Financing Your First Home May Be Easier Than You Think

For many people, wondering how to afford a home at all is an overwhelming question. But this is often due to misconceptions which keep the customer from knowing what to do.

With the right information you can set aside most of your concern about affording a down payment and financing a new home. The knowledgeable customer and the right Realtor can shift the focus from saving money to saving much worry.

Fannie Mae's National Housing Surveys reveal widespread assumptions holding back potential homeowners needlessly. One of the biggest is that buyers need 20 percent of the purchase price as a downpayment to purchase a home. But today, several specialized mortgage programs require little or no down payment.

A veteran's Administration (VA) Loan lets eligible military personnel finance up to 100 percent of a home, even if their credit is imperfect. An FHA Loan requires as little as 3 percent, as a downpayment.

There are also community lending programs that let homebuyers who meet local HUD median-income guidelines pay $500 or one percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. There are county and municipal grant funds that are also available to prospective buyers ranging from $1000-$25,000. These funds can be used for one or a combination of expenses (downpayment, closing cost, buydown etc.)

Additionally, mortgage products are available specifically for the self-employed and for those with bad credit scores. Another advantage to keep in mind is not just the discounts you can gain going into a home purchase, but the ones you can obtain from making the purchase itself - a significant number of those answering the Fannie Mae surveys didn't know that mortgage interest is tax deductible. That benefit can substantially relieve your financial concerns.

The surveys also found many people believe that mortgage lenders are legally required to give the best possible loan rates. Not so. Actually, many factors influence a range of rates offered by various lenders, so there's no substitute for shopping around and doing your homework.

Of course there is more than one way to make sure it gets done. Qualified professionals can lead you through the maze of options to the most efficient and economical solution for you. Your local real estate professional can help you determine your financial abilities and meet your financial needs.

This consummate professional has earned a proven track record as a top residential agent and is acknowledged as an expert in the field; resulting in speaking engagements at Lucent Technologies, St James and St. Matthews NIDA, to name a few. Additionally, Bill has written articles on real estate related issues for the Gannett's Courier News, The Connection, City News, suburban News and The Essex Times.

Bill's reputation for impeccable professionalism, knowledge and service resulted in his appointment to the position of Regional Vice President (RVP) for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. In his capacity as RVP, Bill oversees the growth and development of the organization's chapters in New York and New Jersey.

A Step by Step Guide to Pet Friendly Real Estate

Step One: Finding an Agent

When it comes to shopping for a Real Estate Professional, there are many places to start. As of December 2006, there were over 2 million Real Estate Agents across the United States. With approximately 75% of people turning to the Internet to start their Real Estate Search, you go to your favorite search engine and depending on your search results you have to sort through the clutter of hundreds or thousands of Real Estate Websites. All the Web sites start looking the same and you quickly become bored or even frustrated. So how do you sort through the confusion to choose an Agent that’s right for you and understands your specific Pet Friendly needs?

Getting to know the specialties of a Pet Friendly Real Estate Agent is an important, but sometimes a difficult thing to do. This all comes down to the Agent’s ability to set themselves apart in the competitive Real Estate market and be the expert in their area of specialization. There are few “Pet Friendly” Agents in today’s market that are marketing themselves in the most effective way. It is even more difficult to find a Pet Friendly Agent who specializes in your town or city.

If pets are an important factor in your Real Estate decisions you need to find a Resource that is dedicated just to Pets and Pet Friendly Real Estate. www.PetRealtyNetwork.com is a good example of a Pet Friendly Real Estate Website – dedicated to Pet Friendly Real Estate and Pet Friendly Real Estate Agents. You can meet other Pet Friendly Agents in your town, across town, or even across the Country and even obtain information about other Pet Resources such as relocating with your pet or submitting your pet’s photo.

Step Two: Selling a Pet Friendly Property

When preparing a Pet Friendly property for sale, you have a big task ahead of you. It is important to make any property for sale as attractive as possible, but a Pet Friendly property can have a few more challenges. Pet hair has a tendency to find the deepest nooks and crannies in a home and if a home has a distinct pet odors, potential buyers may skip on the property. Your Pet Friendly Agent may suggest a few simple everyday maintenance chores that that can add to the appeal of your property.

• Vacuuming and cleaning your carpets and even your furniture on a regular basis will remove pet hair and dander and is a quick and simple step to keep your home looking neat. To reduce the amount of hair to be vacuumed, make a habit of brushing your pet regularly, which will also keep your pet’s coat healthy.

• Keep up on your ‘Doggy Duty’, which means keeping your yard clean at all times! To a potential buyer a dirty yard could equate with a dirty home.

• Keeping litter boxes clean and covered. Cat urine is a very distinct and difficult smell to eliminate. Keep the litter box in a well ventilated area, clean the litter box often, and consider an odor-reducing kitty litter.

• Have a plan for open houses or scheduled showings of your home. Some people are terrified of animals or even allergic. It is best to remove the pet from your home during a showing or an open house. If that is not possible, or would be stressful for your pet, consider keeping your pet in a crate or ask a friend or relative to pet sit.

• De-clutter your home, including pet toys, pet beds and crates and pet photos. Remember that even if you are Pet Friendly, a potential buyer may not be.

Step Three: Buying a Pet Friendly Property

You can expect your Pet Friendly Agent to be the Pet Friendly Real Estate expert. That means being knowledgeable about everything about a Property from the fenced yard to the local pet parks and Veterinary clinics. After all, you are not just looking for a home is suitable for you but for your whole family - pets included. A Pet Friendly Agent will start by asking you some initial qualifying questions: Are you a dog owner, cat owner, horse or farm owner? The following are examples of a few other topics you can expect that your Pet Friendly Agent will discuss with you:

• Pet Restrictions. You will commonly find pet restrictions in condominiums or deed-restricted neighborhoods. It is critical that you and your Pet Friendly Agent know ahead of time what those restrictions are, if any. They may include the number of pets, size of pet, breed restrictions (even for mixed breeds!) or parking restrictions for horse trailers.

• Veterinary Clinics, Specialty and Emergency Hospitals. In the event of an emergency, it is critical to be close to a 24 hour Emergency Hospital. Luckily, an increasing number of Emergency Hospitals also double as Specialty Hospitals. With the advancement of Veterinary Medicine, you can now provide the very best care for your pet if he or she requires specialty or emergency care and the convenience of a local Hospital may mean life or death for your pet.

• Pet Amenities. The everyday conveniences of safe walking or horse trails, stables, doggy pick-up stations, grooming and boarding facilities, and fenced in exercise areas are great examples of what makes an ordinary property a Pet Friendly property.

• Evacuation. If the potential property you are interested in purchasing is in a natural disaster Evacuation zone, would you have an Evacuation plan for your pets? Evacuation involves a great deal of preparation, especially for horses, and there is usually little notice of an impending disaster. You must be willing to prepare a solid Evacuation plan in place to ensure the safety of your pets.

Step Four: Moving Day

You have found your perfect agent, sold or purchased your Pet Friendly Property, and now it is time to pack up and move. Whether you are moving across town, across country or from another country – you have a big task ahead of you. Preparation is key to a successful move, keeping your pet’s safety in mind:

• Identification. Rule #1 in moving with your pet is properly identifying your pet with an identification tag and sturdy collar. Make sure your pet’s tag includes your destination location and telephone number and a mobile number, so you can be reached easily. Your prior address or telephone number will be useless if you have already moved.

• Medications, Food, and Veterinary Records. Keep a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations in a convenient location and not packed away in the moving truck. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your destination, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication in case of emergency.

• Crates and Containment Systems. There are many different types of travel crates on the market, and many are lightweight and collapsible just for traveling purposes. Make sure your pet is familiar with the crate you will be using for transportation by gradually introducing him to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is sturdy enough for stress-chewers or he could make an escape.

• Traveling by car It is best to travel with your dog in a crate, but if your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a restraining harness. For your safety as well as theirs, it is ALWAYS best to transport cats in a well-ventilated carrier. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck, or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to being injured, harmed or stolen. Plan ahead by searching for pet friendly hotels to find overnight lodging during your move, and have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand for Doggy Duty.

• Keeping your pet secure. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep your pet in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom on moving day with a PETS INSIDE sign on the door to keep off-limits to friends and professional movers.

• Air Travel. If traveling by air, first check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you have prepared your pet to be safe and secure during the trip. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Preparing your new home. Keep in mind that your pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. To reduce the chance of escaping due to fear, or pure excitement to explore the new territory, prepare all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one including food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls.

Golf Properties in the Costa Blanca

Since golf is the passion of so many people in recent years, it is easy to understand why golf properties in the Costa Blanca have become so popular. Combine beautiful weather year round with one of the world's most popular sports, and you have a winning combination all by itself. Add to that the convenience of flying into the region's large international airport in Alicante, and the many discount flights available, and golfers can find any excuse to visit their property and play.

The Costa Blanca has very little rainfall and the weather is warm all year long. Summer or winter, golfing is a pleasure. During the spring and fall, when the weather is a very comfortable 70 degrees, is probably the most ideal time for golf.

One of the first things you need to consider if you want to buy a golf property is what types of amenities the golf property offers. If you are a die hard golfer and that is all that interests you, you want a property that concentrates on your needs, with a pro shop, and pros available right there in the community. If you family travels with you, you may have to consider a property that offers something for everyone, such as a pool, beach, tennis courts and a clubhouse with games for the kids.

Depending on how often you think you can visit, you will probably have to have a maintenance contract. There are maintenance contracts that will take care of your property altogether, and some that will do the outside Mantegna, such as the mowing and landscaping. If you want to be completely free of hassles when you are on your golf vacation, consider a property that offers maid service.

There are so many golf properties in the Costa Blanca to choose from. Choose from a town in the north such as Altea or Javea, or you can go to popular Torrevieja in the south.

If you have chosen the type of property you want, and the area you want it is time to go looking. The best way to start looking is on the Internet. You can co virtual tours, check out prices and what they are offering, etc. Then you need to talk to a real estate agent. The real estate agent will take you to some of the properties you have decided to view. Make sure you work with a reputable agent; you may consider talking to people who have already bought property and find out whom they recommend.

You will then need an attorney to negotiate the purchase. It would be very difficult to manage in the Spanish legal system, have your Spanish documents such as the contract, the mortgage and the maintenance agreements reviewed without a Spanish attorney. Hire your own attorney so that your interests are being protected.

Looking for a Luxury Home in Scottsdale?

You’ve worked hard all your life. Now it’s time to find a home that you can truly enjoy. What better place to look for that property than Scottsdale, Arizona? Scottsdale is one of those communities that embraces owners of all ages, and offers the kind of community that is often associated with some of the most prestigious addresses.

Scottsdale is a community known for high-end real estate. There are homes situated on picturesque golf courses, near spas, and palm tree lined streets. Of course, the shopping, restaurants, galleries and other businesses are among some of the most exclusive businesses in the greater Phoenix area. Some of the luxury homes in Scottsdale are truly estates. You’ll find homes that stretch out over 7,000 square feet, and you’ll find luxury condominiums that offer compact, understated excellence.

One of the features that makes the community so unique is that it is an older, more mature community in a very young metropolitan area. The greater Phoenix area has expanded rapidly, there are housing communities that will potentially become charming communities. But Scottsdale has long been a favorite community. There are homes on large lots, with luxurious landscaping and sweeping vistas. Some homeowners are choosing to purchase homes in Scottsdale only for the value of the land alone. These properties are considered tear downs, because the owners intend to tear the original home down and replace it with a larger more luxurious property.

True luxury homes offer unlimited potential for entertainment. Many of these properties include extra rooms for domestic help, as well as beautiful pools and spas, extensive outdoor patios, and built in barbeques.

For those looking for quality and luxury, Scottsdale is one of the best communities in Arizona. And even though you are looking for a luxury home, you may find that there are some remarkable properties and great values. Many luxury builders are finding themselves with an inventory of homes that are languishing on the market. These builders are anxious to sell their properties, often at some remarkable prices with unusual perks added to the sale.

Take some time to investigate the unique properties throughout Scottsdale. You’ll find homes that are simply astounding; homes that invite you to stop and enjoy all the wonders Scottsdale has to offer. There’s never been a better time to treat yourself to the luxury of a quality real estate. With a home in Scottsdale, you’ll have a rare property with an investment that will pay off for years to come.

First Time Home Mortgage Loans

The process of buying a home can seem difficult and too expensive. It's NOT. First Time Home Mortgage Loans, Down Payment Grants, Closing Costs, Home Inspections and Testing, even brokerage fees are all often easier to obtain and/or less expensive for a First Time Home Buyer.

It would be impossible to discuss all of those aspects of home buying in one short online article. The webmaster of this article site is quite enlightened and generous, but there is a strict upper limit for acceptable length of article here (whew!! - who wants to read a long dissertation, anyway?) - so I will just comment on First Time Home Mortgage Loans in this little essay.

When you first think about buying a home, you are confronted by going into debt WAY deeper than you ever have before. Don't be dismayed by this. Your monthly housing expense will hardly increase - indeed, it may actually go down! Long-term debt in an economy where mild inflation is expected and even encouraged (please excuse me - I fear I sound a bit like an Econ 101 text) is a "tried and true" wealth producer.

But paying too much for your first mortgage loan is a big mistake. Luckily, it is one that is easily avoided when you are buyng your first home. Many lenders originate home mortgage loans to first time buyers at below-market rates with much lower upfront costs. Also, most governmental units - local, state, and federal - either guarantee or directly fund these loans for first time buyers at sometimes astonishingly favorable rates and terms.

Why do they do this? In the case of banks - they hope to profit from you when you return when buying subsequent homes. Governments recognize that people who own their homes rather than rent them make better citizens. Therefore, they encourage home ownership.

Growing Mall Mania

The retail market in India has taken a head start. The reasons are many. Easy credit facilities, deeper pockets than ever before, swanky malls with finely tuned sales strategies, top-of-the-line brands, goodies that make you drool and bulk discounts are just a few of them. In towns and cities of India, elaborate malls are the new destinations.

With the economy growing the competition in the retail market is fierce. Malls are rewriting the rules and converting the fundamental activity of shopping into a lifestyle statement. Shopping malls became a way of life in America few decades ago. Now they are conquering India. There are more shopping centers than movie theatres, school districts, hotels or hospitals in USA.

In India, the development of shopping malls has literally been a revolution. The opening of the Indian economy in the early 1990s has brought a wide range of new household appliances, stylish apparel, and other consumer goodies, along with plenty of media exposure and so the concept of malls. It is now gradually penetrating even to the smaller cities. Because of this the rent space malls have taken a new high. Be it Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, or any other metro city, the growing trend is visible everywhere.

It is believed that a total of 70-80 million square feet of mall spaces is coming up all over urban India. Chain stores such as Pantaloon, Big Bazar, Shoppers' Stop, West Side, Trinetra, Food World and Sunday-to-Monday have all announced huge expansion plans. A famous shopping point Westside is looking at establishing 100 stores in the next two years, whereas Shoppers' Stop has announced of multiplying to 39 from the current 20 stores. Undoubtedly, it is the big India growth story that is inspiring the retail sector. The coming years will see new destinations such as Nashik, Nagpur, Siliguri and Amritsar booming.

A Changing Market? Maybe!

We in the real estate business had a rough year – prices dropping, frustrated sellers, buyers with too many choices and very few sales. According to the Pinellas County Realtor Organization, there were 14,655 home and condo sales last year in Pinellas County. The most sold in one month was all the way back in March with a high of 1,647 and the least was in November with a somewhat dismal 849.

We have had to have some hard talks with sellers who are not going to get as high a price as their neighbors did a couple of years ago. We have also had nice talks about buying up in a down market, which allows a seller to take advantage of the reduced prices of homes to move up to a larger house.

The good news is that the absorption rate (the number derived by dividing the total number of units sold by the total number of listings in the MLS) has risen from 5.7% to 6.8%. While that is not great compared with 2005’s 21.7% it is an improvement.

The news from the trenches is also somewhat more hopeful. When realtors congregate now we ask each other “have you seen more activity?” It is said very quietly as not to jinx anything, but overwhelmingly the answer has been yes. Lately, there have been more calls from yard signs, advertisements, and more people at open houses. Is this a sign? Can there be a market upswing? Have we hit bottom and are on the way up?

We are all anxious for the answers to these questions, only time will tell if this is real change or just wishful thinking.

With this in mind, if you are considering selling your house NOW is the time to put your home on the market. There are buyers out there right now looking for houses. They have been waiting for the market’s bottom, but it seems that their patience may have run out. Some are moving in from out of the area, others have had another child and need more room or some just want to negotiate a good deal while the inventory is high. For househunters, THIS is the time to buy when the owners are still willing to negotiate on price and concessions, there are still plenty of homes to choose from.

Relocation Tips: Make Your Move to the New York City Area Quick and Easy

Ask friends or family to recommend a reputable mover who will handle your valuable furniture and precious possessions with the utmost care. Be sure to schedule your move with a moving company at least six weeks in advance.

Begin gathering packing supplies and start packing early. The last time I moved, I got free boxes from my supermarket.

Notify your landlord or management company at least 4 weeks in advance of your move.

Contact utility companies--water, electricity, gas, cable, and telephone--to terminate your service.

Call your local phone company a month before your move to transfer your number or request a new number for your new home.

Get gas, electric and water services connected at your new residence the day before you move in. Make a request to have services turned off at your old address the day after you move.

Be sure to arrange to have your pets transported safely to your new residence—it’s a good idea to have them travel with you, if possible—this will make the move less stressful for them and you.

Remember to pack bare essentials to tide you and your family over for at least a day such as toiletries, towels, soap, and toothpaste. Sponges cleaners, broom, and a dustpan will make straightening up a breeze! Having a hammer and nails handy will make hanging pictures easy.

A couple of weeks before your move, take the time to explore your new home in the new york area, so you and your family will know where to find the nearest subway and bust stops, grocery stores, dry cleaners, and the post office. Native New Yorkers always know where they're going and are good at finding the fastest way there.

Getting Your Dream Home Made Easy

There is all round development happening in the country and the real estate sector is getting organized day by day. Real estate in India has provided a lucrative platform for the investors to make good money out of their investments.

Housing has always been a problem in India. There are people constantly on the look out for quality residential accommodation. The residential units developed and provided by the government are not sufficient to meet the increasing requirements. The private builders play a very important role in providing the residential properties in India.

This increase in demand for residential properties can be attributed to the huge employment opportunities created by the IT, software and BPO sector. The major population of the employees working in these companies comes from the other parts of the country and is always on the lookout for an appropriate residential accommodation for themselves. Another key factor for the growth of property market is the availability of finance for the development and purchase of properties.

The residential property is either bought for the end use wherein the owner buys the property for his own use or it can even be for the purpose of investment. Buying a residential property has become a good investment option. The landlords are making good profits with the increase in demand for properties. The price appreciation of the property gives much better return than any other investment option. Apart from this, the landlords also enjoy a good rental income. With the increase in demand for residential properties the importance of professional real estate agents has also increased. They are the one who help in searching the right property for a buyer.

Seeing the increase in demand for quality residential properties many reputed developers have invested a lot of money on various projects. We can see a number of new properties being developed all over the country. The boom can be seen not only in the big cities but also in the small and developing cities. Residential apartments, flats and townships are being developed to provide the best of living accommodations for the people. These houses are made keeping in mind the current requirements of the people. With such fast paced development everybody can think of purchasing their dream home in India. The government and builders are developing these residential properties with a view to provide accommodation to all the economic sections of the society. To meet the increasing demand for residential land in India the government is converting the ample lands available in villages close to the developed cities for residential purpose.

Location and the Real Estate Agent

We have all heard that age old axiom that the three most important aspects of real estate are Location Location Location! This is absolutely true since real estate is fixed on a given spot and is influenced by not only where it is, but also what it is and what is around it. But what about choosing a broker or agent to help you buy or sell a property?

Location also applies to the people who market real estate. Unless you live in or are planning to relocate to a very small town, it is questionable whether or not a given agent is really familiar with your neighborhood, the schools that your kids will attend, the crime rates there, and many other considerations. In general, while most agents in the larger cities have access to a large volume of real estate information over a wide area, it is next to impossible for an agent to know everything of importance about every neighborhood and property in the city. There is just too much to know and not enough time.

A competent real estate agent at a minimum should be very familiar with the properties and homes that are on the market in a neighborhood along with what has recently sold. One way they do this is to preview homes for sale by taking tours of open houses. This allows them to know what the interiors of homes are like and what the home has to offer, which enables them to help a buyer find the right property. This also helps an agent to list a home for sale at the right price by understanding the competition. It is not likely that a given agent is going to be able to preview every home for sale all over town because in a large city, this may involve visiting hundreds of homes as opposed to a relative handful in a given neighborhood or part of town. And the agents who work a specific location the most will often have shown many of the homes for sale several times, making them even more knowledgeable about each one. They will know which homes have the offensive wallpaper you do not like or that have the lovely landscaping you do want. They will know which homes are a genuine bargain and which ones are over priced. In other words, the local agent is better prepared to show you the homes that match your needs and desires.

Many real estate agents will select a certain neighborhood or area of town to concentrate their efforts on. This is the area that they will study carefully and is often the area they themselves live in. They will know about the quality of the local schools, availability of shopping, recreational opportunities and other features that a potential buyer is likely to ask about. Sellers want to know that an agent is familiar with the area and is likely to do the best job of marketing for them. The home owner who has added special features or equipment to a home wants to be assured that a listing agent will recognize the benefits of that feature in comparison to other homes currently for sale in the area.

A city like Austin, Texas is part of a large metropolitan area, being surrounded by several adjacent and nearby cities. Each area of town and each suburb has its own cultural, economic and employment profile. It stands to reason that an agent who concentrates on an area in the south side of town is less likely to be completely familiar with a neighborhood in the far north part of town or a north suburban city like Round Rock. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule, but ordinarily a client can expect the best service from the local agent.

These same principles hold for rural and acreage properties. Agents familiar with the ranch land market in one area may not be familiar with farm land or forested land in other areas. By example, if an agent deals in ranch land, he or she is probably going to understand the needs of buyers and sellers with horses, whereas the agent who deals primarily with small, heavily wooded tracts that appeal mostly to residents who desire maximum privacy may not be the right choice to list or recommend a ranch for horses. After all, you don't hire a carpet salesperson to sell your car, so why hire an agent who isn't familiar with your area or your needs?

Down Year for Sacramento Real Estate

The past year, 2006, marked the lowest volume of annual sales since 1999 with less than 47,000 new and existing houses and condominiums sold in the four county Sacramento area according to DataQuick. As reported in a Sacramento Bee story, “'06 housing stats tell a scary tale,” the inventory of available homes has dropped from August 2006 highs but still ended up with just about 11,000 homes on the market in the four county area.

The slowdown or market adjustment in the Sacramento real estate market during the year also brought lower prices and an end to the red hot market that we experienced during the three previous years. Median sales prices were down 7 percent in Sacramento County, 16.9 percent in Placer County and there was a 14.1 percent decline in Yolo County. According to the Bee article some of the price decline can be attributed to new home builders slashing prices to clear inventory.

According to Michael Lyon the president of Trendgraphix, the statistics arm of Lyon Real Estate, “2006 was a great year for buyers and, at the same time, a reality-check for sellers. Overall, prices dropped a minimum of 10% last year and days on the market for homes that have sold now averages above 70 days,” As part of the latest Trendgraphix press release he went on to say, “Sellers on average have to discount 4% below the last sold to make a sale.

Trendgraphix reported sales volume was down 2 percent in December for Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties and 25 percent lower than December 2005. In addition the number of pending sales decreased 6 percent in December compared to November. December inventory is reported to be 10,317 for the three counties, up 28 percent from last year but still down from the July 2006 high of 14,547. Trendgraphix reports the average price per square foot of homes sold in the three counties was $225, a 9 percent drop from last December.

In Sacramento County December sales decreased 4 percent from November and inventory decreased by 13 percent. Pending sales decreased by 4 percent from 942 pending sales in November to 907 pending sales in December. The average price paid per square foot in Sacramento decreased by 1 percent during the month of December to $224.

Investing in Fixer-Upper Homes: Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Win

Buying properties that need some renovation gives you the greatest potential for a high return on your investment. You might see these homes advertised as handyman specials. One reason why fixer upper properties are such great opportunities is their low purchase price. The lower your initial price, the easier it is to make a profit. The need for repairs often gives you an advantage in price negotiations.

There's also a larger potential market of home buyers looking for homes in lower price ranges. Most handyman specials fall into this lower price range. But not many home buyers are interested in doing the repairs themselves. If you can buy a fixer upper at a low price and give it a little TLC (tender loving care), you'll have people lining up to buy when you put it back on the market. Rehabbing - the process of buy, repair, resell - is one of the best ways to start making money quickly.

Accelerate Your Wealth Building

When you buy properties that need fixing up, you can instantly increase your equity just by doing some home repair. This newly created equity in the home can be used to finance your next purchase. As you keep duplicating the process, your wealth building begins to accelerate, and you can build a large property portfolio in a surprisingly short time.

Profit Instantly in Any Market

You can always profit over time by investing in real estate. When market conditions are less favorable, it might take several years to see significant capital gains. However, when you buy and fix-up properties for resale, you can profit instantly regardless of the market. Your repairs add instant value, easily 10 to 30 percent. And if you hold the properties in a growth area, you stand to make even more.

Find a Six-Figure Income

Flipping (buying, fixing up and selling) properties is an activity that truly has the potential to yield a six-figure income. Once you have several properties in your portfolio, it's not very difficult to make more than $100,000 in a year, even when you take selling costs, legal costs and closing costs into account.

Fire Your Boss

With this kind of income potential, you may reach a point where you can move into full-time real estate investing. Even if you don't have money to start out with, you can start with your own home. The increased equity you gain after a quick makeover could finance your first investment. With some desire and motivated action, you could quickly reach your goal of being a full-time investor.

Earn Now or Earn Later

You have a choice to buy, fix up and sell for profit now, or buy, fix up and hold for profit later. And while you're holding the property, you can rent it out for regular income. This allows you to meet current financial needs and prepare for your retirement.

Investing in Fixer-Upper Homes: Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Win

Buying properties that need some renovation gives you the greatest potential for a high return on your investment. You might see these homes advertised as handyman specials. One reason why fixer upper properties are such great opportunities is their low purchase price. The lower your initial price, the easier it is to make a profit. The need for repairs often gives you an advantage in price negotiations.

There's also a larger potential market of home buyers looking for homes in lower price ranges. Most handyman specials fall into this lower price range. But not many home buyers are interested in doing the repairs themselves. If you can buy a fixer upper at a low price and give it a little TLC (tender loving care), you'll have people lining up to buy when you put it back on the market. Rehabbing - the process of buy, repair, resell - is one of the best ways to start making money quickly.

Accelerate Your Wealth Building

When you buy properties that need fixing up, you can instantly increase your equity just by doing some home repair. This newly created equity in the home can be used to finance your next purchase. As you keep duplicating the process, your wealth building begins to accelerate, and you can build a large property portfolio in a surprisingly short time.

Profit Instantly in Any Market

You can always profit over time by investing in real estate. When market conditions are less favorable, it might take several years to see significant capital gains. However, when you buy and fix-up properties for resale, you can profit instantly regardless of the market. Your repairs add instant value, easily 10 to 30 percent. And if you hold the properties in a growth area, you stand to make even more.

Find a Six-Figure Income

Flipping (buying, fixing up and selling) properties is an activity that truly has the potential to yield a six-figure income. Once you have several properties in your portfolio, it's not very difficult to make more than $100,000 in a year, even when you take selling costs, legal costs and closing costs into account.

Fire Your Boss

With this kind of income potential, you may reach a point where you can move into full-time real estate investing. Even if you don't have money to start out with, you can start with your own home. The increased equity you gain after a quick makeover could finance your first investment. With some desire and motivated action, you could quickly reach your goal of being a full-time investor.

Earn Now or Earn Later

You have a choice to buy, fix up and sell for profit now, or buy, fix up and hold for profit later. And while you're holding the property, you can rent it out for regular income. This allows you to meet current financial needs and prepare for your retirement.

Top Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers During the Holidays in 2006

Searching for or selling a home in November or December can be stressful in addition to the built-in holiday frenzy. Simple tips for buyers and sellers can minimize stress and possibly facilitate a sale.

Sellers.

-Consider potential buyers spiritual backgrounds in your market before decorating for a holiday.

-Less is more when decorating a home for the holidays while you are trying to sell. Streamline the amount of holiday specific decorations you display.

-Large over-size Christmas trees and other holiday decorations consume space that might make rooms or landscapes appear smaller.

-Install and remove exterior holiday decorations 2 weeks before and after holiday.

-Turn off lighted holiday decorations before showings, buyers should focus on your home and not your decorations.

-If you are having out-of-town house guests, ask your real estate agent to postpone showings until after your guests depart.

-Display summer photos of home and gardens to inform buyers of the features of the home in other seasons.

-Before showings remove snow, ice and leaves from walkways and driveways. Don't overlook outside entrances to basements, garages, and porches. Pet dropping are a turn-off to buyers.

Buyers.

-You can find motivated sellers at year-end, but don't think they'll give away their home. Do your homework before drafting a real estate contract. Look only at sold comparable's from the last six months.

-Don't be afraid to ask for concessions from sellers. Popular give-backs from sellers to buyers are: property and transfer tax rebates, closing cost credits and paying mortgage points.

-When performing a home inspection in wintry weather, it's easy to forgo adequate roof and air-conditioning condenser reviews. If you can't see or operate a structural or mechanical system, ask for an extension until the weather improves.

-Patience rules at the holidays. Everyone is busy, and if it takes an extra day to view a property, it's not uncommon.

The Boom: Real Estate and Lending

The current worldwide boom in residential real estate prices is "the biggest bubble in history," according to a disturbing new report in the Economist magazine. In spite of the scams, rising prices and other factors visiting the market, there is so much demand running through every individual and business requirement, especially in the United States. It’s never a dormant market globally.

Lending and home purchase…

US real estate market which is one of the largest and the most happening has experienced one of the largest increases in home prices over the past year, with the average cost of a home rising by 12.5 percent. Surprisingly, the trend seems to be the same across several other countries of the world. Other countries have showed gains even higher than the US in the last year, with prices rising by 23.6 percent in South Africa, 19 percent in Hong Kong and over 15 percent in Spain and France.

It’s believed that the global housing market is undergoing correction and no economic recession is anticipated.

Why this global rise?

Mainly because the other forms of investments are turning out to be riskier. Experts say that the trend is expected to continue not in one but in many countries. Whether you are a businessman or an individual with anything else as your profession, there is at some point when you reach out to real estate requirements in the form of land, apartments, residence, villa, commercial place, etc. Owning space in prime localities is a higher investment al together.

Not to say the least, small size companies in the real estate and lending businesses are making hay when the sun shines. Their credibility is questionable and of late the mushrooming of such companies has begun to take shape in the form of regional services that go serving the customized needs of individuals. But what’s their background? And how reliable are they?

Global news on lending, mortgage and real estate

One of the affluent media giants, The Wall Street Journal reports that investors and other mortgage buyers are starting to battle with lenders over taking back loans that borrowers are unable to repay or that contain underwriting errors. This is a reminder to beef up their underwriting criteria.

Another globally relable news source The New York Times reports that mortgage fraud climbed to $1 billion last year from $429 million in 2004, with experts attributing to lenders’ dependence on brokers and appraisers push deals through. The lending industry is being scrutinized for not undertaking more due diligence, considering that it uses numerous means to identify fraudulent loans.

The Velocity of Money; Turbo Charging your Dollars

Turbochargers have revolutionized aviation and auto racing forever; enhancing performance and speed in a way that traditional methods of engine modification had not previously allowed. In finance, greater dollar-for-dollar performance can be achieved by taking advantage of a powerful concept known as the “Velocity of Money,” where each investment dollar is placed in multiple locations at once in order to keep money moving in a personal economy.

“You could think of our velocity of money approach as a method that is similar to putting a turbo charger in your car. When applied to any investment you do, it allows the individual to act as his or her own economy. Once money stops moving in the world, the economy gets into trouble, and so will the individual’s own economy. Ultimately, the key to applying the velocity of money is to understand how the individual can place their investment dollars through something and not simply to something,” explains Bill Lyons, President & CEO of LEI Financial.

Turbochargers with engine applications are used to improve upon the efficiency of an engine by offering a considerable increase in power. Put simply, the turbo fills with air and builds pressure and is released into the motor in a gust. Put in perspective, when velocitizing money, you can witness your finances gaining “pressure” and then being released into your own personal economy with greater gains. By turbo charging your money, you can make the most out of your dollars by generating wealth in a variety of different venues. This all relies on the basis that if velocity is high, then a somewhat small amount of money can fund a large amount of purchases. By placing your investment dollars in multiple areas at one time you are keeping your economy moving and generating a constant flow of funds, just as a turbocharger keeps a vehicle moving at a faster speed than its competitors.

The “Velocity of Money” is a vital facet to the finance world, as it relates to the world economy. The U.S. Federal Reserve uses this model to gauge the condition of our economy. Every bank in America employs the strategy of the “Velocity of Money” in some form or another in their everyday operations. We can see its power put to use everyday at our local banks. When a bank receives your money, they do not just let it sit there to lay idle. Instead they put it into other investments to generate additional funds using the same initial amount, never using money for only one job.

“If an individual puts one dollar in a savings account at a bank, the bank is going to put that dollar in several places in order to use that same dollar to make the bank more money. Why wouldn’t an individual desire to use that same strategy? Ultimately, the key to applying the velocity of money is to understand how the individual can place their personal investment dollars through something and not simply to something,” Lyons says.

The “Velocity of Money” approach to building wealth is a time-tested strategy that has been around for many decades. The term was originally coined by mathematical economist Irving Fisher in the 1930s and refers to the circulation of currency in a given economy. Today, the finance and mortgage coaches at LEI implement this approach into their client’s own individual economies, to generate a consistent and reliable cash flow.

Spain - Still the No.1 Place to Live

Until recently, buying that second home was practically out of reach for most people. Sure, we all dream of owning that summer house 'on the lake', but that's just a fantasy that most of us can only think about.

Yet, in europe, more and more people are looking to the sandy beaches of Spain as the new destination to buy that second home. Spain has all round great temperatures, and the quality of living is perhaps one of the best in the world.

And with prices still reasonably low, it makes it just that little bit more affordable for the rest of us. For example, a beach side apartment can cost you as little as $230, 000. Hardly breaking the bank like a Malibu condo.

Spain also has a very low cost of living with fresh fruit and vegtables a fraction of the cost you could pay elsewhere. Afterall, fish, fruit and vegtables play a major part in the diet of most southern meditereaneans. They do have a higher survival rate than the average American.

Viva Spanish Properties is my company that I run to help provide 'new lifestyle intergration' for those settling in Spain. From real estate to furniture, from schools to retirement, from employment to starting a new business - we provide the various solutions that can start your new life off to a flyer!!

You can find out more about living in Spain by visiting www.vivaspanishproperties.com where you'll learn all about living and buying property. Viva Spanish Properties has a huge search database of spanish properties.

Virtual Online Real Estate - Sell Your Home Easy!

By the time getting ready to sell a property, you ought to almost always have in mind the options of putting on sale a home privately or listing with a real state broker. Naturally, the most value effective would be to sell your home privately, but consider the large number of prospective buyers who don’t want to or don’t have the time to visit every single house. Home plans with virtual tours is the choice!

I am the first to recommend people they have to be able to sell a home privately but, since business is first and time is money, we have to explore any possible options to sale or rent our property at the best bidder.

What would happen if you make an appointment to check a private sale listing the home is not at your liking at all? You would then be face to face with the home seller. It’s annoying when they ask your opinion on the house, if you are interested….and worse…when they ask you: “when do we sign the lease?”

Oh, no! To avoid this, free virtual tour of home saves you the suffering of this. Just by searching on virtual home tours you get long and assorted listings of professional online realtors. They can give you their professional advice –no matter in which state you are located- and thanks to video podcasting you can visit all the lists of properties they have available on their sites.

You save time, money and the face-to-face negotiation we talked about. For instance if you live in Miami and you are planning to move to Las Vegas., imagine how hard would be for you to find the right place without the aid of home selling professionals and the comfortable facility of Las Vegas home virtual tours to check in detail plenty of different houses in just a couple of hours!

Why Mortgage Insurance Can Actually Save You Money

Mortgage insurance provides lenders a form of financial guarantee which protects the lender in cases in which the borrower defaults on a loan. For those looking to buy a home, agreeing to loan terms which include mortgage insurance, increases the purchasing power of the buyer a great deal. Agreeing to buy mortgage insurance allows individuals the opportunity to buy a home with a down payment of only 5%-10%, as opposed to the 20% that is often required when the lender does not have the guarantee of mortgage insurance.

Buyers typically purchase and pay for mortgage insurance in three different ways. These ways include paying in annuals, monthly premiums, or singles. We are going to take a closer look at the available mortgage insurance payment options below:

1.) Annuals: The annuals payment option allows the lender to collect the first year’s premium at closing and then all subsequent payments are made on a monthly basis.

2.) Monthly Premiums: This payment option requires the buyer to only pay for one month at closing and all remaining payments are then made on a monthly basis.

3.) Singles: The singles payment option requires the buyer to make a one-time single payment that is typically financed as part of the mortgage amount.

Mortgage insurance ensures the lender is covered in cases in which the borrower can no longer pay the loan and defaults on it. It is also a powerful bargaining tool for potential borrowers who are unable to come up with a large down payment. Offering to pay mortgage insurance can decrease the amount of ones’ down payment by 10% to 15%. But it is important to note that mortgage insurance does not have to be paid forever. After a certain period of time and when certain conditions are met, mortgage insurance is no longer required to be carried on the mortgage.

A Guide to Benidorm Property

Benidorm property has become very popular in recent years. People from all over Europe have been purchasing property here. Some purchase a second home for their own use. Others purchase property as an investment and rent it out when not in use.

Finding Benidorm Property

You can research properties on the internet, prior to visiting the area. Real estate websites are a good resource for viewing properties. You can look at descriptions and pictures of the properties for sale. This will give you an idea of what is out there and the prices for real estate in the area.

You will want to make several visits to the area to determine the areas where you want to live. Rent properties in a different area each time you visit. This will give you some insight into the area. You will get the opportunity to see the area in the day and at night. Talk to some of the neighbours and spend time exploring the area.

Set a budget for your purchase. How much can you afford to spend? Be sure you can afford the payments, taxes and any other expenses. Even if you plan to rent the property for part of the year, be sure you can afford the payments without this income. In many cases, you will be using your primary residence as collateral on the loan. Be sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

When you are ready to view properties in person, contact a real estate agent. You want someone who is experienced and reputable. If you don’t speak Spanish, look for a bilingual agent. This will make communication easier. Make an appointment with the agent to visit properties on your next trip to Benidorm.

Once you have chosen where you want to live, hire a lawyer to help you. An attorney is helpful for looking out for your interests. You will want someone to look over real estate contracts and mortgage papers. The opinion of an experienced attorney can be very valuable and save you money and headaches.

An attorney in Spain will be familiar with Spanish laws regarding real estate and mortgages. He can explain these laws to you. Look for a bilingual lawyer if you don’t speak Spanish. He will be able to translate information for you so you understand what you are getting into. You will be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the contract as well as the loan.

Will You Live in or Rent Your Benidorm Property?

Consider whether the property will be for your own use or if you will rent it for part of the year. This may influence your decision on where to buy. If you plan to use the property primarily as a rental, you will want to look in more popular tourist areas. This will make the property more attractive to prospective renters.

The Costa Blanca is very busy in the summer months. Rentals tend to get booked well in advance, as much as six months in advance. In the busier tourist areas, you can get a really good price for renting your property. However, the area can get congested at this time. If you are planning to rent the home, you may want this.