's home for 60% to 70% less than the market value. They will usually cover all the fees and costs that come with selling a home for you which again adds to the attractiveness of the deal.

The next stage is the sale to rent back company will rent the property back to the original homeowners for either the market rental rate or in some cases less than that if the mortgage repayments were less than the current market rental rates.

So this whole process allows people to essentially sell their property without having to move and the sale usually gives people enough collateral to pay off mortgages and get themselves out of debt. Some sale to rent back companies will allow for a clause that gives the original homeowners a chance to purchase the property back at a later date for the market value.

Selling a home for many thousands of pounds less than it is actually worth to many people would seem very unappealing however if you are facing mortgage arrears and the fear of repossession then this can be for some a simple way out of their troubles.

Also these sale to rent back companies do offer discretion which means family and neighbours do not need to know about the change in ownership. Furthermore children who go to a local school can continue to attend that school whereas if they moved they might not be eligible to go to the same school if they had to move out of the catchment area.


http://EzineArticles.com/6500440

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Manchester's Property Redevelopment Cycle

Over the last 10 to 15 years the city of Manchester has undergone a striking transformation as developers have recognised it as a thriving commercial hub and no longer an industrial centre. Many, in fact, now consider Manchester to be England's second city after London, displacing Birmingham.

The redevelopment in and around Manchester city centre has been most obvious, due not only to the rise of the city in terms of commercial importance but also to the explosion of an IRA bomb in 1996, which damaged a large area of property around Corporation Street.

Manchester took the opportunity to turn a negative into a positive, rebuilding and redeveloping the Arndale Centre, which was damaged by the blast, and a lot of the surrounding city centre areas. Property developers saw an opportunity too, and began a steady redevelopment of old warehouses, as well as creating new build residential developments.

These new residential properties, both in the centre in areas such as the Northern Quarter and in outlying areas like Ancoats and Hulme gave the city a much needed facelift, removing the old, dingy look and creating a modern, impressive city and suburbs.

For estate agents, Manchester in the late Nineties and early in the new century represented a boom time. Demand for high quality city centre living was high and the new developments were being bought and sold for large amounts. Some of the most sort after developments included Bridgewater Bank, Bridgewater Street and Castlefield Basin.

One of the more recent developments is the Beetham Tower, or Hilton Tower as it is sometimes called, as it houses a Hilton hotel and facilities. It features 16 penthouses, the uppermost of which covers the top two floors and was bought by the building's designer for £3 million, demonstrating the property prices in the city centre.

It's not just the buying property market that has benefited from Manchester's redevelopment. The letting sector has too, with many property investors purchasing apartments to let to renters, including those who cannot afford to buy.

However, with such a boom in property in the city there is evidence of over supply. Many properties contain apartments that sit empty, with the owners or developers unable to find buyers. This is due in part to the high prices being demanded but also because of the sheer volume of available residential property in the city.

The situation is good for people looking to rent, as eventually rental values will fall and the same could happen for those looking to buy. Either way, Manchester represents a great place to live, whether renting or buying, and those looking to do so should contact Manchester letting agents and Manchester estate agents to check out prices and locations.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Shepherd Gilmour, Manchester estate agents offering Manchester city centre property for sale and rent.


http://EzineArticles.com/6497246

Monday, August 29, 2011

The House Flipping Business Plan

The house flipping process can be divided into three phases: home buying, home renovating and home selling. Each phase is important and unique and each phase will build off of the successes and failures of the previous phases.

Phase One: Home Buying

This phase is the most important phase because it will set the tone for the rest of your house flipping project. If you select the wrong house to flip, you will be forced to pay higher than expected construction costs and forced to deal with a longer than anticipated selling period. On the flip side, if you choose the right house, the construction and selling process will virtually take care of themselves.

Most real estate experts agree that you do not make money with the sale of your flipped house, but with the purchase of the house. You always want to have the end in mind. The end in house flipping would be to make money. Therefore, selecting the right house to fit your budget and your schedule means you will have a very easy time renovating and selling the house.

Phase Two: Home Renovation

The best strategy to follow to ensure a successful house flip is to set your budget and your schedule before you begin construction. With a budget and schedule set, you will know how much money you can spend for your flip as well as how long the flip will take. That way you can better track your progress.

In construction, the 3 most important factors to produce a final product are time, money and quality. All 3 of these factors are interrelated. For example, if you want to speed up the construction process, it is going to cost you more money and the quality of the work will be affected, most likely negatively. If you are looking to install the finest quality features in your house, it will probably cost you more time and more money. Finally, if want to spend the least amount of money as possible, expect the quality to suffer and the duration of the project to last longer.

Phase Three: Home Selling

Depending on how well you researched your target market and what type of improvements you added to your flip in the previous phases, the home selling phase should only last a few weeks. Anything longer than a month and you will be forced to pay an additional mortgage payment which will reduce your overall profits.

To make sure that you sell the flipped house quickly you should follow these 2 guides: set your selling price below the market value and market your home.

The name of the game in house flipping is speed and when you set the selling price of your house below the market average, potential home buyers will see the added benefits of your renovation versus your lower asking price and immediately see a tremendous value.

Also, the more potential home buyers you can have looking at your house, the more likely someone will like and ultimately buy your flipped house. To increase foot traffic in your house, allowing a real estate agent to list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) will give even more real estate agents the opportunity to showcase your flipped house.

There is no one right way to flip a house. However, some ways are significantly better than others. What works for some projects may not work for others. Determine your budget and schedule and always have an end goal in mind from the beginning. If you can successfully do that, you are well on your way to a successful house flipping project.

Visit My House Flipping Guide to learn more about buying, renovating and selling houses.


http://EzineArticles.com/6491394

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Register For Your Dream Home

Many engaged couples today don't need the household basics like dishes and towels. However, what they need is the home to put them in. Being a home owner isn't as easy as it once was, so for many, there really is no better gift. A home fund wedding registry can help you receive the gift of a lifetime, be it to purchase your 1st home or remodel the one you have.

What is a Home Fund Registry?

A home fund registry is a gift list that allows you to register for your dream home, so instead of registering for smaller household items like you would at a department store, you might register for:

Contributions to your down paymentFurniture for your bedroom or living roomMajor appliances like a washer/dryer or refrigeratorNew electronicsA backyard makeover

How Does a Home Fund Registry Work?

Your guests will want to contribute to a specific part of your home, such as the kitchen, living room or bathroom. To make it fun for them, explain how you will redecorate your home, the beauty and functionality that the renovations will bring, or your vision for the home you will purchase with their gift towards the down payment.

Your home fund registry allows you to share your story and all of the details of your plans by creating a gift list that itemizes how the home fund gift money will be used. Instead of listing out a bunch of smaller items that you don't need like you would on a traditional registry, with an alternative registry you register for anything from new flooring to a couch, a fresh coat of paint to the latest appliances. Although these gifts would be too big if requested in one lump sum, with a customizable home fund registry you can break them into smaller price points so that anyone can contribute at the level they are comfortable giving.

Benefits of a Home Fund Registry

Save For a Down Payment: Buy your first home with the contributions friends and family make towards the ultimate dream of home ownership.
Renovate Your Fixer Upper: You've got the home and now it's time to fix it up. Create an alternative registry to share your vision with guests and divide your renovations into parts so they can contribute and be part of the excitement of your remodel.
Group Gifts for Big Ticket Items: If you already own a home, but you still live like you did in college, it's time to spruce up the place with new furniture, a grill, even a flat screen! You could never register for these in a department store, but divvied-up into parts at smaller price points, everyone can contribute.
An Excuse to Celebrate: Your friends and family will feel best giving you a gift that they know you'll use and cherish, like a home of your own. Don't forget to invite them over for a housewarming party!

Home Fund Registry

Dana Ostomel is the founder and Chief Gifting Officer of the cash wedding registry site: Deposit a Gift. < http://www.depositagift.com/ > She works closely with her users to ensure they are able to craft the perfect gift list for them. Years before Dana got married, she wondered how anyone could store so many presents-and even if they could, how they had the time to unwrap, return (often), track and use them all. Her marketing background led her to believe she could simplify the registry process-and not just for weddings, but for any big gifting event. And so Deposit a Gift, the next generation gift registry, was born.


http://EzineArticles.com/6408065

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Handling Real Estate Rejections

Rejection is a sales person's greatest fear. We hate any sort of rejection, and it's hard not to take it personally. So here are some ways of dealing with rejection and conquering your prospecting fears:

1. Learn From Each No Make each failure a learning experience rather than just a regret.

Take a close and honest look at why you failed to get a "yes". What (if anything) could you have done differently? Was your opening statement interesting and compelling? Did you leave anything out or forget something that might have helped? How well did you handle their objections? If there's anything you can change, be ready for it at your next meeting. Understanding what went wrong and learning from failure dampens the sting of rejection.

2. Place The Next Call

When you've understood what went wrong on a call, move on to the next call immediately. Don't dwell on the result. It's especially bad to go for lunch or leave the office for the day on a negative result because it will stay with you and you'll be less inclined to make calls when you're at the office next. I've seen real estate professionals who couldn't remember their best friend's phone number, but could describe in detail every failure they'd had that day. Learn from your mistakes and move on.

3. Smile And Laugh

Some real estate professionals take rejection too seriously. Get over it! If you learn to laugh at your failures and take them lightly, rejection won't feel nearly as bad. One good way of doing this is getting together with other sales reps from your office for lunch. Get everyone to talk about their most memorable failures and see who has the worst. You'll get a good laugh and feel better by realizing the same thing is happening to every other rep out there regularly. This helps put the "no's" in perspective.

4. Recall Your Success

The thrill of victory lasts way longer than the sting of defeat. So remember the positive feelings you had when you succeeded. It'll provide you with motivation to get back on the horse and keep riding.

5. Leave Your Phone Area

Occasionally When setbacks or defeats occur, get out of the office for a while. Get some air and clear your mind. A walk is a great way of thinking things over and getting new ideas.

6. End All Calls Positively

Even if you're rudely rejected by a prospect, don't treat them rudely too. Be courteous and professional at all times. It'll help maintain your positive attitude. Learn more about the "soft" skills real estate professionals need to succeed in my course Building Your Ecommerce Business. This course has been approved by the Registrar, REBBA 2002 to qualify for 9 credits.


http://EzineArticles.com/6504107