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.

Wilmington NC in the News Again

Wilmington NC is ranked in the top ten in the United States for real estate investment according to CNN Money, with projected gain in home prices of 37% over a 5 year period.

I believe that the news about our forecasted real estate market is timely because consumers are recognizing that home sales are stabilizing. Sellers have adjusted their prices accordingly. We are in a buyers market now and it's a great time to invest in Wilmington real estate.

According to OFHEO the Wilmington Metropolitan statistical area (MSA) which includes New Hanover, Pender & Brunswick counties, ranked 16th in the country in annualized appreciation of 22.05%. The five year rate (2001-2006) was a very respectable 62.58%. This is a solid indication of how homes in our area have appreciated.

If you are looking to retire, invest or relocate, you've found just the right place to call home.

Wilmington is nestled between some of the most pristine beaches on the East Coast and the Cape Fear River. The region encompasses Wilmington, Historic Downtown, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. The area's many miles of coastline, rivers and sounds offer a wide variety of fishing, water sports, boating activities, and quite a few harbors, marinas and yacht clubs are available. Recreational opportunities abound in the area including golf courses that are playable year round. Wilmington offers mild climate and relatively inexpensive cost of living, which make it popular with retirees and second home vacationers.

The Cape Fear coast is rich in history and folklore and known for its natural beauty, nautical legacy and Southern hospitality.

Wilmington and the Cape Fear region has it all, whether you are looking for relocation, retirement, second homes, real estate investment opportunities, or development opportunities.

Real Estate Transfer Taxes Overlooked Sale or Purchase Expense

A real estate transfer tax is a one-time tax paid at the closing of a property, and is considered a stream of revenue for state budgets. This transfer tax though, once collected is not generally used for housing-related purposes. The tax is based on the value of a property as agreed to by the parties in a real estate contract.

In the excitement of selling or buying a home, often the real estate transfer tax cost is overlooked. Depending on locale, either the buyer or seller pays the tax at closing or escrow, but beware in New Hampshire both the buyer and seller pay, half of 1.5%!. In some states it can be a formidable amount, you should be prepared for what the transfer taxes will be, and who pays them, before you start a home search or list your home for-sale.

The good news is, thirteen states don't have a real estate property tax. They are: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

The bad news is that the remaining thirty-seven states and The District of Columbia charge taxes on the transfer of a property. The tax is only levied once when a property is exchanged between parties, unlike general property taxes which are paid annually and are based on the assessed value. Real estate transfer taxes range from a low of .01% in Colorado to a high of 1.28% in Washington state.

Variations on transfer taxes include; in Arizona only charges a tax on deeds. However Alabama and Florida charge on deeds and mortgages. To avoid financial surprises, inquire early as to who pays (buyer or seller) and how much transfer taxes will be. Some states dictate who pays the tax, and some just want the tax paid. This cost can typically be negotiated between the parties. Consult an experienced real estate attorney.

Covenants, Easements, Eminent Domain and Restrictions in Real Estate

Owning property and it's legislated bundle of legal rights can become complex when you aren't aware when your rights are being violated. Once a property survey is done, it might include easements and encroachments which might affect the value of your property. Or, if you're purchasing a home in a Homeowners Association (HOA), you will be presented with the covenants and restrictions, and most deeds carry covenants on animals and other non-residential uses, make sure you read them carefully. Eminent domain has been a hot topic in 2006, as the Federal Courts have ruled in a new direction that has wide implications for homeowners across the nation.

Covenants. Is an agreement contained in a deed or Homeowners Association to limit or deny certain uses such as barnyard animals, industrial noise or waste. In HOA's covenants can eliminate motor homes or dictate that garbage cans are hidden from view.

Easements. A right given and assigned to a specific third party to use land for a specific function. Most properties grant easements to utility companies for water, sewer, cable, power and telephone lines. You can also give a neighbor an easement for their driveway to run over your property if theirs is land-locked. Many resort subdivisions grant easements to lake front beaches to homeowners who do not have lake frontage.

Eminent Domain.The power of local, county, state or U.S. Government to condemn and purchase at current market value a property to be used for public use; such as a road, school or hospital. Recent rulings have changed this to include "the highest and best use" for a property, including purchasing a single-family home for re-development as condominiums.

Restrictions. Similar to covenants in that they restrict fence heights or the number of cars you can park overnight outside a garage, the number and type of pets in a HOA or the style and color of alterations to your home.

Real Estate and Your Retirement

Many people are looking for ways to increase their retirement income. For most of these individuals, their homes are the greatest asset. A large section of the aging population has failed to plan effectively in order to have sufficient savings at retirement. They now are looking to their real estate to supplement their retirement income.

Real estate values are very unpredictable, especially now with the decrease in the real estate bubble. Prices are falling in some cities and flattening in others. It will take some planning to get the most from selling your real estate to supplement your retirement.

Be Realistic. To plan effectively, you must be realistic about the price you may get for your home. Real estate is an up and down market, so you should assume a traditional real estate market for valuating your home, with gains in value equal to the inflation rate. At retirement, you will have the same purchasing power you currently have. If gains in real estate values are better than the inflation rate, then you will have more. Just don’t count on it.

Get the Most from Your Real Estate. People used to work hard to pay off their mortgages for homes they planned to raise their children in and retire. Since 1989, the number of people 65 and older with mortgage debt has nearly tripled, adjusting for inflation. Making payments on real estate in retirement years will deplete your savings and retirement income faster than any other expenditure.

There are three reasons to pay off your real estate mortgage — (1) decrease expenditures in your retirement years, (2) use the mortgage interest rate that you will save to increase your retirement savings, and (3) build more equity, in case you need it as income on which to live later. Paying off your mortgage is a good thing to do, regardless of what the real estate market is doing.

Downsize Your Home. If you are living in a home that is larger than what you need, do not hold on to it for sentimental reasons. Selling the larger home for a smaller one can: (1) give you a smaller mortgage payment than you currently have, or (2) purchase a smaller home outright with no mortgage. It also means less physical upkeep by you, as well as less maintenance and repair costs in the future during retirement. Please keep in mind that there will be selling, moving and new home renovation costs that must be deducted from the sale proceeds.

Sell the Extra Real Estate. If you have a second home or vacation real estate that will not be your retirement residence, you may wish to sell this extra real estate now, putting the sale proceeds into your retirement savings. You can put the mortgage and annual upkeep payments for this property into your retirement savings, too.

Reverse Mortgages. Though these products have been around for some time, we are hearing a lot about them lately. Such mortgages give you 50 percent or more of your home’s value with no mortgage payments, which are collected by the lender at your death or if you sell the real estate.

6 Tips To Buy Cheap Repossessed Homes At Government Auctions

Buying homes at foreclosures and auctions sponsored by the US national and several local governments is the in-thing when shopping for existing homes nowadays.

There are more and more people who are preferring to buy existing homes nowadays because constructing and investing to build homes would most often be troublesome considering the current labor costs and rising prices of raw materials.

Here are some useful, practical and logical tips that could help you get pull out cheap buys and deals when buying homes at US government-sponsored foreclosure and auctions.

1. Clearly define and set your preferences and style before going to the government foreclosure. This would save you the time and prevent you from wasting time looking out unnecessarily at homes, which at the first place would not meet your standards.

2. Inspect the home you are setting your eyes at and make it a thorough one. Check out for any defects or damages on the interior as well as the interiors. Check out for non-performing house furniture and old-aged amenities. Finding defects, be it small or major, could entitle you to huge discounts and mark downs.

3. Lodge a practical and low tender. Other bidders might bid higher, but you can still try to outbid them. Starting at cheap and low bids would make up for a great auction start, don’t you think?

4. Seek an expert or professional advice when buying repossessed homes at government foreclosure. Cheap homes can never be that cheap, or expensive ones must be priced cheaply, for all you know. Experts know best about the valuation of such homes.

Unraveling Real Estate Jargon

Homeowners have a seemingly insatiable appetite for information about the housing markets. "Are prices going up? How's the market? Is now a good time to sell?" they ask. Research reports and newspaper articles provide useful answers, but the information is usually buried in economic jargon. What is a "median price" anyway? What does "seasonally adjusted" mean? Does anyone understand "unsold inventory index?"

To help you follow the numbers, here are some helpful definitions:

Median price. An oft-cited indicator of the strength and direction of a housing market, a median price is the midpoint of all the prices of homes sold in a given area during a specified period. Midpoint means half the homes sold for higher prices and half the homes sold for lower prices. The median isn't the same as the average, which would be calculated by totaling all the prices and dividing by the number of prices. The median price can be affected over time by the characteristics and sizes of homes sold as well as price trends. For example, if the market shifts from starter homes to luxury mansions, the median price will increase even if homes are not appreciating in value.

Seasonally adjusted. Housing markets are naturally more active in the spring and summer months because people prefer to move during the longer warmer days and between school years. That pattern means it's difficult to make meaningful comparisons between results for different months or quarters of the same year. To overcome this hazard, economists statistically tweak the reported number of homes sold during various periods to reflect seasonal variations. The tweaked numbers are denoted as "seasonally adjusted."

Price discount. The "price discount" is the percentage difference between the seller's initial asking price and the actual purchase price of the same home. For example, if a home were priced at $200,000 and sold for $190,000, the discount would be 5 percent. Price discounts are usually reported as an average for a set of home sale transactions. A small percentage, on average, means the market favors sellers, while a large average discount signals a buyer's market. Unsold inventory index. This index, which indicates the pace of the market, is calculated by measuring how long it would take for all the homes currently on the market to be sold at the current rate of sales. A smaller index is a positive sign for sellers, while a higher number is good news for buyers.

Florida Housing Market: Optimistic Perspectives Of Local Homeowners

The interesting facet of the result reveals that the views of home owners across Florida are split about whether the year 2006 is a good or bad time to purchase Florida real estate (amounting to 42 % for both views). However, by examining samples for select regions such as Sarasota County (53 %), West Palm Beach (49 %), and Orlando (43 %), statistics reveal a slightly higher chance to believe that now is a good time to buy a home as compared to regions like Tampa (42 %), Broward County (39 %), and Miami-Dade (34 %).

Nonetheless, hurricanes still linger within the minds of home owners. Nearly half of all respondents (47 %) said that they have apprehensions about being hit by a storm. Another 16 % of the respondents mention the impact of a housing bubble as their biggest worry, and even fewer cite escalating mortgage interest rates (13 %), devaluating home prices (5 %), or becoming the victim of real estate scam (1 %) as their biggest real estate anxiety in Florida. What is surprising about these figures is that Florida home owners do not rank high in terms of the concern of being the victim of real estate fraud, especially for the fact that Florida was recently branded as the top state across the nation with regards to prevalence of mortgage frauds.

The survey also reveals that the most confusing part of purchasing a property in the Florida housing market is the understanding real estate laws, which is evident in 41 % of the respondents citing such. In point of fact, about a third of Florida home owners found that understanding Florida real estate law is extremely confusing. Other aspects in the process of buying Florida real estate that are considered confusing includes understanding settlement/closing process with 24 % of the respondents saying that it is extremely confusing.

Make Money with Real Estate - Government Home Seized

Do you want to learn how to make money with real estate? Have you always thought that you had to have a ton of money to start buying and selling real estate? Are you struggling to make an income and want a better way?

I am here to show you how to use government home seized real estate listings to make a ton of cash. Yes, you will need some start up capital or a little bit of credit, but you don’t need much of either. You see, in most cases, the government has become desperate to unload the homes they have seized.

This is a GREAT thing for you. This means that the price is going to be very low and they will be much more lenient on credit and down payment. I have even seen circumstances where homes go for under $2,500 with less than $100 down. That is insane.

Now the above example does not happen too often, but there are many homes for sale at 10% or less of their value. All you have to do is obtain one of these properties and you are set.

Once you get one of them, you can refinance the mortgage on this property and get cash out to buy another property. You can also sell this property to earn cash for your next deal. It just depends on how quickly you want to grow your business and how hot the property is on the market.

Confessions of a Real Estate Agent

So You Want to Be a Real Estate Agent?

There's the persistent myth that the real estate business is an instant money-generating, easy treasure trove. Well, it is, but with hard work, patience, and best of luck.

For the newbie in the business, though, real estate can be a thorny, if not downright frustrating venture. It's basically a gamble; profits will come rushing in only after one or two years down the road. After all, you are just establishing yourself and building your name and credentials. Add to this the fact that you're up against more cutthroat veterans.

In the meantime, there's always the temptation to regret the day you traded your regular and stable job at the office for the more unpredictable, often heartbreaking real estate bubble. Times like this, you have to focus on the future benefits, not the present drawbacks.

Lose some, lose some.

As everything changes along with technology, so does real estate. You'll still need your pen and paper of course, but it would be heaps easier if you armed yourself with a PC or a laptop and a fast internet connection. Now, more than ever, information on current real estate trends and marketplace behavior is available, so take advantage of all that. Knowledge is power, so goes the cliché.

Real estate is all about making connections. Not necessarily the right connections; any connection is good and will come in handy in the future. Any tip, juicy scoops, or new finds in the business is always appreciated, and that’s what connections are for. The point is, in the real estate business, people skills is a virtue always worth honing.

Win some, lose some.

Partnering with someone is a good way to get started especially if you don't have enough money to lay on the table. Your partner will be the one to worry about the finances, while you do the legwork (scouting properties, looking for buyers, touring them around, etc). And then you split the profits between yourselves depending on the agreed percentage. A commission of twenty percent may not exactly be top-notch cash, but what you're really after—since you're just starting—is learning the ropes of the trade.

The Fizzling Real Estate Boom

The last five or six years have been some of the best in real estate for a long, long time. There is little doubt those days are over, but what does this mean to you?

The Fizzling Real Estate Boom

For the last few years, we have seen an incredible surge in the real estate market. While some states such as Texas and Colorado missed out, most states showed hyper appreciation and sales rates. The combination of incredibly low interest rates and a solid economy created a frenzy in the market. This frenzy led to such amazing situations as homes in Las Vegas appreciating at rates of over 25 percent in a single year. A single year!

As with a bubble you might blow from gum, the good times had to come to an end. Recent reports from various credible sources show the real estate market slowing down. In many places, it is actually showing a reverse trend where home values are dropping instead of just slowing down. As a homeowner, what does this mean to you?

Real Estate Referrals

Are you a Real Estate Agent? Do you offer Referral commissions to other Agents. You could be missing out on a great source of free leads.

There is big business in real estate leads. Some companies charge thousands to real estate agents for quality leads. Why buy leads when you can generate them yourself through referrals.

Leads are leads at the end of the day. You can pay a lot of money for a lead, but it will not guarantee that you will close a sale. Referrals on the other hand are different. A referral is much more likely to turn into a sale because generally its a more qualified lead. Usually referrals come about when a client has contacted an Agent (maybe through recommendation) for a particular type of property in a particular area. If the agent does not have a suitable property to offer the client they can do one of three things. They can either let the client walk away (and maybe the client will find a suitable property through another Agent). They can try and sell the client something that they do not want (never a good idea that). Or they can refer the client to another Agent who does have a suitable property, and receive a percentage of the Agents commission if the client buys the property. Referrals can be a great way of generating free qualified leads, that you only have to pay for if they turn into a sale. On the other hand they can be a great way of earning sales commissions for very little work. In my experience referrals are something that every Agent needs to be involved in at some level. Many Agents base their entire business around generating and supplying referrals.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

Royalty trusts, in Finance, are classic flow-through investments vehicles. The trust, like a mutual fund, holds a portfolio of assets, which can be anything from producing oil and gas wells to power generating stations to interests in land. The net cash flow, i.e. the total cash flow minus revenues, is passed on to the unit-holders as distribution.

The purpose of a Real Estate Investment Trusts is to reduce or eliminate corporate income taxes. In the United States, where they are generally more widespread as investment vehicles, Real Estate Investment Trusts pay little or no federal income tax but are subject to a number of special requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code, one of which is the requirement to distribute annually at least 90 percent of their taxable income in the form of dividends to shareholders.

Real Estate Investment Trusts are, therefore, a special type of royalty trust. They specialize in real property, anything from office buildings to long-term care facilities. For illiquid assets like real estate, closed-end funds of this type make good sense. Open-end or ‘mutual' real estate funds are subject to new money and redemption problems, entirely absent in closed-end trusts. The first Real Estate Investment Trust was introduced in the United States in 1960. The vehicle was designed to facilitate investments in large-scale income-producing real estate by smaller investors. The US model was simple, enabling small investors to acquire equity interests in vehicles holding large-scale commercial property.

But the birth of Real Estate Investments Trusts as a mass investment vehicle can be traced directly to the liquidity crisis encountered by open-end real estate mutual funds all the way back to 1991-92, during the slowdown of real estate that characterized those years. Faced with redemption demands on the part of unit-holders, real estate mutual funds were presented with the unpalatable option of selling valuable real properties into a distressed market to raise cash. Many of them, therefore, chose to close off redemptions and converted into Real Estate Investment Trusts, since then most commonly known as REIT's. Only a few open-end real estate mutual funds continue to own real estate directly. Most now invest in shares of real estate-related companies.

The typical REIT usually distributes about 85 to 95 percent of its income (rental income from properties) to the shareholders, usually on a quarterly basis. This income gets a special tax break, because REIT's shareholders are entitled to a deduction for the pro-rata share of capital cost allowance (depreciation on the real properties). As a result, a high percentage of the distributions are normally tax-deferred. However, the amount will vary from year to year and will differ depending on the particular REIT.

As with royalty trust, the value of tax-deferred income will reduce the adjusted cost base of the shares owned. For example, if an investor purchases 1,000 units at $15.50 per unit, receives $3,000 ($3.00 per share) in aggregate tax-deferred distribution over time, and the sells the shares for $17.50 each, the capital gain will be calculated as follows:

[1,000 x ($17.50 - $15.50 + $3.00)] = $5,000 before adjustments for commissions. In Canada, this gain will be subjected to capital gain treatment, so only 50 percent or $2,500 will be included in income and taxed accordingly. In fact, Canada allows preferential tax treatment to REIT's by making them RRSP-eligible and by not considering them foreign property (which would taxed at a higher rate), so long as the real estate portfolio does not contain non-Canadian property in excess of the allowable limit.

REIT's yields and the market price of units tend to be strongly influenced by interest rates movements. As rates drop, prices of REIT's rise thus causing yields to drop. On the other hand, when interest rates rise, prices of REIT's drop thus causing yields to rise.

For example, when interest rates were pushed up by both the Federal Reserve Board and the Bank of Canada all the way back in 2000, the typical REIT was yielding close to 14 percent as prices per share fell. When interest rates subsequently dropped, yields fell to less than 10 percent as demand for REIT's increased thus pushing share prices higher.

This is a very important consideration to be kept in mind when investing or otherwise trading units involving this type of trusts. If interest rates appear to be poised to rise, investors may want to defer purchases, and those who own this type of shares already may consider reducing their exposure by selling and take in some profit.

There are typically two catches with REIT's. The first is that since investors are ‘unit-holders' rather than shareholders, they are potentially jointly and severally liable together with all other unit-holders (plus the trust itself) in the eventuality of insolvency. Instead of limited liability, investors rely on the REIT's management to have property, casualty and liability insurance, prudent lending policies and other reasonable safeguards in place. Nevertheless there is always the possibility of a problem - say a catastrophic fire or a building collapse - that is not covered by insurance. This may have seemed like a very small matter prior to the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. Since then, however, it is something that has to be taken seriously.

Panama Real Estate Market

Panama has been the center of attention of late for not only its growing tourism sector and international banking hub, but most notably its real estate boom. Panama is in the midst of a real estate gold rush right now, and it seems like everyone and their cousin is out panning.

Today’s Panamanian economy is growing more than 6% annually with the possibility of exceeding 7% in 2006 according to The Latin Business Chronicle (9-19-2006). Additionally, the IMF has said that Panama is set to grow more than any other country in Latin America next year. With speculations like these, it becomes clear why people, the world over, are migrating to Panama to invest their money.

Arrive today in Panama and you’ll see masses of cranes in use, building projects in the heart of Panama City as well as along the coast. Donald Trump recently decided to get in on the action by stamping his name on a project that’s now being touted as the finest luxury condo building in the continent. Located near the high-end Multiplaza mall and Johns Hopkins hospital (the first outside of the USA), Trump’s neighborhood appears to be getting all the attention it deserves.

The development isn’t limited to the city though. Just one hour outside the city sits Coronado and its surrounding towns, where beach condominiums, residential communities and all-inclusive resorts nudge right up against the quiet beaches of the Pacific. Further West sits Boquete, and their northern neighbor Bocas del Toro where real estate has taken off like a bottle rocket.

3 Tips To Buy Cheap Government Seized Houses

Countless assets owned by private entities are being seized by the government every single day. These assets range from cars to boats and furniture to homes.

Among these things, nothing has more value than government seized houses. Almost all the other items depreciate in value; unlike government seized houses which actually increase in market price over a period of time. It is therefore a good idea to include government seized houses in one's options in buying a home.

Buying government seized houses is advisable not only to people who want to acquire a home, but to people who want to make good money out of reselling houses.

Here are some tips that can help you in finding your ideal home among the numerous government seized houses out there.

1. Consult The Experts

Always consult with an accredited licensed real estate broker when you are planning to buy from the many government seized houses. While you certainly have to incur commission expenses if you make use of their expertise, the good thing is you will have a worry free purchasing transaction.

Besides, the total acquisition cost of government seized houses including the broker's commission is still not that huge when compared to buying a new house.

2. Seeing Is Believing

Check out the government seized houses that are on your list. Remember that government seized houses are sold at bargain-based prices because the government does not normally repair or renovate them before being floated in the market.

Location, location, location

What’s the first thing you look at when searching for an attractive residential investment property? Do you look at the exteriors of the house since it’s the first thing potential buyers ever see, with a keen eye on impressive landscaping, manicured lawns, a fancy gazebo and an impressive outside fireplace? Or do you look for the house with the most impressive interiors, particularly the one with the best living room, kitchen, bathrooms and master bedroom? Or do you fancy yourself to be a cost-effective investor who searches for a potential dream house but one that is sold at the most affordable price?

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a piece of property for your own personal use or for investment purposes. Location is where you begin. The following is a checklist of basic questions when searching for the ideal location.

1. How is the local community, town or city? Is it safe? Are there nearby places that can meet your basic requirements such as a supermarket, schools, gas stations, hospitals or clinics, church, dry cleaners? Do the schools have a high standard of education? Are they overcrowded? Would you feel secure having your kids playing in front of the house? How is access to local highways, major traffic routes, and mass transit services?

2. Is it economically stable? Are the businesses in the area flourishing? Is there a good mix of commercial and business districts? Are there enough business endeavors to provide ample job opportunities?

Make a Few Changes in Your Real Estate Business Model & Create a Quantum Leap in Your Closing Ratio

Real Estate Professionals-Embrace Change as an Opportunity

Did you realize that new technology is making it possible for you to do business at a level of sophistication, impossible to reach in just a few years ago?

To get an idea of how much more value you could be providing for your clients, please ask yourself the following questions:

* What would happen to my business if I could find a way to have more control over the loan process and see it through to completion each and every time and never miss a loan commitment deadline or closing?
* What if, by the virtue of creating a strategic alliance with a team, I could close more sales and increase my income?
* What if, I could have control over how mortgages are priced for my clients?
* What if, I could also get quality referrals from some of those clients that I am not closing now and get more referrals from my present clientele, because they were even more satisfied with my service?
* Working with your team would be like having my own Mortgage Company just as some Real Estate Companies and Managing Brokers already have, but without the hassles and added expense they experience?

Here is what one of our Strategic Alliance’s client had to say: "I have chosen to take on the mortgage business as a serious part of my real estate business for a few reasons. I have worked with Steve Toth in the past and trust his ability and judgment. I can see the financial potential of offering mortgages to my clients who already trust in me and depend on my services. Having control over such an important part of a real estate transaction gives me a lot more confidence" -Jared Faris-Realtor Keller Williams Realty

* What if, you could work with industry leading mortgage professionals using a consultative and solution oriented process to ensure that you and your clients are comfortable with the entire process from initial pre-qualification to the closing and servicing of their loan?
* What if, your team was a direct lender, offering enhanced control over the various stages of the mortgage process and maintained on-site control of Processing, Underwriting, Document Preparation and Funding?
* What if, your team understood that not every borrower fits into the traditional banker’s box and they had a keen focus on alternative loan products and help you convert more of your existing prospects into clients and closed transactions?

Growing up is Optional

A recent poll in England on people approaching retirement age revealed that over 50% were considering retiring to a warmer country. Spain was by far the first choice of destinations. Economics were the first reasons cited, with climate and pace of life following.

There is no way to identify from initial enquiries what age the person is, but not too much land, easy access to shops as requirements are good indicators, plus the “old give away” better spelling and formal use of grammar in emails! I am still often surprised by them when we finally meet in the office. Most of them are very positive and well informed on the implications of their move, with knowledge of the systems for retiring here ie pensions and health care issues. Some comments made by this group once they have settle, are lovely ……………

He was easier to live with, when he was out to work all day

I see more of my children and grandchildren since moving here!

I always wanted time for a hobby, now I have so many hobbies it’s like full time work again (was this comment a moan or bragging?).

It’s true, the more you have to do the more you achieve (well not in this office!)

The days in Spain are so much shorter. (This comment still makes me smile.)

What does it feel like being retired in Spain? (I will let them know in a good few years, a quick look in the mirror confirms a tired look, must get an early night!)

When I was in my late teens an elderly French woman living opposite my flat befriended me. Softly spoken, very independent and proud she invited me into her home. I was fascinated with her life story and wisdom. On the subject of age her accented voice I can still hear. “Don’t dust the mirrors too often”; “soft lighting will put you and your guests at ease.” “If there is nothing to laugh about use your memory to go back to a funny moment”. “Don’t stop eating what you like as you get older; be grateful you have the choice”. “Worry not about tomorrow, just hope that it comes”. There were many pearls of wisdom this eighty something lady offered me. Less than a quarter of her age, I did not understand their importance but her most often used line was, live each day with the person you love as though it is the last one you will have together. As I get older I see that time is precious, this point has started to be relevant. So all those things I have always wanted to do I plan to achieve soon, as later may just be too late!

Passport to Integration

Yes we need the passport to travel and most of us use it as a form of ID once we first settle here, but the passport I am referring to is not paper. With more and more families with young children relocating in this area they are the ones with the special passport.

Children are treasured here as they are perceived as the future of this country. With a falling birth rate, Spain welcomes families with open arms. Children integrate fast especially if they are under ten years old. The change of language and culture does not seem to faze them.

Once the young ones join the local school, the invites and involvement in community events start. The children are the reason on both cultural sides, all benefit from this liaison, not only in language but broadness of understanding. Children are the common link and from the friendships they form at school their parents are absorbed speedily into the Catalan way of life.

As an estate agent, I cannot answer, the often anxious questions from parents about how their children will cope with the changes. I cite the families I know and how they have integrated, make a few phone calls and introduce them to others who have already settled here. These families are the people I admire the most, their firm belief in making the change in location to benefit the family is only matched by the speed in which their children help the parents integrate. I wish I had moved here years ago with our daughter and given her the multicultural advantage these children have.

We live in a village but work in the city of Tortosa, the positive changes and attitudes have surprised us over the last few years. With courage the little tots come and say “hello” often with the praise from the adult accompanying them. On a daily basis I get purloined in shops and cafes by all generations wanting to practise their English language skills. With their enthusiasm it is not always easy to stop them and get the exchange balanced, how many of us have got a Catalan or Spanish phase rehearsed only to have the response returned in English. But we keep trying if only to amuse, also the follow incident which happened last year still makes me smile.

Make a Few Changes in Your Real Estate Business Model & Create a Quantum Leap in Your Closing Ratio

Did you realize that new technology is making it possible for you to do business at a level of sophistication, impossible to reach in just a few years ago?

To get an idea of how much more value you could be providing for your clients, please ask yourself the following questions:

* What would happen to my business if I could find a way to have more control over the loan process and see it through to completion each and every time and never miss a loan commitment deadline or closing?
* What if, by the virtue of creating a strategic alliance with a team, I could close more sales and increase my income?
* What if, I could have control over how mortgages are priced for my clients?
* What if, I could also get quality referrals from some of those clients that I am not closing now and get more referrals from my present clientele, because they were even more satisfied with my service?
* Working with your team would be like having my own Mortgage Company just as some Real Estate Companies and Managing Brokers already have, but without the hassles and added expense they experience?

Here is what one of our Strategic Alliance’s client had to say: "I have chosen to take on the mortgage business as a serious part of my real estate business for a few reasons. I have worked with Steve Toth in the past and trust his ability and judgment. I can see the financial potential of offering mortgages to my clients who already trust in me and depend on my services. Having control over such an important part of a real estate transaction gives me a lot more confidence" -Jared Faris-Realtor Keller Williams Realty

* What if, you could work with industry leading mortgage professionals using a consultative and solution oriented process to ensure that you and your clients are comfortable with the entire process from initial pre-qualification to the closing and servicing of their loan?
* What if, your team was a direct lender, offering enhanced control over the various stages of the mortgage process and maintained on-site control of Processing, Underwriting, Document Preparation and Funding?
* What if, your team understood that not every borrower fits into the traditional banker’s box and they had a keen focus on alternative loan products and help you convert more of your existing prospects into clients and closed transactions?