The Residential Real Estate Selling Process in Austin Texas

Author: Joe Cline - Austin Real Estate Broker

Decide to Sell
Deciding to sell your home is a big decision. The first step in this process should be to understand your motivations, expectations, financial considerations, goals and what you plan to do upon the sale of your home. Many people begin the sale process with unrealistic expectations or unclear goals. It then becomes difficult to meet their goals because these goals have never been clearly defined. You must begin to view your house, no longer as your home, but as an investment property that you want to market.

Setting the Price
Of course one of your most difficult questions is the listing price of your house. What price should you ask? This is an important part of the sales process. If you set the asking price too high, you may scare away buyers. Agents who feel that your house would not be a good investment may not even show the house. After the house sits on the market for a while, people begin to feel that there is something wrong with it because it hasn't sold. Even if you could sell your house for an inflated price, many times a lender won't approve a loan on a house that doesn't appraise for that amount and the sale might fall through at the last minute. If you under price the home, you won't realize the maximum potential of your investment.

Marketing Plan
Decide on incentives that to be offered to buyers, determine the best places to advertise, and determine how to show the home. Remember that that goal is to sell the home for the highest price, in the least time, with the fewest hassles.

Prepare the Home for Showing
There are two important ways that you can have an impact in making your house attractive to buyers: property condition and listing price. After deciding on a listing price, setup an appointment with a decorating company. They will give you some suggestions for making your house look its best. This process is called "staging." The suggestions might be simple such as clearing cluttered counter tops. Or they might be more involved such as painting front doors or repairing obvious defects.
The staging company will look at your house from room to room and will offer advice on how to make each room show great. They will also look at the exterior street appeal, backyard and garage. They have a lot of tips that can make your house shine. After this meeting, you will have a list of what you should do to prepare your house for sale. Following these suggestions in a timely manner will ensure your home shows at its best.

Remember that "staging" addresses the appearance of the house and not necessarily other problems, which might become evident during an inspection. An inspection will uncover most defects that eventually may have to be repaired. In this way you can have the repairs done before a potential buyer's inspection uncovers a defect that might cause a buyer to either change his mind or to want a substantial repair allowance deducted from the price. It is a signal to buyers that you are a responsible, reputable seller. It also allows you to have plenty of time to schedule any work that might need to be done.

Offer a residential service contract to buyers. This guarantees the major appliances in your home as well as other systems and structures. You can also include coverage for your house while it is on the market so you don't have to pay for any unexpected repairs.

Marketing the Home
Now the fun begins. Here are some ideas that can be used to promote your home.

It is important for you to keep your house in perfect condition everyday because buyers or agents might come by at any time. Keep the kitchen clean, make your bed every morning and keep clutter out of sight. It is especially important to keep pets and pet odors under control. Some wonderful added touches are fresh flowers and potpourri or freshly baked cookies.
As agents and potential buyers begin visiting your home either virtually on the Internet or in person, try to obtain feedback from the buyers. Make changes to the showing state, condition, and price as feedback deems necessary.

The Offer and Negotiation
You have an offer, now what? Sometimes the buyer will offer you the asking price and have no special requests. In this case, you sign that you accept the offer. Sometimes, the buyer's offer is a lower price and might have other requests. You should consider what is best for you and make a counter offer. Consider carefully your response because if you counter offer, there is no guarantee that the buyer will respond again. Also remember that, once agreed upon and signed by all parties, an offer becomes a legally binding contract. Never get involved in oral offers and negotiation. If you verbally accept an offer, a buyer has no legal obligation to buy the house and may want to continue to bargain with you to see how low a price you will accept.
No matter how well you have prepared your house and how fairly you have priced it, there is always the possibility of receiving a low offer. It could be a limit to the buyer's ability to purchase. Don't take it personally and react angrily. This is business, it's not personal. You can either reject the offer or make a counter-offer. Try to find out as much as you can as to why the offer was low. Certainly if other offers come in very low or if your home is not being shown or not receiving any offers consider adjusting the pricing.

Once the buyer and seller agree on the terms, the buyer will have the home inspected. If there are any problems that are found during this time period then the buyer can withdraw from the contract. The buyer might request that you complete certain repairs before closing or that you contribute a certain sum of money at closing to cover these repairs. If this happens, try not to let contract fall through. After the limited time period is up, the buyer is legally bound to buy your house unless they are denied financing. In the event of cancellation, the buyer would lose any earnest money. One exception to this is in the case of the buyer not receiving funding from the lenders. In that case then the buyer is not held responsible. For this reason, always ask the buyer's agent for a letter showing that the potential buyer has been prequalified for a loan and, once a contract is signed, ask the buyer's agent to keep you informed of the buyer's loan application progress.

Closing
The exciting day is finally here! Verify in advance that all of the paperwork is in order. Request a copy of the HUD1 statement sheet so that you can read over it before closing. Feel free to ask any questions either before the closing or during the closing itself. Typically this is when you relinquish possession of the house so take the keys to give to the new owner.

Article Tags: Real Estate, Austin, Texas, Selling Real Estate In Austin Texas, Selling Process

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Real Estate Professionals in California

Author: Richard Brazil

California real estate is the most sought after and expensive real estate in the United States. It has a wide variety of diverse properties, from condos to vacation homes to single-family residences to apartments. Therefore, while searching home or commercial property in California, having real estate professionals by your side will make your search easier.

Generally, real estate professionals in CA include real estate agents, realtors, mortgage broker, and mortgage lender. Buyers and sellers more often need them at the time of buying or selling.

1. Real Estate Agents
A Real estate agent is either a person or an organization whose business is to market real estate on behalf of clients. There are buyer’s agent, seller’s agent and dual agents who work for both seller and buyer. Their main function is to look for suitable houses, negotiate price and terms on behalf of both, and prepare a standard purchase or selling contract.

2. Realtors
They work with their customers to define their needs and identify suitable alternatives. They are the total real estate solution providers starting with identifying the property to closing the deal.

3. Mortgage Broker
These professionals have specialized in the entire loan processes and help their customers in getting the best loan to fit their needs. They are either companies or individuals who work closely with mortgage lenders to provide a wide variety of loan schemes to their customers. They act as a mediator between mortgage lender and customer. They are ready to assist you with your lending needs. They will help you through the process and requirements-from home inspection to insurance.

4. Mortgage Lender
They are the companies who actually finance the loan to the customers through the brokers. In the past, lenders were almost banks and saving& loan associations. Due to their limited options in lending, many different types of lenders have joined in this field. Today, most mortgage bankers act as wholesale lenders. They offer loans at a lower rate of interest than banks. Mortgage brokers deal with these lending institutions that have wholesale loan department for their customers.

Hence, it is a team work of all agents, realtors, brokers and lenders to provide better service to their customers. By effectively using their own resources, they can co-ordinate with

Article Tags: Realtors, Real Estate Agents, Commercial Property, Real Estate Professionals In California, California Real Estate Professional, Mortage Broker, Mortage Lender

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

What Are Equity Skimming Scams?

Author: Eric Mabo

Equity stripping is also called equity skimming and some people will term it foreclosure rescue scam, which is when low-income earners face foreclosure. It was late 1999 that some equity scammers took the properties of low-income earners, such as their homes. It happens so because, they took loans and never pay in time or did not fulfill the conditions of the loan. At times some money lenders lend out their money at a very high interest rate. So, these homeowners are made to even rent their own homes form these money lenders as tenants. This equity stripping scam issue usually happens to low-income earners who own a home. This equity stripping scam issue usually happens when the low-income homeowner has entered a complex transaction with a money lender; the homeowner will be unaware that he or she is selling the property. Some few years back, most states in the United State have looked for a means to fight against all these unscrupulous money lenders.

Many people may look at equity stripping as a means of lending money to people and taking excessive money as charges. That is, removing the homeowner out of the home if the charges are not paid. This practice often shows foreclosure.

Trends have been made in the United States economy to open a market so that foreclosure, equity stripping scam is legal. This has made the values of properties to increase between 2000-2005. As the values have increased, the rate of foreclosure in 2001 has risen leaving the many foreclosed low-income earners with equity.

Homeowners may notice that they have fallen into foreclosure, when they find their names on newspapers or reported by a mail distribution service.

Solicitation can take place, when a homeowner has been foreclosed. That is some other person may still meet the foreclosed homeowner for another deal, if he or she is qualify to take a different loan for a commission to be paid to this person who is making the arrangement . When a home has been foreclosed, an investor can still come and pay the amount owed by the homeowner and acquire the home. The investor may still will back the home to the homeowner under a different condition (lease or contract deed). The homeowner then remains in the house and pays rents. But, there are laws in most of the states today that protects equity stripping scam, which was passed into law since 2005. At times, this foreclosure stuff may be beneficial, when the charges of the loan are low. The foreclosure stuff can be beneficial to the homeowner, when here arranges and still stay in the house as a tenant, but later on you can still repair your credit and own the home again.

Home owners facing foreclosure should be very careful about who they talk to as there are many scammers out there only interested in taking away their homes. There are many government run agencies in every state where the home owner can turn to. One of the most important things is for the home owner to talk to their lender.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

How Are Property Taxes Determined?

Author: Eric Mabo

Those who own properties pay taxes for their properties every year. The tax rates are always determined by the local governments of your area in which you live and depending on the needs of the municipality. Sometimes, the rates of these taxes are assessed using the mill levy. At times, one mill is equivalent to one US dollar of the property assessed.

To determine the estimated amount that one has to pay for his or her property, you need to ask the value of appraisal of the property you ant to determine the tax. When you multiply the appraised value by 11or 11.5 percent for homes or properties that belongs to you and commercial/industrial properties you multiply it by 24 or 25 percent depending on what the local government of you municipality has decided. So, if you look carefully, you will discover that people pay property tax depending on the area in which they are and the budget of that locality. E.g. those living in Georgia will not pay the same tax as those in New York .

If you own any property, take not that only two things can determine the amount of tax you have to pay for that property. That is, the tax rate given by the government of that locality and the value of your property also counts.

The kind of property to be assessed that is the real property may be looked upon as land or any permanent structure. For example, we can consider vacant land, buildings that occupies offices, houses, farm lands etc. Not all real properties are taxable, properties such as properties owned by the government of that locality or any religious properties.

The assessment of a property is usually based on the value that the property will sell. And this assessment is done by assessors who are appointed or elected by the local government of that locality. Take note that, if your assessment value is equal to the selling price of you property, then know that your assessment has failed.

For a tax rate to be final, it must be divided to the different municipalities. An apportionment may occur if you are having you property in two different cites or towns.

Your property tax increases when, the budget of the local government in that locality has been increased or when the value of assessment has also been increased.

If your business is in a historic building or the building is of great importance, this may case you to pay low or high property tax to the local government of your area. Some governments will tax businesses in historic buildings to pay high property tax, while others will not demand high.

The issue of property tax has made many business people not to increase their properties because, there are afraid their property tax will be increased. But, for the case where you are a homeowner and like to improve on your house, the property tax will not be increased. So homeowners can improve on their homes without paying more property tax.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Quality Real Estate Scarce in Chandigarh

Author: George Gonigal

Good-quality real estate in Chandigarh is becoming a scarce commodity in the sectors that have good infrastructure. There is virtually no piece of land free in premium sectors like Sector 5, Sector 7, Sector 21 and Madhya Marg. These sectors host important government offices, central business districts and premium residential and commercial properties. Most of the land there has already been utilized for constructions and other real estate development. Residential property here costs about Rs 3,200 to Rs 4,500 per sq ft. Rents are as high as Rs 10,000-12,000 for a 3 BHK (1,350 sq ft area flat) and this is comparable to some areas of Delhi and Gurgaon.

After Chandigarh, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to find freehold land in Mohali and Panchkula. Near by areas like Zirakpur, Baltana, Dhakoli, Dera Bassi and Mani Majra are much in demand now. The prices of land here are almost half of that in Delhi and thus people are flocking to these new and upcoming areas, despite poor infrastructure and lack of maintenance. Investors are laying huge bets on these areas. They are putting their money in upcoming projects and constructions and foresee good returns in the coming times.

Chandigarh-based property broker, Manav Singla says that people are now buying property in Chandigarh sub-urban areas not for residential purposes but for investment purposes. This attitude reflects a sea-change in the mentality of users. People now want to buy flats and plots that can be sub-let, leased or remodeled into paying guest accommodations, hotels, hostels, retails outlets.

Singla estimates that middle-class and lower middle class users will flock to these areas. Hence he suggests that if one can spare amount between Rs 21–30 lakh, he should buy a 3-BHK here. The 1,350 sq ft flat will assure handsome returns in near future. These market activities indicate that the upcoming real estate destinations around Chandigarh are now becoming the investment zone.

For more details on Chandigarh Real Estate, log on to magicbricks.com

Article Tags: Real Estate, Property, Buy, Properties, Sell, Chandigarh

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Get Recognized With Real Estate Accounting

Author: Alvis Brazma

With involvement of major construction companies in the global real estate industry, real estate market is expending with a faster pace. In fact, at present real estate industry is one of the biggest industries of global market; however, few years back things ware not so simple for real estate business owners, as this industry was itself striving to make its position. Present real estate industry is not only running a full-fledged business but also inviting sapling real estate businesses to join its widespread market. Every year n numbers of small real estate businesses are entering into that challenging world of construction and sale of housing property; however, very few of them are getting the desired level of success. There can be many reasons behind their failure such as, unavailability of necessary resources, inappropriate usage of available resources and improper management of accounting data. Undoubtedly, real estate accounting is one of the most complicated business tasks, as it includes, a wide range of rapid transactions. Accounting for this industry is such a task that requires accuracy and extra attention of the person who is performing it therefore, real estate business owner must be extra vigilant about accuracy and proper management of his or her accounting data.

For sapling business owners of this industry, it is must to understand the importance of perfectly managed accounting system, as growth of their business depends on how they use their financial and accounting resources. Since real estate accounting is more complex than accounting for any other industry, a real estate business owner must check out the efficiency level of his or her accounting staff. In fact, a slight mistake can cause big loss to that business and can also restrict its growth. Business owners, who do not get proper time to check out every aspect of their accounting system, can also hire professionals of an real estate accounting firm, as it will allow them to manage their valuable accounting data perfectly.

It is quite true that real estate industry is likely to have unexpected changes therefore, all real estate business owners need to be more observant, so that their businesses may easily become accustomed to these changes. In fact, these changes bring a lot of financial complications with them hence affected businesses must have proper accounting management systems to simplify these complexities. In such circumstances managing every aspect of real estate accounting can be a tough task; however, this task can be made simpler by analyzing previous data to make new strategies.

Whether you hire professionals from an outsider firm or manage it within your organization, always make sure that your accounting data is perfectly reflecting the position of your organization or not. In fact, financial statements of your organization can also help in improving your position in the market therefore always pay extra attention to preciseness and accuracy of every final statement. If at any point of time you feel that your business is consuming more financial resources than your expectations, then you can take help of a real estate accounting advisor to know the perfect position of cash flow for your business.

Article Tags: Accounting Outsourcing, Small Business Accounting, Real Estate Accounting, Bookkeeping Help, Accounting Help

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Arizona Real Estate Listings and Phoenix Real Estate Listings

Author: Adam Morien

There’s simply no denying the sheer popularity of the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Phoenix real estate listings are widely popular and sought after by virtually thousands of people from around the country on a daily basis. Other Arizona real estate listings are garnering much traffic as well, and there really is no surprise as to why. Though Arizona was only the 48th state admitted to the Union, the state has experienced much growth and has seemingly made Phoenix the 5th largest city in the nation. Currently the 13th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the United States, Phoenix, Arizona is also the most populous city in Arizona as well as the state capital. But the city and state have much more to offer than sheer numbers.

Of all the growing locations in the southwest, Arizona offers some of the most appealing and sought after real estate in the United States. The year-round warm climate brings many outdoor activities and opportunities for patrons to enjoy rest and relaxation. Arizona real estate listings present numerous opportunities for interested visitors to make the state a more permanent vacation. Phoenix itself is a thriving metropolitan city and its economy continues to grow and flourish. The city has much to offer, including Luke Air Force Base and nationally renowned golf destinations. A lot of patrons find themselves in Phoenix to enjoy the dry climate and warm weather while other make an attempt to capture a glimmer of the old west. Lots of outdoor enthusiasts simply flock to enjoy breathtaking landscapes at any one of the surrounding state parks, including Camelback Mountain and Papago Park. Sports fans can also get their fill and take in any one of the major sporting events with professional teams like the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals. If relaxation is on your mind, the greater Phoenix area is home to some of the most accommodating spas and resorts found anywhere on the planet.

With so much to offer, it really is no surprise that so many individuals find themselves browsing through Phoenix real estate listings in search of their ideal setting. And not just Phoenix – Arizona real estate listings have become widely popular as well. From world-class golf opportunities to luxurious spas and vibrant nightlife, this southwestern gem definitely has much to offer. No matter what the allure might be, Arizona is truly a perfect location for seemingly anyone to call home.

Tags: Phoenix Real Estate Listings, Arizona Real Estate Listings

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Why Buying Real Estate in Baja California Is Such a Good Idea

By: Mikhail Tuknov

For many years now, Baja California has been known as a party and vacation spot for many people all over the world. From couples seeking an intimate getaway to college students looking for a place to get in some much needed partying over spring break, Baja California presents an ideal destination where you can go to leave the worries of the real world behind.

What a growing number of people are realizing however is that aside from providing a temporary haven for rest and recreation, Baja California can in fact be a place where you can spend considerably longer periods of time in and perhaps even live out your retirement years. And why not, after all? In addition to the many stunning natural features of the area, there is a wealth of both personal and business opportunities to be had for the few souls brave enough to make the move. If you need any more convincing there is the world famous warmth and friendliness of the local residents, the excellent standard of living–particularly if you measure your income in dollars–and the near perfect weather all year round. And let’s not forget that Baja California is only 30 to 40 minutes from the U.S. border. In fact Baja California is probably the only place in the world where beachfront property and near-perfect southern Californian weather can still be had in abundance.

By all indications, the real estate market in the U.S. has all but dried up. Investors are now looking for the next big thing and many experts agree that Baja California is it. As you read this article, a number of factors are coming together, the combined effects of which will ultimately result in the next big property boom occurring in this area. For one thing, the Mexican government has implemented a number of changes in the country’s real estate laws that now make it legal for foreigners to purchase property in Mexico–even in areas that were formerly off limits to foreign buyers. By securing a bank trust or a Fideicomiso, the process of buying land in Baja California–or most any other place in Mexico for that matter–is now simpler and safer than ever.

Even U.S. banks and lending institutions are getting in on the act, with many lenders now offering mortgage financing as well as title insurance for foreign-owned property in Mexico.

Finally, your dollars can be stretched a lot further in Baja California. You probably know by now how hard it is to find available beachfront property in Southern California. Well, not only is it available in Baja California, but the prices are up to 4 or 5 times cheaper than similar property in the U.S. That in itself is a good enough reason to buy but when you realize that current property appreciation is measured at 30%, it almost makes no sense not to buy!

Clearly the market in Baja California real estate is on the rise. The time to act is now if you want to get some of the action!

Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Free Real Estate Lead - Potentially Lucrative and Always Risk Free

Author: lanard perry

Want to generate free real estate leads? No, I'm not kidding, although I know that it sounds impossible enough to be a joke. But I'm as serious as heart attack.

Many agents and firms started out utilizing free lead generation strategies - ones that are cost-effective, yet virally effective and risk-free. Many still use them to this day.

One way to find them is to search for online agencies that offer free leads, but "free" may not really be free.

For example, some online agencies require you to pay a few dollars as sign up fees for their leads. But in general you can utilize their services to generate potential leads and have a few buyers contact you from time to time.

Another lead generation idea is to write and distribute real estate articles. which is easy to do and becoming a popular and affordable method of generating leads, creating a brand and generating sales.

Article distributions is literally as writing an article, submitting it to online article directories, then letting the Internet work its magic. Good articles will get distributed far and wide over the Internet and generate leads over and over again - sometimes well beyond several years after you submit them for distribution.

A third lead generation idea is to cultivate a Real Estate Referral System, which is done by generating leads by word of mouth, via recommendations and through referrals and good rapport.

A vibrant referral system is earned through dedication to your customers...and your perceived trustworthiness. If you lie, deceive and/or mislead them they'll abandon you, but if you treat them honestly and look out for their best interests they'll become repeat customers who will in turn refer their friends and relatives to you.

Finally, a fourth way to generate leads is to pursue Expired Listing Leads. With this strategy you offer to relist properties of owners of expired listings, which occur everyday all across the country. Expired listings can be an unending source of free to low cost leads.

But free does not mean without effort. Still, working expired listings is not hard, but having a good system and a commitment to succeed is helpful.

Summarily, creating close ties with your network of family and friends can help you connect to people in a way that will have them considering you when they need a realtor. The rest is up to you.

Build upon that rapport to increase the chance of generating leads and expanding your network base. The power of word of mouth alone will allow you to get more people in your network.

Then, let your network work for you in terms of people in it introducing their networks to your business. From there you can establish a rapport with newfound prospects based on similar interests.

In the end your network will be one of your biggest assets in generating free business leads.

Finally, make use of these powerful lead generating ideas and watch your business soar. There's no secret to generating positive leads, just pure people relationships based on trust and sincerity.

Tags: Real Estate Marketing, Real Estate Leads, Free Real Estate Lead

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/r

Prevent Foreclosure: Want To Know How To Stop A Home Foreclosure?

Author: Thomas Bladecki

Would you like to know how you could stop a home foreclosure? The best answer is to take immediate action. Many people overlook the best solution, and ignore the lenders, this is not the good solution, the lenders will continue to pursue it until either they sell the home at auction or take the home back them.

Stopping a home foreclosure can be a bit intimidating, but do not try to run from it, remember that the banks do not want the property back, they are in the business of lending, not property management.

Homeowners that are facing foreclosure are either in a financial bind, or some other hardship, their intention was not to get in to this position, but this does not mean that they cannot recover from it, or stop the foreclosure process.

Once the owners take control of their lives and stop ignoring the issues at hand, contacting the lender is the first step in getting back on track. It is not easy to stop the foreclosure process; it will require some work, but do not give up on it. Most banks will work with the homeowner by attempting to resolve the default without going through the legal process, especially with the high rate of foreclosures in today's market.

If you are looking to stop a foreclosure, chances are very good that you have already received the "Notice of Default"; this is the lenders legal way of informing you that you are potentially facing a foreclosure on your home. Depending on the state, you live in and the laws regarding foreclosures, you will have some time to take action. Whatever you do, ignoring the notice is the last thing that you want to do. This is not just a warning or a collection letter from the lender, this is the beginning of a legal home foreclosure and ignoring the notice is a guarantee that the lender will win. Working it out with the lender is the only way in which you can stop to foreclosure.

Talk to the loss prevention, or sometimes called the loss mitigation department. This department handles foreclosures, and can get you on a work out plan. Lenders not like to deal with foreclosures, however if you leave them no choice, be assured that they will if given no other option.

The lender may be willing to setup a workout plan, or payment plan for the amount in default and to keep the loan current, in this case, you should take action if you are able too. They will require certain financial and personal information in order to modify the loan agreement. Providing this information accurately and timely, will ensure a timely result from the lender, and will prevent the lender from pursuing further action on the foreclosure.

Selling your home is another option, if you are not in a position to agree with the lenders recommendations, or you will not be able to make the payments as promised, your best option may be to sell your home. Selling your home is one way that you are in control of the unfortunate situation.
Taking action is the best way to start, and you can look on the internet for a great deal of information regarding foreclosures and companies that can offer assistance. Make sure to act fast as time is already against you if you have received a "Notice of Default."

Stopping or preventing a home foreclosure is entirely up to the homeowner, if you are willing to work with the lender, provide the required information, and come to an agreement, you may stop the foreclosures on your home. On the other hand, if you are not willing to talk to them or ignore their phone calls and letters, then make sure that you have your personal belongings packed and ready to go when they foreclosure on our home.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Investing in Sacramento Real Estate

Author: Kris Koonar

Some of the most valuable hot properties in USA are in California and if speakers from the market are to be believed, then Sacramento in California is supposedly the hottest real estate market in the whole of the United States seconded only by Las Vegas. So, whether you are a beginner or a pro in real estate investment you can make money by investing in the US's most beautiful and yet affordable properties in this area.

California has a lot of wonderful places to be envied and awed like Disneyland, Hollywood, mountains, beaches, bay, deserts, Redwood, Yosemite, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and more. Another prized possession of California is Sacramento, which is the literal heart of California. Hidden in the shadow of so many great attractions of a golden state, it stands out as a little river city that is so modest and regal, vibrant and spectacular- all at the same time.

There are many reasons as to why should one invest in real estate in Sacramento. To begin with, it is perfectly located in California, at a two-hour drive from many of the greatest attractions of the world. Secondly, the greater Sacramento region is divided in to 7 counties namely Sacramento County, Placer County, El Dorado County, Sutter County, Yuba County, Nevada County and Yolo County, each of which is said to have a superb location and they also flaunt inhabitants with a rich lifestyle. Also each county is growing at its own pace holding terrific opportunities for investment in both commercial and residential sectors.

The great culture of the city, which is laid back and yet vibrant, combined with affordable housing, makes it hot in the real estate market. Being the state capital, the support structure for a favorable job market is very strong. Again, there are many high-tech corporations here and other corporations and one can afford to have more space for warehouses and manufacturing units as compared to other locations in the state.

Transportation facility is very strong in Sacramento. Along with North/South and East/West transportation there are also large rail carriers and major freight carriers present there. Presence of good schools and universities makes it a hot spot for real estate investment. The city also boasts of being the agricultural hub of California.

The province has seen growth from all quarters. Limited by the Sierra hills, the eastern region has limited but strong development potential. The west, which was initially dormant and overshadowed by industrial parks, also has grown. Biggest growth of South Sacramento has come with Elk Grove being limited only by the delta. North Sacramento is a huge area and is still developing giving a lot of opportunities to the real estate investors.

The average value of property is appreciating at around 17%, which is well above 20% for many. This gives a favorable position to the investor to profit from buying and holding property. He can also fix and flip for the first-time home buyer. There is a lot of empty land left here which is which is being swooped by the developers making it all the more lucrative for investment in real estate. Real Estate in the entire US has risen as people have pulled out their money to invest in more lucrative options and Sacramento stands out as one of the most viable option.

Tags: Real Estate Investing, Sacramento Investing

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Should You Buy Property In 2008?

Author: P Green

There's been a lot of talk and media speculation over the last few months about what might happen to the property market next year.

With New Year's Day just a few hours away, this is a great time to take stock and assess the likely movements in the market in 2008, especially if you want to sell or buy property.

An investment company called Assetz has recently studied the market and made a series of predictions for the next 12 months.

The company is likely to know what it is talking about. Its website says it is made up of a number of well known and successful property investment advisors. They offer services to private investors who want to buy property, both here and abroad.

The first issue the company has looked at - and the one that most people are likely to be very interested in - is whether or not house prices are going to go up or down in 2008.

Research by Assetz showed that average house price growth from December 2006 to December 2007 was 8.1%.

The most recent monthly data was more volatile, making the company believe growth is currently somewhere between nought and five per cent. It's likely that people setting out to buy property over the last quarter have been very cautious after a lot of negative media attention.

For the next few months, the company is positive about price growth. It expects the market to settle down, and people will put their homes up for sale as normal.

But what about longer-term? Well, it's confident there as well. Over the next decade and even longer, it expects to see good growth, and says anyone that sets out to buy property now shouldn't be too worried about short-term price wobbles.

That's good news for you as well if you are planning a property sale soon.

What about interest rates? There have been a number of rises over the last 18 months, followed by two recent drops. That's restored a little confidence for homeowners or anyone looking to buy property. There's nothing more likely to dent a growing housing market than increasing mortgage payments.

Assetz believes there will be bank base rate reductions of around 0.75% in 2008. If that happens and you have a base rate tracker mortgage, you will see a drop in your monthly outgoings.

As an investment company, it also looked at whether rents will go up. And it believes they already are according to a number of recent surveys. Figures shows that London rents are already at 15%, and there is likely to be continued growth around the rest of the UK. Good news if you have a buy-to-let; not so good if you need to rent somewhere to live!

It says first-time buyers have dropped from more than a fifth of the market to less than ten per cent. And at the same time people are buying in less volume, but at a greater rate than property is coming on to the market.

That means a substantial number of people are switching from buying to renting, and there is a disproportionate number of smaller households resulting from frustrated first-time buyers who can't get on the property ladder.

Finally, Assetz looked at whether or not population growth fed by immigration would continue, supporting house price growth. And it seems there is going to continue to be enormous demand. Government figures suggest the population will grow by 4.4 million by 2014.

All in, the company believes 2008 is a great time to buy property. It advises people to behave like professional investors, by acting against the market and taking a 10 to 15 year view.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

International Real Estate - be Careful

Author: Steve Gillman

ooking beyond our borders at the international real estate market might make sense for a second home or an investment. My wife and I recently bought a small lot a hundred yards from the Pacific Ocean in Ecuador, with the idea of having a second home there. The price, $3,000, shows why people look to other countries for real estate. Where in the United States can you buy a lot near the ocean for even ten times that much?

On the other hand, there are some risks in investing in property abroad. There are some things to think about that you don't normally have to consider when buying real estate in the U.S. And unfortunately, there are even some hard lessons to be learned from our own experience.

International Real Estate - Some Considerations

At the time we bought the property, in early 2007, Ecuador had been experiencing an economic boom for years. This was partly because the country adopted the U.S. dollar as it's official currency in 2001. Inflation was no longer an issue, and businesses were starting everywhere. New subdivisions - like those in the 1950 here - are still popping up around most of the major cities. Easier financing has even put more cars than ever into all those new driveways.

Political leaders have seemed to come and go too fast over the years, but even when the process was chaotic it was mostly peaceful. Ecuador was a stable democracy that seemed to be heading in the right direction. Most of the changes that had happened since my wife grew up and went to university there were good changes. Then came Correa, the current president.

Apparently the system wasn't as stable as we thought. Earlier this year, he prevented many opposition members of congress from entering the parliament. Then there were elections to create assembly for the rewriting of the constitution. The assembly (now elected) could dissolve the congress or even hand over dictatorial powers to Correa. The public, unfortunately, has mostly been on Correa's side.

Unfortunately, I say, because Correa seems to be doing many bad things. He openly admires Hugo Chavez, the socialist leader of Venezuela, and Fidel Castro. He talks about a "new socialism." Already he has told international oil companies which operate in Ecuador that they will not be getting all of the profits promised for their investments.

As you can imagine, many wealthy Ecuadorians and foreign companies are already taking their money out of the country. There are rumors that Correa plans to steal the real estate owned by foreigners (I won't use the euphemisms - theft is theft). It is rumored that he may even steal and "redistribute" the second homes of Ecuadorian Citizens - especially those along the coast. This could include our property.

The obvious lesson? When buying international real estate, you need to more than research property prices. You need to take a close look at the political climate of the country. The law may be clear and allow for foreign ownership, but laws can be changed. Some other tips:

1. Hire an attorney to be sure everything is done correctly. Have a list of questions for him or her, so you know exactly what you are getting into.

2. Investigate what it takes to sell the property. You may not want to keep it forever. This is a legal and market matter. Are there any legal or tax issues you need to know about? How long does it normally take to sell a house?

3. Know before you buy what the other costs will be. How much are taxes? How much will you have to pay for basic services like water and electricity.

International real estate may be a great investment, depending on where you buy, how you buy, and what the market is doing. Looking overseas can also be a way to afford a second home in a beautiful place. But take some basic precautions and learn from our lesson.

Article Tags: Real Estate, International, International Real Estate

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Real Estate Investments in Texas

Author: Tim Dillard

The real estate market is full of treasures for investors with a keen eye and a nose for sniffing them out. It's one of the best fields to look into if you're looking to make money off an investment, simply because the market fluctuates so much, and housing prices normally rise.

The city of Houston currently has a number of projects that are perfect for investors. By taking advantage of these developed sites for either commercial or domestic purposes, you could find yourself making bushels of money in the near future.

Properties are located all over Texas, a state with so much land that it's growing faster than most states. As it grows, real estate prices will increase, especially where there are developed sites, since they are in areas that are currently unpopulated, but are expected to have thousands of people flood over in the very near future.

We know this because there are a number of planned communities currently under construction where there are developed notable commercial lots. These communities are expected to house thousands of new homeowners each, and since these developed sites are located in close proximity to them, the prices are sure to rise dramatically.

So if you're looking for Texas real estate investments, our developed sites in Houston are worth getting to know. By purchasing them now at this low price, you can easily make much more in a few years, once you have built up the site and new residents pour into the area. Really, it's a real estate investors dream.

A number of well known chain restaurants and department stores have already bought development sites, and soon they'll start to build and therefore increase the value of the sites in the same shopping centers. That's why it's important to act now in order to get the best prices available, because once the sites start to build up - the prices are going to increase dramatically. If you're not in on that now, you may not be able to find a deal like this for quite some time.

The good thing is, that deal still is taking place, and since the planned communities, will not be ready for habitation until at least a year. That gives you as an investor enough to figure out how you want to proceed with our site and what site in particular you are interested in investing your time and money in. With retail pad sites and offices ripe for the picking, you certainly do have a choice in the type of investment you get your hands on from us.

As mentioned before, the population of Houston will soon be rising as more communities come into being. Now, the land is cheap, and so are our developments. Soon, they'll be worth much more than the initial money you put down for them.

If you're interested in commercial sites, take a look at sites that are currently in development. There are many retail spaces still available and a few office spaces as well. With more than enough property going around, it's easy for investors to get a grip on the real estate market in Houston.

However you may want to look at commercial properties, they will still increase in price dramatically in a few years. By building them up, you could make even more money.

Tags: Real Estate Market, Texas Real Estate Investments

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Sifting Through Commercial Real Estate in Houston Texas

Author: Tim Dillard

If you are looking for low-priced commercial property for sale, Houston might not be your best bet. However, if you are looking to make a good real estate investment or buy premises that will really allow your business to grow and give you access to all of the clients you want, then you should definitely be looking at the commercial real estate Houston, Texas has to offer.

One of the things that has contributed sharply to the growth in the Houston property market is simply the fact that it has not slowed down as much as many other local property markets! The changes in subprime lending laws have resulted in a lot of Americans not having the money to purchase smaller properties, or spend as much as they like. However, Houston seems to have been relatively unaffected by a lot of these developments and property sales have not decreased significantly in either the residential or commercial sectors.

Houston, Texas has a lot of commercial real estate on offer, but some of these are better buys than others. All of these properties are chosen on high traffic count and are prime spots for commercial retail. Houston is a massive consumer community and retail stores with high traffic really do well in high traffic areas.

Several large name retail outlets have already moved in, and all of these enterprises are doing extremely well. The high traffic of this retail real estate is a veritable river of revenue, and many new businesses are enjoying unprecedented growth a few short months after opening in a new development.

Allot of the commercial real estate Houston, Texas has to offer has already been bought up, but new buyers need never fear as you will often find new developments changing hands several times in their first few years as ownership settles. There are a lot of good bargains to be found as companies sell of real estate to focus on other investments, and commercial buyers interested in picking up an excellent investment should look out for these.

Regularly checking the property listings will almost certainly lead to some excellent finds. A lot of new developments have not really been spotted by commercial interests from out of town, and many people have under estimated the Houston retail market.

There are developments where small retail premises can be bought for under $150,000, and these are all adjacent to well-populated housing developments situated in high income areas. If you are a retailer and you want to target a high-spending group, then some of the newer Houston neighborhoods are one place that you can really make a killing!

If you are buying simply for the sake of investing in commercial real estate, Houston Texas is definitely a great place to start for the first time investor. With low prices on fairly high revenue potential properties a careful investor can pick up a high income property for very little capital laid down. The rental from these properties will necessarily be low for the first year, but as soon as the retail potential of the premises becomes realized the rent potential will increase dramatically.

Buyers should not be put off with the recent slowing in housing sales in the area, because the number of new housing developments being built is a testament to the demand for new homes in Houston! Many people are relocating to this city and many investors are buying property in Houston for the same reason - stability.

While there seems to be an impending housing crisis just about everywhere else the property prices in and around Houston have suffered remarkably little from this. This shows great promise for long term property investors, as well as anyone who wants to ensure that their home appreciates significantly in value. This has great implications for anyone interested in investing in commercial real estate in Houston, Texas.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Getting Rich With Real Estate, Fast

By: Mike Dodd

Many people can get the 90 LAV loans on investment properties therefore many investors are financing or refinancing their properties at higher percentage values than normal. Many are taking cash out at the closing and many are choosing to pay near retail value for real estate, homes, land and/or properties that are eligible for this type of financing, on the theory that a no money down deal is a good deal, even if it only cash flows a little. Wise investors avoid this (and the strong "sales pitches" by mortgage brokers) thus fair much better.

I just wanted to say that first because an few folks that start in real estate investing fall victim to that very circumstance and loose in the investment. You frequently hear about people who made their fortunes investing in the stock market, but you also hear about investors who lost their shirts. You hardly ever hear about real-estate investors who go bankrupt. It does happen, but not very often. Where there is property involved, there is always "worth" there. Many times creative financing can be the way out of the property.

Many individuals who started in real estate investing long ago are living a very comfortable lifestyle. Investing in real estate can garner interesting returns, so if you're just getting started or have considered investing in real estate, the information that follows is invaluable. All too often, real estate investing and real estate "flipping" remains a well-kept secret. Otherwise, everyone would do it, right? But remember, investing in real estate requires entrepreneurial skills and action taken consistently. Real estate "work" requires a lot of time. You also have to deal with operating and repair expenses. Which brings us to the main item: cash flow....Cash flow is the difference between your income and your expenses on a particular building or property. It may be positive or negative in nature. Without doubt, you'll be much better off if the cash flow is positive.

Two things to keep in mind (and study)...

1. In real estate investing appreciation is the increase in value over time. There are two kinds of appreciation. Economic conditions beyond your control, such as inflation, determine part of the appreciation. The gain is small from this type of appreciation since the gain is offset by the higher cost of living. Another part of appreciation is "market appreciation", which you have all of the control over this part. As you improve a property, you force its value higher. You can purchase a piece of property in major or minor need of repairs and return it to neighborhood standards or slightly higher. This will give you a property that is much higher in value.

2. Leverage is the ability to borrow a percentage of the value of a piece of property. Real estate, usually, offers a great degree of leverage. We suggest studying "creative financing", which can be very detailed indeed. Also keep in mind that there are many tax advantages that can be utilized through real estate investing.

Thomas Edison failed over 10,000 times when inventing the first light bulb. When asked about that he said, "Those were successes not failures. We found 10,000 excellent ways to not make a light bulb." Failure is one step closer to success.

Mike Dodd has studied for years in the field of real estate investing.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Home Warranty Premiums-what to Expect

Author: Stephanie Larkin

Home warranties are protectors to homeowners when repair costs are not covered by home insurance. The type of repair costs that might not be covered under your home owners insurance is such things as the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, roofs, and major appliances. Home warranties on the other hand are an added protection against the unknown.

Home warranties are similar to service contracts and typically last one year. Home warranties do not replace homeowner's insurance policies; instead they work together and back each other up. For example, your hot water heater burst and there was considerable damage to several walls in your basement as well as your hot water heater needing to be replaced. The homeowners insurance will cover the damage to your walls and the home warranty will replace the hot water heater. Having both homeowners insurance and a home warranty contract your basement will soon be fixed without you having to take out a loan. You will have a yearly premium for your home warranty which will vary depending on what type of home warranty you choose.

The warranty coverage does not have to be on a new home, in most cases the age of your home will not matter. As long as the covered items in the warranty are in good working condition at the start of the contract it does not matter the age of the items. If your home is in good condition then there might not be a need for a home warranty and you can save the extra expense. Just remember those surprises are usually what causes us the most money. Home warranties have a yearly expense and a service call fee per call. One failing refergerator is worth more than what a home warranty contract is for one year.

When you decide to obtain a home warrant the premiums can be added into your mortgage. Most home warranties are not very expensive. Premiums usually cost about $350 to $500 a year. You will have a service call that is anywhere from $35 - $50 per call. These home warranties can be purchased at closing from the real estate companies. Right at the moment since sales are low in the housing industry some real estate agents are giving one year policies to new home buyers. Home warranties are offered and available to everyone regardless of the age or condition of your house.

As with everything there are the base plans and the premium plans. Premium policies run $150 -$200 more a year and the service call maybe slightly lower. If this is your first time purchasing a home warranty or even if you have had several warranties always do your homework and read the contract thoroughly.

Ask for a complete copy of the contract before you sign and review it with a fine tooth comb. Check to make sure that the appliances and systems that you are most concerned about are completely covered. Make sure there is available service where your house is located. Some warranties do not offer service in rural or even semi-rural areas. If need be call a customer service representative to see what loop holes are in the service availability or response time if you live in a more rural area. An extra charge may be applied for the area that you live in. While speaking to a customer service representative also ask if there is a waiting period or if the contract is taken out January 1 and the stove goes out on January 2nd is it covered? Most generally this is the case and the only thing that you have a waiting period on is 30 days for rust and corrosion.

A home warranty is well worth the $350 - $500 premium per year whether you have a brand new home or an older home. Brand new appliances do not last nearly as long as they use to so if you have new or older appliances then it more than pays for itself if just one appliance goes bad over the year you will have gotten your money out of your warranty. As appliance costs rise every year it is crucial that homeowners protect themselves from this financial burden should a covered item need repaired or replaced.

Home warranties are transferable once a home sells. This brings a level of security to the home's sale. According to real estate experts a house with a home warranty in place sells faster than a house without one. Many new homeowners have already overextended themselves so if the house already has a warranty in place then people do not have to worry about having more money to put out than they were expecting. As a home owner or as a buyer, peace of mind is what you will receive with a home warranty.

Tags: Appliance Repair, Air Conditioner Repair, Home Owner Warranty, Home Buyer Warranty, Home Seller Warranty, Homeowner Program, Furnace Repair

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

Ncr Property Markets in 2008

Author: George Gonigal

The residential real estate in Delhi NCR is expected to foresee an unprecedented growth in the near future. Rapid commercial developments leading to spillover in housing demand from Noida to Greater Noida, Gurgaon to Manesar, Ghaziabad to Meerut and Faridabad. Here’s a broad outlook:

Faridabad: Faridabad is currently witnessing an upward curve in its real estate sector that is likely to continue unabated, as per the experts. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities and adequate supply of residential units at affordable prices offers a substantial room for growth in the flow of investment. The construction activities are going in full swing in the peripheral area like Vaishali, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. In newly developed areas like Indirapuram, Vaishali and Vasundhara, the vacancy rates are quite high. But, as more and more office space is built up in Noida, Greater Noida and Gurgaon, vacancy level will decline in these areas.

Gurgaon: Real estate values in the Gurgaon residential real estate market are expected to remain stable in 2008 as many new projects are coming in the region, according to real estate consultancies. The market has seen a continuous rise in the past few years, driven primarily by strong commercial growth and the need to accommodate pressures of urbanization.

Other contributing factors providing a boost to the Gurgaon residential demand:

1. Due to IT / IT ES revolution, corporate base is expanding in the region.

2. High-end projects are underway and more such projects will be available for investment in future.

3. Proximity to domestic and international airports, coming up of highways and expressway and proposed metro link, will enhance the connectivity of the region.

Noida: The twin cities of Noida and Greater Noida emerged as the most important real estate destination of NCR. The demand for residential accommodation will remain moderate and pricing trend continues to remain stable. If developers launch new real estate projects with appropriate prices, no decline in demand is expected in near future. Noida continues to attract IT/ITES companies due to its infrastructure in terms of transport and telecom facilities, lower rentals and capital values.

For more details on Delhi Real Estate, log on to magicbricks.com

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/