Saturday, August 30, 2008

Hence, Many Fun Lovers Prefer Madrid To Deviate From Regular Busy Schedule

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Though Madrid is one of the most sought after tourist destinations it is affordable in comparison to other for the availability of apartments in Madrid.



Hence, many fun lovers prefer Madrid to deviate from regular busy schedule. Madrid attracts tourist for its royal palace, the museums that store memories of history of Spain, internationally renowned art galleries and grand public squares. ChicRentals is in the service of arranging apartments in Madrid for a comfortable living of the tourists. Accommodation is Madrid is the suitable way to create a feel- like- home atmosphere in the alluring city of Madrid. Madrid is enticing tourist place for the people who know how to enjoy life. We opt for selecting excellently decorated apartment as we realize you value good taste. Our site has got precise and extensive information about the apartments in Madrid.


While booking apartments in Madrid for you we strictly follow the criteria that satisfy most of your demands for a pleasant stay. You can click to view the description about each apartment, the rent and the facilities that are provided. We know how to handle your booking with utmost efficiency. Each apartment that we select for you is exquisitely designed along with being cozy and functional. You reservation of apartment in Madrid can be done through internet or over phone. We email or fax you about the details of your reservation and the apartment that you are going to board in.


The reservation procedure is mentioned in how to book page of ChicRentals. com. Our service at ChicRentals is exclusive for the people who are sure of what they want form the trip to Madrid. The personnel will give you in detail about your living and functioning of appliances and answer any other query if you have. After your arrival to the previously mentioned address of apartment in Madrid, you will get our staff to welcome you at the apartment. Contact us to book an apartment in Madrid through our given email addresses or the phone number. We do our best to make your holiday in Madrid a perfect and memorable stay.


We are proud to maintain long lasting relation ship with our customers by our service.

Read more...

Furthermore, On Selling The Property, The Company Transfers The Depreciation Benefits To The Investor - Shana Redlinger's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Calculations of the cost of money can be complete without taking into account the company s tax consequences.

Obtaining A New Home Rebate Is So Easy That You Can Do It With Minimal Effort And Get Thousands Of Dollars Cash Back For Your New Home Purchase - Colleen Tunstall about Finance and Real Estate:

If you re planning to build a new home in Orlando, don, Florida t miss out on a unique benefit called the" new home rebate. " Florida buyers rebates are often left in the pockets of homebuilders because the buyers don t understand how they work or know that the rebates even exist.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Quick Sale Of Your House Is One Solution To Get Out Of The Hard Situation

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Financial crunch is a bane in life.



It is not easy with lenders knocking at your door. It can eat away your peace of mind. Increasing debts can be stressful. But this again is not all that easy, when one follows the usual methods. Quick sale of your house is one solution to get out of the hard situation. Selling your house involves a chain process where you may have a hired real estate agent negotiating for you the right deal with the potential buyers. You may also have to put up with a For Sale signboard in front of your house, so that even your neighbours get a sniff of your financial situation.


The entire process is time- consuming as well as full of hassles. Not a very savvy situation. This is a great financial product to consider if you have run into financial difficulties. With Sell and rent back scheme, you have the option to sell your property quickly and rent it back at the going market rate or less. In any case when you are in urgent need of cash and want to avoid the burden of shifting after a quick house sale, you can rent it back for as long as you like. If your financial prospects are as grim as a house repossession, you can avail to the rent back scheme as a good fall- back option.


This way you get the instant cash that can save your day and also not remove your very own house- roof from over your head. It will help you to pay off your mortgage and what better, you would still be residing in the house. You can do the same when you have to relocate or migrate. Selling your house and renting it back is great way to release the equity tied up in your property. You can sell off your present property, to get the cash you need desperately and then rent back this house so that that you stay in the house until you are ready to move out.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Unlike Other Types Of Foreclosure Purchases, The HUD Home Foreclosure Is An Option That All Families Can Pursue

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Scattered among all of the hype surrounding foreclosure investing, the term HUD home foreclosure is thrown about as if it is something new and exciting that investors are missing out on.



Unlike other types of foreclosure purchases, the HUD home foreclosure is an option that all families can pursue. The fact is, that these homes, though have been around for ages and have been the answer that has helped countless families buy their own home when they never dreamed that it would be possible. You do not have to have a lot of money to put down at auction or spend hours researching foreclosed properties. The Department of Housing and Urban Development homes cannot be purchased for real estate investing purposes unless the property is still unsold after a period of marketing only to families who will use the home as their primary residence. All you need to purchase a this type of home is to qualify for financing and to plan to use the home as your family s primary residence. HUD homes are sold through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and all of the homes they sell are foreclosures.


When a house forecloses, this government agency may acquire the property if it is FHA- insured. the agency then rehabilitates the property and places it on the market for resale in an effort to recover some of the loss. This is how it works: The HUD home foreclosure is actually a residential property that has been foreclosed upon. The goal of the HUD home foreclosure is to make properties available to families who would not otherwise be able to afford a home of their own. To find a HUD home foreclosure, you need to contact a real estate agent that is registered with this agency and is allowed to make an offer on a HUD home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also has special programs for people who hold jobs that benefit the community such as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and government employees. You can also find such homes listed on internet sites that are under contract with the Department to provide this information to the public. Once this has happened, you can make an offer either through a real estate agent or directly.


If you are looking to purchase a HUD home foreclosure as an investment property or as a second home, you will need to wait for the required amount of time to pass during which the property will only be offered to families looking for a residence. Financing for a HUD foreclosure home is comparable to that of financing for any other type of home. Some of these homes even qualify for FHA- insured financing. You can pursue conventional financing through a bank or secure financing through a mortgage broker. Your agent will know if the home meets the criteria for this type of loan. Many homes are sold considerably undervalue which is what makes these types of foreclosures ideal. In most cases, a HUD home foreclosure can be purchased for far less than what you would expect.

Read more...

When Was The Home Built - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

It can be kind of fun to look at homes for sale, and it can be a little bit tiring sometimes as well. All too often we hold back, not wanting to offend the owners or the real estate agent.

It Is Wise To Allow Plenty Of Time For The Sellers To Move Out - Finance and Real Estate:

For most of us moving day is one of the high stress points in our lives- so many details, movers going to and fro, while you re trying to keep the kids happy or at least safe.

There Are Many Benefits To Using A Buyer S Agent - Abigail Spoto's Finance and Real Estate blog:

A real estate buyer s agent represents the consumer who is purchasing a property in the transaction.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Nothing Could Be Truer In Today S Real Estate Market

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention.



As uncertainty continues to grow and a foreboding sense of doom flows through the media, home buyers and, home sellers investors all await the so- called downward trends in real estate to rebound. Nothing could be truer in today s real estate market. However, innovative movers and shakers never stand idly by. Liquidate In 48( www. They move forward in anxious anticipation for opportunities that abound while others run for cover. LiquidateIn48) is such a group that has taken a visionary approach to today s real estate market as an unprecedented opportunity for sellers, buyers and investors. Add to that the tightening of credit, the increase of foreclosures and the inability of home buyers to qualify for loans and to come up with cash down payments.


Though it is true that because of the current scare, home values nationally appear to be on a downward trend, or at very least are not appreciating at a rate compared with years past. It does appear as though there should be cause for concern. Naysayers say nay. If sellers cannot sell and if buyers cannot buy and if investors cannot realize profits from their investments, the real estate market would surely be primed for a monumental collapse. Liquidate In 48 says yea! In an effort to combat a trend toward real estate inactivity, Liquidate In 48 offers encouragement by gleefully admonishing sellers and buyers alike to, "Jump in, the water s fine! " How is the NONO System of Real Estate Transfer an answer to today s real estate dilemma? As a response to the intense criticism that the doom and gloomers are heaping upon the real estate industry, Liquidate In 48 has introduced a new real estate selling, buying and investment program called the NONO System of Real Estate Transfer.


This system is a program that marries the strengths of a home seller, a home buyer and an investor at the same time, allowing for a mutually beneficial relationship in a real estate agreement. For example, the word NO when used in front of words like credit, equity, cash, experience, etc. would normally spell the end of a real estate sale. The term" NONO System of Real Estate Transfer" was coined by Liquidate In 48 due to the various ways" NO" could be used as a positive in a real estate transaction. Liquidate In 48 has taken the word NO and has in actuality turned it into a positive when creating an offer for sale. This trust is a tool to facilitate real estate transactions in any economic climate. L48 recently discovered a California company named North American Realty Services, (NARS) , that utilizes a legal instrument that they have branded and is now recognized as the NARS Equity Holding Trust.


The NARS EHT is a creative instrument that combines the functionality of an" Illinois style" land trust with a triple net lease to coordinate just about any type of real estate transfer scenario. Many home sellers, buyers and investors have reached the conclusion the hard way how dangerous seller carry financing on home sales can be. The creation of the NONO System of Real Estate Transfer was influenced directly by the NARS Equity Holding Trust. The insecurity of a wrap around mortgage, All Inclusive Trust, lease option Deed( AITD) and other seller carry instruments have many wondering if there is a better way to do real estate aside from an outright purchase with new financing. While it is true that new financing is the safest way to sell and buy a home, it is apparent that new financing is becoming a more difficult proposition because more buyers today have NO credit, and NO qualifying, NO cash standards. Many also realize that these instruments can actually violate lender s Due on Sale clause. More sellers have NO equity, NO time for a lengthy stay on the market and NO qualified buyers.


Liquidate In 48, using the NONO System of Real Estate Transfer, will show a home seller how to quickly sell with NO hassle, NO real estate, NO waiting agents and with NO discounting. And more real estate investors are beginning to realize that they have NO experience dealing with this kind of change in the market. L48 will show home buyers how to get into the home of their dreams with NO credit, little to NO cash and with NO qualifying. The NONO System of Real Estate Transfer may be the most powerful methodology known today for selling, buying and investing in homes. L48 will also show real estate investors how to invest in choice homes with NO cash, NO experience, NO credit, NO ownership and little to NO risk. Now, anyone can sell. Anyone can invest.


Anyone can buy. Go to www. LiquidateIn4com for details.

Read more...

Find A House - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Buying a house is a complicated process. sometimes it s a total nightmare!

A" Cool" Market Will Heat Up - Fern Jesus about Finance and Real Estate:

People always ask me if this is a good time to buy real estate.

An Escrow Company Provides A Service For The Public Including A Means Of Protecting Both Documents And Money Or Funds - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

An Escrow company provides a service for the public including a means of protecting both documents and money or funds.

Monday, August 25, 2008

The Sophisticated Real Estate Investor Won T Do Something Unintelligently

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Real estate moguls were not necessarily born like that, even if they grew up in a family of other moguls. In truth, it may be too much for the average- person s patience, but never her abilities.



It s sometimes easy to assume that these people just have a knack for buying investment property, or that it is out of reach for the average person s abilities. This suggests quite affirmatively that anyone who puts her mind to it can become a real estate mogul. It means that there is hope! Which means there is no special" gene" that successful real estate investors inherit, without which you or I are forever banished to a world of poverty or a below average life. As is written in the books of Robert Kiyosaki, the best way to learn about investing in real estate is simply to observe a process. The 1st step, covered in Kiyosaki s" Rich Dad, Poor Dad" books, is to educate yourself about the parts of investing in real estate. There s a step- by- step approach that you go through when studying how to invest in real estate.


What that means, is it is absolutely imperative to learn what Kiyosaki refers to as" the language of real estate investing" . In order to select properties that will be successful, one must read the property s records. In order to experience success with investing, we must be able to select investments that will be successful. And in order for that to be at all helpful, one should be able to comprehend those records. Therefore, the aspiring real estate investor must be taught finance and accounting. Those records are a financial report card of that property. It isn t necessary that she become an authority either she will one day hire an accountant for that sort of service but she must understand what her accountant is talking about to her when they sit down to chat.


She should be able to study the relevant documents and figure out what they mean to her. She should know what will be effected so that she may make wise choices. She must also do this with other areas of real estate investing too learn enough real estate law to get by and learn about the buildings themselves. When the aspiring investor masters finance, law and the properties themselves, now she has a foundation to educate herself about the markets. That s a wise starting place. Then she can learn how location can affect the value of a property, that even a faultless building in a bad part of town is doomed to command only low rent. The first- time investor will resort to what she knows about finance, law and buildings while she considers a possible property.


She can discover how to go about choosing a place in which to purchase properties, how to conduct the research, and to whom she should be speaking. At some point, she should have learned which parts of the potential property to inspect and that is significantly more than the building itself. Before she makes a choice, she will know exactly how much it s going to cost to maintain the property. Needless to say, she will go through it with her building inspector to find out what physical shape the property is in, but she will also like to find an appropriate management company, landscapers and anyone else connected with the property. She will be familiar with what the issues are and how much it can most likely make for her. She also knows that the savvy investor does not become emotionally attached to the thought of closing the deal.


She will know what it makes currently, what it could make now and what it could make going forward. She knows that most deals are not meant to be closed. It s about probing and asking a bunch of questions. repeating this process over and over is what creates a real estate mogul. She knows or she will learn, if she is to become successful that investing in real estate is mainly about research. The sophisticated real estate investor won t do something unintelligently. If a property she has isn t performing well, she sees this and act accordingly. She continually has her finger on the heartbeat of the marketplace and of her investments.


In summation, the real estate investor grows into a real estate mogul merely by keeping herself educated, and by learning continuously. And also, by practice.

Read more...

Once Your Price Point Is Defined You Are Almost Ready To Make An Offer - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Establishing a good price to offer on the home you have selected is a big step in reaching the goal of actually buying the right home for you. Now you need to begin to put all this together to craft a price point to use in you negotiations with the Seller.

The Island Of Kefalonia Forms A Key Ingredient Of The Grecian Tourism - Rosemary Bedsole about Finance and Real Estate:

The island of Kefalonia forms a key ingredient of the Grecian tourism.

Crestview Station Will Be A Mix Of Retail, And Residence Space, Office Space - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Just north of Austin s urban center lies the Crestview neighborhood, bordered by Anderson Lane to the north, Justin Lane to the south, North Lamar Boulevard to the east and Burnet Road to the west.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

In Fort Bend County, There Is Something For Everyone, A Community To Fit Into And A Neighborhood To Love

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

In Fort Bend County, you will find plentiful cities and towns, as well as un- incorporated areas that are wonderful to live in and some of the best Fort Bend County neighborhoods.



Some of the top places to live in here are in Houston, which is located partially in Fort Bend County as well as in the city of Sugar Land. Throughout this area there are many neighborhoods that are top notch and are some of the best places to live in America. The cities that are located in this area include: Arcola, Houston, Fulshear, Katy, Missouri City, Meadows Place, Needville, Richmond, Pearland, Rosenberg, Stafford and Sugar Land. The un- incorporated areas of Cinco Ranch, DeWalt, Cumings, Fifth Street, Greatwood, Fresno, Mission Bend, Rosharon and Sienna Plantation are also here. In this area you can also find the towns of: Beasley, Fairchilds, Clodine, Kendleton, Pleak, Orchard, Simonton and Thompsons. The best neighborhoods here are those that are thriving in the greater areas of the county- there are plenty of gated communities, master planned communities and golf course communities that are the perfect place to call home.


Throughout the county, you will find many of the best schools in Texas, which is perfect if you are a family with school- aged children. Depending on the style of home you are looking for and the caliber of community you want to live in, you will find that there are many of the best Fort Bend County neighborhoods to choose from, all of which may meet your needs. Most of the neighborhoods here are family- friendly located in the best Fort Bend County neighborhoods with some of the top homes for sale in Texas. Some of the best places to live in the US are located right here, with spectacular cities and great communities, many people are flocking towards the area looking for luxury homes and custom homes. In this county, you can have your cake and eat it too with so many good things packed into this area and the wonderful neighborhoods located within its boundaries. This thriving area is seeing a lot of new growth with newer gated communities and golf course communities that still remain family friendly, while maintaining an upper class mark that is also perfect for retirees and single professionals.


If you can t find the house you are looking for, then you can look for custom home builders to begin building the house of your dreams, near some of the best schools or in a specific area or neighborhood in the region. If you are looking to move here, you will find that there are many homes available in the best Fort Bend County neighborhoods. With so much to offer, this area is the perfect place to relocate to, regardless of your needs and wants for home and community. There are plenty of new home builders here that can help you with the home of your dreams, if it doesn t already exist. In Fort Bend County, there is something for everyone, a community to fit into and a neighborhood to love. Perhaps you would like to build a home in one of the top gated communities in Fort Bend County or in one of the top golf course communities in America- maybe you are just looking to live close to the best schools the state has to offer or a specific type of scenery or style of living.


Many communities are a melting pot of ethnicity, age and life, religion style, melding together into a wonderful place to call home. Throughout the area, you will find a wide variety of neighborhoods that range in prices, home styles and, style of living people. With so many exemplary neighborhoods in the area, Fort Bend County is one of the top places to live in America, for anyone. If you are looking to relocate to Texas, check out the fabulous areas here- you are sure to find many different areas that are right to your liking that suit both your needs and your home buying budget.

Read more...

For A More Rural, You Can Check, Suburban Feel Out The Homes For Sale In The Clackamas Area - Lilia Landrith's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Are you looking for real estate in Portland, Oregon?

This Is Why A Mortgage Loan Is Considered A" Secured Loan" - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

If you are looking to buy a house, one of the first things that come to mind is how to get mortgage loan financing to purchase your property.

Houston Homes Are Listed In The Market In More Numbers - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Houston homes are listed in the market in more numbers.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Turning To Korea, Most Of The Listed REITs Saw Their Unit Prices Rise

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

After a brief consolidation amid the region s stock market slide in May and June, Asian REITs regained momentum in the second half of 200Fuelled by buoyant equity markets and robust economies, Asia s REIT markets expanded briskly, with a total of 27 new REITs/ property trust funds being floated during the first eleven months of 2006, pushing the total market capitalisation to US$ 63 billion, as compared to an estimated US$ 38 billion at the end of 200The Japanese REIT market set new records in 2006, with the number of J- REITs topping 40 and average market prices reaching new highs in November. Relatively speaking, South Korea and, Hong Kong Thailand were laggards in the region, each with only one listed REIT/ property trust fund coming on stream in the year to November.



The Singapore REIT market was also positive, with sentiment boosted by the flurry of IPOs and the encouraging post- listing performance of recently launched REITs, as well as the sustained high levels of acquisition activities within and outside Singapore. The trends towards sectoral diversification and cross- border listings with overseas assets have become deeply entrenched in the Asian REIT market. Recent regional listings include the CapitaRetail China Trust( CRCT) , comprised of seven retail malls in China, a healthcare REIT, and First REIT backed by Indonesian properties, both listed in early December. Singapore s conducive REIT regulatory regime and relatively competitive tax system favourably positioned Singapore to draw an increasing number of cross- border REIT listings, further consolidating its status as the regional REIT hub. CRCT s institutional tranche was 196 times subscribed and its share price surged 53% on its first trading day. J- REITs have rebounded significantly since the May/ June correction this year, with the JREIT Index surging to a historical high of 1, 8451 on 28 November 200Three mega listings, Nippon Commercial REIT, Japan Excellent REIT and Mori Hills REIT helped lift the J- REIT market capitalisation by 30% .


As the Asian REIT market evolves, REITs consisting of hotels, hospitals or even infrastructure project are being offered, diversifying the asset types beyond the conventional office, retail and industrial- focused REITs. The weighted average dividend yield for the 40 listed J- REITs was 6% , a steady spread of nearly 200 bps over 10- year Japanese government bonds. Excluding the Cambridge Industrial Trust, S- REITs now trade at an average yield of 7% , a drop of about 40 bps from April, but remain attractive as compared to the 3% 10- year government bond yield. REITs have been the bright spot in Singapore s capital markets, registering 20% growth on average in the seven- month period to November, significantly outperforming the Straits Times Index, which rose 9% in the period. Turning to Korea, most of the listed REITs saw their unit prices rise. Despite the prevailing bullish mood, Hong Kong REITs have underperformed the stock market as investors have focused their attention on the busy IPO market and the mainland enterprises.


The outlook of the Korean REIT market is positive given the attractive average yield of 7% , the region s. highest, and the recent easing of regulations. With the exception of the Link REIT, H- REITs ended the period 1% to 24% below their IPO offer prices, while the Hang Seng Index rose 14% between May and November. Investors continued cool response towards H- REITs may prompt other developers to review their REIT listing plans as well as product and pricing strategies in order to revive interests in this relatively new investment vehicle. Sunlight REIT, listed on 21 December, fell 15% during its first two days of trading. Unwilling to lag behind, Taiwan and Malaysia have both enacted new policies or introduced incentives to stimulate development of their REIT markets. Samui Airport Property Fund was the only new property fund listing in Thailand this year, while most existing funds either fell slightly or remained unchanged during the review period. The two markets have seen a total of four new listings, increasing market capitalisation by 39% and 11% respectively, within the review period.


Asian REITs will likely follow their present expansionary trend in 2007, as robust economic conditions support the continued demand for property, and a more benign interest rate outlook. The defensive characteristics of Asian REITs against market downturns have been somewhat undermined by investors perception of REITs as a vehicle for speculation and the use of financial engineering by some REITs. However, investors should be cautious of the volatility in the equity market and the increasing divergence in REIT performance.

Read more...

You May Have Heard Some Stories Of Individuals Who Have Made Money Through Real Estate Flipping - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

If you have spent any time online in recent years or if you read newspapers or watch television with any degree of regularity you likely have heard of flipping properties. With all of this said, you may have heard at least something about flipping, but you may not know what real estate flipping is all about.

Everything From Junk To Real Estate Can Be Sold At Auction - Theresa Emanuele about Finance and Real Estate:

Everyday we watch as the rising number of bank owned properties increases.

FlamingoMiami. Com - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

In the heart of Miami Beach lies the beautiful and luxurious high- rise condo building known as The Flamingo. The building offers amenities such as: - Full Service Concierge. - Two Swimming Pools. - 1, 300- Foot Bay- front Promenade. - A State of the Art Gymnasium. - A Rooftop Basketball Court. - Beach Volleyball Area. - On Site Pet Groomer/ Spa. - On Site Dry Cleaners. - Luxurious Spa.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Andorra Residency

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Property prices in Andorra, second only to Monaco in popularity among Europe s tax havens, have risen consistently over the last decade by an average of ten per cent a year, and in the last two years by over fifteen per cent.



A lot of tourists, some of whom end up buying a property in Andorra, have delayed their visit or gone elsewhere. But a lack of snow and tourists in December and January has stopped the rise in its tracks, according to Andorra property specialists. We normally seen an influx of buyers from the first week of December through to mid April who want to buy ski apartments, but it has been very slow this year, they comment, adding It s been an unusual ski season as there was next to no snow between December and mid January. We anticipated February and March to be a busier sales period but it didn t really happen. Andorra has unusually high demand for property as there are three streams of buyers: An active local market, international buyers looking for residency in a tax haven that offers residents a zero rated tax rate, and second home buyers looking for a ski property in the Pyrenees. One of the highest rises in recent years was the 19 per cent increase in property values in 2005, with the 2006 increase not far behind at around 15 per cent. And it is the second home buyers, mainly for ski properties, that has seen the Andorra property market stopped in its tracks- for the first part of 2007 at least. Andorra Residency.


Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status. As well as being a top ski destination, Andorra is also a tax haven, with many people moving to the country to benefit from her income tax free status. To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. According to a local travel guide residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time. Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a year in Andorra, but this isn t policed.


The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse. One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have ine future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes. Given the tax advantages Andorra has , note the travel guide, A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come, and for those who like skiing it s a holiday and tax paradise in one!

Read more...

Water Problems Again - Lesa Kimberlin's Finance and Real Estate blog:

I always advise any home purchaser to get a professional home inspection. So why not get in the habit of looking for those tell- tale red flags for yourself anytime you are looking at property for sale.

This Is Causing Supply In The Rental Market To Tighten Up - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Over the last few years financial institutions were giving out many mortgages without much concern to the purchaser s credit history.

Your First Offer Is Usually Your Best Offer - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

An old rule of thumb in real estate is that your first offer it usually your best offer. Several times I have had clients send stiff counteroffers back to prospective buyers only to never hear from them again.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Past Credit Problems Wont Disqualify You For A Mortgage

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Its very likely that you will never make a purchase as large as a home purchase. The home you purchase will depend very much on the amount of mortgage for which you qualify.



This is a very good reason to prepare for the process as much as possible. As a first time mortgage user, preparing yourself for the home buying process is the best way to set yourself up for success. Many first time mortgage users worry about saving up for their down payment and rightfully so. Making the Down Payment. A down payment can mean the difference between getting approved or denied for a mortgage. The good news is that, you dont have, for many lenders to make as high of a down payment as first time mortgage users have in the past. This is true for first time mortgage users and homebuyers who have obtained a mortgage previously.


First time mortgage users should keep these tips in mind when trying to reach a down payment goal. Consider your monthly income and expenses. First make sure the goal you are setting for the down payment is a reasonable one. Use this to decide how much you can reasonably set aside for the down payment. Set aside money for yourself first. Saving for your home shouldnt cause you to miss your other financial obligations. Before you pay any monthly bills or other expenses, set aside money for your savings or investment accounts.


Consider every dollar you spend on something you dont need a dollar that could have gone toward your down payment. Watch your purchases. Preparing Your Credit. Your credit history will be one of the primary factors used by prospective lenders to determine your eligibility for a mortgage. As a first time mortgage user, it is a good practice for you to begin watching your credit as soon a home purchases has been decided. Past credit problems wont disqualify you for a mortgage.


Even if you have had credit problems in the past, you can begin repairing your credit to look more favorable to lenders. Many lenders work with first time mortgage users that have less than perfect credit. Start by disputing inaccurate and outdated items from your credit report. Income vs. You can also pay down some of your debt to improve your credit history. Debt.


In general, lenders look for first time mortgage users to spend less than 35% of their monthly income to pay for monthly debt and housing expenses. To determine how much you can borrow for a mortgage, lenders compare your income to the amount of debt you have. The lower the percentage of income you spend on debt, the better your chances at obtaining a loan. You dont have to be intimidated by the mortgage process because you are a first time mortgage user. Avoid increasing your debt by making large credit purchases before applying for a mortgage. Being prepared with the knowledge of the lending process will ease some of the qualms you have about applying for a mortgage.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Survey Stakes

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Particularly for first time home buyers, title documents are confusing. Unfortunately, regardless of how confusing these documents might appear, the buyer has a responsibility to review the title, survey and legal description.



Many buyers simply think that these documents are fine" as is, " placing their faith in the title company, or Realtors involved, lender with the sale. These documents should be provided to the buyer for inspection before the closing. Together, the survey and property description( also known as a" legal description" ) combine to create the very foundation of what is being purchased. The Survey and Legal Description Are Related. These real estate documents describe in detail the boundaries of the land. Property descriptions and surveys are connected and need to be read together.


An error in either the survey or property description can create costly troubles down the road. A buyer can find the property description either within the deed itself or attached as an exhibit to the deed and other documents. If there is a discrepancy, the error needs to be corrected before the sale to avoid title disputes in the future. The property description absolutely must match the survey. To make sure this is corrected, the buyer needs to immediately notify the title company, his or her Realtor and perhaps the seller. Surveys can be rectangular surveys or metes and bounds surveys. Types of Surveys.


Rectangular surveys are based on a system that was approved by Congress in 178These surveys read something like" NW NW SW Section 24, Range 12 East, Township 6 North, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian. " This type of survey call describes a square 10- acre parcel of land in a section within a" township" and" range" within a state. The rectangular survey is common in real estate transactions in the western United States. The section itself is divided into 160- acre quarters, and these 160- acre quarters are divided into 40- acre quarters and 10- acre quarters, respectively. Metes and bounds surveys, on the other hand, are based upon directional calls and bearings that were carefully made by a surveyor. Regardless of whether real estate is described by a rectangular survey or a metes and bounds survey, the survey and the property description must match exactly. They read something like" THENCE North 10 degrees 20 minutes 16 seconds West, a distance of 1400 feet, " and so forth. This cannot be emphasized enough!


Another important thing to do before buying real estate is to walk the land to make sure that the surveyor s stakes are located at the four corners of the land. Survey Stakes. Sometimes, there will be additional surveyor s stakes. Kids or vandals might pull these stakes out of the ground. Surveyor s stakes or pins are usually marked on the survey. If they are missing, make sure that the Realtor, and seller are, title company informed so that the problem can be corrected prior to closing. There is nothing worse than trying to correct property descriptions and title problems after closing.


Conclusion- Avoid Future Troubles. This can be an expensive problem that forces you to hire an attorney. The best way to avoid property line disputes is to review the property description and survey before signing any type of real estate contract.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Calculating Your True Home Buying Budget

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Many buyers assume that the term" high- quality custom home" is synonymous with" expensive home" . Today s Florida home buyer has more choices than ever when it comes to building a new home, and the customized luxury of a brand- new home is often much more affordable that commonly thought.



In many cases, that just isn t true. Be in the right place at the right time. From April through August, home sales are hot and buyers are paying premium prices for homes. Sales of Florida real estate are at their highest levels during the summer months. That s why if you are looking for a great deal on a brand- new custom home, you should purchase that home during the winter months when sales volume drops off dramatically. If at all possible, do your home shopping during this time. Florida real estate sales reach their lowest levels during the months of November through March.


The reason for this is that when sales volume is low, builders are often willing to reduce the sale price of their homes, or offer added features and upgrades at no additional charge. Searching for the best deal on your new Florida home. And remember, the more luxury upgrades your new home has, the higher its re- sale value will be in the years to come. When it comes to purchasing a new home, be it a brand- new home or an existing home, it truly does pay to shop around. When you decide where in Florida you would like to live, visit the neighborhoods in that area and find the area that best suits your needs. This is especially true when it comes to finding the right home, the right home builder, and a great Florida home that you can afford. Take a look at how many homes are on the market, and look for builder s billboards and new developments.


During your builder visit, be sure to ask about the quality of materials they use, and whether they build their homes above hurricane code. When you find a builder who has a project in your desired area, visit that builder s sales office. Ask for references, no matter how, and remember inexpensive they are, you don t want to purchase your new home from a tract home builder. Calculating your true home buying budget. Don t settle for a cheaply built home when a bit of extra legwork can yield a luxurious, high- quality home that will suit your budget. Did you know that purchasing a high- quality custom home can actually save you money? And it s also true that the great deal you think you are getting on an existing home in a buyer s market may not be such a great deal after all.


It s true. Why is that? But this is a figure that really must be considered, especially when a home buyer is purchasing a Florida home that is more than twenty years- old. Because so many home buyers don t add repair and remodeling costs to the price of their new home. Homes of this age and older often have repair costs that are not easily seen or predicted, even during a professional home inspection. Plus, older homes are often smaller as far as actual square footage. Of course, the older a home is the more potential problems it may have, but even homes built twenty years ago are at risk for wood rot and termite infestation.


Rooms are smaller, closet space is limited, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling is a common need. A higher return on your investment. There are many more potentially expensive problems that come with an older home, but even the few things mentioned above can cost the home buyer thousands of dollars. A high- quality custom home does not carry with it the risk of unexpected repair costs. Some high quality home builders today are building homes that will withstand at least a Category 4 hurricane. Everything is brand- new, and likely under warranty. The additional safety features on these homes provide you with a peace of mind that is invaluable, and they can also save you money on homeowner s insurance premiums.


Florida home buyers of today place a high value on modern, high- quality construction, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, spacious floor plans, and airy. When it comes time to sell your home, a high- quality custom home will have a higher re- sale value and will offer you a greater return on your investment. Because of this, your high- quality custom home will usually sell more quickly, and at a higher price than an older existing home.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Timeshare Properties Are Usually Found In Warm Destinations Like Florida, Where People Like To Vacation A Lot

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

A time share is a name given to a piece of property shared among number of owners.



Although the majority of the timeshare properties are condominiums and resorts, you can also find a hotel timeshare, a motor home timeshare, or even a, a cruise timeshare campground timeshare. This involves use and cost of maintaining the property. The choices are increasing by the day. People found that by sharing ownership, the burden of maintenance and other costs on a single person were greatly reduced. The idea of a timeshare property originated in Europe in the 1960s, when property values were skyrocketing and it was impossible for people to afford a full time vacation house. These also greatly enhanced the fortunes of real estate developers, because they were able to successfully market and sell the properties to a greater number of people. A technical definition of timeshare property is that owners have specific time( often one week per year) that they own in a property.


A key point to remember in timeshare properties is that a timeshare is owned by a number of people who have no relation to one another, so it's not like a standard home ownership. As more and more properties are converted into timeshare properties, flexible timeshare options have taken the foreground. Timeshare properties are usually found in warm destinations like Florida, where people like to vacation a lot. Flexible timeshares offer owners the option of choosing more than one timeshare destination and more than one specific time of the year. They can also be found in cold weather areas near ski resorts, like Sun Valley in Utah. Many timeshare properties also come with indoor or outdoor swimming pools- -a common feature of most timeshare properties nowadays. Timeshare properties are typically furnished in full and usually have one to three bedrooms, a kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a living room.


The typical duration of a timeshare ownership unit is one week. For example, a timeshare property in the month of April in Florida will be much higher than in a less desirable month like August. Depending on what time of the year you own the timeshare, the price may vary. Rates may vary with the season and demand. For example, some resorts term high demand season as red season, meaning the prices of the timeshare will be highest in that season. Some resorts give color coding to different seasons, depending on the demand. Timeshares can usually be inherited by your children, just like any other real estate property.


Most people rent their timeshares to others when they do not use their timeshare. Timeshare properties offer not only a great vacation, but also a great investment. Timeshare rental has a double advantage: you earn rent, along with the appreciation of the property with passage of time. While it may be easy for the owners of red season timeshares to exchange their unit with other owners, it might be difficult or even impossible for owners of low season timeshare owners to get a high season timeshare unit in exchange. Timeshare properties are exchangeable and tradable with other properties in most cases. You can purchase timeshares through financing, resale properties purchased, but usually from individuals are paid in cash.


Fees may vary, so always be sure to find out what the fees are before buying a timeshare. The cost of management and maintenance for common areas, like pools and tennis courts, are paid by timeshare owners. There are many types of timeshare properties. A" floating time" agreement allows you to be flexible about the dates that you can use your timeshare. A" fixed unit, deeded timeshare, fixed week" allows you to own a specific timeshare at a specific time each year. In these cases, reservations may on a first come, because many owners, first serve would like to go for that option. A" right to use timeshare" is a leased timeshare, where you no longer have rights to the property after the lease expires.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Who Is Eligible For A Reverse Equity Mortgage

In common language, it's the opposite of a traditional mortgage.



The loan amount is based on the current equity in the home, which is the difference in the market value and any mortgage attached to the property. Instead of you paying a mortgage payment to a mortgage company. the mortgage company makes the payment to you every month! The loan is paid off when the home is sold. This is tax- deferred income, as interest will only have to be paid when the home is sold or the loan is paid off. You will not have to pay income taxes on the monthly payments made to you. No re- payment will be required as long as the senior citizen lives in the home.


The loan will be due and payable in the event( 1) the home is sold, (2) the homeowner moves out for longer than 12 months, or the homeowner dies. But, there are a couple of rules to remember. At that time, accrued interest must be paid in full. And if the current loan balance is less than 50% of the market value, this balance can be incorporated into the reverse equity mortgage. which means that the senior citizen will possibly be relieved of their present house payment. This type of mortgage must be recorded as a first mortgage lien. Who is Eligible for a Reverse Equity Mortgage?


The loan is on the home, so income or credit score doesn' t matter. The borrowers( or co- borrowers) must be at least 62 years old. with no current bankruptcy. There is no personal liability for repayment of a reverse equity mortgage. The proceeds from this type of loan can be distributed in the following ways: Lifetime monthly income. Homeowners Have a Choice in How They Receive the Money. Lump sum for any purpose. There are a few major reverse mortgage lenders and they all have different programs, but all will have the following criteria to determine how much cash the homeowner can obtain: The adjustable interest rate at the time the mortgage is originated.


Credit line for future borrowing. The age of the youngest homeowner. The lenders maximum loan limit. The market appraisal of the home. If you want to compare the different plans for your personal situation, the information can be found at http: //www. Just enter your information and quickly know how much you could borrow. FinancialFreedom. com.


Then, if you decide that this type of mortgage is for you, go to http: //www. reversemortgage. org for more information and the location of a reverse equity mortgage lender in your area. Your home can truly be your" nest egg" in your senior years! It is always best to compare the different plans. and be sure to consult with your attorney, financial or estate planner, accountant. as well as any adult children when considering this type of plan. Questions? ? No. they have the choice to either sell the home and pay off the mortgage, or they can keep it by simply refinancing the mortgage. Do my heirs lose their interest in the home? Any remaining equity is theirs to keep of distribute as they wish. or as your will stipulates.


An easy way to handle this is simply to have the spouse quitclaim their interest in the home over to the senior citizen. What if my spouse is younger than 62? Consult with your attorney for more possible options. The reverse equity mortgage should have no effect on social security, pensions or Medicare. Will this affect my Social Security benefits? However, if you receive SSI or Medicaid welfare assistance, you should check with your local government authority before obtaining a reverse equity mortgage. You can check out http: //www. eldercare. gov for more information.