The Real Estate Market Currently Has A Balance Of Buyer Demand And Seller Supply

Writen by Monte Helme

For the first time in eight years, the overall U.S. real estate market is experiencing a rare balance between home buyer demand and home seller supply, according to the latest "Current Market Conditions" quarterly survey.

Only 45% of respondents reported more buyers than sellers, compared to a 61%-39% ratio six months ago. Thirty-one percent reported more sellers than buyers; the remaining 24% said their markets are almost evenly divided. In the South, the Midwest, the Northeast and in California, the buyer-seller ratio closely matches the national figures.

National survey results from real estate agents in 47 states mirrors the latest monthly sales activity reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which estimated the nation's supply of unsold homes for sale at 5.3 months for both January and February. An inventory of 5.5 to 6.0 months is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers.

"The last time we experienced a balanced housing market was in January, 1998, when we had a 6.4 month supply of unsold homes," said Walt Molony, a NAR spokesperson. "The record for the lowest inventory was in January of 2005, when we reported a 3.7 month supply."

There are exceptions to the latest balanced housing market reports – most notably in many Western States and Alaska, where buyers still outnumber sellers by a substantial margin – but overall results indicate an orderly transition to more normal housing markets. This appears to be the beginning of the 'soft landing' many economists are predicting for homes for sales and certainly good news for both consumers and Realtors after five years of market imbalance.

The National survey in the first quarter of 2006 also found:

• It's taking longer to sell a home in most markets, and the trend is up. Fifty-five percent of respondents said it is now taking more than 60 days, on average, from listing to sale. Three months ago, only 30% said it was taking more than 60 days.
• Seventy-five percent of sellers are still getting at least 95% of their asking prices. Only seven percent say they are still getting more than 100%.
• Home appreciation in the past 12 months is holding firm at about 10%. The trend is moving toward single-digit appreciation, however. Fifty-four percent reported five percent or less, 20% said five to 10%, and 26% said 10% or more.
• Eighty-one percent reported a good supply of unsold homes in virtually all price ranges, with inventories steadily growing.
• Multiple offers dropped from 70% a year ago to 39% in the first quarter of 2006 as demand for unsold homes decreased in many markets.
• Move-up and repeat buyers outnumber first-time buyers by a two-to-one margin in most parts of the country. The margin is three-to-one margin in California and the South. The national two-to-one ratio has remained constant in the past three to five years despite rapid run-ups in home appreciation.

Thomas M. Stevens, NAR president, noted: "Housing is simply returning to a normal market. We're still seeing double digit annual price gains but we should get down to single digit appreciation fairly soon." Nationally, sales of existing homes rose in February following a five-month decline. The national median home price for all housing types was $209,000 in February, up 10.6% from $189,000 a year ago.

Current Market Conditions responses closely reflect local economic news and population growth.

For example, Neil Kalinski of Diamond GMAC, exclusive agent for Tempe, AZ, said move-up buyers are driving his market. Median home price is $260,000, up 25-30% in the past year. He reports more buyers than sellers in this growing suburban Phoenix community and home campus for Arizona State University. Time on the market is 30 days or less, with sellers usually getting 100% or more of asking prices. "Overall, our market has slowed somewhat. Prices are starting to level off, which should be good for both buyers and sellers."

Helena Talbot of Talbot and Company, exclusive agent for Leesburg, Sterling, Ashburn and Dulles, VA, reported more sellers than buyers and a median price of $400,000. Average time on the market from listing to contract is 90-120 days. Most sellers are getting at least 95% of asking prices. "Our greatest activity is coming from move-up buyers," Talbot said. "Average price appreciation is up 10% to 15% in the past year."

Saralou Durham of RE/MAX Preferred Group, exclusive agent for Montgomery, Anderson Township, Hyde Park and Mt. Adams in the Cincinnati metro area in Ohio, reported a 50-50 market between buyers and sellers. Average time on the market is 60-90 days. Sellers are getting at least 95% of asking prices, she said. Median home prices range from $181,750 to $397,500. "Exciting changes continue in Mt. Adams, meeting the needs of both young professionals and empty nesters." She stressed the proximity to downtown business and shopping and the quality of schools." Durham added: "Demand for new homes is so strong that vacant lots are being purchased and old homes are being torn down to rebuild new ones."

Finally, Lonnie Maples of Realty Executives, exclusive real estate agent for Riverside, CA, reported more buyers than sellers and a good supply of inventory. Median price for a house is $435,000 in this fast-growing metro area. Appreciation is estimated at 15-20% in the past year. Average time on the market is 60 to 90 days. Greatest activity is from first-time buyers, he said. Sellers are getting at least 95% of asking prices.

First Quarter Current Market Conditions: Region by Region Results

U.S. South Midwest NE West California*

More Buyers 45% 41% 44% 42% 50% 42% More Sellers 31% 37% 33% 29% 26% 31% 50-50 24% 22% 23% 29% 24% 27%

Time on Market 0-60 days 45% 40% 34% 51% 49% 57% 60 days plus 55% 60% 66% 49% 51% 43%

Sale vs.Ask Px 90-95% 25% 29% 36% 25% 22% 22% 95% -100% Plus 75% 77% 64% 75% 78% 78%

Annual Apprec. 0-5% 54% 50% 74% 54% 45% 47% 5-10% 20% 23% 20% 13% 21% 18% 10%-15% Plus 26% 27% 06% 33% 28% 30% No Change 00% 00% 00% 00% 06% 05%

Inventory Good Supply 81% 86% 93% 88% 71% 65% Limited Supply 19% 14% 07% 12% 29% 35%

Multiple offers Yes 39% 37% 44% 40% 42% 43% No 61% 63% 56% 60% 58% 57%

Activity First Time Buyers 36% 25% 62% 31% 30% 24% Move-Up & Repeat 64% 75% 38% 60% 70% 76% *California survey results are included in both U.S. and West results.

Monte Helme is a national public relations consultant with HouseHunt, Inc. Previously, he was vice president of public relations and publications for Century 21 Real Estate Corp.; vice president of communications for AmeriNet Financial Services (now LendingTree); assistant city editor/Orange County for the Los Angeles Times; executive sports editor of the Rockford, IL, Morning Star and Register-Republic; and reporter for the Dixon, IL, Evening-Telegraph. Find real estate and homes for sale through public MLS and by visiting websites: HouseHunt.com and SuperMLS.com powered by HouseHunt, Inc.

Real Estate Training Guide How To Become A Successful Real Estate Agent

Writen by Sardool Sikandar

Real estate training is essential for the people who want to become a successful real estate broker. It helps them to learn all about real estate business. Real estate business requires some time, some basic knowledge of the business and skill to perform all transactions. Real estate business will be one of the good carriers for a hard working person. Real estate training suggests them all the ways to achieve their goals.

License is the basic requirement to become a real estate agent. Even it is an essential thing to conduct real estate business. Real estate Internet is the best option to join real estate business. Some states provide online training courses that will help you to complete pre-license requirements. Before joining real estate business people should satisfy some pre-license requirements. They should; be of at least 19 years, be managed a proctored exam, have high school diploma or some equivalent to it, pass a state exam, have completed a least approved course.

Generally real estate training gives some guidelines to understand some real estate basics. They can easily learn about ownership transfer, real estate law and math with the help of real estate training. They are taught how to deal to with real estate transactions during their course. Real estate training enables them to understand the tips and tricks of the real estate contracts. People who want to join some state approved courses should have initial license.

Anyone can be a successful real estate agent after completing real estate training. They can run a successful business only if they have great professional habits, good salesmanship and the enthusiasm to learn more about real estate. Real estate business requires great working skill.

People can learn about real estate business with some related books. They can also join some online courses that provide information via Internet. Nowadays several people are making money in real estate business. Real estate brokers should be kind, knowledgeable, efficient as well as trustworthy. They should know the skill how to attract more customers. They can also take some suggestion from the experienced real estate agents.

Real estate business may be wonderful business but only thing that it requires –real estate training.

About Author: The Author owns a website on Real Estate Training. Website offers all information on how to get real estate training. Provides some advice on how to become a successful real estate agent. It also gives some information about online real estate training courses. You can also visit his site about Real Estate Investing.

Home Sellers Help Your Agent Sell Your Home

Writen by Jeanette Joy Fisher

If you're looking to sell your home, you want to do everything you can to make it appealing and desirable to potential buyers. However, some of the most important things you can do to help your agent sell your home might not be obvious at first.

For instance, it's always a good idea for you NOT to be home while an agent shows your home. It can be awkward for buyers to tour the house with you there, because they won't be free to make uninhibited comments, especially about things that don't appeal to them. If you're home, they won't want to hurt your feelings by making a negative comment about some improvement you've made that you may be proud of.

If you simply can't leave for whatever reason, try to stay in one particular area of the house, such as a living room or den, since that will allow the buyers free rein to explore the rest of the house, including the all-important kitchen, bathroom, and master bedroom. If there is more than one person home, have everyone together in whichever room you decide to stay in.

When you know buyers are coming to tour your home, don't try to improve the smell of the house by using scented sprays or candles. It's possible that the buyers will assume that there is a reason why you've chosen to try to cover up the natural scent of your home with perfumes, even if that's NOT the truth. Generally, you can achieve a subtle pleasant smell if you turn on a burner on your electric stove just for a moment, and then put a single drop of vanilla extract on it. That will give a hint of vanilla smell to the kitchen, as if you've recently been cooking something nice.

If you happen to have pets, they can add special problems to selling your home. Often, homeowners get used to the smell of cats and dogs, but someone entering the home will instantly notice if the smell is too strong. Keep your cats in a single room, and empty the litter box. Dogs should be outside as much as possible while the buyers are touring the home. Have friends walk into the house and tell you honestly if they can smell your cats or dogs. If they can, address the problem immediately. Make sure your kitchen trash doesn't smell, either. This can be a turn-off for buyers.

It may seem obvious, but you must keep your home tidy whenever someone is coming to tour it. Keep the kitchen sink clear of dishes, pick up toys, clothes, and papers, and keep the carpets vacuumed. It will make the home that much more desirable to buyers.

Doing these simple things will go a long way toward helping your agent sell your home and might even add thousands of dollars to your sales price in the process!

Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Join our FREE Home Selling Teleseminar. Get expert advice on Redesign and Home Staging from Design Psychology instructor Jeanette Fisher. More home selling tips http://sellfast.info.

No Money Down Real Estate Investing Fund All Your Deals With Private Lending

Writen by Lou Castillo

If you invest in real estate, you need cash to buy houses. Even if you have a full bank account and great credit, you'll eventually run short on funds - or short on time to obtain a loan - for the next deal. Private lending is the answer. It is a bottomless pool of readily accessible funds: whether you have great credit or poor; whether you have cash reserves or not.

"Private Lending" refers to the process of borrowing real estate investment funds from private individuals at rates higher than these lenders can normally achieve in the marketplace. The attraction of private lending is the speed and ease of funding a deal.

Here's how it works…first you find or do marketing to find individuals interested in earning 10-12% interest (or whatever you deem affordable for you and attractive to others) on investments secured with real estate. You'll find these prospects everywhere. They belong to your local investors association, your church, your civic club, they're your friends and family, your neighbor next door. You'll be surprised how easily you'll locate them, and soon, they'll be searching you out. Just let everyone know that you pay high interest for their loans on your real estate projects.

As prospects express interest explain that the investments are secured by real estate and do not exceed 75% loan-to-value (LTV) of the after repaired value of the home. Each investment is based on a specific property, and they can decline any property with which they are not comfortable. All you require is that they approve quickly (within 48 hours), and can fund within 7-10 days or less.

Once they have approved the investment, the funds are wired to the closing attorney to be held in escrow. After the closing, the lender will receive a Promissory Note from you (either personally, from your business entity, or both), a Deed To Secure Debt (mortgage) on the property, lenders' title insurance, and listed as a mortgagee on the hazard insurance policy.

If no single investor can fund the entire investment, then piece several loans together by providing the largest investor with a first position mortgage, and each smaller investor a progressively subordinate (2nd, 3rd, etc.) mortgage. Typically, we pay an additional percentage on the interest rate to entice investors who accept subordinate positions.

The advantages of private lending are that there is a minimal approval process, and so availability of funds is quick. You pay interest only, instead of also incurring a loan origination fee commonly known as "points". You are never constrained by arbitrary rules as to how many mortgages you can have in your name. In fact, none of these mortgages ever show up on your credit report. In turn, the private lendor receives a higher interest rate with a very secure investment. Everyone wins!

Now you may be wondering how many people you know really have $75k -$100k -$150,000 just lying around ready to invest. More than you think - and most of them don't even realize it! That's because the money is tied up in their IRA's which they believe can't be accessed until retirement. That's only half true. They can't personally withdraw the money without suffering penalties; but they can invest their funds (and receive your interest tax-fr ee! if it's a ROTH IRA) if they rollover into a self-directing IRA.

A self-directed IRA is administered by a third party institution (we recommend Equity Trust Company in Ohio www.trustetc.com ) and allows the IRA owner to make decisions relative to the investment of the funds. In other words, the IRA owner can decide to use his IRA funds to make a real estate investment in your property. Most people do not even realize this as a possibility. They believe their money must stay tied up in an IRA until retirement earning nominal interest. Imagine how thrilled they are when you provide this alternative! Imagine how much money is currently sitting in traditional IRA's that you could tap into. There are more funds available than you can use. Isn't that a nice problem to have?

Since Equity Trust Company has all of the forms on their website, I ensure that making a loan is as simple as possible for my private lenders. I prepare all of the required documents so all they have to do is sign and fax to Equity Trust. From that point on, the private lender has nothing else to do. Simple. Easy. Their next task is approving the payoff when the loan is re-paid. Because the loan process is so simple, and the interest rate so favorable, investors are always begging to re-invest. This truly is a bottomless pool of investment cash.

Don't forget that if you have cash in an IRA, you can also increase the interest you're earning by becoming a private lender. You can not invest in any property or company in which you or your family have a vested interest, but you can invest in the projects of other investors which you know and trust. It's a great way to leap frog your IRA.

Have a rich week,

Lou

Now, Easily find all the real estate funding you'll ever need! This complete system will show you how to acquire unlimited real estate funding, even without using banks, hard money or your own credit! Learn more in this FREE Report!!

Real Estate Financing

Need To Reduce Debt Consider A Home Equity Loan

Writen by Adam Jackson

Now that we're over half way through our first decade of the new millennium, it is interesting to look back and see how our attitude to debt has changed. It seemed that many of us had an invincible view towards our debt, brushing it under the carpet, extending our credit line further and secretly hoping that our numbers would come up on the Lotto.

Now that we're all a little older with perhaps more responsibilities, we've decided that it is hard time we addressed the little problem of our credit card debt, head on. One of the most affective ways to do this is by taking out a home equity loan. In many cases, the equity in our home represents the only form of savings we have. It is important to reduce debt as quickly as possible in order to start saving money.

It is always good advice to shop around when looking for a home equity loan; this is because lenders will have different criteria. Some lenders are only in the poor credit home equity loan business as this allows them to charge more interest on the loan, while other lenders are more interested in the quality of the equity at stake.

A very good piece of advice when you have completed your home equity loan is to cut up or close the credit cards that contributed to your high debt. The worst possible situation is for you to start using the credit cards again. If you think you are at risk of doing this, cut them up immediately, your house is now at risk.

Adam Jackson of http://www.besthomeequity.net is a home repair expert striving to bring you the best free home repair and improvement information on the web.

Search Trends Analysis For The Property Sector

Writen by Chris Courtis

Google have launched another beta product called Google Trends. This enables people to check the popularity of keywords and the locations where they are most used. Being interested in the property market lets take a look at some of the major keywords that people will use to search the web.

Starting off with the keywords 'property for rent', 'letting agents', 'houses for rent', 'flats for rent' and 'properties for rent'. The keywords were input into the Google trends search box, the report was ran off and it brought up a simple page with a graph showing the main trend for the keywords by search volume, however in this case there didn't appear to be a scale on the y axis so the exact volume could not be known. However, looking at the graph it appears that the keyword search volume was fairly consistent over the period of 2005 and 2006 with the most popular keyword search for these 5 being letting agents.

The other section of the results show the top locations from where these searches were made in the UK. Looking at this data we could use an assumption that these are the property rental hotspots from the searches done on Google. With 76% of searches performed through google this could give us an idea of what the trends and patterns are for searches for rental property. In the example that Rentright performed the most searches for this keyword were performed by people in West Lothian, followed by Milton Keynes, Edinburgh and St Albans.

The great part of this tool is it is possible to do a comparison between 5 different keyword searches selecting different time periods, locations and areas. Another search that was performed was a comparison between houses for rent, houses to rent, flats for rent and flats to rent, the results showed that the most searches by volume was flats to rent with St Albans being the main area where this search was performed. The term houses to rent was searched on the most times by people in Bradford.

View the Full Report on Rentright

This tool provides an insight into what people are searching for in your chosen field and where these searches are most conduceted. This tool can be used as an excellent marketing resource to analyise markets and trends on the most popular search engine in the world.

All data provide in the reports are taken from the Google Trends Search Facility.

Chris Courtis is co-founder of the Rentright Residential Property Portal and is dedicated to the Rental Property Market.

Tips For Investing In Real Estate

Writen by David Calgarich

Beginning a hobby or career in real estate investing doesn't have to be so complicated or such hard work if you will only begin with what you have, right where you are at this moment.

Look for someone who really needs to sell their home and solve their problem. One of the fastest solutions if they are about to lose the house is to take over their payments on a subject-to contract. By giving them some walking money, they can afford to move and still have the cash to rent another home.

Then, clean up the property, lease it out to a future buyer on a rent-to-own basis which is called a Lease/Option. You get to collect an up-front, non-refundable deposit. Three to five percent of the future purchase price is a good figure to shoot for. You can actually do this every month and make some additional cash, or concentrate on this method as a full time lifestyle.

Have the renter/buyer sign a contract. You pocket the difference between what you're paying the original owner and the amount you're collecting from the new renter/buyer. The spread is higher on nice, expensive homes in great neighborhoods, so don't be afraid to search in these areas.

This is a good method of collecting extra cash flow every month. There is no limit to the number of these deals you can do other than your time and effort.

Call on every "For Rent" ad in the local paper and just ask if they would be willing to sell the property in a couple of years if you sign a long-term lease. If you get a yes, negotiate a fair purchase price, sign a contract and find a renter/buyer. It really is that simple. Of course, you want to have a lawyer check out the contracts on the first deal to protect both parties.

Try to get at least $150 more per month than you are paying. Also get a minimum of $1000 above and beyond what you have paid out as the option deposit. You don't want to be working for free, do you?

Let's look at some figures from actual lease/options. A couple were behind on their notes because he lost his job, and she didn't make enough to pay all the living expense. The stress was causing marital problems and they wanted to sell, but the house stayed on the market for six months with no takers.

They were getting desperate when a neighbor mentioned the situation to her church group. One of the group's members had a son who was looking for a house that could be leased with an option to purchase in a few years. He and his wife didn't have a lot of money for a down payment, but they knew that buying was better than renting.

After looking at the property, they decided it would be a perfect first home if they could manage the financing. The couple offered $1000 as a non-refundable option deposit, if the current owners would give them two years to qualify for a new mortgage. The timing was right and the current owners accepted the offer. The monthly payment they agreed on was $200 less than similar house rentals in the area.

Both couples were happy and they signed contracts for the deal the next day. The new couple didn't even move in. They saw an opportunity to make some quick cash and a good monthly cash flow, so they lease/optioned the house to another couple for $5000 down with payments that were $300 above their obligation.

If this new couple closes on the deal in 1 year, they will have earned $5,000 up front and $3,600 over the course of the year in monthly cash flow. By the way, the sales price was $12,000 higher than what they had agreed to pay the original owners. Added up this equals $20,600 for just a few hours work.

These deals exist in every town in the world. You can do these until you build up your bankroll and monthly cash flow. There are no geographical limits. Travel the world doing deals, living where you please and life is no longer on a budget.

This article prepared by Real Estate Department of the http://www.AllAboutCalgary.com the biggest portal directory in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Visit the Real Estate section at http://RealEstate.AllAboutCalgary.com for more information about Calgary Real Estates.

Ohio Real Estate Large Cities And Little Farms

Writen by Raynor James

Ohio is a unique state where large cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati sit next to rural farms. Ohio real estate prices mirror this diversity.

Ohio

Ohio was a mainstay in the industrial revolution in the United States. Cities such as Cleveland and Cincinnati spawned industrial might to such a degree that Cleveland is still the home of the most millionaires per person in the United States. Bet you didn't know that! As the industrial revolution faded, the state has evolved and now has a strong high tech industry, particularly in Columbus. Notwithstanding all of this, Ohio has maintained a strong rural farming influence, which can be seen just be driving out of the cities. Throw in a bevy of lakes, and you have a surprisingly wonderful place to live.

Columbus

Columbus is the state capital of Ohio and home to the massive Ohio State University. Sitting on the bank of the Scioto River, the city is centrally located and reflects the farmland surrounding it with a relaxed atmosphere. Named after Christopher Columbus, the city is designed well with large green areas, a thoughtful layout and statutes galore. With a huge university, the city has a definite college town feel with accompanying coffee shops, art galleries and a festive nightlife. If college football is your passion, this is the place to be in the fall.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a city going through a major renaissance. Once branded with a rather nasty reputation, the city is now a gem in Ohio. Major money has been put into redevelopment and the city is now a hot spot for nightlife and cultural activities such as the rock n' roll Hall of Fame. Once known as the "mistake on the lake", Cleveland is now the gem of cities on Lake Erie. If you're looking for a ground floor opportunity, Cleveland may just be the city for you.

Cincinnati

Sitting on the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a sit with a mix of influences. You'll find a definite European influence mixed with a southern feel and energized economy. This odd mix gives rise to an eccentric streak in a city which elected Jerry Springer as the Mayor. Yes, the Jerry Springer on television. Still, the city is a typical hard working town in Ohio with a surprising number of attractions such as the redeveloped river front area. The city also has a strong tradition of professional sports with the baseball Reds and the revitalized football Bengals.

Ohio Real Estate

Ohio real estate prices are very reasonable regardless of where you go. A single family home in Columbus, Cleveland or Cincinnati will set you back between $220,000 and $250,000. Head out of these cities and you can expect to pay much less.

Despite all the positive aspects of Ohio, appreciation rates are not the best. For 2005, appreciation rates were a little less than five percent.

Raynor James is with the FSBO site - FSBOAmerica.org - homes for sale by owner. Visit our home buying page to view and buy Ohio real estate.

Becoming A Real Estate Agent In Colorado

Writen by Larry Hudson

First, contact the Colorado Department of Real Estate for licensing requirements. They also have a web site, but I'm not sure if everything is online. They have a packet they send out that has it all in writing, together with application forms, etc.

While waiting for that to arrive, contact local real estate brokers. Most are always recruiting new agents, so they will be happy to meet with you and discuss what it's like. Do a lot of listening, they do not like to speak twice.

As for schools, that is one question to ask the brokers. Every area has several private real estate schools, plus the community colleges offer courses. The private real estate schools are located in the yellow pages after the Real Estate - General section. Most schools let you sample their classes or program.

It generally takes a month or two of classes. Then you take the exam. When you pass you must activate your license under a local broker. At that point you start sales training classes. Figure about 3-4 months in the field before you start getting an income stream flowing. In other words, you need some resources to live on while getting your feet on the ground.

Larry Hudson is a freelance writter interested in items such as Colorado real estate and Seattle real estate

Georgia Mortgage What To Expect When Buying A Home In Georgia

Writen by Jessica Elliott

Maybe you're buying your first home in Georgia, or perhaps you're relocating to Georgia from another state. Either way, it's important that you educate yourself on Georgia home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you'll need to know before buying a home in Georgia:

The median price of a home in Georgia is $111,200, and homes in Georgia appreciate at less than half of the rate of the average national home appreciation. The rate of job growth in Georgia is well below the national average. In fact, income levels in many parts of Georgia are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan.

Average interest rates on mortgages in Georgia are just .01% higher than the national average interest rate. Home prices in Georgia can vary greatly between zip codes. For example, in the summer of 2005, the median price of a home in Snellville, Georgia, was $148,000; however, the median price of a home in Buckhead, Georgia, was $450,000.

Georgia has the strictest mortgage lending laws of all 50 states. The Georgia Fair Lending Act prohibits the financing of credit insurance and debt cancellation coverage and limits both late and payoff fees. Georgia places limitations on all home loans as opposed to the high-cost loan provisions of other states with comparable anti-predatory lending programs.

Georgia's Second Mortgage Loan Program offers down payment loans at 0% interest to police officers, firefighters, educators, and healthcare workers. Georgia also has a Fair Housing Law that prohibits mortgage discrimination against anyone because of their race, color, gender, religion, familial status, or national origin

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Georgia Mortgage Rates and Loans.

When Backtoback Becomes Simultaneous

Writen by Troy Fullwood

One of the most common investment strategies employed by those who buy and sell property for a short-term gain is back-to-back close. As the term indicates, this technique involves two closings – or completed real estate transactions – which happen at essentially the same time.

For example, many times the scenario happens wherein a homeowner decides to move, and they plan to use the proceeds of the sale to buy a new house. Once they get an offer to purchase their first home, they go shopping for another one. But they can't afford to buy it until the sale of their first house is completed. In this kind of situation, they may elect to schedule two closings – back to back – at their attorney's office. First they close the sale, and then they turn right around and close the purchase of their new home.

Using this kind of basic concept, investors sometimes tighten the time frame even more. Rather than buying a house and then borrowing money to fix it up to generate equity or buying one and assuming the duties of a landlord in order to make a profit, the investor simply buys a property and sells it at the same time. While signing the paperwork to buy the property, the buyer also sells it to someone else, so the entire investment cycle is completed within a matter of minutes, not months or years. The closing attorney has all the paperwork for all of the components of the transaction drawn up and signed at the same meeting, all the parties convene at the same time, and the "signing party" begins and ends and all of the buying and selling occurs at one sitting.

But another more complex variation on this strategy is what brokers refer to as the "simultaneous close". These closings are often used as clever tools for those who sell property by using owner financing but don't really want to carry the mortgage loan for an extended time. These sellers don't intend to be note holders, but are simply trying to figure out a way to help their buyers come up with the financing necessary to purchase the house. As soon as the sale is completed, these owner-financing sellers are interested in selling the mortgage note to an investor who will give them a lump sum of cash in payment. This allows the seller to "cash-out" of the transaction and not assume any responsibility for actually collecting monthly payments or carrying an extended mortgage for the new buyer. Because it all takes place at one sitting, the simultaneous close is also called a "table closing".

For this kind of transaction to go smoothly, the seller (who wants to sell the house and the new mortgage at the same time) must take care to meet specific legal guidelines that exist to prevent lenders from charging unfairly high interest rates. If the seller accepts payment for the property, agrees to carry the mortgage, but sells the note immediately, it might be construed that the seller is trying to hide from the role of "lender" to avoid compliance with all laws pertaining to fair lending practices. In other words, the seller wants the convenience of making a loan, and only for a moment – long enough to get the deal signed and done. But within that moment the seller may incur the entire legal responsibility of a lender, and not disclosing that in a totally transparent fashion can be a violation of the law.

The seller also needs a qualified note buyer – who understands the complexities of simultaneous closings and other loan instrument procedures – to purchase the mortgage. Because delays or failures to comply to rules and regulations can be costly, the seller who wishes to take advantage of a simultaneous closing is strongly encouraged to seek expert advice from experienced, certified, financially stable mortgage investors before entering into this kind of transaction.

Those who find a legitimate buyer of notes to partner with may be able to enjoy the convenience of walking away with cash in hand, but never lose sleep about the future legal or tax consequences of actions. If a simultaneous closing is not appropriate to help an investor or seller meet his or her financial goals, a qualified and competent mortgage investor will understand and recognize those facts, counsel the client, and then offer advice and alternative strategies and plans for a more desirable course of action.

Troy Fullwood, self made millionaire, nationally known investor, real estate guru, speaker and coach; would like to share with you creative ways to building your own "Money Tree." In 1997, Troy founded a company called Pinnacle Investments. Back then, his main focus was primarily based on buying first lien performing and non-performing commercial and residential real estate notes. However, with the ever changing industry, Troy has begun to refocus his attention toward providing investors with the tools they need to build a successful real estate portfolio. For over eight years, Troy has been whole heartedly involved in the real estate industry. Troy is an investor himself, he has bought and rehabbed homes, purchased rental properties, purchased land, and is currently working on building custom homes and commercial office space.

Death Taxes And Foreclosures

Writen by Peter Smyth

So how do you find the best foreclosures. Its not easy as the business is very competitive, especially in this current crazy real estate boom. Firstly you must be methodical as well as diverse. Deals are all over the place. It is recommended you specialize in an area that you are familar with.

Secondly how do you find inventory?. There are many companies that offer foreclosure lists. You will find them on the web or through a title company. Be careful to locate fresh leads. In other words you need fresh daily leads on Defaulted and Trustee sale properties. If you purchase information that is outdated you may not succeed as the property may sell, be re-instated or refinanced prior to your endeavors to contact the current owner.

Thirdly, defaults, these are loan defaulted properties. The owners of the properties have not paid in 3 months and have been notified that their property could be sold at public auction if they do not re-instate their loan. You are endeavoring to purchase the property prior to Trustee sale. Once you have located a property, made contact with the owner you now need to contact your escrow and/or title company for comparable sales and vesting information. It is important that not only you know what the property is worth BUT more importantly you are going to speak with the OWNER.Vesting will tell you this vital info. After you have satisfied yourself that a possible purchase exists you may request a prelimanry title report that will give you all the information on outstanding loans , liens ,judgements and court actions against the property Fourthly. How to make contact with the owner. This can be done via mailers, phone calls and the most important,DOOR KNOCK. Meeting the owner is the beginning of the 'close'. This is where they will begin to trust you. NO TRUST NO DEAL. Your offer must be a combination of price, accommodation,(helping to move them on), empathy, immediate assistance to support their dire needs. You will see the true picture by the DOOR KNOCK'.

Fifth. The DEAL. So you have come this far WOW, You have made entry into the house, inspected and the seller likes you and wants to do business, the deal is fair, the docs are ready to sign. You have previously contacted your escrow/title company and/or attorney and they have guaranteed that you have all the right docs ready to be notarized. RIGHT! CONGRATULATIONS your in the real estate foreclosure business.

A final tip, make sure the seller /client MOVES OUT, the old saying 'POSSESSION IS 9/10ths of the law' still holds. Have the escorw company hold funds until the property is vacant.

When the movers truck is full, house empty, seller off the property and you have the keys. Release the funds. NOW YOU REALLY OWN THE HOUSE. Sixth.Trustee Sale properties. If the owner has not re-instated the property prior to the trustee sale date (5 days prior to sale in California) then the property will sell at the nominated court house steps on the date and time posted by the trustee. If you are successful in being the highest bidder you will receive a Grant Deed to the property. This is a popular hassle free way to buy foreclosures as you do not have to deal with the owners and possible associated problems. But of course if ITS EASIER THEN EVERYONE WILL BE AT THE TRUSTEE SALE.

Good luck

For further Info and advise go to; http://www.homeowneresaa.org.614

Peter M Smyth ,a licensed Californian Real Estate and Mortgage Broker. Peter has been involved in the real estate, mortgage lending and distressed property sale business for over 20 years. He has successfully purchased & sold propeties on four continents. Australia, Asia, Europe and North America email bigboythai@hotmail.com for advise and business opportunity.

Buying A Foreclosed Home Or Property A Wise Decision

Writen by Wain Roy

Foreclosure as the name suggests means a situation in which a homeowner or a mortgager is unable to make payments of principal and/or interest payments on his or her mortgage, so the lender, be it a bank or financier, can confiscate and sell the property as per the conditions in the terms of the mortgage contract. A home that was kept mortgaged becomes a foreclosed home when the owner of the home is unable to or unwilling to release his/her mortgaged home by paying his dues.

The first stage of a foreclosed home is pre-foreclosure that happens when the home owner has missed his/her one payment and is thus considered overdue on the loan. A formal cautionary letter or notice is then sent to the homeowner based on which he/she will have to react at the earliest and make the due payments. In such situations, most of the time foreclosure home owners are driven to sell their home or real estate property to home buyers for fast cash.

Quick and easy sale of home or real estate property for cash is always advantageous for home sellers. Foreclosures can in some cases benefit a seller who will either get paid in full at the foreclosure sale or get the house back to sell again for a second profit. Most of the house sellers are always in a look out for a better deal when they are trying to sell their house for fast cash. The main advantage that the home sellers get is that they can appeal to the large number of home buyers by accepting the greatest number of financing plans.

Also for home buyers, the main advantage behind buying a foreclosed home or real estate is financial savings. Buying a foreclosed home at a foreclosure auction will be much cheaper than under normal context. Buying the foreclosed or pre-foreclosed property by paying less will allow the home buyers to do some investments in its betterment and/or selling it at higher price than it costs. It is a general belief that on an average a home buyer saves up to 30% to 40% when buying a foreclosed property or home.

Along with advantages, there are also some disadvantages in buying a foreclosed home or property. For home buyers, the condition of the interior of the home usually remains undiscovered. Home buyers always tend to buy the foreclosed home or property at a very low market price so that they can afford to spend some amount in doing some restoration or repair work.

There are various ways to invest in foreclosed properties. The most popular way is by purchasing a real estate property or house and then giving it on rent to create a positive monthly cash flow. The second popular way to earn money is to search out foreclosures, buying them, investing in repairing and remodeling and then selling them at a high price. The third way is to purchase a nice foreclosure that is under priced and sell it immediately at a higher cost.

Over the years, it is empathized that buying foreclosed homes is very remunerative. Foreclosures are on the rise and people are unable to retain their home any more. They are anxious to sell their homes quickly before they are foreclosed on. With more and more homes popping up for sale, home buyers will have enough to choose from. Home buyers can pay fast cash for homes that are foreclosed or going to be foreclosed; thereby helping the mortgager to ease out his/her stress.

In today's fast paced lifestyle, many people are lagging behind on payments. Plenty of people are facing financial problems. So, if you are encountering foreclosure or a pre-foreclosure, trying to relocate or transfer job, divorce, multiple mortgage, or just need to sell your house fast, there are many home buyers who will simply solve your real estate issues or your foreclosure problems and provide you with a fast cash offer on your house. Normally home buyers pay cash for your homes to ensure your fast closing.

Wain Roy is an experienced search engine marketing professional.

The Truth About Real Estate Preforeclosure Profits

Writen by Mike Upshaw

If you want to make BIG money in the Real Estate Business you must know the 'truth' about preforeclosures; not only do you need to know exactly what preforeclosures are, but you also have to learn how and when to invest in preforeclosures.

As an investor you'll have to understand and be up-to-date with the foreclosure laws in the state where you live.

A foreclosure takes place when the owner (borrower) is unable to pay his lender the monthly mortgage payments; the lender will notify the borrower and let him know to find the money within a specified amount of time (varies in each state) otherwise the lender will be forced to repossess the home and begin the foreclosure procedure.

The borrower will have to leave his home; more than that, he will not be able to save his credit for other purchases.

The lender will try to sell the home at public auctions for a price lower than the actual market value of the house simply because he wants his money back.

Sometimes the house sells quickly, but often the lender is unable to sell the house and it will remain unoccupied.

Hope you get the BIG picture about foreclosures. Now, you must understand what a preforeclosure is.

A preforeclosure happens before the foreclosure procedure has taken place. In a preforeclosure, you contact the borrower yourself and let him know that you have a serious investor who is interested in buying the home from the borrower.

The borrower has the advantage of receiving money from the investor so he will not be forced to leave his home and his credit will not be ruined.

The lender receives the rest of his money (the borrower's mortgage) from your investor. Once you resell the house both you and your investor will remain with a NICE profit.

In a preforeclosure, ALL involved parties benefit: the lender, the borrower, you and the investor. It's a Win-Win situation.

Most real estate agents want to keep the information above SECRET because you are 'stealing' the business from them.

One of the 'BEST' ways to make profits with preforeclosures FAST is by looking on the Internet for preforeclosure listings.

Sign-up with a service that sends you preforeclosure listings (lis pendens) You'll receive official notices when a NEW foreclosure process is about to begin. You will also receive information on the house, the names of the lender and the owner (borrower).

Make sure you CREATE a list of the homes you are interested in and start contacting each owner (borrower) by phone or e-mail. It's faster than by doing it in person.

Talk with each person in a serious and warmly manner, pay attention to their wants and needs. Let them know that a preforeclosure is really their 'BEST' option and provide your SUPPORT and help along the way until you successfully make the deal and beyond.

If they are happy most will tell others about your HELP (e.g. friends, partners, contacts, etc.) thus generating for you more loyal LEADS for future business deals.

Remember: be persuasive, kind and helpful to ALL serious people in the real estate preforeclosures business and you'll succeed no matter what.

- Copyright C Mike Upshaw

Mike Upshaw
http://www.BigProfitsInRealEstate.com

For a ** FREE *** mini-Real Estate E-course click here mailto:BigProfitsInRealEstate@getresponse.com

or send a BLANK email to BigProfitsInRealEstate@getresponse.com

NEW Real Estate eCourses (INSTANT Download!) offered:

Course #1: How To Make Big Money With Probate Houses
Course #2: How To Buy Preforeclosure Houses For Big Profits
Course #3: How To Make Big Money At Foreclosure Auctions
Course #4: How To Buy Bank Repossessed Houses For Profits

Selling And Buying As Is

Writen by Steven Jonas

How does 'as is' selling work? The process is simple. The contract simply states that the seller is not responsible for making any repairs to the home before the buyer takes possession. The seller is still required to disclose any defects of which they are aware. However, if other defects appear after the sale is complete, the seller is not liable for those problems, provided they didn't hide knowledge of the condition during the sale.

Buying or selling a home 'as is' on the real estate market today is fairly common. As Americans move more often and the practice of renovating run-down homes for profit grows more widespread, many sellers aren't finding it necessary to repair the defects in their property before putting it on the market. They're much more liable today to find a buyer who's willing to purchase the home, defects and all.

With the 'as is' buying and selling process, sellers accept the fact that they're getting less money for their home. Buyers are entitled to a lower price to make up for the cost of repairs. Usually sellers who put their homes on the market as is are not as interested in high market value as they are in a quick sale; or they simply do not have the resources to make the repairs before sale.

In order to sell a home as is, however, a home inspection is still required. Both parties must be aware of the damages, so that the buyer knows what he is getting into and the seller knows approximately how much he is going to lose in market value.

Purchasing a home with knowledge of its condition allows a buyer to examine his budget and decide if purchase price plus repair cost is worth it. Usually, it is- the buyer is essentially paying less because he's willing to go through the hassle of repairs, and not necessarily because the repairs will cost a certain amount. Also, often the defects in a home are perfectly livable; for example, if a seller refuses to put a new coat of paint on the rooms, then the house qualifies for an as is sale. The industrious buyer who doesn't mind painting a few rooms can get his purchase price lowered for the sake of a very easy repair.

In a home being sold as is, both sides would do well to hire home inspectors, and check the house over thoroughly. Provided the seller doesn't mind losing a little sticker price, and the buyer doesn't mind a few costs down the road, it can be an excellent deal for both sides. One gets out with having to do any work and makes a quick sale; the other gets a bargain home that needs a little TLC.

Steven Jonas, Real Estate Agent from the official Real Estate Property website. Visit the Real Estate Finder website.

California Real Estate

Writen by Michael Colucci

The process for purchasing a home in California is different from the procedures that are used in other states. Unlike the East Coast, attorneys are not used to complete the sale of real estate. Instead, an escrow is used. Once you have located a home you want to buy, you will begin hearing people talk about the escrow. In California, there are no closing meetings. It is not common for sellers and buyers to meet each other on a regular basis. If you want to buy a home in California, you will want to make sure you have a loan before you begin the process of looking for a home.

All real estate agents in California must be licensed to buy or sell real estate. Every agent you deal with should either have a Salespeople or Brokers license. Brokers are allowed to receive payment for the sale of a property, while salespersons must work under the broker. Multiple brokers are allowed to work together, and are called sales agents. Sales agents must answer to a Broker of Record, and this is the person who will supervise them. There are three agencies that will be found in California, and these are dual-agencies, buyer's agencies, and sub-agencies.

Before you decide to get a loan or broker, you will first want to find the right home in the best possible neighborhood. You will also want to consult an agent to find out what type of home is best for your income level. The agent will want to know what home you're interested in. You should always be ready to buy a home when you visit the agent. If you are truly ready, you will be given a better deal, because agents will often have to deal with people who are just "looking," and are not commited to making a purchase. Once the agent knows what type of home you want, they will begin driving you around to show you the different homes that are available.

The agent will not want to drive you around until after they've interviewed you. As the buyer, you will want to make sure the agent is experienced. When you deal with agents in California, they should put you in the loan qualification process as soon as possible. By getting approved for a loan, you will be placed in a powerful position where you can negotiate. Once you have found the home you want, you will want to make an offer to the agent. In California, the offer should always be made in writing. The paper that it should be written on is named the Deposit Receipt.

You will want to place all the information about your offer on the Deposit Receipt. The agent will help by providing you a list of homes that are much like the one you're interested in. When an offer is made, it is also customary to write a check which is about 3% of the offer that you are making for the home.

Michael Colucci is a writer for California Real Estate which is part of the Knowledge Search network.

Top Tips For Buying And Selling A Home

Writen by Mark Nash

Buyers

Looking for a home

-Use Internet for overview of properties, communities, and schools.
-Visit potential neighborhoods at different times of day.
-Research price trends in communities and neighborhoods.
-Consider resale prospects on home before you purchase.

Get your new home inspected before you buy.

-Hire a home inspection professional who is certified or licensed.
-Attend inspection, ask questions and take notes.
-Use inspection tour to verify home fits your needs.
-Submit inspection problems to seller for remedy.

Research home financing options before making a decision.

-Fixed rate. The interest rate you pay is fixed over the term of the loan.
-Adjustable rate. Interest rate changes at end of adjustment period.
-Seller financing. Mortgage contract between property seller and you.
-Avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance. An insurance fee charged monthly to higher-risk borrowers less than twenty percent down payment.

Retain a real estate attorney and buyers real estate agent. -An attorney should review contracts before you sign them. -Your attorney is your legal advocate from contract to closing/escrow. -Locate a real estate agent who has a fiduciary responsibility to you. -Fiduciary. Part of the common law of agency, indicates a relationship based on trust.

Understand common contract terms.

-Contingencies. A provision in a contract requiring certain acts to be completed before the contract is binding.
-Approvals. Contract period where the sellers, their attorney, you or your attorney can approve or void the contract.
-Earnest money deposits. Money given to the seller at the time of contract is made as a sign of the buyer's good faith.
-Tax Pro-rations. Credit issued at closing from the seller to the buyer for unpaid property taxes.

Sellers

Gather opinions of value from professionals on your home.

-Invite three real estate agents to submit a price range based on recorded recent sales.
-Consider hiring an independent real estate appraiser.
-Use similar properties based on age, condition and size.
-Properties sold in the last six months offer the best indicators of value.

Stage your home before buyers come through.

-Streamline clutter and place the focus on your home.
-Neutralize colors so buyers can visualize their belongings in your home.
-Visit new-construction model homes to gather ideas from the pros.
-Invite family, friends or real estate agents over for feedback.

Internet marketing provides wide exposure for your home.

-Have a virtual or digital tour of your home in multiple websites..
-Post interior and exterior photos of your home on the Internet.
-Hire a professional to write a description of your home.
-Utilize maps to showcase your location for out-of-town buyers.

Understand the elements of a contract to purchase.

-Require all offers to be in writing.
-A good contract has favorable terms in addition to price.
-Limit fixtures excluded from sale of home to a maximum of three.
-Keep negations non-emotional and amicable.

Recognize the variables that real estate agents can't overcome.

-Buyers bypass over-priced homes.
-Homebuyers discount homes in poor condition.
-Homes with poor locations have longer market times.
-Buyers are more relaxed and curious during showings when sellers are gone

Mark Nash real estate broker, writer and author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home (Thomson 2005) specializes in helping others succeed in real estate. http://www.1001realestatetips.com

Location Location Location The 3 Most Important Factors When Buying A Property

Writen by Alan Forsyth

Location, location, location - known as the 3 most important factors when buying a property, and it is easy to see why. The location of your property dictates how much yield you get, and how much capital growth, which ultimately decides how well you do.

And yet people still get it wrong...

Most investors only consider location within the area they live ... rather than asking themselves where else they may gain even better and higher returns. It may seem to make sense to invest in a location near to you - you can pop in to check on it, help fix any problems, and keep eye on local market better.

However, this approach to property investment could be costing you thousands, or even tens of thousands of pounds, euros or dollars in lost opportunities in the long term.

Compare this to professional property investors, who own property all around the country they live in, or even all around the world.

By asking themselves "Where can I buy property that will give me a great return?" instead of asking "What's available down the road?", they stack the odds in their favour.

Investing in property is all about the numbers, this is something I realised very early on - forget about whether you would like to live there or whether the property is down the street from you.

Instead, what I pay attention to is:

The likely return - yield, and capital growth

Buying costs and selling costs, including taxes

Cost to borrow money, ie interest rates

How attractive the property will be for likely tenants/buyers

So how do you recognise a great location?

To build wealth through investment property, you need a location where there will be capital growth ie where the property will rise in value, which builds wealth, which can ultimately allow you to purchase additional properties, and build up a portfolio.

Factors that suggest growth include:

1. Growing, developing economy eg Countries entering EU, regenerated towns

2. Demand outstripping supply ie more people want property than can be supplied, usually due to increased numbers arriving which could be due to higher birth rate, high numbers of jobs created, lower prices than similar properties else where, immigration laws being relaxed.

3. Low cost of borrowing – if interest rates are very low, people are more likely to buy, in particular for buy to let, as they will be confident can cover all costs and make good yield. It is for the above reasons that UK investors have started to look overseas recently, and why international investors target developing countries, and growing cities when deciding where to invest.

It is for the above reasons, why UK investors have been looking overseas over the last year or so, and why international investors target developing countries, and growing cities when choosing where to invest. Remember the location of your investment will dictate how well your investment performs.

Alan Forsyth is a full time property investor and developer with 10 years experience in UK and overseas. He is managing director of http://www.property-investment-tips.com which offers free independent advice and tips on property investment, courses, countries, strategies, mortgages and much more - with a free newsletter every 3 weeks giving latest tips and offers to over 500 investors. Sign up today at the site for free independent advice!

Changing Real Estate Market

Writen by Kim Polinsky

Studies in demographics and trends abound in the market of real estate. Every day new reports are speculating about the ups and downs, the insides and out of this industry. In deciphering the material for building real estate business, the consensus shows that niche markets utilizing specialized services, provide the largest profit for the least amount of time investment.

How does the average agent/broker tap into that knowledge?

No longer is the real estate agent/broker set to go upon passing the real estate exams. Further training is needed in the area of marketing for success in today's business place. Broker Price Opinions, Short Sales, Credit Scores, REO, Staging, Retired Clientele, Investors…. The list goes on and on to divide the real estate market into specialized segments. Real estate exams are for legal proficiency, not marketing success.

Why is the market becoming so segmented? Due to the rapid rise in real estate appreciation realized over the last few years, many newcomers have entered the field of real estate. Higher commissions were regularly realized and there was no need (or time) to study market segments. Now, the interest rates are starting to rise and whether or not they reach their previous highs, the market will experience a tightening of the belt. This tightening will weed out the real estate professionals that are unable or unwilling to increase their level of knowledge in specialized markets.

Since there is no real estate exam for marketing to specialized niches, the agent/broker is left to his/her own resources for finding, training, and providing these necessary skills. There are many ways to do this. Certainly experience in the particular niche is valuable, but what if the professional doesn't have the experience? There are companies out there that are providing the knowledge to real estate professionals along with the marketing suggestions to build the specialized niche into a full fledged, profitable business. Agents/brokers need only to browse the resources available through the internet.

Try www.realestateproguides.com. There are complete programs for specific real estate marketing. These programs provide knowledge of the specific market, including forms and examples for analysis. Some are touted as computer programs; however, we know that real estate is sold through the provision of specific, timely, knowledgeable attention given to the client in an easily comprehendible format. The personal touch is the most excepted, expected source for this.

New paths are exciting, and real estate is not known for a "boring" ride. Real Estate Professionals change with the times, and provide a comfortable, enjoyable experience to themselves and their clients.

About The Author
Kim Polinsky is a real estate specialist in the Portland Oregon area. She works closely with Margot Murphy and has authored two books on real estate niche markets. You can reach her at www.realestateproguides.com or k..

The Benefits Of Commercial Real Estate Revealed

Writen by Yolanda Bishop

Getting involved with commercial real estate could be the best decision you have ever made. Whether you are currently working within the real estate industry, or are new to the business, commercial real estate is one of the best kept secrets of those already succeeding in the business. The rewards reaped within this industry compare to no other, as you will soon learn.

If you feel commercial real estate is something you are not able to accomplish, I would have to say you are greatly mistaken. With a little knowledge and a great amount of motivation, anyone can succeed in this business. The benefits far outweigh the costs, as you can create a life of which many dream, but never actually experience.

The first great benefit is one that allows you to create a schedule that best fits your personal situation. In commercial real estate you can work full or part-time and still create wealth and equity you never knew was possible!

Commercial real estate can easily be a part-time job that brings in incremental cash flow. You can even start out part-time, and hold a job until you have enough cash flow and money so that, eventually, all you do is commercial real estate.

Commercial real estate as a full-time job allows you to have many benefits such as being your own boss and having the ability to work from home. You can create your very own commercial real estate business and quickly build a strong net worth as well as positive cash flow.

Another great benefit is it does not take years of training, or years of moving up the corporate ladder to be successful. You can start right now, today! You can begin your commercial real estate endeavors whenever you so desire because there are very few barriers of entry to this industry.

Probably the most enticing benefit of commercial real estate is profit. Huge profits, in fact, which can be made with a limited amount of effort. You can make the same amount of money quick turning or selling 100 single family residences as you would make with a single commercial real estate deal. The profits can be astonishing!

It takes the same amount of work for every commercial real estate deal, meaning you must go through the same processes each time. Why not maximize your result and go for the larger returning deals, rather than the smaller ones? Synergy is a key word in commercial real estate, as small changes can yield huge results.

In commercial real estate, your financial investment is very low, perhaps even non-existent. You can purchase property with 100% of other people's money (OPM), and create large profits for yourself. This is the only industry where there are literally hundreds of millions of dollars just waiting to be borrowed! Find the money and get to investing! As you can see, commercial real estate meets and exceeds the expectations many people wish they could have in their own career and personal lives. You can make commercial real estate whatever it is you want it to be… a supplemental income or primary career. Take some time and imagine that all these great benefits were yours. How would life be?

If you think commercial real estate is more than you can ever dream of, begin your research and start learning all about it. Find people working in the business, and get acquainted with the investment strategies and methods that can return huge profits in a very short amount of time. Once you truly understand and experience firsthand what commercial real estate has to offer, I know you will look no further for other money-making, equity building, life creating businesses.

Tony Seruga, Yolanda Seruga and Yolanda Bishop of http://www.maverickrei.com specialize in commercial and investment real estate. As of May, 2006, they and their partners are managing over $600 million dollars worth of new projects.

Dont Be A Victim Of A Drive By Bpo

Writen by David Neese

Memphis, TN has its share of drive by violence. But we are talking about a different type of bad drive by, being the victim of a drive by BPO as a real estate investor. We have been victims and want to help you from becoming a statistic.

We are Memphis real estate investors and work extensively in the pre-foreclosure market. Many times sellers are financed 100% or close to it and there is no deal to be had so we try to negotiate with their lender to do a short sale or short payoff. As part of the process the lender needs a BPO to determine fair market value.

What is a BPO? A Broker's Price Opinion is a market value assessment usually performed by a licensed real estate agent or broker. These are most often done on properties that are in foreclosure. A lot of times when the property is not sold before or at auction, the BPO that did the opinion will get to list the property. Sometimes it can be a full time appraiser looking for extra work that may do the BPO. Because of the fact the agent may eventually get a listing they tend to sometimes give a high appraisal.

Now realize that market value generally assumes a home in great shape needing no repairs. 90% of retail buyers will not buy a home that needs any repairs. Many lenders will not finance a home that needs wood replaced or roofing done.

What is a Drive By? A drive by consists of a BPO going to the house and stopping in front, taking a picture of the outside and driving off. They never get out of the vehicle, never to see the inside or any damage or repairs needed on the property. Comparable sales, past appraisals and tax records will be used to determine the value of the home without taking needed repairs into account. A lot of houses have good curb appeal, once you step thru the front door it's a different story. We have had the BPO agent miss the fact that a tarp was on the roof to stop the rain from coming in the house because the holes in the roof were on the back of the house and the agent never stepped out of their vehicle.

How can I get an accurate BPO Appraisal? Be there early. Bring pictures and the list of repairs from your first visit. Develop rapport and become best friends with the appraiser. Do your homework on the neighborhood. Look for true comps. Example: If you are looking at a stucco home and the rest of the neighborhood is brick. You can't find true comps. For future reference if you are in a mid to high humidity area, get a moisture test on the stucco and bring the results with you.

How can I keep from being a victim? Arrive 45-60 minutes before appt. Do not allow the home owner to greet the BPO instead of you. Stay where you can see the road. If you see a vehicle pull up and stop, jump out and holler politely," Would you like to see the inside of the home"? To make the experience better for yourself and the BPO offer help. Tell them what you have found. Don't take it personally if they don't want help from you. Do your homework. Don't let the homeowner show them around as they will try to point out nice things. Your job is to point out the flaws of the house and drive the appraisal down. Make sure the lender knows you are the point of contact for the BPO agent and to contact you to set up the appointment for the BPO. The pictures that you took on the first visit need to be printed out; if digital take them to a kiosk that makes prints. Have 3 copies made. Put two to a piece of paper, go with colorful construction paper, yellow is a happy color, go to your local office supply store and get printable file folder labels. In detail tell what's wrong in the picture. Give the BPO agent 1 copy. Let them know what you have found wrong with the house or yard. Give them a repair list. Any true comparable sales you have found within a 5 mile radius will also help. Always pick the lowest comps. You will document a lot more problem area's with the house than the BPO will see. This will be the difference of making 30k or 5k on a house.

David Neese is a real estate investor, hard money lender, entrepreneur, ecommerce marketer, writer, motivator, husband, father and athlete. David offers a free E-course on quick start strategies for getting started in real estate investing that is delivered free via email and tele-clinic at: http://www.FreeRealEstateInvestingCourses.com

Find Out If There Are Sexual Predators Nearby Before You Buy A Home Or Property

Writen by Deborah Brown

When looking for a new home or property, buyers ask many questions. Typical questions might be about the history of the property, property tax amounts, the school system, proximity to medical facilities, shopping malls, etc. Of course these details are important but fall short of getting all the information necessary to make an informed purchase.

We all like to think that we live in a perfect world and that our new neighbors will be just great in the location we've selected for our new home! It might even look like paradise, making it all the more tempting to view it as such! You might have heard wonderful things from friends and family about the new location you've selected. Chances are these wonderful things are true and you'll be very happy. Nevertheless, you might want to ask just one more question when considering buying a home or property in any location..."Are there sexual predators nearby?"

The answer is closer than you think! Information about sexual predators is public and easily obtained. Before you buy a home or property contact State or Local law enforcement for a list of area sexual predators and remember to get updates often even after you move. Many cities and towns have this information online, complete with photos and addresses of offenders. If you don't have online access or don't know how to contact law enforcement,ask your real estate professional to assist you!

My name is Deborah Brown, Realtor-Associate with KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY of the West Coast (of Florida). I am a Licensed Real Estate Professional and sell homes and property in Hernando County, Florida. Hernando County is located in the Tampa Bay region along the Gulf of Mexico. Visit me on the web at http://www.debbrown.net

Alternative Housing

Writen by Steven Gillman

Why alternative housing? To save money, to travel, to live creatively - there are many reasons why people choose to live in tents, RVs, cabins, underground homes, rental rooms and anything else that's less common than the houses, condos and apartments that most people call home. Below are some of these housing options, and their advantages.

Alternative Housing That Moves

Camping at a hot springs area, we sat around the campfire one night with several young men living in the desert in their old converted school bus. It cost them nothing to park it in the desert (on BLM land you have to move every two weeks, though), bathed for free in hot spring tubs that were as nice as those in nearby expensive resorts, and played guitar around the fire each night. Not such a bad life.

In Arizona there are whole communities that spring up each winter, full of people living in their RVs. Advantages of RV housing are obvious, and include moving with the seasons, trying out different places, and not paying property taxes. I've talked to people living in Rvs that cost $200,000 and ones that cost $600, so the selection of accommodations is varied, to say the least.

My wife and I lived for almost a month in our conversion van as we traveled from Arizona to Florida and then to Michigan. Advantages of a van include better mileage than an RV, and being inconspicuous. We found that could park and sleep almost anywhere.

Other Alternative Housing

In most areas where rents are high, renting rooms has become common. This makes sense for single people. Just pay a set amount each month or week, and (if it includes utilities) you have a predictable and lower cost of living. I rented out rooms in my own home for years, and even put carpet and lighting in a shed so I could get $50 per week for it in summer.

A friend of mine lived in a shack he built for $3,000 on a small piece of land he bought for $7,000. Eventually he ran into problems with the county because he had no occupancy permit. Apparently you can't live on your own land in the woods if your home is too small. However, you can camp on it, so a $2,000 used RV parked on your land makes for a cheap and legal housing alternative.

Some people live on houseboats and avoid paying property taxes. Some live in the jungle near the beaches in Hawaii, so they can afford to be in paradise. I know people who lived in a basement while slowly building the house above for cash. People live in cabins built in the national forest wilderness, moving every few years as they are discovered. Truly, your imagination is the only limit to your alternative housing options.

Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. To learn more, get a free real estate investing course, and see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Costa Rica An Exciting Real Estate Investment Prospect

Writen by Rhiannon Williamson

The CIA world factbook clearly states that in its opinion Costa Rica is a 'Central American success story', and the government of Costa Rica is keen to expand on the country's success and have announced the implementation of a seven year plan for the economic expansion of the country.

To this end they are actively encouraging international real estate investors and those looking for a retirement or second home overseas to come to Costa Rica and explore its exciting and affordable property market.

The Costa Rican real estate market is one of the most exciting in Central and South America right now as a direct result of the Costa Rican government's commitment to promoting the property sector. With the implementation of a series of tax breaks and investment incentives available to overseas real estate buyers the success of the Costa Rican property market is practically guaranteed.

For those looking purely for real estate investment opportunity, Costa Rica offers two main angles for property investors to explore: -

Firstly as the natural beauty of Costa Rica proves an irresistible draw for more and more travelers and those in search of the perfect getaway, so the demand for rental and hotel accommodation in Costa Rica is on the increase. The supply of quality accommodation in Costa Rica cannot meet current demand and this situation is likely to deteriorate as the popularity of the country increases. The government is well aware of this fact and is keen to attract those wishing to develop specifically for the tourism market.

Secondly Costa Rica is becoming increasingly popular with the soon to retire US baby boomers who are actively seeking an affordable and attractive location in which to retire. Because Costa Rica enjoys relatively low crime, is neutral, has a relatively high standard and low cost of living it is gaining a reputation among pre-retirees as a must-consider destination. There is therefore room for the development of real estate to suit this particular market or for the purchase and long term lease of real estate to this market. This particular group of people also represents a strong resale demand for those who buy now, improve property and intend to resell in the medium term to release gains accrued.

The real estate investment climate in Costa Rica is hot right now with the government working flat out to attract sustainable foreign direct investment – those interested in making a move should consider committing to the market sooner rather than later while it remains a buyer's market and before opportunities for the strongest investment gains are eroded by increased levels of investor awareness and interest.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about real estate investment in emerging markets worldwide. To read more about real estate investment in Costa Rica click here.

What Is A Predatory Lender

Writen by Jeanette Joy Fisher

Several months ago, the 3,000-member California Association of Mortgage Brokers (CAMB) created the first real definition to describe the abusive lending practices of predatory lenders. According to the CAMB, predatory lending was described as "placing consumers in loan products with significantly worse terms and/or higher costs than loans offered to similarly qualified consumers in the region for the primary purpose of enriching the originator and with little or no regard for the costs to the consumer."

Most mortgage brokers provide good service to their clients, yet there are a few who use unethical practices. Those brokers, called "predatory lenders" by the CAMB, not only over-charge consumers, but they also get paid in other hidden ways.

For instance, avoid lenders who charge more than the usual three percent fees for a conventional loan or four percent fees for a government-sponsored loan. Even non-prime lenders can't justify excessive fees.

Also watch for hidden loan costs, such as the Yield-Spread Premium. This term refers to a rebate that's given to brokers when they place a borrower at an interest rate higher than the rate for which they qualify. Refuse to pay yield-spread premiums and unwarranted fees, and avoid brokers who include these charges in their loans.

Besides charging high points and fees, predatory lending practices may also include such things as "packing" credit insurance on to a loan, making mortgage loans to homeowners who don't have the income to repay them, and repeatedly refinancing loans.

When it comes to obtaining a real estate loan, it's your responsibility to become a knowledgeable consumer, which means you'll need to keep asking questions of your lender. If you aren't able to get clear, easily understandable answers to your questions, it's possible that you may be dealing with a predatory lender.

Copyright © 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher - All Rights Reserved.

Jeanette Fisher, author of "Credit Help! Get the Credit You Need to Buy Real Estate," helps people buy their dream home or finance multiple investment properties. Jeanette teaches real estate investing and Design Psychology. For help with your credit or answers to your questions, visit the Real Estate Help Credit Center at http://www.recredithelp.com Subscribe to Credit Help! Tips. Send a blank email to CreditTips at reCreditHelp.com

Get the credit you need to buy your dream home or multiple investment properties!

Understanding Real Estate Investment Trusts

Writen by Joel Teo

So you want to be a landlord without having the problem of repairing faulty roofs and lights? Maybe real estate investment trusts are for you. These structures are basically legal structures to allow investors to get access to the rental proceeds via dividends. These rental proceeds are net of property management fees and other legal fees pursuant to the transaction.

Developers use this instrument to offload properties in their stable into the real estate investment trusts so as to generate cash to purchase other commercial buildings while retaining a sizeable stake in the REIT. Each year or half yearly depending on the REIT, they distribute rental income in the form of dividends to investors. Things to take note off include what the properties in the REIT are. Sometimes developers try to move their non-performing assets into the REIT so that their listed companies can report better illusory earnings and you should take note of this.

Now that we have explained what a REIT is, the rest of the article will highlight three reasons why you might want to invest in a REIT.

Firstly, owning units in a REIT allows us to gain rental exposure to large commercial buildings. Let's face it most of us real estate investors do no have the financial ability to own large commercial buildings so sometimes it will be good to purchase units of a real estate investment trust so that we can participate in the upswing in office rental of a commercial building.

Secondly, owning units in a REIT because of its trust like structure allows for a tax flow through of the profits (this means no tax on profits from the REIT). If in doubt, spend some time consulting your tax attorney for advice on this. Another way to get some tax knowledge is to ask for a copy of the prospectus of the REIT and read the section on tax advice.

Thirdly, listed REITs are tradable like shares so you can do the normal things that you would do with shares. The advantage of this is that you can examine the usual commercial rental data to determine whether rentals are going up or not and when you should purchase the units in the REIT. Always remember the importance of value investing especially so in an investment involving real estate. Spend time researching on the REIT that you are interested and figure out the value that you think it is worth and wait for the unit price to drop and swop in to make your purchase.

In conclusion, we have gone through the basic concepts of how real estate investment trusts work and highlighted three reasons why you might want to invest in a real estate investment trust (REIT). Remember that like with all investments, do your due diligence, time your entry and exit properly and you can make money both from the equity value and the rental yield of the underlying properties.

By Joel Teo 2006 All Rights Reserved

Joel Teo takes a keen interest in real estate investment as part of a larger investment portfolio. For more tips on real estate investing check out our real estate investment success series at our real estate investing resource.

Classes In Real Estate For Buyers Or Realtors

Writen by Tom Coleman

If you've ever played the game of monopoly, you've had that great feeling of snatching up Park Place and Broadway at least once or twice, then waiting patiently to build hotels everywhere and put everyone else out of the game. Those of you, who like that feeling, may want to study real estate. Similar to monopoly, real estate professionals are masters of buying and building property all over the world. These professionals know how to make investments work for them, and once you take some real estate classes – you will as well.

If you're ready to put value on property, real estate is where you need to be. You'll also be closing deals, which can be very profitable. To get into real estate classes and succeed in real estate, you'll need to be a persuasive team player who is really good with jumbling numbers. You'll also need to be good at being aggressive, and sealing the deal when everything is finished. Real estate can be a great career if you like to make decisions and build things.

Among the several real estate classes available, you have international real estate, real estate appraisal, real estate commercial, finance, investments, law, principles and practices, and even residential. While all of them are very interesting and can take you far in your career, you should pick one of the majors as it best relates to your needs and interests. If you're just looking to sell homes and land, residential real estate is everything you need.

Your career in real estate begins with real estate classes. There are several schools and colleges that teach real estate, all you have to do is find one in your state. The requirements and classes will vary from state to state, which would make it better to inquire ahead of time. Real estate is a career like no other, simply because you can invest in some property then sell it and make double the profit. If you've been looking for the perfect career to make a lot of money and challenge yourself – real estate can do it all for you and then some.

Articles may be reprinted but must link to Home Mortgage In China

Bypassing Environmental Site Assessments

Writen by Gil Strachan

Contaminated soil or water can be harmful to humans and other living organisms, and careless waste disposal and leakage of underground fuel storage tanks are only two examples of how contamination can occur.

In addition to the 10,000 spills reported every year in Canada, it is estimated that as many as 40,000 contaminant spills go unreported. Upward of 20,000 fuel storage tanks may be leaking, and any number of the 10,000 landfills in Canada may be seeping further contaminants into our soil and water.

Although there are presently (2005) no legal requirements in Canada to conduct environmental site assessments, purchasers, mortgage lenders and real estate practitioners should be aware of the potential financial, legal and environmental consequences of bypassing assessments where they may be advisable. Resale industrial, commercial or farm properties are among those which can represent an elevated risk to anyone involved in a real estate transaction.

An environmental site assessment (ESA) in Canada typically consists of three phases. A preliminary (Phase I) assessment is first conducted to determine if there is any evidence to suggest that a site could be potentially contaminated. As of 2005 the costs are approximately $2000 to $3000 which is not pocket change, however considerably cheaper than the costs involved in a major clean-up.

A Phase I assessment consists of site history research, a site visit, interviews and a written report provided by a qualified consultant adhering to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines for environmental site assessment.

If a Phase I assessment discloses evidence of contamination or potential contamination, a Phase II site investigation should be conducted to confirm the presence of contaminants. A Phase II investigation may include drilling, sampling, testing and groundwater monitoring, and cost $5000 to $10,000 and sometimes more.

If a Phase II determines that unacceptable levels of contamination exist, a Phase III Remedial Investigation should be carried out to determine what approach should be taken to clean up, or contain the contaminants present at the site. Ballpark costs cannot be offered for this phase, as every site will have its own specific set of considerations.

Actual cleanup is not considered to be part of an environmental site assessment.

The Bottom Line:

Applying "due diligence" is a key responsibility of everyone involved in a real estate transaction. Ignoring potential problems at sites where prior usage may have led to contamination, can lead to serious legal and financial costs for anyone involved in the purchase and sale of such property, in addition to the environmental ramifications.

To locate an environmental consultant:

Canadian Environmental Auditing Association http://www.ceaa-acve.ca

Associated Environmental Site Assessors of Canada http://www.aesac.ca

Related Resources:

Canada Mortgage and Housing Association http://www.cmhc.ca

Environment Canada http://www.ec.gc.ca

Environmental Science & Engineering (ESE) Magazine http://www.esemag.com

Gil Strachan is a certified home inspector representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada. Find more useful information for homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals at http://www.allaroundthehouse.com

Realtors Association Lowers Forecast Of 2006 Home Sales

Writen by Martin Lukac

The National Association of Realtors has announced a lower prediction for U.S. home sales in 2006.

Previously, the NAR had expected 2006 existing home sales to hit 6.62 million, but they have revised that prediction to 6.60 million for the year.

Last year, the nation saw a record sales level of 7.08 million.

The trade group predicts that new home sales will decrease by 13.4% to 1.1 million. Last year, 1.28 million new homes sold. The NAR had expected new home sales to hit 1.13 million for the year, but are now less optimistic.

Many economists are still predicting that 2006 will be in the top five record years for housing, despite the falling market. The key is where the market is coming from -- record highs. It can still go down and be way above historic levels.

The NAR predicts the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to be at 6.9% for the second half of the year. The predicted national median existing-home sale price is expected to increase by 5.3% for the year to $231,000.

Due to the reported vulnerability of the market, the NAR has requested that the Federal Reserve stop raising interest rates.

"Experiencing a slowing from a hot market is a good thing because we need a solid housing sector to provide an underlying base to the economy, and slower appreciation will help to preserve long-term affordability," said David Lereah, the NAR's chief economist.

"But this is a time for the Fed to pause on rate hikes because we have some interest-sensitive housing markets that have become vulnerable."

Martin Lukac (http://www.MartinLukac.com), represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Home Buying Checklist Paint And Stucco

Writen by Raynor James

Buying a home is a big investment. You should use a checklist when sizing up potential homes. In this article, we cover a home buying checklist for paint and stucco.

Paint and Stucco

The exterior of a home typically makes the biggest impression when you first view a potential buying opportunity. Many homebuyers, however, often make the mistake of looking at color schemes as the principal issue. In truth, a close review of the exterior of the prospective home can tell you a lot about the quality of the structure.

A person selling a home is not stupid. Before putting a home on the market, they are going to take steps to spiff it out to raise buyer interest and the rate you are willing to pay. There is nothing devious about such conduct. It is natural to want to put your best foot forward and a person selling a home isn't going to act differently. This is why you want to take a close look at the exterior paint and stucco on a home.

1. The first thing to look for is peeling or flaking of paint on the exterior walls. If you see this in an obvious place on a wall, run for the hills because the house needs a total repaint. Typically, you are not going to find such obvious problems. Instead, you need to poke around behind bushes, up under roof overhangs and in nooks and crannies. If you find problems of this sort, it tends to mean the paint job on the home was not applied correctly. Once these problems start occurring, you can count on them getting worse over time.

2. The second thing to look for is stains around perforations in the paint. For instance, look for an area where bolts or nails penetrate a painted surface. If you see rust around the hole, you may be seeing an indication of poor maintenance. Even worse, you may be seeing an indication of a water drainage problem. Investigate such occurrences very carefully.

3. With stucco homes, you are typically going to find some cracking do to earth movement and temperature changes. As long as these areas are relatively small, you shouldn't have problems patching them for a nominal price. The bigger problem, however, is if you find stains or soft spots on the bottom section of a stucco wall. This can mean there are problems with the drainage screen behind the stucco wall and water isn't getting out. If water isn't getting out, the stucco will continue to degrade and you may have a mold problem at some point. Both situations can be very expensive to fix.

When checking out perspective home buying opportunities, the exterior of the home should be looked at very closely. In this case, the merits of the home all come down to the details.

Raynor James is with the FSBO site - http://www.fsboamerica.org - FSBO homes for sale by owner. Visit our home buying page - http://www.fsboamerica.org/buyer.cfm - to view and buy homes, houses, condos, land and real estate.