Tuesday, June 2, 2009

5 Tried and Tested Investment Property Tips

When it comes to long term investment, there is nothing to beat the investment in real estate. With property prices almost always rise, it's an investment that will bring rich dividends in the future. Investing in property, although it is not all about just having the financial means to buy a particular property. Has much to do with finding the right property. What constitutes a property right is something that you may be asked about. These are some of the best real estate investment tips that you can find anywhere, which can help you make the right decision.

1. Among all the property investment advice is to imagine that the property you intend to buy is to rent, rather than living there. Remember, grass does not have an extensive cash flow. Instead, we should note that a tenant who wants? The house you buy must have the support infrastructure necessary to attract tenants.

2. Another important property investment advice that you should not ignore, take for granted that property prices are always on top and still rising. Remember, you can always find bargains. The key is shopping around and finding one.

3. You should never feel discouraged that they could not afford a private house. You should remember that there are many other houses that are available.

4. One major property investment advice is to do thorough research before you go looking for a property. You should be aware of the latest trends in the housing market.

5. Another important property investment advice is to seek professional help. For example you can always get to know about the latest market trends of an experienced real estate agent.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Real Estate Grants

What is a real estate grant? It's cash that individuals can obtain to purchase a new home, repair or update their existing home, or to help them pay down a mortgage. This is funding that is available regardless of income or credit.

Real estate grants are available through local and state government agencies as well as private foundation groups. They provide you with the cash you need, which in one way or another they benefit from as much as you do. Here's how...

Let's say you obtain a real estate grant to help you buy a new home. First time home buyers, for example, can receive as much as $20,000 in cash to be used for a down payment or closing costs. By obtaining these funds, it gives the individual the opportunity to buy a home when she may not otherwise be able to.

As a result of helping thousands of people in your community, the government helps move the needle in the real estate market by assisting with home sales. That means property values will rise, hundreds of construction workers keep their jobs as investors and home builders continue to have opportunity. In the end, the government imposes real estate taxes and makes the money back in the long run.

Similarly, with a home improvement grant, you can get the cash you need to upgrade, restore or expand your home. That increases home values for the entire neighborhood, which increases taxes and attracts a higher class of buyers. While real estate grants may be $20,000 in free money for you, it's just a drop in the bucket for the government who wins in the end.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Build Your Reputation As an Apartment Seeker

What is the value of a reputation? The old adage speaks volumes about "who you know" in lieu of "what you know" so is reputation really that big of a deal? In short, 'Yes' but I want to dispel some common myths about the value of reputation in commercial real estate and thus motivate you to pursue this wonderful investment vehicle.

Myth #1: Commercial real estate is basically a 'good 'ol boys' club that shuns new members.

Truth: In rare cases, usually in smaller communities, there is a bit of a protective approach to commercial real estate, favoring local ownership. By and large, this myth is false. The myth is propagated by the fact that the world of commercial real estate is populated by different players. When investors don't know the players or how to play the game, they presume it to be off-limits.

To build a reputation as a seeker of commercial real estate, make a point of finding out who the players are and let them know your intentions. Most players will see an active interest in the business of commercial real estate as a good thing, made more real when you can perform and actually buy something. Any hesitancy from a member of this group to work with you is usually founded on the fact that most people they've met who were just like you never did much of anything. When you have a solid approach to the business, you can perform and this will do wonders for your reputation with other commercial owners.

Don't Fear the Competition For Commercial Properties

One of the hallmarks of being in business is to be aware, concerned about, or even intimidated by one's perceived competition. After all, competitors can swoop in and gobble up sales that were otherwise yours for the taking, right? The better approach is to embrace the idea of competition and I, in this article, will help you feel better about this issue, when it comes to commercial properties.

Reasons for fearing the competition in commercial real estate usually stem from a feeling of not being financially ready to pursue larger purchases. If you're feeling this way, what would it take to feel more comfortable? What capital would you need to raise? What funding commitments would you need from a bank or banks? The answers to those questions form the basis for a sort of to-do list that needs to be your first priority. You have your checklist. Now, let's move on.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Foreclosed Homes

Owning a house is everybody’s dream. And if you don’t have money to own a house, then you turn towards a lender, a bank, a company or an individual to finance you for the initial payment for the purchase of the house. And if the owner defaults payments, then the property is taken back from the owner. This home then becomes a foreclosed home.

When the properties are foreclosed by the banks, because of unpaid payments, it is known as foreclosed and bank owned homes. These homes are always for sale as the bank will be only too eager to close the loan. Details of bank foreclosed homes will be available on the free bank foreclosed home listings. You can purchase these houses through auction and the highest bidder will get the house.

If you are looking for a foreclosed home, then the most important tool is foreclosed homes list. If you search through the internet you can view a number of foreclosed homes list, and you have to choose the best list. The best list will provide you all the information about the property, like place, name, features, contact details, prevailing rate, and also offer you assistance and guidance to purchase a good property.

With foreclosure homes hitting the market, many prospective buyers are eying these homes, to make a bargain and purchase a good house at a low price. There are some pros and cons to buy a foreclosed home.

The greatest advantage of buying a foreclosed home is the price. You can get a good house with less money. When the real estate boosts up, you can sell the house for a better price, thus making a profit. You can also purchase a foreclosed home and rent it out, which will also bring in money. Whatever you intend to do buying a foreclosed home is a good investment.

Most of the banks and the money lenders are interested in getting back their dues as fast as possible, and they will try to sell the house in a hurry. This is the right time for you to step in, and you might win a bargain. You can also negotiate on the closing payments, down payments etc. Most of these foreclosed houses are vacant, so the is saved from the problem of evicting the previous owners or tenants and can move in as early as possible.

Also all foreclosed homes need not be in good condition. Since the owner has not been able to pay the mortgage loan, because of financial crisis, he would have also found it difficult to maintain the house, which would therefore be in a bad condition. Foreclosed homes may have liens or other liabilities and it involves a lot of paper work.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Durham Housing Market Stats Are Looking Grim

Durham, North Carolina is one city in NC that has been affected by the housing market crisis that is a trend affecting major cities, as well as, smaller cities across the country. The economy is really sluggish and there seems to be no end in sight. Homeowners that want to put their house on the market through a real estate agent might be likely to change their minds after they read what the Durham housing market beholds.

Home sales are down so far this year from the middle of 2008 from over one thousand homes sold per month in the middle of last to around seven hundred and fifty sold for the month of February. That decrease in sales shows that either buyers' don't have the funding because the big lenders are sinking and tightening up their lending criteria or buyers are falling out of the market due to huge job loss.

Homeowners need to know that although home sales are down that is only part of the problem, the other problem is that the sales price for homes sold in Durham are down as well. The numbers show that home values in the area are low as they have been since the real estate boom in 2001. The average sales price for the month of February is around $144,000 right in line with 2001 and the middle of 2008 shows the average sales price was around $174,000. Less than one year later home values have dropped $30,000. These numbers are from sales of real estate agents and brokers.

Selling a home through a real estate agent in Durham according to the numbers is not such a good idea. Not only have home values dropped by over the past five years a 3 bedroom home is going for $10,000 less than five years ago, from $145,000 then to $135,000 between November and January.

Homeowners that need to sell their house fast might want to try other options that may be available instead of selling their house through a real estate agent that isn't going to get their house sold fast for the right price. In this current market a homeowners that needs a fast sale might not get what they are looking for so they might want to become creative to at least get the burden of their house off their hands.