Archive for June, 2009

How To Get The Money

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
by Jack Bosch

How is the money used by the investor? Q: If I loan money to an investor, how is it used and is it secure? A: Professional real estate investors need to fund new purchases, raise money to fix up, maintain and rent up acquired properties. In addition, it may cover the other costs associated with buying and selling houses. For properties already owned and managed by the investor, there are times when an investor needs to convert equity into cash. — without selling the property. This cash may be used to fund a house buying business, pay off other real estate notes that come due and handle unexpected cash needs.

Why private money? Q: Why don’t you go to banks or mortgage lenders? A: Banks and other lenders require applications, approvals and must follow guidelines imposed on the banking industry. Then there are limits to the number of loans they want to make to any one company or investor. On top of that, the time it takes for their approval process is never certain. We can move much faster without these limitations by using private lenders. That allows us to negotiate more profitable deals while offering homeowners a quick and easy sale without new loan or deal breaking contingencies.

Why are the returns so GOOD! Q: How can you afford to pay double or triple CD rates? A: Investors make money by providing valuable services to the sellers, buyers, renters and private lenders we work with. By cutting out the middlemen, we can avoid the costs normally paid out for real estate commissions, mortgage broker fees, loan fees and property management fees. We also know how to get full appraised value from our buyers and avoid making price concessions. We can occupy house fast to avoid holding costs and we know how to fix up and maintain properties for less money then most people must pay. We always formulate our purchase offers so that our buyers and sellers get a great deal. At the same time we establish a minimum profit of $20,000 or $30,000 earned or captured between the time we purchase an investment property and sell it down the road. We just won’t buy a property unless it makes sense for everyone involved.

Help for sellers and buyers Q: How do you help sellers? A: A lot of sellers today are having trouble finding a buyer when they decide to sell. And there are typically a lot of hassles a seller must endure to get their home sold. Using a long-term investing approach, we can offer sellers an attractive price, close or take possession whenever they want and give them an opportunity to avoid all the hassles of selling a house.

Q: How do you help the people we sell to – the buyers? A: We offer several great programs and unique opportunities for buyers. This includes a Sweat Equity Program, owner financing program (where we sell with owner financing), a down payment assistance option amongst other possibilities. Buyers in the current market are finding it increasingly difficult to qualify for bank loans. Our creative Programs help buyers get into a house they want to buy quickly, and without hassles allowing them build equity for the future faster and not throw their money away on rent payments

Q: How do you help renters? A: Tenants today face more restrictive rules and application requirements laid down by landlords and property management companies. We have positioned ourselves to be very flexible and creative in getting nice folks into our homes, thereby providing a much needed service. We can even rent to folks who recently had a bankruptcy or foreclosure.

About the Author:

Home Foreclosure: The People On The Phone

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
by Doc Schmyz

Home foreclosure is a not the best situation to be in. Once the notices start coming and the phone starts ringing you can’t really keep hiding. Your going to hear from lots of people who claim that they can help you. These calls are from organizations and companies that have their own motives and goals. Beware, in desperate times even a good sales pitch may sound like a miracle.

There are a number of people who are going to send mail or call. Most likely they were able to get your address or your number from the court system. Due to the legal nature of the process your information will be deemed as public and be published. This means anyone with internet access can find you.

The most common people or organizations that are going to give you call:

Swindlers/Con Men

These are the ones you have to be aware of. (And there are a lot of them out there.) All of them offer promises and refer you to a chapter 13 attorney for collect a fee. In worse cases, they will take the deed of the house and force you to pay rent while leading you to believe that they can save your home and in the end you loose it all because they do nothing but take your “rent money” and skip town.

This is the most common problem you will face besides the actual foreclosure.

Mortgage brokers

They can help you by refinancing your property. However, these loans may have higher interest rates and closing costs than what you payed at the bank. Some may even charge you more to see how much you are willing to pay and take advantage of it. Not all brokers will rip you off. Over the last several years mortgage brokers have gotten the short end of the stick in the press. Shop around and ask family and friends for a referral if you decide to use a broker. (and just for the record..no I am not a mortgage broker)

Chapter 13 Attorneys

This is your last resort. Most attorneys don’t really care about the situation you’re in or give you the attention you need.

Mortgage negotiators/Mortgage “Mod gods”

They negotiate repayment schemes with mortgage lenders. You can negotiate with the bank but in case it fails you can ask the help of a professional to get the plan approved. Some banks may impose a much more demanding plan and these professionals can get you a more favorable agreement.

Private money

They help arrange a new loan for you or buy the house from you. No matter which type you choose you must be completely aware of what they are doing and what they want. Other people can help while some can just make matters worse.

Mortgage/note holder

Your mortgage holder will call you to reinstate your house. This can be a good option depending on your situation. These are usually offered by mortgages backed by the government.

Whoever calls you or wherever the mail comes from be aware and think things through. You can stop a home foreclosure with the right options applicable for your situation. Do not throw in the towel if you don’t have to.

About the Author:

How To Hire An Interior Designer For Your Decorating Needs

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
by Janice Nickole

Over my many years of design I have been asked many questions. One in particular always pops up. How to hire an Interior Designer and what you should know.

See to it that you use the 5 questions in this article as a guide.

– Are you looking to hire a designer because you feel you lack the experience when it comes to decorating or designing?

– Do you buy home accessories, furniture, fabric, etc. on impulse, and now you don’t know what to do or where to put everything?

– Are you too busy with work and family and can’t find the time for home projects?

– Are you having a hard time agreeing with your spouse or roommate when it comes to home or apartment decorating?

– Are you unsure of your personal style and exactly what you like when it comes to home decorating?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the questions in this article, then it is possible you could use the help of an Interior Designer. You won’t regret your decision I promise.

Interior Designers have the know-how and the expertise when it comes to interior spaces. Now you may think you know how, and perhaps some of you are pretty good with the DIY (do it yourself) projects, but the truth of the matter is, most of us simply aren’t. So for that reason alone should you seriously consider hiring an Interior Designer because the bottom line is mistakes will cost you more in the long run.

Now I’m not saying that all Interior Designers are alike on the contrary. If you ask five Designers about how a room should be designed, you will get five different answers!

So how do you hire the right Interior Designer? First ask friends or family. Word of mouth is great advertising for any Designer. Perhaps a co-worker has had good experience with a Designer.

A good characteristic to look for in a Designer is confidence in his or her abilities. Also a Designer should respect YOU as a Client and listen to your desires and needs for your design project.

As a part of their consultation, they can provide you with an array of services that will bring your project alive. These services may include: space planning, color concepts, furniture selection and a number of key elements you need to harmoniously come together to accomplish your objectives.

State clearly your likes and dislikes, your ideas and your desires to your Designer so that he or she can design exactly what you want. Even if you are unsure about your personal design style, an Interior Designer’s expertise will know how to put it all together for you.

It is not so important as to how long the Designer has been in practice, rather that he or she is on the “same page” as you.

Ultimately the goal of the Designer is to keep the client on track. But the connection or “synergy” must exist between Client and Designer and so personalities must work well together.

Interior Designers are also valuable because they have a variety of special vendors at their fingertips that can help get the job done. They know the “Who’s Who” in the industry, who to go to, and more importantly, who not to go to. The consumer does not have this in-depth knowledge, so therefore this is invaluable.

You can ask for referrals from your Designer, although some may not give that information out due to client privacy.

Interior Designers work with many budgets and at many different price ranges. They usually charge by the hour and at prices as low as $50 dollars an hour to $300 dollars an hour.

About the Author:

Torrevieja Property Is A Good Investment

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
by Peter Wilson

Spain is a great vacation choice, especially on the Costa Blanca. If you want to invest in vacation property there, you would do well to consider Torrevieja property.

Torrevieja is ideal because it is near to everything vacationers and retirees could want, including shops, churches, attractions and even the Alicante airport. This southern portion of the Costa Blanca also features temperate weather and beautiful beaches.

If you visit Torrevieja at any time of year, you will see there is plenty to see and do year around. There is little rain and the temperatures are quite mild, so outdoor sports such as golf or hiking are always available.

Before investing in Torrevieja property you may want to rent a parcel for a long term so you get to know the area and the charming people. You will be able to determine which neighborhoods are most attractive to you and which would be the best place to invest your time and money.

To find a suitable property, search for Torrevieja real estate on your favorite search engine. You will see plenty of pictures and descriptions for available properties. Narrow these down by determining what price you can afford. Also consider what amenities you need. You may need to forego some luxury items to bring the price down somewhat, but there are still many beautiful homes available.

Many people buy vacation or retirement property with a view to renting it out when they are not using it. This can be a very wise investment. If that is what you plan to do, consider what potential tenants would want: a well-kept home near the beach and other attractions. Consider whether you would welcome children and/or pets. If so, what amenities are available for them?

When considering such an investment, keep in mind that international real-estate transactions can be tricky. You have to find reliable tenants and keep in good communication with them. You also must diligently maintain the property. If you like home maintenance projects, this could be fun. However, you may have to hire a local professional to do some of the work.

Reputable real estate professionals can help you through the purchase process. Be sure to work with a reputable agent and a knowledgeable real estate attorney. They can help you through a sometimes complicated process, including obtaining mortgages and insurance and paying taxes. Ask friends, relatives and coworkers for referrals and investigate these professionals thoroughly to make sure they are working in your best interest.

Torrevieja is well worth considering as a vacation residence. You will love the mild weather and all the things there are to see and do. If you come once, you will want to visit again and again, as do many others. This popularity is the reason why a real estate investment here is a very good deal.

About the Author:

Property Investment Tips For A Bad Economy

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
by Alexander Johnson

Property investment is defined as the outlay of money in properties like lands, or buildings in order to get some profit or income out of it. Properties that are usually targets for investment include high-rise residences, and also commercial properties like shops. One must not be afraid of risks when it comes to investing in a property, but always ready to take up positions that sometimes do not even reflect the general market outlook. Smart investors can buy a property during a market crisis and turn it into an overflowing source of income during the boom time.

First rule of investing in any property is to know its location. For beginner investors that are looking to invest, it is best to focus on capital appreciation by buying the right properties located at the right place. The right location means that the property of interest must be closely connected with public facilities like shops, schools, and main roads that meet with highways, as the location is definitely in line with the direction of growth, with prices that have not yet been appreciated. To venture into a familiar local market is also a good step as one is not suddenly thrown into the property game to soon without knowing the basics. Consider the factors such as good feng shui and a safe and friendly neighborhood before investing too.

Condominiums that belong to selective locations with strong expatriate market will definitely be of a good choice, as high cash flow can be reaped from rental income alone. Look for good bargains that sell a property with a price that is 20% below the market price. Be alert of the times such stocks are available which is often around the property bust cycle.

Loans that are being taken up for property investment must be of the highest quantum and tenure so that one can spread up the use of the capital resources to purchase other properties as well. To make sure that investors are not tangled up in a financial mess, properties to look for must be easily funded and relocated. To be successful at property investment, one should also think of long term plans that involve children education, retirement, and a steady life.

The development of a 20-year property investment strategy plan is important if investors want to be more than just successful. These plans must consider ones age, financial status, current state of the property cycle, possible economic situations, effective and practical investment tactics, and also personal goals. Even in property investment, moderation must be practiced so that one do not get carried away and become overly committed financially.

Economic crisis puts a pressure on the success of an investment and patience must be practiced so that one knows that quick returns are not as easy as when the economy is much more stable. Investors must learn to wait until the right time to reap the profits. Eventually, the hands-on experiences and learning from the success and failures of investments pave the road to become an expert at property investment.

Know that a profitable property investment is a continuing process. With time, the well thought out efforts and effective strategic methods are going to pay off. One then naturally knows the appropriate time to go on a buy or sell mode depending on the powerful influence that one has one a property market cycle that mirrors the economic situation.

About the Author:

What Is Foreclosure?

Monday, June 29th, 2009
by Angela Kleinertski

The property that a Realtor owns is what we call as REO. This person owns the property temporarily for the purpose of sales. Mortgage is already a social routine in the U.S . There are people who make their properties as a form of collateral for them to be able to borrow money from banks or in the government itself, these properties are given in lieu for money.

There is period of time where borrowers must pay, in an event where borrowers cannot pay the amount borrowed, the property would be taken away from them in legal way and will be sold by the lienors or investors.

Foreclosed properties are then being advertised by businessmen through magazines or other type of media, this is not to exploit the primary property holder but because in the law of the Government in the United States there is a period of time where the owner is informed to pay back for his property.

However, if he does not come up with the said amount or would not be able to pay, then foreclosure sale is then legally advertised.

There are several complaints against foreclosures, a lot of civic rally happens almost everyday because of that arising problem.

The act of foreclosing a property means discontinuing the right of the primary owner to his property. In the group they have their communicator which would let realtor businessmen knew their sides and beg to place the property in abeyance.

Its not just the real estate Investors who are involved in this business but also the government itself they sell the properties by banks or by sheriffs too. which has become a very profitable business for both.

In order for them to gain more profit they advertise their business as possible as they can and search for more foreclosed properties. knowing the potential of the business. They like it very much motivating as much people as they can to join their business.

About the Author:

Obama’s Homeowner Loan Modification Plan

Monday, June 29th, 2009
by Anthony M. Flores

The financial condition of people in the U.S. is under tremendous pressure mainly because of the recession. It has not only lowered the economy of the country, but has left most of the citizens jobless as well as homeless.

Perhaps one of the first signs of an ailing economy is the housing market. With a considerable amount consumer debt, folks are increasingly falling behind on their mortgage payments. To assist homeowners in reducing their housing payments, President Obama’s has come out with the Loan Modification Homeowner Stability Plan.

The loan modification plan works by reducing homeowners mortgage payments and providing the homeowners the opportunity to reduce excessive late fees and balance accrual.

How does Obama’s Loan Modification plan work?

1. Reduce the interest rate:

The homeowners loan will be allowed a 2-6 % interest rate based on the homeowners qualifications. Sometimes reducing their monthly payment by 20-40%.

3. Reduction of principal balance:

The Obama plan implies that the principal reduction amount will not inflate the interest charges. If the option of principal reduction is used, the remaining capitalized balance will be carried forward until the loan that is modified matures and the concerned property is sold or the loan is refinanced.

3. Reduction in the monthly payments will be shared:

To reduce a homeowner’s monthly payments on mortgage, the finance department will join hands with other firms to achieve this objective.

Obama’s loan modification plan will lower the homeowners payment to 38% of their monthly payment.

4. The lenders incentive:

The homeowner stability plan provides lenders with a $1000 incentive to reduce their mortgage payments and qualify them for loan modification.

In addition, the homeowner will receive $1000 of principal reduction for the next 5 years as long as they make their payments on time.

5. Payments for successful performance of debtors:

The decrease in principal is an added benefit to this loan modification plan

It is recommended that the homeowner keeps all paperwork in so they are completely aware of what it is that they signed.

Obama’s homeowner stability plan has assisted thousands of people reduce their home loans.

About the Author:

Real Estate Postcard Marketing Tip: Double Your Efforts When Choosing Mailing Lists

Monday, June 29th, 2009
by M. Bradley

You may think I’m exaggerating when I say this. But I assure you that I’m not. When you decide to mail your next postcard campaign for your real estate investing firm, consider this suggestion: give twice the effort to the mailing list as you do to your copy.

A good mailing list is an integral part in the success of a direct marketing campaign. Every experienced marketing professional already know this for a fact. They highly prioritize the process of choosing their mailing lists aside from the basic focus on their headlines and offers.

An experienced real estate marketing professional uses a formula called the 40-20-40 law wherein his direct marketing tasks are divided.

In fact, here’s a quick formula for success to keep in the back of your mind. It’s called the 40-40-20 principle of direct marketing. And it means that 40 percent of your efforts should be focused on selecting your mailing list. Another 40 percent of your should be directed to your offer. The remaining 20 percent of your time then can be spent on your copy, your text and the general design of your mailing. It’s a little known secret. But it’s a very effective little known secret.

So begin with choosing the right list. First, by making sure you use a list broker. Today, you can rent a list of names in just about any category imaginable – and many even the most vivid of your dreams can’t imagine.

How do you go about selecting the right mailing list? Experts advise that you hire a mailing list provider. But in working with a broker, you also need to know what questions to ask, to help him process the list further.

Make sure you know you customers well. Direct marketers must know very well their customers so that their list broker can give them a high quality mailing list. If you can provide him with sufficient information about your target market, likewise he’ll provide you with a better list.

Direct marketers, know thy customer! Find out as much as you can about your typical customer. The more information you can provide your broker the better the names on the list will work for you. You’ll want to know a variety of things about them, including their age, their gender, approximate income as well as their lifestyles, and interests. You’ll also want to be sure to inform your list broker of the geographic area you want to target.

Know your intentions. This means know exactly what your mailing want to do. Is this a mailing to generate leads for you to follow up on? Or you are anticipating this campaign to produce some sales? It really does make a difference. And your list broker can help you do this.

Now you at least have a slight idea about how much work you’ll need to put into the selection of your next selection of names. And for you to experience success, it may be more time and effort than you originally thought.

About the Author:

How Closet Organizers Can Help Ease A Cluttered Lifestyle

Monday, June 29th, 2009
by Janice Nickole

Each time you open your closet what is staring back at you? It usually is one of two things: Chaos in the closet or closet heaven. Seriously, are you frustrated each time you look into your closet or can you easily locate what you are looking for?

People tend to throw stuff into their closets without any thought to how they will find it later. Before you know it, everything is buried under a pile of chaos and clutter. But don’t worry, there are now closet organizers for just about everything you need to store in your closet. So now you can do it yourself instead of hiring a designer to do it. Of course, hiring a designer may be the answer if you have more money than time.

You can do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire a designer that will do an awesome job, but the reality is, you really can do it yourself. It’s not as difficult as you may think, and it won’t take as long as you would think.

Now you can go about it one of two ways: hire a closet designer or design it yourself or DIY. Of course if you have more money than time, then hiring the designer is your answer but if you have more time than money well I suggest you roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Closet organizing is really not as hard as you might think. First you must ask the question, “What am I storing?” Your answer will direct you in your decision-making when wondering what to buy on your shopping trip.

Clothes hangers will be a major purchase, but did you know there are many types of storage items to store just about everything you can imagine in your closet? And you can get closet organizers in many types of textures too, like wood, wire, plastic, bamboo, wicker and fabric.

If you are organizing during the summer months, keep winter items on higher shelves and summer items on lower shelves within easy reach. Items used or worn more often in front, and items used or worn less often in the back. It’s simply using common sense when it comes to closet organization. You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Clear the clutter and you clear the mind.”

The key to closet organization is to maximize your space and have everything within easy reach. Rule of thumb: Things you wear or use most often, keep at a lower level for easy access. Things NOT used or worn much, store on the higher shelves.

It’s true what they say, “If you clear the clutter, you free the mind.” A neatly organized closet relieves the tension and stress associated with a cluttered closet. It’s a great feeling each time you open your closet door and see everything all neatly organized, arranged and in order and to be able to find what you’re looking for, well, that’s the reason why we organize our closets in the first place

What’s that you say? You don’t like the clothes in your closet? Well honey, the next shopping spree won’t be about closet organizers it’ll be about closet clothes and I can certainly help you with that!

About the Author:

When is it Convenient to go for an Extended Stay Short Term Rental?

Monday, June 29th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

As an alternative to staying in a hotel, more people are choosing to rent extended stay accommodations. The purpose of an extended stay short term rental is to provide accommodations that create a home-like experience. There is more space to live and work, as well as extra amenities. Stays can vary from days to months.

There are a number of reasons why one would find it convenient to rent an extended stay short term rental, and they include:

When you are going on a lengthy business trip Working on a lengthy project that is far from home If your house has received damage such as a fire or flood and you need a place to stay while looking for another place to live. If you are going on a long vacation that could result in an expensive hotel costs. If you are new to the area and are looking for a home. If your house is in a state of disarray due to renovations. Relocating to a new job Visiting friends or family

Extended stay rental accommodations can vary from studio apartments to complete condominiums. They include a choice of the number of bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen, large space, fully decorated rooms, en-suite laundry, easy access to major roads and highways, quality security features such as a personally encoded intrusion alarm system, house keeping services, and they are usually centrally located in the urban area or very near it. .

One of the main reasons why people choose short term rentals is the price. They can have all of the luxuries of a hotel, and maintain the comforts of home. It is basically a home away from home.

Other benefits include:

They are cheaper than hotels with the same, or even more amenities. You can rent daily, weekly or monthly.

The units are clean and spacious and will normally contain all the modern conveniences such as CD players, one or more televisions, DVD, and VHS.

With a fully functioning kitchen that is complete with all the essential appliances, you do not have the added expense of dining out. If you do want to dine out, there will be excellent restaurants nearby.

You will have free unlimited local phone use, as well as a fax, computer port, and personal voice mail. You can also have the latest internet technology such as Wi-Fi high speed Internet

Depending on the rental, you may have access to saunas, pools, and recreational activities such as gymnasiums and tennis courts.

Before you arrive, you can often pre-order food to be stocked in your refrigerator, cupboards, and freezer. The units also contain a stove, microwave, dish washer as well as a washer and dryer.

Most rentals will have access to a car rental company so that you will be able to quickly rent a car from a top rental company. Most places have secure parking such as underground parking.

Because you will usually be located in the heart of an urban area, you will be near entertainment activities such as movie theaters, malls, restaurants, night clubs, and playhouses.

Some units even have agreements with real estate companies to help guests look for a new home or condominium.

Short term rentals are an affordable and convenient form of temporary housing. They are a great choice for people who want the luxury of hotel, but with a homelike atmosphere.

About the Author: