Saturday, August 30, 2008

Over All, The Cost Of Living In Sugar Land Is Lower Than The National Medium Figure

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

As one of the fastest- growing cities in Texas, Sugar Land has expanded by 150 percent throughout the last decade.



The earliest planned communities began at the start of the 1960s. Much of the community is made up of various Sugar Land subdivisions composed of 13 master- planned communities. The communities were built with adequate green space, wide streets, paths, varied housing prices and size ranges in addition to plenty of parks, and public facilities, playgrounds to satisfy the most discriminating homeowner. Because these subdivisions have houses constructed at different price ranges and because of the average price range of housing in this area, Greater Houston new homes are slightly easier to acquire than in most communities. As these subdivisions were bought out, the city annexed the area, which explains why the city itself is growing so rapidly. Tax rates are lower than the national average in this community which makes living here even more appealing.


Grocery prices, are about 25, for example percent less than those of other major metropolitan areas in the United States. Over all, the cost of living in Sugar Land is lower than the national medium figure. The presence of Imperial Sugar has had a big influence on these subdivisions. Several of the early planned communities were as a direct push from Imperial Sugar to get the ball rolling. Sugar Land was originally a company town and it was not until the early 1960s that the community began to take the first steps toward preparing a complete planned community. This allowed the community to grow in a planned way.


It is expected that the next round of annexations to this city will bring the population level to more than 120, 000 people. Since planning included various levels of houses at price levels and sizes that would attract everyone from singles to young families, the city of Sugar Land was fated to grow rapidly. This is a city that has a high per capita income and a cost of living, which brings the overall desirability of living here to one of the highest in the country. Overall, as part of, Sugar Land the Houston- Sugar Land- Baytown metropolitan area, is undoubtedly the best place in the United States in which to live and work. It has been rated as the top- ranked city in Texas for business location and enjoys a similar rank for livability. That is why these subdivisions are well worth further investigation.

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Their Job Is To Find You That Next Great House - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

A lot of times when home buyers decide to buy that next property instinctively they call their real estate agents to find them new homes that fit their current criteria and needs. Their job is to find you that next great house.

For A More Rural, You Can Check, Suburban Feel Out The Homes For Sale In The Clackamas Area - Lilia Landrith about Finance and Real Estate:

Are you looking for real estate in Portland, Oregon?

Friday, August 29, 2008

Private Schools, Of Which There Are 349, Have A Student/ Teacher Ratio Of 7: 1( Seven To One)

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

With a metropolitan area population of more than five million people, there are many factors to consider when determining precisely where in Houston you want to live.



Parents want to place their children in the best schools in Houston in order to give them the highest education possible, giving them a solid base that will enable them to support themselves well as adults. One element that often helps to make the decision is the availability and quality of education. Not only within the wealthier neighborhoods, but also throughout the city, there is a great deal of emphasis on finding elementary schools, and high schools, middle schools that will give young people a great start in life. For example, the number of students per teacher area wide in Houston is 15: 1( 15 to one) , whereas the overall student/ teacher ratio statewide is 14: 1( 14 to one) . Determining which are the best schools in Houston can take into consideration several different factors. There are more than half a million students in the Houston area spread over nearly 800 schools, both public and private.


These ratios help parents see at a glance how much individual help their child is likely to receive in the classroom. Private schools, of which there are 349, have a student/ teacher ratio of 7: 1( seven to one) . However, this ratio is not the only factor that goes to determining the best schools in Houston for your family. For example, a child who is interested in sports should probably be enrolled in a school that features a solid physical education curriculum, but that also stresses the academic achievement that will allow him or her to succeed in life skills or prepare to attend institutions of higher learning. Due consideration must also be given to the interests of the child and what the emphasis of the curriculum is for any particular school. Officially, various ranking lists are prepared each year to assist in choosing the best schools in Houston.


The YES College Preparatory School is number two on the list. The 2007 list prepared by an organization called Children at Risk rates schools in Greater Houston for proficiency in mathematics and in English. In order to graduate from this high school, the student must have been accepted at a four- year college or university. It is interesting to note that some of the best schools in Houston are not magnet schools and not specialized schools. This means it s not a question of if the student will attend college, but where. This means that quality education is available to any Houston- area student attending public or private schools.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

There Is Something For Everybody In Costa Del Sol

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The very name of Costa del Sol is enough to explain why this place is liked so much by visitors all over Europe. Amid a weather that is infamous for being dull and desolate, a sunny coast is bound to be welcomed by all.



The sunny coast that is what Costa del Sol means in English. Be it basking in the sun or swimming in the pool, you can enjoy it only if you have a warm weather prevailing around you. It is also blessed with some attracting places nearby as it borders with the Costa de Almeria and in the west with the Costa de la Luz, separated by the Strait of Gibraltar. With an extension of more than 300 km including the Mediterranean beaches of the Andalusian provinces of Malaga, Costa del Sol, Cadiz and Granada property belongs to the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is not simply the location and the weather that is the only attraction of Costa del Sol. There are facilities like sports, cultural activities, visiting historical centres, bars, shops, restaurants, etc.


There are so many other facilities that one needs to enjoy their stay to the fullest. The best thing about these facilities is that they not only open during the tourist- period, but all year around. There is something for everybody in Costa del Sol. So, with a share in Costa del Sol property, you are sure to spend your time in the midst of peace and festivity. There are lots of leisure activities like golf, horse riding, tennis, horse racing, motor racing and, polo above all, the variety of water sports. To enjoy the nightlife, discotheques, you have nightclubs, and cocktail bars.


Then Costa del Sol property includes a wide variety of boutiques, restaurants and a superb casino in Marbella. With all these facilities available to you, life in Costa del Sol will be ecstatic.

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The Flamingo South Beach Sits On Miami S Beautiful Bay - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Gone are the days when South Florida is considered the home of retirees. The Flamingo Condominium sits in the heart of South Miami Beach and it embodies this lifestyle that South Beach has become so famous for.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

A Foreigner Cannot Purchase A Land Outright In Indonesia

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Located in South East Asia, Indonesia is an archipelago, 000 islands such, with about 17 as Sumatra, Bali, Java, Kalimantan, the Moluccas Islands, Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya. Real estate in Indonesia is a hot sector, with residential units and commercial buildings as well as industrialized plants sprouting all over the nation.



With its diverse landscape, lush green forests, untouched beaches, and volcanic mountains, Indonesia is truly an exotic destination. In other words, Indonesian real estate sector has globally marked its establishment in all respects. Indonesia also boasts of more than 10 billion barrels of oil reserves as well as 150 trillion cubic feet of potential reserves. Low interest rates and robust consumer spending has led to a tremendous economic growth. Further, the innovative measures taken by Indonesia to well organize its natural resources have now caught the attention of many global investors. Perhaps for these reasons real estate in Indonesia is of special significance. People from across the world also flock here for a myriad of other purposes such as for education or employment requirements.


Most of the real estate investments have been found in metropolitan areas like Jakarta. As in the case of other Asian nations, several laws and regulations have been formulated for the acquisition of a real estate in Indonesia. Indonesia provides almost all types of real estate, from luxury villas and homes to guest houses, hotel resorts and land. Different types of titles are associated with the purchase of a land in Indonesia. This type of title could be held only by a national of Indonesia. Foremost is Hak Milik, otherwise freehold title.


Further, property ownership with this title is considered the most complete form of land ownership in Indonesia, and it possesses complete right to exchange, bequeath, sell, or transfer to eligible recipient. A foreigner cannot purchase a land outright in Indonesia. Certain restrictions have been imposed on foreigners to buy a land in Indonesia. However, three options are opened for non- Indonesian to buy or acquire a land in the country, leasehold investment, such as, Indonesian nominee power of attorney agreement, and PMA Foreign Investment Company Structure. Mostly, options would be there for extension. Leasehold investment provides complete protection to a non resident investor during the term of lease agreement, which in turn is prepared for a specific period, usually extending up to 25 years. This agreement is also inclusive of the foreign investor s options regarding the right for the land or building demolishing, or demolishment, renovation.


In the case of Indonesian nominee power of attorney, a foreign investor can enter a legal agreement through a nominee who is a permanent resident of the nation. A land or property acquired through this option holds a kind of title known as Hak Pakai or leasehold title. Al though, this nominee is the registered owner, the foreigner holds the land certificates. Once the power of attorney is signed, all of the nominee s rights with regard to property are waived and the investor is given complete right on the property. On purchasing the property, both nominee and investor sign a legal power of attorney. Accordingly, the investor can build, or lease the, sell property. PMA( Penanaman Modal Asing) Foreign Investment Company Structure is primarily designed for enabling foreign business firms or corporations to purchase a property in Indonesia.


Further, he can even transfer the property. However, property acquisition does not provide complete ownership to the foreign investors. Among the procedures in connection with the buying of property in Indonesia are examination of land certificate at the Land office, payment of transfer tax by salesperson at a commercial bank, payment of tax on acquisition of the land and building by the buyer, filing for company tax registration number with the local tax authorities, execution of sale and purchase of land deed through a legal representative appointed by an executive of the National Land Office, Registration of the Land deed under the name of the buyer with the Local Land Office, and Land Deed at the Tax on Land and Building Office. This type of property acquisition holds the title of HGB( Hak Guna Bangunan. ) In order to conduct a real estate transaction in the country, real estate sales people are not required to hold a license. No matter it is single detached home, apartment, villa, office, a large number, or industrial space of realtors and real estate firms are now there to find and buy your dream property in Indonesia.

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Realtors Who Deal With Plant City New Homes Network With Lenders Who Finance Them - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

You may be one of those people who make it their goal to buy a home before they reach a certain age. In fact, buying Plant City homes could have serious good or bad consequences for years to come, depending on how well you do your homework when buying your new home.

The House Property Listed For Sale In The Market Should Be Listed - Elva Aro's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Sometimes the house property listed for sale may or may not be sold in the market and may not fetch reasonable price consideration.

The Interest Only Loans Left Them With Little Or No Equity Which Meant No Collateral For The Loan - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

While just about everywhere in the United States the real estate market has come back robust and healthy and most people can count on their house selling after a short period on the market, there are some states whose residents are facing foreclosure in record numbers. Benefits for these service industry jobs are not nearly as good as those in the prior industrial industry, and in some cases they dont exist at all.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Good Living Just Outside New Orleans Proper

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

It has been a challenging couple of years here in South Louisiana. but today, the New Orleans area and the entire Gulf Coast are roaring back to life as the desirable, viable economies they ve always been. James, St.



New Orleans real estate agents are up and running, ready to sell your home or find the new home you want in the Greater New Orleans area, including all of the commuting areas: Orleans St. John, St. Tammany and St. Charles, St. Bernard, Jefferson and Plaquemines, Tangipahoa Parishes. Several neighboring Parishes named for Saints James, Charles, John, Tammany and Bernard, are collectively known as" The Saints" and offer delightful small town living within easy commuting distance of the city for sporting events, dining, shopping, sight- seeing or working. Good Living Just Outside New Orleans Proper.


All of these areas experienced an explosion in population and home ownership rates as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of families were looking for new homes in the few undamaged neighborhoods of New Orleans and in neighboring Parishes. After the storm, it was an unbelievable time for New Orleans real estate. Southeast Louisiana has never seen a housing boom such as this. They are now enjoying the benefits of these communities such as great public schools and a beautiful natural environment. These families were grabbing up all available houses as close as they could get to their devastated old communities. Easy Living In The Heart Of The Big Easy.


There s something for every taste and pocketbook. If you want to live right in the heart of the city- or close enough to get to its heart in a heartbeat- an experienced New Orleans real estate agent can find homes to meet your specifications, whether it s a beautiful rebuild or a house that escaped the flood. For instance. Or how about elegance with a surprising- and somewhat edgy- back- story? Nothing says New Orleans! like the Vieux Carre, with its old world charm, right in the, famous Royal Street heart of the Old French Quarter. Consider living in the former home of renowned author Anne Rice. This beautiful area is grand and charming on historic St.


The word" elegance" may have been coined to describe the Garden District- and if it wasn t, it should ve been. Charles Avenue. Hurricane Katrina created an entirely new world for real estate in New Orleans areas, and the real estate agents have worked to know all there is about the current housing market- rebuilding regulations, new public school and charter school options, and buying a, qualified contractors home in this new era. If your lifestyle is less formal and more contemporary suburban, you might consider many of the houses that are gutted and waiting for your personal renovation talents to turn it into the home of your dreams.

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For Example, There Are Tampa Real Estate Agents That Specialize In The Luxury Home Market - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Over the course of the past fifteen years, the New Tampa real estate market has been constantly expanding.

I Thought That A Reserve Bid Was Already Was A Joke - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The lenders unwillingness to adjust the prices on their properties is affecting us greatly. A significant number of banks out there won t even respond to our fair offers.

Everything In Their Home Will Be New - Finance and Real Estate:

Moving into a new home can be one of the most stressful situations that a person can endure, so it is vital that you find ways to make the transition as easy as possible.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Now, For People Who Want To Own Property Here, Spanish Villas Come Across As A Highly Popular As Well As Beneficial Option

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Sometimes we come across places during our holidays and trips that strike us in a way we have never been touched before. Spain is one of these places, and a vacation on this golden beach laden nation is enough for you to fall in love with the infectious energy making the rounds of the popular spots.



It is then that a sudden desire to treasure a piece of that earthly paradise arises in our minds and prompts some of us, almost hypnotically to own our own space in that place. Now, for people who want to own property here, Spanish Villas come across as a highly popular as well as beneficial option. Now, with the apparent growth in the tourism sector, another sector in the form of the real estate industry has made rapid progress too. It is quite evident from the evident influx of a huge number of tourists to Spain from all parts of the world that the nation is banking majorly on its tourism potential. More and more visitors have resorted to either renting or buying Spanish villas to get a feel of the free spirited festivity that runs rampant in the country. These offers can be conveniently browsed over the Internet by prospective buyers to get access to a greater collection.


Checking into the positive reaction of the tourists, real estate agents have been most courteous in providing a plethora of options under Spanish villas. You can have your fill of the most exquisite villas with all the modern amenities close by in the likes of beaches, golf courses and, shopping marts parks. An online comparison of all the options available can land you with your ideal space in a paradise called Spain. Some of the most popular regions where Spanish villas attract buyers like bees are Costa Calida, Tenerife and Fuerteventura.

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Buying A Home Can Be A Very Emotional Situation - Finance and Real Estate:

Phoenix is one of the most exciting communities for real estate in the United States. Whether you are interested in a urban condominium in the downtown corridor, a family friendly home in a suburban community, or a low maintenance town home next to a golf course, there s something for everyone in Phoenix.

Head Of Dubai Real Estate Company, Ajman Investment And Dubai Real Estate - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

The project will fill has been left with the development of so many super Dubai Luxury Apartments.

Just One Minute And You Are There: In Your Dream Mallorca Holiday - Finance and Real Estate:

Lovely apartments available for rent, right on the sea front Mallorca make your mallorca holidays the best holidays ever.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Agricultural Land For Sale Will Generally Comprise Several Offers

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

There are certain fields in the area of investment properties that might seem risky or non- profitable. The truth is that such areas that people hesitate to exploit are valuable and bring significant earnings to the owner.



This is why the agricultural land for sale does not interest too many people. People only need to benefit from a greater amount of information concerning the availability and the potential advantages generated by such plots, and they will understand the value of such investment. Take for example the price of land in the UK, it has continually been increasing its value since 1983 for 20 years, the price of land has risen in value by 808% , which is an amazing return for your money in just 20 years. The most important thing you could find out from our specialized website is that agriculture, particularly in the UK, can bring a lot of money to the person that chooses it. It has still been increasing since 2003, some 12- 18% yearly. A big part of the issue consists of the investment properties that bear a connection to the agricultural land for sale.


Specialized analysis organizations give out funds that target the increase of people s interest in this area. Developing farms on lands that are perfect for this can make someone wealthy, taking into consideration the absolute craze for organic products. It does not only refer to land, but it can also be a place, a building or any other type of property that one can re- designate easily for any other functions. Food especially, the type that does not contain too many artificial or synthetic ingredients seems to attract the persons that grow more and more concerned with health issues. "Investment properties" is a phrase that allows one to consider many opportunities to add value to the property. In a real estate ad, you can come across sections that cover the agricultural land for sale. This is, one of those, however valuable diamonds, which need a bit of work in order to shine at the maximum. We live times where industrialization and the development of commercial spaces leave little room for agriculture.


The agricultural land for sale can become one of your investment properties. The step from actually finding the right piece of property to actually investing and making profit is not exactly an impossible leap. In order to put it to good use, you can try researching ideas over the Internet. Apart from ambition and financial support, you must also know something about the domain you want to invest in and know how to speculate. Tracking down and buying the right investment properties require these exact character traits. These are qualities of a good business person.


Another ingredient of a successful business is finding and exploiting a new concept or something that the person next to you would neglect. The agricultural land for sale will generally comprise several offers. Farming could be your lucky break. You can decide upon larger acreages or upon smaller, more affordable plots. The point we want to make is that the availability for sale of agricultural land speaks for the development that such plots are highly likely to undertake. We have grown more and more careful at what we provide to our visitors. One needs to keep a close eye on the evolution of the phenomenon and he or she may soon turn into one of the successful investors in the real estate area of business.

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Though Austin Has Already Been Using Similar Guidelines For Over A Decade, Now The Rest Of The Country Is Following Suit - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Austin has long been a home for friendly folk- friendly to each other, and friendly to, friendly to animals the environment.

Use All Your Resources To Find A Home - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

If you are interested in buying a home in El Centro, you couldn t have picked a better location. It s also a growing area, with new businesses moving into the Imperial Valley and new home communities being built at a lightening pace.

The Results Reflect The Potential Gross Profit In The Property - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Now that you know the default amount.

Friday, August 22, 2008

House Price Growth Has Slowed Down Over The Course Of This Month, A Recent Rightmove Study Has Revealed

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

House price growth has slowed down over the course of this month, a recent Rightmove study has revealed. Overall, the typical home is now said to cost 240, compared to June, 000 pounds s figure of 239, 317 pounds.



During July, the cost of property was reported to have risen by 3 per cent, half a percentage point down from the growth noted in the previous month and the lowest increase recorded so far this year. Meanwhile, the company indicated that over the year ending in July price inflation stands at 13 per cent, in comparison to the 12 cent noted in the 12 months leading up to June. According to the company, house price growth in the capital is currently twice as fast as the rest of the country. The slowdown in growth was partially attributed to the Bank of England s monetary policy committee( MPC) increasing the base rate of interest three times thus far this year. Over the last 12 months, property in London has risen by some 27 per cent with Westminster, Chelsea and Kensington, Camden reported to be particularly driving growth. Meanwhile, the north and north- west have seen the lowest annual growth with increases of 9 and 1 per cent respectively.


Outside of the English capital, the Yorkshire and Humber region was said to have seen the largest increases with homes up by 14 per cent during the past year. Miles Shipside, said, Rightmove commercial director: "Shortages of supply will remain more acute in the capital, as suitable building land is harder to come by and demand will continue to grow as the City strives to become the financial capital of the world. He added that despite moves by new prime minister Gordon Brown to provide access to homes for potential first- time buyers, those looking to get on to the bottom rung of the property ladder are still set to be faced with" limited choice in the affordable sector" . The consequent upwards pressure on prices can be absorbed by highly paid City workers, but it exacerbates the existing problems for key workers and first- time buyers in London" . Commenting on the figures, chief UK and, Howard Archer European economist for Global Insight, claimed that the study indicated that the housing industry is beginning to slow down" as demand is increasingly pressurised by the rising affordability pressures stemming from higher interest rates, modest real disposable income growth and elevated house prices" . In turn, Mr Archer suggested that this could be a" significant deterrent" to many prospective property buyers as they struggle to make secured loan repayments. He added that there is a" very strong possibility" that the MPC is to increase the base rate to six per cent over the coming months.


Earlier this month, a study released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showed that house price inflation halved over the course of June in comparison to May s statistics. As the firm revealed that first- time buyer enquiries fell at their fastest rate since February, consumers are increasingly struggling to make secured loan repayments. Although the month was the 20th consecutive period of growth, only 16 per cent more chartered surveyors indicated house price rises, compared to those reporting a decrease.

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Many People Fly Out From Britain For A Long Weekend In Portugal - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The Alentejo area is blessed with a beautiful coastline and is easily accessible- as most of Portugal is- house prices are significantly lower than in more well- known regions such as the Algarve. There s loads of space not on the Algarve, but the rest, of course of Portugal, empty roads, [people] living really from day to day.

Offer Some Other Item Of Value - Elinor Galliher's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Oh, no! What happens now?

This Makes Buying Or Moving Into A Valrico Home Is A Good Choice - Elvia Matt about Finance and Real Estate:

Located north of Tampa, Valrico is an unincorporated community within the Hillsborough County, featuring the typical, Florida adavantages and disadvantages of a small town. If you want to relocate to Tampa Bay Area, or from Tampa, Florida to a smaller town, one of the options to be considered is Valrico.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

You Have Your Book Of Business

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

When most people first become real estate agents they are probably not thinking about how they are going to get out of the business.



However, if you are not thinking about where you are going, will you ever get there? They are thinking about how much money they are going to make once they get started and not how much they are going to make when it is time to get out. Probably not. Regardless of where you are at right now in your real estate career, whether you are in your first year or a 20 year veteran, now is the time to plan your exit strategy. You will most likely wander this way and that and then when it comes time, you will realize that because you did not plan ahead, you don t have a plan for making your exit. How many people do you know that have been able to retire from real estate and actually sell their business for any substantial amount of money?


Why is that? I would guess very few, if any. A successful real estate professional should be able to sell their list of clients and business just like any other professional. This is a salable asset. Anyone that has been in this business for at least 3 years should have a list of clients that they have worked with. However, there is no guarantee that your clients are going to be willing to work with whoever it is that buys your business.


That is not an exit strategy. So what you will most likely do is sell your list of clients for a minimal amount of money or someone will give you a referral fee for anyone that does decide to do business with them. Now, what if instead of just being able to show them a list of every client that you ever had, you could also show them how you got those clients? What if you could show them how much money you made each year and exactly how you made it? What if you could show them your" book of business" ? Now you would have something to sell. Your book of business should include your list of clients, your marketing strategies and materials, the results from those ads and therefore should show how your success can be duplicated.


Now you would have something worth more than a 20% referral fee. The key to creating your book of business is tracking everything you do. This is one of the hidden benefits of these systems that are generally just used for lead generation. One of the best ways to do this is with ad tracking technology like a call capture hotline. With a call capture hotline that also includes ad tracking you can easily track all of your ads that you run and the responses that they elicited. This is powerful stuff.


The system will capture each caller that comes in, address and phone, record their name number, follow them through your system, tell you which extension they came to( and therefore the ad that elicited the response) , and many times record whether or not they left a message or asked to speak to you. Now you can have reports that show how many leads each of your successful ads generated, how many of those leads turned into clients, and the name and phone number of every person that responded to those ads. You have your book of business. Combine that with the actual marketing materials you used and your list of clients and now you have something. This can be duplicated. This is an exit strategy.


This is a salable asset.

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The Moment You Decide To Look For Bars For Sale In Spain Is The Moment Trouble Starts - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

As people are beginning to look for jobs that really make them happy rather then just make money, there is an increase in the number of people considering buying Spanish bars.

Find A Home - Marsha Basey's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Decide what kind of home are you looking for. What kind of neighborhood do you have in mind?

This Will Allow Your Loan Provider To Assist You In Finding That Ideal Mortgage Of Yours - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Buying a house is quite a tough job.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Property In France Is Then Yours

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Buying a property in France is a significant financial undertaking.



When you first inquire about a property on the 1st for French Property website you ll be put in direct contact with the French selling agent. Knowing how the sales process works and what factors need to be taken into consideration when buying French property is therefore vital if you are to be successful in your quest. They will answer all of your questions in English( or French if you wish to conduct business in French) , and assist you to arrange a viewing of the property. You will be required to sign a Compromis de Vente, which is the pre- contract agreement detailing the conditions of sale, price agreed and clauses that the transaction is subject to. If you decide that you wish to buy a property, the agent will normally request a 10% deposit. It is at this point that you should request inclusion of clauses to enable you to withdraw from the transaction if circumstances do not favour you.


The Compromis de Vente. For instance, if you fail to obtain a mortgage, fail to receive specific planning permission, or if the home fails on significant survey points, then inclusion of these clauses will render the transaction null and void. The Compromis de Vente is a legally binding contract, and so it is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice before signing. Normally, it takes 3- 4 weeks for the Compromis de Vente to be written, and the agent will require a copy of your passport along with any marriage or divorce papers. The document is normally written in French, so again it is strongly recommended that you have it professionally translated. Upon signing the agreement the 10% deposit becomes due. The notaire is an official employed by the French government to record and oversee the transaction.


This is paid to the notaire. A 7- day cooling- off period then ensues, during which time you, can withdraw without, the buyer penalty. You can still withdraw at this point, but unless you do so in line with the clauses in the Compromis de Vente then you will lose your 10% deposit. After the 7- day period expires, the Compromis de Vente becomes legally binding. Before Completion. It may also depend upon how long it takes you to obtain a mortgage.


It normally takes an additional 4- 8 weeks to complete your French property transaction, although this will vary depending upon the complexity of the sale and the type of property you are buying. Before completion can happen, the searches on the property need to take place. Searches to be performed include rights of way, land boundaries and ownership. You should appoint a solicitor to handle this on your behalf. Surveys can also be undertaken at this point including a full structural survey through a professional surveyor, which you will need to appoint should you wish to have a UK- style survey performed. This will help you to get the most out of your foreign property purchase and avoid being stung by heavy costs in the future. You should also seek professional tax planning advice at this stage.


Completing the purchase of your French Property. It is important to have the 90% purchase balance already transferred to the notary s account prior to the completion deadline. The signing of the final contract will take place at the notary s office in France. If the balance is to be provided through your mortgage lender then it is imperative that they understand when and where the money must be paid to before the completion deadline. If you cannot be present then you can give power of attorney to a nominated person to sign on your behalf. On the day of signature, the selling agent will take you to view the property before signing so you can be sure that everything is in order.


The property in France is then yours! In France, the buyer pays all of the costs involved in the transaction. Costs of buying in France. The selling agent s fee, which is often included in the price of the property, will typically amount to between 7% -8% of the purchase price, although this does vary from agent to agent. Additionally, if you appoint a solicitor or lawyer then you should expect to pay them the equivalent of about 1% of the property price to cover their costs. The notaire will also levy a charge of 3% of the agreed purchase price for their services. There is also transfer tax of around 5% on old- style properties to consider and annual taxes levied at the owner each year by the government.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Well Demand Is High And Supply Is Low And The Dollar Is Weak

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

There has been a convergence of market conditions that point to a buying opportunity.



Second, the real estate market has turned into a buyer s market with the inventory levels of homes rising. First, interest rates are at an all time low which means you can lock in that mortgage rate at historic lows. Third, the dollar is weak internationally and real estate prices over the long term are subject to the effects of inflation. In the short term US housing values are more a function of local supply and demand, but over the long term other less apparent factors could eventually work their way into US housing values and costs. The US dollar has declined against the Eurodollar for the past five years. If you are an avid traveler of Europe, then you should have an appreciation of what I am talking about.


If you sell your home today for double what you paid for it ten years ago( in US dollars) and then take those dollars to Europe, how much appreciation in terms of" true value" did you obtain? If your dollar is worth half of what it was worth five or six years ago overseas, than what is your home really worth today. What affect will the weakening US dollar have on US housing prices? Consider the price of oil, and other commodities, gold including the cost of building materials for a home. Will this put upward pressure on the US housing market over time? If gold is$ 1000 an ounce and the dollar has depreciated by 50% against most major foreign currencies, then gold s appreciation from$ 400 to$ 1000 an ounce is more a function of the depreciating dollar rather than a true increase in the price of gold. If oil has risen from a price of$ 15 a barrel 10 years ago to a price of$ 105 a barrel today, then what amount of that dollar increase is a result of the depreciation of our own currency( the US dollar) .


This holds true for oil as well. Oil and gold are" international currencies" and many of the building materials we use in our homes are affected by long term changes in exchange rates. Housing prices have more than doubled in most regions, but construction costs have risen as well. What does this mean for housing prices today and in the future and what does this mean for the cost of construction now and in the future? In many instances material costs have doubled and even tripled, so it may cost twice as much to build that house as compared to what it might have costs ten years ago. Why?


If the median and average selling price of a home continues to decline, then construction of new homes will fall dramatically. Because rising construction costs and falling housing prices will squeeze builder s gross profit margins forcing them to postpone many future projects. While real estate prices are failing in most local US real estate markets, New York City prices continue to rise. The New York City real estate market is the most likely real estate market to be impacted by the falling dollar, because of its appeal to international investors. Why? Foreign investors are hungry for Manhattan real estate and much of the added supply of new construction is swallowed up by foreign investors.


Well demand is high and supply is low and the dollar is weak. Please note this article was written for information purposes only and should not be relied on to make material financial decisions. Please see RealEstate- Calc. com for real estate investment analysis and mortgage calculators for mortgage analysis. Speak to your lawyer, financial advisor and your tax specialist for professional advice in purchasing a home.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

If You Are In The Market, You Actually Can Take Advantage Of The Foreclosure Situation That Exists

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

A great deal has been written about the Florida real estate market and the Tampa real estate market over the course of the past year.



On the surface, the vast majority of what has been reported on about the Florida and the Tampa real estate market has been gloomy. This includes media reports and in depth analysis that has shown up on the Internet and World Wide Web with regularity. However, the reality is that despite all of the negative publicity that has been put forth regarding the real estate markets, the outlook for a home buyer in the Sunshine State and in the Tampa area hardly is all negative. In fact, the truth is that in some places in Florida, one in forty residential properties ended up in foreclosure in the State of Florida over the course of the past year. First of all, a number of buyers actually have been scared away from the Florida real estate market because they have read so much about the record rate of foreclosures at this point in time. With that understood, the foreclosure problem actually can work to the benefit of a home buyer at this point in time.


By identifying those homes that are either facing foreclosure or in foreclosure, you are able to make a purchase of these residential properties for what can amount to significantly reduced prices than what you would be able to achieve on the more open market. If you are in the market, you actually can take advantage of the foreclosure situation that exists. Second, there are also, beyond foreclosures a growing number of Tampa residences that end up on the sales block due to unpaid taxes. Finally, during the 1980s and 1990s a significant number of people in the Tampa area invested in residential real estate. This represents yet another avenue that you can pursue in order to purchase the home of your dreams at a markedly reduced price. By the turn of the century, many of these residential properties have ended up for sale on the Tampa real estate market.


In other words, by taking advantage of this situation, you will be able to save a significant amount of money on the purchase of your home. (Keep in mind that you may have to do some repair and refurbishing work on these homes. Some of these investors have encountered difficulties in selling these properties and are willing to accept lower offers on these properties. However, the investment in time and money that you may have to work to repair some aspects of these homes will still be offset by the lower price you ended up paying on the property in the first instance. )

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

A Loan Modification Program Was The Most Common Method Of Foreclosure Resolution For Many Years

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Three common solutions for foreclosure are loan reinstatement, or a loan, a forbearance agreement modification. Loan reinstatement is where a lender has started the foreclosure process and the homeowner finds a way to" reinstate" or pay back the entire deficiency owed.



While there are numerous other specific ways to stop foreclosures, these three are used frequently. The deficiency amount includes back loan payments, attorney, accelerated interest costs's fees, and late penalty, assorted expenses charges. When the homeowner's reason for the delinquency is partially resolved, the homeowner may ask the lender to take partial payments. This total amount can accelerate quickly and recently lender's indicated that pre- payment penalties may in the future be included into final judgments. However, the lender will not accept partial payments and the foreclosure will proceed if the full reinstatement amount isn' t paid. As simple as it sounds, it may be unaffordable for the homeowner who could barely afford the original loan payment.


A forbearance agreement between the lender and the homeowner stipulates that the homeowner must make additional monthly payments for a specific period to make up the reinstatement amount. The lender will usually ask that the homeowner pay the reinstatement amount over a three or six month period. For a six month repayment schedule the new monthly payment would be$ 2, 000+ $6, 000/ 6= $3, 000 per month. If the monthly loan payment was$ 2, 000 per month and he was 3 months in arrears, the new monthly payment for a three month period would be at least$ 2, 000+ $6, 000/ 3= $4, 000 per month. In some instances the lender may ask for an additional cash payment before they will start the increased monthly payments. The foreclosure does not stop with the signing of the forbearance agreement but simply is put on hold until the homeowner completes making all the increased payments. After the 3 or 6 months, the loan payments revert to the original amount or$ 2, 000 in the above example.


A loan modification program was the most common method of foreclosure resolution for many years. Another type of loan modification was to very slightly increase the monthly payments over the remaining term of the loan. It involved the lender issuing a new loan agreement where the deficiency amount was added to the loan balance and paid in identical monthly payments but for many more months. So the homeowner has a choice of either extended but identical payments, or slightly higher payments for the original term of the loan. It was an affordable win- win for the lender and the homeowner but is seldom offered anymore. Either option repaid the lender his money back plus interest. Loan modification programs are usually not available unless there is a hardship involved such as a death or illness.


Your best option is to talk to your lender and as early as possible so you have time to resolve your problem. But it is worth asking your lender about it if you are in foreclosure.