Bulgaria the Unbelievable Overseas Property Investment

Im sure by reading the title of this article your probably saying to yourself just another con to make me part with my hard earnt money. Well if you dont believe me then just read the facts about this amazing overseas property investment oppurtunity open to everyone.

The country i am talking about here is the European state of Bulgaria. Bulgaria only twenty years ago was behind the Iron curtain of Russia.The country was of poor economic stability, little overseas investment with many people living in poor condfitions throughout this beautiful country.

Twenty years on Bulgaria is fast becoming the quickest developing european country in the world. The cost of living in Bulgaria is extremely low compared with the UK and especially London. Restaurant meals can be purchased for the equivalent of a few pounds and Bulgaria is expected to become a popular budget holiday location as more and more airlines offer direct flights. British Airways now flies direct from Gatwick from only ?75 return including taxes, although most investors are eagerly waiting the entry of easyJet and Ryanair which will happen in 2007.

Cheap Bulgarian Property prices can start from as little as ?4,000 for a modest sized house with 500sq M of land attached.

Bulgaria and cheap Bulgarian propertys are being hailed as the new Spain by property investment experts. Spain was under developed just like Bulgaria Fifteen years ago. Once investment started in the country's infrastructure, Many English, European & American holiday makers flocked there in their Thousands searching for sun and cheap propertys to invest in.

If you look today for an apartment on the coast of Spain, you would have to spend an average of ?110,000 upwards. The same equivalent apartment on the Bulgarian coast today will cost you ?15,000. The investment potential is amazing for anyone willing to keep their Bulgarian Propertys for a number of years will look to profit considerably.

Cheap Bulgarian Property is so affordable at the moment that any one visiting the country with a Credit card can become the proud owner of Bulgarian Propertys.

With the inclusion into the EU in 2007 Bulgaria will no dought follow the same direction that other European countries have since joining the European Union with amazing growths in economic stability,employment and overseas investment in production and exportation which will result in Bulgaria becoming one of Europe's most profitable countries in the near future.

Bulgarian propertys will be one of the top property markets in Europe during 2006 / 2007. Currently, in the European market, Bulgaria is the current hotspot with an average growth rate of 30% with the cheapest property prices in the EU. There are several other countries in the EU, which attract foreign investment for a variety of reasons. None, however, can rival the sheer number of factors, which makes Bulgaria an irresistible, safe location for your investment capital.

Bulgaria boasts the amazing Black Sea cost with at one point on the coast a strip of beach 8km long. Resorts such as Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and other resorts attracting thousands more year on year holiday makers looking for a cheap sun drenched holiday. The summer season boasts an amazing five-six months of sun with temperatures ranging from 75-110 degrees in peak summer.

With all this in mind, can you really afford to miss out on the last affordable country in Europe to purchase your dream holiday home or sound investment for you and your families future.

Amazing Overseas Property Investment - Make up to 500% profit! Cheap Bulgarian Property! Are losing or experiencing thinning hair & baldness, treat & cure baldness today! Treat Baldness Now! Cure your Alopecia Today!

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Lakefront Property

Lakefront property is land that is on the border of a lake. It is a highly valued type of property, in that there is a limited amount of lakefront, and a large group of people who would like to own it. The pleasure of having a home on the water so you can enjoy this serene beauty is incomparable. And this is one reason why owning lakefront property is so desirable. Any property along the borders of a lake is referred to as lakefront property.

The allure of lakefront property is partially due to the fact that one can go water skiing, fishing, hiking, sailing, boating and canoeing whenever they choose. Also, the scenic beauty offers a calm atmosphere. Lakefront property is considered a valuable asset, which can also be rented out or be used as collateral for a loan. A lakefront property should be looked upon as an investment, providing years of fun and family vacation.

On the other hand, some shortcomings are that many lakefront properties are jointly owned, and jointly utilized. These result in more disputes and clashes than other properties. In case of safety issues, there is always danger associated with drowning, fast boats or diving into shallow water. The lakefront property owners also have to pay higher taxes than other property owners. The maintenance costs are very high, as the lakefront property has to be kept clean. However, when it comes to price, the cost of land next to a lake can be expensive, but the memories that you will be left with will be priceless.

Lakefront Property provides detailed information on Lakefront Property, Michigan Lakefront Property, Lakefront Property For Sale, Wisconsin Lakefront Property and more. Lakefront Property is affiliated with Lake Havasu City.

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Plan Early for Retirement by Joining an Active Adult Retirement Community Now

Old age is like everything else. To make a success at it, you've got to start young.

.. Theodore Roosevelt.

Retirement communities are popping up all over the place like dandelions in spring. It's a trend in real estate. At 55 you can qualify for these communities referred to as active adult retirement communities and maybe you should look into it. These active adult communities offer a lot of good living. You've heard you should get started while you are young planning for your retirement and that's what Roosevelt said, too.

Retirement used to mean retiring from work -- but today more people are seeing retirement as an active time in their lives. People are living longer. When they reach 65 years, they can still look forward to at least 15 to 20 years of retirement and life expectancy is supposed to continue to grow. That is a long time so preparing early for that time of life makes sense.

Due to the things retirement communities offer you, they may even help to keep you healthier in retirement. You may be doing yourself a favor to start earlier on nutrition programs, fitness programs, cultural and social programs--all designed to help seniors stay healthier. So why wait!

There are some reasons for waiting and one of them might be if you still have younger children at home--maybe in college but still at home. However, most communities even make allowances for visiting children who are in college by allowing them to stay with their families for 3 months out of the year. Each community has different policies about this so check carefully.

By downsizing and selling your current home now, you can use your equity for your new home and other things. Also, some financial experts are saying it may be advisable to not buy your retirement home with all cash as used to be advised, due to a greater life expectancy, but to have a small mortgage. But, of course, we recommend you check this out thoroughly with a financial adviser.

If your children are grown, then buying into an active adult retirement community at an earlier age than you might originally have thought of, might afford you these outstanding benefits:

-Getting started early on a retirement plan.

-Getting started early on a Fitness program for retirement.

-Getting started early on nutritional fitness. Seniors do have special

nutritional requirements.

-You can continue to work and add to your savings.

-As your current neighborhood changes, and your old

neighborhood friends move, you will make new friends in a retirement community.

-Your easier life will free up your time for things you really want to do like travel.

-You will have less stress, more security, available clubs and activities.

Sometimes you aren't sure where you want to retire to. This shouldn't be such a problem since you can always move again. Warm weather, cold weather, being close to your kids or moving to that desirable southern town--hard decisions but life is always changing. As you change you may also change where you want to live. Statistics show that as people age they tend to move back to cities and closer to family after having lived many years somewhere else. That's okay. Check out what is right for you at that time. I hope you will look at these fabulous new active adult retirement communities popping up and probably some near you. To get started, visit my website as a way to find these properties at www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com.

Carol Fena - After many years of real estate, Carol lives in an active adult retirement community and enjoys writing articles about them for her website http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com

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Quick Tips To Finding A New Rental Home

Before the Journey:

Know what your looking for! Spend 5 minutes and write down a short shopping list of what exactly you need and want. Are you looking for hardwood floors, dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Fireplace? Try and separate your list from needs and wants. Cover all your needs first. Anything left over would be an added bonus.

Be prepared!

You?ll first view the unit. If you want to be accepted into a particular unit, why not look your best? Bring your own pen, Resume, Credit Check, Pay Stubs or Tax Returns, References and proper identification ready. Some units also require your license plate number. Most people don?t come to a viewing with that much information. The landlord or property manager will know you?re a dedicated and responsible individual by your actions.

Your References!

So many times this office has contacted references that were caught off guard. When you add someone as you reference, make sure they know they?re your references!

On the Hunt:

Daytime! Everyone is different. However, we?ve had the most success with showing rental units during the daylight. In the daylight you?ll have a better understanding of the defects and what exactly the place has to offer.

The Tour!

Do you like the place? Why not see what kind of water pressure it has. How many electrical outlets are there? Open up the closet and just see if you have enough space for your items. How?s the Neighbors! Don?t be afraid to knock on the doors and meet them. You?ll want to make a friend but also make note of important character factors. If you like to enjoy having a quiet home. Ask the landlord if they have had any problems with regards to noise volume.

Will It Fit?

You might have a larger sized couch or kitchen table. When your in your possible place, you should see if your kitchen table will fit in the appropriate area.

Close the Deal:

Be prepared! We already talked about being prepared. But just as a re-cap. Bring your own pen, Resume, Credit Check, Pay Stubs or Tax Returns, References and proper identification ready. Some units also require your license plate number.

Your Lease!

What are the utilites included and what are YOU responsible for? Can you have your cat, dog, bird, fish? What is the security deposit? And will there be mandatory charges such as carpet cleaning when you decided to move?

We hope our basic list has helped guide you through the basics of renting a home, apartment or vacation rental. Remember to try and view as many places as possible. You?ll have a good idea of what your money will get you with the more units you view. Happy hunting!

Shane Toews is a Licensed Realtor who helps others to educate themselves on current real estate issues. He also provides assistance on how to locate quality homes, apartments or vacation rentals in Canada's Fraser Valley area. Visit his website RentFraserValley.com for more information on Canada's Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

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How Much Is Too Much For a Scottsdale Home

Are you looking for a home in Scottsdale, Arizona? Scottsdale has earned a reputation as an expensive community, one of affluence and sophistication. Unfortunately many people firmly believe that these traits come with a hefty price tag. Although this is often true, you may be surprised by your options.

Maybe you haven't figured out how much your can afford for a home. Some prospective buyers deliberately stay away from Scottsdale because they think prices are out of their reach, while others don't realize when they are in over their heads.

How exactly do you figure out how much you can afford for a mortgage? The formula many mortgage agents formerly suggested was that home owners' plan that their mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) be about 30% of the total gross monthly earnings.

But times have changed and this formula doesn't always work for all buyers. This old computation method doesn't take into account the debt that most people carry in addition to their mortgage payments. Unlike the good old days, today, many of us owe on credit cards, as well as car, student, and personal loans.

A far better formula for calculating how much you can afford is to add up all of your monthly bills, and then plan that the total amount of debt with mortgage, insurance and taxes, then keep this total at 45% of your gross monthly income or less.

There are a number of mortgage options that give home buyers more choices. For instance, no interest loans allow buyers to pay against the principle only on the loan for a period of time. This is a great choice for anyone anticipating that their income may increase over the next few years.

Some of these mortgage options are great for buyers in the Scottsdale market. It gives them more opportunities to buy into more expensive home communities. The main caution of course is to not overextend yourself financially so that your home ownership becomes precarious.

Even though Scottsdale is an expensive community, there are still homes available at various price points. There are elegant yet affordable condominium communities, and older single family homes with great potential.

Owning a home in Scottsdale is an important step in planning for your financial future. Scottsdale is certainly a market that will continue to appreciate, and there is no better investment than real estate. Scottsdale also has traditionally been a very in demand community, which means this investment offers stability and growth.

With careful planning, you can find your perfect home in Scottsdale and not lose your shirt in the process.

Reg Gustin is a senior loan officer with Sun American Mortgage and specializes in helping families and their financial lending needs. Get a FREE mortgage rate quote from a reputable Arizona mortgage company at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mortgages.html Search the Arizona MLS at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mls.html Click here: http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-real-estate-appreciation-report.htmland get a FREE copy of The Greater Phoenix Area Housing Appreciation Report, as compiled by Arizona State University with your free subscription to his monthly ezine, MARKET NEWS.

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Existing Home Sales Fall In 2nd Quarter

Existing home sales fell in the second quarter of 2006, despite 20 states showing increases in sales activity.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the second quarter experienced a 7% decrease in sales, a seasonally-adjusted annual rate drop to 6.69 million units when compared to the second quarter of 2005, when a record 7.19 million units sold.

However, in the past year, several states have seen surprisingly strong increases in existing-home sales.

Alaska showed the largest quarterly rise in sales with a 48.6% increase in existing-home sales when compared to the second quarter of 2005.

Arkansas had the second strongest gain for the quarter, with resale pace increasing 17.9% from the previous year. Texas came in third with an 11.3% over the same period.

Twenty-eight states and Washington D.C. saw declines in sales.

NAR's chief economist, David Lereah, said that the two sets of market conditions are revealing a mixed market.

When you look at states with high housing costs or that have experienced a prolonged period of rapid price gains, you typically see slower home sales, said Lereah.

By contrast, states with moderately priced areas that have experienced healthy job creation are seeing sales gains -- the economic backdrop remains favorable for the housing market, which is helping home sales to level out.

All regional levels reported declines.

The South witnessed a decrease of 4.2% from one year ago. The West saw home sales fall 14.7%. The Midwest experienced a decline of 4.7%. The Northeast had sales decrease 5.2%.

NAR President Thomas M. Stevens suggests that borrowers take advantage of the decreasing interest rates currently seen.

This is good news for buyers who have been on the sidelines; now there is a window of opportunity in the market, said Stevens. In most of the country, buyers can take their time to make an informed decision. We advise buyers to consult a professional in negotiating the buying process, and to cautiously review mortgage options -- especially on non-traditional loan products.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

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Real Estate Courses

Buying, selling and investing in real estate involve complex transactions and high financial considerations. Given this, buyers, lenders and investors usually ask the help of real estate agents and real estate brokers to help them in their real estate needs. This is because real estate brokers and agents possess a thorough knowledge of the real estate market. They are also familiar with local zoning and tax laws and with financing agencies. In some cases, agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in the negotiations between buyers and sellers on the price of the property.

Becoming an agent or a broker

Being a real estate agent or a broker has proven to be a lucrative source of income for those practicing this profession and most estimates show that in the near future, the number of real estate agents and brokers will continue to rise because of this fact. However, becoming a real estate agent or broker requires that potential agents be at least 18 years of age, a high school graduate and be able to pass the state exam. The state exams, which is usually more comprehensive for brokers include questions on real estate transaction and relevant real estate laws.

If you wish to become an agent or a broker in the United States, you must be informed on the different requirement of the different states with regard to licensing. In most of the states, it is required that potential agents must complete between thirty to ninety hours of classroom instruction. For brokers, they are usually required to undergo sixty to ninety hours of formal training together with a required amount of experience in real estate transactions, which range from one to three years. Most of the courses in the training include subjects on marketing, accounting, and a substantial amount of courses in real estate, finance and real estate laws.

Most states require that these licenses be renewed every one or two years. However, instead of requiring agents to take new exams, some states require continuing education for agents and brokers for them to be able to renew their licenses.

Where to enroll

Given the demand for real estate training, a large of number of rims has been set up to provide such services. These firms cater to both beginners and experienced agents and brokers for their specific training needs. Apart from the traditional institutions such as universities and colleges, potential brokers and agents can also look to the Internet for online courses. As the number of agents and brokers who wish to get formal training on real estate continue to increase, the importance of institutions that provide these training will further be highlighted.

Real Estate Courses provides detailed information on Online Real Estate Courses, Real Estate Agent Courses, Real Estate Appraisal Courses, Real Estate Broker Courses and more. Real Estate Courses is affiliated with Phoenix Real Estate Schools.

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Is Now The Time To Buy A Condo

Is now the time to buy a condo?

If you plan on living in it for 2 or more years the answer is yes! After a big condo boom in Tampa, Fl there are now 1,256 condos, townhomes and lofts on the market according to the Tampa MLS. This is just in and around the downtown Tampa area (a 5 mile radius). Prices range from under 100K to 6.3m for a swanky Trump Tower unit with over 6,000 sq ft.

There are also New Construction and Condo Conversions that are not listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Sites like http://www.TampaBayLofts.com provide a list of condos, lofts, and townhomes. The site also offers a custom search emailed to you based on your price range, size and location.

So if you are a buyer looking for a good deal what are your options?

Consider a re-sale: Sellers are very motivated to sell and if they purchased 1 or 2 years ago you may be able to negotiate a great price. Since building costs have gone up so have new construction condos. Only owners of re-sales have the ability to sell for what they paid for the unit and guess what? They are selling for little or no profit..........even losing money just to get the financial burden off their back. A Realtor can give you information like how long a property has been on the market and how much they paid.

For instance: A 2/2 condo was listed for 214K, there were about 15 other condos in the same complex all listed for around the same price. This unit had been on the market 124 days. Can you say motivated??? My buyer asked me to find out what the owner paid and offered the exact same price. After negotiations the price was settled on at only 5K more than what they originally paid for the condo in May of 05'.

Things to watch out for when buying new:

How long does the developer have to finish building? Most new construction contracts state that the builder has 2 years to complete construction and close. All builder contracts are written by the builder so be sure to read all the fine print.

Engage a Realtor who knows new construction. Builders compensate Realtors so it won't cost the consumer to have representation. Most Realtors will know where the new projects are located and can show you any of the properties and provide comparable sales data. They can also assist in negotiating pricing and incentives. Newly constructed condos and condo conversions are listed at today's prices so it's best to view all your options before making a decision.

If a builder doesn't meet their contract quota what happens to your new dream condo? Many projects have not realized their quota within the timeframe allocated by the bank for financing. They are now ditching the project and giving back deposits. If you are buying a new condo conversion or new construction find out if they have reached their quota and if they are ready to close.

Rae Catanese Shatto is a Realtor in the Tampa Bay Area who specializes in New Construction, Lofts and Condos. She can be reached at 813-784-7744 or realtyrae@yahoo.com

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"The Time Value of Money"

The time value of money (TVM) is an investment principle that states money is valued greater today than in the future due to inflation and economic conditions. Essentially, a dollar in your pocket today is worth more than a dollar in the future because money may be invested and earn interest over time. The notion of TVM is money is worth more the earlier it is received.

If you loaned a friend $20, would you rather get the money back today or a year from now? You should want the cash today. Think back to the price of movie tickets 10 years ago. The price for a movie ticket at one point was just a few dollars and has risen to almost $10 due to the factor of inflation. By receiving cash today, rather than the future, you can invest the money into an alternate source and potentially receive a higher return for your money. Future value includes the amount of money you would earn through growth in your investments in the future assuming a given interest rate. It is what the cash is worth at a particular time in the future, while present value refers to the value of a given sum of money today. The same principle applies to real estate notes. A real estate note, a mortgage for example, is created with specific terms, conditions and a length of time for its return. In order to exchange the note for cash, a note?s present value is determined through a discount analysis to appraise its current worth, which will differ from the note?s value in 10 years.

To demonstrate TVM and why it can be more advantageous to have money now rather than the future, consider the following example. If you own a real estate note that is appraised at present value for $150,000 you can cash out now and spend the money, or you can invest in alternate sources for a higher return on your investment. By receiving the money today, you can avoid dealing with late payments and the risk of not receiving a payment at all. Immediate cash appeals to most much more than receiving money in the future. The following illustration of TVM shows the change in value of $150,000 over a year if invested with a rate of return of 10 percent.

Future Value = (Present Value) x (1 + Rate of Return)

Future Value = (150,000) x (1 + 10%)

Future Value = (150,000) x (1.1)

Future Value = $165,000

Understanding the time value of money is essential to achieving financial success, as this concept allows you to evaluate the potential value of money today in comparison to the future. When you talk about mortgages, loans, car notes and retirement funds, the practical knowledge of time value of money can help you accomplish the wealth you have longed for.

Maria Fee is a mortgage professional, real estate investor, teacher, and master marketer with more than 20 years of business experience. Maria is the President of REMI KNOX, LLC, a group of investors who purchase real estate notes nationwide. Quoted by the media as an expert, she is continuously recognized for her extraordinary knowledge and real estate investing experience. You too can discover hidden secrets to success with real estate notes. To take control of your financial future with proven strategies visit Maria's website at www.REMIKNOX.com. Happy investing!

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West Austin Apartments

West Austin is a charming neighborhood in Austin, an economically developed business center in central Texas. Set in the backdrop of rivers and hills, it is the perfect place for customary and urban living.

West Austin offers the finest options for residence with a good choice of apartments suitable for all budgets. West Austin apartments are available both for rent and for sale, on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. A wide range of apartments including furnished, unfurnished, condos, town homes, and duplexes are available. Apartments with single and double rooms are suitable for students and small families. Larger units with three to four bedrooms are also available. There are contemporary and modern apartments designed to meet varied lifestyles. Corporate, senior, and student housing are also available.

All West Austin apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious living room. Luxury apartments come with fireplaces, built-in computer desks, and hardwood floors. Amenities include abundant closet space, Berber carpets/cut-pile Berber, built-in wine racks, detached garages, digital cable, state-of-the-art phone systems providing high-speed Internet access, linen and pantry storage, gourmet kitchens with designer custom cabinets, luxurious baths with oval garden tubs, private alarm systems, washer/dryer connections, study niches with phone, cable and electric outlets, and private fenced backyards.

Community amenities feature twenty-four-hour emergency maintenance, clubhouses, bar and entertainment centers, coffee, juice, and bagel bar, controlled access gates, drive-up mail kiosks, resort style pools with Jacuzzis, misters and cabanas, on-site lifestyle coordinators, business centers with free Internet access, copiers, faxes and color printers, large parking areas, fitness centers, and clubs. Many West Austin apartments also boast a picturesque view of lush woods and hilltops. West Austin also provides services in healthcare and education.

Numerous real estate agents and organizations specialize in the sale and rent of apartments in West Austin. Online agents also help you find an apartment in this locality. Some of them offer a service promise, relocation options, and a rent with equity program.

Austin Apartments provides detailed information on Austin Apartment Associations, Austin Apartment Guides, Austin Apartment Locators, Austin Apartment Stores and more. Austin Apartments is affiliated with North Dallas Apartments.

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Marketing to Realtors: Create a Power Position in Your Marketing Efforts

Every day a real estate agent receives several marketing attempts from loan officers. In fact, this information comes in a steady, unrelenting stream. It is no wonder agents have become adept at tuning out the static of these marketing attempts.

Your challenge is to find a way to differentiate yourself from all the buzz of other loan officers. You do so by establishing your marketing position.

Your marketing position is what defines your business. Take a moment to browse your competition websites. Does their marketing position look identical to yours? If it were not for their logo on the top of the page, could it basically be your website?

If the answer is yes, your marketing position is too close to that of your competition. You are competing with them for a place in your prospects mind, and chances are you are not winning the battle for first place.

Take a look at your business and what can you offer that nobody else is doing? If you feel stymied by how you could possible differentiate yourself from your competition, think about a couple of examples of businesses that have done a remarkable job of creating a marketing position.

Federal Express is a great example. They started a business with a position no other shipper occupied. They advertised was when it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight, they were there to do it.

Dominoes Pizza started their business by emphasizing that they would delivery a pizza within 30 minutes of the order, or the pizza was free.

Southwest Airlines have marketed themselves as the low-fare airline.

What special skill or niche could you develop and use in your marketing materials and what can you use to set yourself apart from your competition? When your services are similar to another loan officer, real estate agents will look for ways to differentiate.

The more your services are scrutinized for differences, the more important it is to give details about how you are different. You need to accentuate those details.

Prices and rates are not necessarily the kind of difference that gets you noticed. In fact, most often it merely gets you into a bidding war. You should instead find an unexplored niche and specialize your services around it.

You can develop a unique niche within a product line like HUD, ARMs or Jumbo Loan expert.

You can develop a niche around details of the process for example, loan approvals within an hour (or less), loans that close 5 days ahead of COE, daily email updates to agents.

You can position yourself around gender, ethnicity, geography or another demographic, specializing in exclusively serving the Hispanic community, single professionals, Town & Country Ranch, etc.

Spend some time thinking about what makes you and your business unique and then market to that position.

Jeff Nelson helps loan officers increase loan originations by attracting quality relationships with real estate agents from the development of customized relationship-building strategies. Click here to get a free copy of the Marketing Planning Guide, a 20-page workbook designed to help you outline a strategy to become an Agent Magnet. Visit us at http://www.loan-officer-marketing.com

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Equity Advantage Program Introduces QuarterPercent Loan at LEI

An innovative new mortgage program has hit the market touting phenomenally low interest rates and even lower monthly payments. The ?Equity Advantage Program? contains a quarter-percent loan that promises to rid borrowers of high interest rates and gigantic payments.

This loan gives the borrower a specified fixed interest rate and a payment option of .25% for the first five years. The borrower can pay the interest only for their monthly minimum payment for these first 60 months. This ground-breaking loan helps borrowers decrease their monthly payment by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If a person buys a $500,000 home and finances in the Equity Advantage Program, they could expect their monthly payments to be around $104.17 for the first five years. This astonishingly low payment for such a high-valued property can free up an unprecedented amount of cash for the borrower.

It is a hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, designed for people who want to use the equity in their home to increase their cash flow. The minimum payment of the loan will be the fixed-interest only amount for the first five years of the loan, and then the borrower will pay the interest only payment based on the interest rate of the outstanding balance. This interest only period will last for the first 10 years of the loan. The equity advantage program gives the borrower access to cash that they would not have in an ordinary loan. This is basically an interest only 5/1 ARM with the option of paying a minimum of .25% interest only. The difference between the two will cause deferred interest.

?This is essentially unheard of in the mortgage world. During a time when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates 17 times in a row, consumers are finding it harder than ever to deal with the rate hikes. The quarter-percent loan gives consumers their buying power back once again,? said Ward Shandoff, LEI banking analyst.

Traditional loans such as the option-ARM or the negative amortization loan do not give the borrower the cash flow of the quarter-percent loan. Borrowers who use this program effectively will have access to the equity in their home that would not be available to them in other mortgage products.

This system allows homeowners to take a lot more cash out, and use more of their money for something other than paying towards the principal. Credit card debt or any other large balances can be tackled and paid-off with this loan. You can actually use the money you have freed up to compound itself and generate more wealth.

This all goes back to the essential concepts taught by LEI Financial's ?Velocity of Money Program,? which uses investment strategies to generate more wealth in a client?s financial portfolio. Your home should be used as a tool to generate wealth, and this is made easier than ever with the quarter-percent loan.

Using this loan, you can take the money you are saving with each monthly payment and put it into an investment that will generate a return. Investment properties and cash-value life insurance policies are great ways to keep your money working for you.

The quarter-percent loan is a great option for those who will use their monthly savings to invest the money or pay off debt. This loan is not a viable option for people who can make the monthly payment only because that is all they can afford in a given month. A person who elects to make a minimum payment must be aware of the fact that there will be deferred interest as a result.

The Equity Advantage Program gives you the right rates and payment options that allow you to free up cash to be used for investment and wealth building opportunities. If a customer cannot qualify for The Equity Advantage Program we promote our Equity Management Program.

For more info visit: www.leiholdings.com or 877-801-5389

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July Foreclosure Activity Increases

There was an 18% year-on-year increase in July foreclosure filings, according to RealtyTrac. The month saw 92,845 filings.

That is one new foreclosure filing for every 1,245 households.

While foreclosure activity continues to remain slightly below historical averages, there looks to be a significant amount of upward pressure on foreclosure rates in the next few months, siad James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac.

First, the billions of dollars in ARMs projected to reset in the third and fourth quarters could increase monthly mortgage payments for many homeowners, Saccacio explained. And the cooling real estate market exacerbates the problem for these homeowners by making it tougher for them to sell at a high enough price to pay off their loan balance.

Colorado had the highest rate of foreclosures in the country, with a new foreclosure filing for every 480 households. The state has had the highest foreclosure rate for five straight months.

Colorado saw an increase of 3% in foreclosure filings for the month, and a 55% increase for the year. The state reported 3,810 households entering some form of foreclosure.

Nevada had the second highest foreclosure rate for the second month in a row. There was one new foreclosure filed for every 533 households. There was a 31% increase in foreclosures for the month with 1,626 households entering some stage of foreclosure.

Texas led the country in the most foreclosures with 12,103 filings. The state has remained in this position for eight consecutive months. There was a 15% increase in foreclosures when compared to June.

Six states, including Texas, Florida, California, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, represented 54% of the nation's foreclosure activity in the past month.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

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Where To Find Great Commercial Real Estate Deals

Commercial real estate is a hot commodity right now. Many investors are seeing the massive potential for income associated with this type of property. It is not always clear, however, what type of commercial real estate to invest in or what part of the country to choose. With a little research, you can find the perfect location to purchase.

Columbus, Ohio is a great location for commercial real estate. Columbus is the capital city of Ohio and also one of the fastest growing. All over Columbus, new businesses are popping up and with them the need for commercial spaces. There are several notable commercial real estate companies working in the Columbus area to help people find the perfect space for them.

Another great area is Greensboro, NC. It is a growing community with great historical roots. It was once known as the Frontier Town for those looking to go west. With it's temperate climate and friendly southern atmosphere, Greensboro is a town that attracts people from all walks of life. There are also many great commercial real estate companies, such as Kotis Properties, to help clients find their dream location. And with the attractive cost of living compared to many other parts of the country, this area will continue to flourish.

Austin, Texas also is a good investment for those interested in commercial real estate. Austin is a hot spot for families and singles. There is a growing economy and a great location. This makes Austin a good investment commercially. There are many good real estate companies in Austin. The Austin based COMMREX is one of the top commercial real estate firms. There are also some major national companies headquartered in and around Austin.

Los Angeles is one of the greatest markets for commercial real estate investors. Although it is one of the most expensive, the property values are ever increasing. Owning property in LA is like having money in the bank. There are significant advantages to owning in LA. One of the great tax benefits is that if you sell your home, you can take a profit exemption as long as you live in your commercial property for at least two of the five years following the sale of your property. This, along with the potential for income, is a great drawing card for LA commercial real estate.

Commercial real estate is a great investment. It appreciates significantly year over year, so the resale is excellent. If you decide not to sell or use it yourself, you can lease it and gather continuous income. Whether you use a firm in person or over the internet, be sure to do some research about the area first. When purchasing property, look for location. This is truly the key to finding the perfect commercial real estate investment.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about commercial real estate deals and areas at his web site at http://www.commercial-real-estate-tips.com/

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Texas Real Estate Commissions

TREC or Texas Real Estate Commission is a government body that was created in 1949 to administer four specific laws such as real estate license act, real estate inspector act, residential service company act and Texas timeshare act.

TREC regulates activities of real estate brokers, salespeople, inspectors, residential service companies, timeshare developers and education providers for real estate and inspection courses. Main purpose of TREC is to protect legal rights of citizens of Texas and provide them with honest, trustworthy and competent real estate service. The commission reviews programs dealing with education providers for real estate and inspection courses. It tries to identify and regulate errors and drawbacks present in it.

TREC has made it mandatory for real estate brokers and salespersons to maintain specified levels of education in order to hold a valid license to work as a real estate agent. Provisions of real estate license act and rules of Texas real estate commission are binding on all real estate agents and professionals in order to provide customers with a competent and honest service. TREC also gives licenses to real estate inspectors, agents, residential service companies and real estate schools. This commission also does registration of timeshare properties.

Texas Real Estate Commission has statutory relations with three state entities namely, real estate center at Texas A&M University, Texas department of savings and mortgage lending and Texas appraiser licensing and certification board. The commission has partnership with Texas A&M University's real estate center for conducting research along with some education projects. It also appoints two members to mortgage broker advisory committee of Department of savings and mortgage lending. Issues relating to real estate licensees and mortgage brokers are resolved by cooperating with this agency. Commission also has signed a memorandum of understanding with Texas appraiser licensing and certification board under which it provides administrative support to them, which is approved by their governing bodies.

Texas Real Estate provides detailed information on Texas Real Estate, Texas Real Estate Commissions, Austin, Texas Real Estate, Houston, Texas Real Estate and more. Texas Real Estate is affiliated with Houston Real Estate Schools.

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Real Estate Investment Financing

Real estate investment financing is a better option than the traditional residential real estate mortgages. The financing in this sector is done mainly by borrowing money as it is more lucrative than investing one?s own money in a single real estate. Real estate investment is a great possibility for many people to gain equity and to generate cash flow and due to this, demand for commercial real estate investment financing is increasing day by day. The real estate investments include homebuilder stocks, real estate mutual funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

A real estate investor can get around 98 percent financing for his investments. Even, cent percent financing is available. Zero down real estate investment financing is a fully documented loan which is provided to a single family, townhouse, or condominium. The only requirement for this program is excellent credit. It is now available at reasonable rates. For investment properties, limited and no documentation loans are also available.

Many companies are providing financing for the real estate investments. Most of the business concerns are allowing a maximum of 5 to 6 new rental property mortgages yearly. These companies provide low interest rates and quick close available (48 hours) options to the investors. For a reliable and stable financing, short term and interim financing loans are available. It is hard for a person to get real estate investment financing for more than six properties in a single year. In this situation, sellers financing is the best alternative for achieving the maximum leverage of the investment.

There are various real estate investor financing books available in the market from where one gets rich information about the financing methods. Other means through which one gets ample information about the real estate investor financing are courses, books, tapes, software and services. Before trying a real estate investment financing, make sure that the banks are regulated by the federal government and are capable enough to underwrite conforming loans.

Real Estate Investments provides detailed information on Real Estate Investments, Real Estate Investment Trusts, Real Estate Investment Loans, Real Estate Investment Financing and more. Real Estate Investments is affiliated with Buying Investment Properties.

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Home Sales Continue to Drop In Southern California

Home sales are dropping in Southern California. For the fourth month in a row, home sales have continued to drop, according to data for March. At the same time, the median price for a home in Southern California, has climbed above the $500,000 mark. This is a divergence of trends. In the last several years home sales were robust and increasing and so were home prices. Now home sales have slowed but prices are still inching upward in many areas.

Home values in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Ventura counties, increased 14% over one year ago. Homeowners should not expect that rate of appreciation for the current year. In March the number of home sales fell almost 10%. Sales activity is related to price activity. The fact that we are seeing a continuing series of months with declining sales activity is an indicator that price activity is soon to follow. The current rate of home value appreciation cannot be sustained in a climate of falling home sales. In Southern California the sales activity and the rate of price increases reached a peak two years ago. In the current environment we are likely to see home values rising at a much slower pace or even approaching 0.

There are no indications that this is a real estate bubble at this point, this is just a return to more normal market conditions. What we have seen in the past several years is abnormal market conditions. The rapid growth in the real estate market must eventually return to a more normal pace. When we see the number of home sales slow, especially for a multi month period, we can expect prices to lag the slowdown in sales by around three months. We should see home appreciation start to really slow down soon in southern California.

Inventory is another factor of price. In this region inventory is increasing, but not at extraordinary levels. The time to sell a home is increasing. Last spring it was 27 days, now it is 48.

The county to watch is San Diego. It was the first county to accelerate in home value appreciation and the first to slow. It is seen as a barometer for southern California. In the last six months median prices of homes in San Diego county have decreased 2%. This is not indicative of a bursting bubble, but an overheated market that is returning to normal.

Andrew Goldman is president of Metal Rabbit media services, the operator of http://www.Exchangetradedfundinvesting.com He has written a number of articles on finance and investment over the last ten years.

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West Virginia Home Buying

Maybe you?re buying your first home in West Virginia, or perhaps you?re relocating to West Virginia from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on West Virginia home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in West Virginia:

The median price of a home in West Virginia is $72,800. Homes in West Virginia appreciate at a lower rate than that of average national home appreciation; however, they do appreciate at a modest rate. The rate of job growth in West Virginia is below the national average, and income levels in many parts of West Virginia are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan.

Average mortgage interest rates in West Virginia are just slightly above the national average interest rate. Income levels in West Virginia are amongst the lowest in all 50 states; however, home prices are also amongst the lowest in all 50 states. Nationally, West Virginia has the lowest number of individuals over the age of 25 whom have Bachelors degrees.

The state of West Virginia has certain laws pertaining to home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and second mortgages. For example, in West Virginia, the draw period on a HELOC is five years, and, after that period of time, the borrower then has fifteen years to repay the balance of the loan. The minimum credit line on a HELOC in West Virginia is $15,000.

Borrowers have three days after signing a HELOC contract and paying their fees to change their mind and cancel the loan. Borrowers who decide not to take the line of credit within three days will be refunded all fees paid. Additionally, West Virginia law does not allow interest rates on subordinate mortgage loans to exceed 18% per year.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about West Virginia Mortgage Rates and Loans.

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Miami Waterfront Real Estate

Being surrounded by the Miami River, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades, and the Atlantic Ocean, Miami has a rich supply of waterfront real estates. Although there are some properties that are well priced for single family houses, most of the properties in the waterfront area cater to high-demand buyers with intentions of purchasing luxury homes.

In fact many of these waterfront real estate properties are homes to the likes of Julio Iglesias; Don Shula, former coach of the Miami Dolphins; Norman Braman, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles; Ricky Martin, and Robert Wood Johnson of Johnson and Johnson. Many of the small historic houses are slowly disappearing to give way to the new mansions for these elites, but the waterfront homes of Miami are becoming a sight to behold.

The waterfront used to be standing over swamp mangroves that were developed back in the 1920s and 1930s to be a paradise of the wealthiest and most famous people that this world has ever known. The landscaping are always maintained with well-groomed lawns that are simply marvelous to behold. The properties are situated with wide open bay views, perfect for breathing in the airy ocean breeze. The houses are architectural wonders using Mediterranean, modern Caribbean, and European styles to design the structures. This area of Miami is home to the most beautiful private golf in the city. The waterfront community is treated as an independent city heavily guarded by its private police force patrolling the streets and the waters.

The area is so exclusive that it only houses a total of 33 residents over 300 acres of which 80 percent is devoted to a golf course. The cheapest home found in this area is estimated to be worth at least $1.4 million. The prices of other estates go us high as tens of millions of dollars.

Miami Real Estate provides detailed information on Miami Real Estate, Miami Waterfront Real Estate, Miami Beach Real Estate, Miami Luxury Real Estate and more. Miami Real Estate is affiliated with Downtown San Diego Real Estate.

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New Jersey Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in New Jersey

Maybe you?re buying your first home in New Jersey, or perhaps you?re relocating to New Jersey from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on New Jersey home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in New Jersey:

The median price of a home in New Jersey is $170,800. Homes in New Jersey appreciate at rates above the national average. In fact, New Jersey home appreciation rates place them 9th ranked in the nation. Additionally, average interest rates in New Jersey are below the national average. However, the rate of job growth is below the national average.

The price of homes in New Jersey varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $850,000; however, in Wyckoff, New Jersey, the median price of a home was $550,000, and in Parsippany, New Jersey, it was $350,000.

New Jersey state law prohibits home equity lines of credit on primary residences. However, they are allowed on second homes. Additionally, New Jersey law restricts the amount of fees on second mortgages.

Currently, New Jersey is in the process of enacting a new home ?lemon law.? Lawmakers saw this law as necessary after the State Commission of Investigations found that there was significant corruption, ?waste, fraud, and abuse? prevalent in new home construction.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about New Jersey Mortgage Rates and Loans.

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The Local Community

Whether you?re buying a residential house for investment purposes or as your home, the local neighborhood and community where it is located will make a big difference in your enjoyment of that property and in your prospects for the future. Here are some of the basic things to look for:

1. Essential Shops and Services

Are all the essential shops and services in the area and are they you?re your house? Drive around and look for the local grocery, convenience stores, church, gas stations, dry cleaners and the like. While you?re at it, take a good look at the community?s leading shopping center. Oftentimes, if the local shopping center is in decline, chances are that the neighborhood is in decline as well. In addition, if there are a lot of vacant storefronts along that neighborhood, it might be a good idea to explore other options, perhaps go down a street or two for your house hunting.

2. Proximity to neighborhood center You want your home to be neatly tucked away at the center of the residential neighborhood or as close to it as possible. You do not want to purchase a house on the edge of town or close to its outskirts. And neither do you want a house that is at the back or side of a busy thoroughfare either. If it?s a single family residence you are eyeing, try to avoid purchasing property that borders a bustling business enterprise, condominium, apartment complex or school because these places are naturally bustling with activity which can be a distraction.

3. Access to major thoroughfares The ideal property provides easy access to local highways, major traffic routes and major thoroughfares as well as to mass transit. Try to avoid purchasing a house located on a street that is a favorite shortcut of motorists between two busier streets. If it?s a residential home you?re thinking of buying, also avoid a house located at a corner lot since these tend to attract more street traffic and may not be that safe for children. Instead, try to find a house that is in the middle of the block or on a cul de sac. Now if it?s a business or commercial property you are eyeing, a corner lot would be more desirable.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Real Estate, Investing, and Finance

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Property Foreclosure

When a person buys a home, he has to take a loan regularly. The lenders, generally banks, keep the title to home collateral in this case. When the person is unable to pay the dues and payments in time, the ownership of the home is moved to the lender. Transferring of ownership to lender is called Foreclosure. Buying foreclosure has been compared to playing poker. Considering as an investment, it has its own risks. First the lenders will check out if there are any junior liens. When they find any pending loans, they pay off everything so that they themselves have clear title to the property. Once this is done, the lender adds up all costs to the loan amount to be recovered, and again resells the property so that they can convalesce the expenses together with the loan amount. This is an ideal time for investors to buy such property. Buying a property that has been foreclosed already has many gains.

The foremost and well-known benefit is the fact that all properties bought from lenders will have clear titles and ownership rights, thereby saving you the difficulty of doing any research. Next fact is that the foreclosure is not for profit booking. When the lenders sell foreclosed property they need their money back, so they are ready to sell the property cheaper than what it could have obtained in open market under normal conditions. The first step of buying foreclosure is to gather information. The best idea is to make a database in a specific manner so that you will have separate data on all the properties and markets in clear sets. The next step is to directly get in touch with the foreclosure owners and start negotiating with them. If you have the address of property but not the name, online directories may help you to find the pertinent names. Buying foreclosure property as a beginner on your own can be risky and if you are trying to buy such properties get help from agents.

One of the risks occurring is that when buying foreclosed property at auction, give just a week to deposit all the cash, and if you fail to do so, you may lose all your deposit at certain times. But as you keep on investing and making money, you can gain experience about bad construction, poor soils, problems with septic systems etc. Background reading and relevant information is extremely important before you get into foreclosure investing. Foreclosure laws in your state, priority of liens, bidding at auctions, title insurance, and bankruptcy are some key areas where you should obtain complete knowledge. You will be able to make better and safer investments in this way particularly. Property investment is not an easy game, and must be played only with caution and care. Little concerns for the person whose property is up for foreclosure are necessary for this process. But you can easily cut down the process of foreclosures into three primary stages. The first stage is pre-foreclosure, second stage is foreclosure auction and the third and final stage is bank owned foreclosures.

In general as you move along the timeline of the foreclosure process your potential for profit will diminish the latter you get to the foreclosure a property. If you're planning on making a full-time living eventually from real estate investment then you'll want to learn in baby steps how to get the most out of your time and efforts without any doubt. With that saying for those who are ambitious enough to do this full time work you have to learn how to find pre-foreclosures because they normally offer you the utmost leverage and profitability relevant to the most deep discounted properties available via bank owned properties.

Ron Victor is a SEO copywriter for http://www.propertyauctionzone.com He written many articles in various topics. For more information visit http://www.propertyauctionzone.com Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

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How to Screen Tenants

There is nothing more frustrating than having to evict a tenant, whatever the reason, and the reasons can be innumerable - failure to pay rent on time, abuse of the property, drug use, keeping bad company, etc. Yet this is not the most difficult aspect of property ownership. The most difficult aspect of property ownership, by far, is remodeling and the management of contractors. More on this later. When it comes to managing tenants, however, the biggest advantage that you have is the property that you bought. If it's a great property, your units will attract great tenants and they will always be full. If it's not a great property, then life gets more complicated. It's better to have your units empty than it is to rent to a bad tenant. We know the preceding sentence may be a little hard to digest for the first-time property owners, but it's absolutely the case that bad tenants will cause you more problems down the road than any rent is worth.

Here are some time-proven and foolproof ways to screen tenants:

Be observant! And observation starts from the moment that the prospective tenants walks up to the unit! Observe the vehicle that they drive, the clothes that they wear, whether they make eye contact, what type of questions do they ask, how observant are they, etc.?

Questions. People who intend to be great tenants will tend to ask very different questions from people who don't. The great tenants ask questions like the following:

What are the other tenants in the building like? Do they stay up late, do they smoke, are they loud?
What do the other tenants do for a living?
Where is the nearest park and coffee shop?
If I play my cello at night (which is what I do to relax), do you think I will disturb the other tenants?
Have there been any incidents of crime in this area?

Potentially bad tenants will ask questions like the following:

It's okay if my rent is occasionally late, right? (This will always be followed by some reason like they work in a job that is seasonal so their salaries are unpredictable)
You don't really need three personal references, do you?
You aren't serious about talking to my previous landlord, are you? I can tell you that I'm moving because that guy was a jerk.
When I leave, I'm getting all of my security deposit back, right?

Check all References. Great tenants will have great references and the great references will use descriptive terms, such as, Oh, I've known Frank for 20 years and he's an incredible person! He was the best man at my wedding, and he will be an ideal tenant! Listen carefully to the tone of their voice. If you hear descriptive phrases that are lukewarm or tepid, then you are probably dealing with a person who is a bad tenant. Avoid them. Avoid them. Avoid them. There are many resources for doing a credit reference check and a criminal check if you know where the tenant previously lived. One company that the author has used successfully is Rental Research, Inc. Oftentimes, the report is available on the exact same day. You need to remember that you are not allowed to share the tenant's credit report or credit score with them, although you are allowed to ask them about any discrepancies about which you have a concern (continued late payments, excessive debt, etc.).

Trust Your Instincts! This is, by far, the best advice that I've ever given or received. If, after you've done all of the above, there is something about the prospective tenant that doesn't feel right for whatever reason, don't rent to them. Your instincts are telling you something subconsciously that you need to respect.

What About Pets? Some property owners allow only small pets in their buildings, and we can completely understand why. Large pets wear considerably more on the investment property than small pets, not to mention that poorly behaved large pets cause more damage, not to mention that the pet can annoy other tenants. Our collective experience with pets is that the behavior of the pet tracks closely to the behavior of the tenant. Just like you check references for the tenant, you should check references for the pet. Some time-proven tips:

Call people who know the pet and who have watched the pet in the past, and ask them the same questions you would ask about the tenant.

Meet the pet in person (so to speak). Spend some meaningful time with pet and see if the pet behaves inappropriately while you are interacting with the pet. If the pet jumps up and knocks you to the ground, that is a bad sign. I know an emu named Bob who likes to lick my ear, but that's a socialization behavior of emus, and I don't encourage renting to anyone who has an emu. Speak to the pet and see if the pet responds to your voice.

Observe how the pet interacts with the owner and vice versa. Owners who treat their pets like children will have a higher probability of having well-behaved pets. There are always exceptions, but the odds are in your favor if the pet is treated like a child, but not a spoiled child.

Observe the living conditions of the pet. Personally, I worry about pets who spend most of their time alone or who live outside in the backyard by themselves, particularly if the pet is a dog. Dogs are social creatures -- they are pack animals by nature and they need companionship.

Observe the grooming of the pet. Well behaved pets are typically well-groomed, with clipped nails, brushed hair and no fleas or ticks.

Pay attention to the name of the pet. I know this one is silly, but it makes a difference. I would worry about a dog named Killer, Brutus or Caligula. On the other hand, I like any pet named Muffy or Munchkin.

Peter is an active real estate investor in the Puget Sound Area, specializing in the acquisition and finance of small multi-family properties between 2 - 30 units. Peter has been married to his lovely wife, Grace, for 12 years and they have two young girls, Sydney (age 7) and Ashley (age 2). Peter lives in Redmond, Washington. Find out more information Peter at http://www.peterku.com.

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1031 CoOwnership with California Examples

Co-Ownership of Real Estate (CORE) is a new spin on the popular Tenancy-in-Common concept that many investors are using as a 1031 replacement property alternative. This article focuses on the 1031 co-ownership concept by illustrating it with California examples.

Many investors are finding that markets, like California, are becoming over valued. While they love the 1031 concept which offers them a chance to defer the gain and avoid taxes on their appreciated relinquished property; the challenge has been to find a suitable replacement property.

One strategy has been to shift to different asset classes within the same local market. Along these lines, rental property investors are looking to commercial properties instead of single family homes, or condos, or duplexes for more suitable investments. They have been especially attracted to the concept of “NNN” commercial properties which alleviate many of the property management issues. However, NNN commercial properties are normally associated with a large price tag. This price jump traditionally puts these properties beyond the reach of many individual investors. In response, the marketplace began to develop ways for individual investors to join together to transition into these more expensive property types.

Indeed, since the mid-1990s, many investors have experienced the benefit of reinvesting their equity into co-owned investment properties structured as Tenancy-in-Common (TIC). For TIC owners, this works because they now hold an undivided fractional ownership of the investment property evidenced by a deed of trust that satisfies 1031 like-kind exchange provisions.

The notion of “Co-ownership of Real Estate (CORE), is simply another term for this same concept. Indeed, the CORE concept is similar to a TIC in that it enables an investor to participate in the ownership of institutional-grade, professionally managed properties. The investor’s equity can be diversified among several different properties, geographic markets and real estate companies, potentially increasing both the value and safety of the real estate investment. Finally, like TIC-investments, CORE investments are designed to offer preservation of capital, predictable cash flow and long-term appreciation in institutional-quality real estate assets that benefit from greater economies of scale.

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Real Estate Economics at a Glance

Real estate business is like a whole different world in itself where different forces collect and affect one another and thus functions that world. Acknowledging the real estate market laws is rather essential because it is a proper, separate subject that needs to be given its due importance. It needs to be studied like any other subject that is studied in economics. Real estate economics should be studied because it provides information about how the economic laws, rules and techniques are used in connection with the real estate market. The aim of these markets is exactly the same as those of the other markets. To earn maximum profit at minimized cost. Exactly the way other forces of demand and supply are determinants of commodity market pricing and equilibrium, real estate market studies too hold equal importance.

Real estate has become the vital part of the economics. It holds within itself a revenue source for the governments. There are employment opportunities that are filled because of it. The circular flow of national income of a state gets a very big contribution from the real estate market and keeps it flowing steadily. When so much is depended upon it then it should definitely get a place amongst the much pondered upon issues.

Any market; whether it is a commodity market or some other markets there will always be certain forces working together to make it run. A brief overview of the running forces of this market can facilitate even an ordinary man in dealing with real estate matters. The real estate market is huge with two basic forces running it that is demand and supply of real estate. There are owners and tenants and their money capital that they are willing to invest in the properties. These are the two very main characters that play the entire role. Because they are the ones who have money they can invest. The others come second on this list. There are others who rent or lease out their property instead of consuming it themselves. The demand side depends on the population requirement while the supply side depends on all those inputs that help in building the stock of real estate.

The equilibrium formed thus by the forces of demand and supply depicts the mechanism of this market. The study of real estate thus provides tips for a better economic and social development of the societies of the World.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Real Estate, Business, and Finance

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Costa Rica Watch Out for the Real Estate Sharks

Thinking about buying real estate in Costa Rica? It could be a great investment or your biggest headache. Read on to learn how to stack the odds in your favor.

Costa Rica does not regulate the real estate business and this leaves you, the buyer, at a huge disadvantage. All real estate agents in Costa Rica are in business for only one reason - to make money. They only make money when they sell a property. All the agent wants is your money. The expression ?shark? is a very fitting synonymous for ?real estate agent.? However, in my opinion, it is it is a derogatory comment about sharks.

Agents can be great people, best friends and can even be from your home country but do not trust them as the final authority with your investment money. They do not have your best interest at heart.

Here is my personal list of real estate stories (lies?) that I have heard from several agents in Costa Rica.

1. All Ticos (Costa Rican's) are out to screw you! I have found that some are and others are not out to take advantage of you financially. After living here for a year, personally I am more leery of Gringos trying to sell me something than the Ticos. This is because I know what the Tico wants but do not know the Gringo?s true agenda. Anyone who uses such generalizations should be included in the group that they are criticizing.

2. ?We don?t mark up property like other agencies...? They may not use the same % of markup (called ?Net Listings? which are illegal in the US) but don?t believe them unless they will let you or your attorney talk directly to the seller to verify the asking price. There is one very well known agent in the northern central valley that has previously openly advertised that he doesn?t mark up properties when in reality he does mark up property whenever he thinks he can do so. I forgot the exact words he used but the gist was: Real estate in Costa Rica is unregulated so we can do anything we want.

3. We charge a commission to the buyer because Costa Rican?s don?t pay commission. What a line if I ever heard one! Costa Ricans are not dumb and they know that to sell the property, they probably have to pay someone to find a buyer. Is the agent double dipping? I don?t know but I am willing to bet that nine times out of ten the seller is paying someone to get the property sold and the agent is making money on both sides of the transaction.

4. You or your attorney cannot talk directly to the seller. The excuse often given is that they are afraid your attorney is unscrupulous and may steal the property or something like that. My supposition is that the agent is either marking the property up and/or charging the buyers a commission while the seller is also paying a commission.

5. ?We have already done all of the due diligence for you.? When problem arises the water or electricity or the neighbors, your agent is not going to pay to fix it, rather he will say something like ?Gee I?m awfully sorry, I didn?t know about that.? One agent is advertising that they have done ALL of the due diligence on their properties before they list them. If that is the case, I wonder why the property I purchased from that agent doesn?t have any water available when he stated to me that it had water on the property.

6. Your agent states that he is making a full and truthful disclosure to you. California has one of the toughest disclosure laws in the real estate industry while Costa Rica has none. One agency in the northern central valley is currently promoting a house they are building on speculation by saying Vulcan Poas is not dangerous. In March, 2006, Vulcan Poas roared back to life (it is and has been one of the two most active volcanoes in Costa Rica) and scientists are now concerned because the water temperature of the lake is some 30 degrees hotter than normal. Is this a full and accurate disclosure? Not in my opinion.

7. Your earnest money deposit is not refundable. Some agents use contracts or ?letters of intent? that state that deposits are nonrefundable and that the seller receives the deposit immediately! You can and should write a purchase contract where your deposit is held in escrow and is refundable if certain conditions are not met. I strongly advise that you think long and hard about a deal if the agent says you have to make a nonrefundable deposit.

8. The seller can change his mind any time he wants and refuse to sell. Again, some agents do not know how to or do not want to write a correct contract. If you have a purchase option and have it recorded, it will be much more difficult for the seller to back out.

9. You don?t need to use your own attorney. Just read our personal experience with attorneys and you will see why it is imperative that your attorney represent you and only you.

10. You have to pay all of the closing costs. The custom in Costa Rica is to split the closing costs equally between the seller and the buyer. Of course you and the seller can agree on other terms but don?t start off by offering to pay for everything - that just makes the job easier for the agent.

11. You don?t need a new plano. Your plano is a legal survey of the property. Unless you get a new plano you will not know for certain that what you are looking at is really what you are buying. It is a fact that some fences are occasionally moved by the neighbors and a lot of older surveys are flawed.

12. Don?t worry about utilities... The previously mentioned agent and his associates use practically the same story for every lot they show to their clients - ?Electricity should cost about $3,000. The road should be about $2,500 and water is right over there.? Just make sure you verify everything with the proper authorities and get real estimates from the people that will be doing the work. Don?t be surprised if you find out that the real costs for installing utilities are up to 10 times as much as the agent stated.

13. The water is safe to drink. Over 90% of the surface water in Costa Rica is polluted with gray water runoff, industrial pollution, farm run-off and human waste. Even the large municipalidades have problems with human waste and gas getting into their wells. If you don?t know where the water is coming from get it tested.

14. Gringos are more honest than Ticos. This is a common misconception or misplaced belief on the buyer?s part that makes them feel more comfortable parting with their money. It is really easy to fall into this ?comfort trap? and believe that all Gringos are honest. The simple fact is that it is easier for a Gringo to sell property or an investment to another Gringo. Think about it - Why are all of the international time share resorts are staffed with Gringo sales people?

15. No, the lot isn?t too steep... If the property is steep you have two options: Build on piers which is more costly or: Cut out a building pad. Either way make sure you allow for adequate drainage. I have seen some lots carved out of a hillside where there is bare earth for forty to fifty feet almost straight up. Landslides are common in Costa Rica, even though it is practically all volcanic soil. Don?t think your lot is an exception unless you obtain an engineer?s opinion. My uneducated opinion is that a retaining wall just delays the inevitable. When in doubt ask an engineer, not your agent.

16. Ticos are not litigious like people from the US. This is an out right lie. There are so many suits pending in Costa Rica, some courts are backed up for up to 10 years.

17. ?I am an expert on Costa Rica real estate.? Ask them how long they have been in the country selling real estate. If they have not lived here full time for at least 10 years, then they, like me, are not experts.

How do you avoid these traps? Check out Living and Building in Costa Rica at http://www.die-trying.com/html/retruth.html.

All of these ?myths? are solely my opinions and are based on situations where I have personal knowledge of the facts.

Remember, nobody, including me, cares more about your future than you do. Verify, verify and re-verify before you invest.

David L. McDuffie is a US citizen that has adopted Costa Rica as his new home. Mr. McDuffie is a Custom Home Builder and Home Designer in Costa Rica at http://www.crbuilders.com You can learn about Discount Architectural Services at http://www.crplans.com

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Alameda Mariner Square

Enjoy a romantic San Francisco Bay cruise, the lights of the city, and the chance to own a home in one of the most prestigious areas of Alameda. Located across the estuary from Jack London Square, the shopping, dining and nightlife are top quality. The atmosphere of safety and planning make some of the accommodations ideal for seniors, and there are planned communities in the area with more than 25 years of experience that provides a safe, beautiful and caring haven for retirees.

Whichever option you choose, either a community setting or an individual one, the homes and spaces here are amazing, with views of Oakland and the sea air making each day seem like one endless holiday. Many retirees have started successful and enjoyable small businesses here taking advantage of the wonderful economic atmosphere of Alameda. Coffee shops, crafts and small restaurants abound. Take advantage of the opportunity to stay busy as well, even after you have settled in.

You can find fully furnished homes that reflect your personality and lifestyle, or you can start from scratch and find one that you decorate yourself. The possibilities are endless, and homes start at around $250,000. There are many great deals to be found, including some homes right on the water. The assisted living options typically cost $29,000 a year and up plus, there is usually an entrance fee.

There are many great brokerage and financial services available in Alameda, so you do not have to travel very far to take care of your investment and retirement fund needs. Of course if you do have a business here, or plan to, they can be very helpful with that, also. Overall, there is probably no more beautiful, scenic and luxurious place to retire, take it easy, and enjoy life than right here at Alameda Mariner Square.

Brenda Smith http://www.alamedainfo.com/ http://www.cardinalpointccrc.com/plans.html

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Choosing the Right San Diego Realtor for YOU!

Whether buying or selling a home, it is one of the largest financial events that happens only a few times within your life. That makes choosing a realtor just as important and a crucial decision that can add to the stressful event or make it smoother and easier. So, choose your realtor as carefully as you would choose your doctor or attorney.

The first step in choosing the RIGHT realtor is to ask your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and business associates for recommendations. Ask them why they liked the realtor, what kind of service he/she provided, and would they use him/her again? Do not consider recommendations of their relatives ? it is doubtful that you are getting an accurate perspective on the realtor.

If you did not get several truly exemplary recommendations, then drive throughout your neighborhood and check the ?for sale? signs, especially those with ?Sold? stuck across them. Note the realtor names. Also, check out real estate, display and classified advertising in your newspaper and local neighborhood paper. Which realtors have the most listings? Which have the largest or most display ads with photos of the homes? Note the realtor names.

By now, you should have a good list of potential realtors. It is time to check them out. Attend at least one open house for each realtor you are considering. Observe them in action and judge their expertise. Are they professional ? or do they come across as a ?used car salesman?? How familiar is the realtor with the property he/she is selling? After you leave, make detailed notes of your observations and how you felt about the realtor.

If you only used the recommendations of others, now check the advertising in the newspaper and neighborhood media for the realtors in which you are interested. Do the drive through of your neighborhood to see how many sold signs these realtors have. Make notes of how visible these realtors are and their marketing efforts.

Next, choose your top three realtor selections. It is better if they are from different companies, ensuring they will work harder for your business. Call all three and set appointments. For sellers, make the appointment in your home and let them know you would like an estimate of your home?s market value. For buyers, let them know you would like them to determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. Be sure they know that you are meeting with two other realtors and will not make your decision until you have met with all three.

During each interview, take detailed notes on the realtors? presentations. Note any thoughts you have. Ask the following questions, along with any you may have:

?For sellers

oHow will they sell your home? What are their marketing plans? Are they customized to your listing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time realtor? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will be giving your listing his/her full attention.

oWhat is their sales record? This includes their production level, rating, closed rate, expired rate on listings, and average time listings have been on the market before selling within the last year.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat level of technology will they use to promote your listing ? web sites, virtual tours, online photo galleries, and so on?

oWhat services do they provide from the time of listing your home to the end of the closing?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you from listing through closing?

oDo they provide working relationships with local inspectors, appraisers, and real estate attorneys?

oWill they help you ?stage? you home for showing. This is a walk-through of the property, suggesting things that should be repaired, renovated or changed to improve your pricing for the home. It also includes things that would ?show? the home better. For example, too much furniture adds a clutter affect, making rooms look smaller. The realtor may suggest storing some of your furniture until after the sale.

oHow did they arrive at the results of their marketing analysis? Ask for the actual addresses of any homes they used for comparison.

?For buyers

oWhat services do they provide from the time you contract with them through the closing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time agent? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will give his/her full attention to finding you a home.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you during your search for a home through closing?

oWhat level of technology and research methods will they use to locate potential homes for you to view?

oWhat is their production level and rating? How many satisfied buyers in the past 12 months?

oDo they provide working relationships with inspectors, appraisers, title search companies/attorneys, and real estate attorneys for contracting and the closing? Can they suggest mortgage lenders, if you need one?

oDo they network with other realtors in the area? Sometimes, such relationships may afford you a viewing before a property is ?officially? listed, giving your first view.

Tell the realtors that you will make a decision and contact them in the next day or two.

After all interviews are completed, note the following:

?Who gave you the most usable information?

?For sellers, the market value for your home should be in similar ranges for all three realtors Note if someone is unusually high. They may be only trying to get your listing with the idea of talking your price down later. Also, drive by the homes they used for market value comparison. Which realtors compared apples to apples, and which compared apples to oranges?

?For buyers, your buying potential (what you can afford to pay for a new home) should be in the same range for all three realtors. If a realtor is much higher or lower than the others, note this. You may even call him/her to inquire about the difference and how they arrived at the amount?

?Who answered your questions with genuine sincerity?

?Who genuinely appeared most excited about your home and its sale?

?Who truly listened, and who did not?

?Which realtor seemed to be the best fit for you?

Choosing a poor realtor can turn an already stressful event into a nightmare with ramifications that you must live with for years to come. Choosing the right realtor can make the experience a dream come true and a totally satisfying event. Selling or buying a home is stressful enough. Be sure you do not choose a realtor that is going to add to that stress.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

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The Basics of Selling Your Home

Last week, I described the necessary steps that one should take when buying a home. Now, I will do the same for those who wish to sell their homes. First, you should make sure that you work with a real estate professional that will guide you through the process of selling your home. In conjunction with your agent, you should determine the asking price by reviewing comparative market analysis. This shows how much homes similar to yours in the same area have sold or are selling for. Another item to keep in mind when deciding upon your price is the amount of time you are willing to wait for a buyer to make an offer. The process of working with an agent will include signing a listing agreement, which is an agreement between you, the seller, and your real estate agent. It enables your real estate agent to represent you as your exclusive Seller?s Agent. The contract usually includes such items as the length of the listing period, desired sale price, and the amount of commission for the broker. An important factor in determining the right agent is to you know the marketing plan before obligating yourself to a contract. The obvious goal is to sell your home for the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time.

When you prepare your home for the sale, you want to make sure that it has good ?curbside? appeal, because buyers often look closely at the outside appearance before they even consider the inside. Make the outward appearance of your home as inviting as possible, but also ensure that the inside shows as being in good condition. Interested buyers for your home will present offers to your agent, who will then present these to you. A seller can accept, reject, or counter-offer . Once you accept one of these offers, a formal contract of sale will be negotiated and signed. Part of the contract usually allots the buyer a certain amount of time to have the home inspected by a Property Inspector. After this inspection is complete, the Buyer?s Agent will tell you that your home is in a secure contract, and the selling process will continue. The contract of sale says that the sale is subject to a clean and marketable title, which is the seller?s responsibility. Other ?must dos? that need to be taken care of before the closing are the appraisal, survey of the property, and final loan approval. After all of the above steps have taken place, there will be a final walk through of the home to make sure everything is in order. And, finally, the closing will take place.

For even more information of selling your home, and for FREE forclosure lists visit Walnut California Real Estate

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