Real Estate Articles

bulgaria the best property investment in the eu

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:12:40 +0000

Bulgaria The Best Property Investment In The EU

Writen by Mark Gardner Emerson

Investing in real estate is regarded as probably the safest and most consistent way to increase your capital. Worldwide property investment is no longer the preserve of the super rich or readily connected but with the event of the internet and a simplified banking system, is open to all of us.

Massive fortunes are built and grown through property investment and the sheer size of the global market offers the chance to build a property portfolio with even if you have the smallest budget.

Emerging markets and the ready availability of cheap investments, can be you’re your pension plan and a source of regular income. The key is identifying the fastest appreciating areas with affordable property that will offer consistent growth and huge capital returns.

Currently, in the European market, Bulgaria is the current hotspot with an average growth rate of 30% with the cheapest property prices in the EU. There are several other countries in the EU, which attract foreign investment for a variety of reasons. None, however, can rival the sheer number of factors, which makes Bulgaria an irresistible, safe and compelling location for your investment capital:

The cheapest cost of living in the EU 50p for a beer and less than

if you move yourself

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:03:10 +0000

If You Move Yourself

Writen by Scott Boulch

You’ll want to take some items in your own car when you move, and that’s true whether you’re hiring a mover or doing the job on your own. You’ll hand carry jewelry, medications, house plants, pets and a suitcase for each family member. Keep handy a box containing hammer, screwdriver, cleaning supplies and rags, extension cords, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, saucepan, coffee maker and supplies, snacks, toothbrushes, soap and towels.

If you’re renting a truck, they’ve met your kind before at truck rental agencies, and they’re prepared with all sorts of assistance. They have information to help estimate what size truck or trailer you’ll need. They can rent you a handtruck or dolly, furniture pads and straps, and sell you cartons specifically made for packing various types of items.

If you don’t want to buy or rent boxes, one good source for small sturdy cartons is your local liquor store.

Your truck rental can be one way or round trip. Be sure to ask about drop off locations. If there isn’t one in your new town, there may be one nearby, which could be just as good. You’d need someone with a car to follow you and bring you back no matter where you returned the truck.

In contrast to moving companies, which seldom accept credit cards, car rental companies will take your card. Remember that in addition to daily charges, you’ll have costs for gasoline and tolls.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to see whether you need any additional insurance to supplement the rental agency’s own policy.

And when it comes to loading the truck, remember . there’s no substitute for good friends, a few six packs of soda and beer, and a pizza delivery.

For More Information on Selling your home quickly visit http://www.webuyhouseshome.com Unlike other so called We Buy Houses websites, Rescue Real Estate gives you every available option for selling your home. Simply complete our short 1 page form, and get anonymous online access to our team of specially trained REALTORS

home buying help online 15 websites to save you time and energy

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:19:23 +0000

Home Buying Help Online: 15 Websites to Save You Time and Energy

Writen by Brandon Cornett

No doubt about it, there’s a lot of home buying information online. But where do you start? With hundreds of thousands of home buying websites, how do you know which ones to visit?

This article will lighten your load by suggesting some premium online resources.

Finding a Home
A home is a major investment. So in order to find the home that’s right for you, you should use as many different sources as possible. Read the real estate section of your newspaper. Watch out for those “For Sale” signs. And, of course, use the Internet. Here are some websites to start with:

* www.realestate.yahoo.com
* www.Homes.com
* www.Realtor.com

Current Interest Rates
The following websites will help you keep up with interest rates. This is important, because interest rates contribute to the mortgage payment you’ll make each month. As with everything else, visit multiple websites to get an accurate overall picture.

* www.interest.com
* www.money.cnn.com/rates
* www.bankrate.com

Mortgage Calculators
Online mortgage calculators can give you an approximate monthly payment for particular loan amounts. Just keep in mind that these estimates don’t account for closing costs and other variables. Even so, an online mortgage calculator can help you determine where your comfort zone lies, based on monthly payments. Here are some mortgage calculators to get you started:

* www.money.cnn.com/tools
* www.mortgage101.com/calculators
* www.homebuyinginstitute.com/calculators.html

Finding a Home Inspector
Consider the amount of money you’ll pay for a home, and the cost of a home inspection will be miniscule by comparison. But the peace of mind that comes from a thorough inspection is priceless. Here are some websites to help you find a certified home inspector:

* www.homeinspection.com
* www.ashi.org (American Society of Home Inspectors)
* www.nahi.org (National Association of Home Inspectors)

Real Estate News
Keeping up with real estate news will help you understand the market you’re entering. You can better prepare for the home buying process when you know what’s going on in your area. Here are two websites to start with:

* www.inman.com
* www.money.cnn.com/real_estate

A Complete Home Buying Resource
The resources listed above will help you learn about individual topics. But where do you go to learn about the entire home buying process? HomeBuyingInstitute.com has hundreds of helpful articles across 12 home buying categories. You’ll also find real estate news, mortgage calculators, a home buying glossary and more!

About the Author
Brandon Cornett is the editor of HomeBuyingInstitute.com, the Internet’s largest library of home buying tips. Put this knowledge to use by visiting http://www.HomeBuyingInstitute.com

find a real estate agent

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:35:34 +0000

Find A Real Estate Agent

Writen by Steven Gillman

It’s easy to find a real estate agent. Just put a for sale sign in the yard and wait for the phone to ring. The question is, how do you find a GOOD real estate agent? You can start with the newspaper.

Pick up the Saturday or Sunday paper whichever day they have all the homes for sale in your area. You can also collect a few real estate guides to look through. Browse the listings to find properties similar to yours. If you are selling a cabin, you want to look for cabins for sale. If you are selling a lakefront mansion, look for those.

When you find similar properties, note the names and numbers of the agents that are selling them. The idea here is to find a real estate agent that has experience with your type of property. An agent that has all the million dollar homes may not be the best to sell your mobile home, for example. You want agents that have sold or are selling several properties like yours.

What To Ask A Real Estate Agent

1. When you call the agents and it’s best to call several you want to verify that they do have experience selling properties like yours. Ask for examples.

2. Ask what they do to market a property. Any agent can place an ad and put your home in the multiple listings. Do they have existing leads people looking for properties like yours? Do they let other agents know about your property?

3. Do they show their listings very often? Many agents just list real estate for sale and let others sell it for them. It’s more profitable for them, but not for you. If they are a good salesperson, you want them to be going through the house with potential buyers.

4. Do they do their own closings? Again, it may be better for them to delegate this part of the process, but it isn’t better for you. You want the same person to be there through the whole process. You want one person to call. Things go wrong all the time in real estate, so don’t complicate it further by having more people involved.

Most real estate agents will probably argue these points. That’s okay, but be aware that there are other things they won’t tell you too. For example, did you know that open houses are primarily a prospecting tool for real estate agents? In fact, new agents (not the listing agent) are often given the job of hosting your open house, so they can find buyers to work with. It isn’t expected that they will sell your house in the process.

Also understand that when you see ads for homes for sale, and they don’t have prices, it is a prospecting technique. When that buyer looking for a $100,000 home calls on your $300,000 home, the agent isn’t going to make him able to afford your home. The whole point was to get him to call so he could sell him ANY home. Meanwhile, other potential buyers for your home skipped over the ad there are enough homes WITH prices to look at (insist that ads for your property have the price listed).

Trust your intuition when choosing an agent. If you don’t feel comfortable with an agent, it’s possible potential buyers won’t either. And ask the right questions. You don’t just want to find a real estate agent you like. You want to find the right agent for your property.

Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on Investing In Real Estate: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

real estate investing dont just get the deed the infamous quotkitchen table closingquot

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:21:32 +0000

Real Estate Investing: Don’t Just GET THE DEED The Infamous "Kitchen Table Closing"

Writen by Lou Castillo

Q: Hi Lou, I have a property under contract that I want to resell/flip as is to a rehabber/renovator, but I may have to purchase it quickly and simply record the Quit Claim Deed, without using a closing attorney or waiting for a title exam. I need your advice.

The seller just called me and left a msg on my voice mail stating she did not want to sell to me because she received a better offer. Now I do have it under contract, with a signed purchase and sales agreement from her, and I had her sign a Quit Claim deed, too. I did that because she was fighting with her sister over ownership of this property, which was given to her by her mom who passed away 2 years ago. The deed is in her name alone, not the sister’s, moms or anyone else. I did see the deed and made a copy of it.

So, I thought I should get the Quitclaim deed, just in case I needed to record the deed because of the family issues, and she agreed as well. She said she just wanted to get rid of this property. I also filed at the court house an Affidavit for the property showing I had it under contract, as you all recommended. I’m in the process of getting a title check done by title company.

Now what do you recommend I do? Should I go back to the court house and record the Quitclaim deed or wait until the title search is done and record the deed, or walk away, or what? If I chose to wait and schedule an attorney to do the closing, would they except the title search done by the title company?

Thank you, G.

A: Hi G., what you’re describing is a little risky, yet it’s done pretty often. It’s a VERY good idea to get title exam run first, before doing a “kitchen table closing” and getting a Quitclaim Deed (QCD) from Seller, if you’re not using/hiring a closing attorney to do a formal closing….

Normally we wouldn’t recommend you do your own closing, but since you’re rushing your purchase so you can “preserve” your deal before the other Buyer moves in and buys it, and/or before the sister does anything rash. just be sure that the transaction has been up front, and that you truly intend to move forward as you agreed. I think that I would go ahead and file/record the QCD. I don’t see that you have anything to lose, and a lot to gain.

I would let the seller know that she can not sell to someone else because she already has a binding agreement to sell to you, and you already “technically” own the house (since you recorded the QCD), and that your plan is to review the deal like you had already agreed with her, and if you decide not to do the regular closing as described in your Purchase & Sale Agreement, then you will release the house (ie YOU’D have to sign and record another QCD, canceling the prior QCD from her to you) for her to sell to whomever she likes.

It was great that you already recorded your “Affadavit of Contract”, putting yourself into the chain of title, showing that you have a contract to buy the house. Now if all of this “blows up” and you’re not able to, or choose not to record the QCD for some reason, the Affadavit you recorded will protect you, and allow you to still purchase the house in the future (if the Seller tries to sell to someone else or tries to refinance the house).

By filing the QCD you become the official owner of the property. No one can take the deal away from you. Since you’re buying it “subject to” any loans, you will need to start making the payments on any loans (call the lenders to get a “statement of account” to make sure there are no surprise back payments or penalties you’re “inheriting”). I’m assuming you gave her no/low equity/cash at this point, so you don’t have any funds invested, or at risk with the seller. Now you’ve got time to evaluate all the financials and make an informed decision. If in the end, you do not want it, you can always Quit Claim the property back to the current owner, as you told her earlier.

**Note to all my fellow investors : you don’t want to even play this “kitchen table closing” game, unless you have a strong indication that this is a good deal and you’re 90% sure you’re going to go all the way with this deal. Taking ownership via a quick recording of a QCD, and then bouncing ownership back to the original seller with another QCD later when you’ve “had a chance” to do your due diligence – is not a cool game to play. We’re only walking through it in this example, because the investor is trying to rush to protect his good deal from being “sold again” fraudulently, by the seller to another buyer.

But you also don’t want to suddenly own a property where you have some potentially unknown, overlooked liens that may be attached to the house, that you’d have to pay off before you re sold or refinanced the house, and no ability to insure yourself via title insurance,. So consider these 3 risks you’ve got with a “get the deed, kitchen table closing”

1) You probably won’t have the Seller sign the standard “Owners affadavit” and “Gap affadavit” that attorneys use, where the seller warrants that no other “bad stuff, liens, judgements, etc.” exist against him or the property, other than what the title examiner has found.. AND even though Seller signs those Affadavits, we’ve had some sign knowing they’re lying and committing fraud. Title insurance would cover you, if Seller lied, but you can’t get that (see #3).

2) title examiners are human and make mistakes and overlook title stuff (liens, judgements) b/c they get too busy, too tired, etc.

3) You CAN’T get owner’s title insurance to cover all of the above issues if you close the deal yourself at a “kitchen table”, because an attorney at a closing can sell that policy to you and you DO need to buy one.

We have had several instances where either the seller has lied about other not yet filed judgements and loans (see #1), or title examiner has missed a significant lien during the title exam (see #2) and we’ve been covered by our title insurance policies.

If you have those types of title problems and NO title ins. policy, you’ve got to pay all the legal fees and/or pay off the liens, etc. before you can re sell the property. Soooo, unless you’re a serious gambler : ) close with an attorney so you can get the Seller to sign the 2 Affadavits and get yourself an Owner’s Title Insurance policy.

And yes, about 50% of the time attorneys will buy a previously done (must be within last 30 days usually) title exam and use it for the closing just ask your attorney in advance.

Now, if the new Buyer stills wants the property, they can buy it directly from you. The current homeowner, is of course, going to be upset and is probably going to say you did something illegal.

Q: Can the title company issue a Limited Warranty Deed, if not who provides a limited Warranty Deed that I have seen other wholesaler issue to the rehabbers?

A: The closing attorney can fill out a Limited Warranty Deed on your behalf as the seller (when you resell the property), saying basically that you warrant that ownership of the property was “valid” during the *limited* time period that you owned the house.

Best of success & abundance,

Lou Castillo

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Real Estate Financing

residential real estate loans

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:23:01 +0000

Residential Real Estate Loans

Writen by Kent Pinkerton

A residential area is land where the predominant use is residential. In areas that are residentially zoned, buildings may include single family housing, multiple family housing or mobile homes. Zoning for residential use may permit some services or work opportunities or may totally exclude all business and industry. To purchase a residential space involves large funds. Not all are capable of procuring these amounts. In such scenarios, people prefer to borrow the money from banks, financial institution or brokers, in the form of a loan.

A loan is form of debt. Like all debt instruments, a loan entails the redistribution of financial assets over time, between the lender and the borrower. The borrower initially receives an amount from the lender, which is paid back, usually but not always in regular installments, to the lender. There are so many home loan schemes these days with an increasing range of rates, fees and features that it really pays to shop around. It may appear a bewildering prospect but there is a loan out there that best suits each individual’s circumstances.

A number of lenders in the US offer “reverse mortgage” loans. These are targeted at retired people who own their own home but have little cash to live on. They are termed “”reverse mortgages”" because instead of borrowing money to buy a home, borrowers are using the home that they already own to secure funds that can be used elsewhere. This style of loan allows the ‘cash poor, asset rich’ people to create a cash flow out of the equity built up in their home, without having to sell it. The advantage with this type of loan is that it allows a homeowner to generate money and yet retain the asset.

The main challenge is to look beyond interest rates to the features that a home loan offers. Often, there is a trade off between interest rate and flexibility. It is essential to ensure that the loan suits the repayment abilities of the borrower.

Real Estate Loans provides detailed information on Real Estate Loans, Commercial Real Estate Loans, Investment Real Estate Loans, Residential Real Estate Loans and more. Real Estate Loans is affiliated with Refinance Home Mortgage Loans.

houses in bulgaria are plentiful

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:25:38 +0000

Houses in Bulgaria are Plentiful

Writen by Surrinder Ahitan

If you are interested in houses in Bulgaria, you are entering a buyers’ market. At this point in time, there literally is a real estate boom within the country through which the market is flush with houses for sale in Bulgaria.

When it comes to houses in Bulgaria that are on the market at the present time, many people want to purchase property in an urban area. In this regard, when it comes to Bulgaria home sale options in the larger cities in the country, there are a number of viable options available to people on the hunt for houses in Bulgaria.

Over the course of the past decade, a number of the more historic, grand properties in cities in Bulgaria have been subjected to serious and significant renovation. As these splendid residences are being restored to their traditional splendor, they are also being updated with the latest and more modern accoutrements available today.

While the prices associated with these historic houses for sale in Bulgaria are climbing, a person interested in owning and renovating such a residence can obtain such a property for a reasonable price at the present time. However, a person looking towards a Bulgaria home sale featuring a notable historic property in a city needs to keep in mind that real estate experts predict the prices associated with these properties to sharply increase during the coming eighteen months.

The costs associated with all types of real estate properties in Bulgaria, included houses for sale in Bulgaria, are expected to climb dramatically as the country moves closer to full membership of the European Union.

Although many men and women are seeking these historic properties in the major cities within Bulgaria, some people are interested in historic houses for sale in Bulgaria for more commercial reasons. As an example, there are a growing number of people interested in historic houses in Bulgaria to be purchased and used as lodging for tourists. A number of these fine houses in Bulgaria are being converted into inns and “bed and breakfasts” for people who are spending time in the country on holiday.

Surrinder Ahitan’s website Bulgarian Property Advice.com provides detailed information and advice on the most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learn how to get around, get a flavor of the language, history, culture and more.

guide to finding maui waterfront property

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:06:20 +0000

Guide To Finding Maui Waterfront Property

Writen by Susan Truett

Have you ever dreamed of living in a spectacular tropical paradise where you spend your days sitting on a beach watching the waves roll in? Where the air is clean, the climate always warm and your neighbors are always welcoming you with warm smiles and sincere hellos? The place you’ve always dreamed of is probably Maui. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront vacation property, a new place to live and work or are considering options for retirement, purchasing a Maui waterfront property could be the answer to your tropical paradise dreams.

Maui is the second largest island on the Hawaiian chain. Besides its pristine beaches, Maui is home to a rainforest, volcanoes, waterfalls, wetlands, fabulous shopping, some of the best waterfront hotels, resorts and restaurants in the world and of course an exciting Hawaiian culture and lifestyle. And what other place in the world can you look out the back window of your waterfront property and watch as amazing humpback whales make their winter home in the warm waters off the coast? You could only experience this on Maui. When you live in Maui you’ll be part of an incredibly unique community. A small population that is diverse culturally, ethnically and spiritually. A magical island you’ll want to call home.

Finding a waterfront property in Maui should be easy. With its 120 linear miles of beautiful shoreline you’re sure to find a waterfront property that will fit your lifestyle and your budget. Once you’ve made the decision to purchase property on Maui’s waterfront, there are several ways you can investigate what properties are for sale.

One of the first things you might do to find out what waterfront properties in Maui are available is check online. Using a search engine, type in “waterfront properties in Maui for sale” to get a listing of agencies that are have properties available. Visit each site to see what waterfront properties they are offering. Some agencies have pictures and videos of the homes they have for sale. Once you find a property that interests you, call the agency to request more information and to schedule a visit.

If you’re going to be visiting Maui, then searching waterfront property to purchase just got easier. Again, you’ll want to do some preliminary searching online to find properties available or at least get a list of agents that you’ll want to contact regarding waterfront properties in Maui. Either before or once you’re in Maui, you can contact the agents to set up a time to tour the various properties for sale. Or, if you don’t want to involve an agent yet, you can make a day of it and take a scenic drive around the areas that interest you and look for waterfront properties that up for sale. Take down the number and call to set up a time for a tour of the property. Within no time, you’ll be the proud owner of a waterfront property in Maui.

What are you waiting for? Grab the spirit of aloha and make your dreams of owning a waterfront property in Maui a reality.

Charles & Susan Truett are the website owners of Maui Realtors Online. For a comprehensive listing of Maui Waterfront Properties, visit: http://maui realtors online.partnersinsuccess.net/

charitable-remainder-trusts-preserving-your-estate

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:07:45 +0000

Charitable Remainder Trusts: Preserving Your Estate

Writen by Frank Amato

Most people would not dispute the value of financial and estate planning, but studies show that relatively few people actually adopt such a plan. Too bad, because in its present form financial and estate planning ensure that a person’s assets and property will be put to the greatest use during life, and to the beneficiary’s best use after death. Planning tools can be as simple as a will, or as complex as a trust. And many times, life insurance can play major role in a trust.

Although most people equate the need for an estate plan with the very rich, it doesn’t take much these days to exceed $600,000 in accumulated assets, the amount at which federal estate taxes kick in. An estate includes virtually anything of value:” real estate, stocks and bonds, savings, pensions, collectibles, jewelry and more. Proper estate and financial planning can help to lessen the eventual tax bite, which ranges as high as 55% of an estate, and preserve or even increase the value of an estate. Trusts can help accomplish those goals.

The definition of a trust is simple enough: an agreement in which a person, bank or trust company manages your assets for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Assets placed in a trust are no longer owned by the person who placed them there, but by the trust. Estate, gift and income taxes are naturally reduced on the individual’s shrunken estate.

The one notable exception is a revocable trust, one of the few that doesn’t offer estate tax advantages, but it does offer flexibility. As the name implies, the trust can be revoked or revised at any time. Assets in these trusts bypass the costly probate process, but are subject to full taxation since full ownership of the assets can be regained at any time.

An irrevocable trust doesn’t offer the same flexibility or control, but it does keep assets out of an estate until death — thus there’s less to levy taxes upon. Once an irrevocable trust is established, it can’t be changed without adverse estate tax implications.

Many planners will suggest that all or part of an irrevocable trust be funded with life insurance. Such an agreement can provide beneficiaries with the necessary liquidity to take care of estate taxes and administrative costs without having to sell off assets.

A Crummey Trust is one popular tool in this situation, allowing for the purchase of an insurance policy with gift-tax-free dollars.

Another type of irrevocable trust is the Charitable Remainder Trust, a vehicle in which assets, including life insurance, can be gifted to charity, allowing for tax deductions during the donor’s lifetime or upon dispersal of the estate.

A variety of other trusts can be used to pass assets to minors or dependents of any age, to spouses who are not U.S. citizens, and to ensure the orderly continuation of a business.

With the assistance of qualified financial advisors, a property structured trust can ensure that future plans can be carried out. Many times, life insurance makes those plans a financial reality.

Frank Amato is a Chartered Financial Consultant and the Managing Member of Arizona ESOP Group, LLC in Scottsdale, AZ. He is receptive to any comments and/or questions at (480)222-0199.

Visit message from Frank A. Amato at:
http://www.arizonaesopgroup.com/index.php?page=about

hot tips for buying your dream home in spain

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:21:50 +0000

Hot Tips For Buying Your Dream Home in Spain

Writen by Donald Marr

GET PRE APPROVED
Your best first move is to get pre approved for a mortgage loan. You will go through what amounts to a mini application process (paperwork, income, debts, etc.) prior to shopping for a home. When you are pre approved, it makes you a very desirable ‘cash’ buyer. That’s a real advantage over another buyer whose financing is uncertain.

RESEARCH
Research, have a look around at various sites and get an idea of the price ranges in the area you like. If possible visit the area and have a look around to check it has the facilities and feel that you want.

PROVE YOU MEAN BUSINESS
There are few better ways to show you are serious about buying a property than by including a good faith deposit along with your offer, this almost always moves the seller and gives you a ‘tool’ to negotiate the best deal. This always gets the sellers attention.

DON’T LOSE YOUR HEAD
Just because the market is active doesn’t mean you should be willing to pay any amount to get your dream home. There are occasions when you may have to offer something other than the asking price, such as a settlement date that fits the seller’s timetable, a repair, etc. But don’t go crazy. Remember, you may have to sell this home one day and overpaying now will make it harder to get your investment back when you sell.

KEEP IT SIMPLE & CLEAN
Make sure your headache free contract itself isn’t messy or overly cluttered with unnecessary contingencies, especially repairs to be done by the seller. Better yet, offer to be helpful and flexible, a buyer who will accommodate a seller’s needs is a smart buyer and its often these small things work in your favour.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Fully independent legal representation is a must! You must look for an independent solicitor who will allow you immediate access to review all considerations and be available for advice.

BANKING AND CURRENCY
Get a local bank account, to be able to obtain a Visa card, transfer funds, etc. This is very important as most payments in Spain are done by direct debit. Also using a currency specialist to transfer your currency into Euros can literally save you thousands when it comes to exchanging your money.

About The Author
Options Properties is a member of the INNetwork allowing us to provide you with over 1,000 properties that can be searched through our website and operating with a strict code of ethics. We are dedicated to providing you with the best properties in Spain at a price right for you. As well as various articles on Spain we have a A Z guide to help you make the most of your life in Spain.