North Carolina Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in North Carolina

Maybe you?re buying your first home in North Carolina, or perhaps you?re relocating to North Carolina from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on North Carolina home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in North Carolina:

The median price of a home in North Carolina is $108,300. The price of homes in North Carolina varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Outer Banks, North Carolina, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $375,000; however, in Raleigh, North Carolina, the median price of a home was $197,000, and in Charlotte, North Carolina, it was $168,000. Average interest rates in North Carolina are above the national average, and job growth rates just below the national average. Homes in North Carolina appreciate at a rate less than half of that of the national average.

In 1999, North Carolina was the first state to enact anti-predatory lending laws. These laws place limitations on high-cost home loans and require that would-be borrowers of high-cost home loans receive financial counseling before entering into the transaction.

North Carolina state law prohibits prepayment penalties on home loans less than $150,000, and it does not allow balloon loans. It also prohibits flipping -- the practice of lending in which a lender repeatedly refinances an existing home with no obvious benefit to the borrower. North Carolina law also prohibits the financing of upfront single premium insurance. However, monthly payment insurance is allowed.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about North Carolina Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Seattle Real Estate Listings

Do you plan to sell or buy a property in Seattle? If you do, what are the measures that you take in order to find the best deal? One of the best ways to sell or buy a Seattle property is to take advantage of Seattle real estate listings.

If you are planning to sell a property in Seattle, you can have your property listed in various Seattle real estate listings. However, doing this is not as easy as you think. You have to understand the basic ways to have a property listed because certain parties, such as the buyer and the real estate agent or broker, will rely upon the listing information when they negotiate with you. Therefore, it is necessary that you include the important details of the property you wish to sell when you have it listed.

On the other hand, if you are planning to buy a Seattle property, you can look for different options in the papers, complete with the details and pictures of the property. There are also lots of Seattle real estate listings that you can now check online for easier access and convenience. These listings include various real estate options from Seattle?s area cities such as Mercer Island, Queen Anne, Bainbridge Island, and Bellevue. Because of the wide options available, you have to take your time in checking the details of each property and make sure that the one you choose will be able to meet your real estate requirements.

Seattle real estate listings are indeed very helpful to many property buyers and sellers in Seattle. Because of these, selling or buying a property is not such a tedious task anymore, especially now that many listings can be found on the Internet. If you are a seller, you are able to expand your potential market and if you are a buyer, you have easier access to many Seattle real estate options.

Seattle Real Estate provides detailed information on Seattle Real Estate, Seattle Real Estate Agencies, Seattle Real Estate Listings, Seattle Real Estate Financing and more. Seattle Real Estate is affiliated with Greater Orlando Real Estate.

9 Real Estate Website Must Haves

1. MLS Search Capabilities

1031 Exchange Preconstruction Contracts

The 1031 exchange and preconstruction contracts – these have two of the more popular tools used by real estate investors in recent years. The question is the same one asked by Reese’s when it looked at peanut butter and chocolate – are they two great things that are better together?

The answer with the resulting Reese’s Peanut butter Cups was a resounding yes. For the 1031 exchange and preconstruction contracts the answer is much less clear. Indeed, “use caution” seems to be the answer best applies. Let’s see why:

First, as with all 1031 exchanges, the same common-sense rules apply to transactions involving preconstruction contracts as with all other potential real estate transactions. Specifically this means: holding the contract to be sold for at least one year, using a qualified intermediary to handle the details, applying all the initial contract proceeds toward the replacement contract purchase, and purchasing or entering into replacement contracts of at least as much value as the sold contracts.

Beyond these basics, investors should enter into potential 1031 exchanges with preconstruction contracts with even more caution for several reasons. Let’s use the most common example: a condominium preconstruction contract. In this instance, investors need to bear in mind that the condominium developer's approval generally is required in order to sell a preconstruction contract. And, as a condition of approval, many developers require a share of the sale's profits. In addition, many lenders and financial institutions frown upon on numerous assignment contracts and prefer to see actual contract buyers.

The conservative and safe approach to using a 1031 exchange for preconstruction contract on a condominium is to obtain a tax opinion letter from a certified public accountant stating that the contract-for-contract exchange qualifies. Investors must be careful since, if the transaction is not handled appropriately, the IRS may raise a red flag if it suspects the contracts being exchanged are for flipping, not investing.

When attempting to navigate the path that leads to successful 1031 exchanges for preconstruction contracts, all real estate professionals and investors should seek legal and tax counsel on their transactions. In addition, exchangers should hire a well-experienced, independent qualified intermediary to ensure their 1031 transactions are managed according to IRS guidelines.

Mortgage Broker Marketing: Face Your Fears and Anxiety Over Marketing Position

The best advice you can get in regards to marketing to real estate agents is to establish a unique position. You should work hard to develop a niche position as the foundation for your marketing efforts. This can be a scary prospect for some people because they fear that if they narrow their focus, or develop a niche position, they may lose opportunity for business. If you share the same fear, read on and some anxieties surrounding positioning will be addressed.

Establishing a single position means you will sacrifice other opportunities.

It may seem like a logical conclusion, if you focus on only one niche you are going to eliminate a great source of business. But actually, narrowing your focus creates additional opportunities.

Take the example of Countrywide Home Loans. When they first started out, Countrywide focused on a branch without salespeople concept and focused on offering FHA and VA loans exclusively.

Countrywide developed the retail branch concept, where clients could simply walk in and receive service much like a bank branch. How did this narrow focus affect their business? They earned significant market position, even when interest rates were at an all time high of 18%.

All mortgage services are alike

We can argue that just about any line of products or services are all the same, despite the competition. But even when products are the same, it is still possible to differentiate between companies that offer the same services or products.

As an example, consider the Morton Salt Company. This company has become a cultural icon based on its brand, the blue can with the little girl holding an umbrella and walking in the rain. There is more than one salt company selling essentially the same product, but Morton has found a way to make them stand out from the competition.

No two people are alike, even identical twins have subtle differences, and no products or services are identical. People will perceive those differences, and in fact, may actively work at finding differences.

An interested agent will look for differences in services with mortgage agents. They will notice that you have a passion to serve them, you have commitment that is unsurpassed among other loan officers, and you exhibit sincerity and caring. If you do not think these differences are obvious, you need to take a closer look, and perhaps work a little harder.

Taking a single position will limit appeal

Many sales people construct sales presentations around every service they could possible offer. Unfortunately, whether it is a sales presentation or your marketing materials, you are always competing for time with prospects that are virtually inundated with information.

People naturally try to narrow their focus to the simplest form. When you have a narrow focus, you are able to demonstrate your superiority within the focus. When you render great service, real estate agents will naturally associate your superior service with an ability to deliver great service on many different products.

Think about the luxury car Mercedes. Without even thinking about it you naturally associate the car with wealth, success, taste, and style. Even though you know nothing about the person driving the car, you still make the association.

Jeff Nelson helps loan officers increase loan originations by attracting quality relationships with real estate agents from the development of customized relationship-building strategies.

Click here to get a free copy of the Marketing Planning Guide, a 20-page workbook designed to help you outline a strategy to become an Agent Magnet.

Visit us at http://www.loan-officer-marketing.com

Model Home Secrets to Getting Your Empty Home Sold in Six Weeks or Less

If you are trying to sell an empty home, you may have found this to be a blessing and a curse.

An empty home is easy to show. Buyers might like that fact that they can move right in. Potential buyers might even have an easier time seeing themselves in the home.

On the other hand, an empty home may feel cold and impersonal. Buyers are looking for a home that they can fall in love with. Even if your home is the nicest home that they buyers look at, if they don?t ?feel the love?; they will probably buy someone else?s home.

How I got started staging homes

I started staging homes several years ago. I had gotten my real estate sales license during a dreadful buyers market. The market was so bad that most well priced homes were taking six to twelve months to sell.

I started staging my new empty home listings after selling a home that had been staged by the owners. It was the owners second home and the decorations were perfect. This home sold and closed in six weeks! Not only that, but I had other buyers in the wings ready to buy, if the first buyers failed to close. I realized I was on to something.

I bought and studied a book called ?Dress Your House for Success? by Martha Web. Her book helped me to figure out how to repeat the ?six week home sale?, over and over again. The fast sales made my clients happy! The fast commissions made me happy.

I bought staging items which cost me about $300. Then I staged and empty home that I had listed for sale. Shazam! The home sold in six weeks despite the buyers market.

Home staging doesn?t always work as expected, but if the home is priced right and has enough showings, six weeks is my average time to sell an empty, staged home.

How you can easily stage an empty home so that it sells quickly

First of all, I make sure the home is sparkling clean. You want everything to look as close to new as possible. All chrome must shine. All stains, from every surface, must be removed. Windows, the window screens and window sills should sparkle. Touch up paint or repaint as needed. The flooring, including tile and carpet, must look and smell clean. Dust and cobwebs must go! Clean like you?ve never cleaned before!

An empty house can be staged without moving any furniture into the home. To stage my listings, I only have to move in four plastic boxes of light-weight decorative items plus several silk or plastic plants. What I am trying to do is to create a ?model home? look, but without the furniture. If you?re not sure what I mean, visit a few model homes. Model homes are a wonderful and quick education in staging. Ignore the furniture in the model homes, and instead concentrate on the decorations. Take a camera with you, to take pictures, if you want.

The following is a room by room description of the items I use to stage a home. You can decide where each item should be placed, and how many to use. Don?t over do it, but ?stark? is not a good look either. All staging items must be new or look new. No exceptions! Make sure the silk plants are cleaned regularly.

Staging the front door:

?Place a brand new, fun door mat in front of the door. I buy a new one for each home I stage.

?If the door has a hook to hang seasonal items on, do so when appropriate.

?The front door area has to look neat and clean. Sweep the steps and side walk and wipe down the door if needed. Make sure the front door light and doorknobs shine. First impressions count.

Kitchen staging items:

?Place exciting and interesting kitchen towels and oven mitts that match the towels on the kitchen counter.

?I place veggie / oil filled decorative glass jars, grouped together on the counter.

?Silk plants and silk plants in baskets: one for the top of the fridge, more for on top of the cabinets, and if appropriate, one for the counter top.

?Decorative (empty) soap and hand cream dispensers.

?I have put together a gift basket (for decoration only) which I put on the kitchen counter. It includes all sorts of fun kitchen items, towels and knick knacks. I do this to add emotional appeal to the kitchen and home.

?Other interesting items to suit your tastes.

?I also replace any burned out light bulbs.

Bathroom staging items:

?Big, soft, fluffy new towels, large and small, tied up with raffia or decorative cords.

?Decorative soaps

?Matching soap dishes, toothbrush holders, cups etc. Buy some that are fun for the guest baths, and buy some classy, romantic ones for the master bathroom!

?Lots of candles and candle holders. Don?t be cheap on these. Get the nicest you can buy.

?More silk plants

?If you feel it will help, buy and use a new rod and shower curtain. I have done this before. You will know when and where to use these.

?I replace all burned out light bulbs. If the bulbs wattages are too low, I will replace them with brighter lights.

Items for the living room, the family room and bedrooms:

?Large and small silk plants placed to enhance nice areas or placed take the eyes of the buyer away from areas that you don?t want the buyers to concentrate on.

?More silk plants for any plant shelves.

?When ever possible I use classy wall art: framed pictures and posters, etc.

?I have also used rocking chairs, wooden rocking horses (kid?s room), pottery, and vases filled with dried plants.

?I have rented live plants for larger homes. Ten large, beautiful plants cost me $150/month. The plant company took care of the plants. This was well worth the cost. I can highly recommend this for adding to the emotional appeal of a large, empty home.

?Make certain that the curtains or window coverings are open and the windows are clean. I want the home to be bright and inviting. This helps to create a positive feeling to the home. In addition, the ?drive the neighborhood? homebuyers can see in and decide if they want to get into the home! Every potential buyer counts.

The items mentioned are just a starting point for staging. I am continually adding more items and getting rid of items which have ?aged?. So far over the years I have spent about $1,000 on staging items and now have enough items to stage two homes. I have made my investment back many, many times over.

I can highly recommend staging to both homeowners and real estate agents. Your home or home listings will sell faster and for more money.

Don Glasgow is a real estate agent in St. George, Utah. Don has been selling Washington County real estate since 1999. This article may be republished on the internet as long as this footer along with the website links are kept in place.

Connecticut Real Estate Agents

For people who are at all interested in Connecticut real estate, there are Connecticut real estate agents who are willing to assist and lend a hand. It should not be hard to choose the right agent who can help you find the right real estate for your purposes.

Who are these Connecticut real estate agents?

Connecticut real estate agents are also known in the real estate business as real estate brokers. They conduct real estate transactions with regards to any kind of real estate in the said area or location. These agents could be employed by a group or company who handles this kind of business. However, Connecticut real estate agents could also be the owner and the manager of their own agency.

Connecticut real estate agents assist sellers or buyers in marketing or in purchasing pieces of real estate property. There are agents who are mainly focused on helping clients market their properties and there are also agents who specialize in the buying process. However, there also are some agents who could do both. Connecticut real estate agents are required by law to have a license before they practice.

What do Connecticut real estate agents do?

The most basic thing that a Connecticut real estate agent does is to assist their clients in their Connecticut real estate transactions. They should be able to have the capability to let their clients purchase or market their Connecticut real estate property at the best possible price. These Connecticut real estate agents represent their clients during the whole transaction.

Connecticut Real Estate provides detailed information on Connecticut Real Estate, Connecticut Real Estate Agents, Connecticut Commercial Real Estate, Connecticut Real Estate Courses and more. Connecticut Real Estate is affiliated with Raleigh North Carolina Real Estate.

Speak The Buyer's Language When Selling Your Property

As odd as it may sound, homebuyers and sellers speak different languages when evaluating properties. If you are selling, it is time to become bilingual.

Speak The Buyers Language When Selling Your Property

As a seller of a real estate property, it is important that you remember the process you went through when buying your home. What was your motivation? What was you biggest fear? What where the less obvious things you were concerned about? How did you evaluate the home? How much could you afford to spend given your financial condition? The answers to all of these questions are critical and a seller must keep them in mind if they hope to sell their home.

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is failing to put themselves into the shoes of potential buyers. In marketing, the fundamental axiom is that a business should know their audience. In practical terms, this means a business has to know what its buyers need and the language they use in expressing those needs and finding solutions.

As a simple example, a mortgage company refers to a home equity loan as a HELOC. The company, however, does not use such a term in its advertising because most of its potential clients either do not use the term or do not know what it means. When selling your home, you need to keep this in mind.

One area where sellers can learn the language of the buyer and smooth out the process is pricing. As a seller, you think in the language of total price, to wit, how many hundreds of thousands of dollars I can get for the property. In the buyer?s language, however, the issue is not so much the total price as it is the monthly payment on a mortgage. In your advertising, you can get much more traction if you list the price and an estimate of the monthly payment.

This thought process should translate throughout your selling efforts. You should be prepared to talk about the appreciation rate in your neighborhood, why your property is a steal in the neighborhood, statistics and rankings on schools in the area and so on. Simply put, you must have the information the buyer is looking for in evaluating your home.

For most homeowners, it has not been a particularly long time since they went through the buying process. If you can recall your thoughts and concerns during those days, you can use such information to help provide buyers with information and sell your home.

Raynor James is with the site - FSBO America - FSBO homes for sale by owner.

Stop Foreclosure

When a person falls upon financial hard times without their fault at several times and they are behind on mortgage payments they may need some financial help to stop foreclosure on their property. You can stay apart from foreclosure through hard work and not by sitting back and giving up frequently. You have the potential to do some things for stopping the foreclosure because nobody wants the sheriff to deliver a foreclosure notice. In any circumstances do not ignore letters or phone calls concerning your aberrant mortgage payments.

Get in touch with the lender and elucidate your situation, as they may be keen to work and know that you are annoying to make things in an exact way so offer you financial help to stop foreclosure. While discarding the property you may get debarred for aid. When you work with the lender and your financial problems are temporary, the lender might be able to help with financial help to stop foreclosure. Often this is a one time loan, bringing your mortgage payments up to date. The upside is that the monthly mortgage payments are smaller but the lender interest rates are higher.

Always be honest and upfront with the lender and they will work with you. After examining your financial position and the reason for your nonpayment, the lender could reduce the monthly payment or suspend payments temporarily. Be honest with your lender and by working with them and examining the options available as it is possible to get the financial help to stop foreclosure.

Foreclosures cost lenders money, big money, so it is in their interests to reach a workout with the borrower, either to rescue the mortgage, if this is possible, or to reduce the loss as a result of foreclosure. Don't be intimidated by the lender or his attorneys. Apprise yourself of your exact financial position. Know your rights as well as options and be honest in your statements. Maintain a written record of all communications.

Read all communications from your lender. Time is your enemy, so the earlier the potential problem is recognized by both parties, the better the chances of a resolution. If you are suffering from financial loss due to the death or loss of a spouse, illness, or unexpected increase in your outgoings, contact the lender and request a loan modification, which effectively changes the terms of the loan to lower the payments.

This is a very common process, but you will need to offer evidence about the change in your circumstances. If you feel that you are qualified for a loan modification, and your lender refuses, contact the HUD for advice. Get in touch with your lender and request forbearance if your loss of income is temporary. This means that you may get period which is granted during which your monthly payments are suspended, after which you must resume your monthly payments with a partial payment in addition towards the payments you missed.

Ron Victor is a SEO copywriter for http://www.webuyhousesforcash.com
He written many articles in various topics.For more information visit http://www.webuyhousesforcash.com
Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

5 Tips To Buy Cheap Repossessed Houses Through Auctions

Believe it or not, there exists within your locality small and big banks which hold or conduct auction foreclosures for those houses that are repossessed.

Lots and lots of people have decided it's better to shop for homes through such foreclosure auctions as there exists the notion and perception among the public that homes that are repossessed and sold by such banks are more cheaper.

However, industry players and experts do not agree to such a notion. There have been cases, albeit rare, which prove that repossessed houses sold by banks are not cheap at all. Though there are those that are cheap, there are always exceptions to the rule.

The following are practical and helpful advice that will prove to be insightful and helpful if you have plans to buy bank repossessed houses.

1. Know what you want

Before you go around shopping for the house you think is the ideal place you want to stay in for life, it is important that you know what you want or what your ideal abode is.

Setting standards early on make it easier to find the kind of house you will settle for. This also takes away any confusion you could have if met by a barrage of houses you all find awesomely beautiful.

2. Take note of the price

Focusing on the price of the house is important. It is so easy to be taken in by a house you find pretty without taking into consideration how much it costs.

Always look on how much the house is before you decide anything further.

3. Be reasonable

Repossessed houses sold in auctions are usually tempting. Especially when people actually are in the process of bidding each other out.

When this happens, try to resist the temptation of contesting someone else's bid by bidding a lot higher. This could lead you to a trap.

Try to think more than two times before contesting a bid that is higher. As much as possible, do not let yourself fall for a price that is unreasonable in order to acquire a bank repossessed house.

4. Avail the services of an expert

Always bring along a bank repossessed house expert. By doing such, appropriate and proper guidance as well as advice could be given you. Practical and affordable guidelines could be given to you when you need it and how.

Also, take into consideration that bank repossessed houses are craved by a lot of investors due part to their potential for high profit.

The saying you might have always heard - where one should be buying low and selling high - applies very much to this event.

5. The process

Basically, a house that is repossessed by the bank becomes such when the home owners fail to make payments on their mortgage.

This is not a process that happens quick. It could actually take a few months or so for a bank to proceed with the proceedings.

However, once finalized, a bank will then become the house's owners. Banks usually do not like to keep an inventory of houses that are repossessed as it could project a bad image on their lending prowess.

All in all, banks always want to immediately recoup any losses they have. So finding such repossessed houses is easy as long as you know where to look, what to look for and how.

To search for cheap repossessed homes, please visit www.buy-cheap-houses.info.

How Do You Find A House

Are you searching for your dream house? Are you waiting for a listing? Are you looking a newspaper for a best house? Did you find a good real estate agent?

You may search in any of the above option. Through any of the process you may find your dream house. Within the limited time, you can search your house using the following steps.

• To search your home, take the real estate guides and books, refer to newspaper and browse in the online to find the area you are interested in. This searching helps you to know the area available for sale and also in what place you would like to live on. This is just a process which guides you to learn more information regarding your house.

• Then, decide the requirements you are needed in your house. It is an important thing because everybody has certain expectation in their house. You can start with the requirement that satisfy your needs. As per your budget you can increase your requirements you wanted. Feel free while your real estate agent calls upon you. The customer has to list the requirement wanted and they have to mention the price list to suit their budget.

• Next, choose the best real estate agent. If you are not sure then ask them a variety of queries which satisfies you. If you feel that particular agent is an ideal one for your project, you can call upon him. By listening to the advertisement also you can choose the best real estate agents who have a good publicity in the market who buy and sell ideal houses. They are the one who guides you in very aspect.

• When you have time, ask your real estate agent to show many number of houses in a day which match your criteria. The home listed, should be based on your desire. Also mention to the real estate agent to list the houses that are found in the newspaper and in the online.

• When you are ready to watch the houses which have been listed, make sure that the particular house matches your criteria. At first come around every house which has been listed, then select the house which relate to your desire. When you know the details regarding the houses, we can then decide whether you can select or not. If you to decide to buy a house in the city first, set the steps, before the agent start to list the house.

• Select the agent specifically that he is a buyers agent. Then only he can list the houses which are for sale.

Once you have selected a good agent, you can find your dream house as per your desire. If you pay to the agent properly, then he lists the houses as per your requirements. Good negotiating on the part of the agent makes him a familiar personality.

Ron Victor is a SEO copywriter for We buy homes cash.He written many articles in various topics like Sell your house fast. For more information visit We buy home fast .Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

3rd Party Buying Tips What You Need To Know

Save Your Money and Be Smart!

As your investment profile grows larger and larger you?ll notice that assigning a family member, wife or good friend to a home could be a definite advantage on your overall net worth. Especially in a rising real estate market where you can re-sell the property at a higher price before the completion date. Since half the property value is added onto your net worth, depending on the tax bracket your in, it might prove necessary to do a 3rd party buying. In this situation it?s important that in your contract you do not use ?and or nominee?. But rather be straight forward with the name of who the purchaser is.

The general rule is that a buyer may assign their rights under the contract as long as they do not prejudice the rights of the seller. The seller must know who the buyer is. However, if the seller does not feel her rights are prejudiced then the seller may consent to the assignment identity not to be required. This is provided that you have notice in writing of the assignment. Both buyers and sellers should receive copies of this from their realtor.

If your still debating whether or not to have an assignment sale or 3rd party as ownership then you may impute a temporary clause to give you a few extra days to contact your assignee or 3rd party to ask for their permission. Your realtor will insert a ?Assignment Option Clause? which should read something like the following sample clause:

?The buyer reserves the right to assign this contract in whole or in part to any third party without further notice to the Seller; said assignment not to relieve the Buyer from his/her obligation to complete the terms and conditions of this contract should the assignee default.?

Of course this is only a sample of what a realtor MAY use and should not be taken by person as a clause without first contacting their lawyer. When buying always remember the issues that affect an owners interest. You should keep your eye on the road. Rights-of-ways, passage or road widening may not have been surveyed or registered. Driveways and culverts may not have been constructed on any public roads without the permission of the Ministry of transportation. Permission could also be denied due to limited access roads.

Also, when building near to streams, rivers, oceans, lakes and cliffs; be sure to check your restrictions. You may find that the property your buying will be shrinking before your eyes in a matter of months. This applies to All Real Estate in the Fraser Valley market and all other British Columbia Real Estate. These tips may be useful in other provinces in Canada such as Calgary, Alberta. Again, this should not be relied upon as legal advice but simply as a guideline for your next real estate investment.

Shane Toews is a Licenced Realtor who helps others to educate themselves on current real estate issues. He also provides assistance on how to locate quality homes, apartments or vacation rentals in Canada's Fraser Valley area. Visit his website RentFraserValley.com for more information on Canada's Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

Realtors Predict Falling Home Prices

According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices will probably fall temporarily as the housing market corrects itself.

Prices are expected to bounce higher in a few months as the market works through a build in housing inventory, said David Lereah, chief economist for the NAR.

Median home prices are expected to increase 2.8% this year, with 2007 seeing an increase of 2.2%. Median new home prices are expect to rise only 0.2% in 2006, but are said to increase by 2.4% in 2007.

After inflation adjustments, the realtors project that median home prices will be lower at the end of 2007 than they are now.

Existing home prices have been rising at an average of 9.6% a year for the past four years, ahead of the inflation rate. New home prices were up 13.3% in 2004 and 9% in 2005.

This year sales are slowing, home are plentiful and sellers are negotiating, Lereah explained. Under these conditions, we'll probably see prices dip temporarily below year-ago levels as the market works through a build up in housing inventory.

The real estate group is forecasting existing home sales to fall 7.6% in 2006 and an additional 1.7% in 2007. New home sales are predicted to fall 16.1% in 2006 and 7.1% in 2007. Housing starts are expected to be down by 9.6% this year.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Montana Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Montana

Maybe you are buying your first home in Montana, or perhaps you are relocating to Montana from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Montana home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you will need to know before buying a home in Montana:

The median price of a home in Montana is $99,500. Recently, homes in Montana have been appreciating at rates below the national average. However, in some parts of Montana, appreciation rates are at an all time high. As a result, income levels in many parts of Montana are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. In fact, homeowners in many Montana cities pay more than the recommended 30% of their incomes toward housing.

Average interest rates in Montana are above the national average, and job growth rates are below the national average. Both of these factors further the problem that Montana home prices have surpassed personal income growth.

Montana does not have a mortgage tax. Montana state law states that no loan can be secured by property of more than 40 acres. Montana?s Fair Housing Act prohibits mortgage lending discrimination against individuals based on their race, color, religion, gender, familial status, or national origin.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Montana Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Quick Tips To Finding A New Rental Home

Before the Journey:

Know what your looking for! Spend 5 minutes and write down a short shopping list of what exactly you need and want. Are you looking for hardwood floors, dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Fireplace? Try and separate your list from needs and wants. Cover all your needs first. Anything left over would be an added bonus.

Be prepared!

You?ll first view the unit. If you want to be accepted into a particular unit, why not look your best? Bring your own pen, Resume, Credit Check, Pay Stubs or Tax Returns, References and proper identification ready. Some units also require your license plate number. Most people don?t come to a viewing with that much information. The landlord or property manager will know you?re a dedicated and responsible individual by your actions.

Your References!

So many times this office has contacted references that were caught off guard. When you add someone as you reference, make sure they know they?re your references!

On the Hunt:

Daytime! Everyone is different. However, we?ve had the most success with showing rental units during the daylight. In the daylight you?ll have a better understanding of the defects and what exactly the place has to offer.

The Tour!

Do you like the place? Why not see what kind of water pressure it has. How many electrical outlets are there? Open up the closet and just see if you have enough space for your items. How?s the Neighbors! Don?t be afraid to knock on the doors and meet them. You?ll want to make a friend but also make note of important character factors. If you like to enjoy having a quiet home. Ask the landlord if they have had any problems with regards to noise volume.

Will It Fit?

You might have a larger sized couch or kitchen table. When your in your possible place, you should see if your kitchen table will fit in the appropriate area.

Close the Deal:

Be prepared! We already talked about being prepared. But just as a re-cap. Bring your own pen, Resume, Credit Check, Pay Stubs or Tax Returns, References and proper identification ready. Some units also require your license plate number.

Your Lease!

What are the utilites included and what are YOU responsible for? Can you have your cat, dog, bird, fish? What is the security deposit? And will there be mandatory charges such as carpet cleaning when you decided to move?

We hope our basic list has helped guide you through the basics of renting a home, apartment or vacation rental. Remember to try and view as many places as possible. You?ll have a good idea of what your money will get you with the more units you view. Happy hunting!

Shane Toews is a Licensed Realtor who helps others to educate themselves on current real estate issues. He also provides assistance on how to locate quality homes, apartments or vacation rentals in Canada's Fraser Valley area. Visit his website RentFraserValley.com for more information on Canada's Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

Choosing the Right San Diego Realtor for YOU!

Whether buying or selling a home, it is one of the largest financial events that happens only a few times within your life. That makes choosing a realtor just as important and a crucial decision that can add to the stressful event or make it smoother and easier. So, choose your realtor as carefully as you would choose your doctor or attorney.

The first step in choosing the RIGHT realtor is to ask your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and business associates for recommendations. Ask them why they liked the realtor, what kind of service he/she provided, and would they use him/her again? Do not consider recommendations of their relatives ? it is doubtful that you are getting an accurate perspective on the realtor.

If you did not get several truly exemplary recommendations, then drive throughout your neighborhood and check the ?for sale? signs, especially those with ?Sold? stuck across them. Note the realtor names. Also, check out real estate, display and classified advertising in your newspaper and local neighborhood paper. Which realtors have the most listings? Which have the largest or most display ads with photos of the homes? Note the realtor names.

By now, you should have a good list of potential realtors. It is time to check them out. Attend at least one open house for each realtor you are considering. Observe them in action and judge their expertise. Are they professional ? or do they come across as a ?used car salesman?? How familiar is the realtor with the property he/she is selling? After you leave, make detailed notes of your observations and how you felt about the realtor.

If you only used the recommendations of others, now check the advertising in the newspaper and neighborhood media for the realtors in which you are interested. Do the drive through of your neighborhood to see how many sold signs these realtors have. Make notes of how visible these realtors are and their marketing efforts.

Next, choose your top three realtor selections. It is better if they are from different companies, ensuring they will work harder for your business. Call all three and set appointments. For sellers, make the appointment in your home and let them know you would like an estimate of your home?s market value. For buyers, let them know you would like them to determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. Be sure they know that you are meeting with two other realtors and will not make your decision until you have met with all three.

During each interview, take detailed notes on the realtors? presentations. Note any thoughts you have. Ask the following questions, along with any you may have:

?For sellers

oHow will they sell your home? What are their marketing plans? Are they customized to your listing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time realtor? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will be giving your listing his/her full attention.

oWhat is their sales record? This includes their production level, rating, closed rate, expired rate on listings, and average time listings have been on the market before selling within the last year.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat level of technology will they use to promote your listing ? web sites, virtual tours, online photo galleries, and so on?

oWhat services do they provide from the time of listing your home to the end of the closing?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you from listing through closing?

oDo they provide working relationships with local inspectors, appraisers, and real estate attorneys?

oWill they help you ?stage? you home for showing. This is a walk-through of the property, suggesting things that should be repaired, renovated or changed to improve your pricing for the home. It also includes things that would ?show? the home better. For example, too much furniture adds a clutter affect, making rooms look smaller. The realtor may suggest storing some of your furniture until after the sale.

oHow did they arrive at the results of their marketing analysis? Ask for the actual addresses of any homes they used for comparison.

?For buyers

oWhat services do they provide from the time you contract with them through the closing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time agent? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will give his/her full attention to finding you a home.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you during your search for a home through closing?

oWhat level of technology and research methods will they use to locate potential homes for you to view?

oWhat is their production level and rating? How many satisfied buyers in the past 12 months?

oDo they provide working relationships with inspectors, appraisers, title search companies/attorneys, and real estate attorneys for contracting and the closing? Can they suggest mortgage lenders, if you need one?

oDo they network with other realtors in the area? Sometimes, such relationships may afford you a viewing before a property is ?officially? listed, giving your first view.

Tell the realtors that you will make a decision and contact them in the next day or two.

After all interviews are completed, note the following:

?Who gave you the most usable information?

?For sellers, the market value for your home should be in similar ranges for all three realtors Note if someone is unusually high. They may be only trying to get your listing with the idea of talking your price down later. Also, drive by the homes they used for market value comparison. Which realtors compared apples to apples, and which compared apples to oranges?

?For buyers, your buying potential (what you can afford to pay for a new home) should be in the same range for all three realtors. If a realtor is much higher or lower than the others, note this. You may even call him/her to inquire about the difference and how they arrived at the amount?

?Who answered your questions with genuine sincerity?

?Who genuinely appeared most excited about your home and its sale?

?Who truly listened, and who did not?

?Which realtor seemed to be the best fit for you?

Choosing a poor realtor can turn an already stressful event into a nightmare with ramifications that you must live with for years to come. Choosing the right realtor can make the experience a dream come true and a totally satisfying event. Selling or buying a home is stressful enough. Be sure you do not choose a realtor that is going to add to that stress.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

Austin Apartment Ratings

Set amidst the backdrop of hills and rivers, Austin is rich in natural beauty and history. Austin, the capital city of Texas, is a popular destination for both business and education and is an ideal place to stay. The city offers a wide range of comfortable apartments including condos, town homes, and duplexes. Austin apartments are available for both rent and sale. One of the important factors that must be considered while selecting an apartment is its rating. Most apartment ratings are based on the experience of the renters who have lived in these apartments. Austin apartment ratings also help apartment owners to improve the quality of their properties.

Apartment management is a key factor in Austin apartment ratings, and proper management will keep an apartment fully functional. Apartment management has to look into factors such as cleaning, repair, and renovation, as well as the maintenance of swimming pools, gardens, and clubs. For a comfortable stay in an apartment, proper and effective management is a must. A high management rating gives confidence to a prospective buyer.

Some of the other basic factors that are considered by tenants when determining ratings are parking space, safety, appearance, maintenance, unit condition, and noise. An apartment with good unit condition rating will have safe and habitable units, and it will also have a good appearance. As the crime rate in the city has considerably increased, the security and safety of the residents are major problems. So, it becomes the responsibility of the apartment owner to provide proper security and safety to the people residing in the apartment.

Today, one of the main issues faced by the apartment dwellers is the maintenance problem. In most of the apartments, maintenances are included in the rent; it is the duty of the apartment owner to provide appropriate maintenance to each unit. Nowadays, there are many online sites that provide information about Austin apartment ratings. However, be cautious of the sites as some sites provide incorrect ratings.

Austin Apartments provides detailed information on Austin Apartment Associations, Austin Apartment Guides, Austin Apartment Locators, Austin Apartment Stores and more. Austin Apartments is affiliated with North Dallas Apartments.

For the Middle Class Miami is a "Paradise Lost"

A housing crisis is brewing in Miami, Florida. Cops, teachers, and other members of the middle class can't afford homes there. According to Sgt. Armando Aguilar, president of Miami's Fraternal Order of Police, none of the new cops graduating out of the academy can afford to buy a home in Miami-Dade or any nearby counties. In fact, the force is losing officers left and right to other places that pay better and where living is less expensive. Miami police officer salaries start at $37,817 which ranks Miami 36th out of 43 other municipalities reporting annual pay data. But that won't buy a cop a house here.

Or new teachers, nurses, and many more of the community's middle-class who are in the same sinking boat. Consumer-price inflation is rising much faster than wages. According to an article in the Miami Herald, inflation in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area was running at 5.1 percent, nearly twice the national rate.

Nearly twice the national rate.

Would someone please tell us what is going on?

Last week one of our staff members had to pick something up in Plantation in Broward county from a guy who was selling his house. The house wasn't new or that big, but it did have nice curb appeal in a neighborhood of unassuming homes. Inside, marble floors, an upgraded kitchen, two bedrooms, one bath, a two-car garage, and no backyard to speak of. He wanted $425,000 for it. He pointed out another house that had recently been sold. Its curb appeal was sorely lacking but it sold for close to half-a-million dollars. Why? It had a pool.

Something has to give. Teachers and police in Miami-Dade in separate incidents began standing on street corners last month waving placards and shouting at anyone who will listen about low wages and shrinking retirement funds. We believe these are the first signs of a crisis hovering just beyond the horizon that no one in local government seems to be addressing. Maybe nothing can be done until the market corrects itself with falling home prices. But what will initiate that process?

According to Bruce Nissen, a professor at Florida International University, he sees the workforce organizing more and more protests. Will that be enough to set the corrections in motion? As much as we would like to believe it will, we think that, without government action, protests will devolve into strikes effectively shutting down the economy and disrupting our lifestyle to the point where draconian measures will be called up to fix the problem. Unfortunately, we don't think falling real estate prices will be the total answer. However, building affordable housing is part of the answer. But if developers can't make a profit against their investment in land, the rising cost of labor and materials, why bother building anything at all? Even though most people can't afford to buy into the high-end condo building boom in Miami-Dade, if that sector in the local economy collapses, thousands of people will be out of work. It's a double-edged sword for sure and we don't pretend to have any answers. Instead, when considering what tomorrow may bring, we face the future with fear and trepidation.

D.C. Copeland is a writer and award-winning artist. In 1970, he co-founded Ecology Action of Florida which combined recycling and working the disadvantaged. When visiting Copeland's personal website and blog http://www.miamivisionblogarama.blogspot.com/, you will discover that Wayne Cochran is the Patron Saint and that many people consider it to be The Rodney Dangerfield of Blogs.

Disclosing Defects is Every Seller?s Responsibility

Sellers have the responsibility of disclosing any defects in the property to the buyer. The seller should disclose defects which could affect the value of the property as well as the living conditions. The defects may relate to insulation, structure, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, fixtures, etc. No defect is too small to be kept away from the buyer.

It is understandable that most sellers feel that disclosing defects may result in a lower price, so why should they subject themselves to this? Firstly, because it is unethical and unfair to those buying your home. If this is not a good enough reason, consider the damage you will suffer if the buyer decides to sue you later.

Some states require sellers to fill in a disclosure form which has to be handed over to the buyer. If the seller does not present this form, the buyer can easily withdraw his offer and get a complete refund of his earnest money deposit. Laws have becomes stringent over the years to protect consumers, in this case the buyers. Some items have to be specifically disclosed and vary from state to state. Federal law requires disclosure related to lead content.

Even if there are no strict laws applicable, one is not allowed to mislead the buyer. You may choose to hide a minor defect but leading the buyer to believe something which is false will surely get you into trouble. If you lie about a particular defect and the seller finds out later, you will be required to reimburse for repairs and perhaps suffer litigation.

Get an inspection done if you must but reveal the condition of the property truthfully. If it is possible you should consider fixing some of the major defects. Even if you are selling your home ?as is?, it only means that you are not required to renovate or repair defects. You will still have to disclose the defects to the buyer.

Find out the legal obligations of the seller in your state to fulfill your duties completely. Although it is up to the seller to reveal all defects, it is suggested that one should do it. It will provide the buyer a clearer picture and save you from getting slapped with a lawsuit.

Sadiya Anjum - ChoiceOfHomes.com - Find listings of Homes for Sale online. Home owners may also advertise their home for sale online.

How to Terminate the Real Estate Contract

A real estate sale is usually initiated by an offer from the buyer to the seller, written on a real estate contract form, and backed by a monetary deposit. If the seller accepts the offer, the buyer and the seller are bound by a legally binding contract. While the forms vary by locality, the essential terms include the offer amount, legal description, names of the parties, and date of closing. In addition to these terms, the contract interweaves numerous contingencies, disclosures of information, and procedures that dictate responsibilities of buyer and seller. The contract is the road map that takes you all the way through to closing. It is very important to understand its terms and follow them carefully. If it becomes necessary to terminate the contract, your close adherence to contract terms and procedures is critical.

Loan Contingency

Your contract may contain a provision that the buyer must be approved for a specific mortgage loan and interest rate. If the mortgage cannot be obtained within the prescribed time, the buyer may terminate the contract and receive a refund of deposit. If it becomes necessary to terminate under this contingency, you should be prepared to document that you took prompt action to obtain the loan, received a written rejection, and gave notice to the seller within the time limit set by the contract.

Termination based on credit disapproval is likely to cause anger and disappointment on the part of the seller. The seller may feel that he has been misled into signing a contract with an unqualified buyer. When anger and strong emotions enter into the transaction they may lead to difficulty in resolving the termination.

Title and Survey Review

Contracts usually provide a title review period for the buyer. The buyer may object in writing to defects noted in the title documents. If title defects cannot be cured, you have the right to terminate.

In the same vein, the buyer usually has the right to review a survey of the property. If construction is found to overlap building lines, or if there are encroachments on the property, you may choose to terminate your contract. It is worthwhile to promptly consult an attorney if you have some concerns about the title documents or survey. Your objection to title or survey problems must be made in writing within the time frame allowed by the contract.

Review of Seller's Disclosure

In Texas, sellers (with some exceptions) are required by law to provide a seller's disclosure notice to the buyer. On this form, the seller answers questions and provides information about the property. If the buyer receives the form after the contract has been created, he may terminate the contract within a certain number of days after receiving the seller's disclosure. The receipt date of the disclosure should be documented in order to establish the start date of the review period. Be careful to avoid confusion about when a time period starts running.

Mandatory HOA Review

In areas where there is a mandatory homeowners association, the Texas contract allows the buyer a period of time to review Subdivision Information. This information is normally supplied by the HOA manager after the contract is created. After receipt, the buyer has the right to review the documents, and possibly terminate the contract. Again, the termination notice must be given within the time limits in the contract.

Inspection Contingency

Contract procedures to allow the buyer to conduct inspections of the property vary from region to region. In some areas, the buyer may terminate if repairs exceed a pre-agreed dollar amount, and seller declines to make the additional repairs. In Texas, the buyer is allowed an option period, during which time he has the unrestricted right to terminate the contract. Inspections are done within the option period.

Inspection issues are the most common reason for contract termination. During the inspection period, there is usually some re-negotiation of the price or terms in order to resolve repair issues that have been brought up by inspections. It is crucial to get inspections done, deliver repair requests, and negotiate contract amendments, or, if necessary, terminate the contract, all within the time guidelines set by the contract.

Contingency for Sale of Other Property

In some cases the buyer may have a contingency for the sale of a certain property, usually the buyer's current home. If this property does not close by a certain date, the buyer may have to terminate. As with other termination procedures, giving notice to the seller within the required time is critical. By allowing this type of contingency the seller has accepted the risk that the contract may not close.

Lead Paint Contingency

Federal law requires that sellers of homes built prior to 1978 notify the buyer of any knowledge or inspections that they may have regarding lead paint. The buyers are allowed a period of time to review materials and conduct their own inspections. If lead paint is found, the buyer may terminate the contract within the prescribed time frame.

We have touched on the most common termination clauses in standard real estate contracts in Texas. Contracts used in other states, or provided by builders for new homes, or written by an attorney for a particular transaction will vary greatly in the contingencies and terminations clauses included. In addition, there may be ways to terminate your particular contract, other than through contingency clauses.

The important thing to remember is that the contract of sale is of primary importance to the real estate transaction. If you follow the terms of the contract and act within time limits, you may exercise the termination rights that the contract contains. If you fail to follow the terms, most contracts state that you have waived the right to terminate.

After you have given the seller notice of termination, two closely related steps must follow: The parties must formally terminate the contract, and the earnest money deposit must be released. If the buyer and seller agree to the termination, their agreement is usually formalized by signing a termination form. In Texas we have an earnest money release form that handles both steps - it releases the parties from further obligations under the contract, and instructs the escrow company to give the deposit to one party or the other. It is usually in the best interest of all parties to resolve the earnest money and contract termination issues as soon as possible.

If the buyer and seller cannot agree that the contract is terminated, the matter could lead to prolonged negotiation and possibly, litigation. In most cases, it is in the seller's best interest to have formal termination of the contract, freeing him to put the property back on the market. However, occasionally, even when it is clear that the buyer has followed contract procedures, the seller may prolong the formal termination process. The seller may want to receive compensation from the buyer for the delay in selling the property. Buyer and seller may have conflicting points of view of the issue. The non- settlement of termination issues can result in additional time and money, and cause unwanted stress.

Most buyers do not enter a real estate contract with the intention of terminating. However, buyers must not take for granted that all will go as expected. If a contingency date lapses, you will lose the benefit and protection of the contingency. A good Realtor, in addition to helping you find the property, can be invaluable in helping you to meet your obligations under the contract and, if necessary, exercise your right to terminate.

Disclaimer: This article is provided as a service to the public. Nothing in this article is intended to serve as legal advice, or as a substitute for legal advice tailored to your specific situation and jurisdiction. If you have a question about an issue discussed in this article, you should consult an attorney directly.

Roselind Hejl is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United in Austin, Texas. Her website - http://www.weloveaustin.com - offers homes for sale, market trends, buyer and seller guides. Let Roselind help you make your move to Austin.

Austin Texas Real Estate Guide

Panama City Beach Real Estate

Panama City beach real estate is a serious business in north-west Florida, where every little thing from sandy beaches to magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico and outstanding living standards are all well translated into money. Panama City beach real estate market features a whole range of apartments and condominiums to suit all budgets. An investment in Panama City beach real estate will enable you to earn huge profit and the investment will only appreciate in the years to come.

Panama City beach real estate market includes second homes, retirement homes, vacation homes, villas, condos, income producing properties, and development sites. Many people also choose Panama City as their permanent vacation home or as a retirement home. If you ask the thousands of homes and condos in Panama City, why they chose the location, one thing they all will agree upon is security. The entire area boasts of quiet environs and most houses and condos are part of the gated communities thereby assuring better security.

There are several real estate agents as well as companies specializing in Panama City beach real estate. These agents and companies are committed to making the buying and selling of Panama City beach real estate a pleasurable and rewarding experience. Most of the Panama City beach real estate companies also offer multiple listing services. This helps people to easily search for real estate properties in Panama City - within new real estate communities or established neighborhoods.

Buying real estate is a major financial decision. It is better to compare various Panama City beach real estate companies and brokers before sticking to a particular deal. Selecting a reputed real estate company or an experienced real estate agent will help you to make an excellent investment for rental or potential appreciation. Strictly following the state laws and general guidelines will help to ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.

Panama City Beach provides detailed information on Panama City Beach, Panama City Beach Rentals, Panama City Beach Hotels, Panama City Beach Condos and more. Panama City Beach is affiliated with Daytona Beach Vacation Rentals.

Why Would You Use An Estate Agent Buying A Property In Spain Part 2

Last article we looked at UK estate agents and what they do. This article we will look at their Spanish counter parts.

What is different about Spanish Agents.

Generally they speak Spanish. I say generally but a lot of them didn?t when I first arrived ? but most these days have a rudimentary understanding which most potential buyers don?t. .

Secondly most people buying a house in Spain don?t know where they want to live, they may give generic info like ? Costa Blanca but CB is a very big place. The catchment area here is a lot bigger than in the UK. For example we cover an area from Moraira to Valencia, - two hours drive from start to finish. And within that area are probably 100 times as many agents. Javea alone has 300 agents.

The process of buying in Spain is more complex than the UK. So agents have to be better informed than their UK counterparts (that?s not to say they are). Typically after helping the client choose an area ? which involves driving round the area pointing out important hospitals, schools etc, the agent will arrange to obtain their NIE number ? and open a bank accounts for the client. There?s about a day gone already.

In the UK most agents operate exclusively, meaning they have a certain time period to market the property. In Spain most sellers go to 4 or 5 agents at least. Do you think this improves your chances of selling a property? Possibly through more exposure? However do you really think the agent is going to push the boat out when he has a one in five chance or less of selling your property?

What about finding the clients? Clients don?t just drive to an area and see a for sale sign. They are in contact with an agent well before they come out here. Some times they need to be picked up from the airport a round trip of 220 kms. Often they need accommodation arranging, airport transfers or car hire booking. Most do this themselves but not all.

When an agent in Spain sells a property they (should) do basic checks ? is the seller of the house the actual owner, is the house what it states, etc. All things which a UK agent doesn?t have to do. Where agents fall over here is allowing the client to decide the value of their property. Everyone thinks their property is worth more than it is. A good agent will give you a fair and realistic valuation of your property and explain to you the chances of selling it in the current market.

Agents often collaborate with other agents both locally and with agents in the UK ? something which the UK market frowns upon let alone endorses. Also the norm in Spain is to use correodors ? intermediaries, usually Spanish, who find the properties from locals that are for sale.

Once the sale is agreed the work starts. Agents organise the private contract and arrange a mortgage. The majority of buyers do not have pre arranged finance and it isn?t as straightforward here as it is in the UK.

The contracts are translated into English and you have to have all documentation signed in Spanish, both the private contract so unless you speak Spanish you will need a translator and most agents provide this service. At the notary someone has to also translate ?organised usually by the agent. And then there is the matter of transferring all the bills into your name ? imagine a UK based agent doing that for you mmm mmmm.

Afterwards ? well many agents tend to try and forget you once the ink dries and their commission is in the bank. But not all do. They will also help with such things as registering kids in schools, helping you register with local hospitals, obtaining residencia, and other such matters.

In the UK if you want to buy a car ? you find the yellow pages go out and visit a few used car showrooms, buy a car and that?s that. Not so simple here in Spain. It is completely different and the agent usually helps out here. Need a builder to do some remedial work ? yep you got it Mr Agent is there for you. What about where to go for electrical goods ? pop in and see friendly mr agent. Need to work and register for social security ? you know where to go.

A decent agent will be with you for a long time and will probably be your friend for life. I know we are not alone in that concept ? there are others out there with the same ideals. .So as you can see, to compare what a UK agent does with what a Spanish based agent does, is not quite as cut and dried as it seems.

Ok so we have painted a picture of nirvana, the ideal agent, but are all agents like this? - Sadly no.

Although most are hard working, honest people who have your interests at heart, many set up because it seems like the easiest way to make money. After all you only need to open an office, get a phone and a computer, put properties in the window and you?re off. If only everything in life was that simple.

Whilst these types of agents mean no harm (I am sure) their lack of knowledge can cause damage later

The fact that they don?t understand the escritura and how to interpret whether the property is legal or not, whether there is one seller or a whole family full, that some of the sellers may not be represented and can cause problems later, means they may tell you all is ok and genuinely believe it, but later you find you are not the legal owner, that the building isn?t legal, or that your land is about to be expropriated to make way for a swanky new golf course, that somehow the agent neglected to tell you (or probably didn?t know about). So it really is buyer beware.

One other thing I am sure nearly everyone has experienced. Black Money.

A person close to me recently sold their house through another agent (hey I am glad they sold it so quickly ? cant always be first to the starting gun). When they went to sign the private contract the agent asked how much did they want to declare. They were met with derision when they said they wanted to declare everything.

Apart from the fact it is fraudulent ? which means it is against the law, it is also being stamped on heavily by the hacienda who are currently issuing fines for people under declaring their property. Worse still most agencies (whether they realise it or not) are under investigation for money laundering due to the white whale fiasco ? a money laundering fraud in the Costa Del Sol based exclusively around property sales. It may have been Marbella but it is na?ve to think the government is concentrating its efforts solely there ? where is the next big area outside CDS ? oh yes the Costa Blanca. Especially when the EU has openly criticised Spain and threatened sanctions for its blatant disregard of EU money laundering law ? of which this is flagrant fraud..

Agents have a responsibility to make sure their clients do not commit fraud ? but unfortunately a lot don?t really care. And who is left to pick up the pieces? Give you three guesses ? if you need them.

So in summary then a Spanish based agent should do the following

1.Speak Spanish

2.Value your property (though seldom do) and Conduct basic checks (though seldom do)

3.Find clients through various means including collaborations, window displays, internet sites and advertising locally and in the UK, will probably maintain a list of clients looking and have a newsletter

4.Pick the buyers up from the airport, arrange accommodation car hire or many other services

5.Show buyers the area and point out various important factors

6.Arrange viewings for you

7.Assist in the negotiation

8.Organise private contract (though this should still be done or checked by your lawyer)

9.Arrange NIE numbers, Bank accounts and mortgages for the buyer

10.Translate contracts and/or offer translation services

11.Arrange the Notary signing and accompany you

12.Change the bills into your name (this could be done by your solicitor)

13.Assist in registration in schools, hospitals, residencia, padron and cars

14.Help you find builders, tradesmen, cars and any number of other things

15.Help if you are in trouble and generally look after you ? not

16.Do all this for 3-6%

Next issue we will take a look at the very emotive subject of estate agents charges ? do they push the price of your property out of reach of buyers.

If you have any comments on the subject matter or want any advice then please feel free to contact me. vbtudor@spanishproperty-direct.com and for more articles about buying in Spain look at the website http://www.spanishproperty-direct.co.uk. If you would like a free copy of the ebook - An INsider Secret Guide To Buying A Property In Spain then drop me an email and I will send you a copy by return.

Top Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers During the Holidays in 2006

Searching for or selling a home in November or December can be stressful in addition to the built-in holiday frenzy. Simple tips for buyers and sellers can minimize stress and possibly facilitate a sale.

Sellers.

-Consider potential buyers spiritual backgrounds in your market before decorating for a holiday.

-Less is more when decorating a home for the holidays while you are trying to sell. Streamline the amount of holiday specific decorations you display.

-Large over-size Christmas trees and other holiday decorations consume space that might make rooms or landscapes appear smaller.

-Install and remove exterior holiday decorations 2 weeks before and after holiday.

-Turn off lighted holiday decorations before showings, buyers should focus on your home and not your decorations.

-If you are having out-of-town house guests, ask your real estate agent to postpone showings until after your guests depart.

-Display summer photos of home and gardens to inform buyers of the features of the home in other seasons.

-Before showings remove snow, ice and leaves from walkways and driveways. Don't overlook outside entrances to basements, garages, and porches. Pet dropping are a turn-off to buyers.

Buyers.

-You can find motivated sellers at year-end, but don't think they'll give away their home. Do your homework before drafting a real estate contract. Look only at sold comparable's from the last six months.

-Don't be afraid to ask for concessions from sellers. Popular give-backs from sellers to buyers are: property and transfer tax rebates, closing cost credits and paying mortgage points.

-When performing a home inspection in wintry weather, it's easy to forgo adequate roof and air-conditioning condenser reviews. If you can't see or operate a structural or mechanical system, ask for an extension until the weather improves.

-Patience rules at the holidays. Everyone is busy, and if it takes an extra day to view a property, it's not uncommon.

Both.

-If you plan to close the purchase or sale of a home near a holiday, check with your agent, title company and lender to verify two business days before closing that they have all the required documents and funds have been wired to complete the transaction.

-If you are closing on your new home, select a mid-week day, early in the day, to schedule your closing time, to accommodate last minute delays by a mortgage loan processor, insurance or title company.

-If you plan to move during the holidays, keep in mind that moving companies will require more notice and could charge additional fees for packing, moving and delivering household goods on week-ends and holidays.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. He contributes residential real estate analysis to Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, The Today Show and USA Today. View his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com

Los Angeles Flat Free Real Estate Brokers

In the United States, there are a large number of professionals who assist individuals in the buying and selling of their homes. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you are interested in selling your home, you may need the assistance of one of those professionals.

A real estate broker, also commonly referred to as a real estate agent, is an individual who assists homeowners in the selling of their home. Real estate agents have been known to increase the likelihood of a home selling. Instead of wasting valuable time and money by selling your own home, you are encouraged to as least consider using the services of a real estate broker.

When searching for a real estate broker, there are many homeowners who are concerned with the cost of receiving assistance. When it comes to charging clients, there are many real estate brokers who charge a flat fee. An individual operating this way is often referred to as a flat fee real estate broker. Los Angeles has a large number of real estate brokers, including flat fee brokers.

If you are searching for a flat fee real estate agent, it is likely that you are using the internet or your local phone book to do so. When using a local phone book, many real estate agents are not classified by their fees. This means that you will need to contact each real estate broker individually. Contacting a number of real estate brokers is the best way to determine how they charge their clients and what that charge is. The only downside is the amount of time it will take to contact multiple brokers.

If you are interested in quickly comparing the fees of multiple brokers in the Los Angeles area, you are encouraged to use the internet. A large number of real estate brokers have online websites. You are encouraged to use these online websites to determine what fees are associated with retaining the services of a flat fee real estate broker. Los Angeles has a large number of real estate brokers; therefore, it is likely that you will see a large number of price quotes.

To profit from the sale of your home, you are encouraged to find a low-cost flat free real estate broker. Los Angeles should have a number of these low-cost brokers. What you determine as low-cost may vary from what other individuals determine as low-cost. That is why it is advised that you do the research yourself instead of relying on recommendations from other individuals.

If you are able to devote the time to research area real estate brokers, you are encouraged to do so. Research and fee comparison is the only way to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great Los Angeles Flat Fee Real Estate Broker

Outsourcing And Domestic Demand: The Case For Real Estate Capital Growth

It is an undisputed fact that market economies, in Capitalism, are moved by the supply and demand for goods and services. Specifically as it relates to the Real Estate sector, the basis for the real estate market is the demand by households, businesses, governments and institutions for space and shelter to conduct activities. And moreover, since according to the National Association of Realtors the aggregate size of residential real estate markets in the United States measured by sales volume accounted for almost USD 57 billions in 2005 alone, the impact of households' demand for residential real estate products is huge.

When people acquire income they tend to invest it, and the more people that acquire income the more people that tend to invest it. Therefore, there is a correlation between capital and employment in real estate or, if you will, between income and labour. An increase in levels of consumption sets forth an increase in prices caused by a corresponding increase in demand, in itself generated by a commensurate increase in the income-employment factor.

It follows, therefore, that growth is derived by the equilibrium of capital and investment with labour and employment. And since, furthermore, production is in direct function of consumers spending which increases as unemployment falls, it follows that capital accumulation increases as employment rises and capital accumulation decreases as employment falls. Which fact, therefore, brings up to light the importance of the conditions of domestic job markets for real estate. All the more so at a time when - due to an ever more efficient process of economic globalization - we are witnessing a constant migration of jobs from North America to emerging economies abroad.

Globalization and outsourcing were, in fact, the focus of the annual symposium held by the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. The topic being floored and examined by the top minds of the economic world was how the rise of China, India and other countries is reshaping employment and wages within the North American economy.

It is commonly believed that wages of workers in rich countries are being depressed by the shift of jobs to low-wage countries, but the debate undertaken at the symposium has offered a much rosier view, with economists arguing that off-shoring can actually increase the wages of domestic workers. The general feeling was that outsourcing boosts firms' productivity and profits, thereby enabling them to expand and, consequently, to take on more workers at home to perform jobs that cannot be easily moved abroad. In essence a line is being drawn between low-paying, unskilled jobs that can be transferred to emerging economies like those of China, India and, to a lesser extent, Russia vis-?-vis higher-paying, skilled jobs that remain in North America.

Clearly, whereas low-paying, unskilled jobs have a minimal to zero effect on the consumption of domestic real estate products, the scenario changes drastically with higher-paying jobs.

Outsourcing and jobs migration is a topic that has just as many political connotations as it has economic reverberations, particularly in an election year such as this. Critics of outsourcing are quick to point out that between 1997 through 2004 the streamlining of companies through off-shoring was not enough to create sufficient higher-paying jobs at home to offset the outflow of low-paying jobs abroad. And that evidence does exist, furthermore, to the extent that in America, the Euro Zone and Japan total wages have actually fallen, in real terms, to their lowest shares of national income whereas the share of corporate profits has surged. An obvious indication that many ?leaner' firms have opted for retaining their earnings as opposed to re-investing them in the domestic work pool.

Specifically because of this, Prof. Ben Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve System, has argued at the symposium that the scale and pace of globalization is unprecedented and that the overall gains will be huge. But he has also warned that there is a risk of social and political opposition as some workers lose their jobs. The Chairman has urged policymakers, therefore, to ensure that the benefits of global integration are sufficiently widely shared through the echelons of the economy, so as to maintain support for free trade and enhance the democratization of wealth.

Real Estate stands to gain the most by a more evenly shared distribution of wealth in North America, both from the standpoint of increased demand and of increased inventory production and supply, for when people feel rich they spend - a psychological effect known in Economics as The Wealth Effect. Despite the near-term moderation in the number of existing home sales, the housing market can all but continue to benefit from expected positive long-term economic fundamentals including expansion of gross domestic product generated by job creation and investments, coupled by a monetary policy of continued moderate interest rates.

Luigi Frascati

Luigi Frascati is a Real Estate Agent based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and maintains a weblog entitled the Real Estate Chronicle at www.realestatechronicle.blogspot.com where you can find the full collection of his articles on Real Estate Economics and Finance. Luigi is associated with the Sutton Group, the largest real estate organization in Canada, and is based with Sutton-Centre Realty in Burnaby, BC.

Luigi is very proud to be an EzineArticles Platinum Expert Author. Your rating at the footer of this Article is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Home Ownership in Palo Alto California

Trying to buy a home in Palo Alto California is a lot like looking for a needle in a haystack. That's because Palo Alto homes are in great demand, and there are a lot of potential buyers. The challenge is that few people can afford a home in Palo Alto. To overcome this, you have to be willing to make some sacrifices to find a home that you want.

First, choose your price range. Palo Alto is known for its wonderful schools, proximity to Stanford University, and easy access to major freeways and transit lines. While there are many expensive homes in Palo Alto, there are also numerous less expensive homes as well, homes that may need some work but can provide the basis for a wonderful living experience.

To find a home that will meet your needs, you may have to wait a while, but no wait will go un-rewarded. That's because Palo Alto has so many unique homes, and by unique, we mean that these houses will not work for everyone. Some houses aren't setup right for today's modern families, while other houses just don't have a workable layout.

One thing you should not compromise on is location. There are many neighborhoods in Palo Alto and one way to become familiar with them is to spend time on weekends either driving or walking around these neighborgoods. By doing this, you can find neighborhoods with likely future home purchase candidates; these are homes that have something wrong with them other than location - they need work, the yards are over-grown, the insides are outdated, and so on. If you can find a bunch of these houses, you then develop a strategy of waiting for one of these houses to go on the market. Once one of them does, you proceed to make an offer. This strategy may take patience, but it's worth the wait, because owning a home in Palo Alto is a truly wonderful experience.

Amy Morris writes for the home ownership community site http://www.homeownershiponline.com, which has an active community for Palo Alto homeowners.

The Axioms Of Investment Probability

Whether you are an experienced investor or a Buyer who is beginning now to explore the ever-evolving world of real estate, or even if you are merely a cyberspace vagrant who stumbled across this Article by pure coincidence, chances are high that you will agree with my statement that eating chocolate cake every night for dinner does not go a long way towards meeting the generally accepted objective of health and nutrition. If you agree with this statement, however, by implication you also agree on the fact that eating chocolate cake every night for dinner does go some way towards meeting the generally accepted objective of health and nutrition - albeit minimally.

And this is the whole point: some people live to 100 years while smoking, drinking and eating chocolate cake every night throughout their entire lives. Likewise, some lazy people with no education whatsoever get rich, and they do not even have to win the lottery. But those are the exceptions that prove the rule. There are times when one can win by fighting the odds rather than playing with them, but the chances of success are greatly reduced - albeit they still exist. Hence, to maximize returns, there are probabilities that most investors need to put in their favour.

Here is a pleasant surprise. Unlike many of life's other challenges, putting investment odds in one's favour requires very little incremental effort. One doesn't necessarily have to study harder, work harder or eat better. In fact, the less you do, the better off you will be.

But there is also a catch. In real estate investing our natural psychology can sometimes pull us away from doing the right thing. The unique challenge of successful investing is that many real estate investors do not quite really understand how investment probabilities work, so they are not able to put them to use. Furthermore, many investors are unaware of how their own psychology leads them away from basic investment principles. Successful real estate investing is in direct function of putting the Axioms of Investment Probability in one's favour. These Axioms are:

[ In the short-term, real estate markets move randomly and are, therefore, unpredictable.

[ In the long-term, real estate markets are predictable and invariably tend to move upwards.

[ Risk is largely absorbed by holding many fractional smaller investments instead of a large single investment.

Let's now examine these Axioms closely, beginning with the first. Why are real estate markets unpredictable in the short-run?

In real estate, of course, no value is more important than market value - and no other factor is of a more ephemeral nature. This is so because real estate is an imperfect market. Although commonly and somewhat misleadingly referred to or otherwise thought of as one market, real estate consists of several, smaller markets, each one of which is constantly subjected to and shaped in accordance to external influences and in direct function of economic variables. Externalities the likes of demographic variations, income fluctuations, trends and social preferences, technological progress and government policies - all have a bearing on the desirability of a certain real product and all are proximate factors affecting demand and, conversely, supply at any given time. As such, the numerical determination of market value is also shifting in the short run to follow and reflect the impact of externalities.

This leads us to the second Axiom, that is in the long run real estate markets are more predictable in that many of the above-mentioned externalities have settled already into and have become part of what we, in real estate, refer to as ?established markets'. Sure, it is tempting to invest into newly-developed neighbourhoods, or even into sprawling new towns, but fact of the matter is that real capital assets hold their values better in established neighbourhoods in the long run. New subdivisions and developments are invariably more exposed to the conditions of the moment, whether the developer is lowering prices because he is pressured by his own financial commitments, or merely because the market turns ?soft'. In hindsight what may look as a ?good deal' today may not be a good deal at all tomorrow.

By contrast, values in established neighbourhoods tend to be more stable, since housing supply is produced using land, labour, and various inputs such as electricity and building materials. And, clearly, in older neighbourhoods the value of land typically skyrockets, since supply of land is exhausted. As real estate is a fixed and durable commodity and the land underneath is practically indestructible, in Economics real estate markets are modeled as a stock-over-flow market. About 98 percent of supply consists of the stock of existing houses, while about 2 percent consists of the flow of new development.

And why is it the prices of real capital assets invariably tend to increase in the long-term? The production of real estate output requires a constant supply of a labour force which can conserve and add value to inputs and capital assets, and thus create a higher value. The rationale behind this is that labour adds value by satisfying demand through production, since when people acquire income they tend to invest it, and the more people that acquire income the more people that tend to invest it. Therefore, there is a correlation between capital and employment in real estate or, if you will, between income and labour. An increase in levels of consumption sets forth an increase in prices caused by a corresponding increase in demand, in itself generated by a commensurate increase in the income-employment factor. It follows, therefore, that growth is derived by the equilibrium of capital and investment with labour and employment. This is specifically the reason why many economic analysts keep their eyes on interest rates and levels of employment, when it comes to forecasting and anticipating the future performance of real estate markets.

As to the third Axiom of Investment Probability, it is a recognized concept in modern economic investment theory that the risk of investing in several real capital assets is not equal to the sum of the risk of each asset but that, rather, it is lower than the sum of all risks. The reason is that the risk of each real capital investment is offset, to a certain extent, by the risk of other real capital investments. The lure of a single high-yield investment is tempting and capturing but, all other variables being constant, many fractional smaller investments add up to the same yield over the same capital investment with a much lower degree of risk.

Luigi Frascati

Luigi Frascati is a Real Estate Agent based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and maintains a weblog entitled the Real Estate Chronicle at http://wwwrealestatechronicle.blogspot.com where you can find the full collection of his articles on Real Estate Economics and Finance. Luigi is associated with the Sutton Group, the largest real estate organization in Canada, and is based with Sutton-Centre Realty in Burnaby, BC.

Luigi is very proud to be an EzineArticles Platinum Expert Author. Your rating at the footer of this Article is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Who Should Hire the Real Estate Appraiser and Why?

Everyone involved in the sale of real estate has a vested interest in the results of a real estate appraisal. The outcome affects the seller, the buyer, the lender, and even the realtor.

A too low valuation of the property by the appraiser could mean a seller must lower the asking price. For a lending officer, it could mean a lesser commission or none at all. A too high valuation means the buyer could be paying more than the property is worth. For the realtor, his/her commission could go higher or lower, which is based on the purchase/sell price of the real estate.

An appraiser, who should be licensed by the state, performs the real estate appraisal. It is best to hire someone local with years of full-time experience in order to get a more accurate appraisal. The appraiser and appraisal are governed by the minimum standards, published periodically in the Uniform Standard of Professional Appraisal Practice by the Appraisal Foundation. The Foundation is chartered by Congress.

The recent real estate bubble, unfortunately, brought problems for appraisers and many involved in real estate transactions. According to Realty Times in their April 2006 issue, appraisers have been routinely asked by lenders to inflate real estate values to keep up with the ever-rising real estate market. One real estate appraiser in San Diego quit and turned in his license to the state, after being fired three consecutive times for refusing to inflate his valuations. Now, real estate appraisers across the United States are under a microscope from federal financial regulators and Congress.

The real estate appraiser may be hired by the seller to determine an accurate selling price or by the buyer to ensure the accuracy of the purchase price and mortgage; but generally, the lender does the hiring or uses their own in-house appraiser. Though buyers may assume the lender has their best interest, mortgage lenders have their own best interest at the forefront, especially some not-so-scrupulous lending officers who may be targeting a higher commission.

If I were a seller, I would hire my own real estate appraiser to ensure I was getting the most for my property. As a buyer, I would put the money out upfront to hire an independent and objective appraiser with no connection to anyone within the real estate transaction. This ensures that I do not contract for a mortgage, based on an inflated appraisal valuation, that will give me a new home with a lower or negative equity. The lender still may require a different appraiser.

If five different real estate appraisers evaluated the same property within the same timeframe and under the same conditions, it could result in five different and varying real estate valuations. Why? There is no set checklist or established value for each property feature and amenity. Though appraisals are based on prescribed standards, it is a subjective process.

If there is more than one real estate appraisal and they disagree significantly, you have options. If the value is too low for the seller, renovations may raise the value ? or you can decline to sell. If the lender insists on its appraiser?s value, which disagrees with your real estate appraiser?s value, as the buyer you can look for financing elsewhere ? or decline to purchase the real estate. There also is the option to bring the appraisers together to come to a common agreement on the value.

Remember, the person looking out for your best interest is yourself. Ensure the appraiser in your real estate transaction is reputable, objective with no connections to anyone in the transaction, local and experienced.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com