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.

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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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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/

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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.

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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/.

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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;

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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.

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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/

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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.

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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.

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