Real Estate Information
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Real Estate Timing - when to buy, sell, hold

When is the best time to buy real estate? When buying real estate for investment, smart money does not buy at, or near, the top of the market. Smart money buys real estate at, or near, the bottom of the market. Historically, real estate often runs in cycles of approximately 7-10 years. Real estate often goes up (sometimes dramatically) for several years, tops out, goes down for several years, h. . .

Be a Real Estate Investing Expert - In An Instant

Here's a simple method of getting to know your real estate investing market, which is VITALLY IMPORTANT before you can know if a property/price is worthy of calling a 'deal' or not... This 'LAZY' method of market research reveals some amazing facts about the real estate investing market in your area and it works for any area there is.... Take a local newspaper (you can get many of them online, . . .

Finding, Fixing, Financing and Flipping - The Short Course

Most people get involved in Real Estate investing to make money.Pretty self-evident – or, is it?What would you say if I told you that everything you have been taught about Real Estate investing and making money ‘rehabbing’ your real estate investments is wrong? Well, at least, much of it… Let’s take a look at something that all too many people don't think about in their real estate investing - . . .

Chicago Real Estate: Is It Overheating?

Chicago real estate is one of the greatest success stories of the recent boom in property prices. With low, low mortgage rates for Chicago home (http://www.bestchicagomortgage.com/mortgage-calc.html) mortgage loans, demand for real estate is going through the roof as people rush to snap up great homes on the beautiful Chicago lakefront, as well as in Chicago's many attractive suburbs.More than. . .

Effective Real Estate Marketing Strategies

Copyright © 2005, Lanard Perry Congratulations! It's official. You're finally a licensed real estate agent. So, what do you do now? Newly licensed real estate agents all over the country face the same dilemma; life after real estate agent licensing exams. Truth is there are more real estate agents than you can shake a stick at, but only a few fully embrace the opportunity to distinguish themse. . .

3 Top Real Estate Investing Methods for Maximum Wealth

3 Top Real Estate Investing Methods for Maximum Wealth(by Steve Majors - The Lazy Investor) -------------------------------------------------------------Real Estate investing can be used to gain wealth in three major ways – 1. Long-term Real Estate investing is most often utilized using appreciation as a planning tool. Historically, Real Estate has doubled in value every 11 years (6% per year . . .

Hilton Head Real Estate

If you are considering buying real estate in Hilton Head or have spent many years saving in preparation of buying real estate in Hilton Head, the questions and process involved in buying a home can be extremely stressful. As exciting as it is to begin looking for your new home (or Hilton Head house rental), there are many unexpected costs and details to be considered before moving forward. Home. . .

Money Making Real Estate Marketing Ideas

Copyright © 2005, Lanard Perry Real estate marketing is a lot simpler than most Realtors make it out to be. Some equate expensive products and services with quality. However, effective real estate marketing does not have to be expensive, complicated, or sophisticated. Sometimes, plain, simple, direct and to the point makes lasting impressions that result in increased business opportunities an. . .

Real Estate in San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio, Texas real estate market is still going strong even after several years of growth. Homebuilders in the San Antonio residential real estate market are hopeful for another record breaking year for 2005.Affordable San Antonio Real EstateSan Antonio ranks as one of the most affordable cities in the nation to purchase a new home. According to the San Antonio Express-News, "While pri. . .

Real estate investing education for free

Every experienced real estate investor understands that to succeed in property investing you need to study special texts, learn different investing techniques and never stop searching for new information. But what if you just recently decided to start investing? You would like to improve your financial situation and build serious wealth using the oldest, most reliable form of investment on eart. . .

Weak Dollar Is a Huge Draw for Foreign Investors in US Real Estate

The weak US dollar has been good news for real estate. Taking advantage of the favorable conversion rates, foreign investors are eagerly picking up real estate in major cities across the US. Who is buying and where are they investing?WHO IS INVESTING?In recent years the US real estate market has seen the highest amount of investing from foreign investors in Germany, Britain, Canada, Japan and t. . .

Real Estate Appraisal - Income Properties

Real estate appraisal for rental properties isn't the same as for single family homes. If you were looking at a 24-unit building, it would be difficult to find similar ones nearby that have recently sold. Therefore, a market analysis using comparable sales isn't normally used.It is also not ideal to use replacement costs either. How do you figure replacement cost if there is no land for sale ne. . .

Buying Real Estate When It's Not For Sale

Buying real estate can start with a look in the newspaper, a visit to a broker, or a search online. These are all good ways to find your next investment property. You're looking at the same properties as every other investor, of course, so it's not always easy to beat the competition to a great buy.A better way to find good real estate investments is to look for properties that aren't yet for s. . .

How To Find All The Money You Need For Your Real Estate Investing

Would you like to buy investment real estate? What is stopping you? Is it the money to get started? If you are like most people, you think that the way to get enough money to buy a property is to go to a bank and apply for a mortgage. Do you know that the best solution for beginning investors who are short on cash and credit is a method that most people don't even know exists? This method. . .

Where To Invest In Real Estate

Where should you invest in real estate? If you know an area well, and have enough experience investing in real estate, you can make money almost anywhere. However, there are always places that are better or worse for real estate investments - places that have a better demand/supply ratio. Use the questions below to find them.Demand Questions 1. Is the population growing fast? Check the US Censu. . .

Real Estate: A Strong Investment

Description: Even in uncertain economic times like these, history shows that real estate is one of the soundest investments a family can make. Also remember that the stock market is not the only place where people can make their fortunes. And also, you’ll hardly ever hear of real-estate investors who’ve gone bankrupt, unlike stock market investors.Even in uncertain economic times like these, hi. . .

Flipping Real Estate: What Does It Really Mean?

Flipping Real Estate: Fact or Fiction?Your Quick Guide to Making Money Flipping Real Estate in 7 Simple Steps…Every time you turn your head, someone else is talking about flipping real estate. What are they really talking about and is it something that YOU can do?First, let’s define the two types of “flipping real estate”.1. Flipping the contract: (Also known as “assignment of contract”) You fi. . .

Real Estate Appraisal - Do Your Own

For single family homes, there are two basic methods used in real estate appraisal. They are replacement cost analysis, and using comparable sales. A third appraisal method, based on capitalization, is used for income properties, and is covered in another article.In figuring replacement cost the question is: What would it cost to buy this land and put this house on it? If the land (improved) wo. . .

Real Estate Research - Talk To Everyone

Real estate research might start with a look at the U.S. Census information about a town. It can include inspections of specific properties, too. There are many statical tools and information that can help, but don't forget one of the easiest and most useful research tools: talking. Let me explain with a true story.My wife and I were on vacation, and stopped in Farmington, New Mexico for a few . . .

How to Become a Successful Real Estate Developer

Real estate investment and development has never been a more popular pastime or career changing challenge; if you would like to learn seven secrets for consistently successful real estate investing through development or you would like to know how you can continue to profit from property even if the market takes a downward turn just read on…1) Do Your Location Homework – did you know that throu. . .

7 Big Reasons To Invest In Pre-Foreclosures

Looking for an "in" to real estate investing? Working a nine to five job swapping time for money can be incredibly dispiriting. After the futility of it all hits home, it's all you can do to limit the number of home business opportunities you investigate to twenty per week. One of the more compelling home business opportunities is real estate investing. Real estate investing is the perennial . . .

Good Faith Deposit – Real Estate Transactions

In a real estate transaction, a touchy issue is how much trust the seller has in a buyer. The existence of a good faith deposit helps put a seller at rest.Good Faith DepositIf you are selling your home, condominium or other real estate, you should always require a buyer to make a good faith deposit. The good faith deposit simply establishes that the buyer is serious and, to some extent, has the. . .

Sell Your Real Estate Notes

People sell real estate notes to raise cash quickly. A real estate note is just the loan document created when you financed the sale of your house or investment property. It could be a mortgage note, or a land-contract or contract-for-sale. The point is that the buyer is making payments to you, and you want to cash in.You can sell the entire contract, or just a certain number of payments if you. . .

Glen Rose real estate market growing thanks to demand for exurban subdivisions.

Although most widely known as the Dinosaur Capitol of Texas and for its travel and tourism appeal, Glen Rose, Texas is quickly gaining a reputation as a highly sought after city to live in. As recently as 2004, Glen Rose was voted as America’s Dream Town (www.glenrosearea.com), an honor bestowed upon the city that best exemplifies small town values, civic pride and embraces its heritage. As a. . .

The Key to Real Estate Investing Success... Revealed!

How did you get into real estate investing? Did you read a book on it? Was it a seminar? A meeting of some sort with speakers dispensing real estate investing information, but really selling courses? Did you get really, really jazzed and pumped up by these simple ("not easy") concepts that were delivered to you in parable form from the stage by a charismatic speaker?Did you find yourself levita. . .

Real Estate Inspection - Do It Yourself

Why should you do your own real estate inspection? To get a better deal. It isn't necessary to learn building codes, and you probably should use a professional inspector in any case. The point of learning what to look for is to have negotiating points.Home Inspection ChecklistWith a good inspection checklist, you won't forget things. There are more than a hundred items on my own list. Could you. . .

Your Moving Checklist

A moving checklist can keep you from forgetting important things, like turning on the utilities in your new home. You'll want to make your own list of things to be done, but you can start with the suggestions below.Moving checklist - One Month Before - Make reservations with moving company. - Notify friends and family and give them your new address. - Submit change of address forms to post offi. . .

Selling A Home – What Attachments Stay or Go?

The home selling and buying process can be confusing. This is especially true when it is a FSBO (for sale by owner) operation. It’s even tougher when neither the seller nor the buyer is in the real estate business. This article sorts through what stays in the house or condo when it’s sold.Attachments – Literally!In most states, the term “attached” takes on a unique meaning in real estate. Essen. . .

Selling Your Home – Alone or with a Broker?

How do you decide whether to sell your home (or land, farm, ranch, etc.) on your own or use a real estate broker? There are pluses and minuses to each approach. Let’s look at some of the key ups and downs. Only you can decide which approach has the most pluses in your situation.Why go FSBO?“FSBO” stands for “for sale by owner” and tells buyers you are not using a realtor to represent you. Th. . .

LIGURIA, MAY 2004. In a small, hill-top village home, overlooking the sea in the Italian region o...

, like E-Bay and Amazon – is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.Founded in 2003, this start up dot.com company has quickly made its way into the e-crowd by almagamating new technologies with marketing know-how. Glo-Con.com - only one of the eight sites developed by Glo-Con S.r.l.(and its main site) - is a real estate listing warehouse for anyone interested in buying a home almost any. . .

This Real Estate Market - About To Burst?

The big news on the real estate scene is that the bubble is going to burst. This is not new news, I am one of a few who have been saying it for 3-5 years, and of course history has proven us wrong. I, for one, am willing to admit that I called the top of the market, incorrectly. Does that make me wrong? The truth is it didn’t. It meant only my timing was wrong; history will still prove that the. . .

Selling a Home – What Personal Property Stays?

The home selling and buying process can be confusing, particularly when it comes to figuring out what items stay with the home. This is especially true when it is a FSBO (for sale by owner) operation. It’s even tougher when neither the seller nor the buyer is in the real estate business. This article sorts out what personal property stays with the home when it is sold.Personal PropertyAlthough . . .

Bulgarian Property Investment

Bulgarian Real EstateBulgaria property investment prices are by far lower than most other destinations in Europe but the estimated acceptance of Bulgaria in the European Union provides extremely high growth potential that will certainly boost the prices of the Bulgaria property investment in the near future. It is best to buy now while the buying good. Bulgarian market or property investment is. . .

Buying Rental Properties - Some Tips

Buying rental properties can be a great way to build your wealth. However, as in most real estate investment, it is sometimes difficult to know if you've found a good deal - especially the first time. Here are some things to look for to be sure that rental is a great investment.1. Location. If traffic is heavier, rentals are easier to rent. A sign will often pull more response than an ad in the. . .

The Pros of Purchasing Off Plan

The general lack of stability or guarantee of returns available from the stock market coupled with a global housing boom have resulted in many more investors putting their hard earned sums of cash into real estate around the world over the past year or so. Some of these investors have simply purchased second homes, some have developed and flipped houses while others have bought into real estat. . .

Home Buying – School District Issues

A good school district is a key factor in home buying if you have kids. It can also be a positive selling point when it comes time to sell your home. School DistrictsWhen considering the quality of school districts, keep in mind that everyone is looking for “good ones.” The question, of course, is what does “good” exactly mean? To a buyer with children, it means the best education on the planet. . .

Buying Houses For Sale By Owner

Houses for sale by owner, also known as "FSBOs," are a unique case in real estate investment. Buying from an uninformed seller who thought he knew enough to handle everything by himself can be frustrating. It can also be very profitable if you are prepared.Why do people try to sell a house on their own? Only one primary reason comes to mind: To save the sales commission. Of course they usually . . .

Finding Motivated Sellers

Motivated sellers? My wife and I were trying to keep the renters happy, the rent coming in and the house repaired - while living 2100 miles away. You bet I was motivated. We just sold our house last month, and even got a good price, but I'll tell you a secret. We would have sold the place for... well I don't want to stress out the buyer if he reads this. Let's just say we would have sold it for. . .

The Right Time to Buy Your First Home

There are many real estate market forecasts and predictions available - however the bottom line is that if you want to buy your first home—there is no wrong time. This is because the motivation to buy is not determined by regional market conditions or by location, but rather by your personal needs. Industry opinions, economic reports, and investor speculation do not sway or predict when a pa. . .

Do you work from home? Plan your next home purchase accordingly

The flexibility afforded by a “zero-commute” combined with the skyrocketing price of gasoline has strengthened the case for full time teleworking and telecommuting. According to an Environmental Protection Agency (2004) study: “Americans spend an average of 46 hours per year stuck in traffic. Gridlock produces more than $63 billion in congestion costs per year” The artist community has been w. . .

Monaco Realtors in Last Chance Saloon

The annual yacht show in Monaco always guarantees Europe’s second smallest country’s hotels are full, and this year will be no exception.The show has grown in popularity over the fifteen years since it began, and this year will see Monaco’s Port Hercules play host to over ninety of the world’s finest yachts and five hundred of the world’s best yachting companies.The luxury yachting market has . . .

How To Get Started In Preconstruction Investing?

Through our website, GetPreConstructionDeals.com, the mostcommon question that we receive is “How do I get rapidly startedin preconstruction investing”. Realistically, you only need totake three steps on your path from being a “beginner”preconstruction investor to one that is extremely savvy. MECHANICS OF PRECONSTRUCTION INVESTING Before you even begininvesting, you need a working knowledge of . . .

A Smarter Way To Invest

Statistics show that nearly 95% of our fellow citizenswill retire at or below the poverty line by the age of 65. These people will be dependant on friends, family and theFederal Government for financial support.If ours is the land of opportunity, why does thisstartling reality exist? The answer can be traced back toour upbringing.From our early years we are taught that the correct pathin life . . .

12 Tips for Buying Waterfront Real Estate

You probably already know this, but buying any land can be a significant decision. But what you may not know is that there are a few twists that come with purchasing a waterfront lot that make it very different from buying a lot in any old subdivision. I've put together a few tips that you should keep in mind when you're looking for the perfect waterfront property.Don't buy land without settin. . .

How to Create a Simple Real Estate Business Plan

Becoming a full time property rehabber is actually a veryeasy process. So why do so many investors get it wrong, oreven worse, do nothing? Simple: NO BUSINESS PLAN!Make no mistake about it: This is a business!. If youinvest time and capital with the aim of making a profit,then you are in business, regardless of wether you purchaseone or fifty homes.Before you commit a single dollar or a minute. . .

How to Afford Your Dream Home

Is it your dream to one day own a holiday home in the sun; a beautiful house where you can escape, relax and be free of the worries that seem to go hand in hand with every day life? Well, you’re not alone!A recent survey by a well known mortgage lender in the UK revealed that up to one in three Britons not only dream about owning a home in the sun but fully intend to make that dream a reality . . .

5 Steps To Choose the Best Cincinnati Realtor

Excluding some professional real estate agents buying a house is a lifetime decision for most people. Whenever a person is decided about purchasing a house he is ready to invest a hefty amount of his lifetime savings for acquiring the house. In various cases where the buyer has planned to take assistance from financial services for housing loan this also means that the purchaser has invested ev. . .

The Ultimate Short Sale Secret

Buying foreclosures can be extremely profitable for real estate investors. However, most of these homeowners are mortgaged to the hilt. They have no equity, and big loan payments. In fact, many actually owe more than the property is worth!Most investors will walk away from these deals because they see no obvious profit. However, you can “create” your own equity by negotiating a “Short Sale” . . .

5 Ingredients of a postcard

One of the most useful tools to market to motivated sellers is postcards. You can effectively market to out-of-town owners with this technique because they can keep the postcard for months. However, most investors are still confused about what to put on the card. Among other things, remember this: the basic goal is to get the right message to the right market through the right media using the. . .

Location, Location, ... - Not!

Untold Secrets of Buying and Selling Real EstateOwning a home can truly be satisfying. However, with the financial pressures of today's world, getting good value is crucial. These days I am much savvier about buying and selling homes than I was when we bought our first of eight houses. The knowledge I acquired as a former realtor and veteran corporate mover (seven moves) has provided me with a . . .

How Thousands of people are buying second homes in Spain?

With a major portion of the Iberian Peninsula occupied by Spain (80%), it is indeed inviting a location for investment towards an ideal second home. Spain is also sound with reference to geography, climate and cultural richness. A large coastline has contributed highly to attract real estate and holiday planners to this area. A temperate climate makes it the ideal holiday destination. The cultu. . .

Content Ideas for Ads and Brochures When Selling Your Home

Even in this hot real estate market, selling your home requires a bit of marketing effort. Ads and brochures are important and powerful tools. So, what do you put in you’re marketing materials?Content To the degree possible include key information in you’re ad or brochure. A classified ad will contain less than a poster, which will contain less than a brochure, which may contain less than an I. . .

Real Estate Professional in the Palm of your Hand

. By Robert Lett*******************GETTING THE MOST FOR THE LEASE-TRACKING YOUR REAL ESTATEIf you own rentals and/or investment properties, you know that you have to keep track of your portfolio, maintenance profiles, property managers, and related financial matters. There are a multitude of programs for the Palm-Pilot system to keep up with lease dates, lease expirations, and rent due dates. T. . .

Tax Foreclosed Properties as an Investment

Tax Properties Every property that is owned is assessed property taxes that must be paid every year. Property taxes are paid to local and state governments based on the appraisal value of the real estate. All states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands and Canada have property taxes.When a property owner doesn’t pay their taxes, they are usually penalized . . .

Buying a Home – Dealing With Lender Letters

Most people who set out to buy a home, be it house, townhouse, condo, apartment, or mansion on a hill, know they need to have a lender letter in hand saying they are qualified for a loan. What most “civilians” (people not in the real estate business) don’t realize is how much the value of a lender letter varies.Let’s look at some of the general ways a lender letter varies, which sort you want, . . .

European Second Home Prices Wilt in Drought

Spain and Portugal have suffered one of their worst droughts on record this summer, with consequences from empty swimming pools for the tourist to economic disaster for farmers losing their crops and livestock. Roger Munns, Managing Director of Tribune Properties, predicts that property prices in the two European countries could drop as much as fifteen per cent in some areas as more owners dec. . .

Buying A Home – Zoning and Architectural Review Board Restrictions

When you buy a home, you need to be aware of the various things that can limit your control over the property. This is as true for finished lots and single family homes as it is for townhouses, condos, and apartments. It’s a good idea to understand these limitations before you buy, so that you can decide whether you’re willing to live with them or not. After you buy, it’s too late; you’re stu. . .

Hard Money Lenders -- "No Money Down" The Easy Way

Would it help you as a real estate investor to be able to"Close For Cash in Days," even if you're tapped outfinancially?Hard money lenders are perhaps the best way to get 100%financing with easy qualifying, money for fix- up, and fastclosings.So what can hard money lenders do for you? Hard moneylenders make relatively short term (12-24 month) loans toreal estate investors for the purposes of a. . .

The 8 Biggest Rehabbing Mistakes - Part 2

In the second part of The 8 Biggest Rehabbing mistakes welook at three more areas that can swallow up your profitsin no time.BIG MISTAKE #6: YOU PAY TOO MUCH WHEN YOU BUYYou make your profit when you buy. Pure and simple! I willalways tell my coaching clients at my workshops that thisis the most valuable advice that they will ever receivefrom me. The added value from the renovation is the icin. . .

The Most Sensible Investment Decision You’ll Ever Make

So much advice is bandied about on the internet and even on the street about what makes a sensible investment, what makes a good investment and what makes a secure investment.Well – when you consider that for most of us our own home is actually our number one asset and that it is a strong capital appreciating asset, surely the most sensible investment decisions we can make will be locked into t. . .

Negotiating the Purchase of Your Home

Negotiating a successful real estate contract requires communication and listening skills, as well as the ability to create a environment of cooperation. Many of our real estate clients have been very experienced negotiators, and from them we have learned that the goal is to reach a “good agreement” - one in which the underlying interests of both buyer and seller are met. The results of a po. . .

Buying and Selling Real Estate in Florida

Florida is known as the "Sun Shine" state, and the reason is clear. People move to Florida for many reasons, but most that move there stay there. Florida is known for the warm weather year around and beautiful landscaping that surrounds its cities. Florida weather and lifestyles vary significantly depending on which side of the state you move to.Buying a homeRelocating to Florida has many thin. . .

Renting Versus Buying A Home

Renters are often in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to continue renting or buy a home. Buying a home makes more sense, particularly when taking a long-term view. Yes, even in the current hot real estate market. Renting – Advantages Renting can have a few advantages depending on the part of the country you live in. The primary advantage is your monthly rent payment may be less than an e. . .

Pricing Your Home For Sale

Professional appraisers sum it up in three words -- buyers make value. Ultimately, the value of your home is what a reasonable buyer is willing to pay within a reasonaable time. Setting an asking price for your home requires that you anticipate what most buyers would be willing to pay. This requires a close look at comparable home sales in your area, as well as making an assessment of the st. . .

Selling Your Home on Your Own – Examples of Problems and Solutions

What can go wrong? About a gazillion things, but this is true if you’re working with a broker, too. A broker is probably more experienced than you, and may well have confronted and solved your problem on a previous home sale. If you can stay calm and think under stressful conditions, you can be your own problem solver without the need for a broker. Plus, there is no guarantee the broker will ge. . .

Living in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the sunniest cities in the United States -- with an average 320 days of sunshine per year and only 4.19 inches of rainfall. The winters in Las Vegas are like no other. Many of us do not pack away our shorts because we can wear them year round. Las Vegas has been the fastest growing city for over a decade now. It all started in 1993 with the opening of three mega-resorts: . . .

Negotiating the Real Estate Contract

Negotiation is the process of communication back and forth in order to reach a joint agreement. There is no "one size fits all" strategy of negotiating a real estate contract. Many of our clients have been very experienced negotiators, and we have learned a great deal from them, as well as from books on the subject. We would like to share some of our thoughts on negotiating with you.What do we . . .

Buying a Home -- Is a Home Inspection a Good Idea?

To avoid “buying a pig in a poke,” buyers have long demanded the closing on a home purchase be contingent upon a satisfactory inspection by a home inspection firm. In many parts of our country, we’re now experiencing a strong sellers’ real estate market and sellers often receive more than one purchase offer on the same day for their home. In this environment, buyers are rethinking the home ins. . .

Selling Your Home – Examples of Problems and Solutions

What can go wrong? About a gazillion things, but this is true if you’re working with a broker, too. A broker is probably more experienced than you, and may well have confronted and solved your problem on a previous home sale. If you can stay calm and think under stressful conditions, you can be your own problem solver without the need for a broker. Plus, there is no guarantee the broker will g. . .

Buying Rental Property Safely

Be careful when buying rental property. We stayed at a motel for a week one winter. The bill showed twice what it should have, but since I already paid the correct amount in cash, I thought nothing of it. When we noticed that the lobby and swimming pool were unheated, we thought it was frugality. Only a year later, when I read a news story about a new owner struggling to make the motel work, di. . .

Home Buying Checklist – Windows

If you are in the market to purchase a home, it can be easy to fall in love at first sight. Do so at your own risk. While the overall appearance of a home is important, the quality is in the details. In this article, I provide a checklist of window issues you should consider when viewing a home.WindowsIf you are considering buying a home, you should have a checklist of things to review for the . . .

Buying a Vacation & Retirement Home

Buying a vacation home that doubles as a future retirement home requires forethought and thorough investigation. Conventional wisdom tells us to first settle on a desired location and then look for the least expensive house in the best possible neighborhood. This is of course true, but buying a future retirement property demands additional consideration. Without a doubt, the purchase of a du. . .

13 Extra Costs to be Aware of Before Buying a Home

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you're not informed and prepared. Some of these costs are one-time fix. . .

Pricing Your Home To Sell

When you’re selling your own property, whether it’s a house, townhouse, condo, apartment, a finished lot, raw land, a farm, a ranch, or whatever, the first thing to get right is the price you ask for it. If you work with a broker, the legwork is done for you. When you work as a FSBO (for sale by owner), you need to figure it out yourself. Let’s look at how to do just that.Setting a PriceFirs. . .

The Secret To Marketing Your FSBO Home For Sale

You’re ready to put your home or land (house, townhouse, condo, apartment, farm, ranch, finished lot, raw land, etc.) on the market as a FSBO (for sale by owner). You’ve priced your property appropriately and gotten it ready to show. How are you going to market it so that it gets exposure to enough potential buyers to actually sell?SignsIn some parts of the county, the real estate market is s. . .

Golf and Waterfront Living: Live, Play, Relax

With today’s planned lifestyle communities, golf and boating enthusiasts have an opportunity to purchase the home of their dreams just a chip shot away from the green or stone’s throw from the marina. In addition to an ideal home setting, golf and waterfront community residents enjoy an active and diversified lifestyle experience complete with first-class golf courses, marinas, beaches, spas, . . .

Home Owner Association Restrictions – Read Before Buying

Many communities have associations for homeowners, property owners, condo owners, or similar associations. The presence of a homeowners association, also known as “HOA”, introduces another layer of rules and regulations to consider when buying a home. Some people love these associations and some hate them. Homeowners’ AssociationsSome associations have very simple rules such as no abandoned,. . .

Protective Covenants – Buying Land or Homes

In addition to zoning, some properties have covenants recorded at the courthouse that “run with the land.” These “protective covenants” can put a serious pinch in your plans for a piece of property. Protective CovenantsA protective covenant remains in effect as the property is sold from owner to owner. The covenants are designed to maintain a certain aspect of the area in question. The covena. . .

The Worst Way to Shop for a Home Mortgage

By Tony FerlazzoYou've found a house that is perfect for you. It is so appealing that you're willing to endure the hassle of obtaining a mortgage.It is downright frustrating to shop for a mortgage these days. First of all, some stranger wants to know how much you make and how much you have in the bank. Then you have to show someone your recent tax returns. I don't know about you, but I don't ev. . .

Is An Old Home For You? - The Cons

So you think you might like to buy an old home? Perhaps even something old enough to be historic? It’s a good idea to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before you decide. There are plenty of both. Will the pros be valuable enough for you to be willing to cope with the cons? Where shall we start? With a cautionary tale, I think.The Cons of An Old HomeIn 1972, my husband and I bought a h. . .