Buying Your First Home?

You?ve finally decided to take the plunge and buy your first home. While the journey may feel terrifying and confusing, there are some basic steps you can?and should?take before hitting the pavement in search of your future home. Instead of feeling overwhelmed you can arm yourself with the knowledge you?ll need to make informed decisions as you begin your path to home ownership.

Becoming educated in the common practices in your area is the absolutely number one objective on your list. Pick up the phone and call local real estate agents, bank loan officers, and mortgage brokers. Be warned, some will attempt to coerce you into making an appointment?this is not necessary at this stage?and is their way of getting you to sign an agreement you are not ready to sign. Explain clearly that you are in research mode only and need no more than 15 minutes of their time to get your questions answered. It?s important to talk to several professionals as different perspectives and viewpoints will give you a broader spectrum of information in which to base your decisions on.

What to ask

1.Find out what disclosures (facts that materially affect the value of the property) the seller is required by your state to disclose. This varies state to state, so it is extremely important you know what your state laws mandate. Realize that in most cases, the seller is only required to disclose information he/she already knows about the property. What this means is the seller is not obligated to hire professionals, but is required to disclose in ?good faith? any personal knowledge on the property which may affect its financial worth.

2.Ask about standard home inspections. A standard home inspection will give you information on the physical structure itself and the systems inside the home. You need to know what the average cost is in your state, who usually pays for it, and when it is commonly done. Most standard home inspections are paid for by the buyer, but sometimes the seller will split the costs. If you?re in a repressed market or the homeowner is anxious to sell, he may pay for the inspection fully.

3.A title search will have to be performed to rule out any issues with the deed of the property. Who conducts this search and what is the average cost?

4. What are other potential costs you should be aware of? Taxes, settlement agent fees, and commissions are just a few of the ?other? costs you should ask about.

5.It?s also a good idea to find out the average amount of time it takes for a loan to close once an offer has been accepted. This can, and will, vary, because often it has more to do with the personal preferences of the buyer and/or the seller. Be aware of potential time sinks before you begin your search.

6.If you do choose to use a real estate agent to assist you in locating your future home, find out if they?ll help you compose an offer when you?re ready to make one. If they use a standard form, find out if you can get a copy for your own reference. Always be informed on what the agent is giving to the seller.

What?s next?

Get a copy of your credit report, from several sources if possible, and make sure it is correct. If there is incorrect information on your credit report, contact the reporting credit agency and ask for a dispute form. Once you receive the form, fill it out and send it back certified with return receipt requested. When applying for loans your credit score will be the determining factor in getting you the lowest percentage interest rate possible. Make sure the information is factual and then work with what you have. A low score does not mean you can?t buy a house. If this is a concern of yours, find out what programs are available for less than perfect credit.

How much can you afford? You may already know this, but if you don?t, figure it out. The standard rule is your mortgage payment, taxes, and homeowners insurance shouldn?t be more than 28% of your gross income. However, this still may be too much, depending on your other financial obligations. Be honest with yourself and what you can afford to pay out each month. Consider any possible extra costs with home ownership; i.e. new appliances, new carpet, landscaping, and normal home maintenance. Don?t dig yourself into a financial hole you may not be able to get out of.

What type of loan should you get? This is not an easy question to answer, and the best course of action is more research. There are multiple mortgage internet sites you can start with to educate yourself on the types of loans available. In fact, you should definitely pick up the phone once again to make sure you completely understand the loans you are considering. Mortgage brokers and bank loan officers want your business?they will be more than happy to answer your questions and even send you specific loan information.

With this basic, yet important, information at your disposal; you are ready to begin the search for your future home. Always remember that knowledge is key in every aspect of purchasing a home, do not be hesitate in getting the facts you need in any area of the process. Ask questions, be informed, and you will arrive at the other end the confident owner of a new home.

? Copyright: Tracy Leigh Ritts
http://www.TracyLeighWrites.com

Real Estate Investing: How To Buy Distressed Real Estate During PreForeclosure

When folks find out that I buy houses from distressed homeowners during the preforeclosure stage, they always ask the same question: How do you find them?

My simplest answer is: At the courthouse.

Distressed properties are always easiest to find when a mortgage lender begins the foreclosure process. (The process is triggered when the borrower fails to make a mortgage payment.) Technically speaking this is the preforeclosure stage. The borrower/homeowner has missed one or more payments, the sheriff's sale or public auction is looming on the horizon, and the homeowner realizes he may soon lose his home.

Depending on which state you live in, the lender either records a Notice of Default (NOD) or files a judicial foreclosure lawsuit against the borrower. As soon as the foreclosure is public information, it's relatively easy to find.

So, depending on which property I'm interested in, I either do a search at the county courthouse or I get the information from a legal newspaper that has done the searching for me.

The hardest part is finding a property that has any equity in it. What I'm looking for is a Loan To Value (LTV) of 80% or less. For example, if a property has a market value of $100,000, the homeowner can't owe more than $75,000 -$80,000 on the property.

Why? Because I can't spend more than $75,000 - $80,000 for the property and still make a decent profit. That includes what I pay for the property (principle, interest, taxes, and insurance), my repair costs, and my holding costs. I have been known to pass on a great deal, simply because it was November and I wasn't convinced that the property would sell before summer. I always factor in having to pay the holding costs on a property for at least six months while I remodel or market the house. If the numbers don't work, I walk away.

Sometimes it takes quite a bit of research to find a property that I can make a profit on, but the rewards are worth it.

Now, before you call me a mercenary just because I look for distressed properties to profit on, let me say this: Somebody profits from every foreclosure - and it might as well be you or me.

Some people think it is unethical to benefit from another person's misfortune of losing their home or investment property by buying it from them in the preforeclosure stage. But I disagree. I look at buying preforeclosures as opportunities to help the distressed owners save their credit. When I buy their property, their debt is paid off and they are free to move on with their lives.

Foreclosures and other property distress are caused by divorce, unemployment, death, medical emergency, economic downturn, and any number of personal problems.

Recently, many homeowners bought expensive homes or refinanced to take equity out of their homes when the interest rates dropped. Those that later lost their jobs or had a medical emergency suddenly lost their ability to make mortgage payments. Many of those houses are now coming on the market as foreclosures because their owners haven't been able to sell them.They think of me as their guardian angel when I am able to buy their property prior to the sheriff's sale, save their credit, and pay off their debt.

For the most part, homeowners understand I need to make a profit to stay in business. If they are upside down in their house (meaning, they owe more than the property is worth), and there is no equity in the property, then it is very unlikely that they will be able to sell quickly -- to me or anyone else -- and get out from under their debt.

Wonder How Some Investors Make Millions Buying Foreclosures? Krista Goering has created a Free Guide to Buying Foreclosures and reveals Expert Tips for Getting Super Real Estate Deals. Krista Goering is an attorney, real estate investor, and coach who teaches real estate investing strategies online. Over a two year period, she bought and sold more than $4.5 million of real estate using these strategies. Free Guide to Buying Foreclosures: www.foreclosures-now.info Preforeclosure Website: www.foreclosures-now.com/pre1.html Preforeclosure article: mailto:pre1@foreclosures-now.com .

First Time Home Buyer Programs

Eventually, everything boils down to owning that house that you have been dreaming of. You have tried and have become tired of living in apartments, in condominiums, in rental homes, and in your parents? living room. However, you still crave and long for that structure that would be under your name and that you can call your home. And if luck prevails, you may own the home that you have been dreaming of.

One of the things that helps out first-time home buyers are first-time home buyer programs. These programs have been designed to assist people who are engaging in buying a home for the first time. Also, they have been designed to assist low-income families or to interest first-time home buyers. These types of programs assist those people who are in dire need of help when it comes to purchasing a home.

One of the tips that these first-time home buyer programs give to interested parties is that every buyer should be able to take full advantage of the various programs for first-time home buyers, because these can greatly assist them in obtaining lower interest rates. Most of these groups that provide first-time home buyer programs are generally aware of the situations that different types of interested parties have. That is the reason why these groups have also considered these situations and have provided various kinds of assistance for people with different needs.

Knowledge of how these first-time buyer programs work could prove to be an essential tool in taking advantage of them. Further information could be gathered through the Internet, or people could also get in touch with these groups that provide first-time buyer programs.

First Time Home Buyer provides detailed information on First Time Home Buyers, First Time Home Buyer Programs, First Time Home Buyer Grants, First Time Home Buyer Loans and more. First Time Home Buyer is affiliated with Home Owner Insurance Rates.

Have You Been Singing The Foreclosure Blues?

Just recently, I attended a foreclosure sale in my area that was literally packed full of other investors. I'm sure it's pretty much the same in your area. The home being foreclosed on was worth an estimated $35K in it's as is condition.

It was amazing to see the bidding start out at $20K and itch its way upward and end at over $50K. And what was scary was some of these investors bidding didn't know if the foreclosing bank was a first mortgage or a second!

That's the first sign of a disaster. If you're going to bid at the auction, then you should do your homework and know what you're bidding on and what position the lien was in. It's not a pleasant experience to win a foreclosure auction, only to find a superior lien that has to be paid off before you can sell. That's never happened to me because I've always done my due diligence.

Now, some of these guys get way too emotionally involved in the bidding process and lose all reason for buying at the foreclosure sale which was to get a deal at a deep discount. And that was exactly what happened in this instance.

Anyway, what do you make of a foreclosure sale that happens this way? You invested your time to attend and the bidding has gotten out of hand, so what do you do next?

Do you take part in the bidding war? Or sit back and have a gripe session about the situation?

I think not.

See, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know others with deep pockets. Simply observe what's going on around you and network to get to know the other guys bidding, because these investors are an excellent source for private money or to flip your deals to.

Where else can you find targeted, pre qualified buyers for your deals?

First, you know these investors that are bidding are interested in real estate or else they wouldn't be there bidding. Next, you know that they have cash or access to cash. So, if you deal with them, then more than likely funding wouldn't be a problem. Finally, these people are easily reached and you can meet them without research and without buying any type of list. All you have to do is introduce yourself. Grab their business card and simply ask them if you found a deal would they be interested in looking at it. Most will encourage you because they're always on the lookout for more and more deals.

Now, you can start building yourself a list of qualified, hungry buyers to flip your properties to or to find private money to fund your deals. If you fail to see this as an opportunity, then you're a real knucklehead. Where else can you find so many red-hot, motivated buyers, all at one place with money ready to buy your next real estate deals?

Derek Pierce is a full time real estate investor and business owner. He got his start investing in real estate when he bought his first property in September of 2000. After this first deal, Derek literally became obsessed with Real Estate Investing. After being faced with the possibility of being downsized in 2001, he quit his job to be full time in the business and hasn't looked back since. Now, he reveals the no down payment real estate techniques he swears by in his Free Real Estate Investing E Coaching Program. To sign up for the Free E-coaching program, go to http://www.thereisecrets.com

Why the Republic of Panama?

WHY PANAMA?

Panama is more than just a Canal?it is definitely way much more! The Republic of Panama is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a great biodiversity of nature where you can find a mix between tranquility and a well developed city.

In fact, Panama is a paradise to invest, to enjoy, to shop, a paradise of service, of friendly people, with seven ethnic Indian groups that still conserve their millenary traditions, with a Canal serving the world in between two oceans, a Canal considered to be the eight wonder of the world, with a variety of the most famous international chains of hotels, convention centers and a sustainable ecology in development, Panama is this and way much more!

Panama is considered to be in the 3rd position for ?best place to retire in the world?; The Republic of Panama is also considered to be the best place to live outside the United Estates. This is according to the renowned ?International Living? magazine and experts that promote the life style of US citizens retired in foreign countries. The ?American Association of Retired Persons? a magazine for retired people, has also considered Boquete and Chiriqu? in the Republic of Panama to be one of the four best places to have a home outside home. This rating was given after ten key indicators that included security, beauty, costs, climate, political stability and others.

Everything is relatively close and accessible in the Republic of Panama ?Center of the World and heart of the Universe? counting with direct flights from the United Estates, Europe, Asia and Latin-American, with more than 150 private banks, business centers where you can buy or sell any type of product at the best international prices. Panama is a commercial empire!

The Free Trade Zone (Colon City) in the Republic of Panama is the second most important trade center of the World after Hong Kong. This position is given since Panama has the best route or shortest from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean to move global trade. For these reasons, the Republic of Panama offers a great variety of Malls (Multiplaza, Multicentro, Los Pueblos and others) and duty free shopping centers with an excellent relation between quality and price where you will be able to experience the best shopping of your life!

INVESTING IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA:

When you buy in the Republic of Panama, you will find more amenities than in other retiring heavens such as Costa Rica, the costs are simply lower as well as crime rates. In the Republic of Panama you will find less bureaucracy and less interference with the local authorities when is about investing.

The Republic of Panama is one of the most globalize countries in Latin America. Panama is also a member of the (OMC) which stands for ?Organizaci?n Mundial de Comercio? or ?World?s Commerce Organization?, it is also part of the (ALCA) ?Area de Libre Comercio de Las Americas? or ?Free Trade Sector of the Americas? in which the Republic had the privilege to be the convention center for 2 years in a row (2001 & 2003) and has already started negotiations to be part of the (MERCOSUR) and (APEC).

You would not require special permits or inscriptions previous to your investment in the Republic of Panama. The Law of Stability of Investment (1998) protects all foreign investors from any change on taxes, the 10 year labor laws and other costs after an investment has been registered.

The Republic of Panama has proportioned various ways to incentive foreign investors which include;

* A US dollar based economy.

* Low inflation rates without risk of currency changes

* Total absence of exchange controllers

* Same treatment to foreigners and locals

* One of the most flexible countries in the world

* No restriction to foreign owned corporations

* No restriction to fusions, acquisitions or corporations of shared risk

* An existing Free Trade Zone

* A large percentage of bilingual labor force

* The Republic of Panama is nominated #1 in the region for low cost of living and low operational cost from the Tripartite Committee which consists of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Commission (ECLAC), the American Estates Organization (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The Republic of Panama is totally covered by the OPIC, MIGA, IDB and other multilateral entities.

The Politic Risk Service (PRS) named the Republic of Panama to be one of the three countries in the hemisphere with best qualifications for investment.

These are just some of the reasons why Panama is the best place for your businesses and investment.

COST OF LIVING IN PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has costs of a third world country in a first world country. Panama Real Estate cost can be 1/10 of values in the United States and the cost of living is about ? to all mayor cities in the US. Below is a quick list of mayor living cost as reference, in many cases retirees can Sell their present Living properties, buy one better in Panama for ? of the cost and live a better Life Style for many years with the ? of their sale, with change.

Estimated Monthly Fixed Costs in US dollars:

Electricity in Panama $80.00

Water in Panama (Very Safe to Drink-The Best in Latin America) $20.00

Phone Bills in Panama (Includes Monthly Fee and Estimated Usage) $50.00

Living Maid in Panama (If you can afford it its highly recommended) $150.00

Cell Phone cost in Panama $50.00

Condo Maintenance Fee in Panama $150.00

Internet Service in Panama (Residential) $20.00

Cable TV Service in Panama $50.00

Gasoline in Panama (2.35 per Gallon ? Estimate) $50.00

Groceries in Panama (Monthly for Family of 4) $400.00

Fire Insurance in Panama (Building) $150.00

Health Insurance in Panama (Basic Coverage for Family of 4) $150.00

Car Insurance in Panama (Based on a $25,000 Auto) $35.00

Private School Fees in Panama (per kid) $130.00 -$500.00

Additional Expenses

Private School Tuition in Panama $300.00

General Medicine in Panama $35.00

Dentist in Panama consultancy $35.00

Gymnasium monthly fees in Panama $45.00

Dinner at a luxury restaurant in Panama (2 pax) $50.00-$80.00

Movie theater fees in Panama $3.50

Taxi fees in Panama $1.50

Tax (ITBM) in Panama 5%

SECURITY IN PANAMA

The Republic of Panama is the safest country in Central and South America. It counts the highest qualifications on security for tourists according to the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency, is a warm, economic, comfortable and adventurous place to retire, invest and live how you have always dream of.

CLIMATE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama counts with the ideal geographical position and atmospheric conditions. Here in Panama, you can find the perfect climate for al tastes, sunny, tropical, warm exotic beaches and over 1,200 islands that surround us. At the same time you can enjoy a fresh climate at the high lands of Chiriqu?, El Valle, Boquete or Cerro Azul among the most popular spots at a few hours from Panama City.

It is very important to mention that in the Republic of Panama there are no hurricanes, active volcanoes or earthquakes because of its privileged geographical position.

The Republic of Panama counts with to climatic stages ?Dry? (December-April) and ?Green? (April-December) seasons. The Green season its know for the drastic changes of sun light and tropical rain that makes the country ?Green?.

The temperature in the Republic of Panama during the year is 27? C y 16?C-25?C in the valleys and mountains. The north winds refresh us during ?dry? season. The tropical rains are usually in between 5 to 45 minutes while the sky partially opens and lets the sun rays penetrate or country.

GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

?Panama seems to be apart from Central America sustained by its canal, banks and a free trade zone? The Economist.

GEOGRAPHY IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The republic of Panama occupies 75,990 km2 with 9 provinces: Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Colce, Veraguas, Darien, Colon, Los Santos, San Blas and Herrera. Up north the Panamanian coastline borders the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific on the Southern coast of our Isthmus at only 1hr from each other. On the west side of the Republic of Panama is Costa Rica and Colombia on the East Side.

POPULATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has 2,839,177 million habitants (July, 2001). It is a mix of ethnicities from different origins; Spanish conquerors, blacks and indigenous groups. Panama is a place where all cultures collide.

RELIGION IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has the following religious statistics; Catholics: 85% ; Christians: 12%; Orthodox: 3% ?Hindus, Muslim and Buddhists? All cultural groups practice their religion freely in the Republic of Panama.

LANGUAGE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Spanish is the official language in the Republic of Panama. However, English is used frequently by Panamanians and businesses in the Republic of Panama.

POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has a stable democratic political system who actually promotes the foreign investment. Panama is an independent nation that counts with a wide legal frame which supports the national security for Panamanians and foreigners. Panama?s actual president is Mr. Martin Torrijos.

CURRENCY IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Since 1904, the Republic of Panama uses the Balboa as its currency. The Balboa is equivalent to the US dollar which circulates in the Republic of Panama as well. The Republic of Panama has maintained the lowest inflation rates in the hemisphere (2%) in the last 40 years. Traveler checks, credit card or debit cards can be used to makes payments in the Republic of Panama.

BANKING CENTER

Panama City counts with over 150 international and local banks offering a modern legislation on IBC?s (International Business Corporations), Private Interest Foundations, high interest rates on certificates of deposit and more! Banks such as Citibank, HSBC, BNP/Paribas and Dresdner are some of the ones you will find in the Republic of Panama.

TIME IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The official time of the Republic of Panama is the same as the East Coast of the United Estates which is (GMT-5).

ELECTRIC POWER IN PANAMA

The electric power in the Republic of Panama goes at 110w-60hz and 220w.

TELEPHONE SERVICE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Internet, phone lines and cell-phone services are excellent. You can make or receive international phone calls in Panama City. The country code for the Republic of Panama is 507.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Because of having an excellent geographical position and one of the most important routes in the world for international trade, ?The Panama Canal?, our country is one of the most important spots for logistics on transportation and cargo services in the world.

The Republic of Panama counts with modern ports on the Atlantic Coast as well as the Pacific Coast. Our ports are connected with a Panamanian Rail Way. We count with excellent roads, national and international airports in which all are capable of processing cargo.

The Republic of Panama offers one of the most important maritime systems of commercial routs in the world.The public transportation cost in Panama City is of less than 25cents of a US dollar; taxis fees in Panama City starts from $1.00 USD per passenger, in case of an extra passenger you should add a 25% or 25cents per dollar.

You can reach any province of the Republic of Panama thru de Albrook bus terminal or by contacting a local tour operator. We suggest a private tour services such as the fist private tour service in the Republic of Panama. (www.panamaprivatetours.com).

An example of the price for a bus ticket to David, Chiriqu? is of $10.60. However, this may take long hours and a few stops to eat, etc. In order for you to travel comfortable we suggest a local tour operator as mentioned above.

DRIVERS LICENCE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Any driver?s license is valid in the Republic of Panama for 90 days. However, you should always carry your passport in case you get stopped by a police officer. The minimum age required to obtain a drivers license in the Republic of Panama is of 18 years of age.

MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SERVICES IN REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama offers medical services that are top rated like in the United Estates and other countries. Panamanian medical top standards include the public and private service as well. You can find a wide range of hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, ambulance services; insurance companies that are just a part of a complete medical service system and medical specialties that are found in Panama and Central America. In Panama you will also find a large number of medical professionals; surgeons, medics, paramedics, nurses with vast experience that will confirm the best medical assistance for you and your family.

The Panamanian health center ?Ministerio de Salud?, is the institution in charged of determining and conducting health politics in the Republic of Panama.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Private and public schools in Panama are supervised under the Panamanian Minister of Education. Panamanian school systems are organized under primary and secondary ?high school? levels which are six years each. University degrees are also offered in the Republic of Panama. There are also a few US universities such as Louiville and Florida State University. The Republic of Panama has over 20 different universities.

Monthly fees for School Trasnportation in the Republic of Panama: US$ 35.00

TOURSISTIC DESTINATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama is ?affordable tourism? For many, Panama is the today?s best country for ecotourism. The unique geographical position that Panama has ?a bridge connecting two continents? gives the opportunity to enjoy fascinating primitive tropical rain forests and a biodiversity that counts with over 944 bird species. This is more than in the United Estates and Canada together!

It is convenient to know, that all this nature is accessible at only 1 hour from Panama City. Panama?s National Parks are vast with almost 5 million acres in size; this makes 25% of Panama?s total size. Panama has plenty unexplored virgin forests and for those who have, there is a local saying: while in other countries you see 20 tourists observing one bird specie, in Panama you find one tourist observing 20 species.

Panamanian National Parks that we recommend you to visit:

1. Altos de Campana Natural Park

2. La Amistad Nacional Park

3. Marino Isla Bastimentos Nacional Park

4. Cerro Hoya Nacional Park

5. Isla Coiba Nacional Park

6. Chagres National Park

7. Dari?n National Park

8. El Cop? National Park

9. Camino De Cruces National Park

10. Metropolitano National Park

11. Portobelo National Park

12. Sarigua National Park

13. Soberan?a National Park

14. Volc?n Bar? National Park

We cannot leave our beautiful beaches behind! Panama has over 1,200 islands and 2,400km of coast including the Pacific and Atlantic coast together. There is a wide range of beaches to pick from starting from all inclusive resorts to fascinating getaways. Both coasts in the Republic of Panama are separated by only 55 miles, this means that you could snorkel on the Atlantic coast in the morning and bathe in the Pacific after.

Many international experts are impressed by the world class adventure that river navigation offers in the Republic of Panama. This includes kayaks, tubes, rafts and motorized river boats. Panama has river sites where you could find 20 rapids in one afternoon. Canoe excursions, excursions, rappelling and surfing offers similar experiences to anyone looking for extreme adventures.

The Republic of Panama is characterized by its fishing. Even from Pre-Hispanic times, the rumors were that Panama had abundance of fish in its coasts and that ?Panama? meant abundance of fish in local Indian dialect.

There are many options for fishing in the Republic of Panama. The most fascinating aspect is that you could fish at a short distance the following styles; fly fishing, trout or big game fishing at Pi?as Bay. We recommend www.panamaprivatetours.com as the most comfortable and private option to travel in the Republic of Panama.

HOW TO GET INTO THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The following lists of countries do not require a visa to get into the Republic of Panama:

Germany, Hungary, Argentina, Israel, Austria, Italy, Chile, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Pollony, El Salvador, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Finland, Greece, France, Singapore, Guatemala, Switzerland, Honduras, Uruguay, Holland, Luxemburg, Belgica, Bolivia.

Countries that require a visa to access the Republic of Panama: Chad, Chipre, Egypt, ilipines, Peru, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Ecuador.

Countries that can get into the Republic of Panama using a tourist card: Antigua / Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Curacao, United Estates, Vatican, Granada, Greece, Guyana, Isladia, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Samoa, San Cristobal / Nevis, San Marino, Saint Vincent, Santa Lucia, Sao Tome, Sweden, Suriname, Taiwan, Trinidad / Tobago and Venezuela.

The remaining nationalities require authorization and visas to access the Republic of Panama.

Estamped Visa: You can get a stamped visa at Panamanian Consulates in your country.

Authorized Visa: The authorized visa can be obtained at Panamanian consulates in your county with direct authorization from Migration in the Republic of Panama as well as an authorization from the Panamanian Security Council.

Tourist Card: This card can be purchased for $5.00 USD and is sold at travel agencies or airlines. Every tourist must have a valid passport except US citizens that would only need to present a valid ID.

HOW TO SEND YOUR PET INTO THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The following list of requierements are for the pet lovers who wish to bring thei own domestic animals into the Republic of Panama.

- The first step to bring a pet into the Republic of Panama is to get a hold of a health and rabies certificate given by a veterinary. Both documents must get stamped by the Panamanian Consulate.

- Three (3) days before the animal?s arrival, you must present an application to the Department of prevention and control of Zoonosis. The document must include the general information of the animal; age, sex, color, name, etc. The flight number, airline, owner?s information must be given as well. This application must specify the duration of the animal; permanent or temporary.

- You must pay the amount of $130.00 USD in concept of quarantine to the National Bank of Panama. This branch is located in the International Airport.

- Alter presenting the National Bank?s receipt to the department of quarantine, you will be free to enjoy your pet?s company in the Republic of Panama.

As a matter of fact, the Republic of Panama is one of the 5 countries with out rabies!

For more information please log in www.panamahotproperties.com or contact us at info@panamahotproperties.com

WWW.PANAMAHOTPROPERTIES.COM

INFO@PANAMAHOTPROPERTIES.COM

Real Estate ? US Real Estate Could Crash Protect Yourself Now

If you are an investor in real estate in the US, you already know the market is slowing and falling and these falls look set to increase.

You can however protect yourself from these falls, by diversifying into other markets close to home that are booming. Lets look at an example.

The US Market

Fact is, the outlook for US real estate profits does not look to have good risk - reward at present because:

1. Economic growth is slowing

2. Oil prices remain high and inflation and interest rates are rising

3. Property sales have already slowed just a the time there has been a glut in new home construction

We all know it: Interest rates rise restricting money supply and the vast majority 70% see US Real estate falling or even crashing. Its simple economics when money supply dries up and economic growth slows real estate falls.

Protecting your portfolio

If you want to protect your investment in property look overseas and you don?t have to look to far away to see booming markets.

Central America is booming and much of the boom is caused by problems in the US.

More Americans than ever are snapping up properties that are up to 70% cheaper then in the US and getting a more affordable lifestyle.

Baby boomers are buying and will continue to buy in ever increasing numbers.

In central America you can buy new emerging markets such as Belize and Nicaragua or established markets such as Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a well established market and gains have been stunning:

Investors who bought $30,000 of real estate near Jaco on the pacific coast 15 years ago are worth up to $800,000 today and gains are NOT Slowing down!

Many investors are doubling their money in this are in little over a year making it ideal. It?s popular and will continue to be in the coming years.

It offers great gains with low risk and is ideal for the risk averse investor.

Is investing in real estate in Costa Rica difficult?

The answer is no.

Costa Rica is beautiful safe and stable and the government wants foreign investment so, the buying process is easy, buyers get the same rights as residents its very tax efficient and property tax is minimal!

For investors wanting an easy property investment with the potential for big capital gains, the central pacific coast near Jaco in Costa Rica offers a good investment with low risk

There are opportunities in other central American countries for property but this one is a proven market with a track record, record investment in the area and huge future potential

If you are worried about a US real estate plunge ? Take action!

So if you don?t want the risk of possibly losing heavily in the US market look south just 3 hours away from the US there is a market that is booming, that you can take advantage of and get big potential gains with low risk.

Take a look and see for yourself

FREE ESSENTIAL REPORT!

On investing in property and all the facts you need to know to have big capital gains potential with low risk visit: http://www.costaricalandlots.com

Real Estate Economics at a Glance

Real estate business is like a whole different world in itself where different forces collect and affect one another and thus functions that world. Acknowledging the real estate market laws is rather essential because it is a proper, separate subject that needs to be given its due importance. It needs to be studied like any other subject that is studied in economics. Real estate economics should be studied because it provides information about how the economic laws, rules and techniques are used in connection with the real estate market. The aim of these markets is exactly the same as those of the other markets. To earn maximum profit at minimized cost. Exactly the way other forces of demand and supply are determinants of commodity market pricing and equilibrium, real estate market studies too hold equal importance.

Real estate has become the vital part of the economics. It holds within itself a revenue source for the governments. There are employment opportunities that are filled because of it. The circular flow of national income of a state gets a very big contribution from the real estate market and keeps it flowing steadily. When so much is depended upon it then it should definitely get a place amongst the much pondered upon issues.

Any market; whether it is a commodity market or some other markets there will always be certain forces working together to make it run. A brief overview of the running forces of this market can facilitate even an ordinary man in dealing with real estate matters. The real estate market is huge with two basic forces running it that is demand and supply of real estate. There are owners and tenants and their money capital that they are willing to invest in the properties. These are the two very main characters that play the entire role. Because they are the ones who have money they can invest. The others come second on this list. There are others who rent or lease out their property instead of consuming it themselves. The demand side depends on the population requirement while the supply side depends on all those inputs that help in building the stock of real estate.

The equilibrium formed thus by the forces of demand and supply depicts the mechanism of this market. The study of real estate thus provides tips for a better economic and social development of the societies of the World.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Real Estate, Business, and Finance