Real Estate

Writen by Keith Londrie

If you are planning to buy a home in the next 12 months, a Real Estate agency will give you the opportunity to study listings matching your request as soon as they hit the market. This is really convenient and this can be our first successful step in an efficient collaboration.

A Real Estate agency can provide resources for buyers, sellers, and those seeking information on the internet; we can list any home, in any market, in any season and sell it in record time and profitable conditions.

A Real Estate website can help even the most novice buyer through hid transaction. If you own a home and you are thinking of offering it for sale, Real Estate Agency web site contains essential information about selecting the right real estate agent, one who is educated and empowered to stage your home for sale, effective marketing, appropriate pricing, the inspection process and how to get the market value of your home.

Real estate Agency is your finest resource for information, photos, property descriptions, maps. Buyers and sellers can find reports on appraisal and market value, information about buying o selling a home, disclosure, escrow and closing costs, lease options, pricing your home for a quick sale, property taxes, seller financing, short sales, tax considerations, legal considerations, negotiation strategies, selling your home for full price, and so on.. You can also receive much useful information by email, our listings are daily verified and updates. Real Estate Agency is presenting you faithful and friendly real estate agents; they can assist you to make the best transaction possible.

Real Estate Agency is providing you everything you need to know about buying or selling a property. Because the real estate industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging everyday, you need a professional from real Estate Agency that understands the industry and is positioned to stay ahead if the game. Real Estate Agency agents are going extra miles to help you achieve your goals. We are constantly research the market and property values so your home is priced effectively from day one; we also make sure that clients know your home is for sale using innovative advertising and marketing techniques to attract prospective buyers.

Real Estate Agency can help you sell your home with useful suggestions to make the house show able, creating eye catching effects, conducting open houses and lacing great ads in the paper. Real Estate Agency can find what a client wants, make tons of searches and find the perfect house for the customer. It is great having a partner trustful and not pushy; to help the client found the perfect house. To buy a house is always a great investment and the way to do it is very important for everyone.

To find a good real estate agent that really cares is not easy! Real Estate Agency is here for you! Our professional agent s will show you houses in a short period of time. When finally you will find your house, the deal will be made without a hitch. Even after you are at your new home, we will contact you to keep you well informed about the entire process. Real state Agency team is one of a kind and you will not find only professional real estate agents, you will find real good friends too!

Finding the right real estate agent can take a few minutes at Real Estate Agency. You will feel comfortable with the person you choose, especially since you are entrusting this person to guide you in the purchase of the largest transaction you are likely ever to make in your life. Real Estate Agency agents are highly qualified professionals who will b able to guide you safely and easily through the intricacies of buying and selling properties.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. He has written many great articles on many topics, including real estate information. For more information, please visit http://real estate information.info/ You may also be interested in Keith’s other offerings at his site http://keithlondrie.com

How Can Real Estate Investors Profit From The Internet?

Writen by Mark Walters

The Internet is a powerful marketing tool, but just how can a real estate investor make the best use of Web pages?

We’ve spent some time experimenting with Web sites and we’ve found a couple of ways that they can be useful.

First.. we just don’t believe you can effectively use Web sites to find motivated sellers. It least you can’t find them consistently. How many motivated home sellers do a Google search for “fast home buyer”?

We have two Web sites. Web site #1 serves two purposes…

First it acts a brochure. It explains that we buy and sell property and cash flows of all kinds. It reveals the names of the principal players in our company. It gives our address, phone numbers and email addresses.

We place the URL for this Web site on all our promotional material… letter head, business cards, flyers, newspaper ads, etc. It does not produce home sellers, but it does help to establish our credibility with sellers we find through other means. They can check the Web site and learn we are real people with a real business.

The second task that Web site #1 performs is to present the homes we have for sale and for rent. We create a page for each with well written copy that contains the property’s address.. and nice photos of the house, yard, nearby parks, shopping areas and schools.

When a potential buyer or seller contacts us we can refer them to those pages. This saves hours of time answering questions about location, price, number of bedrooms, etc.

What about Web site #2? We use this page to help recruit “bird dogs”. We feel that an important part of every investor’s marketing program should be an ongoing effort to find people who will search out motivated home sellers for us.

Where ever possible in our marketing material we include this line… “We will pay you CASH to find home sellers!” Then we will include the URL of our “bird dog” recruiting site. We do the same with inexpensive ads in penny saver types of publications.

You will find an example of our bird dog Web page here: http://lease option sub2.com/reward.htm

We don’t spend much time on these sites after they are up and running. The only pages that change on a regular basis our are homes for sale and rent pages. They take just a few minutes to add and delete.

Any work on Web pages that takes more than a few minutes is taking you away from more important marketing tasks. Keep it simple and keep moving toward profit producing projects.

About The Author: Mark Walters is a real estate investor and author with Web pages at: http://www.lease option sub2.com and http://www.CashFlowInstitute.com

Saving for a Home

Writen by Nicole Soltau

So you want to buy a home? This is a big step for anyone, and there are many factors to consider, not the least of these is how to get the money for a home. Sure there are loans available for home purchase, but you must have cash on hand to cover expenses such as fees and closing costs that might not be able to be covered by a loan.

So what are some ways the average person can get some money to make the payments necessary to get a house?

If you plan to buy a house within a year you will need a savings plan that yields rapid results. Saving money can become a challenge as you only have so much disposable income on a monthly basis. A second job can be a viable solution for building your savings fast.

Looking into other income possibilities such as a cash value insurance policy or a 401k can help get the money together. Withdrawal penalties may be assessed but it might be worth the cost to get the home. Other ideas to gather money include selling valuables online or in a garage sale. Extra cars, stocks, collectables, and other items that have a value can yield big returns.

If you are working on a long range plan you obviously have more time to collect the money. Investing more money in a 401k or cash value insurance policy can help hold onto the money for the house.

Opening a savings account or a CD can help make sure the money is available, and earning interest. A second job is still an option, but as you have more time to save you have the luxury of working fewer hours. Home based businesses offer a flexible option for earning additional income. Choose carefully to find a business that is profitable and legitimate.

Buying a home is a big step let your credit union help you plan to make it happen.

Nicole Soltau is the President and Founder of CreditUnionRate.com The Leading Credit Union Directory.

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What to Look for in a Home

Writen by Nicole Soltau

Searching for just the right home can be very exciting. You may plan ahead for the number of bedrooms and bathrooms that you want. Or imagine preparing for dinner parties in a sun filled kitchen. Although these things are important, there is more to a good home purchase than the rooms it contains. Following are just a few suggestions to consider. Take some time to make a list and determine which additional priorities are important to you.

Survey the neighborhood during many different times of the day and days of the week. Are you comfortable with the noise, activity levels, traffic volume, etc.?

If you have, or plan to have children, check with the local school board about the neighborhood schools. What is the student/teacher ratio? How are the test scores? How involved are the parents? What programs are available for students? What credentials and how much experience do teachers bring to the task?

Is the foundation of your new home sound? Is it well built?

Are the existing appliances sound or will they need to be replaced?

Are the home’s major systems such as electricity, plumbing, heating/air, and roofing in good condition?

Is the home energy efficient?

How much major and/or cosmetic work will be required?

What will your commute look like? If possible, do a trial run during rush hour.

What is the crime rate?

What permits have been issued for new projects and/or construction in your new neighborhood?

Will you be expected to pay homeowner association fees? Are you comfortable with the covenants set forth?

Does the neighborhood provide sufficient recreational opportunities?

Will you be moving into a home or joining a community?

Is the local grocer clean and well stocked?

Enlist the help of a good real estate agent, reputable home inspectors and others to help find a home with more than just a pretty face.

Beyond Mortgage Payments

Owning a home involves far more than keeping current with your mortgage payments. There are a number of costs associated with home ownership that extend far beyond the basics (i.e. principal, interest, taxes and insurance). Assuming responsibility for these costs can be a big financial adjustment. This is particularly true if, as a renter, you are accustomed to responding only to fixed expenses (i.e. rent) without much concern for variable expenses (i.e. broken pipes and new water heaters). Well, now you are the landlord and it is up to you to handle the mortgage, in addition to all of the variable expenses of home ownership.

Routine and emergency maintenance issues are an inevitable part of homeownership. The dishwasher will need to be replaced, the roof may begin to leak, or the furnace will give out. You can minimize the financial fallout by planning ahead and budgeting in anticipation of these expenses. Recommendations vary, but you would do well to save an amount equal to at least 2% of the cost of your home for annual upkeep and maintenance. Set aside funds toward this amount each month. In this way you will eliminate the scramble and panic of getting the funds together to get that tree off of your roof.

In addition to maintenance and upkeep, there may be other costs you will need to absorb. These include water, sewer and sanitation expense; homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes. It is important to understand the full cost of home ownership before you sign on the dotted line. You can build confidence in your ability to handle these new expenses by making a trial run. Do your best to estimate the total cost of home ownership. Use that information to make a budget. Before you sign on the dotted line, live within that new budget and see how well you manage. You may find that you have adequate financial resources, that’s great. If you find that you are a bit short, you may need to make some adjustments. Being proactive now may help you avoid foreclosure in the future.

Nicole Soltau is the President and Founder of CreditUnionRate.com
The Leading Credit Union Directory
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Does Your House Pass the "Smell Test?"

Writen by Kathleen Yamauchi

When potential buyers come to look at your house, they’re not only LOOKING, but they’re also SNIFFING, either consciously or unconsciously. When we live in a house, we tend to get used to the way it smells and don’t always notice when something is a littlestinky. But any obnoxious odors will be immediately apparent to a first time visitor. So before you show your house, take a sniff or two, and then take these steps to de odorize.

1. Pets. Dirty litter boxes and old “accident” stains are the obvious culprits here. Keep Kitty’s litter box scrupulously clean at all times, and consider having your carpet professionally cleaned by someone who is experienced with pet stains. Don’t forget that many people are allergic to cats, so make sure your furniture and carpet are vacuumed frequently. If possible, think about keeping your cat or other pets confined to a certain area of the house while your house is listed. If you’re thinking of getting a cat or other pet, wait until AFTER you’ve moved.

2. Cooking. We’ve all been told that we should eat more fish, but until your house sells, eat that fish at a restaurant. Strong odors from cooking fish hang around and permeate the house. Cabbage, onions and garlic are notorious offenders, too. Throwing a few lemon slices in some boiling water or running lemon peel through the garbage disposal can help clear the air. And remember to take out your kitchen garbage as often as possible.

3. Cigarettes. Smoking easily drops the value of a house by 30% or more. Smoke gets into the drywall, carpets, furniture, and drapes, and it is very difficult to remove. If you or a family member smokes, stop smoking inside the house as soon as you decide to sell. Paint the interior, and either shampoo the rugs or replace them. If weather permits, keep the windows open to help air out the house.

Follow the above steps, and your home will not only LOOK good, it will SMELL good. A fresh smelling, odor free house is much more appealing than a stinky one, and much more likely to sell at the price you want.

~~~ Kathleen Yamauchi is a long time realtor located in Prescott, Arizona. For more free tips and resources on buying and selling your home and other real estate advice, visit her web site at http://www.kathleeny.com

A Landlord’s Most Important Decision Is?

Writen by Steve Norton

Discover what every landlord should know about finding tenants and why picking the best person is not always as easy as it sounds. The most important decision any landlord makes is deciding who can live in their property. Who will you, as the owner, allow to live in your investment? This decision is so vital to the profitability of any property investment business and affects the business on so many levels that it’s amazing that some landlord don’t have a formalised procedure to protect themselves from making bad decision.

Let’s think about what we’re actually doing when we rent a property. Instead of thinking of the property as a monthly income generator think of it as a pile of cash. Cash you have tied up in the deposit and purchasing costs. Cash you hope to gain a regular income from through renting and more cash that you’ll receive if you sell the property and realise your capital gains. (Assuming house prices have risen since you purchased). If you include in this the value you place on your time spend finding the property, buying and arranging the rental then we have a very serious investment on our hands indeed.

Now, imagine all that money in real, tangible terms, stacked up in a room in the house and then consider we hand over the keys to someone and say, “See you next year”. Now we can begin to see how important it is to select the right tenant. Of course, I’m being dramatic and we do have legal safe guards but I hope that by considering your investment in terms of hard cash (like a professional investor) then you’ll treat the question of occupancy very seriously.

There’s more to it than just financials. Not only are we trusting the tenant to look after our investment but we’re also investing our free time with them. What do I mean? If we are managing the property ourselves and not using a letting agent then we have made a serious commitment in time to look after that tenant. If you have a tenant who does not appreciate your property or does not treat it with care and respect then you run the risk of losing your evening and weekends in maintenance and management tasks. What about rent collection? An unreliable tenant who does not pay on time creates stress and worry. Legal protection lets us all sleep better at night but the practicalities of recouping money and legal costs are a headache we do not need and one that’s very avoidable.

Once we know how seriously we need to take the task of finding the correct tenant we can start looking for the very best people. In this case ‘best’ has two simple criteria. 1) They pay on time and in full 2) They look after the property as if it were their own.

I’m going to discuss three tools we can use to help find good tenants. The first is a long and very comprehensive application form. I ask for as much detail as possible from the tenant. I need all their contact details, ID, proof of current address such as telephone or electric bills, previous addresses and, perhaps most importantly, references from their employer, previous landlord (if they’re moving out of home I’ll ask for their parents’ contact details) and a character reference from a recognised member of the community such as a Doctor or Teacher. Importantly, I always act on these references. I will check with whomever they have given to make sure the details are correct and they can vouch for the applicant.

Secondly, I ask for a larger deposit than the usual 4 weeks rent. Typically I ask for 6 weeks rent (UK law give the tenant an automatic option to sublet if the deposit is too excessive, say more than 8 weeks rent). Paying more upfront is usually a good sign that they are serious.

Finally, I have to feel comfortable about the people. If I can get along with them when the property is viewed and when we talk on the telephone and if I don’t have any intuitive alarm bells going off then I trust my own judgement.

At this point you might be wondering about a credit check? Yes this is a great tool depending on the affluence of your potential tenants. Some of my properties are let to people on social security benefits, many of whom I’ve had to help set up a bank account even. In these cases a credit check would not be beneficial but for better off tenants it can be a worth while exercise.

Once we know how to approach the subject of finding great tenants we can consider why people make poor letting decisions. In my experience the worst decisions about tenants are made in pressure situations. An empty property is very damaging to the bottom line of a landlord. If a property is unoccupied it’s very tempting to let the first person who comes along have the tenancy. I know, I’ve made the mistake myself (several times I’m reluctant to admit). This situation is exacerbated if you find your property is not in demand. If you only get one phone call from your advert in the local paper then you’re putting pressure on yourself and your business.

Therefore, the best way to make a good decision is to have a lot of people to choose from. Creating a big list of possible tenants comes from good advertising with good descriptions of you property and its selling points, realistic pricing (even undercutting competition in a renter market) and building a solid reputation as a landlord.

Steve Norton is a landlord with 9 years of experience and owns properties in the UK and Australia. With a clear focus on making the landlord’s life as easy as possible while maximising profit more of Steve’s insider tips on landlording can be found at http://www.property management secrets.co.uk.

Home Selling Tips

Writen by Brian Wall

There are many things that are important when you sell your house and the list here is definitely not an exhaustive one. The following brief is to give you the basic guidelines to get the best deal from the sale of your house.

1. Choose the right realtor: While it is okay if you want to sell your house directly – and you are confident you can pull it through – it is usually better if you have a good professional realtor do this job for you. To know whether the realtor is a good one you watch out for:

a. Have good references with a good turn over of recent listings in your locality; ask for names of recent clients

b. Before deciding make discreet enquiries about the realtor in your neighborhood, amongst your friends and relatives

c. The realtor should be easy to talk to. If you do not find yourself comfortable talking or asking questions, then definitely this is not the right realtor for you

d. Choose a realtor who can show you the minus points as well – one who speaks frankly – or you will never know why your house is not getting sold

2. Price your house well: Research well before fixing a price for your house. Beware of the fact that most house owners think their house are worth much more than the market value. Be realistic and fix a price that the house really deserves plus a give and take 10 15% for negotiations.

3. Ensure that the house makes a good impression at first sight (and later as well):

a. You will need to first of all have the house painted and cleaned thoroughly. The window panes will need to be washed, shined; the walls cleaned (repainted preferably); courtyards should be free from any clutter and garbage or any waste; lawns should be mowed and garden maintained (even if that means to keep a part time gardener); check that both the interiors and exterior are clean and give an open appearance; pay particular attention to toilets and kitchen cleanliness

b. If you are still living in the house when you have put your house for sale, remove all the clutter and keep the rooms furnished at the barest minimum. Remove clutter from staircases, closets and all those nook and corners in the house. Have the house aired, vacuumed and dust free. The feeling and look of space always create good impressions.

c. Maintenance & repairs: Check that the plumbing is in order and there are no leaking taps and/or pipes; check that the wiring is okay in the house, the house should be well illuminated both inside and outside for a bright and welcoming look; oil doors which creak, repair stairs that creek, and replace/repair any window that are not closing, or bang when wind blows; check and replace loose door/ window knobs; see that fire places (if any) are in working order

d. Front door is welcoming enough: The front of the house should be welcoming enough for the prospective buyer to feel good about entering into it; have a good door installed if your door is dull and ensure that it is impressive; have the foyer well illuminated and tastefully decorated. Ensure that the doorbell is functional.

e. Pay sufficient attention to the backside of the house: Many commit the mistake of dressing up the front and leaving out the back. Most buyers will be more curious about the back than about the front (which they know has to be the best possible). Ensure that the back yard, garage, and surrounding are clean, well maintained and de cluttered. In fact the back yard, just as the toilets of a house, will tell the prospective buyer the real level of maintenance of the house.

4. Lastly, be patient. You will definitely get the price you deserve for the house, and some times this takes longer. Stick to your guns, if you realistically priced your house, you will definitely get the price you quoted.

Brian Wall has a bachelors degree and earned his MBA from CSU Los Angeles. He is currently working in the Health Care field, as well as helping people overcome their real estate problems. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two small children. Are you a burned out, tired landlord looking for alternatives?

Investment Property Part 2 of 2: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Writen by Cameron Brown

Welcome to the second portion of a two part series on investment property. In the first installment, “How Not to Become a Slumlord”, we discussed a little of what it takes to own and operate a property as well as some of the do’s and don’ts of the property management trade. In this second segment, we will be discussing some pre investment principles that will help you maximize your ROI.

There are three basic principles of investment property that you should know before you buy an investment property in order to avoid overpaying:

Time

How long do you plan on owning the investment property? As with stocks and bonds, the value of your investment may change significantly during the time you own it. While most real estate will appreciate in value over time, there are frequent fluctuations in the short term market. If you plan on selling your investment property after less than five years, be prepared to accept the investment risk inherent in a shorter time horizon. This is especially true if you bought your property in an overheated real estate market. If this is the case, you could find yourself losing money if the market has taken a temporary downturn, especially if you’ve had to make major repairs to the property.

If you plan on owning the property for the next twenty to twenty five years, it’s almost certain that your investment property will appreciate in value. There’s also a good chance, however, that you’ll have to make major repairs like replacing the roof, wiring system, or major appliances like a water heater or refrigerator. Of course, these repairs will be offset by the fact that you’ve had/will have twenty plus years to recoup the cost. If on the other hand, you’re only planning on owning an investment property for the next five years, buying a “fixer up’er” can eat up all the profits you would have made during your shorter investment horizon.

Networking

If you want the best deal possible on an investment property, than there are some people you’ll want to be friends with. City hall clerks and bank employees may know what properties will be available on foreclosure and when they will go on the market. Real estate agents usually know everything real estate related within their respective territory. Some prospective landlords even run ads in local newspapers.

Many individuals interested in entering the investment property market may even join local landlord or investment property owners organizations. These types of organizations hold regular meetings where you can get the inside scoop on what’s for sale in your area. The National Real Estate Investors Association is an online organization that provides a wealth of information and resources to potential investment property owners.

Financial Preparation

Get your finances in order. The less debt you have when you walk into your local lending institution, the better loan you’ll get. This is common sense, but it’s even more true for those seeking financing for an investment property. This is because lenders know that people are much more likely to default on a rental property than on their own homes. This means that the bank will demand a larger down payment and higher interest rates that you may have expected. It’s also a good idea to have some extra cash left over to make unforeseen repairs should they arise.

By wisely choosing an investment property time horizon, making contacts in the investment property community, and preparing proper financial means, your investment may become a significant means of supplementing retirement and other savings accounts.

Cameron Brown is an internet marketer specializing in ranking automation. For information on Investment Property, visit Security National Capital.

Safe and Secure at Home

Writen by Mark Nash

One of the rights bundled in home ownership is quiet enjoyment. Maintaining a secure and safe home is an ongoing program to ensure your quiet enjoyment. Many times a break in or fire occurs when a homeowner lapses in following some basic do’s and don’ts. Here are some tips to help provide a safe and secure home for your family.

Procure a home security and safety system, that sends an automatic alarm to your local police station. High tech versions feature smoke alarms and window and door sensors. For as little as forty dollars a month you can have peace of mind.

Check fire extinguishers yearly for proper charge. I do this at the same time I replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure your kitchen is equipped with the right extinguisher for grease and kitchen fires.

Register you pets with the local fire department. Place stickers on entry doors alerting fireman to saves pets in your home, in case of fire.

Keep landscaping pruned away from windows, obscured windows provide cover for burglars.

Use low voltage lighting to up light exterior walls and doors at night. Install motion detector lighting on hidden doors and basement stairways.

Have a neighbor pick up mail ,deliveries, and loose trash blowing around your yard. Stop newspapers while your away.

Unplug automatic overhead garage door opens for added security. Lock fence gates too.

Install and use diligently window and door locks. It’s easy in the heat of summer to open windows, but it’s an invitation for theft.

Leave your day to day message on your answering machine, being gone should be seamless to those calling.

Put lights around your home on staggered timers to make it look like your home when your away. Blinds and curtains should be opened in daylight and closed at night, have your neighbor open and close them.

Never open your front door to someone you don’t know. Keep storm doors locked as a safety barrier.

Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with your family every six months. The majority of fires occur at night, each person should have a flashlight in their nightstand.

Have gas lines and hook ups checked regularly for leaks to prevent explosions. Natural gas is odorless.

Mark Nash’s fourth real estate book, “1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home” (2005), and working as a real estate broker in Chicago are the foundation for his consumer centric real estate perspective which has been featured on ABC TV, Associated Press,CBS The Early Show, Bloomberg TV, Bottom Line Magazine, Business Week, CNN TV, Fidelity Investor’s Weekly, MarketWatch, HGTVpro.com, MSNBC.com, Smart Money Magazine,The New York Times, Realty Times, Universal Press Syndicate and USA Today.