There are times when it is better for a person to rent, but most often home ownership has many more benefits and advantages. About 10 year ago a had a retired aunt and uncle who rented a condo in Las Vegas. Uncle Jim (not his real name) was a retired minister. Throughout his career he …

When you choose to sell your home on your own, you want all the help you can get. Though you can save thousands by skipping the commissions of a realtor, you put yourself at a marketing disadvantage. That is why you need to get your property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) for realtors. …

Why alternative housing? To save money, to travel, to live creatively – there are many reasons why people choose to live in tents, RVs, cabins, underground homes, rental rooms and anything else that’s less common than the houses, condos and apartments that most people call home. Below are some of these housing options, and their …

First, do your homework. Find out the local market conditions for your neighborhood. Depending on your area, there may be better/worse times to sell. Once you’ve decided to sell, there are three different levels of service that you may want to consider: Sell the home yourself (FSBO) List your with a Discount / Flat fee …

If you own real estate or are thinking of buying real estate then you better pay attention, because this could be the most important message you receive this year regarding real estate and your financial future. The last five years have seen explosive growth in the real estate market and as a result many people …

Sometimes itís helpful to sell your home before you really want to move. This often happens when you are having a new home built, but arenít sure of the completion date. Is there any way you can sell your home so youíre sure of the funds available for the new purchase, but continue to live …

Many people have asked whether or not FSBO’s are really worth the time and effort involved in the sale. The simple answer is, Yes! It stands to reason that the FSBO industry is based on some amount of success or else it would never have grown to the size it currently is. And the industry …

If you really want the best deals in investment properties, you have to increase your odds by finding more deals. Who is more likely to get a cheap apartment building, an investor that looks through the MLS listings and calls it a day, or the one that uses ten resources? Here are the ten: 1. …

Buying a house is a very serious matter that comes in to people’s lives. It is very risky to invest your money in buying just any house you find. You must have some guidelines that can help you decide which house is the best for you. Here are some: 1. Determine your rights When you …

When you are apartment hunting, prepare a rental search plan. Be sure to know in advance what you want in an apartment and what you can live without. Decide in advance what areas of the city you could consider living in and make a list of apartment buildings within that perimeter. Be sure to consider …

Learn to stop being cheated, by selling your property yourself.  Here are the revealing insights that most home sellers don’t know about. For most people, the prospect of selling their home can be positively daunting. First of all, there are usually plenty of things to do just to get it ready for the market. Besides …

There are few purchases in life that carry the financial and psychological weight of buying a home. Whether you are buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing your home and your life after the kids have gone, it is important to understand the ground rules for success in the world …

A major concern for realtors is personal safety. Many times the realtor is working alone in showing a property, having an open house, or manning the model house in a new subdivision. Some personal safety issues should include: On the first meeting of a client, have them meet you at the office. Get as much …

Have you ever wondered why that beautiful and well-kept house at the corner is still up for sale after almost six months? You’ve been there, asked around (no murders there), found the price reasonable, and yet they have not received an offer to sell. You look around, and you notice nothing. A house, no matter …

Here’s moving news: According to the National Association of Realtors, “home sales remain at historically high levels.” This means address changes filed with the United States Postal Service will likely also remain high: about 45 million a year, Postal Service officials report. If you’ll be among those moving Americans anytime soon, you should know that …

When you decide to sell your home you should immediately begin referring to it as a house. Youíve become emotionally attached to this place and itís now time to say goodbye. Start detaching yourself by making some changes that will help you with the sale of the house. You probably have accumulated a lot of …

Most real estate agents want to be extremely successful. Goals are set and then the hard work begins to reach those goals. So what steps can you take to skyrocket your success as a realtor? Here are 7 powerful steps that will get you on the road to success: 1. Realize your Potential In order …

Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you use an architect or a building designer? Both are involved in the design of buildings ñ their appearance, layout, structure, and so on. But what’s the difference? The simplest difference is a legal one. To be called an ìarchitectî in NSW, you have to be …

Maybe you’ve read lots of advice on selling a house. But do you know the biggest mistake many people make when selling a house? Not understanding real estate value. You see, it doesn’t matter what you think your home is worth. It doesn’t matter what you did to make in nicer for your family. The …

The real estate market is one of the most complex markets in the entire world due to the fact that it is in a continuous change, thus making it a very dynamic market. The internet has a lot to offer consumers regarding real estate and as a result it is a great place to start …

With oil and natural gas prices rocketing, stoking terror of long, cold and and expensive winters, a renewed interest in keeping heating costs under control has has been sparked. Homeowner’s have an ignited passion in understanding energy saving methods. If you’re in this boat, stuck in cold waters, here are some tips for energy saving …

As the real estate market cools, the profit potential of home ownership has cooled as well. Hereís a strategy called ìfollow the builder.î It is relatively easy to make a profit when you sell your home if the market is rising sharply like it has been in most of the country for the last three …

So you’ve seen your umpteenth infomercial with the guy in his neatly pressed button-upped white T-Shirt grinning ear to ear waving his rock-solid no-money-down rags-to-riches real estate investment course for 3 easy payments of a gazillion dollars (but only if you call now) and now you are thinking, “wow this looks like a great deal, …

If you have recently purchased some real estate for investment purposes, you are in good company. Recent reports suggest that as many as 25% of these purchases are made by those who plan on using the property for investment purposes only. If you hope to “flip” the property there are 4 things you must be …

Alabama is undeniably a stereotypical southern state, but the state and real estate market hold undeniable surprises. Alabama Alabama is distinctly southern and darn proud of it. If you have a taste for college football, country music and NASCAR, Alabama is a paradise defined. To the surprise of many, Alabama also has a more modern …

There is one word to describe the current housing market: optimistic. Despite months of hearing about a housing bubble and rising mortgage rates, the outlook for real estate is good. The worries of a bursting real estate bubble actually seem to be low among homeowners. In a national survey conducted by ING Direct, most individuals …

1. Money is made at the buy, not the sell of your flip. When flipping a house your money is made at the purchase not at the sell of the house. So, many times people buy a house with the intensions of making a huge profit only to find out that they could not make …

Selling a haunted house is a difficult proposition if the ghosts are particularly noisy or violent. Many home buyers eschew atmosphere for the dull life of the bright house or bungalow untenanted by a disturbed spirit. Therefore, fixing up your house to sell may involve various preparations to reduce the impact of ghosts, spirits, otherworldly …

The purpose of this article is to analyze valuation methodology for several atypical types of apartments. Various circumstances and situations can cause an apartment complex to have above-or below-market rental rates, occupancy rates and operating expenses. This analysis examines the following two situations: 1. low-income subsidized apartments, which receive above-market rental rates from HUD or …

The easiest method to begin a 1031 Exchange transaction is to contact a good Exchange Company. The information concerning the exchanger, time and place of the closings, and a copy of the contract to sell the relinquished property are the preliminary papers to start the process. From this information, the company makes exchange documents and …

Apartments. Usually somebody’s first home after getting married. Can’t really say they’re relatively cheap anymore. Depending on where you live, apartments can run you anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars a month. So what does one do when looking for an apartment? Believe it or not, there are many different types, styles, and …

There are many questions that should be asked before embarking upon a career of real estate investment. The first and foremost question however should be whether or not you are truly committed to making real estate work for you. This is not a business for the faint of heart. In order to truly turn a …

Investments, terms for loans, processes, and other parts of real estate can often be overwhelming to someone who hasn’t received a degree in real estate. If you are looking for definitions and actions behind those definitions, then don’t forget about getting the right appraisals. This will help you if you are looking for the right …

Your home is undoubtedly the most valuable asset for the vast majority of us and selling it will cost thousands. Using the money saving tips in this article should reduce the cost of moving home.   Estate Agent fees vary, so shopping around and don’t forget to haggle and pay one off against the other. …

Just because real estate prices seem to have hit a temporary ceiling in many countries around the world, that doesn’t mean that profits from property investments are hard to come by. Even during a real estate market slowdown, stagnation or depression profits can be made locally and overseas. This article shows you the top ten …

Are you still renting a home or apartment for yourself or your family? If so, you’re losing money. Think about these three ways you lose money by renting: 1. You’re paying for someone else’s mortgage payment. You’re missing out on the appreciation that the property gives to the landlord. Appreciation is a term used in …

Have you spent years renting homes or apartments and have grown tired of paying all that rent money to someone else? If so, then it might be your time to consider purchasing a home, and keeping that cash for yourself. However, you do need to ensure that you are prepared on more than one level …

If you’re new to Florida, then you’ve probably already realized how diverse culture is in the Sunshine State. The cost of living, schools, and people will vary from the Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama connections of life in the Panhandle, to Latino influences in the most southern tip. The good news about getting adjusted to life …

If you’re looking to move to a new state, Arizona real estate is definitely worth a look. Following is a primer of the state and the FSBO Arizona real estate market. Phoenix Phoenix is by far the largest city in Arizona and it is growing fast. The sixth largest city in the United States, Phoenix …

There are a number of little things to look out for when purchasing a new home. Normally the things to consider includes such things as location, wiring, the condition of the house itself, and several other factors. One of these factors that the home buying public is becoming more concerned with is mold. There are …

Whether you are BRAND NEW to real estate investing or an expert in the game, it’s critical that you understand these 7 Simple Steps to real estate investing. First things first Real Estate is NOT a get rich quick scheme. However, if you learn the foundations and put them into practice, you will make more …

Many renters donít stop to think about what happens if there is a fire, someone breaks in and steals their new TV or stereo, or a visitor slips and falls on their property. The sad truth is; you will be responsible! While your landlord has insurance that covers the actual building, that coverage does not include …

Enjoy ownership, luxury, & appreciation in a Condo Hotel vacation home! Considering retirement in a Tropical Climate For many British, Australians and Americans, retirement time is just around the corner. At home, with low interest rates and high cost of living, the prospect of trying to live on a pension, in old age, is a …

Buying a house is a big investment. It really puts a dent on your financial resources. Of course, the expenses do not end with the down payment. You still have to contend with the monthly payments for the mortgage. This is a financial situation that you will have to live with for years until you …

Arizona, a large state in the Western United States, also known as Grand Canyon State, is famous for its astonishing landscapes, soaring mountain ranges, rivers, grasslands, forests and beautiful weather. Arizona valley constitutes of all these and makes it a perfect place for vacation, retirement, land investment or for permanent settlement. Over the years, Arizona …

If you are going to spend money advertising your vacation rental property on vacation rental websites, you want to make sure it is a success. Here are 6 things you can practice which will help ensure you receive the most “bang for the buck”. 1. SET RENTAL RATES APPROPRIATELY – If you want your vacation …

When it comes to deciding where to buy land for sale, Arkansas probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. However, there are a number of reasons why you should buy land in what Arkansans call The Natural State. Here are seven: 1. The property is undervalued. Experts agree that the pricing of land …

If, like most people, you are interested in real estate news and browse the headlines every now and then, chances are you might have read about it already … and in case you haven’t heard about it, then you might be very, very surprised about a new trend that may be contrary to what many …

Thinking of a holiday trip with difference? Forget the earlier process of booking for holidays involved visiting travel agents and collecting information of places, tickets and accommodation at that place. Emergence of internet has made it easy for the holiday consumers to book any suitable and efficient holiday package online. Imagine an elegant accommodation in …

Historically, the real estate trends of California have always been the precursors for the rest of the country. Which is why leading players of the real estate market keep a close watch on the Golden Stateís real estate market conditions. And whether you are a first time homebuyer, debating the viability of building your dream …

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code contains arguably one of the most powerful provisions of the tax code for real estate investorsÖ the 1031 tax exchange. Many highly successful real estate investors have used this tax code provision in combination with aggressive pyramiding and upgrading strategies to amass huge investment property portfolios. Hereís how …

The American dream is changing, and real estate professionals are doing their best to keep up in order to sell homes. Many buyers still want a big house in an uncrowded neighborhood, especially if they have a family, but there are conditions attached now. Long commutes into the city are more of a deal breaker …

Searching for a home is becoming easier every day with more access to web sites across the country Realtor.com is the king of real estate listings. There are real estate company sites such as ColdwellBanker.com and Remax.com where you can access the local affiliates and all their listings in the US, Canada, or International. Or …

If you’re thinking of using a property rental service for your Spain holiday rental or apartment for rent, there are some key features you should look for before making a commitment. You’ll want the best possible service while also earning maximum profits for your vacation rental. Here are five major features every property rental service …

Before you start to look for a property in France it is vital to know your budget. How much money do you have? How much are you prepared to borrow? Can you obtain a loan for the amount you require? Different regions of France, and different parts of those regions, have varying prices for similar …

With a relatively increase of the everyday commodities, more and more people are finding ways how to earn additional sources of income so as to compensate their expenses. That’s why most people who look for alternative ventures resort to real estate business. However, even if real estate business appears to be lucrative to many, it …

There are many ways to buy a home, even if you have little or no money to put down. Here are a few of the basics: 1. Sweat Equity Sweat Equity is a way to get a home by trading work for equity in the house. This could be used for a down payment or …

It was 5:00 PM and time for Susan to call it quits for the day. While signing off the computer, a last-minute check of the traffic reports revealed that the roads were backed up again. Susan drove home against the commute feeling her daily rush of sympathy for all those on the other side of …

Arkansas is a state that harkens back to a more relaxed time of life in our country. If youíre tired of hearing 90 cell phones ringing, moving to Arkansas may be the answer. Arkansas Unlike many states, Arkansas has made a concerted effort to protect and maintain its past. It is equally protective of its …

Need to sell your house quickly? Put off by the thought of estate agents and viewers tramping through your home? Follow this quick guide to selling your home fast. There is an alternative to the traditional route when it comes to selling your home. You can use one of the many specialist companies that offer …

There’s good news for those who want to buy unimproved parcels of land. Using a Web site, one company has developed an innovative way to match buyers with property that fits their needs-ranging from a first-time buyer to the experienced land purchaser. Since 1990, a company called LandAuction.com has specialized in the auctioning of unimproved …

There is quite a bit of real estate available in Arizona, because new homes are being built constantly. If you’ve ever been to Arizona, you may be surprised by its vast open spaces ñ and even the new developments that spring up don’t seem to take anything away from all of that wide open space. …

Arizona real estate market is really hot. The centre of a lot of action in Arizona is Phoenix metropolitan area. However, when it comes to real estate investing, every area is hot. Based on whether you are looking for Arizona real estate just as an investment avenue or whether you are looking for Arizona real …

Determining Fair Market Value is an eternal struggle and major balancing act. Thatís because buyers want a house to appraise on the low sideóto keep the purchase price down. While sellers want the same house to appraise on the high side to make the sale price higher. And then youíve got the owners of the …

All you Should Know Before Buying Commercial Real Estate. Buying or renting, such is the question many business people ask themselves around the 1st of the month, when comes the time to write their rent’s check. With the interests rates being what they are and prices being affected by the commercial paper crisis, the answer …

Tax savings through cost segregation is no longer out of reach for investors in small and medium size properties. With appraiser expertise, fees for analysis are often one-third to one-half lower than those charged by traditional preparers. Several years ago a definitive court case ruled that tangible personal property included in an acquisition or in …

So you need to sell your home? This article is exactly what you need to do, to sell your home or create a bunch of leads of individuals, who are HOT prospects to buy your home. Before, I share my 3 steroid ideas on selling your homes; you need to take a few simple steps… …

Traditionally, anyone with a house to sell in the U.K. would use an Estate Agent. As they were ranked 2nd in a Radio 4 poll of ìleast respected workers (M.P.ís were 1st!), for many people they are seen as a necessary evil. A small minority of people manage to sell their house privately by doing …

Though Madrid is one of the most sought after tourist destinations it is affordable in comparison to other for the availability of apartments in Madrid. Madrid attracts tourist for its royal palace, the museums that store memories of history of Spain, internationally renowned art galleries and grand public squares. Hence, many fun lovers prefer Madrid …

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code contains arguably one of the most powerful provisions of the tax code for real estate investorsÖ the 1031 tax exchange. Many highly successful real estate investors have used this tax code provision in combination with aggressive pyramiding and upgrading strategies to amass huge investment property portfolios. Hereís how …

It’s commonplace to try on suits, dresses, trousers or shoes before buying them. People instinctively know they need to try on clothes to be sure they fit, feel comfortable and are attractive on them. What about a home? Itís probably the most expensive purchase youíll ever make. Isnít it even more important to ìtry onî …

When you do a search on a Search Engine for “apartments” you are going to come across two types of Website resources; apartment locator sites and apartment database sites. Which is the best for you? Well, that depends on what your needs and circumstances dictate. It also has a great deal to do with your …

December and New Year’s Day give you the perfect occasion to buy real estate. Not only can you pick up a bargain property from a motivated seller, you can save on your purchase expenses. 1. Home shoppers put off looking for a home because of holiday decorating, shopping, and parties. Plus, the cold weather makes …

Anyone who has ever been to Nashville can attest to the fact that it is a great city. But Nashville has become known as a great place to relocate to for a variety of reasons. Not only was Nashville listed as one of the 10 best places to live and work in America, it is …

Anchorage, Alaska, is located in Anchorage County and lies 1434 miles northwest of Seattle, Washington. Anchorage has a population of 260,283. Its residents enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking through Prince William Sound, fly-fishing, skiing, and hiking and a relatively mild climate. Anchorage is a historical and bustling city that serves as the transportation, banking, and …

Real estate investing is always good and sometimes it’s red hot. When it’s hot dozens of real estate seminars begin rolling across the country and thousands of people spend thousands of dollars for investing education. It’s startling to learn that of all those thousands of eager folks who attend these seminars only about 5% buy …

It was a simple real estate formula. The ads ran in our small-town newspaper for years before I realized exactly what was going on. They were always the same: A house for sale with 5% down and payments of 1% of the purchase price. Maybe a three bedroom home for $90,000, for example, with $4,500 …

Studies show the dream of homeownership is becoming a reality for a growing number of Americans. For example, according to the 2015 Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies State of the Nation’s Housing Report, minorities are making inroads into all housing market segments across the United States. This trend is expected to continue with minorities …

Property taxes are one of the largest line item costs incurred by apartment owners. However, many owners do not appeal effectively. Even though owners realize that property taxes can be managed and reduced through an appeal, some view taxes as an arbitrary estimate provided by the government which can’t effectively be appealed. It tends to …

“Collecting more taxes than is necessary is legalized robbery.” These words of wisdom, spoken by the 13th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, still ring true in today’s society for homeowners and business owners. Robbery may seem like a harsh word, but what would you say if someone tried to sell you one-year-old motel …

Alaska is the biggest state in the Union and tends to be a take it or leave it proposition for relocation. For those choosing Alaska, the real estate market is a solid investment. Alaska Known as ìthe great landî, Alaska seems like a harsh, remote wilderness and certainly nowhere anyone would want to live. These …

Section 1031 in the Internal Revenue Service is a boon for a prospective investor, selling an investment property and wanting to make a profit by reinvesting in a similar property elsewhere in the country. This wonderful concept works on the principle of gain rolling from the old to the new. There is widespread ignorance on …

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate to make money, you need to first determine your financial goals. Do you need to make money quickly, invest for your children’s college fund, or build wealth for your retirement? Once you determine your financial goals, you need to decide which type of investing strategy works for …

The first 10 years of my real estate investing I ran my business as a sole proprietor because I really didn’t know any better. Luckily, I survived with only minimal damages, but there comes a point when it is time to assess the best legal structure to use for real estate investing. If you ask …

Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Afraid it will take too long to sell, or that you wonít get the price you want? Think about ìstagingî your home, or in other words, setting the scene for immediate buyer interest in your property. To be really effective, …

The ideal agent is not always the one with the most sales under his or her belt, or the most years on the job. The ideal agent is one who listens to you, is easy to get along with, and has the tools and skills to address your unique situation. Every home buyer is different. …

There are many different ways a landlord can advertise his / her rentals property. The kind of advertising that works best depends on numerous factors that include property characteristics, location, landlordís budget, and whether he / she is in a hurry to rent. There are many combinations of advertising methods landlords and property managers use …

The dream of owning a vacation home in some sun-drenched overseas location is one the majority of us share, and because real estate proves itself time and again as a solid long term investment commodity, many more people are committing to purchasing real estate abroad as an investment that they and their family can also …

There are several important things you need to be successful in real estate investing, one of which is a great team. I’m going to talk briefly about who should be on the winning team: 1. Your Mentor – every successful entrepreneur needs a good mentor. A guide. By training under the watchful eye of one …

When you are selling your home, expect a lot of people to ìintrudeî on your privacy. If your home is being handled by real estate agents, then most of the calls and inquires would be handled by them. If you are selling your home by yourself, then youíve got a big job in your hands. …

1. NO CLUTTER. Throw out old newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small items like figurines and other trinkets. Store clothing that wonít be used in the near future to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage. Buyers like to visualize their possessions in the house and that is hard to do …