Austin Apartment Ratings

Set amidst the backdrop of hills and rivers, Austin is rich in natural beauty and history. Austin, the capital city of Texas, is a popular destination for both business and education and is an ideal place to stay. The city offers a wide range of comfortable apartments including condos, town homes, and duplexes. Austin apartments are available for both rent and sale. One of the important factors that must be considered while selecting an apartment is its rating. Most apartment ratings are based on the experience of the renters who have lived in these apartments. Austin apartment ratings also help apartment owners to improve the quality of their properties.
Apartment management is a key factor in Austin apartment ratings, and proper management will keep an apartment fully functional. Apartment management has to look into factors such as cleaning, repair, and renovation, as well as the maintenance of swimming pools, gardens, and clubs. For a comfortable stay in an apartment, proper and effective management is a must. A high management rating gives confidence to a prospective buyer.
Some of the other basic factors that are considered by tenants when determining ratings are parking space, safety, appearance, maintenance, unit condition, and noise. An apartment with good unit condition rating will have safe and habitable units, and it will also have a good appearance. As the crime rate in the city has considerably increased, the security and safety of the residents are major problems. So, it becomes the responsibility of the apartment owner to provide proper security and safety to the people residing in the apartment.
Today, one of the main issues faced by the apartment dwellers is the maintenance problem. In most of the apartments, maintenances are included in the rent; it is the duty of the apartment owner to provide appropriate maintenance to each unit. Nowadays, there are many online sites that provide information about Austin apartment ratings. However, be cautious of the sites as some sites provide incorrect ratings.

Great Reasons to Invest in a Property in Turkey

There are many great reasons to consider purchasing a property in Turkey for both fun and profit; here are a few great reasons why any serious property investor should not miss this superb opportunity.
Over the past 5 years Turkey's popularity with holidaymakers from across Europe has been increasing rapidly year on year.
This has lead as in all other holiday destinations to an equally rapid growth in ownership of property by non-Turkish nationals from many European countries but significantly from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Many of Turkey's out dated airports have recently been fully re-furbished with new terminal buildings becoming the norm.
Large amounts of capital have been invested by the Turkish Government on the improvement of infrastructure including new motorways to enable shorter travel times to the main holiday resorts.
Many new Golf courses have been built to attract a higher end consumer and others are currently under development.
The cost of property in Turkey whilst still very good value for money when considered against property in the already built up markets of Spain, France, U.S.A and Portugal has risen in many areas by up to 100% over the past 3 years.
Property is still available from below £20,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Altinkum or Didim and the potential rental yields could prove very attractive to the serious property investor looking to diversify their portfolio.
The climate in Turkey is amazing, the people are friendly and helpful and Turkey is quickly becoming the destination of choice for an ever-increasing number of holidaymakers looking for a cheaper alternative to Spain or Portugal for their summer holidays.
In certain locations it is possible for some months to go skiing in the morning and after a spot of light lunch swim in the warm ocean by afternoon.
There are an increasing number of budget airlines starting to fly into Turkey's airports and they are extending the length of the season to allow for those who have holiday homes.

What Housing Bubble?

When I was in school at the University of Vermont, I was an economics major. I thought it would be a good idea to do some non required reading, and I came across the book Boomernomics: The Future of Your Money in the Upcomming Generational Warfare. This was right around '99 when Social Security was the hot topic. The book absolutely facinated me. Of course I knew who the Baby Boomers were, but I had never really paid the subject that much consideration.
The birthratechart ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Birthratechart.png ) really helps get some insight to what we're dealing with. You can clearly see the spike in births starting in 1945 and continuing through until the mid 60's that produced about 76 million Americans. The decline through the 70's, then the echo boom starting in the late 70's early 80's as the boomers started having children of their own.
Right now, the oldest Baby Boomers are just barely in their 60's. Now lets really think about this one. This means that means that a huge chunk of the population is currently in their highest income producing ages as their mortgages are close to (if not already) paid off, their kids are no longer dependents, and most likely are also cashing in on their inheritances from their recently departed parents.
Now at the same time, we have the begining of the echo boom that is just entering into the housing market. Someone who was born in the beginning of the echo boom would just be entering their mid/late 20's. Assuming that everyone buys a home after they graduate college, right now we're roughly only halfway through the 72 million echo boomers purchasing of new homes. Now, since I believe average age of a first time home buyer to be a few years above 21, we still have a large portion of the population that has yet to buy their first home. Now on top of all that, don't forget that these birthrates do not include any immigrant population increases, which has also been greatly increasing in the last few decades.
So what can we expect based on this info?
Real Estate Agents - Good news! Once the boomers start to retire, odds are they are going to be moving somewhere else. Expect to see some more volume.
Suburbs - Not such great news. With the "baby bust" entering into family mode, there might not be enough sheer numbers taking over the vacancy of the departing boomers.
Cities - Goodish news. Look forward to the Echo Boomers continuing to move towards a more Urban environment as they begin their careers.
The year 2018 - Dear god this could be a bad one. It's either diaper time or the expiration date for boomers. As they begin to stop being able to care for themselves, or simply expire. Flat out, this will not be a good time for housing prices.

Real Estate Contracts

A real estate contract is for the purchase or sale, exchange, or other trade of real estate between two or more individuals or parties. Real estate, also called leasehold estate, is essentially a rental of real property, and rental contracts cover rentals, since they normally do not result in recordable deeds. Freehold trade of real estate that are generally more permanent, are dealt with by real estate contracts, and they include dealings in the title fees, life estates, remainder estates and freehold property. Real estate contracts are usually bilateral contracts, where terms are agreed upon mutually by both parties and should have the legal prerequisites specified by the contract law in writing.
Any real estate contract must have certain details well written to avoid further misconception and misunderstanding. These details include a proper identification of both parties between whom the exchange of real estate property will take place. A clear description of the both parties is required as well, as their intentions for the deal. A clear description of the real estate property must be made in the contract, including the address of the estate and other details as agreed upon by both parties. The price that the estate is being sold to the buyer and the terms of payment must also be clearly quoted to avoid misinterpretations. The signatures of both parties are mandatory on the contract, but it must be noted that this is voluntary, and no one can be forced to sign a contract.
There has to be a mutual agreement on all terms of the contract by both parties in the contract, which is monitored by the lawyer under whose supervision the contract is made.

Poll Shows That More Borrowers Are Going Non-Traditional

A recent poll by the Wall Street Journal showed that an increased number of borrowers are looking to non-traditional mortgages for their lending needs.
Approximately 9% of those polled took out an option ARM this year -- only 4% did last year.
The use of piggyback second mortgages also saw an increase. Twelve percent of those polled said they piggybacked a second mortgage when they took out their first mortgage. Last year, only 10% piggybacked a second mortgage.
However, fewer homeowners took out interest-only mortgages this year, 14%, down from last year's 17%. But when looking at demographics, there was a 50% increase in homeowners between the ages of 18 and 34 who took out an interest-only loan this year, to about 23% of borrowers in the age group.
Financial advisors have long criticized many non-traditional mortgage programs, such as the interest-only ARM, due to the risk that they bring to the borrower. Once the interest rates reset to normal levels from their inital teaser rates many homeowners are left with "rate shock" and are unable to afford their payments. Many borrowers who use the interest-only mortgages are unable to afford the payments once the principal amount is added to the payments. Those with Option ARMs that allow minimum payments often find they owe more after a year than they did at the time of closing. All of these programs leave borrowers open for default.
Lenders and banking instituations maintain that they simply provide these programs to qualified borrowers. They say they are not responsible for monitoring how a borrower manages their finances.
Non-traditional lending options have been popular during the past five years of strong housing growth. Most economists expect to see a downturn in nontraditonal usage, as well as overall mortgage applications, as the market slows to a normal level of growth.

Atlanta Apartment Rents

Apartment rents are a major concern for a person looking for an apartment for short- or long-term accommodations in core business centers such as Atlanta. Apartments are recent additions to this business center, and these offer move-in rent concessions or post-construction rent concessions. These concessions temporarily dilute the overall average rental structure.
Mostly, low rates forced developers and landlords lease the apartments at a lower rate and by piling on concessions. Many apartment management companies still offer concessions, such as a month's free rent or waived security deposits. Sometimes even four months free rent is allowed. Rental concessions are available for older apartments as well.
In Atlanta, high-rise luxury apartments account for the majority of rental types. Furnished and unfurnished apartments are available for the native community as well as job seekers or students from other states and abroad. Generally, the Atlanta apartment market has switched to a lower rate corresponding to a weak job market. Negative absorption and positive absorption are two other conditions affecting the rate of apartment rents. Negative absorption tends to decrease the rental rate, while positive absorption will increase the rental rate.
In the Atlanta metropolitan area, the monthly rent rate of one-bedroom apartments is higher than that of two- or three-bedroom apartments. These are specific areas where apartments are built to cater to various socio-economic groups with distinct administrative or natural boundaries. These apartment markets always show a big difference in rent levels. Some recent natural disasters have also affected the normal rental rates in Atlanta.
The National Real Estate Index reports that there has been a slight decrease in rent for class A apartments in Atlanta. Atlanta apartment rents show some seasonal and business up-down rates. The suburban apartments are more feasible and profitable for those who wish for a quiet life. Urban apartment units such as elevator buildings or loft conversions with extra facilities such as a parking area, fitness center, and swimming pool cost about 50 percent more than those in suburbs.

Downtown Atlanta Apartments

Downtown apartments in Atlanta are a recent addition to the downtown area's lodging options. Downtown Atlanta, the central business district of the city of Atlanta, maintains furnished and unfurnished apartments that are convenient for business travelers, relocated employees, and those in a transit stage of building a house.
For many years, downtown Atlanta was only a business center. The Summer Olympics in 1996, and the major revitalization campaigns have imparted a modern look to this region. Downtown Atlanta has undergone many renovations and modifications to maintain its attractiveness. Many housing facilities were added in the consecutive years, and it has become the location for a number of skyscraper apartments.
Downtown apartments are specifically designed to support the city's new retail businesses and cultural ventures, and they add style and elegance to the streets. Almost all apartments are located close to deluxe hotels and state-of-the-art conference centers. Luxury apartments are recent additions to this downtown area. Apartments catering to individual preferences such as price, location, nearby school districts, nearby shopping areas, restaurants, churches, pools, and exercise facilities can be selected.
Apartments are built in garden-style and town-home floor plans, with attractive facilities and amenities. Furnished and luxurious apartments are equipped with facilities such as air conditioning, balconies, fireplaces, and high-speed internet.
Rental apartments are accommodation options fit for any budget and lifestyle. Studies reveal that the market for downtown apartments has increased in recent months, with more people opting to stay in apartments rather than individual houses.
Downtown has both new and renovated apartments for rent and for sale. You can select from private or public-private partnership apartments, which are available with varying sizes and rental rates. Centennial Place, City Plaza, and Lofts at Muses are some of the downtown Atlanta apartments.

Atlanta Real Estate FAQs

The answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Atlanta real estate can help you to make a better real estate deal. You can also approach a real estate organization or agent in Atlanta to clarify your points.
How much money is required to buy an average home in Atlanta?
This depends upon a number of factors such as the size and location of the home, the comforts you are looking for, and the procedural fees.
Why do Atlanta home prices go up?
High employment rates and the growing population have raised Atlanta real estate prices. Atlanta's rapid all-round growth contributes significantly to the price hike as well.
What are closing costs?
Various expenses associated with selling and buying of a home, paid at the closing of the mortgage process, are collectively referred to as closing costs. For sellers, closing costs can be approximately 9.5% of the total price of the property.
What are the requirements for Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)?
This is a consumer-protection statute and requires that certain information about property loans be revealed, such as estimated closing costs and Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
What is the current trend in the Atlanta condominium market?
There has been an explosion in Atlanta's condo and loft market over the past few years. Ranging from renovated warehouses and factories to high-rise condos with many amenities, Atlanta has a buzzing condo and loft market.
What is special about Atlanta's neighborhoods?
Atlanta's neighborhoods have some historic importance. You find Jewish communities and a historical African-American population in the neighborhoods. Most neighborhoods have civic associations that work for the welfare of the local community.

Atlanta Real Estate Online

Atlanta real estate online services help you meet all your real estate needs in and around Atlanta. They help you to buy or sell your property or to relocate. These online services provide information on all residential and commercial properties for sale. Atlanta real estate online services are equally helpful for both experienced investors and first-time buyers.
There are hundreds of reliable websites offering you many kinds of Atlanta real estate services. Most of them have good listings of homes and other properties. They display high-quality photographs of homes and office buildings. In most cases, price tags are also provided. Certain real estate firms with online services make use of multiple listing services (MLS). Many companies offer mortgage help as well. Online real estate services usually monitor your deal from the very beginning to the final settlement.
Most Atlanta real estate agents foster their own websites. They provide huge area-wide lists of real estate properties. Information about some of the best real estate agents is also provided through various websites. These agents will help you make a market evaluation of properties, price your home, and pursue the various procedures involved in the buying or selling process.
Online Atlanta real estate services offer you many advantages, especially if you are an outsider. They offer direct access to various properties available for sale. These services keep you abreast of the changes in trends and help you make decisions accordingly. Atlanta's online real estate is flourishing, owing to a rapid growth in the Atlanta population and the increased rate of employed people.

How to Buy Atlanta Real Estate

Prices of Atlanta real estate vary considerably. Atlanta has recorded one of Southeast's highest office sale prices recently, when an investment management company paid $168 million for an office building. The standing record in Atlanta is $343 a square foot for a building.
The first step in buying a home or other property in Atlanta is to go through the current listings of properties available in the Atlanta real estate market. A proper study of the current real estate trends in Atlanta is essential for making wise decisions. Atlanta magazines, newspapers, and websites help you make this preliminary study. It is a good idea to browse the advertisements in Atlanta newspapers and journals. You can also approach an agent who can give you proper guidance in purchasing Atlanta real estate. Atlanta has lots of reliable real estate brokers and agents.
Before you buy a property, find out how much money you can invest, keeping all your income and debt in mind. Get a copy of your credit report from the bank. Availability of cash for a down payment, the type of mortgage you select, and the current interest rates are important factors you should consider. You must be prepared for other charges including the closing costs that include attorney's fee, taxes, and other transfer fees.
Make sure to tailor your need needs and comforts to go with your finances. Also, see that the property you intend to buy, whether a new or an existing property, has all the features you need. Look for a location with nearby schools, recreational facilities, and safety facilities.

Atlanta Corporate Apartments

Corporate apartments are temporary lodging facilities for corporate travelers. These are situated in usual apartment complexes or complexes owned by a lessor and structurally similar to other apartments regarding the number of bedrooms available and indoor or outdoor facilities. Atlanta, a world-class business center, has a number of renowned corporate apartments in its downtown and suburb areas.
Atlanta corporate apartments are excellent accommodation options for business travelers for temporary, interim stays. These are more comfortable and convenient than hotels. Atlanta corporate apartments are available in various sizes and with a full range of facilities and amenities. Many apartments are ready to be rented directly to corporations, which enable the relocating personnel to engage in their work without the usual delays involved in hunting for a suitable house.
Modern corporate apartments in Atlanta offer standard to luxury stays for every budget and lifestyle. Corporate apartments are generally sited close to public transports and next to services such as restaurants, Internet centers, and convenience stores. Furnished Atlanta corporate apartments are first-rate solutions for extended- and temporary-stay travelers, relocating employees and their families, home buyers, or any person seeking a weekly, monthly, or extended stay.
Fully furnished single-, double-, three-bedroom, or three-plus-bedroom apartments are available for short- and long-term leases. Corporate apartments are rented at a rate of a minimum of about $50.00 per day, but this rate may vary with additional facilities. Standard facilities such as a business center, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, playground, clubhouse, and tanning bed are also available in some reputable apartments. One can select apartments with a fully functional kitchen including a refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher, and icemaker, and with a washer and dryer. Some apartments allow pets.
Atlanta corporate apartments maintain competitive and flexible rental rates and terms, seasonal discounts and incentives, and master leases for corporate clients. The specialized property management companies in Atlanta will assist any corporate traveler with a number of furnished, cost-effective corporate apartment options and housing needs.

Furnished Apartments in Atlanta

Atlanta, comprised of numerous distinct neighborhoods, cities, and counties, has a good choice of furnished apartments - garden-style apartments, lofts, town homes, studios, and many others. Center city apartments and more suburban apartments come with features such as ample parking and swimming pools.
Furnished apartments are ideal for corporate housing and extended-stay rentals. These are available in any size, and equipped with kitchens, fully furnished bedrooms, air conditioning, fireplaces, dining and living rooms with or without bathrooms, hardwood floors, backyards, and parking areas. Some apartments in Atlanta are particularly designed to cater to the needs of short-term contractors or European business personnel. Almost all private apartments are located close to Atlanta's business areas, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Extended stay apartments are available on monthly invoice payments and are perfect for business travelers, those on temporary assignments, consultants, and visiting family and friends. Furnished short-term apartments feature the most comprehensive short-term and temporary housing facilities. These are available in all price ranges and sizes, and on one-month to twelve-month leases. Furnished apartments are popularly marketed to businesses like movie studios and film production companies that frequently employ visiting, temporary workers.
The town home in Atlanta is one of the popular styles of apartment buildings. Town homes are generally built on more than one level with living areas on the first and/or second levels, and bedrooms on the levels above living areas. Town homes are perfect for those who are willing to live on multiple levels and are able to maneuver stairs.
The rapid growth of this metropolitan area and its economic development have both contributed to the increase in the number of new apartments. Although Atlanta is one of the world-famous industrial centers, Atlanta apartments are affordable and the average monthly rent is below the national average. If you are looking for a living space, Atlanta has a number of well-established property management companies offering furnished apartments. They assist you with computerized apartment searching and apartment rental services to search for a fully furnished apartment, whether it is traditional or modern, according to your taste.

Atlanta Real Estate Trends

It is believed that the greatest boom in the Atlanta real estate is yet to happen. An increased growth in population and rate of employment in Atlanta has caused the value of the real estate market to escalate continuously. The real estate prices are comparatively reasonable in Atlanta as compared to other large metropolitan areas. For example, a two-bedroom condominium in New York will cost you more than one million dollars, while Atlanta offers the same type of property for $250k to $300k.
The rapid pace of development of Atlanta has made it a center of many industries. This has led to an oversupply of commercial buildings, thereby decreasing the value of commercial properties. Assessment based on the supply and current vacancies has shown that Atlanta markets are more vulnerable to overbuilding. Atlanta has comparatively low mortgage interest rates. Federal environmental regulation or the tax reforms put forward by the state or the nation can also influence the Atlanta real estate trend.
Timely analysis conducted by credible industrial experts on different aspects of Atlanta real estate will help you to foresee changes in the market. Many experienced real estate professionals who know the Atlanta market are there at your service. They can represent your interests with integrity, character, and honesty. It is highly recommended that you get the property inspected before buying. If something turns up during the inspection, you have the right to negotiate a repair or remedy.
Atlanta posted one of Southeast's highest office sale prices recently when an investment management company paid $168 million ($330 per square foot), for an office building. The standing record in Atlanta is $343 a square foot for a building, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The Messina Bridge Development- Will The Project In Sicily & Mainland Italy Commence?

If you are a property or real estate investor in Sicily, you will probably be aware of the ongoing situation regarding the proposed Messina bridge, which would connect Sicily and mainland Italy, by road, and drastically reduce the speed to travel between the two. The bridge would in effect probably greatly aid the Sicilian economy and make Sicily even more accessible and attractive to investors and realtors. With the defeat of Berlusconi from office, the bridge project (which would mean creating the longest suspension bridge in the world) this year 2006 looks unlikely to go ahead. The project was a pet project of Berlusconi's and Prodi who has taken over power, clearly seems to believe that the bridge is unnecessary and a waste of money.
On the 19th September 2006, approximately 1000 residents of Sicilian and neighbouring mainland areas i.e. marched in Rome to voice their support and desire for the Messina bridge project, demanding an improved infrastructure in the South of Italy, which has arguably, been neglected over the years. The North of Italy is more affluent than the poorer south. One group involved with the protest went as far as staging a pretend funeral to highlight the death of the bridge project. The protestors want the project brought back to life.
Sicily has lacked investment in the past and the protestors, who included Sicily's local government chief Salvatore Cuffaro, believe that the bridge would drastically help the Sicilian economy and also create thousands of jobs. The bridge has already been approved by the E.U. and there is a fair amount of opposition to the bridge, in addition to support for it. The opposition highlight the costs that would be involved, and concerns that the mafia could become involved in the financial side of the construction work. Others highlight concerns over the environmental impact of the bridge, if it is built. Many Sicilians though, feel that they deserve finally to get some investment into their depressed region.
Under Berlusconi, the bridge development would have commenced this year and finished 2012, at an estimated cost of more than 4 billion euros. Estimates in the media, state that the bridge would likely be able to handle four and a half thousand cars per hour, up to two hundred trains a day. This project would certainly help the Sicilian economy and also booast the Sicily real estate market.

What Did My Neighbor's House Sell For ?

There are many people who are constantly asking what their neighbor’s houses sold for. Some people may think they are just being nosey, but the truth is that there is a lot to learn by what your neighbors get out of their homes. In fact, you simply cannot go without knowing these figures, if you are interested in your own property’s value.
Every year, the homes in your area sell and are bought. However, you may not know how much each house is sold for. If you read the paper daily, you probably know that most real estate transactions are listed in many papers. This will be the easiest way to find out what your neighbor’s house sells for. You can often find them by address and even see the person’s name that bought it. This is all public information and is almost always published weekly.
The reason it is so important to know that your neighbor got so much for their home is because you might want to sell you home in the future. When your neighbor gets more for their home, you should get more as well. This is if your home is comparable in size and kept the same. If your home is larger and you maintain it better, you might even get more and should take that into consideration.
So, don’t worry about being nosey. Find our what your neighbor’s house sold for so you know about how much your home is worth as well…just in case you want to sell!

Real Estate Contracts

A real estate contract is for the purchase or sale, exchange, or other trade of real estate between two or more individuals or parties. Real estate, also called leasehold estate, is essentially a rental of real property, and rental contracts cover rentals, since they normally do not result in recordable deeds. Freehold trade of real estate that are generally more permanent, are dealt with by real estate contracts, and they include dealings in the title fees, life estates, remainder estates and freehold property. Real estate contracts are usually bilateral contracts, where terms are agreed upon mutually by both parties and should have the legal prerequisites specified by the contract law in writing.

Any real estate contract must have certain details well written to avoid further misconception and misunderstanding. These details include a proper identification of both parties between whom the exchange of real estate property will take place. A clear description of the both parties is required as well, as their intentions for the deal. A clear description of the real estate property must be made in the contract, including the address of the estate and other details as agreed upon by both parties. The price that the estate is being sold to the buyer and the terms of payment must also be clearly quoted to avoid misinterpretations. The signatures of both parties are mandatory on the contract, but it must be noted that this is voluntary, and no one can be forced to sign a contract.

There has to be a mutual agreement on all terms of the contract by both parties in the contract, which is monitored by the lawyer under whose supervision the contract is made.

Poll Shows That More Borrowers Are Going Non-Traditional

A recent poll by the Wall Street Journal showed that an increased number of borrowers are looking to non-traditional mortgages for their lending needs.

Approximately 9% of those polled took out an option ARM this year -- only 4% did last year.

The use of piggyback second mortgages also saw an increase. Twelve percent of those polled said they piggybacked a second mortgage when they took out their first mortgage. Last year, only 10% piggybacked a second mortgage.

However, fewer homeowners took out interest-only mortgages this year, 14%, down from last year's 17%. But when looking at demographics, there was a 50% increase in homeowners between the ages of 18 and 34 who took out an interest-only loan this year, to about 23% of borrowers in the age group.

Financial advisors have long criticized many non-traditional mortgage programs, such as the interest-only ARM, due to the risk that they bring to the borrower. Once the interest rates reset to normal levels from their inital teaser rates many homeowners are left with "rate shock" and are unable to afford their payments. Many borrowers who use the interest-only mortgages are unable to afford the payments once the principal amount is added to the payments. Those with Option ARMs that allow minimum payments often find they owe more after a year than they did at the time of closing. All of these programs leave borrowers open for default.

Lenders and banking instituations maintain that they simply provide these programs to qualified borrowers. They say they are not responsible for monitoring how a borrower manages their finances.

Non-traditional lending options have been popular during the past five years of strong housing growth. Most economists expect to see a downturn in nontraditonal usage, as well as overall mortgage applications, as the market slows to a normal level of growth.