Sunday, May 31, 2009

What's the Role of the Estate Agent When You're Selling Property

By James K Blunt

The estate representatives play a vital part in buying and selling material good. They present you with better accessible choices, and moreover advise you in the early stages of your search. If you are selling material good, the estate representative will vigilantly examine the agreement. The services of an estate representative not only save your time, but also facilitate you in presenting your interests more successfully. According to law, the estate representative is bound to deal fairly with both the parties.

The estate agent helps you in the entire settlement. The agent not only helps you in the analysis of your requirements, but also in presenting them in legal way. The agent also provides you better available mortgage and selling options. The agent also provides suitable guidance in assigning a suitable price to your property, and thus presents it to the buyer.

The representative plays a key part in case you are selling a material good. The estate representative establishes a link between both the groups, and presents the demands of the consumer in a rational and persuasive mode. The representative is bound to discuss and establish an acceptable agreement between both the parties. The representative will formulate and draft the offer to the consumer by bearing in mind the terms and conditions of the seller.

The very important part of the estate representative is to put a price to the selling material good. This forms the basis of attracting a consumer. The key job of the estate representative is to advertise your deal in a smart and convincing manner in order to deal with the right consumer. All the three persons, the representative, the consumer, and the seller are supposed to sign the agreement. The rest of the documents are then made by the estate representative. The estate representative is paid for his services by the seller.

You have the right to make your own choice under the management of the estate manager. The estate manager has no authority to impose anything on the customer or neither can he/she pressurise you for anything. The responsibility of the estate manager is to give legal recommendation and support in dealing the monitory matters during the selling of assets.

The estate representative is also supposed to team up with the consumer. If an understanding develops between the estate representative and the consumer, then the whole course is carried out more efficiently which in addition saves time. The estate representative will not only facilitate you in putting forward your needs to the other party, but will also make your arrangement a positive one.

The role of estate agent is also to carry out the deal in a truthful manner. It is the duty of estate agent to convince the other group for buying a particular property. Moreover, commitment is the most important factor in order to conduct the deal till its completion, regardless of the fee structure.

It is the duty of an estate agent to update the client about the latest selling rates in the market. The professional dealing of the estate agent along with a good reputation plays an important role in dealing with the two parties. The agent should be reliable and trustworthy, and all the matters should be discussed at the outset.

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Saturday, May 30, 2009

Why Should I Be Agreeable With The Office of the Assessor?

By Valerie Faltas

Simply, because they are handling your assessment!

If there is a mistake|an error in your building record or a value that is far above than what it should be, it is never intentional nor is it personal. Errors happengiven there is such a volume of work for them to complete and so many residences to value! Always remember the Assessor is a mass assessment entity and they do not necessarily have the time or the man power to ensure every single value is perfect. All government organizations are overwhelmed with work and the Assessor is no different. So, cut them a little slack, they're not out to get you.

The staff of the Assessor can make your life very simple and they can also make it frustrating. If you are difficult to deal with, no one is going to want to assist you, even if the mistake is the Assessors fault. The staff do not enjoy being treated as people who are out to get you, since they really arent. The staff are not affected by your taxes, records and values, so be pleasant. Be an individual they want to help so that you will get the maximum advantage of what may be available to you. Remember, even if the person you are speaking with can't assist you, chances are they know the person who can and have influence with that person also.

As an employee of the Assessor's Office there were front doors slammed in my face, I was yelled at by the public. Sometimes I was treated like I had no understanding of property tax law or even appraisal and I was not apt to help people who treated me like that. Part of myresponsibility to assist them, to be a civil servant. Yet, after working for years in a place where the public resented me and the job I did it was very taxing. Remember, the Assessor himself is a person and the staff are human beings and they have been yelled at enough already. They are yelled at everyday and most of the staff work there for years.

Imagine what its like to be in a working environment for years where most people you deal with detest you! Its not fun! Dont be one more they add to that list! The staff you deal with who work for the Assessor, influence your property tax value and records, always remember that! Most of them have worked with thousands of property owners and can read you like a book, so be kind and patient and realize they are not out to screw you. The employees of the Assessor, are simply doing their jobs. Being angry and patronizing will not get you the result you are looking for. You may be surprised at what being kind and patient will get you.

About the Author: Valerie Faltas, Property Tax Expert worked in assessments for years, is a Certified Property Tax Appraiser, Licensed Residential Appraiser and a member of the International Association of Assessment Officers. As a real estate investor and advisor she is well versed in all aspects of real estate. To contact Valerie Faltas go to her website: www.propertytaxlittleblackbook.com

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Friday, May 29, 2009

Buying Real Estate in Nicaragua Includes a Rich Cultural Experience

By Doug J Smith

In my opinion, once of the most important perks that comes with buying real estate in Nicaragua is the opportunity to become exposed to the rich cultural heritage of Nicaragua. All year round there are some wonderful cultural events. Nicaragua has wonderful street play and poetry festivals and also has numerous rodeos, bull riding contests, and horse related festivals.

Nicaragua is a deeply Catholic country and many of the cultural activities draw from the Catholic faith. The months around Christmas and Easter have a number of colourful celebrations and offer a compelling glimpse into this wonderfully rich and warm cultural heritage.

'La Pursima' is celebrated in primarily in the month of December and is likely the most widespread of all Nicaraguan celebrations. The festivities begin on November 28th when the Virgins image (statue or picture) is taken from the church so that she may visit the different communities in town served by the church. From November 29th until December 13th, the Virgin is carried into different communities by groups of people or on the beds of pick-up trucks. The procession is accompanied by singing, decorations, a small marching band and plenty of bombas (firecrackers). During this same period many families decorate alters in their homes and different neighborhoods decorate parade floats in tribute to various themes related to the Virgin Mary.

During this period of Purisma, a church mass is celebrated early every morning. These masses are the starting point for the days procession to a new neighborhood. A rosary is read at the barrio in early evening after which a traditional drink made from maiz called chichi and sweets are distributed to the neighbors. Later in the evening, the procession of the Virgin returns to the Church.

December 7th is the day before Dia de la Virgin Maria and it is on this day that La Griteria is celebrated. La Griteria literally means "the outcry". People walk the streets of their town chanting "What causes so much joy?". People inside the houses shout out in reply "The Conception of Mary". On each December 7th, a happy, joyful and often times loud "crying out" for the Virgin can be heard all over Nicaragua. Although this special event originated in the colonial city of Leon, the celebration of La Griteria have spread to Managua, Masaya, San Juan del Sur, Rivis and Granada and eventually spread across all the communities of Nicaragua. Wherever you might decide to purchase real estate in Nicaragua you will be able to witness the joyful celebration of La Griteria.

Nicaragua is really a wonderful place to retire. If are attracted to sun and sand but also enjoy the enriching experience of exploring new and exciting cultures then a retirement in Nicaragua might appeal to you. There are currently some wonderful opportunities to own real estate in Nicaragua.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Best Moment For Home Refinancing In Tennessee Is Probably At This Time

By Terrence Askew

A nation wide home lenders survey indicates a drop in new application for mortgage refinancing. The seasonally adjusted mortgage application index over the past few years also shows a decline in the home mortgage refinancing loans. This index fell by 4 percent last August their by reflected the state of mortgage refinancing.

Analysis still indicates that mortgage interest rates have dropped drastically to 5 points. But there are still hopes as the mortgage loans have adjusted and shown an upward increase in the trends. Observers consider subcomponent as a bench-mark in the entire sub-sector. Their was an increase of 4.8 % percent in the mortgage rates last year which left the demand for this type of loan at stake.

At the initial stages adjustable rate mortgages also known as ARM makes home ownership more affordable due to low monthly payments. But after a while households whose earnings fail catch-up with the raising rates often default on monthly payments and eventually get kicked out of their homes through foreclosure. This is because most of them overlook details included with the adjustable quoted interest rate.

You can get good rates online but some internet sites are just not good for you. They will never offer you reliable information on what you want. They have hidden charges that you may not be aware of and un-revealed quotes that will enter you into extra costs. If you don't take caution you might find yourself paying more dollars in the name of commissions which you could however avoid. Now may be the best time to refinance your home in TN.

Since now may be the best time to refinance your home in TN, One of the ways to getting enlightenment in this case is being able to know a par mortgage rate when you come across one. A par mortgage is just one which does not cost you any money and does not cost the person who is arranging the loan any money any either. This is a secret which your mortgage loan broker might want you to anything about.

It is all about discount points. Discount points come in the form of fees which you are required to pay at the closing of the arrangement in order to get the mortgage at a certain interest. One per cent of your mortgage counts as one point. The problem is that there are sometimes some hidden charges which you might know nothing about.

Perhaps you don't know that your mortgage broker earns some form of commission just for marking up your mortgage loan. These hidden charges end up accruing to thousands of dollars every your year as you struggle to refinance your mortgage.

Home owners looking for the best mortgage refinancing deal in Tennessee also ought to know how the broker benefits for the process. This way they can select those that offer quality service with competitive yield spread premiums and origination fees.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Save Thousands. Learn About Your Jacksonville Refinance Today.

By Trent Biller

So you want to save some money? If your reading this then I suppose this is very true, after all don't we all want to save some money here and there? Well getting a Jacksonville refinance wont just save you little bit of cash, it could save you thousands. To understand why lets first of all take a look at the real estate market conditions in Jacksonville.

This is one of the golden cities of Florida. It has one of the fastest growing real estate markets out of all the cities in the state. Although there have been some recent though times we can tell that the market is starting to pick up again. There are currently 22,000 houses on the market as we speak. The sales volumes are up 6% from last year while there has been a decrease of 11% of the pricing of these houses for sale. So yes the figures aren't impressing but they are better.

So to sum up the market conditions, there is growth but its not fantastic. We have seen many of the buyers start to take full advantage of all the houses available on the market due to the many foreclosures. It is still a buyers market as there is still a large inventory of homes currently on the market.

So we are seeing the bottom of the market, the dark days of the sub-prime mortgage crisis are ending. Hopefully. Either way this is the perfect time for your refinance! You need to take full advantage of the record low interest rates out there and get a Jacksonville refinance while you still can.

You can save a bundle by getting a refinance. Get a refinance for a lower interest rate and you can save two ways; firstly you could refinance for a lower interest rate and get a lower monthly repayment, or you could do the same and reduce the term of your loan. Or you can get both! It up to you how to decide to refinance, but just know there will be a trade of between the two.

Let me show you an example of how this can be done. We have used local figure and number to help show how someone in Jacksonville can get a great refinance. The average price of a family home in Jacksonville is $155,000. If you got this mortgage back in 2005 you would have gotten a rate of about 6.5%, which means your monthly repayments would be $973.

So what can now be done thanks to the low interest rates is take this loan you got in 2005 and refinance at a lower rate for a reduced monthly repayment, and you will be surprised by how much you can save. Current rates are at 4.5%. So if you refinance at this new rate your new repayments will be $749, which is a saving of $224 per month! Now I'm sure that is something you don't want to pass up.

People refinance for many reasons. This is just two of them. In today's market they are the most common because so many people are taking advantage of the lower rates, and for a good reason too! If there is any advise you can take away with you from this it would be to seriously consider getting a refinance while you can. It could save you hundreds, maybe even thousands

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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Who Needs Property Insurance?

By Graham McKenzie

Property insurance protects from any kind of harm or robbery that is incurred to a belongings or house. It can include factors like flood, wind, fire, or earthquake damage. Getting property insurance facilities in locations that are more open to these hazards is more costly than the one?s that don?t come under such dangers.

If you possess a house you may not necessarily have any kind of home insurance. It is right that you are taking a chance that your home and belongings are either not going to be stolen or harmed. If it happens, then you can anticipate losing one of the chief possessions you own. If your home gets fire and all of your stuff, furniture, and clothes are burnt with your home, then you not only will be without a home but you also have to start your life again. This is at times a great risk for those people who are not monetarily secure, or who live in a location which is prone to such natural disaster.

You may want to have property insurance only if you have a credit or you are still making payments on your home loan. As the home is yours officially, the insurer has a right to make sure that your home is safe. If the home is ruined in a disaster it will be more of insurer?s loss than yours. You need to be very cautious of the insurance plans that insurer present directly for your ease. It is advisable to get a great deal for yourself that may help you in saving some funds.

Not all insurance companies provide property insurance, but many of them do. Look around on the internet and phone book to find companies in your area. Talk to the agents to find the best deal possible. Make sure you find an agent that you trust, since there are some that are only out there to make money off of the commissions. Ask questions about your coverage and any discounts that you might be able to get.

Before you initiate your search for insurance it might be useful to recheck your credit record. If you just purchased a house it is expected that you already have an experience of this. Your credit plays a huge role on how your payments are decided, along with your history of claims if any, and on the house which is to be covered. Talk to the credit company to settle any claims and to make payments for any outstanding credit.

There are different ways by which you can save funds on your property insurance. Start from looking for a home in a location that isn?t known as high risk location. Like, Miami, and Los Angeles will have high rates because chances of earthquakes and hurricanes are more there. The state of your home is also taken into account. Sometimes your home does not go in accordance with construction codes then it may be more of a danger for insurance company. Similarly, if you own a big and good-looking home, then insurance company may charge higher rates since it is more open to robbery.

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Monday, May 25, 2009

Flipping Properties - Easy as 1-2-3

By Volker Tidsch

When you first start out, learning how to flip a house can be hard work. And complicated. Sure, those with real estate experience will have an easier time with it, but anyone can learn how to flip a house and do it profitably. There are some technical issues that may come along the pipe, but the average person can still overcome these issues by doing a little research and learn how to develop properties and unload them for a hefty profit. How can Joe Q. Public accomplish this?

With this brief guide, we have done the homework and outlined the important steps that can make you a seasoned flipper and get you making the profit you want and on your way to financial independence.

1.) Research, research, research. Learning the ins-and-outs of the real estate industry can teach you how to bargain, how to accurately evaluate properties, and make sure that the deal that you struck is in your favor. Knowing the differences in condos, houses, bungalows, duplexes, and other housing establishments, is vital. Basic knowledge of houses and properties and the development of those properties is just as important as having the capital to invest. Ways to educate yourself, other than reading and the natural course of studying, could include contacting professional realtors, attending open houses for available homes - house-flipping has become popular enough that finding the information you need to properly appraise a property so you know exactly what sort of work and profit you are looking at.

2.) Along with research in today's market, you also want to know the history of the real estate industry as well as where it is going. The news is, of course, a great place to start, but there are real estate journals and market magazines available which will give you an inside edge on those guys who aren't willing to put the work in. Everyone wants to be able to throw that long bomb to the wide receiver for that huge touchdown profit, but you definitely can get a leg up by knowing what the defense is doing and how to adjust your plans.

3.) Now it's time to find that perfect property that you can get as inexpensively as possible, invest minimal time and effort into restoring and repairing, and then flip the house for a maximum profit. This is the perfect flip, of course. And the only way you're going to accomplish this is by doing the legwork and finding out if you would save costs by doing the jobs yourself or subcontracting them to the lowest bidder. You will also be able to save on your budget by shopping around for materials as well as doing small changes to a property or house which could make the selling of the house much easier. Unique landscaping is definitely one inexpensive way to do this. Also keep in mind who exactly is in the market for a new home or property.

4.) Finally, and most important to your bank account, is avoiding paying for the repairs out of your own pocket. If you have to, taking out a loan is definitely better than using your personal capital to balance budget overages. That loan will allow you to keep your professional and personal finances separate. Acquiring a loan larger than the final cost of the property can be advantageous and can easily be covered in the selling price of the house once you flip it over to another buyer.

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

48 Hours to Go before the Moving Van Hits the Road

By Edmonton Storage Guy

Your last two days before moving may find you with your head in your hands, wondering how you're going to get finished in time. Let all activities not related to your move fall by the wayside for now and focus on finishing up the packing, cleaning, etc., still to be done.

In addition to the chores mentioned above, below are some things you'll need to be sure have been taken care of at this point.

Verify that your old utilities will be turned off and out of your name by the time you leave your old home, and that your new utilities will be turned on in time for your arrival at your new one.

Make sure you have all your important documents in one safe place. You'll need to make sure your address book is up-to-date, and that it includes contact information for people you'll need to be in touch with shortly after you arrive at your new home. Immunization records. One thing that's easy to overlook is your children's immunization records. Most schools won't admit students without these, so make sure yours are current and easily accessible.

Use up or toss out any food remaining in your refrigerator and freezer. Even though it's not the healthiest choice, it's better to rely on takeout and fast food these last two days, to cut down on the amount of cooking and last-minute cleaning you'll need to do.

Try to host a final gathering for neighbors and friends. They'll appreciate the chance to say goodbye to you, and if you serve takeout food or set up a simple buffet, the work involved will be manageable. You might even be able to use up all the leftovers in your fridge!

Your final 48 hours in your old home are sure to be frantic, but they don't have to be overwhelming. Keep yourself organized with checklists, keep items you're still using in a centralized location, and stay focused on the exciting new adventures that await you in your new home.

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Saturday, May 23, 2009

Why It Is Important To Use The Correct Type Of Balustrade And Handrails In Your Home

By Paul J Coleman

Balustrades are the underneath beams that grasp up the handrail. Besides this, they also give an essential use in the design efficacy and also make the spot where they are placed come out good. They first appeared in Italian architecture in the Renaissance period.

Balustrades can be prepared in many different materials and designs. The type of design and material you utilise depends on the approach of your building and the materials that have been used all the way through. If your entire house or building has a wooden and rustic feel, you will need to get a balustrade that reflects the same touch. However, if you have a very modern look in your house, then you can trial with plastics and metals to give it a sleeker look.

Balustrades can be made from all kinds of materials, from wrought iron to cast iron to glass to wire and softwoods. The material only depends on the look you want to achieve and the look you want the entire building to have. The important thing to notice is that the balustrade and handrail must merge with the style of the house.

Balustrades and handrails can also be used to pull consideration to the stairway. If you have a very wonderfully designed stairway and you desire to create it as a central point in the room, then you need to have a balustrade and handrail that attract attention to that spot and highlight the beauty of the staircase.

Balustrades are also utilised in the barriers around the balconies and in other spots around the house. Anyplace where a barrier is essential, a balustrade is also obligatory. You can thus utilise this to bring to light definite kinds of materials throughout the house.

If you have many cases where can you have balustrades around the house, you can utilise these to attach in the houses decorating plan or even get the decorations around the house together by making sure all the balustrades look the same and follow the same plan or are made of the like materials.

Balustrades are also used to decorate the exterior of the house. They are very common on the roof or top floor, and even on balconies. They are most commonly made out of very hard materials when placed outside the house since they need to withstand the various effecting elements, but they always have the same look and work seamlessly into the design of the house.

It is important to select the right kind of balustrade and handrail since it will tie in the architecture of your house and the interior decorations together very effectively if chosen well but if you choose the wrong one, you will end up having a house look mismatched and not at all well designed. It is important to spend some time in searching the different varieties available, before you decide anything for the entire house.

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Friday, May 22, 2009

Real Estate Postcard Marketing Tip: Even Postcard Messages Need Strong Headlines

By Mark Bradley

Journalists never fail to stress the importance of a powerful headline. If you fail to create a compelling headline, your audience will move on the next article that catches their attention. This rule also holds true for real estate marketing investors especially when you are launching a direct marketing campaign.

There is not a lot of room in a postcard to write down several of your persuasive arguments. But an attention grabbing and informative headline can get this job done while using less space and requiring less time from your customer.

How can you make strong headlines? Use the direct marketing formula, What's in it for the customer? You need time to think this over because effective headlines usually don't get written instantly.

Take time and gather your thoughts. Create a list on your customers? benefits. How will he benefit from your service?

Write them all down. Mull over and reflect on all these benefits to get yourself inspired and ready to come up with your own striking headlines. Just write and don't criticize or limit your ideas at this point. When you think you have enough, look back at your headlines and study them. Drop uninteresting headlines. With the remaining promising headlines, replace some words with active verbs or more vivid words.

You will also notice that some of your most promising headlines are related. Merge these headlines into one strong headline. You may still end up with a few distinct headlines. Test these different headlines if they can effectively meet the direct marketing standard: What's in it for the customer? Remove the ones that may be creative but don't pass this test.

You can also combine all the best headlines to create another powerful headline. The more headlines you have, the better.

In addition, you can achieve more success in your real estate postcard marketing if you pay more attention to your customers, and learn what benefits are most valuable to them. These benefits have the strongest emotional connection to your prospective customers. And when these benefits are merged into a headline, you produce a highly potent means of persuasion.

So if you are responsible for producing your own real estate direct marketing materials, always prioritize increasing your customer knowledge. Always be sensitive to your customers? needs to learn what benefits they value most.

These benefits are the diamonds you use in crafting masterful headlines for your real estate postcard marketing campaign.

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Real Estate Education - Finding The Right Note Buyer

By C R Bolden

It can be very tough at times trying to find the right note buyer. The best method to find note buyers is using the Internet. Using a popular search engine website with keywords such as "buy monthly payments" or "buy mortgage payments" could lead to many interested buyers.

There are a lot of search engines out there you could review to search for finding the right note buyers. The best of all search engines are Google followed by Yahoo and then MSN.

Getting the assistance of a note finder in the secondary finance industry, a unique group of individuals exists who specialize in locating buyers. These cash flow specialists - often known simply as "finders" - have a unique understanding of what most buyers are looking for. These finders are happy to work with property sellers or their real estate agents.

While note finders can't offer any legal knowledge or assist with the creation of a note, they are qualified to give general recommendations about note buyers' buying criteria. Most importantly, note finders will be able to help locate a buyer for a newly-created cash flow.

To be able to create an attractive note for resale, note payers and note buyers are usually looking for very different things. Most note payers would love a "no money down" purchase over 30 years at a low interest rate, but buyers wouldn't want anything to do with this sort of note because it is a bad deal for them in the long run.

An initial down payment of at least 10% of the sale price, a fully amortized term between 60 and 120 months, and an interest rate of 12 to 20% is typically what a note buyer is seeking. These conditions are necessary in order to minimize the discount to the note seller.

Note buyers will always reduce the payout amount somewhat in order to counterbalance the risks - limited equity, a payer with low or no credit score, possible foreclosure, or having to foot the bill for legal actions and selling the property by way of auction.

When property sellers are willing to offer an unconventional, private financed note to sell their home, the end result is often much better than the alternative of lowering the price until a "traditional buyer" finds the deal attractive. Smart sellers who can apply owner-finance techniques will have a huge advantage in closing difficult deals in tough markets.


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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Destination Arizona

By Haylee Landford

Any variety of land can be found in our country. From the lush forests to sandy deserts, or mass mountains to flat plains, America has it all. I've had the fortune to experience living amongst all these different landscapes, and let me tell you why Arizona would be my ideal place to live, amongst them all.

When I was a very small girl we lived there, but the memory of it isn't as sharp as my older siblings. They have always told me stories about the fun we had there, to job my memory. Just hearing their stories would entice anyone to want find a home there.

Our unique experience was living near the Grand Canyon in a small camper. I only stayed there for about six months, so the camping life was the ultimate. We were very content and comfortable in our little campground there.

You think summers in Arizona would have been unbearable, but they served us very well for camping. I believe such experiences have formed the enthusiasm I have for the outdoors. All the hiking, biking, exploration, and campfires are right at home in Arizona.

When I was little there, we would cook dinner around the campfire so often, that we became quite the experts. I have a vivid memory of campfire dinners with my family and how enjoyable they were. Especially when dinner was over and we got to make s'mores! I don't know many children that get to grow up in a place where they can eat s'mores for dinner every night!

We were there on business for my father. He has just been set as the vice president of the construction company he worked for. Coming home one night, I heard him tell my mom he had fired a man on the site. Later that night, while sitting around the fire with our s'mores, I got my marshmallow a little too toasty, and it caught fire. Naturally my response was, "Look dad! My marshmallow got fired!"

We found great accessibility in going to the Grand Canyon often. We also went to Flintstone land. Arizona definitely is not lacking in scenic splendors for any to visit and enjoy. These are the memories that I will never forget. I remember having a happy summer there.

The Native American influence was very prevalent and events were held at nighttime that we would attend. They would have large fires with hoop dancers fully dressed in authentic Native American garb. The splendor of such a such a sight, the headdresses and large hoop tricks, isn't easily forgotten.

I would love to live in Arizona just so my children can also enjoy the miles of beautiful horizon right in the backyard. I would also love Arizona so that my children could experience all the splendor of exploration, adventure, and culture there. If you, like me, are enticed by the awe of Arizona as a place to settle your family, you can easily find the property of your dreams waiting for you there.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Second Home Insurance: How to choose the best cover

By David Ball

People often buying a second home or holiday home in Europe or the UK are usually offered insurance cover by a broker, insurer or their foreign agent or notary. It may well be far too easy to say "yes", but the policy they offer you may not be suitable for you due to the particular requirements needed for a second home or holiday home.

With the inherent risks of owning a holiday home in the UK or abroad being substantially greater than that of your main residence, there is a real need for holiday homes insurance policy written in plain English which pays particular attention to the special requirements for second homes and which also provides a wide band of cover.

Your holiday property insurance should also ensure that all local taxes on overseas properties are included within the premium. Buildings and Contents cover should be flexible so that owners do not end up paying for cover that they do not need. Not every property has a swimming pool. Certain features are considered to be of vital importance, and therefore overseas home insurance cover for loss of use, legal liability for domestic staff, public liability and accidental damage to domestic supplies should be included as standard.

Holiday home owners who own a property overseas and have overseas holiday home insurance should be spared the difficulties of discussing their claim with a foreign agent via a continental telephone call, and should be able to speak directly to experienced English staff that will provide assistance and be fully responsible for liaising with the overseas loss adjusters. The true value of any insurance is however only fully appreciated when a claim is made.

Although low premium rates are often of importance, the overseas house insurance cover should be simple to understand, offer a high level of security and in the event of a claim a satisfactory result. You might think that the best thing to go for is cheap holiday home insurance, but you really need to ask yourself whether you are really that well covered with the cheapest policy?

You must get specialist overseas holiday property insurance. And you must get insurance for buildings and contents designed exclusively for properties used as holiday homes or let for holiday use. Using an insurance agent who does not specialize in, or fully understand the requirements of your holiday home or let property, you may find that you do not have adequate cover to fully protect your holiday home. It is essential that you get the correct property insurance to suit the specialized requirements needed for your holiday home.

As an owner of a holiday home abroad, it is vital that you fully understand the extent and limitations of your insurance policy. Do you have cover for legal liability for domestic employees? What restrictions are in place when letting and un-occupancy etc? And most important of all what do you do in the event of a claim?

If your holiday home insurance policy has been placed through an insurance agent or notary in the following countries: UK, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus Greece, Ireland, Malta, Monaco or Andorra , it is more likely that they have not informed you and that you simply do not know.

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Sunday, May 17, 2009

Real Estate Postcard Marketing Tip: Get Talking to Get Writing

By M. Bradley

This is without a doubt the hardest thing for most real estate investors to do. And it?s especially hard when they sit down to write it on a postcard. Most people automatically envision that there?s just not enough room for what they truly want to say.

And for beginners in real estate investing, the responsibility of writing real estate direct marketing materials and learning all the marketing techniques in copywriting can be overwhelming. So if things get complicated for you, just remember that marketing is all about talking to your customers about the benefits of your service.

So now here is my suggestion, why not use your strength in real estate investing to help with writing your real estate direct marketing materials? Most real estate investors who stay in the industry are good at talking to people and researching about their customers.

Go to a quite place where you can relax ? probably your bedroom or living room. Record your thoughts as if you were talking to a friend or an acquaintance. But if you do not have a recorder, type your words on your computer as you speak them.

Don?t be concerned about what idea should come first or having the perfect words and sentences. Just talk. And when you?re done, transcribe your recording and review the material. Just reading it again, will give you an idea on what sentences to use to start your real estate direct mail; what should be placed in the middle; and how to end your copy with a strong call to action.

The reason why there are successful directs marketing campaigns is that smart real investors know how ?to talk? to their customers as if they are relating to a friend or acquaintance. This technique is one of the most preferred methods of most successful real investor gurus.

So don?t waste time staring blankly at your computer screen and give this method a try. One of the reasons why it also works is because writing the way you would naturally speak to your customer let?s you develop real estate marketing materials that feels more sincere and personal to your prospective customers. This may mean having some fragmented sentences in your copy.

Don?t worry that some prim and proper English teacher will knock on your door and flash his English police badge at you. Because the bottom line in telling your customer in a way he can understand why he should sell his home to you.

Before starting however, make sure you are relax and your mind is focused only on producing a real estate direct mail, or the message of a real estate marketing postcard. Because when you are mentally and emotionally prepared, more ideas will flow and come to you effortlessly. You may even end-up with ideas that can fill-up two or more real estate direct mails and postcard messages for different types of customers.

Now that you?ve mastered the art of ?talking? to your customer, there?s no reason why your next postcard mailing won?t make real estate investing history.

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Saturday, May 16, 2009

Flipping Properties - Easy as 1-2-3

By Volker Tidsch

When you first start out, learning how to flip a house can be hard work. And complicated. Sure, those with real estate experience will have an easier time with it, but anyone can learn how to flip a house and do it profitably. There are some technical issues that may come along the pipe, but the average person can still overcome these issues by doing a little research and learn how to develop properties and unload them for a hefty profit. How can Joe Q. Public accomplish this?

We have done the research for you and can present these steps to you so that not only can you flip a house, but you can do it quickly and make the type of money that has eluded you in the past. Here they are:

1.) Research, research, research. Learning the ins-and-outs of the real estate industry can teach you how to bargain, how to accurately evaluate properties, and make sure that the deal that you struck is in your favor. Knowing the differences in condos, houses, bungalows, duplexes, and other housing establishments, is vital. Basic knowledge of houses and properties and the development of those properties is just as important as having the capital to invest. Ways to educate yourself, other than reading and the natural course of studying, could include contacting professional realtors, attending open houses for available homes - house-flipping has become popular enough that finding the information you need to properly appraise a property so you know exactly what sort of work and profit you are looking at.

2.) After or even during the first step, you must also learn about the real deal when it comes to the real estate industry. Keep yourself informed of the latest news and issues surrounding this particular business venture you wanted to enter. It's not enough that you know how to buy houses, what's even much better is that you know the current condition of buying houses. This will give you a better idea on how to play the field. You can take some time to read the newspapers or browse magazines about home and living.

3.) Using what you've learned, you're ready to move on and get into the thick of this business; locating that property that's prime for flipping. However, price of a house isn't the only thing you should look at - find out why the price of the property is so attractive. Ask the right questions - is the cost of the repairs going to allow you to hit your profit goal? Does this property have something that sets it apart and will that unique quality make the property easier to unload after you're done? Also remember that moderately priced houses that the average family can afford are definitely in demand and will make your job easier when it's time to sell.

4.) Finally, and most important to your bank account, is avoiding paying for the repairs out of your own pocket. If you have to, taking out a loan is definitely better than using your personal capital to balance budget overages. That loan will allow you to keep your professional and personal finances separate. Acquiring a loan larger than the final cost of the property can be advantageous and can easily be covered in the selling price of the house once you flip it over to another buyer.

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Friday, May 15, 2009

Advantages of Multi-Family Real Estate Over Single Family Houses

By Carlos Vaz

More millionaires have been made with real estate than any other business. Because of the economies of scale, commercial and multi-family real estate offers advantages over their single family counterparts. People will always need a place to live and work whether the rest of the economy is doing well or is in the tank.

Many people assume there is some big secret to creating massive weath through real estate. But whether you're buying single family homes or major multifamily properties, when and how you buy a property are the most critical factors. Whether you get the lowest price or the best terms determines how good the deal actually is. And it's not as hard as many might think.

There are fortunes to be made in properties that have been neglected and are in need of repair. The worse the neglect, the more the rehabilitation needed and the lower the price you can get. If you have a system in place to get the property back into shape you have maximum leverage at the time of purchase and maximum upside at the time of sale.

Once rehabilitation is completed, you have the choice to sell for immediate profit or hold, cash flow and exit at an appreciated price. In economic times like these, when there is a lack buyers in the market, holding the property is the most viable option and often the most lucrative.

Multi-family homes and apartments offer dramatic advantages over single family homes due to large numbers of tenants who are collectively paying off your debt and expenses. If one family vacates, there is only a fraction of the income lost, unlike the scenario if they leave a single family investment.

The time and energy that goes into acquiring and managing single family homes is not dramatically less than goes into managing apartments. However, the rewards of multi-family do dramatically outweigh the rewards of single family due to the leverage, additional safety and size of the monthly income. One must just decide where they would like to invest their own time and energy for maximum results.

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