Do You Know About The Most Popular Real Estate Scams?

Real estate scams are more and more popular, even though we can't see them yet. Compared to robbing a bank, stealing $200,000-worth property via a false deed or an identity theft is trivial - and remarkably safe for the thieves. Their imagination is remarkable and oftentimes we can't do much more than minimizing the damage they inflict. By becoming aware of the most common real estate scams, you may be able to protect yourself or someone you know.

False Deeds, Part 1

Most real estate frauds revolve around forged deeds. The most popular scam is using a false deed in order to get a loan secured against a property. The thief then vanishes with all the money, leaving the real owner in danger of foreclosure by the bank - oftentimes the danger is real if the owner doesn't react on the first warnings received from the bank.

False Deeds, Part 2

Another common real estate fraud is selling a property without the owners consent. The uninhabited, recently inherited and otherwise unguarded property is the most probable target for such scams. The most inventive thieves are able to even sell the same property to several buyers at the same time. However, if they have sold it only to a single buyer, the fraud can go unnoticed for months or even a year. By that time, the ?owner? is long gone, usually in another state, selling another home to someone else.

Real Deeds

The false deeds are bad enough, as such scams usually hit at random and they often can be reversed after the deed is thoroughly checked. However, the problem begins when the fraud is performed using a real deed, one that was either stolen or simply taken from the owner. The sad thing is that such thieves often recruit from our family and closest friends, people we would never suspect of anything.

The most popular way is to get some kind of authorization (or truly, just a signature) from the owner in addition to a deed. This way the thief can do whatever they like without any real risk for being caught. This is an especially popular scam used against elderly people - a nurse or a family member either take a loan in the name of the elder or just force them into taking it.

Another, even more outrageous, real estate fraud is performed by unethical door-to-door loan sellers. Under the pretext of making home repairs, they force the seniors into signing some documents which are truly high-rate loan contracts secured against the property. As most seniors are unable to repay such debt, their homes are taken by the creditor (which was its goal from the beginning) and the elder is left homeless.

Defense

Defending against such frauds is difficult. If the thieves use false deeds, it is possible to prove that you had nothing to do with the loan or purchase. However, if they use a real deed and/or have your authorization, this gets dicey. And taking effective legal actions is next to impossible if you sign the loan papers.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself from such scams: 1) never sign anything you haven't thoroughly read and if you are in doubt have your attorney review the documents before signing; 2) throw out any peddling loan lenders; 3) keep important documents, such as your deed, in a safe deposit box.

For more information on real estate visit http://www.1st-real-estate.com

Sarasota Housing Market Trends

According to the latest housing price forecasts from Fiserv Lending Solutions, a provider of mortgage and consumer lending services, prices in the Sarasota housing market will rise by 3.1% in 2006. The median price of Sarasota homes in the third quarter of 2005 was $222,000, and between the third quarter of 2004 and 2005, sales rose by 40.3%, top three in the rankings published by Fiserv. Sarasota housing market was only edged out by Phoenix and neighboring Naples in terms of the change in sales price within a one-year interval, between 2004 and 2005. Comparing this with the corresponding projection for 2005 to 2006, there is an indication of a dramatic deceleration of the market. The rates are slowing down and if conditions remain as they are at the moment, Sarasota housing market is bound to equilibrate in the years to come. Fiserv generally forecasts a significant stagnation in housing prices for the United States in 2006. Overall median home prices will only inch up by 1.5% this year. Many metropolitan areas in the United States will experience drops, including some of the largest, and most expensive, ones such as Los Angeles (down 3%), New York (down 2.43%), and Washington (down 1.9%).

Officially, the Florida Association of Realtors report that the statistics for the second quarter of 2006 showed ?signs of a market adjusting to a better balance between buyers and sellers.? All over Florida, existing-home median sales price rose 9% to reach $254,800 in the second quarter; the corresponding number a year ago was $234,500. In a more recent account, Bradenton Herald reported on August 23, 2006 that existing home sales continued to tumble throughout Florida in July. Every market in the state showed a decrease in the number of homes sold as compared to last July but only Naples saw a bigger drop off in sales than the Sarasota housing market. More recent numbers released by the Florida Association of Realtors confirm that sales in Florida dropped by 49% and home prices are starting to follow suit. Housing prices fell 11% from where they had been in July 2005, where the median cost of an existing home was $338,100. The median price for July 2006 was $302,100.

In the Sarasota housing market, residential home sales were down by 39% compared to last year, with the median sales price barely moving up from $317,800 to $318,500. Condo conversions also dropped 20% in price. A most likely reason for the general decline of prices is the difficulty in selling overpriced homes in the Sarasota housing market. No amount of advertising has ever sold an overpriced property.

Derrick Barwick, senior vice president of de Morgan Communities, figures that it will take the better part of a year for inventory in the Sarasota housing market to balance with demand. But even then, the statistics will not return to the headstrong 2004-2005 levels. The National Association of Home Builders also indicated that the Sarasota housing market is likely to remain depressed for the remainder of 2006. Evidently, the Housing Market Index for August 2006 declined seven points to 32, the lowest level reached since February 1991 when the measure was at 27. Only Housing Market Index figures above 50 indicate that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.

The National Association of Home Builders has been doing the survey for 21 years. It weighs the perception of builders with regards to sales expectations for the next six months as either ?good,? ?fair? or ?poor.? Corresponding scores for each component are then utilized to extract the Housing Market Index. For the Sarasota housing market, all three components fell in August.

With these trends, erosion in the Sarasota housing market activity to continue through most of 2006 before hopefully stabilizing by 2007.

Earl Juanico - http://siestakeyrealestate.com

The Real Estate Note Partial Purchase: Enjoy a Slice of the 'Profit' Pie!

Want a piece of the ?profit? pie? Then purchase a portion of a note and discover how to achieve a slice of wealth. The private paper industry, also known as the secondary financing market, offers choices and flexibility to give you the freedom to determine whether you prefer to indulge in a ?slice? or the entire ?profit? pie. A portion of a note in the private paper industry is termed ?partial purchase.?

To achieve such wealth, first examine the basics of a note. A note is a written promise to pay the amount stated from the borrower (payor) to the seller (payee). A mortgage deed is a written instrument that generates a lien by utilizing property to secure a debt. A trust deed holds the title to the property in the ?trustee,? often a title company, as security for the loan until the debt is paid off. A cash flow transaction is the purchase of a note in exchange for cash. The note holder will receive a monthly income stream.

To explain in further detail, through a partial purchase the buyer attains a portion of the private mortgage note owned by the seller. The note represents a promise to pay through a course of payments due at a future time. The note offers flexibility since any portion of the note may be bought or sold.

An example of a partial purchase is as follows. Bob holds a note and would like to sell a portion of the note to pay for his child?s tuition. He could sell the note to an investor who would collect the monthly payments for a specific time period and then the note would revert back to Bob, the original note owner, to resume receiving payments. People often sell a note for a variety of reasons. They may need fast cash to pay a tuition, travel to a dream vacation destination, or even to pay a lump sum to the IRS come tax time.

Benefits to Your Investment Include (But Are Not Limited To):

Reduced risk

Good interest rate

Good rate of return

Note secured by collateral- the real property

Property may continue to appreciate over time

The ability to buy and sell a portion of a note is a mutually appealing situation. Investing in a partial purchase allows the creation of deals through financial structuring that is in turn beneficial to both parties.

Maria Fee is a mortgage professional, real estate investor, teacher, and master marketer with more than 20 years of business experience. Maria is the President of REMI KNOX, LLC, a group of investors who purchase real estate notes nationwide. Quoted by the media as an expert, she is continuously recognized for her extraordinary knowledge and real estate investing experience.

You too can discover hidden secrets to success with real estate notes. To take control of your financial future with proven strategies visit Maria's website at http://www.REMIKNOX.com

Happy investing!

Sussex Farmland ? A Goldmine for the Land Investors

Sussex Farmland and Sussex agricultural land would appear to be the same commodity. Infect, they bear the same relationship as a Greenbelt and Greenfield land.

Sussex Farmland includes agricultural land. Another term used for agricultural land is 'bareland', meaning that is farm land for sale with no buildings or residencies attached. There is, for example, a difference in the price for 'bareland' and farmland. The RICS rural land market survey in 2004 showed that the average price of 'bareland' across the UK was just over ?7,000 per hectare, whilst the price of farm land was nearly ?10,000.

There are Sussex Farmlands for sale 'hot' spots in terms of demand. Unsurprisingly, the southeast has the highest percentage of non-farmer individuals wishing to purchase farmland. A staggering 75% of sales in the southeast during August to September 2004, where not farmers. 62% were private individuals or investors, 6% were Institutional Investors, 6% were developers and 1% were miscellaneous purchasers. Compare this with Yorkshire and Humberside, 65% of buyers were agricultural but still 33% were non-farmer individuals.

Apart from being a heaven for investors Sussex Farmland is known for its beautiful historical buildings as well. The historical buildings are not just old houses or farm houses, many of them are old Palaces of Kings and Knights.

The author is a Land Expert based in the UK.

Formalizing Rental Transactions

It?s sad that many people hardly spend time formalizing rental related transactions. In most cases, rental agreements (especially for small rooms and units) are done verbally or, if contracts are needed, not much effort is given in making the documents look more professional. Perhaps the reason for this is because the property is not changing hands, and the money involved is not substantial. Another reason why some landlords opt to just prepare their own contracts is because they want to do away with additional expense ? after all, professionals such as realtors and law offices will charge you a professional fee for their services. However, preparing professional and legally binding contracts involving rental of properties need not cost an arm and a leg. There are ways by which you can secure such papers quickly and at a very affordable price.

One of the quickest ways you, as a landlord, can secure the forms you need to properly conduct your rental business is through the internet. In some real estate sites, there are sample forms uploaded on the web which you can view and whose contents you can copy. This practice is okay if you only need one or two forms, but if you need a whole lot then viewing and copying the contents of online forms is not the way to do it.

If you need to have several rental-related forms, it would be better if you simply downloaded the entire set and keep it on file. These forms can be purchased through most real estate related websites as these sites do not only address the needs of home buyers and sellers, but landlords and lessees as well.

Standard Rental Packages available on the internet include samples of rental applications, state specific lease agreements, rental contracts for short term and long term stays, notices and warnings, and a lot more. These contracts have been prepared by professional real estate agents so you can be assured that although these are ?generic? documents, these will conform to local and state requirements and will stand in any court of law.

These downloadable real estate forms are very handy and convenient. They can be opened using any word processing program and in addition, these can easily be modified or adjusted to meet your requirements. Once these have been purchased, you can reproduce these documents as many times and as often as you want. You don?t need to worry about the cost of real estate forms packages as these are very affordable and payment can be affected online. Most real estate related websites honour major credit cards, and accepts transactions made via paypal or electronic cheques.

With all these affordable forms available at your fingertips, what are you waiting for? Go online, look for reputable real estate related websites and purchase then download the rental-related forms you need for your business. Once you have these on hand, you can finally formalize how your rental business is run and give your tenants the professionalism that is due them.

This is article is brought to you by Gloria Smith at LegalHomeForms.com. Created by a former, licensed Real Estate Agent, LegalHomeForms.com was designed to offer instant access to the most sought after type of real estate forms. For the cost of what others charge for one real estate contract, you can have instant access to over 60 downloadable real estate forms. You can find the Rental Application form at: www.legalhomeforms.com/rental-application.htm

Get Your MBA in Real Estate Investing In Less Than 12 Months: Your Mega Bank Account

I used to be one of the many people who think that you have to have a lot of money to get started in real estate investing. But it's just not true!

But on the other side we've all heard the gurus talk about how easy it is to invest in real estate with Other People's Money (OPM). But that's not entirely true either.

What is true is that there are many ways to accumulate lots of money through real estate if you have the right team and are using the right strategies at the right time.

The team is such an important piece of the puzzle - these are the people that are going to make each deal happen. Real Estate is a networking business, and I didn't say a NOT-work business. The more people you know, the easier it is to run your business. Period.

When your team is in place is when your MBA starts accelerating. I have a lot of people on my team, and yes, that means I have to share the profits. But I can do more deals in less time with fewer headaches. Makes sense to me.

This is one of the most important concepts for building wealth quickly. One that almost every type of guru out there tells us to do. But one that seems to get the most resistance. Many people want to do it themselves because they don't want to split the profits, or pay for the help.

I'm telling you from experience that you need to do whatever you need to do to build your team. Contractors, lawyers, mentors, coaches, project managers, assistants, bookkeepers, CPAs, and the list goes on.

I've paid for many coaches. I'm grateful that I have a mentor who is congruent with my own dreams. I've also created many joint ventures with other team players that have cost me nothing but my time or my experience, and made me lots of money. But it's because I built my team that I was able to do that.

Now let's talk about the strategies. There are many ways to do real estate deals with OPM, but if you're in a hurry to make some money, the fastest way that I have found to work is the Assignment of Contract method.

Here's what this means: you find and negotiate a deal with the seller, for a certain price with certain conditions, giving you so many days to find a buyer. Whether it's you or somebody else. When you're assigning the contract you're entering into with the same exact terms as you got into.

This contract is where all the details are: How much you'll pay for the house (even though you're not going to pay for it personally), how long you have to come up with the money (This gives you the time to find the end buyer for the deal - another reason to build your team).

Then when you find the buyer - you sell this contract to the buyer - with the same specified terms. So if you say that you'd close in 30 days, and it takes you 15 days to line up a buyer, you have 15 days to close. Or whatever other terms you stipulated in the contract.

Preferably you're working with great deals, properties you can get for 70 or 80 cents on the dollar. And that's because you will ALWAYS find buyers for these deals.

Once you have the seller under contract, you start promoting the deal through your network, list with a realtor, put an ad in the paper, whatever works. Then you have the seller, you have the buyer - you simply sell the contract.

Once you get started and get your feet wet, you can do 3 or 4 or 5 of these a month - or as much as your team can handle. I've done many projects where I've sold the contracts for a flat fee to another investor or rehabber. It's a great way to build your bank account when you don't have a lot to start with.

Like I said: Get Your MBA (Mega Bank Account) in Less Than 12 Months!

Raul Luna officially became a millionaire before he turned 21! This successful speaker and educator is turning ordinary people into millionaires. Discover his secrets: http://www.moonvesting.com

10 Big Mistakes Novice Real Estate Investors Make

Buying real estate is as popular as ever, and it seems pretty straightforward at first glace. With mortgage interest rates at all time lows and plenty of real estate to buy, many investors truly believe that they can do a bit of cosmetic work, accessorize a bit, and then put up the for rent or for sale sign. Unfortunately, it is not quite that easy and there are some common mistakes that can be avoided if one plans ahead and truly understands what he or she is getting into before investing.

Don't Fall In Love

The first rule of thumb when you are investing in real estate is that you cannot fall in love with any one property. When you are looking at real estate to buy for investment purposes you can't think like a homeowner, you must think like a business owner. Don't think about what you like about a home or a piece of real estate, think about how well it will sell or rent in the current market.

Not Exercising Due Diligence

When you invest in real estate you can't simply invest if the property looks good at face value. A very thorough inspection of the structure needs to be done as well as research on the local market. One must also look into the vacancy rates and average rents for homes or structures that are comparable. A diligent business owner will also look into how the neighborhood is zoned as well as any regulations that will apply to the rental property. You will also want to check into how many other rental properties are in the area and if they are comparable to the property you are looking at.

Forgetting the Rule about Time and Money

Many new investors forget that all home improvements are not as cheap and as straightforward and they hoped that they would be. The rule that most investor's use is that it will take twice as long and three times the money than you would think to ready a unit for rent or sale. Real estate isn't transformed over night, so one must plan accordingly. Failing to plan ahead for this can leave you in a real bind where you lose money because you don't have the resources to complete a project.

Believing You'll Secure the Lowest Mortgage Rates

Television can be very deceiving for those that are in the real estate investment business. The low mortgage rates are not offered for just anyone, they are for owner occupied homes, which are considered much less of a risk than a unit that is rented out. Homes that will not be owner occupied will experience mortgage rates that are 1.5 to 2% higher, which can make for a huge difference in monthly payments for the investor and his or her tenants. You also need to be aware of your credit, if you have terrible credit you won't have much luck getting a loan, but the better your credit is the better your rate will be.

Failing to Pre-Screen Tenants

Many new landlords are so anxious to get their new tenants moved in that they forget all about screening them to be sure that they have a relatively clean credit history, they are gainfully employed, and that they have a good rental history. While screening tenants can take a bit longer than you might like to wait, it's easier to get this done than to try to evict a tenant. It's always better to pre-screen than deal with the headaches later.

Breaking Your Own Rules

New investors often set business rules for themselves, and then occasionally they get a bit soft. If you have established rules about what day the rent is due, pet policies, waterbeds, or lawn care, stick with those rules. The minute you stop obeying your own rules you set your self up for disaster. If you stick to your rules and you refuse to break them no matter the situation, you will find that you are much more successful in a business sense.

Investing in Obscure Areas

Generally, it is not a good idea to invest in properties that you cannot visit regularly. Long distance real estate investments leave you out in the cold and you may have no idea what is going on in or around your property. It is a good rule of thumb to only invest in areas that you live.

Paying More than the Property Is Worth

New investors often do not do the proper research and end up paying more for a property than it is worth. When you are investing you have to think about yourself, even if that means that you have to low-ball the seller at first. Investing in real estate is all about getting the right price for you. You need to know that you can cover your mortgage and your expenses from a rental payment, so really consider what the local market will allow.

Failing to Look into the Competition

It's a good idea to look at the competition, especially if they are successful. Lower payments, exciting features, and more will often help fill rental units. Pay attention to what works in your area and duplicate it if possible.

Not Acquiring Enough Insurance

Being under insured is a common mistake of new real estate investors. You need to know that your insurance company will cover accidents on the property as well as damage due to fires or natural disasters.

As you can see, there are a lot of mistakes that you can make. Luckily, if you plan ahead and do not rush into real estate investment you can avoid a lot of these pitfalls, saving you a lot of time and money. Avoiding mistakes will help you become a much more successful real estate investor.

Andrew owns a website that offers useful guide on real estate business. Vist his website at: http://www.buy-and-sell-house-fast.com/ for more tips.

Minnesota Real Estate Listings

Minnesota real estate is considered to be some of the best in the Midwest. The following are some of the communities worth looking at.

Apple Valley, Minnesota, is home to over 40,000 people. Since the middle of the 20th century, over 11,000 homes have been constructed here and the number is growing. Every conceivable type of housing is available here, including single-family homes, town homes, apartments and housing parks. Apple Valley is situated 20 minutes from St. Paul or downtown Minneapolis, and is just 15 minutes from the twin cities? international airport.

Burnsville, Minnesota, is situated just 20 minutes from either downtown St. Paul or downtown Minneapolis. It offers easy access to the international airport. Burnsville has grown into a strong, balanced economic area, while maintaining its natural resources. It is home to award-winning schools and 1,700 acres of park land. The presence of lifecycle housing alternatives gives opportunities for people of all ages to feel at home in Burnsville.

Edina is one of Minnesota?s biggest suburbs and has many luxurious mansions. Still, there are many homes that go for less than $150,000. Also, there is an abundance of townhouses and condos. The average home price is close to $250,000. Edina is located in Hennepin County, and has two big medical centers, the world?s first indoor mall (Southdale), and nice city parks. It is 20 minutes from the Twin Cities International Airport and Lake Minnetonka.

Plymouth, Minnesota, is a rapidly growing community in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. Lakes, a park system and diverse housing stock attract a lot of new residents. Covering about 36 square miles, Plymouth is home to over 65,000 people. Insurance, light manufacturing, printing and publishing, high-tech research, telecommunications and computer-related industries are some of the biggest employers in the city. Average home prices are well above $200,000.

Vadnais Heights lies directly north of St. Paul. It has a population of nearly 13,000, which is soon expected to reach 16,000. Higher priced homes are being built in the city's northern tier. The average home price hovers around $170,000. Two stunning lakes, East Lake Vadnais and West Lake Vadnais, make this place a special suburb. In fact, the two lakes take about 25 percent of the city's land.

Minnesota Real Estate provides detailed information on Minnesota Real Estate, Minnesota Real Estate Listings, Minnesota Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Agents in Minnesota and more. Minnesota Real Estate is affiliated with Sarasota Real Estate Marketing.

Closing Costs Explained for the Buyer and Seller

The fees associated with buying and selling a home documented in a sales contract are called closing costs. They are split between the buyer and the seller and often involve negotiation. Buyers apply for a loan and receive a good faith estimate that may not include all of the closing costs.

Buyer's closing costs include: the actual down payment, loan fees, points, appreciation and credit report, along with any pre-paid interest, inspection fees, appraisal, mortgage insurance, title insurance, and documentary stamps or note. Escrow fees, homeowners insurance, and legal fees can be included. These fees vary depending on the lender and the details of the sales agreement.

It is advisable to carefully review the estimated costs presented by the lender. If there are any questions before the actual closing, have the loan or title company officer clarify anything before making a final decision. As Americans borrow more than $110 billion a year to buy homes, these added costs and charges can add significantly to the purchase price of the home.

Sellers' costs as part of the closing include: the broker's commission, tax transfers, documentary stamp on deeds, and insurance and property taxes. Before the sale closes, the escrow officer will verify with the lender to ensure sure the existing balance for the loan has been paid. If the proceeds from the loan do not completely pay for the seller will need to pay for the remaining balance. Any additional deductions for the sale of the home (including buyer credits and concessions) are subtracted before the seller receives their share of the sale proceeds.

Negotiations for deductions can occur with minor or major costs. Property taxes are often prorated. They are usually paid at the end of the tax year. If the buyer has questions regarding some structural aspect of the home, including the plumbing, windows or electrical work, the buyer may request the owner to credit for the repairs. At this stage, even the price of the house could even become negotiable. A buyer could offer to pay the full asking price or more for a house in exchange for the owner covering the closing costs. The seller may offer to ?carry paper? or finance a portion of the sale for the buyer to ensure that the sale goes through. There is really no restriction for what can be covered by the buyer or seller, just as long as both parties involved are happy with the eventual outcome and the terms of the deal is written down.

It is a good idea to carefully review the good faith estimate well in advance of your closing date. You'll be better prepared to protect yourself from padded, inflated or abusive costs. If questions are raised during the earliest stage of escrow, you'll have ample opportunity to speak with the preparer about your concerns and have them explained.

Make sure that you are aware of basic closing terms. Loan origination fees are fees that cover the lender's processing fees for the loan, a percentage of the loan that varies from lender to lender. Points. A point is a one time charge for a lower interest rate. A point usually costs one percent of the amount loaned. A buyer can save money over the life of the loan by paying down one or more of these points, and the points may be tax-deductible.

Property Appraisal: A property appraisal is done for the lender to determine fair market value of the home. Inspection fees: are charged for homes under construction. A lender requires routine inspection for construction and release of funds as work progresses and concludes. Buyers are also responsible for prepaid interest that covers the mortgage from the first day of the loan until the due date of the first monthly payment. Hazard and flood insurance are paid a year in advance to cover the home and lender from natural disaster: fire, loss, windstorm and flooding.

Miscellaneous mortgage fees can include more inspections and an assumption costs. Inspection fees are generally handled before the closing date and can include an inspection of the home, radon tests, and pest or other specialized inspection fees. Assumption costs are for transferring the owner's mortgage into the hands of the new buyer. This is where reviewing closing costs are important because they can vary from state to state. Charges for home warranties are common. An attorney can handle a title search, apply for title insurance for you and a lender and complete the closing in some states. In other states specialty companies handle title work and closings are completed elsewhere. As this process can be cumbersome, it is important that you work with your REALTOR?, title officer and/or legal professional to handle ensure that all aspects of the closing are handled with the utmost of care.

Current technology has allowed the closing process to become easier, quicker. There are a plethora of fees a lender may charge depending on your location and the technology employed in the process. Notary and record fees would apply to have documents notarized and filed with public records. Overnight fees would result to send or receive documents and transfer fees for wiring incoming and outgoing funds.

Regardless of where and when you are buying a home you're closing costs will take a significant jump before they're finalized. The more educated you are about the process the better you'll be able to discern between valid or inflated costs. You'll be better prepared for that possibility. The awareness you've gained from familiarizing yourself with the process and establishing a relationship with your lending officer, REALTOR?, and closing agent will better prepare you for a predictable rise in closing costs and enough knowledge to point out inflated costs or at least ask questions to determine exactly where you stand.

Alex Peterson writes for ZipRealty. ZipRealty provides home buyers and sellers with an innovative real estate solution. By using the efficiencies of the Internet, ZipRealty has streamlined the real estate process and is able to pass significant savings on to home buyers and sellers.

International Movers

A lot many people have a need to relocate themselves from one country to another usually due to official transfers or change in jobs. Relocation can be a tedious and hectic issue. International movers are organizations that specialize in managing the relocations of individuals and organizations. International movers usually provide air, sea, rail and truck services. They are involved in packing, loading and delivery of goods. They organize door-to-door relocations. Most movers offer customized moving services to suit individual needs and are involved right from the packing stage to the delivery of goods at the final destination. They considerably reduce the stress and fatigue involved in a relocation process.

A customer needs to invest a lot of time in finding the right company to provide the relocation solution. The internet is very helpful in searching for various international movers. It is recommended that an individual wishing to relocate make a list of moving companies, ask pricing quotes, compare the services and verify if they have tie-ups with reputed shipping companies.

Most international lovers offer a comprehensive relocation solution. The goods are surveyed and packed by trained packers. Standard two-ply cartons are used for packing goods. Tear-off bubble wrap packing sheets are used for fragile and delicate goods whereas silverware is packed in acid free tissue paper. The goods are shipped in a steamship container or in specially made crates. The shipping is provided by a reliable steamship line or airline. Trucks can also be used to transport household goods but many moving company do not assume any liability for the breakage of fragile goods.

To move a car, the moving company?s trained specialists, inspect it and ensure that the packing meets safety standards. Typically, most international movers have an overseas partner who coordinates the custom formalities, the delivery and unpacking of household goods at the new location and disposes the packing debris as well. To minimize risks, a mover recommends that the goods being relocated be insured against accidental loss or damage. They also take care of the insurance formalities after the client approves it. An international mover also provided many other value added services for a client such as pet relocation, cultural briefing on the new country, tax advice, accommodation arrangement and travel bookings.

The process of shifting from one country to another involves considerable pressure and confusion. International movers play a critical role in ensuring that the entire relocation process is smooth.

Movers provides detailed information on Boat Movers, Car Movers, Furniture Movers, House Movers and more. Movers is affiliated with Moving And Storage Companies.

Buying a Home? Here Are 8 Important Steps to Follow

Learn eight important steps to take when purchasing a home.

1. Know your financial status When you decide to buy a home, check your credit report. You probably haven't seen it in the last few years and you don't really know how good (or bad) it is right now. It is very probable that you greatly overestimate (or Underestimate) your financial abilities. What's more, your credit report may contain mistakes you will have to correct (as this happens quite often) - and you'd better do it before you start shopping for a mortgage.

2. Choose your loan lender and the type of loan/mortgage When your credit report is accurate, then begin researching Mortgage Brokers and types of mortgages. When shopping for a loan, keep an eye on: 1) the interest rate and the term (the most important factors), 2) additional fees (they can spoil everything), 3) and your likelihood of getting the approved (they are different for different institutions). Generally, it is good to visit at least a few potential creditors and learn to use and understand a financial calculator before making the final decision.

3. Learn what you want and what you can get Only when you know what you can afford can you decide what exactly you want from your new house. How big should it be? How many rooms should it have? How much time/effort/money are you willing to put in the refurbishment/redecoration? Where exactly would you like to live? After you answer these questions, you will be able to narrow your search and make it much faster.

4. Understand who the agents work for Most people imply that the agents work only for them and they expect they will protect their best interest. The point is that's not entirely true, as the agents may work for a buyer, for a seller and for both of them. Learn where the agents loyalties lie before you start to rely on their opinions and confide personal information to them.

5. How to read offers As a rule of thumb, every offer seems to be better than it really is. In order to assess the offer properly, pay attention to such details as the neighborhood, acreage and furniture (if the house is sold with it). All these factors affect attractiveness of the offer just as much as the house itself.

6. Make an offer Only if everything seems to suit you just fine, should you make an offer. However, before the deal is sealed, there is one more thing you have to do: a home inspection.

7. Home Inspection: where to look When the offer seems to be good, make an appointment for another visit to the house in question. In some states you take your real estate agent with you. Now, everything depends on the results of the inspection. While you can do it yourself, the best option is to hire a professional home inspector. Then, you can expect a full report concerning the homes status. If there's anything wrong - from termites and mold to toxic paint on the walls or low quality of water, it will be found during a professional inspection.

8. Signing the contract Before you sign a contract, learn exactly what the fixtures are (i.e. what stays at home). Sometimes you will be given virtually everything, but sometimes you will learn that the previous owners have taken the swimming pool with them. Talk to the previous owners in order to learn what they want to take and what will stay and put it down into the contract!

When the contract is ready, the rest is relatively simple. Your agent or attorney will help you to make out all the payments, and assist with insurance and title transfer details you have to do in order to buy a home.

For more information on real estate buying, visit http://www.1st-real-estate.com

California Dreams

Have you ever dreamed of owning a home in California? If so, there?s never been a better time to dive right in and begin working on getting that dream home. With so many different things to think about when you begin to search for your perfect home, sometimes it is difficult to know where to start. But when searching in the state of California, you will be glad to know they?ve thrown out their welcome rugs and have done the dirty work of research for you.

Having put into place several programs that assist the consumer, California?s future home owners should be well equipped and armed with knowledge before they set out on their real estate venture for the home of their dreams. The California Department of Real Estate, as well as the California Department of Housing, has developed websites and packets chocked full of information for the first time homeowner. There is also a wealth of information for second and third time buyers.

With programs such as Home Owners Counseling Services, Home Ownership Vouchers, state license inquiry for Real Estate brokers, as well as the development of many sites that lead to information to protect the consumer against predatory lending prevention, why wait? California has definitely taken great strides in providing the home consumer with knowledge of programs and the information they need to know in order to own a home. With all of these resources, a consumer should feel secure in their pursuit of home ownership in California. So don?t hesitate, put those dreams into action and enjoy your new home.

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Why are People Buying Seal Beach Real Estate?

Nestled between Long Beach and Huntington Beach in the heart of Orange County, Seal Beach is a highly attractive and livable city. Not surprisingly, Seal Beach real estate is more sought after and valuable than ever as the Seal Beach real estate market continues to prosper. Boasting a humble but proud population of around 25,000, Seal Beach is a safe and clean community which continues to attract discerning buyers who are interested in securing their own piece of Seal Beach real estate.

Due to the beautiful geographical location and superb year round climate, Seal Beach real estate is popular with families and retirees. The small town charm, secure gated communities, clean air and majestic natural scenery make this a jewel in the crown of California and ensures that the Seal Beach real estate market remains buoyant. Many people move here for the weather, some for the beauty of nature and spectacular sunsets but there are many other reasons why people buy Seal Beach real estate.

The beautiful styling and modern architecture of the homes here ensure the ongoing popularity of Seal Beach real estate. With family homes and a sizeable retirement community, the property choices are varied but whatever Seal Beach real estate you buy, you can rest assured that the quality of your home is never compromised. Couple this with some great shopping options, lovely dining establishments and a climate that lends itself to year round relaxation and recreation and you too will begin to understand the value of Seal Beach real estate.

Every community needs amenities and facilities and when you look to buy Seal Beach real estate, you will discover that the town has much to offer. People who invest in Seal Beach real estate have access to some of the finest city parks with baseball, soccer and other sporting facilities, beautifully maintained park grounds and more. Excellent gym facilities and wonderful walks through the community gardens are just two of the ways Seal Beach real estate owners can stay in shape. Outdoor recreation and activities are served well by the climate and people who buy Seal Beach real estate often do so for that very reason.

So when you decide to indulge and secure your very own piece of Seal Beach real estate, remember that you are moving to a stunning, safe, secure and relaxing place and when you buy Seal Beach real estate you are buying more than a house, you are buying a home.

Kyle Menic is a writer whom specializes in Southern California real estate, which includes Seal Beach real estate and Orange County real estate.

The Lesson of the Real Estate Rapist Conviction

The recent conviction of Oliver Hooper, the real estate rapist, presents a grim and important lesson for homeowners. In your urge to sell your home, do not throw common sense out the window.

The Lesson of the Real Estate Rapist Conviction

The story of Oliver Hooper offers a lesson for all people selling there homes. Called the real estate rapist, Hooper was a traveling salesman. During a spree that sent shockwaves through the Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Hooper tried to view homes by himself with the intent of sexually assaulting women who were showing the home on their own. In one case, he was successful and was recently sentenced to 80 years for the act. As sad as this is, an important lesson can be taken from it for people selling their homes.

When showing your home, it is vitally important that you keep safety in mind. There are some weird people out there, and you should not unnecessarily risk exposure to them. Bad apples are a very rare event in real estate, but the consequences can be horrendous.

So, what should you do when showing your home? The first step is to make sure you do not show it alone. You should have another family member with you. If you are a single person, you can ask a friend to attend the showing with you. If that is not practical, you should ask a mortgage broker to come to the showing. Mortgage brokers are happy to do so as they like to talk to potential buyers about financing needs. Regardless of how you approach it, make sure you are not alone. Two or more people generally will scare off anyone of dubious character.

The second step is to evaluate the person that asks to see the home. Again, the key is to use your common sense. If they give you the creeps on the phone, refuse to show them the home. You do not have to be rude, just tell them you have an interested buyer and are going to see if it results in a sale.

Finally, it is hard to evaluate people, particularly on the phone. What most sellers forget is that they control the timing of the showing. If your neighborhood is deserted during the work day, set the showing on the weekend. Also, try to show the home to multiple parties at one time. This is safer and creates a potential bidding war that can only benefit you.

Obviously, the real estate rapist represents the worst possible scenario. If you use your common sense and take some precautionary steps, you should not have any problems when showing your property.

Raynor James is with the site - FSBO America - sell your own home and save thousands in real estate agent commissions!

Understanding Seller Pricing In Real Estate

Many homebuyers make the mistake of assuming the price listed with a home is somehow related to the actual value. In fact, the price often is not.

What is the fair price of a home? Many would argue the fair price is the one agreed upon between a buyer and seller when negotiations conclude in the offer and counteroffer process. While this is certainly one approach to the situation, many buyers make the mistake of assuming the listing price on a home has some inherent relationship to the appraised price. This is sometime incorrect because of issues involving the seller.

Obviously, the first issue to consider with pricing is the natural tendency of the seller to try to get as much as possible for the property. In practical terms, this means the property will almost always be priced above what the market will support. It may be just above or well above, but it will definitely be above. The only exception to this situation is if the seller is motivated to sell fast for some reason such as divorce. In said situations, the seller may price the property at or below what the market will support.

A less obvious motivation for overpricing a property boils down to simple financial numbers. If you own a home, you are bombarded with offers for home equity credit lines. The credit line is essentially a way of liquefying the equity in a property. Many people use these lines to pay a wide variety of bills. When it comes time to sell the property, however, they suddenly realize their profit from it is going to be very small. In such a situation, the natural reaction of the seller is to ask for price at the high end of the local market. In such a situation, the seller is unlikely to be amenable to negotiating down the price because they simply cannot.

When looking at homes it is important to understand the motivation of the seller when setting the asking price. Doing so allows you to determine if the price is negotiable or the seller is stuck.

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

Austin Real Estate Listings

Austin has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It has a population of half a million. Austin is considered a good place for entrepreneurs, with great opportunities and a good business environment. Therefore, it is an ideal location to invest in real estate. Shop around to the different neighborhoods, and see what surrounding attractions exist, so that you will know how to pitch the land if you ever want to resell it on the market.

With its clean air, clean water, and healthy food facilities, it has attracted many people. Austin has the campus of the University of Texas, where many students come to study. All these factors contributed to the real estate boom in Austin.

In Austin there are many real estate agents or brokers. They provide listings for real estate once the buyer registers with them. They also give lists to the buyer according to the buyer?s needs. Many real estate agents have websites where they keep updated lists of the properties they have to trade.

There are many other websites which provide information about the city of Austin. These websites also possess real estate listings. But the problem with such listings is that most of the time they are not updated. Hence, time can be wasted.

The newspaper is one of the best and cheapest options to get real estate listings in Austin. Most local newspapers provide listings in their classified section or in special issues on real estate. Local magazines devoted to real estate also give listings on real estate in Austin.

Austin Real Estate provides detailed information on Austin Real Estate, Austin Real Estate Brokers, Austin Commercial Real Estates, Austin Real Estate Listings and more. Austin Real Estate is affiliated with Dallas Real Estate Agencies.

Costa Rican Commercial Real Estate Developments Are Hot!

Costa Rica developments are gaining in popularity and demand. Investors are pouring a lot of money into this small country.

But why Costa Rica?

Because Costa Rica's blend of beauty and business culture is attracting a growing number of travelers and international businesses to this Caribbean area.

Since the late 1970's, Costa Rica has been luring tourists to its lush rainforests and exotic beaches. A pioneer of eco-tourism, the country, wedged between the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean on the east, is primarily known for its amazing biodiversity that includes an astonishing array of flowers, birds, butterflies, and other creatures. In more recent years, however, the country has also become an attractive destination for scores of foreign companies. In the case of Costa Rica, perched between two of the world's largest markets (North and South America), there's a highly developed tourist industry and a growing expatriate community.

Enticed by Costa Rica's low costs, highly educated and often bilingual workforce, political stability (the country abolished its army in 1949), attractive tax incentives, pleasant climate, and one of the highest standards of living in Latin America, Costa Rica has become a growing haven for companies & business travelers. And this has led to the influx of Costa Rica developments.

Coffee Anyone?

Perhaps one of the most famous enterprises to come out of Costa Rica is Caf? Britt. Steve Aronson, who is from New York, founded the company in 1985. Caf? Britt is Costa Rica's leading exporter of gourmet coffee, with estimated sales of $39.1 million. Also, large U.S. companies such as Intel, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard have come to Costa Rica, investing hundreds of millions of dollars.

The widespread interest and success of these companies has sparked a need for more upscale hotel and entertainment facilities, as well as residential communities.

Costa Rican Law

Also, unlike many Latin American countries, it isn't necessary to have a Costa Rican citizen as a business partner and foreigners have the same absolute right to own real property, as do citizens. This is a strong reason why Costa Rica developments have become so popular. Many countries have restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate but not Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, everyone, nationals or non-nationals have the same legal rights, which are protected by their Constitution and reflected in their laws. Even so, most developers & companies hire Costa Rican attorneys to help them navigate the system

The legal system in Costa Rica is based in the so-called civil law system, which is derived through the Spanish Civil Code with roots in the Napoleonic Code. All titled property in Costa Rica is registered in the National Registry. Almost all legal liens and encumbrances will also be on file in the Registry.

What?s Not To Love?

With all of these positives and not too many negatives, developers are flocking to this tiny country. They are developing hotels, condos and housing communities. In some parts of the country, you almost feel like you?re in the U.S. or Canada because of all the expatriates. If you?re looking for a dynamic market, then Costa Rica is for you!

Visit http://www.all-about-commercial-mortgages.com to learn more about commercial properties and commercial financing. Educate yourself before buying that commercial property!

Patti Porter is a Commercial Mortgage Broker specializing in income producing properties.

What Did My Neighbor's House Sell For ?

There are many people who are constantly asking what their neighbor?s houses sold for. Some people may think they are just being nosey, but the truth is that there is a lot to learn by what your neighbors get out of their homes. In fact, you simply cannot go without knowing these figures, if you are interested in your own property?s value.

Every year, the homes in your area sell and are bought. However, you may not know how much each house is sold for. If you read the paper daily, you probably know that most real estate transactions are listed in many papers. This will be the easiest way to find out what your neighbor?s house sells for. You can often find them by address and even see the person?s name that bought it. This is all public information and is almost always published weekly.

The reason it is so important to know that your neighbor got so much for their home is because you might want to sell you home in the future. When your neighbor gets more for their home, you should get more as well. This is if your home is comparable in size and kept the same. If your home is larger and you maintain it better, you might even get more and should take that into consideration.

So, don?t worry about being nosey. Find our what your neighbor?s house sold for so you know about how much your home is worth as well?just in case you want to sell!

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About a Career in Real Estate Field

To become a real estate agent is very easy. About schools, that is one question to ask the brokers. You may be sure in every area there are several private real estate schools, and many community colleges offering courses. To find private real estate schools search the yellow pages after the Real Estate - General section. Most schools let you sample their program or classes.

It generally takes two months of classes and then you should take the exam. When you pass you need to activate your license under a broker from your area. At that moment you need sales training classes, unless you was born a sales person. I think you realize that you will wait 3-4 months in the real estate field before to see an income stream flowing. What I want to say is you need some financial resources to live on while getting your shoes on the ground.

To be a successful real estate agent is the highly competitive Acting in Real Estate field you will work hard and it will take time to build your own successful business. As a compensation of your hard work, the payoffs is great. Real Estate is one of the highest paying sales professions in the United States of America.

You will enjoy working out of your home office, work flexible hours, and set your own schedule. In addition there are few, if any, businesses you can start up for the investment you will make in becoming a professional Real Estate Agent.

Larry is a freelance writer interested in items such as travel real estate career

Mississippi Mortgage What You Need to Know Before Buying a Home in Mississippi

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

After Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi in the summer of 2005, the entire state of Mississippi was made eligible for public assistance. However, the southern half of Mississippi incurred the majority of damage. 90% of structures in the Gulf Coast area were seriously damaged or destroyed.

The median value of a home in Mississippi is currently $71,400. Mississippi has a high rate of adjustable-rate mortgages and interest-only mortgages. Trends have turned to unconventional loan options as housing costs in Mississippi have been rising faster than incomes. Additionally, current interest rates in Mississippi are above the national average.

Mississippi does not have a mortgage tax. Additionally, Mississippi?s Fair Housing Act prohibits mortgage lending discrimination against individuals based on their race, color, religion, gender, familial status, or national origin. Currently, Mississippi does not have any anti-predatory lending laws in effect.

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

Existing Home Sales Fall In 2nd Quarter

Existing home sales fell in the second quarter of 2006, despite 20 states showing increases in sales activity.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the second quarter experienced a 7% decrease in sales, a seasonally-adjusted annual rate drop to 6.69 million units when compared to the second quarter of 2005, when a record 7.19 million units sold.

However, in the past year, several states have seen surprisingly strong increases in existing-home sales.

Alaska showed the largest quarterly rise in sales with a 48.6% increase in existing-home sales when compared to the second quarter of 2005.

Arkansas had the second strongest gain for the quarter, with resale pace increasing 17.9% from the previous year. Texas came in third with an 11.3% over the same period.

Twenty-eight states and Washington D.C. saw declines in sales.

NAR's chief economist, David Lereah, said that the two sets of market conditions are revealing a mixed market.

When you look at states with high housing costs or that have experienced a prolonged period of rapid price gains, you typically see slower home sales, said Lereah.

By contrast, states with moderately priced areas that have experienced healthy job creation are seeing sales gains -- the economic backdrop remains favorable for the housing market, which is helping home sales to level out.

All regional levels reported declines.

The South witnessed a decrease of 4.2% from one year ago. The West saw home sales fall 14.7%. The Midwest experienced a decline of 4.7%. The Northeast had sales decrease 5.2%.

NAR President Thomas M. Stevens suggests that borrowers take advantage of the decreasing interest rates currently seen.

This is good news for buyers who have been on the sidelines; now there is a window of opportunity in the market, said Stevens. In most of the country, buyers can take their time to make an informed decision. We advise buyers to consult a professional in negotiating the buying process, and to cautiously review mortgage options -- especially on non-traditional loan products.

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!

Arizona Reaching The Filipino Family?s American Dream

Why would Arizona among all other US states, be perfect for the Filipino American who wishes to settle or find a second home?

Coming to America is a common Filipino dream. In the quest for better job and more comfortable American living, Filipinos (Pinoys) have looked to the US as a paragon to realize that goal.

From the story of a friendly Filipino American and a growing movement of Pinoy population in Arizona, you?ll come to discover that USA?s 6th largest state has:

- affordable cost of living

- huge employment opportunities

- no major natural disasters

- the best retirement communities

- a lot of Catholic churches

- closeness to the best hospitals, schools and low-priced commercial centers

- similar summer temperatures

- proximity to Las Vegas and California

- open-wide spaces away from pollution and congestion

- more family-friendly way of living

Arizona is one of the Four Corners states that also borders New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. It is home to the colorful and steep Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The state?s large area and variations in elevation make it possess a wide variety of localized conditions. Isn?t it amazing to know how Arizona can have temperatures that can actually adapt water skiing and snow skiing in the same day?

Approximately 118,000 square miles, the State of Arizona is almost the same size as the Republic of the Philippines. Arizona is predominantly a Christian region while the Philippines is the 3rd largest Christian nation. And geographically, the Philippines lies within the typhoon belt of the Western Pacific and the earthquake path of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Arizona is free of major catastrophes except for minor occasional dust storms.

The Philippines today is a major source of Filipino migrant workers because of its high 96% literacy rate which is one of the highest in Asia. Over 8 million overseas workers? remittances contributes a significant portion of the country?s gross national product. Arizona, on the other hand, provides ample job opportunities for the skilled Pinoy as one of the fastest growing states in the USA now.

To describe Arizona?s untapped geographic and economic attributes befitting the Filipino / Filipino American family?s needs to relocate to the USA would not fit in a page. If you?re thinking of moving to the US and don?t know where to begin, it?s well worth checking out further why Arizona is the Filipino?s best kept secret in America.

More helpful guides were created by a fellow Filipino American now happily settled in Arizona.

Get to know Arizona's majestic grandeur and Philippine Real Estate at its best.

Real Estate Agents Online

Inflation, better earning opportunities, improved government procedures, and simple terms for mortgages and loans have enhanced consumer purchase capacities. The ability of individuals to invest in property has proved to be a boon for the real estate industry. It is advisable that clients hire licensed real estate agents when contemplating purchase, sale, or lease of property.

Real estate agents are certified professionals who have comprehensive knowledge regarding property they deal in and are well versed with the legalities involved. There are numerous real estate agents who operate online through their websites. This allows people to find a qualified mediator at the click of a mouse. Online real estate agents listings allow people to explore their choices.

Real estate online agents are qualified to answer questions related to property overheads, assessments, and trade laws. They are familiar with property sizes, repair costs, legal restrictions, and reconstructions that may have been undertaken by present owners. Prospective clients may choose to speak to them via telephone and resume day to day correspondence via email and facsimile. Prior to hiring a licensed real estate agent, it is advisable to verify his or her reputation, achievement, and service charges. Customers may compare deals worked upon by some estate agents to find services that are affordable and suit their needs. People may also seek help from experts that have served family members, friends, or acquaintances.

Online real estate agents may work as private brokers or may be working for large business houses. It is wise to inquire about details regarding service charges and time required for a deal in advance. Online real estate agents can provide valuable information regarding mortgage types, banks, and financial institutions if clients opt for an outright purchase. Apart from operating as mediators between clients, they may take responsibility of completing a transaction if one party is not present at the time of closing a deal. For this reason, they are favored by overseas or out-of-state clients who opt to trust real estate agents over family.

Real Estate Agents provides detailed information on Real Estate Agents, Find A Real Estate Agent, Las Vegas Real Estate Agents, Commercial Real Estate Agents and more. Real Estate Agents is affiliated with How To Get A Real Estate License.