Friday 31 January 2014

Why Are Private Jets and Real Estate Practically The Same?

Both an aircraft and a home are a sanctuary for the owner. A home in a remote location can become accessible simply by the means of your own aircraft. The plane becomes an extension of your real estate.

If you own a second, third or forth home in Aspen or Snowmass and live in the US or an international location, you will know that commercial airline access to Aspen can be time consuming. But what makes Aspen unique is that Sardy Field airport is located no more than 10 minutes from most homes in the area.

What good is a $30 million mansion if it takes you a half a day to get to it? Weekend use might become impossible or more effort than enjoyment. It takes tow hours to get from California to Aspen and Texas locations are only an hour and a half away.

With most residences in Aspen a mere 5-10 minutes from the airport you can snuggle up at the fireplace before commercial travelers had a chance to collected their luggage. Aspen has become what it is not least because of its terrific airport access. Sardy Field is the lifeline to the real world. Properties in the area have become attractive not only for their location but also for their accessibility.

On holiday weekends Aspen is home to one of the busiest private airports in the nation. The airport regularly runs out of space to park incoming private jets and owners have to park them at close by regional airports after getting dropped off in Aspen.

Stepping onto your private jet marks the start of your vacation and not the beginning of an airport ordeal. Check-in, security controls, boarding, not enough legroom the list goes on. The moment you board your own jet you are entering your home in the skies with a smooth flight to your home below Colorado skies.

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Divorce and Real Estate

One of the biggest issues that comes up during any divorce proceedings is the division of property. Every item you own has to be divided up between you and your spouse. If you're like many couples, the most valuable property you own is in the form of real estate - houses, condos, vacation homes, even businesses. You're probably wondering, "what happens to these investments?"

Before you make any decisions involving the division of real estate property, you need to carefully examine your financial situation both prior to the divorce, and after the divorce. Can you afford the property now? Will you be able to afford the property later? Is it practical for you to continue paying the expenses associated with owning a piece of real estate?

In addition to pragmatically evaluating your financial situation, you need to evaluate your emotional ties to the property. While it may be financially beneficial for you to retain possession of a particular piece of property, the painful memories associated with it may be too strong. It's impractical to think that the emotions associated with marital property don't exist.

The Law

The way you decide to divide any real estate property following your divorce is subject to the divorce laws in your particular state. Some states, such as California, believe that property division should be equal as well as equitable, meaning that the overall value of the property given to both parties should be roughly the same. Other states take into account only equitability, meaning that the general overall value of the portions should be comparable.

In general, there are three things that you will be determined about the house during a divorce:

· Which spouse will receive the house following the divorce.

· What that spouse gives up in order for the property division to be equitable.

· Whether or not the house will be sold to a third party.

If you plan on keeping the house following the divorce, you will have to buy out the other spouse's share in the house. This usually involves taking out a new mortgage on the house. Other reality follows similar rules. If you cannot afford to take out a new mortgage on the property, it will most likely be sold to a third party.

If you or someone you love is going through a divorce and has questions about how this will affect the real estate, visit the San Jose divorce attorneys of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen today.

Tuesday 28 January 2014

The Hidden Keys to Financing Certain Homes in Real Estate Investing

In many areas of the country developers bought tracks of rural land and developed these into new home subdivisions. New homes cropped up across the landscape and were sold with financing from conventional lenders. All in all, these projects were successful if done pre-2007. Projects after this time period were often fueled by rampart investor speculation and many homes were completed but large percentages of these were never occupied, or only occupied for a few years as the market fell and these homeowners abandoned their homes.

States like Florida and Arizona had vast areas of abandoned houses dot the skyline in some rural areas that were intended to be self-contained suburbs of major cities often called bedroom communities. There exists an opportunity for real estate investors to buy and sell these homes after a foreclosure has taken place or a short sale is completed.

So, if you are an investor reading this, ask yourself why other investors aren't jumping all over these pristine properties that are slowly decaying because of no buyers. There are essentially two reasons, first, investors can't find buyers who want to live in virtual isolation in these communities. Secondly, the ability to have end-buyers finance these properties is very limited, especially to buyers with challenged credit.

There is an expression in real estate investing that says that if the price is right, someone will buy it. This is true especially if the marketing effort shows the property to enough people. Marketing any property is the key to making profits in real estate investing and this goes beyond the usual method of using the Multiple Listing Service. The most powerful investors have the largest buyers list and can dispose of their properties in days instead of weeks or months.

The first issue is finding the buyers and many investors overlook international buyers because they are more difficult to find. However, they are generally cash buyers so there is no problem with financing a property or getting an appraisal acceptable to a lender. Financing is the second issue that is often a problem in making these deals happen. Conventional lenders, often the same lenders who financed the original project, do not want to loan on a property where they already lost 80% or more of their original investment. But a few investors have found a secret to getting financing for these properties.

As I mentioned in the beginning, many of these sub-divisions have been built in rural areas. Not just rural in the sense of way out in the country, but also for zoning purposes. This is the key to financing these wayward properties. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has loans available for properties located in designated rural areas. Originally designed for farmers, these loans can be used by anyone who qualifies and where the financed property is in a designated rural area. Currently, and this is subject to change, the credit score requirement is a 640 FICO score and they will finance 100% of the purchase price.

In summary, if you are looking to purchase distressed homes where developers have failed, be careful that you can resell them by developing a buyers list beforehand and look to lenders who will finance in these areas. Retired individuals are excellent candidates for these projects as they are living in their homes and are not traveling back and forth to work - so there is almost always someone in the community to watch out for vandalism. The reason these properties are so attractive is that they are selling literally at 10% to 20% of the original financed amount and well below the replacement cost of a similar property located in a "normal" community. Many investors are finding these communities are a terrific new source of profitable deals.

Monday 27 January 2014

Roseville, Placer County - Homes and Real Estate Up For Sale

Roseville is a nice little city located in Placer County, California, United States. It comes under the metropolitan area of Sacramento. Placer County is a county located in the Sierra Nevada of the U.S. state of California, in what is known as the Gold Country. It stretches from the suburbs of Sacramento to Lake Tahoe and the Nevada border. Because of the expansion of the Sacramento metropolitan area, Placer County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Between 2000 and 2008, the population grew from 248,399 to 338,750. The county seat is Auburn.

The real estate industry has really taken off in Placer County, particularly in Roseville. The prices of land all across the city and the county have gone up by quite a few notches and several real estate companies and agencies have quickly moved in to take advantage of the situation. They are using all their resources to make good use of the opportunities offered by Roseville real estate for sale. Also an important part of the strategy of both local and national realty agents is to do maximum business in the homes for sale in Placer County and thus earn huge profits.

Almost all of these agents and companies have their own websites which concentrate solely on delivering the best deals to their customers who are on the lookout for Roseville real estate for sale. Some of the good realty companies take an altogether different approach, particularly homes for sale in the Placer county - one that is built to satisfy personal demands and aspirations of the customer and give him full value for his hard earned money. Basically, such agents deliver win-win deals and positive results for their customers. It is the need of the hour that real estate organizations utilize the latest technologies, market research and business strategies to exceed the ever growing expectations of their customers. This is perhaps the only way to survive and flourish in the cut throat competition that exists in the real estate scene in Roseville as well as the whole of Placer County. Companies which listen to the customers with patience and find solutions that are tailored to their financial bearing are bound to do well and rise up in the customer satisfaction indices.

As a real estate agent, it is extremely important to not over promise first and then under deliver later as this undermines the trust placed by your customer in you. One must be prepared to go the extra mile so as to get for your customer the desired home for sale in placer county.

Sunday 26 January 2014

Sequim Homes, Online Real Estate Information, Redefining Free

You will always pay a price! Everyone should know that information comes at a price, whether it's time or money. When searching for information you'll find an aggressive campaign to sell you something. That's what pays for the online presence. Ever notice that they always seem to know something about you: gender, age, income level, and buying habits. The internet is constantly profiling your habits. This isn't always bad if it saves you time when you're searching for something. Here are the questions everyone needs to ask: "Is this site or its representatives the source, or are they looking to broker information to you? Can they directly address your needs? And are they available to validate the legitimacy of the information?"

Here is a specific example:

You log onto a website looking for homes for sale, and you fill out and submit a form. Most websites disclose that you will be contacted by a licensed real estate agent who will pay a fee to receive your name and search information. Usually you will have to wait several hours, or sometimes never receive the information they promised. If you do receive information or a phone call, it's unlikely you will even remember when or who you left this information with. Not very effective. And what's even worse is this is a website that was placed high on the search engine, therefore pushing down the pages of realtors that can actually help you in a timely manner. The moral of this story: Find a realtor who has the online experience to assist you, and the willingness to give you the information that you need to do the homework which you already decided to do.

Sequim-homes.info has Information you can use for Sequim, Washington real estate.

Saturday 25 January 2014

Self Guided Home Inspections Serve Home Sellers, Real Estate Professionals and Real Estate Investors

By knowing in advance what home inspectors are looking for, the homeowner can eliminate many potential problems prior to a professional home inspection, realtors can help prioritize those items that will effect the sale and investors will know what to look for when doing market research.

For the Homeowner:

A self guided home inspection provides a step-by-step process that will help a Homeowner/Seller pocket more cash at the close of escrow.  By knowing in advance what home inspectors are looking for, the homeowner can eliminate many potential problems prior to a professional home inspection.

Eliminating problems outside of escrow allows the homeowner to leverage time and control expenses in their favor.  Having time to collect competitive bids from qualified persons for repairs, utilizing free services often available from local agencies, doing the repairs themselves and having the time to shop for the best price on materials are ways a self guided home inspection can build in more profit when the property sells.

For Real Estate Professionals:

When a client is willing to properly prepare their home prior to a formal inspection the Realtor acquires a more complete picture of a property's condition and thus more effectively advise a seller prior to and during the listing and sale.  The Realtor can also help prioritize repair items that will most affect the sale of the property.  The non-technical information the homeowner collects by doing a self guided inspection assists the Realtor by creating a more proactive seller.

For the Real Estate Investor:

Real Estate Investors/Buyers are taught that the profit is made at the purchase and realized at the sale.  Besides the property's location and features, having a more specific way to look at a piece of property prior to making an offer, purchasing a foreclosure or bidding at auction can have a significant impact on the decision to purchase or pass.

Investors/Buyers who learn how to look at a building from the perspective of a professional home inspector are able to effectively recognize a building's true condition.  This ultimately means greater control of costs, resulting in more profit when the property sells or reduced grief while living there.

VERY IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT HOME INSPECTORS

There are a few points to be aware of regarding the reports of professional home inspectors.  The information a report contains could have a direct impact on the sale and sales price of the property.

HOME INSPECTORS ARE NOT BUILDING INSPECTORS

Home inspectors are not required to be licensed in many states and they may not have any hands on construction experience. The report is a visual inspection made by a generalist who is not representing himself as a licensed contractor.

Home inspectors make mistakes like anyone else and all parties are free to get second opinions.

A HOME INSPECTION IS NOT A CODE INSPECTION

Home inspectors need a basis for the report findings.  One of the many sources are the uniform building codes.  Home inspectors use other sources of information including local building codes and ordinances, manufacturer's installation instructions and the Business and Professions code.

When the home inspector requests information regarding year built or when additions or remodeling construction is conducted, they do so because construction only needs to comply with the building codes in force at the time the building permits were pulled.

A HOME INSPECTION IS FOR A SPECIFIC LOCATION AT A SPECIFIC MOMENT IN TIME

After the inspector has left the site, if a window is broken, the furnace stops working or a toilet overflows causing damage, he or she obviously cannot report these situations.

THE HOME INSPECTOR IS A GUEST IN THE HOME

Inspectors are guests in the home and as such are not authorized to disassemble any fixture or appliance or remove any personal belongings, furniture, rugs or carpets.  They should, however, be authorized to operate all the usual components of the home including lights and switches, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, compactors, disposals, spa tubs, hot tubs, generators, fans, garage doors, furnaces etc.

WHAT AUTHORITY DOES A HOME INSPECTION REPORT CARRY?

The homeowner does not have to fix any items just because they were listed in the report unless such repairs are required due to law or regulation established elsewhere.  Common sense would dictate that hazardous conditions are addressed immediately but a home inspection report carries no authority requiring any person to take any specific action.  However, the information collected during a home inspection could be used by the buyer to ask the seller to lower the asking price or repair or replace certain items.

Repairs or replacements that are conducted prior to any inspection will almost always be less expensive than those requested to be done by the perspective buyer.

PASS OR FAIL?

The home inspection is a visual inspection of the property's condition at the time of the inspection.  A pass or fail concept is purely subjective and not an aspect of the process.

VERY IMPORTANT.   IF THE INSPECTOR DOES NOT SEE IT OR FIND IT, IT WILL NOT BE ON THE REPORT

HOWEVER, this does not release the seller from the legal responsibility of disclosing everything they know about the property.  The seller should not attempt to hide anything they find in their own investigation.  That is not only wrong, it is against the law.

In the disclosure process the term "material facts" means anything about the property that could effect the buyer's decision to purchase.  These facts must be disclosed by the owner, including any problems that have been repaired.  There may be nothing evident to any person who looks at the property but a neighbor could disclose the previous problem for you, and that could lead to a lawsuit.

FINALLY

In the inspectors reports, the terms "Notes" "Issues" and "Findings" each refer to the same thing.  They are aspects of the property that are potential hazards, flaws, defects or any condition that significantly affects the value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the dwelling.  A responsible home inspector will look for and report on these items.

Thursday 23 January 2014

Illuminating Real Estate Bubbles and Real Estate Corrections

It's known as a bubble but when it bursts, the after effects are definitely not pleasant at all (as they are when you pop a real bubble). When a real estate goes off, it almost blows up the whole economy with it and leaves investors and property owners in distress.

For instance, you purchased a property in a fast growing property market for 300,000 US dollars back in 2000, the property prices appreciated and your property price reached up to 800,000 USD in 2006, then the inevitable starts happening (known as the bubble burst) and your property price declines to a meager 250,000 USD in a matter of months. That is how devastating these housing bubbles are, and the worst thing about them is that they are hard to foresee, even if you are a veteran in economics.

Property bubbles are not just detrimental once they start to come apart, they are equally damaging to the overall economy even during the course of their build up. A rapid increase in the prices of real estate properties sounds good, and some investors might be able to go home with huge profits, but when we look at overall effects, we come to an conclusion that housing bubbles should be avoided (or at least curtailed by the regulatory bodies) at all costs. First because the abnormal hikes in property prices are based on shaky grounds and second because they are always followed by a very inconsiderate decline in price (known as real estate or housing market correction), which leaves many property owners with negative equity.

Property bubbles are normally dubbed as real estate booms, because it's hard to distinguish between a "bubble" and a "boom". However, a careful comparison of property prices and relevant economic factors can provide us with a pretty clear picture of what's going on in the market.

Real Estate Corrections:

Real estate Corrections are quite the opposite of "Property bubble", in fact property market correction starts right after the burst of property bubble. It is the time when prices tumble and take a nose dive, if the sharp rises in property prices correspond to "property bubble"; it's the sharp decline in property prices that characterize "property correction". This modification in price is bound to happen once the property prices have reached the peak, though these corrections are not abrupt and it can last some years. Sometimes the prices can be reduced to the half of what they were at the peak of "Real Estate Bubble."

Wednesday 22 January 2014

Inflation and Real Estate Investing - How to Avoid the Pain of Inflation and Hedge Your Portfolio

Inflation or generally rising prices reduces the value of money over time. Simply stated, you can buy less with each paycheck. Assets like real estate, gold, oil, and other commodities are classic inflation hedges because their values increase with general price levels. However, real estate offers many other ways than just buying commodities to protect and diversify your assets.

Use Fixed Rate Loans - You should refinance all adjustable rate and balloon loans to long-term fixed rate loans. Another option, assuming you can make the payment even if your financial situation should worsen, is a cash-out refinance for investment or debt consolidation.

Residential real estate financing may be the best inflation hedge. You can borrow at very low rates, for long loan terms, and the interest is usually tax deductible. Fixed rate loans eliminate the risk of balloon payments and adjustable rates. Therefore, you only refinance to lower your rate. 

When you borrow, you pay back the loan with money that is worth less than what you borrowed. You can also invest money conservatively, even in bonds, at rates that are higher than what you pay on your loan. Higher inflation creates a greater difference and an even larger benefit to borrowers. 

Buy Now - If you plan to buy a new, upgrade, second, or retirement home in the next 2-5 years, buy now! Don't wait until rates and home prices are higher. Small changes will cost you more in the long run...

Consider a $200,000 home today with 20% down on a 30 year fixed loan at 5.0% compared to the same house in 2 years for $210,000 with the same loan at 6.5%. Only 5% more in price and 1.5% higher rate results in a payment that is 23.6% higher ($858.91- $1061.87). In 12 years, you will have paid $15,993 more interest, even though you waited 2 years to buy. You would also owe $20,252 more on your home. Buying now saves you $36,245, which is far more than the taxes, insurance, etc for the first two years.

Own Investment Property - Residential rental property combines appreciation and rising rent rates with the benefits of fixed rate loans to create an inflation resistant long-term investment. Just make sure the rent covers the monthly expenses. You should also save 12 months worth of payments for any vacancies. 

If you don't want to be a landlord, buy raw land. However, land financing is very different from home loans. Expect a much shorter loan term and have savings to pay off any balloon payment, or just pay cash.

Inflation is the biggest threat to your financial future because it robs you blind without ever taking a single dollar. Real estate provides flexibility that you can use to protect your wealth and diversify away from volatile commodities. The most surprising is how buying now can save you so much later.

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Hurricanes and Real Estate Issues

Major category hurricanes do in fact change the dynamics of the real estate market in various regions. For instance consider all along the Gulf Coast after hurricane Katrina where all the people who had evacuated came back only to find that their homes have been destroyed. Some of them had insurance and some did not, but all of them were immediately in the market for a new home and a place to live.

I have one friend who had property along the Gulf Coast and actually owned a little island and when the last hurricane came through rather than washing away there island it added about 12 acres to it, because it rearranged the coastline. Of course they thought they were going to lose their island, but the way the hurricane came in, it added to it. Of course they are gaining at someone else's loss and wherever that land was taken from means there is less barrier for the next hurricane strike.

Some areas that have been devastated by hurricanes experience a huge loss in real estate values and this often happens even if the hurricane does not strike but people believe it might. Major hurricanes change the dynamics of the real estate market in various regions, sometimes it is a good thing, but more often it is not. Please consider all this in 2006.

Sunday 19 January 2014

Old Paint and Real Estate - That's Not Still a Problem, is It?

You might not think something as archaic as lead-based paint would still be a problem. Wasn't that over at about the same time doctors stopped recommending cigarettes? You might be surprised.

Although lead-based paint is long obsolete, it still remains a genuine issue for homeowners and Realtors. In the early 1990s, a new law referred to as the Housing and Community Development Act made it so that the seller of a home was obligated to disclose any possible use of lead paint to the purchaser. Lead had been used as a paint additive for over 120 years before it was proven to be associated with health problems in approximately 1978. That year, the use of lead in paint was effectively banned. It was not until 1992 that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a law establishing the requirement that if any lead-based paint was used in a home that fact had to be formally disclosed in writing to the buyer. There is no requirement to do any testing for lead paint, so following the letter of the law seems ridiculously easy follow. There are specified mandatory warnings for signature when lead paint may have been used, and an informational brochure is required to be provided to the buyer. The law applies to all homes built before 1978. Homes built after that year are not affected by the certification requirement. Penalties for noncompliance with are severe, with substantial fines and imprisonment. Over and above the Federal government requirements, some states require abatement -- covering or elimination -- of lead paint.

The presence of lead paint in the home can expose the family to lead poisoning. Children under six have the highest risk of getting poisoned from lead paint because growing bodies absorb many of the minerals to which they are exposed, whether it is calcium which is vital for growth, or something as toxic as lead. Chronically high levels of lead can lead to brain damage, behavioral problems, hearing loss, and damage to the nervous system. These problems can occur in adults and children, and additionally in the case of children, growth can be impaired.

Any home built before 1978 that has cracked, flaking, or chipped paint should be treated as a hazard. The paint should be repaired as a high priority. If lead paint was used around window or door frames, opening and closing these things may be making a surprisingly large amount of dust containing lead. Lead dust is potentially hazardous and can be very difficult to get rid of. Normal vacuuming and dusting can cause the lead dust to get back into the air and dust will be kicked up whenever you move around.

In order to find out whether your home has a lead paint problem, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that every home built before 1978 receive a paint inspection done by a professional. That will let the homeowner determine the lead content of every painted surface in the home and will uncover any areas of serious lead contamination.

Although there are kits available that let homeowners test themselves, a professional inspection is recommended to discover problems that may be missed by the untrained eye. A professional inspector will be able to provide the right information to guide your decision on how to protect your family and those around you, beyond the basic requirements of disclosure when the home goes up for sale.

Friday 17 January 2014

Resume Help for Construction and Real Estate Industries - The Market Will Rise Again

Like the phoenix, whatever falls will rise again - the same can be said about the real estate and construction markets. Sure, its been a difficult 2-3 years in these flailing markets, but the it is slowly beginning to turn around. Even with states like Arizona, Florida, and Las Vegas experiencing significant issues with foreclosures and incomplete construction projects, even these markets are starting to gain some steam.

Let's take Las Vegas for example: the number of foreclosures has reached an all-time high, BUT, if you've ever been to one of these Foreclosure Auctions, you would find that there are just as many people, mainly investors, ready to purchase as many of these foreclosures as they can. Some of the investors are planning to hold the note and simply ride out the market until it improves, and then sell it for a profit, but this is NOT the norm. Most of the investors are actually looking to purchase the homes, renovate them, improve them, use them now as a rental property to generate some income and then sell it in the future for gain.

This is where YOU come in: If you are on the construction side of the fence, then this would be a great time to start papering the Owners, Owner Representatives, Agents, and GC's with your resume. Let them you're out there. Let them know that you can perform the work that needs to be done at a fair price. While your profit margin may not be as great as it once was, this is the perfect time to build your reputation and penetrate the market once again. As your reputation grows, so will your client base - you will be in demand and have a chance to charge more money for service, and increase your profit.

On the flip side, many of these investors are not astute, and do not have a business sense for real estate. Many of these investors are simply buying because the news media tells them it's a good idea. They know nothing about property management, dealing with GCs and SCs', what a Project Manager is, where they would obtain a building permit, or what a city ordinance. This is where YOU come in. This is the time to start researching the owners of REOs and Foreclosures in your area, sending your resume to the owners of these companies, letting them know what you can do, and picking yourself back up.

What Next: Make sure you have a GREAT RESUME! As a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in the Real Estate and Construction field, I know how important it is to make sure that your resume, (e.g., your FIRST IMPRESSION) is effective. Do not trust the resume to an amateur - make sure you hire someone who knows the Construction and Real Estate Fields, and can help you get back on your feet!

Good Luck!

Thursday 16 January 2014

First Time Home Buyer? How Mortgage and Real Estate Professionals Guide You Through the Process

Purchasing a home can and will have its challenges. Everything ranging from inadequate loan financing to inaccurate surveys to that funny smell in the basement. Anything can come up when you least expect it and put a dent in your home buying dreams. This is where choosing a team to work with becomes so important.

Most seasoned Real Estate professional have experienced about every major setback that can be thrown at a buyer and that gives them the ammunition they need to avoid set backs in there next transaction. The same goes for the Mortgage Originator that is going to provide your home financing. They are the single most important people you will work with when buying a home.

What is important is that you develop a relationship with your Loan Officer and Realtor and ask for referrals of trusted affiliates like Attorneys, Surveyors, Title Companies, Pest Inspectors, Home Inspectors etc. A trusted advisor like a Mortgage Originator should be able to provide you with at least 3 names of Attorneys or Real Estate Agents that can represent you in buying a home. Interview them and ask what they will be doing for you and how it differs from their competition. Educate yourself on what every ones role is, the more knowlegde you have, the more options you have.

Also know, in uncertain times, consumers interact with brands they trust, and they align themselves with the strongest in the industry. The last thing you need to have take place is for the mortgage broker you are working with to go out of business a week before your closing date. Choose solid partners, industry professionals with a track record of stability. The mom and pop shops out there are nice as far as relationships go but when it comes to support, resources and servicing (after closing), the larger brand names will usually perform at a higher level.

An experienced Loan Originator should be able to set expectations for you of what your total costs are associated with your home purchase. They should speak in specifics when it comes to your down payment, closing costs, interest rate and loan product type. Be sure to ask not only what you can afford as the bank sees it but what your affordability range is based on your lifestyle and other monthly obligations. Just because someone qualifies for a million dollar home may not mean they want the monthly payment that goes along with it. Remember, most mortgages are for 30 years so plan for a mortgage payment that you can afford now and down the road, accommodating for life events like child birth or retirement.

Your Real Estate agent should and will assist you in locating a home in your affordability range, negotiating a sales price and terms that benefit you. They are your advocate in every aspect of the transaction. Expect them to communicate with the Loan Officer and Attorney (where applicable in "Attorney" states) to validate your loan status throughout the process and coordinate a closing. A Real Estate Agent will be your liaison to the sellers when it comes to following up with your requests on any property specifics like, water testing, septic certifications, surveys, roof validations etc.

A good Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Loan Officer should both be proactive in making suggestions in all aspects of cost savings as it relates to your home purchase. Most importantly, choose to work with winners who are committed and engaged in what they do. With the availability of information via the internet and the millions of dollars spent to advertise Real Estate agencies and Banks, word of mouth still is the best way to find hard working people.

Wednesday 15 January 2014

Home Based Real Estate Investing

So you want to work from your home, invest in real estate, and make a fortune...
Well, there are not too many more excuses that can be made in this day and age concerning working from home...
With so many multiple listing services constantly uploading fresh data to the web and the the niche sites for foreclosure data, the tools are quite readily available to begin a career in real estate right from your own home.
Now, the big million dollar question, are you motivated and focused to do so? This is really where the truth seems to hurt most.
I have personally been involved with an Online Foreclosure Multiple Listing Service [http://www.foreclosurestore.com/index.php?p=zine] for the past 6 years, and let me tell you, I have heard every excuse there pretty much is as to why people fail with the tools provided to them.
The biggest problem I find with people investing in real estate for the first time is a lack of patience. Things do not always happen instantly. The more anyone progresses in any business, they quicken their success by understanding their own mistakes, and hopefully from the mistakes of others. Whether you are a first time investor or seasoned pro, taking the time to understand each potential real estate deal is key. This is an example, I received a call from a lady who was unhappy with the listings that she was looking at. She starts the call off with me very upset and quite frantic. I punch up the zipcode that she was searching in and quite a few properties come up from the query. I then ask the woman why would she be upset when there are so many properties to possibly get involved with, she replies "I don't have the time to pursue so many listings", so now I think to myself, at one moment in the not so distant past this lady has come up with the bright idea of owning a home for whatever reason, she purchases a membership to a service that allows her the luxury of reviewing homes from the comfort of her own home, yet she has no time? Well, now I have to ask why she has no time, meanwhile in my head I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt with rationals like, she's probably working fulltime, is a single mom, etc. etc...This is not the case...her husband works fulltime, she stays at home, no kids, and is trying to undertake a career in real estate...WOW!, no time, eh? I decided to basically dismiss this person after that comment and realized that her membership to our listing service would soon collect dust just like any exercise equipment she may have invested in.
This brings me to the real meat of what I have to say here. Whatever it takes for you as an individual to become self motivated and organized is truly up to you! It really starts and ends with YOU! Of course understanding and learning are quite key to any endeavor, but the motivation and focus needs to start with you. Think about it, you can review and inquire on properties right from your home, you can find free credit reports pretty much anywhere online, you can apply for loans online to fund your ventures, and you can even buy how-to materials or even get a personal real estate coach these days...no excuse in the tool department...also a bit of advice, if you find after reading this article that you have had a few moments in your life with past attempts at anything like exercise equipment, courses on anything, dieting, saving money, or whatever, go and dig them out of your closet and make the most out of them as possible...how could you repeatedly make the largest purchase any American will make(buying a home) if you are carrying the weight of failing yourself or letting yourself down...you owe it to your self to do what you say you are going to do for yourself. This is how a network of real estate contacts starts, this is how a portfolio of real estate investments gets built, this is how balance and happiness is brought to your life.
Always take notes!
Best wishes on your endeavors...and remember to do what you say you are going to do for yourself!

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Iranian Community and Real Estate

Owning a home has long been considered an "American" dream. However, what is an American? Someone who was born here? Naturalized here? Lives here? Pays taxes here? What qualifies you or anyone as an American is not a standard answer. That's why it's important to take your culture into consideration. Your real estate agent is no exception! You need an agent that will understand you and speak your language!

Speaking farsi isn't enough! There is more to being an Iranian Community's real estate services firm than speaking the language. Not only do you need someone to speak your language, but you need someone who really understand your needs. Look for companies founded by an Iranian-American to help serve Iranian community in the Southern California area. An Iranian agent will be the difference between a pleasant, satisfying, and stress-free home buying or selling experience and an unhappy, stressful, dissatisfying one. Many agents hold themselves out to be specialists in the Iranian community, but they are not. 

Your agent should spend time understanding and discovering your needs. Many Iranian families are larger and more expanded than the typical "American Nuclear" family. A good agent will understand that you may have special needs when searching for a home. he or She will also understand the particularities of your culture. An experienced agent will know Iranians are warm hospitable and generous, which makes for wanting homes that are designed with entertaining lifestyles in mind. Your agent should cut straight to the point to get you what you need.

Pick an agent that has helped numerous Iranians achieve the American dream of home ownership. They can get the job done and do it smoothly with no hassles and stress. It is important that your agent will understand Iranian tradition and culture, ways of life and working, financial management strategies, faith, concerns, goals, needs, and dreams.

Sunday 12 January 2014

Expired Listings and Real Estate Agent Selection and How They Relate

Did your homes listing sit on the market for too long and eventually expire?

Are you exhausted from the experience and are hesitant to re-list?

As a result of your experience do you feel that your home "just wont sell" because "it holds no appeal to buyers"?

That's very unfortunate if this was your listing experience. Sometimes real estate professionals take on too many listings and just don't have the time necessary to dedicate to each individual listing that they deserve. Sometimes mistake are made or the right steps are just not taken to get your home sold.

Steps like:

* Home staging to prep your home and present it at it's fullest appeal displaying the full functionality or range of, within each and every room...( Home staging can increase the value of your home by up to 10%! Home staging can cost as low as 1% of the value of your home to do! )

* Doing a fair Comparative Market Analysis to ensure that when your home is presented and put on the market, it's price point- is on point. Incorrect price point can and will result in a prolonged listing with it ultimately selling, or not, and becoming the dreaded expired listing.

* Extensive advertising of your home locally, nationally, online and offline. Statistical studies show that 80% of home buyers searched for their home online and 20% in magazines. Was this research used when advertising of your home was done?

Contact me now or keep reading

Did your agent discuss the absorption rate with you?

For every new listing that comes on the market per month, depending on how many of those that are sold we can determine how many months it would take to sell all of them. For example is there are 26 new listings per month and 4 sell per month then it would take 6 months to sell them all...given there are no new listings. But we know that won't happen so ensuring all the right steps are taken is detrimental to the sale of your home.

So listen, the good news is it isn't too late to sell your property. You CAN re-list your home and have success. You just have to make the right decisions because this is the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Yes, I know, you have heard this before, "choosing the right agent etc etc etc". Here's the thing though, the truth is it's not just a sales gimmick, it's reality. You need to select a real estate agent:

1. Who has "Clout". One with strong influence who also has great negotiating skills and is not afraid to be forthright in order to get you your top dollar. In one word? A fighter.

2. Who is incredibly creative and innovative and even web savvy, to put the cherry on top.

3. Who is available. Available when you need to speak to them. In anything in life when you hire someone you should be able to reach them when you need!

4. Who is in depth, thorough, analytical and makes moves with precision.

These are just a few great qualities that your agent should have and you will find all of those qualities in myself. Having been a personal beauty stylist working in the fashion and beauty industry for several years as a makeup and hair artist along with being a graphic designer and web developer, I am creative and innovative. My 5 strongest life skills or "themes" (as described by Gallups research) are

1. Deliberative

2. Focus

3. Competition

4. Futuristic

5. Analytical

So in closing my message to you is to Utilize my skills and let me give you what you want, in the time you want.

Let's re-list your home and you can continue your plan to start a new chapter in your life. Your first unsuccessful experience doesn't have to alter your goals for your future!

I hope you can see the benefits of working with me, your Whitby real estate agent, and encourage you to touch base with me asap so we can set up an appointment to go over how your new listing experience will be successfully accomplished! I look forward to hearing from you soon! Thank you for reading!

Your Ajax Whitby Real Estate Sales Representative
Molena Gould

Saturday 11 January 2014

How to Avoid Foreclosure Scams and Real Estate Fraud

If you're facing the prospect of foreclosure, you're probably feeling overwhelmed and desperate. Fortunately, there are companies out there that can help you, but there are also those that feed on people when they're most vulnerable. It's important that you only accept help from a reputable company, and not from a dishonest mortgage modification firm whose goal is to make a buck at your expense.

First of all, where can a person find a company that is actually legitimate and accredited? Visit Hud.gov for starters, and click on the link that takes you to their list of Foreclosure Avoidance Counselors. You can search for agencies by state, and then narrow down your search by city or zip code. All the companies listed on HUD's website have been approved by the Department for Housing and Urban Development, and offer services that are free of charge. As the site says, "There is no need to pay a private company for these services."

One caveat is that some of the companies listed might not have staff manning the phones at all times. If you can't get through to anyone at the first office you call, try phoning another agency that's close to where you live. Be patient and determined, or you'll be tempted to sign up with a company that you see on a billboard or television commercial. They're so appealing because they promise to have operators standing by who can save your home-fast! Sadly, most of these companies' assurances are nothing more than hot air.

If you decide that you want to try a private company anyway, there are a few critical things that you need to be aware of to keep yourself from getting taken for a very expensive ride. First of all, if a company demands an up-front fee, walk away. Chances are good that as soon as you hand over the money, the company will vanish from your life. There are some legitimate companies that charge fees for helping homeowners get out of their foreclosure mess, but make sure that you receive some services before handing over a check.

In terms of paid services, don't allow them to charge you hundreds of dollars for making a few phone calls and shuffling papers. There are many companies out there that will charge unreasonable amounts for doing minimal work. This is known as "phantom help," and really does nothing of value for homeowners in trouble. If you're going to pay someone to help you with your foreclosure, opt for a real estate lawyer instead of a mortgage modification company.

Don't ever listen to someone who tells you to make your mortgage payments to them instead of to the bank; they're trying to scam you. Con artists will also encourage you to sever communications with the bank, and to trust that they'll do all the talking for you. Lenders' loss mitigation departments are there to help. They may be difficult to get a hold of at times, but they are your best bet for turning your financial situation around. These sharks are banking on your desperation, your fear, and your ignorance. Ask questions, get them to put each one of their promises in writing, and obtain copies of every piece of paper you sign. Verbal commitments don't hold much weight, so make sure you have a comprehensive paper trail. If a company asks you to sign a contract that has empty lines, don't. They may fill in those blanks with very nasty clauses that result in you signing over the deed to your home.

Read everything the company gives you, and consult with an attorney before signing anything. These companies want you to feel pressured to sign quickly so they can take your money-don't let them push you around. You have every right to review legal documents with a lawyer before signing. If English is not your first language, this step is vitally important. Legalese is difficult to understand for the average English-speaker, so having a language barrier only makes you more vulnerable to these types of scam artists.

Finally, never agree to transfer your deed to a mortgage modification company. They may say that they'll buy the home and then sell it back to you on a rent-to-own basis, but in the majority of cases, homeowners who agree to this scheme get evicted and never see their homes again-yet are still held responsible for paying back the mortgage. Don't let these people kick you while you're down. If you're facing foreclosure, talk to your lender, find a real estate lawyer, and if necessary, locate a HUD-approved counseling agency in your area.

Thursday 9 January 2014

Real Estate Out of Crisis Territory

US hotels, shopping centers, warehouses, offices, and apartment houses appear attractive to foreign capitalists as good businesses to make profits. They view the commercial real estate market as stable and secure to invest for the best chances for property appreciation. While many Americans are uneasy about it, the basic prosody of the market remains strong and can be isolated from the still collapsing housing market due to the corroding credit, vacancy rates, net operating income and capitalization that has impacted the market for buildings.

Reports done by real-estate research firms showed the prices and demand for office buildings, malls and warehouses are dropping and with no perceptible indication of halting soon. Consumer outlay is falling, heightened by a number of insolvencies of high-profile retailers, and retailers are the least popular of the major commercial property types.

Statistics showed sales of substantial apartment properties are at $3.5 billion in January, the lowest volume since 2004, and industrial properties moved downward to $2 billion for the first time in three years. Substantial office properties closed at about $4.3 billion and retail property sales hit $2.2 billion, both were in the lowest levels in four years.

Amidst the present dejected condition in the real estate business, commercial real estate thus far has stayed out of an unstable state. Delinquency rates on mortgages remained low and are less risky. A smaller number are sliced up and traded to investors and losses can be discerned with speed by banks and other lenders. These corporate loan subsidiaries have increased real estate financing because of withdrawal of conservative sources. They somehow became responsible in bringing forth new funds and will continue to be a significant extraction of real estate financing because of the easy access to money from selling and vouching of commercial paper.

In addition, credit companies are now attaining attractive returns from cautious lending with make-dos on a more exclusive basis. They initiate lasting loans, residential acquisition, redevelopment and construction loans, second mortgages, and funded emergency commitments. They are now active in consolidating and selling or securitization, engaged in buying bigger portions of profoundly reduced commercial loans and reselling them to other lending institutions or maintain the portfolios for themselves.

The market's basic foundations are ameliorating. Commercial real estate vacancy rates are down and rents are increasing as the economy amplifies. Business spending is springing back and growth in the completion of new commercial buildings is irrefutable. The upside is that assets available for use have flown greater than expected onwards and into commercial real estate.

Wednesday 8 January 2014

Finding The Right Home In Real Estate

Sunny Isles beach is one of the well known tourist destination in Miami-Dade County. Aside from being one of the most favorable tourist destinations, it is also one of the best locations for your business and perfect set up for your family.

Good thing about this place is that you do not have to drive around the area in order to get access with the different entertainment and business amenities and facilities. And this all because of the development that already took place in this area.

If you want to purchase your own home in Sunny Isles real estate, there is a need of a careful planning and researches to make a successful investment. Careful planning is also the best way for you to avoid overspending with your limited budget. Due to the different development that took place in Sunny Isles, properties might get too expensive. But with proper planning you can be sure to get the best deal in this market.

-The first step in investing in Sunny isles real estate market is to study the figures in the local market. You have to find out the price range of the different properties in this market. You have to also consider if there is enough options that are being offered in this market. It is always important to consider all the options that re provided so that you will have a greater chance of finding the best deal in this market.

-If you want to have a successful venture in Sunny Isles real estate market, it is important to check the list of properties that are available for sale in this city. And there are two ways for you to do the search - one is through hiring a real estate agent that will do the entire task for you and the second is through checking the listings in the internet.

In order to avoid hardship in deciding, it is an advantage if you are going to make a list of your specifications of the property that you want in advance. Keep in mind that there are lots of real estate properties that are for sale and it will take you a long time before you finally sift all of these properties. But if you have your specification checklist, it will be a lot easier for you to pin point which property will be suitable for you.

-As you find the best property to purchase in Sunny Isles real estate, it is important that you have to set an appointment to personally check the property. Through this you will avoid expensive expenses in the future. Do not just take the seller's word; you have to trust your eyes if it is a good deal.

Monday 6 January 2014

Oil and Real Estate

There are some real differences between the workings of the stock market and those of real estate. At its core the housing market, like the stock market, is all about supply and demand. However, the difference is that stocks and bonds investors base their decisions to buy into stocks on future potential, whereas real estate investors base their decisions to buy into housing on inherent value. Thus, the type and quality of demand exercised buy a stock purchaser is very much different from the type and quality of demand of a real estate buyer. Because stock investors characteristically place their bets on future potential, Wall Street is an excellent - the best, in fact - gauge of things to come, a thermometer of the future.

Wall Street, these days, seems to be saying that the future holds unpleasant surprises.

When the economy as a whole is put under the double pressure of increasing interest rates and increasing oil prices, the escape of capital towards the payment of interests and the purchase of oil and related products is to be felt on general demand for goods and services, which include both the stock market and real estate. Wall Street is invariably more sensitive to economic imbalances and their repercussions, because stock trading is a faster market than real estate, by far.

Supply threats in major oil producing nations like Iran, Nigeria and Iraq have pushed US oil futures to USD $69 per bbl., within striking distance of the all-time high USD $70.85 per bbl. hit last August, after Hurricane Katrina leveled U.S. oil platforms and refineries. Iran is at odds with the West over its atomic program, rebels have knocked out nearly a quarter of Nigeria's output and Iraq's exports are at their lowest since the U.S.-led invasion. Moreover, continued growth and strong demand for oil in the United States and China - the world's two largest energy consumers - is also adding to concerns that the oil industry may struggle to match voracious consumption, thus pushing crude prices even higher.

As oil becomes scarcer and more expensive, there is a high probability that the economic shock waves will hit hard throughout the economy. Petroleum is a basic raw material used in the manufacturing of many products including chemicals, paints, plastics and synthetic textiles. Other industries - steel, aluminum, power generating plants - use large quantities of oil and oil derivatives in the course of their production. When petroleum supplies become pinched and prices push up, these industries may well be forced to restrict output and raise prices, thus putting even more inflationary pressure on the economy. These, in turn, may force central banks to adjust their monetary policies by raising interest rates higher and, what's worse, faster, thus not giving enough time to the economy to adjust. Scarcely any enterprise is immune to the oil squeeze, as the lessons of the '70's and the '80's have taught, and real estate is definitely no exception.

Obviously, it is hard for stocks to take off with oil going straight up to the US $70 a barrel, or when the Fed keeps saying interest rates are going to go higher. And every day, people putting more money towards maintenance of their debts and towards the purchase of ever expensive consumers goods means less people putting money into stocks and bonds or, for that matter, real capital assets. Besides, as interest rates increase, mortgage funds erogated by lenders dwindle, because they too become more expensive and out of reach or, otherwise, unaffordable. The real estate industry has been booming as housing prices have soared. But if interest rates continue to rise, new borrowing against home equity will drop, and may disappear. If all that borrowing - which freed up cash that was spent on new furniture, appliances, vacations, cars and the like - simply vanished, the effect could be large enough all by itself to send the economy into recession.

At stake there is what we economists refer to as "The Wealth Effect". Consumers tend to spend more when their net worth increases, and less when it decreases. When people feel rich, they spend - a psychological effect known in Economics as "The Wealth Effect". It doesn't matter whether their wealth is actual or merely on paper, whether the money they spend is their own or borrowed on the equity of their assets. Economists use this rule of thumb: a $1 change in household wealth leads to a roughly 5-cent change in consumer spending. Consumers have felt rich - very rich - these past few years. So rich, in fact, that real estate purchasers, for example, have lined up to buy properties always more and more overpriced.

Why did they do it? Afterall, everybody knew that the market was overpriced, that it was 'hot', that it was a Sellers' market. I can personally attest to the fact that several times last year, when I took people out shopping for houses and apartments, it was very common to hear comments the likes of "Oh my God!" or "That's too much!" or "It's not worth it!" And yet, the same people who were making those remarks ultimately ended up buying - at Sellers' prices, in fact, if not more. So, again, why did they do it?

The answer is to be found in the ratio of the perceived value of a capital asset vis-a-vis its intrinsic risk of acquisition, the so called 'worth'. Clearly the lower the risk, the higher the perceived value and its worth. It follows, therefore, that the perceived value - or simply 'value' - of a real capital asset is the total monetary worth obtained by reducing exposure to risk and liability. Put in elementary terms, 'value' is the total net benefit a buyer expects to receive from a purchase, measured in currency. And in times of expansion, like the ones we have seen in real estate, risk was perceived as minimized because of the appreciation of property values, coupled by the relatively low cost of borrowing. Now that the tide is changing direction, sellers must apply leverage on the perceived value of the interest in land they are offering in order to motivate buyers, and there is no better way to accomplish that than by lowering prices.

It all boils down to prove, therefore, that oil is so important for real estate, that the impact of an energy crunch may be felt and engulf the entire industry in addition, of course to spread to the entire economy. In fact, it may affect our very own way of living.

Luigi Frascati

Sunday 5 January 2014

Knowledge of Builders and Agents in Building and Real Estate Industry

The year was 1993, The United States was on the road to recovery from a cruel recession which peaked in 1991 and steadily began to get better. In some ways, 1993 reminds me of, but the most recent one is worse, oh yes, but we are improving. A strong foundation of home building knowledge is well established, already having constructed several subdivisions, hundreds of single family homes, town homes and condominiums in four states in collaboration with a number of different home builders from Colorado, New York, Maryland and Virginia.

Builders are all diverse, just as state laws, school districts, location metrics and appreciation potential. It took seven years to feel prudent. As the years went by, a particular disturbance developed as regards to the general brokerage community at large, categorically albeit surely not exclusive. This is sad but true - there is completely no relationship between one's understanding of the industry and acquiring a real estate license. After a rigid parochial higher education, the real state exams were marginal at best, not so much the broker's exam, but certainly agent level testing. This I found correct in the four states of Colorado, Virginia, Maryland and New York. I thought to myself, this examination process is ridiculous, not only inapplicable to the practice, but elementary, indeed the average grade school-er could make it. This ease of licensure unfortunately produces agents that should select an alternate career. If I ask the better agents what percentage of licensed agents they think are well-resourced to do the job, typically the answer is about 15%.

Finally, the state of Virginia required a GED equivalency to sit for the real estate exam just last year. Sorry, this negligible education requirement not only serves the consumer inadequately, it also harms the truly knowledgeable professional who must consistently navigate stigmas associated with consumer's previous regrettable experiences with lenders or Realtors. How can people appropriately assess as they do not have much viewpoint, I mean, how many homes does one buy or build in their lives? Therefore, it's a challenge to be able to distinguish ability, ethics and first-rate single family, town home or condo investment recommendation. On the other hand, I can conversely restate, the top 15% of the profession are unmistakably some of the most extraordinary business people, be it promotional skills, work ethic, intelligence, negotiation skills, ethical practices, professional qualities and real estate industry associates.

Saturday 4 January 2014

Sell Your Home Or Real Estate The Safe Way

At some point every homeowner will need to sell their real estate property. And, of course, that means that complete strangers will be entering your home.

Think about that. You may be thinking about the features of your home or what to say and what not to say to your prospective buyer, while they may actually have devious intentions.

But let's face it - you have to sell your real estate, don't you? You can prevent becoming a victim with just a little bit of preparation.

When you list your real estate property, you really only start with two options:

  • Show your own real estate

  • Let a real estate agent sell it for you.
Of course, your safest option will be to let a real estate agent sell your home. It means you'll be paying a commission when your home sells, but it almost completely eliminates any risk involved with showing your home to strangers - and that's priceless.

If you're hard set on selling your home yourself, then I probably haven't convinced you to hire a real estate agent. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

  • Let neighbors know that you are selling your home yourself and ask them to keep an eye on things for you. Most neighbors won't mind a bit.

  • Always say "by appointment only" in your listing or classified ad for your real estate. Don't allow people to just stop by when they want.

  • Screen your potential buyers over the phone until you feel comfortable with letting them come into your home.

  • If at all possible, try to have someone in the house with you such as a friend, a neighbor, spouse, etc.

  • Always keep a cordless phone in your hand while the potential buyer is in your home.
The bottom line is that you need to use common sense when showing your home to a stranger. Always be cautious and never let your guard down. As I mentioned earlier, you're better off letting a real estate agent sell your home for you.

Friday 3 January 2014

Choosing the Best Home at Real Estate Market

Aventura real estate is a well known exclusive real estate market. It actually happens because of the geographical advantages that characterized the area and the climate which makes it more popular.

This area has become the most popular city around the world whether they are visiting the place for a vacation or coming to search for a new residence and call it their home. Aside from that Aventura real estate is popular due to the developers that are present even if during the economic fluctuation.

Aventura become one of the best vacation hide away due to its wonderful location. The area has several attractions which are very popular for most tourists and keep them coming back every year. But aside from those several tourist attractions, tourist decides to call this area as their own and search for a permanent residential property Aventura real estate market.

If you are one of those tourists who are fascinated with the Aventura real estate properties, then you have to understand that there are lots of things that you need to consider. Keep in mind that it does not mean that you are in a wonderful place like the Aventura; you can be sure of having a convenient and comfortable living. Well if you think this way, you are definitely wrong because purchasing your own residential home in Aventura market involve a lot of important things. If you want to be successful in buying your own property, and then make sure that you give your time and effort in searching the best home for you.

When investing your own home at Aventura real estate market it is vey important to consider all of the things that you need and wants. You have to be specific especially when it comes to the location. Every individual have their own reasons for investing a home. With this it is very important to consider your reasons especially it is something that is important to your daily routine.

Making your own checklist ahead of time is an important step to be done. You have to analyze all the important things that have something to do with your decision with your home buying. Before you go on with your search it is very important that you have to do the checklist of the things that you are looking for a home. And doing it ahead of time will alleviate hassle during the search.

But above all it is very important to determine your budget. This will help you avoid future problem. It is important to specify your budget so that you will be able to limit your search for the perfect Aventura real estate property.

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Life and Real Estate in Lake Lure, North Carolina

Resting in the middle of Hickory Nut Gorge in Rutherford County, Lake Lure North Carolina is a great place to visit. As the name implies, the actual lake in Lake Lure is the biggest attraction, both in lake activities and Lake Lure Real Estate. Lake Lure has even had a mention in National Geographic as one of the most beautiful places to live.

All kinds of activities can be enjoyed in Lake Lure. These activities include rock climbing, golfing, swimming, canoeing, fishing, boating and water skiing.

While Lake Lure North Carolina is known for beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and real estate, it is perhaps best known nationally as the real-life location of the 1980's movie "Dirty Dancing".

Right near Lake Lure is the beautiful Chimney Rock Park - also a renowned place in the movie world as the location for filming "Last of the Mohicans".

Lake Lure is fed by the beautiful Rocky Broad River - named for its dramatic line of huge boulders that line the shore. This river forms the breathtaking Rocky Broad River Gorge, which can be seen in all its glory at the top of Chimney Rock.

With a population of just over 1000 residents, Lake Lure was conceived in the early 1900's by the Morse family. They bought hundreds of acres, built a dam and formed the Carolina Mountain Power Company. While they lost the land and dam in foreclosure during the Great Depression, the plant continued to provide electrical power and continues down to this day. Supplying power comes second only to ensuring the water levels remain at acceptable levels for NC homeowners.

Lake Lure homes are an attractive offer for home buyers. With so much to do in the area and close approximations to places like Asheville, people can vacation in the wilderness and still enjoy the amenities of being close to more metropolitan attractions and day excursions. And conversely many people in Asheville and surrounding communities have purchased Lake Lure luxury homes and properties to have a quick getaway and respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The actual Town of Lake Lure is a little over 13 square miles, at an elevation of just over 1100 feet, and includes the lake and it's many fingers and bays the wend their way around the town. The weather is generally mild year around since it is located in the thermal belt of the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina. At an elevation of just over 1100 feet, there is plenty of hiking to be had nearby at peaks over 3000 feet!

In general Lake Lure is a pleasant and enjoyable place to vacation, live, work, and play. With the small town feel and friendly atmosphere, real estate, camping, and daily living are all attractive offers for the outdoors aficionado. With homes in a wide variety of price ranges and locations, you can get a taste of western North Carolina mountain life at any budget and style.