Alternatives to Foreclosure

Buying a house is a big investment. It really puts a dent on your financial resources. Of course, the expenses do not end with the down payment. You still have to contend with the monthly payments for the mortgage. This is a financial situation that you will have to live with for years until you have fully paid off your loan.

But what happens if you get behind in your mortgage payments? A delay in payment can have very serious consequences for your mortgage situation. If the delinquency in payments has become too severe then your home could be in danger of foreclosure. A foreclosure means that your property will be repossessed by the lending institution that gave you your mortgage.

Fortunately, even if you have defaulted on your payments, it does not necessarily mean that your property will be foreclosed. There are various alternatives to a foreclosure that you can take. Some of these are:

Paying the delinquency. Generally, all lending institutions are required to accept all the payments that were delinquent and reinstate the loan. The delinquent payments that you have to pay may also include some legal fees especially if you are already in the foreclosure stage. There are also lending institutions that require certified funds in order to reinstate the loan.

Forbearance and Repayment. One of the most common ways of resolving a delinquent mortgage is to work out a plan with your lending institution where in you get to pay a part of your delinquency every month on top of your regular monthly payments. If you are in a situation where you are not able to meet the monthly mortgage payments, your lender can elect to extend the forbearance by suspending payments for a certain period of time up until you can start a repayment schedule.

Payment Assistance. Some state and local governments and also private charitable organizations have instituted programs that help people with delinquencies pay all or part of their mortgage obligation for a certain period of time.

Reamortization. In a reamortization, the delinquent mortgage amount is added to the loan balance as a way of bringing the mortgage payments up to date. This move increases not only the total loan amount but also the monthly payments. Of course, the increase in payment will not be as large if the life of the loan is also extended.

Private sale. A private sale of the property affected by the delinquency can also be done as it will allow you to meet your obligations as well as get any equity that may have accumulated. In private sales it is usual that the amount is greater than the stated amount owed on the loan.

Most of these alternatives presume that you will be able to pay your mortgage payments at some point. But there is also a particular foreclosure alternative called a loss mitigation program. The federal government as well as the mortgage industry established this type of program as a way of stopping foreclosures. Under this program you are given options that will not only assist you in keeping your home even if you do not have the financial capability to pay for the mortgage payments. With these types of programs, it becomes so much easier to address the problem of foreclosures.

Alaska Real Estate - The Great Outdoors

Alaska is the biggest state in the Union and tends to be a take it or leave it proposition for relocation. For those choosing Alaska, the real estate market is a solid investment.

Alaska

Known as “the great land”, Alaska seems like a harsh, remote wilderness and certainly nowhere anyone would want to live. These assumptions are blown away once you visit and are overwhelmed by Mother Nature at her absolute best. From magnificent mountain ranges to ocean shores to glaciers to raging rivers, Alaska is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. In a state that compromises fully 20 percent of the total land mass of the United States, there is practically nothing that can’t be found. On a personal aside, Denali National Park is a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime. It will leave a mark and give you a new respect for nature.

Anchorage

Anchorage is home to roughly forty percent of the human population in Alaska as bears, moose and so forth seem to prefer other areas. If you’re flying in to Alaska, Anchorage is going to be your destination. Overall, Anchorage is a sprawling, chaotic city. It has received more than its fair share of criticism for being “un-Alaskan,” but it is the primary choice of homebuyers looking for a big city in Alaska.

Juneau

The state capital of Alaska, Juneau is the best city in Alaska in my opinion. The city abuts rain forests, mountains and the Gastineau Channel. Named after the first prospector to strike gold in the area, Juneau is a collection of modern amenities with old world charm. Buy a home in Juneau and you’ll wake up every morning to the most spectacular views in the world. Put another way, Juneau is where the cruise ships stop in Alaska.

Alaska Real Estate

In a state as large as Alaska, prices can vary tremendously. Property in small towns can cost next to nothing, but lets focus on the biggies. $300,000 is the average cost for a single-family residence in Anchorage, while it is going to take $450,000 to buy the same home in Juneau. For 2005, homes in Alaska appreciated at a rate of just over 13 percent.

Alternative Housing

Why alternative housing? To save money, to travel, to live creatively - there are many reasons why people choose to live in tents, RVs, cabins, underground homes, rental rooms and anything else that's less common than the houses, condos and apartments that most people call home. Below are some of these housing options, and their advantages.

<b>Alternative Housing That Moves</b>

Camping at a hot springs area, we sat around the campfire one night with several young men living in the desert in their old converted school bus. It cost them nothing to park it in the desert (on BLM land you have to move every two weeks, though), bathed for free in hot spring tubs that were as nice as those in nearby expensive resorts, and played guitar around the fire each night. Not such a bad life.

In Arizona there are whole communities that spring up each winter, full of people living in their RVs. Advantages of RV housing are obvious, and include moving with the seasons, trying out different places, and not paying property taxes. I've talked to people living in Rvs that cost $200,000 and ones that cost $600, so the selection of accommodations is varied, to say the least.

My wife and I lived for almost a month in our conversion van as we traveled from Arizona to Florida and then to Michigan. Advantages of a van include better mileage than an RV, and being inconspicuous. We found that could park and sleep almost anywhere.

<b>Other Alternative Housing</b>

In most areas where rents are high, renting rooms has become common. This makes sense for single people. Just pay a set amount each month or week, and (if it includes utilities) you have a predictable and lower cost of living. I rented out rooms in my own home for years, and even put carpet and lighting in a shed so I could get $50 per week for it in summer.

A friend of mine lived in a shack he built for $3,000 on a small piece of land he bought for $7,000. Eventually he ran into problems with the county because he had no occupancy permit. Apparently you can't live on your own land in the woods if your home is too small. However, you can camp on it, so a $2,000 used RV parked on your land makes for a cheap and legal housing alternative.

Some people live on houseboats and avoid paying property taxes. Some live in the jungle near the beaches in Hawaii, so they can afford to be in paradise. I know people who lived in a basement while slowly building the house above for cash. People live in cabins built in the national forest wilderness, moving every few years as they are discovered. Truly, your imagination is the only limit to your alternative housing options.

Alabama Real Estate - A Southern Air

Alabama is undeniably a stereotypical southern state, but the state and real estate market hold undeniable surprises.

Alabama

Alabama is distinctly southern and darn proud of it. If you have a taste for college football, country music and NASCAR, Alabama is a paradise defined. To the surprise of many, Alabama also has a more modern flavor with Huntsville being the home of a major chunk of the U.S. Space Program. For golfers, the collection of golf courses winding through the state, known as the Robert Trent Jones golf trail, make Alabama one of the top golfing destinations in the continental United States. Personally, I prefer the annual iron bowl college football war between the Auburn and Alabama universities, but to each their own…

Huntsville

Home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville is undoubtedly the pyrotechnic capital of the south. With a distinct southern charm, the city is laid out well with parks, botanical gardens, lake areas and a close proximately to numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and hunting. While many cities make a haberdash of mixing in the new with the old, Huntsville gets it just right.

Mobile

Pronounced “Moe beel”, Mobile is a busy port city with a little known history. If you’ve ever thought of going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you’re better off going to Mobile. Yep, the city was the first to celebrate Mardi Gras in the United States and maintains the tradition to this day. In fact, Mobile looks striking like New Orleans, having been established by the French. It is a beautiful southern city, with spring being the best time as a bevy of flowing plants awaken from their winter slumber. The colors and fragrances are simply amazing.

Alabama Real Estate

Alabama real estate prices are very reasonable when compared to the rest of the country. Throughout the state, an average home will run you $200,000 or less. The appreciation rate is a little low, but still a respectable 7.5 percent for 2005.

Alaska Real Estate – The Great Outdoors

Alaska is the biggest state in the Union and tends to be a take it or leave it proposition for relocation. For those choosing Alaska, the real estate market is a solid investment.

Alaska

Known as “the great land”, Alaska seems like a harsh, remote wilderness and certainly nowhere anyone would want to live. These assumptions are blown away once you visit and are overwhelmed by Mother Nature at her absolute best. From magnificent mountain ranges to ocean shores to glaciers to raging rivers, Alaska is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. In a state that compromises fully 20 percent of the total land mass of the United States, there is practically nothing that can’t be found. On a personal aside, Denali National Park is a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime. It will leave a mark and give you a new respect for nature.

Anchorage

Anchorage is home to roughly forty percent of the human population in Alaska as bears, moose and so forth seem to prefer other areas. If you’re flying in to Alaska, Anchorage is going to be your destination. Overall, Anchorage is a sprawling, chaotic city. It has received more than its fair share of criticism for being “un-Alaskan,” but it is the primary choice of homebuyers looking for a big city in Alaska.

Juneau

The state capital of Alaska, Juneau is the best city in Alaska in my opinion. The city abuts rain forests, mountains and the Gastineau Channel. Named after the first prospector to strike gold in the area, Juneau is a collection of modern amenities with old world charm. Buy a home in Juneau and you’ll wake up every morning to the most spectacular views in the world. Put another way, Juneau is where the cruise ships stop in Alaska.

Alaska Real Estate

In a state as large as Alaska, prices can vary tremendously. Property in small towns can cost next to nothing, but lets focus on the biggies. $300,000 is the average cost for a single-family residence in Anchorage, while it is going to take $450,000 to buy the same home in Juneau. For 2005, homes in Alaska appreciated at a rate of just over 13 percent.

Affordable Homes: Real Estate in Nation's 10 Most Cheap & Livable Metro Areas

The 10 most livable and most affordable real estate metro areas in the United States have a number of other favorable characteristics in common, according to a new HouseHunt “Current Real Estate Market Conditions” survey conducted by HouseHunt, Inc., a consumer-oriented Internet firm that provides free information to thousands of homeowners, home buyers and home sellers across the nation. The survey shows median home prices range from $130,100 to $194,400 for existing homes for sale and also found:
• The majority of the 10 metro areas report balanced, good-to-active housing markets with sellers usually getting 95% or more of their asking prices. Inventories of unsold homes are mostly limited.

• The majority of the 10 metro areas are experiencing strong job and population growth and good economic news. They offer quality lifestyles, good schools and solid family recreation along with other amenities. Sales data shows that many recent home buyers are relocating from other, often more costly areas.

• All 10 metro markets are attracting both first-time and move-up buyers because of affordable prices, low mortgage interest rates and multiple financing options.

• Median real estate prices for existing single-family homes in the 10 metro areas range between $130,100 and $194,400, compared to the national median real estate price of $188,800. Four of the 10 areas reported double-digit price appreciation in the past 12 months.

• All 10 metro areas have major universities located there.

• Five of the 10 metro areas are popular tourism destinations. Nine of the 10 metro areas are located in warm to moderate climates.

The 10 most livable and most affordable metro areas as determined by criteria developed by “Places Rated Almanac” (David Savageau) and the latest quarterly median sales prices compiled by the National Association of Realtors are:

1. Salt Lake City-Ogden, UT $157,000

2. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $172,800

3. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $175,600

4. Houston, TX $138,100

5. Phoenix, AZ $193,800

6. Cincinnati OH, $139,600

7. Louisville, KY $130,100

8. Austin-San Marcos, TX $154,100

9. Orlando, FL $194,400

10.Nashville,TN $152,100.


Four of the 10 metro areas – Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, Nashville and Austin-San Marcos – are also listed in the latest edition of Lee and Saralee Rosenberg’s “50 Fabulous Places To Raise Your Family” (Melissa Giovagnoli). Like Savageau, the authors give high marks for schools, jobs and business opportunities, family fun, housing affordability, living costs, climate, health care, transportation and quality of life.

“With all the negative news about spiking home prices and the widening affordability gap, it’s refreshing to find highly desirable metro areas where most buyers can find affordable homes,” said Michael Bearden, president and CEO of HouseHunt, Inc. “Our quarterly ‘Current Market Conditions' reports are accessible on many of our HouseHunt.com agent websites across the country. For recent home sales in their neighborhoods, homeowners and home sellers can also find this information easily and immediately on HouseHunt’s new moveUp.com website.”

Mark Jenkins of Realty Executives, exclusive HouseHunt member agent for Salt Lake City, described housing activity in his metro area as “improving” from a depressed buyers market.” He said many buyers are relocating from out-of-state to take advantage of the lifestyle and lower home prices. A median price of $157,000 would probably buy a 2,000 square foot home with three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage on a one-third or one-four acre lot in a good location. Highest home price appreciation is occurring near the University of Utah. Another hot spot is Park City, a popular ski resort in the nearby mountains where Lee Merryweather of World Class Realty is the exclusive HouseHunt member agent.

An active housing market is reported in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area by Linda Ippolito of Keller Williams Realty, exclusive HouseHunt member agent for Bayshore, Westshore-South Tampa, and Davis Island-South Tampa. She said the whole area is exploding with growth and new industries. Available housing is in limited supply. Although the median price home is $172,800 for the entire metro area, median home prices are closer to $400,000 in South Tampa. Waterfront properties are also priced higher. Average price appreciation is 15.7% in the past year. A slower-paced but high quality lifestyle is reported in the Raleigh - Durham - Chapel Hill metro area by Ray Lenahan of Robert Gray Realtors, exclusive HouseHunt member agent with Robert Gray for Wake Forest, Rolesville and Youngsville.

“The big attraction is our Research Triangle, three major universities, excellent quality of life, and moderate weather,” Lenahan said - He said the median home price of $175,600 in the metro area is probably closer to $190,000 in his market area. “That will buy a new home with 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms, two baths on a half-acre lot. Either that, or, it would buy an older home in a more established neighborhood,” he added.

Houston, with its “can do” entrepreneurial spirit and liberal-to-zero zoning restrictions, is attracting people from both the East and West Coasts to relocate and to invest in rental properties, according to Kathi Frank of RE/MAX The Woodlands, exclusive HouseHunt member agent for The Woodlands and Woodland Springs. The Woodlands is a 27,000-acre planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston. “Median price home for the entire metro area is $138,100,” she said. “That will buy a new, 1,400 square foot home from a production builder in North Houston or Woodland Springs.” She added: “Estate properties are priced from the low $200,000s to more than $3 million.”

Reva Schafer of West USA Realty, exclusive HouseHunt member agent for Scottsdale and Northeast Phoenix, reported a limited inventory and a very active seller’s market, with sellers usually getting 100% or more of their asking prices. The median price for the metro area is $193,800 “but hard to find anything under $300,000 in my area,” Schafer said. “It’s more like $350,000 to $400,000 as a median price in Scottsdale.. Lots are jumping in price. So are houses.” Year-to-year appreciation is 24.4%! She cited tremendous growth in the suburbs of Peoria and Chandler. “A year ago, investors were buying from builders and flipping (re-selling) the properties. No more. Now, a buyer must live in the property for at least one year to qualify.”

Good job growth, corporate relocations and an improving local economy is fueling the housing market in the Cincinnati metro market, according to Saralou Durham of RE/MAX Preferred Group and exclusive HouseHunt member agent for suburban Montgomery and Hyde Park in Hamilton County, OH. “We have fabulous cultural and recreational facilities and a good quality lifestyle,” she said..”A median home price of $139,600 seems a bit low, depending on the area. That amount of money will probably buy a small two bedroom, one bath home needing some repair or remodeling in one of our small suburban communities.”

In Louisville, Charlotte Wright and Michael McConnell of Evergreen Realty are exclusive HouseHunt member agents for suburban Jeffersontown. “Louisville is now the 16th largest metro area in the nation,” Wright said. “We’re a hub for UPS and have two Ford plants located here. Military personnel stationed as nearby Ft. Knox and their families are also relocating here, she said. “The median price of $130,100 is probably low – $150,000 would be more accurate. The latter will buy a three bedroom, two bath 1,200 square foot house with a garage in a good area.”

Ann Parr of RE/MAX Austin Advantage and exclusive HouseHunt member agent for Westlake & Lake Travis said well-priced listings are attracting multiple, full-price offers in a very active seller’s market. Average time on the market is 60-90 days. “We have younger professionals who want to live close to downtown but the primary place to live is by the lakes,” she said. Prices range from $150,000 to $6 million. “Nice homes can be purchased for $250,000 to $350,000. The median price home is $154,100 in Austin. That would probably buy a starter home in the Round Rock area or a home needing remodeling in Central Austin. Patio homes for retired people near Lake Austin sell for $200,000.”

One of the hottest of the 10 metro markets on the list is Orlando, according to Steve Farah of the Royal Realty Group. Farah is exclusive HouseHunt member agent for Alafaya & Waterford Lakes and Kissimmee: “We’re experiencing unbelievable growth and home appreciation,” he said. “Our seller’s market is so active that listings sometimes last only hours, not days. Buyers frequently must act immediately or the property will be gone!” He feels that the median price of $194,400 is probably low because of high demand and the low inventory. “A median price of $250,000 would be more realistic and would buy a three –bedroom, two bath home with 1,700 to 2,000 square feet.” Since the first quarter of 2004, the median price home has appreciated 28.7%.

Nashville, the 10th ranked metro area on the list, offers a relaxed, friendly lifestyle and affordable home prices to newcomers, according to Mary Barbee of Coldwell Banker Andrews and Associates. Plus, there is no state income tax. Barbee is the exclusive HouseHunt member agent for South East Nashville. “The median price of $152,100 seems low – it’s more like $170,000, depending on location. That amount of money would probably buy a three-bedroom, two-bath new home with 1,200-1,500 square feet in the suburban communities of Madison and Smyrna,” she said. The median home price is up 11.3% in the past year in the Nashville metro area.

Advice On Selling A House

Maybe you've read lots of advice on selling a house. But do you know the biggest mistake many people make when selling a house? Not understanding real estate value.

You see, it doesn't matter what you think your home is worth. It doesn't matter what youdid to make in nicer for your family. The value of your home is determined by buyers. What you enjoyed about your house may be irrelevant when it's time to sell. Think in terms of what buyers want, and use some of the following advice on selling a house.

 1. Know the market. What other similar houses have sold for? Have those examples ready to show potential buyers.

 2. Decide on a minimum price - the price below which you just won't move. Don't tell your agent what this minimum is, but negotiate with any buyers who make an offer near or above it.

 3. Concentrate on the visible things first. A new mailbox is often a good idea. When buyers fall in love with the house before they even enter it, they forgive a lot of problems.

 4. Clean the neighborhood. If a neighbor's yard is a mess, give their kids $10 to pick up the yard. Spend $20 to put flowers in any common-areas, and buyers will have a better first impression of the neighborhood.

 5. If you or your agent aren't getting many calls, try something new. Is more advertising necessary? Is the price too high? If price is the problem, drop it fast. That perfect buyer might pass on by while the the home is still over-priced.

 6. Listen to prospects. They'll be more objective than you. If you hear several times that the kitchen is dark, get out the white paint.

 7. Find the average sales time for your area. If your house is taking longer than average to sell, there's a problem, and usually it's the price.

 8. Ask your real estate agent what she plans to do - before you sign a listing agreement. Write down what she says, and hold her to her promises.

 9. If there are known problems, such as an old roof, get an estimate for repairs. The sellers may want a $7,000 allowance for a new roof - until you show them your $4,000 estimate.

 10. Do improvements that can realisically get you at least a two-to-one return on investment. If $300 to seal the driveway is likely to add $600 to the sales price of the home, do it. Always consider first those things that are most visible.

There are dozens of things you can do to sell your house faster, and get a better price. Start with the ones that will get the most "bang for your buck." Also, read and USE good advice on selling a house.

Advice on Picking a Real Estate Agent

The ideal agent is not always the one with the most sales under his or her belt, or the most years on the job. The ideal agent is one who listens to you, is easy to get along with, and has the tools and skills to address your unique situation.

Every home buyer is different. Some have credit issues. Some are buying from out of state. Some need help selling their current home in addition to buying a new one. Just as buyers have different needs, real estate agents have different skills and specialties.

Here's how to find the agent who's right for you:

1. Ask friends and family for agent referrals.
Nobody knows you as well as your friends and family do. So they're often in the best position to recommend an agent who is well-suited for your needs. You can also trust a referral from friends or family more than one that comes from a stranger.

2. Talk to multiple agents.
I once saw a statistic that 84% of home buyers choose the first real estate agent they contact. This means one of two things. Either most people are choosing wisely the first time, or they're just rushing into things without shopping around. Probably a little of both.

You don't have to exhaust yourself interviewing agent after agent, but at least talk with two or three to see who you're most comfortable with (which leads to the next point).

3. Consider the vibe factor.
Professional expertise is an important criterion when choosing a real estate agent. But interpersonal skills are equally important. After all, you'll be working with this person anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it helps to get along with them. We all have unique personalities, and that's the way it should be. But when working with someone professionally, if helps if their personality "meshes" well with your own.

4. Ask how they hunt.
When deciding on a real estate agent, ask how they search for homes. Some agents have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what's best for you, not what's best for your agent. You're paying them, right? So make sure the agent is willing to search high and low to find the best home for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.

5. Read paperwork carefully.
This advice is heavily used for a reason. It's critical that you examine all documents during the home buying process, and that includes your agent agreement. At some point during the relationship, your agent will probably ask you to sign an agent agreement. Basically, it just means that if the agent shows you a particular property, your purchase of the property should be credited to that agent. In most cases it's a simple, just be sure to read it carefully and ask questionss.

Advertising Rental Property

There are many different ways a landlord can advertise his / her rentals property. The kind of advertising that works best depends on numerous factors that include property characteristics, location, landlord’s budget, and whether he / she is in a hurry to rent. There are many combinations of advertising methods landlords and property managers use to achieve the best results, some of which are as under.

<b>1. ‘For Rent’ Signs</b>

The most common method of advertising is the putting up of a ‘For Rent’ sign, either in front of the building, or in one of the windows. A relatively cost-free method, it works best if a lot of foot and motor traffic goes past the building. It also helps if the building is as attractive as the rental unit.

<b>2. Advertising in the Newspapers</b>

As much of a tradition as ‘For Rent’ signs, newspaper ads are also available online, if the paper has an online version. Many potential tenants begin their search for a place to rent by scanning the classified ads in newspapers, while, out-of-towners can log on online to the local paper from wherever they are. Ads should always be placed in papers having many residential listings, as it has been found they work best.

And, they should be targeted to produce the right kind of prospective tenants i.e. if a landlord primarily rents out to college students, the best bet is to advertise in the campus newspaper or put up a ‘For Rent’ sign in the housing office. To play it safe, it is also a good idea to list the rental in a general newspaper, as well.

<b>3. Neighborhood Flyers</b>

As well, a landlord can post ads on neighbor hood public bulletin boards to be found at grocery stores, Laundromats or coffeehouses, complete with tear-off strips listing their phone number. However, if the property is upscale, this is not the best way to advertise for it, though there might be takers at the high-end gym down the street.

<b>4. Listing Online</b>

<a href='http://www.e-renter.com'>Online rental services</a> have mushroomed like crazy in recent years, from national in scope, to regional. After finding a residential rental listing for your area, you can add your property to it.

<b>5. Home Or Apartment Finding Services</b>

Home or apartment-finding services are very popular in some areas, with landlords paying to list their properties, though sometimes it is the tenants themselves, who pay the fee when the unit is rented.

<b>6. Spreading the Word</b>

Small-time landlords instead of advertising widely and screening potential tenants, find it easier to market their rentals through word-of-mouth i.e. telling friends, colleagues, neighbours, and current tenants. After all, people already living on your property will invite decent neighbours. So, when a property becomes vacant, simply send a note around to every one, asking them to tell friends or relatives about the available apartment.

<b>7. Real Estate Offices</b>

Many real estate offices handle rentals, but of course, there is a fee involved.

<b>8. Property Management Firms</b>

Going through a property management firm is the easiest way to do it. They handle advertising, showing tenants around, as well as, selecting tenants, collecting rents, and interacting with residents during tenancies (handling repairs, etc. etc.). A paid service, it is for landlords with large rental properties and no time to spare.

<b>Next Steps</b>

Once, the advertising has been done, the next step is to create a rental application and select a tenant. When advertising vacancies and selecting and rejecting applicants, read up on the Fair Housing Act, so as to avoid any inadvertent lawsuits. Evaluate prospective tenants by thoroughly checking out their rental applications, legal residency forms, and tenant consent forms for contacting references, performing credit checks and criminal and background checks.

The only way to avoid unnecessary litigation is by screening prospective tenants and conducting background checks. Simply visit <a href=”www.e-renter.com”>www.e-renter.com</a> for tenant screening and background check services.

Advantages to Shopping for Real Estate Online

The real estate market is one of the most complex markets in the entire world due to the fact that it is in a continuous change, thus making it a very dynamic market. The internet has a lot to offer consumers regarding real estate and as a result it is a great place to start shopping. Some of these advantages are:

- It is inexpensive, if not free to list your home in an online property listing service.

- It is a quick and easy method to advertise your property that is for sale/lease or if you would like to buy a property.

- The buyer and seller have direct access to information about the property in question. This makes other forms of communication between the buyer and the seller obsolete. The internet is easy in comparison to the old-fashioned method of answering dozens phones calls or setting up numerous meetings.

- Many websites that deal with real estate allow you to include up to 5 photos of your property. This is a lot more in comparison to a regular newspaper and you have complete control over the photos’ quality.  In addition you can highlight specific features about your property with the potential buyers. This can be very helpful if you are working to attract buyers from outside your local geographic area whom potentially need more explanation of certain elements.

- Once listed, your home is available until you will sell the property. This is a big advantage if you consider that for a newspaper ad you will systematically have to pay a fee week after week.

- These online real estate listing services have a nation-wide audience which will make your ad visible to the entire country;

- Searching for the right house is very easy as these websites have filters which will allow you to only see the houses that meet your specific requirements. Therefore you can spend time looking only out houses that meet your needs without having to waste time looking at houses you aren’t interested in.

Using the Internet for real estate will make you your own real estate agent without having to pay a great sum of money to an agent and also you will have full-control of the entire activity. Whether you are a home buyer or seller, it is very easy to search for the perfect house as the online offers are endless. Or, if you would like to sell a piece of real estate, there is no safer and quicker way to do it.

Online real estate has become popular and is consuming are looking to the internet more each day as an easy place to get good information. As a matter of fact, more than 5 million people use the internet for real estate issues every month. With numbers like this it is easy to see how the internet can improve your chances for selling or buying a home.

Another major advantage of real estate moving to the internet is that you won’t need a real estate agent to start your search. This is very important because we all know that real estate agents are of value but sometimes you just want to look.

All in all, there is no better, safer and easier way to search for a home or to sell one than online as the internet has a lot to offer in the real estate market and it is rapidly developing, gaining more and more consumers everyday and thus improving your chances for a profitable buy/sell.

Advantages In Joining A MLS Real Estate Listing

When you choose to sell your home on your own, you want all the help you can get. Though you can save thousands by skipping the commissions of a realtor, you put yourself at a marketing disadvantage. That is why you need to get your property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) for realtors. There are many advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing. A look at them will show you that paying a flat fee to get a “for sale by owner” listing on MLS is well worth the money and effort.

The first of many advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing is that it is the key to sales success. Did you know that about four of every five home buyers get to the property they want through the MLS? By being listed on MLS, you will have most every real estate sales person in the region working for you. Most flat fee MLS listing services will keep you on for as long as 6 months, but in most cases you wont need that long with exposure to so many realtors, brokers, and customers.

The second of the advantages of joining a MLS real estate listing is that you are saving as much as 2% to 3% on yrou sale. Though that does not sound like a lot, it is actually $2000 per thousand you sell meaning you could end up saving as much as $20,000 or $30,000 on the sale if you skip the realtor and pay the flat fee to list on MLS.

Thirdly, one of the advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing is that you will be seen. If you are selling as a for sale by owner, then you have to hope someone “accidentally” drives by your home or sees it in the newspaper by chance. Also, even if a realtor drives by, they will likely not show a home that is not MLS listed. If you are on MLS, though, you will come up in searches and have your house shown with much more frequency. It works much better when luck is taken out of the equation.

Finally, it is just good sales and business sense to list on MLS. Far and away, MLS is the best way to sell your property fast and for a price you like. Since the internet is considered the second best value and power versus reasonable cost for property, listing on MLS gives you the exposure you need.

There are many many advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing service. You will find that your home is better marketed, that you don’t have to rely on the luck of a drive by, that you save a great deal of money, and that you are linked in with thousands of realtors who essentially end up working for you. So if you are going to sell your home yourself, you should find a flat fee or free MLS listing service so that you have the best possible chance of selling your home quickly and at a price you want.

Accommodation Madrid Adds Alluring Color To Your Holidays In Madrid

Thinking of a holiday trip with difference? Forget the earlier process of booking for holidays involved visiting travel agents and collecting information of places, tickets and accommodation at that place. Emergence of internet has made it easy for the holiday consumers to book any suitable and efficient holiday package online. Imagine an elegant <a href="http://www.chic-rentals.com/">accommodation in Madrid</a> during your holiday trip to that place. Is it easy! Yes it is. ChicRentals bring you the most apposite service of booking accommodation Madrid for you feasible for your days of relaxation in Madrid.

Holidays in Spain are the most sought after tourist place next to France. The Spanish capital Madrid is a splendid place to take your feet away to an enticing world. For its favorable weather condition and hospitable people it has carved its name among the most popular tourist destinations. Hence, tourist from far away countries long for accommodation Madrid to enjoy the intriguing city during their holidays. We at ChikRentals do the hectic job of booking an <a href="http://www.chic-rentals.com/">accommodation in Madrid</a> for you to help you spend time during an elegant stay. We select the apartments for you that are strictly based on the criteria of decoration and comfort. You will get the accommodation starting from the shoe-string level to most sophisticated ones befitting your holiday plans.

We believe in providing feel-at-home service to every customer as our goal is your satisfaction. You can book your accommodation Madrid through our website or by telephone. We also receive payment through credit cards for your convenience. Once reservation of your <a href="http://www.chic-rentals.com/">accommodation in Madrid</a> is confirmed, we email or fax you about that. You will be informed about the details about the booked apartment through the email or fax. Our staff will receive you upon your arrival to the apartment whose name and procedure to contact him would be there in the fax or email sent to you. You can pay only 30% of the total amount during reservation of your accommodation Madrid; rest of the amount is payable after arrival.

If you are caught by last minute quandary contact us at our email address or by telephone. We can book your accommodation Madrid that best suits to your budget and preference of room.

A Tip On How To Get Offers When Showing Your House

You are in the process of trying to sell your house and have your marketing up and running. So, how do you convert callers into offers? Here is one method.

A Tip On How To Get Offers When Showing Your House

Once you have decided to sell your home, there are a couple of steps you have to take. The first is to get the home ready to show by doing repairs, landscaping and so on. Once you are ready to go, you have to start marketing the home. Assuming you have done all of this, the house is in good shape and you are competitively priced, you should start getting calls from potential buyers. These calls then turn into appointments and buyers come to see your home.

At this point, you probably expect that I will start writing about how to negotiate or accept offers. Wrong. The next step in the process is often one of frustration. The frustration arises from wishy washy buyers. They come and see the home, but leave without making an offer. They may come back a couple of times, but they simply never get around to doing the deed as they say. Simply put, this is because you have failed to address the issue of motivation.

Buyers need to be motivated to take action. The more motivated they are, the faster they will move. For instance, consider the holiday shopping season. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is out browsing in the malls. Why? The buyers are highly motivated to buy because there is a deadline and they probably have more than a few people to shop for. Simply put, they are highly motivated to do the deed.

Returning to our scenario above, what motivation do the buyers have to make an offer? Do they feel any pressure to do so? Unless there is something particular to their personal situation, the answer is that they do not. You must provide the motivation. Here is how.

One of the complaints of sellers is that they feel like they are constantly showing their homes to potential buyers without getting an offer. They may show the property three, four or even ten times a week. If this is your situation, you are doing it wrong.

The way to motivate buyers to make an offer on your home is to show it only once a week or two weeks if the market is slow. Set aside an hour or so on a particular day and make all the potential buyers come at the same time. By putting buyers together, you create the motivation that simply does not come with individual showings. In such situations, buyers are much less likely to be wishy washy. If they like the property, they inherently worry about one of the other buyers making an offer. You now have motivation and a perceived time limit.

If you have are getting interest in your property, but no offers, give this a try. You might be shocked how much of a difference it makes.

A Surprising New Trend in the Real Estate Market ...

If, like most people, you are interested in real estate news and browse the headlines every now and then, chances are you might have read about it already ... and in case you haven't heard about it, then you might be very, very surprised about a new trend that may be contrary to what many people expect ...

Firstly, let's start with a few teaser questions ...

Let's suppose you had a lot of money ... hoards of it ... in early 2000, and were willing to invest it in real estate.
The question is ...

What sort of real estate do you think you would have purchased ?

Would you have purchased single family homes, multi family homes, two bedroom condos, raw land, coastal real estate, luxury homes, or ... ?

If you are trying to guess the answer, please do so now before you read the rest of the article :-)

Assuming you have your answer in mind, let's proceed ...

If your answer is been one of single family homes, multi family homes, two bedroom condos then give yourself a pat on the back ... you might have made quite a tidy amount of money ...

And if your answer is luxury homes, then give yourself two pats on the back, smile the biggest, most pleasant smile you have ever smiled ... you might have made well over a million dollars in profits :-)

For ...

<b>Luxury Homes are now one of the best performing segments in the real estate market !</b>

And what does that mean ?

Well, you might want to consider this ... according to some sources, after a decline of 7.1% in 2001, this segment gained 3.6% in 2002, 0.3% in 2003, 13.7% in 2004, and 13.2% in 2005 ...

And just what would that mean in terms of money ?

According to the Prestige Home Index, the price of an average luxury home in California's Bay Area is now $2.88 million - an increase of $336,000 from the previous year !

And that is more money than what selling several homes profitably might have made !

And just how many people could have foreseen this trend ? Well, your guess maybe as good as anyone else's in this regard !
While no one may be able to determine how long this trend will continue, there might be several other segments in the real estate market that might perform equally, if not better, in the future.

And one such possible segment may be ...

<b>Vacation Real Estate</b>

Another growing trend has been that people young and old have been moving to destinations like the Mexican Riviera, and are either setting up home there or are buying second or third homes there ... and gated communities are being set up in areas that were not very long ago petite little villages.

And the result - real estate values not seen before in the area ... and the values seem to be increasing too.
And how long will this trend continue ? Again, your guess may be as good as anyone else's in this regard.

A Sophisticated Way To Buy Undeveloped Land

There's good news for those who want to buy unimproved parcels of land. Using a Web site, one company has developed an innovative way to match buyers with property that fits their needs-ranging from a first-time buyer to the experienced land purchaser.

Since 1990, a company called LandAuction.com has specialized in the auctioning of unimproved land. This company has created a specialized niche in the market and has been described as a leader in the industry of auctioning raw land all across North America.

The company has developed a reputation for finding property that matches the individual buyer's needs, and is said to have established a solid, credible track record in the marketplace.

At the same time, the auction process offers buyers the comfort of knowing that they are buying property at a price determined by the market.

Here's how the process works. Visitors to the Web site can click on the calendar page to learn when and where a land auction will be held. Auctions are held throughout the country in some of the fastest-growing areas of the U.S. at various convention centers and hotels.

Visitors to the site can then view the list of properties that will be available at the auction. Each property has a brief description and links to pages where buyers can see maps, aerial photos and any legal documents available for that property.

Once a potential buyer has identified a property he or she wants to purchase, the Web site suggests that the buyer contact a county planning department, speak with local realtors, read through area real estate ads and decide how much the property is worth. That way, at the auction, buyers can set the price for the properties they want and bid accordingly. Buyers are urged to decide on a maximum bid before they go into the auction.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect a property before they buy. Walking the property, asking local developers pertinent questions, and meeting with brokers and bankers in the area are all steps they can take.

The company offers financing for any purchase over $1,000.

A Slice Of Success: Ways On How To Succeed In Real Estate Business

With a relatively increase of the everyday commodities, more and more people are finding ways how to earn additional sources of income so as to compensate their expenses. That's why most people who look for alternative ventures resort to real estate business.

However, even if real estate business appears to be lucrative to many, it still needs a lot of effort and skills to survive in the industry. So, for those who want to succeed in real estates business, here are some tips to ponder:

1. Set practical and sensible objectives.

Just like any venture, the key to a successful real estate business lies beneath a sound and sensible target. This will serve as the guiding principle of those who wish to make it to the top. Through these objectives, people who are involved in real estates business can focus more on areas that need concern like the market, clients, and strategies that will make their business profitable.

2. Choose the right real estate strategy.

The key to a successful real estate business is to come up with a certain strategy that will supplement the objectives stated on the entrepreneurs’ business plan. This strategy will also provide the right moves to take based on the kind of profit the real estate entrepreneur wants to achieve like an express cash or wealth establishment.

3. Entrepreneurs should acquire the characteristics of an ideal real estate agent.

In order to succeed, people involved in this kind of business should acquire the characteristics of an ideal real estate agent. He or she should be adept in finding the motivated seller, determine the value of properties, and knows how to negotiate with their clients.

4. It's a must to know the laws.

Part of being successful in real estate business is to know the existing laws of the state such as tax laws. Such that, if a real estate businessman does not know the laws, he or she may end up losing a lot money or worst end up in jail.

5. It is important to hire a reliable accountant.

This is extremely important to almost any type of business. This is, in reality, significant in order to succeed in real estate business because the transactions involves money, and one of the person who is skilled to analyze and interpret monetary information is a certified accountant. Through the help of an accountant, people behind the real estate business will be able to track the ebb and flow of the market.

A Secret to Real Estate Profits - Follow The Builder

As the real estate market cools, the profit potential of home ownership has cooled as well. Here’s a strategy called “follow the builder.”

It is relatively easy to make a profit when you sell your home if the market is rising sharply like it has been in most of the country for the last three years. It becomes more difficult when a hot market slows down. It’s very difficult to make a profit on the sale of your home when prices are falling.

Is there a way to be relatively sure you’ll make a profit when you sell your home? There is under all but the most negative market conditions. In fact, I’ve seen young, energetic couples use this maneuver multiple times when they don’t even need to move.

Follow That Builder

In many areas of the country, there are builders who build hundreds of houses each year within a fifty mile radius of each other. They build entire communities or are one of three to five builders who build entire communities around big employment centers. This present you with an important opportunity.

New Community

Builders will typically sell first phases of communities for significantly less than later phases. On one hand, they need to get the cash flow moving. On the other, it is harder to sell at high prices because the community typically consists of dirt lots and construction equipment. Put the hands together and you have a great profit opportunity.

The idea is to get in on the first phase of the build out. You will purchase the home at a discount, which gives you built in equity. As the community is built up, you sell the home for a profit at a higher price. While you’re doing this, you keep tabs on the builders projects and find another location where you can do the same thing.

You’ll end up living in each house for a year or more and picking up nice profits along the way. The only real downside is you have to move repeatedly.

Tax Consequences

I’ve seen this work well for a number of people who have done it more than once. However, you need to be aware that generating profit this way can have tax consequences. You need to discuss your plans (including projected timing and profit potential) with your tax professional so that you are prepared to deal with any tax consequences.

A Secret to Real Estate Profits – Follow The Builder

As the real estate market cools, the profit potential of home ownership has cooled as well. Here’s a strategy called “follow the builder.”

It is relatively easy to make a profit when you sell your home if the market is rising sharply like it has been in most of the country for the last three years. It becomes more difficult when a hot market slows down. It’s very difficult to make a profit on the sale of your home when prices are falling.

Is there a way to be relatively sure you’ll make a profit when you sell your home? There is under all but the most negative market conditions. In fact, I’ve seen young, energetic couples use this maneuver multiple times when they don’t even need to move.

Follow That Builder

In many areas of the country, there are builders who build hundreds of houses each year within a fifty mile radius of each other. They build entire communities or are one of three to five builders who build entire communities around big employment centers. This present you with an important opportunity.

New Community

Builders will typically sell first phases of communities for significantly less than later phases. On one hand, they need to get the cash flow moving. On the other, it is harder to sell at high prices because the community typically consists of dirt lots and construction equipment. Put the hands together and you have a great profit opportunity.

The idea is to get in on the first phase of the build out. You will purchase the home at a discount, which gives you built in equity. As the community is built up, you sell the home for a profit at a higher price. While you’re doing this, you keep tabs on the builders projects and find another location where you can do the same thing.

You’ll end up living in each house for a year or more and picking up nice profits along the way. The only real downside is you have to move repeatedly.

Tax Consequences

I’ve seen this work well for a number of people who have done it more than once. However, you need to be aware that generating profit this way can have tax consequences. You need to discuss your plans (including projected timing and profit potential) with your tax professional so that you are prepared to deal with any tax consequences.

A Realtor’s Personal Safety Guideline

A major concern for realtors is personal safety. Many times the realtor is working alone in showing a property, having an open house, or manning the model house in a new subdivision. Some personal safety issues should include:

On the first meeting of a client, have them meet you at the office. Get as much personal information as possible. A copy of the driver’s license is a good start not only for safety, but also for the client database.

If you have a strange feeling about the client, don’t show property by yourself. Ask a co-worker to go with you; at worst you might have to split the commission. If you are manning an open house and you feel that you might be in danger, leave the property and call for help.

Always drive your own car to the property as this might be the only means of escape. On the way make notes on the type of car, color, and license plate number and call the office with this information. Once at the property make sure your car is not blocked and you have an easy escape (no backing-up).

As you are showing the property, always have the client lead you; this allows the property to present itself and keeps the client where you can see them.  Make sure they sign-in on the registry and if the office does not have the information on the client, get the information to them. Your office will know you are with a client at this time.

Keep your keys and cell phone close and easy to access. If need be, keys can be effective weapon of surprise. If you have a handbag, keep it with you at all times or locked in the trunk of your car. Know the property, not only do you look more professional, but safer; your client does not know all of the exits as well as you should.

Take a few self defense classes, as a few minutes head start out of the property means the difference in a safe escape and being trapped. Take the first chance for escape and don’t try to talk your way out; keep your advantage. The more time you spend in a dangerous situation means a diminished chance of a safe exit.

Let the client see that you have contacted your office and the office knows who you are with. It is also a good idea to have a secret code for trouble such as “Pick up dog food” when you don’t have a dog. It is also a good idea to set your phone to vibrate as your client will not know if you are calling or if you are receiving a phone call.



If there is an emergency your office can play a vital role. Make sure they have the make of your car, its color, and license plate. If you are using a different car that day, make sure they have its description as well.

Make sure your office has your schedule for the day and that you check in on each appointment. If you are hosting an open house, make sure you have a registry book for clients to sign in. See if you can also include the client’s car description. Tell the client it is just in case they get a parking ticket and you want to document the reason for parking there or some other reason.

Many of these points may already in practice for the profession. Look to these procedures as also a safety concern. These safety tips should become second nature with little thought to be truly effective. Being an agent means sometimes you will work alone. With today’s cell phones and e-mail capabilities and some careful thought, you will be safer and will be in contact with help quicker.

A Realtor’s Guide To Personal Safety

A major concern for realtors is personal safety. Many times the realtor is working alone in showing a property, having an open house, or manning the model house in a new subdivision. Some personal safety issues should include:

On the first meeting of a client, have them meet you at the office. Get as much personal information as possible. A copy of the driver’s license is a good start not only for safety, but also for the client database.

If you have a strange feeling about the client, don’t show property by yourself. Ask a co-worker to go with you; at worst you might have to split the commission. If you are manning an open house and you feel that you might be in danger, leave the property and call for help.

Always drive your own car to the property as this might be the only means of escape. On the way make notes on the type of car, color, and license plate number and call the office with this information. Once at the property make sure your car is not blocked and you have an easy escape (no backing-up).

As you are showing the property, always have the client lead you; this allows the property to present itself and keeps the client where you can see them.  Make sure they sign-in on the registry and if the office does not have the information on the client, get the information to them. Your office will know you are with a client at this time.

Keep your keys and cell phone close and easy to access. If need be, keys can be effective weapon of surprise. If you have a handbag, keep it with you at all times or locked in the trunk of your car. Know the property, not only do you look more professional, but safer; your client does not know all of the exits as well as you should.

Take a few self defense classes, as a few minutes head start out of the property means the difference in a safe escape and being trapped. Take the first chance for escape and don’t try to talk your way out; keep your advantage. The more time you spend in a dangerous situation means a diminished chance of a safe exit.

Let the client see that you have contacted your office and the office knows who you are with. It is also a good idea to have a secret code for trouble such as “Pick up dog food” when you don’t have a dog. It is also a good idea to set your phone to vibrate as your client will not know if you are calling or if you are receiving a phone call.



If there is an emergency your office can play a vital role. Make sure they have the make of your car, its color, and license plate. If you are using a different car that day, make sure they have its description as well.

Make sure your office has your schedule for the day and that you check in on each appointment. If you are hosting an open house, make sure you have a registry book for clients to sign in. See if you can also include the client’s car description. Tell the client it is just in case they get a parking ticket and you want to document the reason for parking there or some other reason.

Many of these points may already in practice for the profession. Look to these procedures as also a safety concern. These safety tips should become second nature with little thought to be truly effective. Being an agent means sometimes you will work alone. With today’s cell phones and e-mail capabilities and some careful thought, you will be safer and will be in contact with help quicker.

A Real Estate Formula

It was a simple real estate formula. The ads ran in our small-town newspaper for years before I realized exactly what was going on. They were always the same: A house for sale with 5% down and payments of 1% of the purchase price. Maybe a three bedroom home for $90,000, for example, with $4,500 down and $900 per month payments.

When a friend started doing the same thing he explained the process to me. It was a way to get a great return on capital, and it was the opposite of buying with no money down. There is no down payment at all when you buy, because you buy for cash.

<B>The Simple Real Estate Formula</B>

You probably know that when you buy for cash, you can often get a much better price. With no financing contingencies in the offer, and the promise of a faster closing, sellers are willing to sell for less. You can offer $95,000, for example, on a house that might be worth $108,000. If you can't get it for less than, say, $99,000, you walk away - there are always other opportunities.

Once you buy the house, you put few thousand into high-return repairs and improvements. These might include paint, carpet, and maybe asphalt for a dirt driveway. For our example, we'll say you spend $5,000. Let's suppose the house is worth $116,000 now. You're ready for the next important step in this real estate formula.

You put it up for sale, targeting buyers who can't get financing easily. You provide the financing. Because you are making it easy for the buyer, you can get more than the $116,000 value for the home - and do it without paying a realtor's commission. Let's say you sell it for 123,000. The buyer needs a down payment of just 5%, or $6,150, and makes monthly payments of $1230 per month. You charge higher interest than the going rates at the banks, of course.

This is a win-win situation. Your buyer is able to buy a home instead of renting, and you get a capital gain of perhaps $16,000 after expenses, plus good interest. Your total rate of return will often be over 20%!

In our town, the first to do this consistently were a father and son team of lawyers. They saved money by doing their own foreclosures when necessary. Once they foreclosed, they raised the price and sold the home all over again.

They made millions. Did you know that if you can get an average return of 18% on your money, you'll turn $75,000 into more than one million dollars in about fifteen years? That's the power of a good real estate formula.

A Quick Guide To A Quick House Sale

Need to sell your house quickly? Put off by the thought of estate agents and viewers tramping through your home? Follow this quick guide to selling your home fast.

There is an alternative to the traditional route when it comes to selling your home. You can use one of the many specialist companies that offer to buy your house so that you’re not at the mercy of a chain, or paying huge fees to agents and solicitors. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Decide how quickly you need to sell your home

Most quick sale companies can complete the purchase of your house within just four weeks. If you need to sell sooner than that, just say so; they can normally arrange a quicker purchase. If you’re selling your house because you’re relocating unexpectedly or because you’re in financial difficulty, set a realistic timetable and ask the company if they can keep to it.

2. Decide how much you will accept for your home

You may not get the full open-market price for your property as you would with an estate agent, but you don’t have to pay estate agent fees and the whole process is quicker which means you save on mortgage and bill payments. Look at the current market value of properties like yours in the same area and decide how much you’re willing to accept from a specialist buyer, bearing in mind the other savings you are likely to make.

3. Talk to the companies

Always try to talk to the specialist companies rather than just contacting them over the internet. Talking to them gives you a much better idea about how they approach the sale. You can also take this opportunity to ask any questions about the process and to make sure that you can use your own solicitor to check the contract and that you won’t be asked to commit on the spot.

4. Meet an agent

Most specialist buyers will send someone round to view your house. This allows them to give you an accurate and fair valuation and also gives you the opportunity to ask any further questions.

5. Agree the sale

Once you’ve been given a valuation, you will normally have a set period in which to think about whether you want to agree to the sale. If you decide to go ahead, it’s a good idea to get an independent solicitor to look at the contract before you sign. Make sure you know if there are any additional costs to pay, and when you will receive the money. Also find out when you will be expected to vacate the property and whether the company can help you find other accommodation.

Getting a quick house sale is as easy as these five steps and can be accomplished in as little as 3-4 weeks, making it ideal for people in a wide range of circumstances, including those going through a divorce or bereavement or those who are in financial difficulty.

A Positive Outlook for Real Estate

There is one word to describe the current housing market: optimistic. Despite months of hearing about a housing bubble and rising mortgage rates, the outlook for real estate is good.

The worries of a bursting real estate bubble actually seem to be low among homeowners. In a national survey conducted by ING Direct, most individuals experienced some growth in their home value in the past 12 months. The average increase was approximately 6%, with owners in New England and Pacific states having the largest growth. The values of homes in south central states remained about the same.

Most homeowners do not seem concerned about a downturn in the real estate housing market. Almost 74% of the individuals surveyed, who have owned their homes for more than three years, remained optimistic about the value of their home.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage is at its highest point in four years. However, as it hovers at 6 percent, it is still a relatively low rate compared to the exceedingly high rates of the late 1980s when mortgage rates increased to over 10%.

According to Freddie Mac, there are indications of a strong economy, which is why mortgage rates have increased lately. Consumer confidence is on the rise and existing home sales is also on the upswing. This can be attributed to a positive labor market. As most people know, healthy employment leads to greater consumer spending.

Consumer perception is everything. With the continued view that real estate is a good investment, people will continue to buy and sell houses. This will bode well for home buyers, home sellers, real estate salespeople, mortgage lenders and just about anyone related to the real estate industry.

A New Type Of Philippine Real Estate Investment

Enjoy ownership, luxury, & appreciation in a Condo Hotel vacation home! Considering retirement in a Tropical Climate For many British, Australians and Americans, retirement time is just around the corner. At home, with low interest rates and high cost of living, the prospect of trying to live on a pension, in old age, is a daunting one unless you are prepared to substantially downscale your lifestyle.

For some, moving to retire in another country is an option which has been successful in the past with Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Puerto Rico being among some of the more popular destinations. But why not consider retiring in the Philippines?

Over the past decade, the Philippines has become a retirement haven for thousands of foreigners, particularly the Japanese, Korean, and Northern Europeans. Along with Thailand and Malaysia, the Philippines developed communications, infrastructure, and service delivery systems specifically geared to meet the needs of foreign retirees. Better yet, unlike most European Countries and South America, nearly everyone speaks ENGLISH in the Philippines.

The Philippines offers a significantly lower cost of living. The Philippine Peso (PhP) exchange rate is approximately PhP 48 to $ 1.00 or PhP 96 to 1 Pound [Sterling (GBP)].

Housing, food, and labor costs are quite reasonable. A One bedroom condominium can be purchased for around $ 60,000 or GBP 32,500 or a Studio for only $ 34,000 or GBP 18,000 and one can dine out on average at a three star restaurant for less than PhP 500. If you hire domestic help, a private driver’s salary is approximately PhP 10,000/month, while trained housekeepers earn approximately -PhP 5,000/month. These salaries are lower if you live in the provinces.

Cable Television, Hi-Speed Internet and Satellite Communications are cheap. One can hire an air-conditioned taxicab for eight hours for less than $25.00. In a country where a provincial Governor’s salary is only PhP 28,000 per month and a Presidential Cabinet Under-Secretary earns PhP 35,000, your pension can go a long way. So, if you have a retirement income of approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per month (PhP 80,000 to 100,000) you can live quite well in the Philippines.

As for health care, most U.S. Health Management Organizations pay for medical expenses incurred in the Philippines. Check with your HMO. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs presently has a task force headed by former Secretary Roberto Romulo working to have the U.S. government accredit a number of first class Philippine hospitals for Medicare reimbursement. The Makati Medical Center, one of the nation’s best already has such accreditation. Unbeknown to many is that for years, citizens of nearby countries such as Thailand, Nauru, Tonga, Indonesia, and Malaysia have flocked to the Philippines for medical care, particularly sensitive surgical procedures. The quality of medical care at the better Manila hospitals such as the Asian, St. Luke’s, Medical city, Cardinal Santos, Philippine Heart Center for Asia, National Kidney Institute, and Makati Medical Center meets international standards.

A Japanese company is building a medical facility in Tagaytay city exclusively for Japanese nationals within the year. There are now close to 10,000 Japanese retirees in the country, and the number is growing annually.

The British government recently acquired a large tract of land in Fort Bonifacio to build a new Embassy. The British ambassador explained the larger facility is meant to help serve the growing number of British nationals retiring there as well. Japanese and Korean investment groups are buying homes and condominiums in Manila, and tracts of provincial land for retirees. This has caused a mini- Real Estate boom in the country. A retirement village exclusively for Japanese nationals already exists in Tagaytay, and more are planned. These are strong indicators of what is on the horizon

English is the Philippines’ official business language. Most of the people you will meet, from hotel workers, taxi drivers, sales or service people, government employees all speak English, or have a working understanding of it. The middle class speak English, without exception. All major newspapers and major broadcast companies use English. An English speaking visitor will never get lost in the Philippines. It is the universal use of that language that has been a strong incentive to foreigners. As well, communications links within the country and to other countries via the various commercial gateways is up to international standards. For example, the use of cell phones and text messaging is so common that housemaids, street vendors and food hawkers can be seen using their cell phones incessantly.

One will never want for adventure and sights to experience in the Philippines. There is always a colorful Fiesta, pageants, street festivals, and open public events going on. Lush with bountiful natural resources, one can enjoy the numerous beaches, resorts, golf courses, and play just about any sport, except skiing. There is an ice skating rink in Manila, though. Scuba diving and fishing are among the sports which draw the most number of foreigners to the rich aquatic offerings.

Shopping is the Filipinos’ second most popular activity, the first is eating. Manila is Asia’s undiscovered shopping Mecca. You will love the golden purple sunsets, the fragrance of the flowers at dusk, and the wonderful array of fruit and food. I used to enjoy watching the Sun set from the bar at the Philippine Cultural Center. There, you can listen to the Symphony, check out a play, or enjoy Grand Opera. There is just so much to explore and discover, especially in terms of nature, culture, and history. If you’re a betting man, there’s horse racing, the Jai Alai, numerous first class casinos, and of course, cock-fighting. Manila is well known for its exciting night life.

Beth Collingz

Director - PLC International Marketing Networks

A New Resident's Guide to Living in Florida

If you're new to Florida, then you've probably already realized how diverse culture is in the Sunshine State.  The cost of living, schools, and people will vary from the Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama connections of life in the Panhandle, to Latino influences in the most southern tip.  The good news about getting adjusted to life in Florida is that you're not alone.  Most of the people who live there have relocated from another state; therefore, you are surrounded by millions who know exactly what it feels like to be a newbie.  Besides contacting the Chamber of Commerce in whichever community you end up in to get all of their new resident information, you can count on the following to be consistent throughout most parts of Florida.
Big tax breaks on property and personal income tax are some of the big bonuses to living in Florida.  Be sure to file for the Homestead Exception to see if you qualify for further cuts.  Unlike getting a driver's license, filing for the Homestead Exception, registering to vote, or filling out a declaration of domicile, will establish your residency in Florida.  A driver's license will only establish your intent to reside in Florida.

Various permits, forms, and licenses are also necessary for boats, the use of beaches and coastal areas, docks, burning, vehicles and fishing.  These will often vary according to county.  StateofFlorida.com offers information specific to each of these needs and breaks them down into categories.  It also has links to Florida State agencies to help relocating individuals or businesses.

Getting the right insurance for your Tampa Bay Florida real estate property and belongings while you live in Florida is a necessity.  The recent rash of hurricanes has inspired the Office of Insurance Regulation to reorganize themselves to serve this important aspect of Florida living.  Crosscheck some of their links to make sure that your insurance covers all of the possibilities.

Be sure to call or visit the website for the Florida Department of Education to find out how local schools rate in your area.  In fact, selecting your property according to school districts may be a good idea if you have, or expect to start, a family in Florida.  Each school also has a report on it done by the School Advisory Council Report which rates schools on performance, attendance and various features.

Afternoon thunderstorms are a part of life almost everyday for Floridians during the summertime.  This is just one of the features of Florida's weather that relocators should know about.  Being prepared for Florida's weather will make the transition of relocating much easier.  Be sure to ask your neighbors how they prepare for hurricanes and heavy rain.  Make sure that you have supplies on hand throughout the year.  Also, ask your local authorities about what you should have on hand, what to expect, and who to contact for help.

Expect to see a lot more of your friends and families now that you live in Florida.  Visiting you will become a vacation for many of them.  It may save you money in the long run to buy year passes to some of the attractions in or around your town or city.  It also wouldn't hurt to collect some brochures from the local Chamber of Commerce, so you have a mini-library of resources at your fingertips for day trips and exciting attractions.  Remember that Florida relies on tourism for one of its biggest economies.  Your loved ones will still consider Florida one of the top vacation spots long after you have become accustomed to living in the Sunshine State.  Be sure to keep any welcome packages you receive from your real estate agent or home owner's association at finger's reach for yourself, and for visitors.

A New Program To Assist First-Time Homebuyers

Studies show the dream of homeownership is becoming a reality for a growing number of Americans.

For example, according to the 2005 Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies State of the Nation's Housing Report, minorities are making inroads into all housing market segments across the United States.

This trend is expected to continue with minorities making up a growing share of the homeowner population with each successive generation. The study reveals that nearly 35 percent of all first-time homebuyers are minorities and more than 40 percent of all renters are minorities-these could be or will be the homeowners of the future.

Companies in the housing and mortgage industries are taking notice of this trend and are making efforts to meet the needs of today's prospective homebuyers.

"Mortgage lenders need to have people who reflect the communities they serve located in the neighborhoods that we want to serve if we want to inspire people to become first-time homeowners," said Jackson Cosey, senior vice president of Emerging Markets for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

For instance, Wells Fargo recently introduced a program designed to help serve consumers with down payment difficulties or lack of traditional credit history by helping them qualify for loans they can afford.

Called the Home OpportunitiesSM program, it includes qualifying debt-to-income ratios that address the growing reality that homeowners need to spend a greater percentage of their income on housing.

Also, it provides for nontraditional credit references that enable consumers who do not have traditional or lengthy credit histories to qualify for the program. In addition, flexibility on down payments and closing costs allows customers to purchase a home without a down payment.

"Home-financing options such as this program will allow more people including first-time homebuyers and low- to moderate- income borrowers to do something they have only dreamed about: owning a home," added Cosey.

A New Approach to Suburban Home Marketing

The American dream is changing, and real estate professionals are doing their best to keep up in order to sell homes. Many buyers still want a big house in an uncrowded neighborhood, especially if they have a family, but there are conditions attached now. Long commutes into the city are more of a deal breaker now than ever before, and areas without a nearby business community, parks infrastructure, or future-proof layout are generating less interest. Realtors working in the suburbs must now learn to identify and market smart growth, and a well-rounded lifestyle, as well as the old ideals of comfort and privacy.

Soaring gas prices have made the suburban commute a tough sell, but rail lines are a cheap solution in many metro areas. Cities with long-established commuter rails have upgraded their routes to accommodate growth, while cities that expanded rapidly during the mid-20th century are building new commuter lines. One example of a large center with a newer commuter line is Vancouver, BC, Canada, where an extensive line called the West Coast Express opened in 1995. An area like suburban New Jersey offers well-established commuter railways, but here too the traditional routes are augmented by new routes, such as the Morristown Line which runs 40 miles between Hoboken and Hackettstown. Real estate agents who know the rail routes in their area, and stay on top of development plans, can help more buyers find a suburban home suited to their needs.

The high-tech bio-tech industries have brought another marketing angle to the suburban home market in recent years. Many companies in these rapidly expanding sectors operate at the outskirts of large metro areas, where they can develop large campuses and research facilities employing thousands. High-tech and bio-tech professionals can live in low-density neighborhoods, and avoid a lengthy commute altogether, if they find a home near their campus. Realtors sensitive to the high-tech market will find these home searches easy to accommodate.

Other new marketing angles for suburban real estate can include high quality school districts, parks systems, improved inter-municipal planning, outdoor shopping plazas, cheaper home prices, and a larger new home inventory. Knowing what makes these areas attractive to buyers will help real estate professionals close more deals, and promote smart growth where they live.

A New Approach to Real Estate Lead Management

The Internet helped many real estate agents change the way they market their services. Now the same agents are changing the way they approach other aspects of the business - in particular, the process of capturing, filtering, and contacting leads. Web marketing helps attract more leads, but it's becoming clear that agents might not be the right people to deal with them anymore. As the job shifts elsewhere, the role of agents is being redefined.

Many real estate agents likely saw the change coming thanks to the difference between web leads and non-web leads. It can generally be boiled down to a difference in commitment: non-web leads are often solid referrals from other professionals who already know the client, while web leads can represent anyone with ten seconds to fill out an online form. Many Realtors with an online home search require people to fill out a contact form in order to view full details on a particular listing, and this tactic has had positive and negative results - mostly negative. People will readily supply their email address in order to view listing pictures, but that doesn't mean they want to buy a home - in many cases, they're simply spam-bots posting fake email addresses. These leads are less than ideal, but Realtors can't afford to disregard them entirely - that's why their role is being re-defined.

If Realtors are to keep their new web marketing model, they must also find a new lead management process. As it turns out, they might not have to look far; brokers might be in the best position to deal with agents' web leads. With their broader range of professional contacts, and generally superior office technology, brokers can filter more emails and follow up on more leads that look like they might go somewhere. The shift is also natural because most brokers function mainly to provide support to Realtors where necessary, and don't have a high web presence themselves.

An agent-broker partnership would bring real estate in line with other industries where leads and sales are handled by separate bodies. In the mortgage industry, for example, more than 70 per cent of leads are filtered and supplied by real estate agents. The model proposed here works slightly differently because here Realtors supply the leads, but brokers filter them.

A smoother lead management process would also enable Realtors to focus on sales and client service, the two most basic aspects of their profession.

A Mover's Guide to Las Vegas Real Estate

Las Vegas, Nevada is a growing area, not just for vacationers, but also for individuals and families that are moving there as well.  A common misconception is that Las Vegas features only fancy hotels with grand casinos or resort areas for family travelers; however, many people move to Las Vegas to enjoy other benefits. Las Vegas offers educational opportunities, tax breaks, employment opportunities, and much more.  So, finding Las Vegas Nevada real estate is getting easier as the city continues to grow.

Moving to Las Vegas from another state can seem overwhelming.  Not only do you need to find Las Vegas real estate, but you also must become familiar with Nevada state regulations for moving to that area.  You can do all the research yourself or hire a dependable Las Vegas real estate agent to assist you in your search.  Whether searching for Las Vegas condos for sale or Las Vegas homes for sale, choosing the right Las Vegas real estate agent will save you from many headaches.

How to Choose a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent

Be sure the agent you choose is willing to go the extra mile for you.  If you live far away from Las Vegas, you'll want an agent who can do the legwork for you in finding a new home.  The last thing you need is to travel back and forth only to see new homes that do not match your criteria.  The real estate agent might also be willing to help you find Henderson real estate if you want to live on the outskirts of Las Vegas.

Choose a Las Vegas real estate agent who will carefully research each new home to be sure it fits perfectly with what you want.  Be sure they offer online services as well so you can view the possible homes online before taking a trip. This will save you much time and money.

Building a New Home in Las Vegas

Perhaps you'd rather build a new home in Las Vegas.  If so, choose a real estate agent who can help you find affordable Las Vegas land in a good location.  The agent might also be able to help you find a dependable builder in the area.

Other Helpful Services

Other services your agent might provide that can benefit you when buying Las Vegas real estate include providing connections with an affordable mortgage lender, experience in foreclosures, repossessions and estate homes, and experience in corporate relocation.

Where to Look

To find a dependable Las Vegas real estate agent, start by searching online.  The Web is a great resource where you can learn all about an agent before you ever meet them!  This too will save time and money.

Whether you're planning on moving into a new home, a Las Vegas condo, or building a Las Vegas home, you'll find that hiring a dependable Las Vegas real estate agent to be a great time-saver!

A Checklist For Moving

MOVING! The very thought of it can send chills down our spine and can cause us to break out into a cold sweat. Experts say that any kind of "change" creates "stress". Moving, (and especially if we are relocating to a new city or state), represents a huge change and naturally brings a great amount of stress along with it. This can be a double whammy, because stress can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. Many of us tend to procrastinate during stressful periods of our lives. This is one time, though, when we must rise above that. When preparing for a move we need to put the pedal to the metal and get a lot of things done. This checklist contains many suggestions that may seem like "no-brainers". However, the very act of printing out these simple suggestions and reminders can become a significant security blanket as the dreaded time approaches. Moving and relocating calls for being proactive, grabbing the bull by the horns and actually completing certain chores well in advance of their deadlines. Hopefully this little paper will help you to accomplish that. In this particular article we are leaving out the "big things" such as finding the best moving company, researching your new neighborhood's transportation, parking, employment, etc. Those are for other articles on another day. Today we are concentrating on the basics of planning and preparation.

Get rid of what you don't need.

Many of us are "pack rats". One thing that we can accomplish immediately is going through all of our "stuff" and getting rid of what we don't need anymore. Moving unwanted clothing and bric-a-bracs from one place of residence to another is a great waste of time and effort. It is surprising how much more in control we feel once we start narrowing down our "inventory" to what we actually need to keep. Getting rid of the unwanted items can be done by having a garage sale long before moving time and then donating the leftovers to the Salvation Army or other charitable groups.

Get all important papers and documents together and secure them.

Since moving is hectic, to say the least, we need to be aware of the exact location of all of our important items. Things that we absolutely must not lose or misplace should certainly be hand carried, not put in a box for the movers:

Address Books, Birth Certificates, Bank Statements, Checks, Credit Cards and Statements, Home Movies, Irreplaceable Memorabilia, Insurance Policies, Marriage Records, Medical and Dental Records, Military Records, Passports, Photos and Photo Albums, Resumes, School Records, Stock Certificates, Tax Returns, Telephone Numbers, Valuables, Vehicle Documents, Wills.

Prepare well in advance for living at your new location.

There are many things that we can do at our new location well in advance of our move that will help smooth out the bumps and grinds of our relocation process when the actual event occurs: Open up new bank accounts. Open up a new Safe Deposit Box. Contact the new area utility companies and arrange for your new services. These can include Cable TV, gas, electric, oil, telephone, water and Internet access. Arrange for new medical providers. If you are moving to a new state, contact the DMV and get forms necessary to re-register your vehicles. Contact your insurance companies and find out if your car insurance, homeowner's insurance, etc. can be transferred. If not, find an Insurance Broker in your new area and discuss your needs and requirements for new policies. Go to the post office and get a moving kit. Prepare change of address forms for all of your correspondents; credit card companies, other credit accounts, banks, insurance companies, current utility companies for final statements, magazines and other subscriptions, family, friends, and any other persons or businesses that you correspond with on a regular basis.

As the time approaches, get a nice new legal pad.

As moving day approaches and when the moving process actually begins, you don't want to be hunting for phone numbers in wallets, purses, or address books. Have a nice new legal pad ready with all important phone numbers written clearly and legibly for both your old and new contacts: Banks, Doctors, Emergency contacts, Family members, Friends, Landlords or Real Estate Brokers, Movers, Pharmacies Schools, Storage Facilities, Utilities.

With proper planning and preparation the moving process, though never fun, can at least be sane. With proper planning and preparation the utilities at your present address can be disconnected the day after you move and the utilities at your new address can be connected the day prior to your arrival. With proper planning and preparation you will not be frantically searching for a new doctor or pharmacy, if that unfortunate need arises. With proper planning and preparation you will have all of your important documents at the tip of your fingers at all times. With proper planning and preparation your mail will start arriving the day after you move in to your new abode and your life will endure a minimum of chaos and clutter.

Good luck with your move and good luck in your new home or apartment.