Saturday, August 30, 2008

Many Buyers See A Family Home As One Of The Biggest Investments They Can Make

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The recent economic uncertainty sparked by the meltdown of the US sub- prime mortgage market has created a rare set of financial conditions in North America.



While this has led to an ever- growing gap between rich and poor, the total number of relatively wealthy people has also risen. Much of the developed world( and even more so in some developing nations) has enjoyed one of the longest periods of sustained economic growth. Such changes in financial status have put many Americans in a position of affluence, with the freedom to wisely use their wealth to wield greater influence over their future. The so- called" credit crisis" has sparked some fears of a coming recession within the US. Some of them choose to pursue a careful acquisition of residential investment property. Naturally, no economy wants a recession.


These entities, are engaged in, of course protecting their own interests though they are working to prevent a fiscal slump. The major corporations, financial institutions, government, and private investment consortiums are doing their best to prevent an economic slow down. Most economists are agreeing that a recession is still possible, though not immediately likely. For Americans fully invested in paying off their first mortgage, this is an uncomfortable position to be in, but not desperate. Instead, you will probably see a slowing of the rate of growth as markets compensate for what has been billed a recalibration, rather than the sort of economic collapse that usually precedes recessions. You are, much safer if, however you ve managed to capitalize on the decade of relative prosperity, and you re in a position to start thinking about purchasing residential investment property.


Such positive consideration plays a part in ensuring your access to credit at favorable rates. First, banks and other lenders can reasonably see you as a safe risk when considering an investment property loan. Because credit has, dried up for, to some extent riskier loans, the housing market has stalled, and there are some fears that it may even collapse, leading to plummeting prices in some areas. Those who have failed to invest, or are themselves busy paying off their first house, can be forgiven if they don t look favorably on the stalling market. This is a bleak scenario, not very likely, but like recession according to many analysts. Many buyers see a family home as one of the biggest investments they can make.


By applying the oldest rule of investment, "Buy low, sell high" , you can take advantage of your economically sound position and capitalize on the sluggish housing market. If you re a savvy investor and can secure credit on favorable terms, current conditions present, however a rare opportunity. Applying investment property loans to new residential investment property drastically increases the value of your venture. If you already own your own home, your additional residential, however investment property should serve as the collateral on new loans, to ensure that you do not extend yourself beyond your means. This could expose you to some risk in the unlikely event that the markets take a turn for the worse, and inflation and interest rates climb, while the housing market collapses. This can be a tricky balance, especially if the cost of failure is your hard- earned family home, so novice investors would be well- advised to heed the advice of finance professionals.

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Europe Is A Continent Which Offers Endless Possibilities - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Purchasing a new home is never a simple task.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Six Hundred Six Homes Situated On Streets With Less Obvious Western Names Were Sold

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

We re in the process of purchasing some lots in Oak Hill with a few other buyers but they don t like the street s name and want the developer to have it changed. The Californian Chumash Indians translate Sisquoc as stopping place.



The street name is" Sisquoc, " which I believe is a good name. There s a river in California that they call Sisquoc River. The street is now in the process of being renamed to" San Lucas. " So this has gotten me into thinking of the various Austin street names especially the ones that are more unfavorable than Sisquoc. The other buyers are having a hard time saying and spelling it. For example, the subdivision in Shady Hollow in South Austin has streets with names including" Shoot Out, " "Six Gun, " "Gun Fight, " "Ammunition, " and" Shotgun" Who would want to live on Shoot Out Street or Gun Fight Street? Bush Boulevard" ?


I wonder if a left wing liberal would pass up the home of his dreams if it just happened to be located on" George W. Would a vegan pass up a home on Brisket Lane? Therefore, can street names have a big role when deciding on selling or purchasing a home? Getting a house on Devil s Cove is something a devout Christian Conservative would probably need to think about. I made a decision to look further. There have been 71 sales on those streets.


I performed a multiple listing search for homes in Shady Hollow that were sold since 2000 that are found on the aforementioned streets with names related to guns. In dollars, 677 is the, 179 average sales price at$ 98 per square foot. Six hundred six homes situated on streets with less obvious western names were sold. The next research was done without the homes built after 1993 because they were expensive to build. In dollars, 713 is the, 225 average sales price at$ 103 per square foot. The interesting thing, is that the, however politically incorrect homes sold at an average of 37 days while the others took 50 days on the average to sell. Based on this research, homes on streets with politically incorrect names are not selling well in comparison other homes on other streets.


This seems counterintuitive based on the gap in the price. But homes with smaller lot size, are sold for, in general a higher per- square- foot price, and in this case they dont, which means something is out of balance. The politically incorrect homes have an average size of 1811 square feet and the others averaged only 2144 square feet, which would account for the gap in the sales price. This isn t an exact scientific test. Nevertheless, a buyer should put into consideration whether or not the street name might affect the future marketability of the home.

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When In Spain, Do What The Spaniards Do - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

It has become a trend for foreigners to buy properties in Spain.

Are You In The Market To Buy A New Home - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Are you in the market to buy a new home? Technology has revolutionized the real estate market for the modern home buyer.

People Are Often Intimated From The Myths They Hear In Regard To Purchasing Property In Foreign Countries - Finance and Real Estate:

So you have searched all the listing sites for Costa Rica on the web.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Why Would You Want To Purchase A Home In Spain

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you crave for endless amounts of sunshine, miles of glorious sandy beaches, a wide choice, truly wonderful food of entertainment, and a wide choice of homes at affordable prices, then you will find Spain hard to resist.



Spain offers amazing variety that covers most options for everyone, including terrific beaches for sun seekers and unbelievable scenery with tremendous views and wonderful mountain walks. Although the vast majority of tourists( and residents) come to Spain to laze about on the beach, there s much more to the country than the Coastal resorts and island entertainment. For those who wish a more urban based life there are some of the most sophisticated cities to be found anywhere. To buy a home in Spain is not just to buy a dwelling but your chance to buy a lifestyle, and as a place for your holiday, second or retirement home, particularly if you, Spain is unrivalled re seeking year- round sunshine. For food lovers, you will find some of the best food to be found anywhere and wine to match. Why would you want to purchase a home in Spain?


Get the basics right from the outset on what your expectations are, ask fundamental question about what it is exactly that you want from a home in Spain? You can come up with a number of reasons why you would want to buy a home in Spain, although it s important not to fool yourself or try and manufacture something that isn t there with regards to what you can expect. For example, are you seeking a holiday or a retirement home? If you re seeking a second home, will it be mainly used for long weekends or for lengthier stays? The south eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain has the highest percentage of retired persons in the world, when both Spaniards and foreigners are included. Is all or part of your plans, the idea that you are buying this for investment and rental purposes? Is the decision to buy purely based on investment criteria?


If that is the case, how essential to the overall plan is the property rental income? Do you plan to work or start a business in Spain? Quite often potential buyers have a number of reasons for purchasing property in Spain. These are questions that need answers no matter where you purchase, but especially in Spain because of the variety of choices Spain has to offer. For example, many people buy a holiday home with an idea of living there permanently or semi- permanently after they retire. If this is indeed the case then there a whole number of factors that need to be taken into consideration at the outset than you would need to consider if the motivation was to occupy somewhere just for say a few weeks every year. In a lot of cases the motivation is to start by purchasing a holiday home with the intention of retiring there later on.


Conversely if the plan is to live and work within Spain then there are an entirely different set of criteria that need to be looked at. Many people are doing just that because Spain has a lot to offer. Part of the motivation might be to live within Spain yet commute to other European locations on a regular basis as transport( especially external links) is so straightforward to come by. Whatever the reasons for buying a home within Spain whether purely for residential or investment purposes, life in modern day Spain makes it such a difficult option to refuse.

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Existing Homes Can T Measure Up - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The benefits of building your new home in Daytona Beach are numerous. From fine dining to casual waterfront cuisine, flea markets to high- end boutiques, Daytona Beach has, LPGA to NASCAR something for everyone.

Owning A Home Can Be Difficult At Times - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Like many financial decisions their are pros and cons of moving into the real estate market.

So What Can You, The French Property Hunter Do To Protect Yourself From A Lot Of Sharp Practises Within The Industry - Flossie Banks about Finance and Real Estate:

There are many so called French property" consultants" based in the UK who are more than happy to help you achieve your dream of property ownership in France, however many of them are also very happy to lighten your wallet along the way. Unfortunately for the opportunist player, getting established in France as an estate agent( Agent Immobilier) is a long and complicated process, as the industry is heavily regulated.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Infrastructure And Real Estate Ahmedabad

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Traditional entrepreneur instincts, suitable infrastructure and growth- oriented policies of government make the real estate market of Ahmedabad- the capital city of Gujarat, a sought- after investment destination in western India. Not only are its local entrepreneurs contributing in the economic development, the policy- level support has been boosting the confidence of investors, in a splendid way.



The city has earned prominence as the textile hub of India across the globe and even referred as Manchester of India , owing to the vibrancy of its textile markets. Perhaps the fact that Gujarat attracts largest volume of foreign investments in India, acts as testimony. Expansion of infrastructure leads to development in real estate. Infrastructure and Real Estate Ahmedabad. And if you believe in it, you must keep an eye on property markets of Ahmedabad. On the other end, as many as six Special Economic Zones( SEZs) have already been approved, for the city slated to be the megacity of the future. Initiatives like development of Knowledge Corridor, Ahmedabad- Gandhinagar Metro Rail, Sabarmati River Front Development, and Bus Rapid Transportation System( BRTS) have formed a strong base for developmental activities, here.


Now what is more astonishing is the ample availability and reasonable prices of land here. Perhaps, the time has ripe if you were looking for buying property in Ahmedabad, at this juncture. Of late, the city is the subject of all around construction activities, quite visible over its length and breadth. Residential properties shine. Capital values of apartments in Central Zone locations have witnessed 15- 20 per cent appreciation in the past couple of years. As evident from the flourishing local economies, the housing segment in Ahmedabad is set on a boom time. Similar are the trends at suburban locations of Vejalpur, Paldi and Prahlad, Vasna Nagar.


In line with the uptrends in capital prices of residential houses, the home rent in Ahmedabad have been upbeat all the way. Capital prices of flats here have reached the levels of Rs 1, 300- Rs 1, from Rs 1, 700 psft, 000- Rs 1, as quoted some, 450 psft 18- 30 months earlier. The demand for Ahmedabad property however has remained quite stable due to interest of corporates and Non Resident Indians( NRIs) . With prevailing real estate trends, the industry experts look residential real estate in Ahmedabad as a potential instrument for generating impressive returns on investments, from both the perspectives of capital appreciation and rental value In fact, rising demand for low- rise buildings has been witnessed after the devastating earthquake that occurred here in 200This is by far the primary reason for surging buying activities in the independent house segments of bungalows, villas and condominiums in Ahmedabad.

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The Ultimate Growth In Off- Plan Cyprus Property Purchases Is The Best Example Of This Positive Change - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Cyprus is rapidly transforming into a paradise for investments due to its appealing climate conditions and peaceful locales. With time, tourists understood that Cyprus doesn t only offer vacations but it is also possible to make a Cyprus property investment.

Buying A New Home Is Great - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Buying a new home is great! With all the options to choose from it is very easy to overlook crucial elements to your new home buying experience that could cost you greatly in both time and money.

If You Are In The Market, You Actually Can Take Advantage Of The Foreclosure Situation That Exists - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

A great deal has been written about the Florida real estate market and the Tampa real estate market over the course of the past year.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Out Of These, Spanish Villas Are The Most Popular

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

When people imagine luxury villas, they mostly think of a huge and spacious house, surrounded by greenery and a well kept garden, mostly on a beach or overlooking the sea. These villas are the ultimate word in luxurious and comfortable living.



Well, they are very, in reality much like our imagination, sometimes even better. Owning a villa can cost more than a fortune, though a lot depends on the location as well. Out of these, Spanish villas are the most popular. The entire European countryside is dotted with beautiful luxury villas. Most people prefer villas in Spain as their perfect getaway and holiday destination. Again depending on the location, the rent varies from place to place. For most people who cannot afford to buy a villa, renting one is an equally good option.


For people who take their families for a vacation to the countryside, luxury villas are a good accommodation option. At the same time you feel like royalty. Living in a villa gives a homely feeling. There is ample space, which is a scarcity in crowded cities, both indoors and outdoors. These villas are also a favourite destination for people who have retired or have abandoned city life, and have planned to spend their lives in a relaxed and meditative environment. Secondly, coming from a cramped and noisy atmosphere of the bustling cities, people on vacation enjoy the slow pace of life and serenity provided by these luxury villas. Most luxury villas have been built in the traditional European style architecture, which gives the person the feeling of living in another era.


Though cut off from the world, these villas have hospitals, banks, supermarkets, golf courses and other such utilities around them to give the lodgers a fulfilling experience. Villas tend to have a have a warm feeling to them and makes its residents feel welcome and at home.

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You Need To Allocate An Appropriate Amount Of Time To Be Able To Shop Around For A Home - Ella Catania about Finance and Real Estate:

Embarking on the search for the perfect home, there are some tips and pointers that you should keep in mind when it comes to saving money in the Tampa real estate market.

Firstly Get Yourself A Pre- Approved Home Loan Before Looking At Properties - Adriana Neighbors about Finance and Real Estate:

With the booming property market in WA and the basic price of a home reaching around$ 350, 000 home buyers are finding that purchasing a home is almost out of reach for those in the low to middle income bracket and especially first home buyers.

Buying A New Home Is Great - Jordan Tancredi's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Buying a new home is great! With all the options to choose from it is very easy to overlook crucial elements to your new home buying experience that could cost you greatly in both time and money.

Monday, August 18, 2008

This Is Done To Even Out Fluctuations Common To Self- Employed Borrowers

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Self- employed borrowers present one of the most challenging areas of mortgage underwriting. A fair and honest qualification requires a special set of skills.



Qualifying self- employed people often requires time, and patience, energy. Most mortgage companies underwrite their loans based on guidelines established by the Federal National Mortgage Association( Fannie Mae) , the Federal Housing Administration( FHA) , or the Veterans Administration( VA) . Additionally, some lending institutions have non- standard sources to draw upon for the purpose of making loans available to those who do not fit into specific guidelines. These organizations share similar underwriting guidelines for self- employed borrowers. Generally, there is a standard set of guidelines that pertain to employment and income. Owning 25 percent or more in a business.


They include: Two or more years of self- employment. A two- year minimum average income. A positive overall economic outlook in the area for the particular business you own. This is done to even out fluctuations common to self- employed borrowers. No significant decline in income over the period analyzed. However, the methods used in the analysis of the self- employed borrower s income are different.


Self- employed borrowers are generally evaluated along similar guidelines that salaried borrowers are by determining if the borrower has sufficient income to support the mortgage payment and a willingness to repay all debt provided on a credit report. Most of the time a salaried borrower s gross salary is used for qualification. This requires analyzing the borrower s federal income tax returns and other schedules, depending on the type of business, to determine net income. This method is not adequate for the self- employed because the daily operation of the business must be supported by gross receipts along with income to the owner. The growth, and stability of, viability the business field is also taken into account in determining the ability of the borrower to meet ongoing obligations. Because of the subjective nature of underwriting these loans, it is important for the borrower and the lender to put together a narrative along with documentation to support the income claim needed for the transaction.


The length of self- employment time and overall experience in the field must also be considered. There are several new loan programs available today for the self- employed. They also attempt to complete the transaction with the fewest verification documents. Lenders do their best to qualify people with the lowest rates and lowest down payments. Most loan programs have the same requirements for different types of self- employment. However, some loan programs will be more strict for self- employed individuals.


Programs are available for first- time buyers, move- up buyers, or investors regardless of their employment. If a borrower can t qualify because tax write- offs decrease his new income too much, a problem common among self- employed borrowers, lenders will then look to see if the borrower has enough independent income to pay the mortgage and other debt obligations. Generally, two years of tax return history will be analyzed to account for fluctuations and track income patterns. They will carefully inspect tax returns and check to see any possible way to get a self- employed businessman into a new home. Simple common sense is often a prevailing factor when reviewing these documents. Verifying previous employment history to determine a track record of skills, length of employment and work environment can be taken into account.


As for newly self- employed applicants, they represent a special situation. Previous income helps establish the financial history, as well as indicates whether the move to self- employment represents a logical process or a complete departure from an established profession. If the borrower recently had a bad year but had previous successful years, qualification is still possible. There are some things to keep in mind. One bad year may be the result of a divorce, or medical illness, death. As a self- employed borrower, you must be willing to spend the time to work with an agent and a mortgage consultant specific to your situation. Provided the business had been previously successful, don t assume that you can t be qualified.


Careful scrutiny of tax returns will be necessary and meetings will be done person- to- person- not over the phone. The process may be a little more involved than a typical home loan, but the extra work will ultimately result in the most important part of the purchase- getting you into a new home.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Mesa, Arizona Is An Interesting Community

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Mesa, Arizona is an interesting community.



But while Mesa sits above one of the biggest cities in the United States, it still manages to maintain its small town feel. Positioned east of Phoenix on a flat plateau, it overlooks the beautiful city lights that are scattered at its feet. Mesa is also well known as a community that values education. Mesa s public schools are known for their innovation and excellence. With Arizona State University East located in east Mesa, the city attracts a number of people affiliated with the University. In fact, Mesa s school system is very highly rated among other Arizona schools and even nationwide.


Mesa is an affordable community with plenty of new home developments. It s no wonder that people are moving to Mesa. Mesa is especially attractive to individuals that are looking for new home developments. Here are a few suggestions to make finding your perfect Mesa home that much easier. If you would like a newly constructed home in a charming neighborhood, Mesa is an excellent choice. Work with a real estate agent to help you narrow your focus to a select few communities. These agents have worked with other clients in the developments and know which builders have good reputations, and which homes best meet your needs.


A good real estate agent will help you determine exactly what you are looking for in a home. Look at more than the house. Look at the community carefully. As you shop for homes, check out more than just the house and the floor plan. What are the traffic patterns. What amenities are included with the development.


Is there additional development planned. And are schools and parks close to the home? Your real estate agent can give you great insight into the builder, but you should also ask friends and acquaintances about the builder. Investigate the builder carefully. Don t hesitate to ask neighbors about their experience. Therefore, if you are researching builders, looking for that perfect floor plan, do some homework, prepare yourself and make wish list.


In fact, a great way to get information is to stroll through the neighborhood on a sunny evening or weekend and talk with neighbors. Then, take a look at Mesa, Arizona you ll find a great home. Before long, you ll be looking over the city of Phoenix in your new Mesa home. There are beautifully planned communities that are welcoming to families and retirees.