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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Has The Real Estate Bubble Popped?

Has The Real Estate Bubble Popped?

According to a story from Public Radio International's radio show Marketplace, the average price of a new home was down 9.7% last month from the same time last year, and that's the "biggest plunge in 36 years." At the same time, new home sales are up slightly because sellers are lowering prices significantly. But the big question is, when will the real estate bubble pop? Or has it popped already?

The truth is that the swift rate of price appreciation and construction in past years created a bubble in the real estate market that has in fact recently popped. According to economic expert Christopher Thornberg, "The bubble's popped, and it's gonna take time to work its way out of the system. There is no soft landing here, we haven't found the bottom." Especially along the East and West coasts, the housing market swelled enormously since 2000, with prices and sales up over 30%.

Many have reported a slowing of home sales, even in real estate hot spots like Southern California and the Bay Area. Signs declaring, "reduced price" in front of homes along oceanfront property in Venice and Hermosa Beach, CA, confirm that the real estate bubble has popped. The major issue for current homeowners is that as prices drop, so do home values. And as a result of skyrocketing prices, many were forced to settle for adjustable-rate-mortgages (ARMs), allowing them to purchase houses in desirable areas that they could just barely afford. Over one third of home loans in the last five years were adjustable.

It was reported on National Public Radio's Morning Edition on October 27, 2006 that ARM rates have now begun to rise, leaving millions of homeowners with higher mortgage payments. Experts expect that in the next several years ARM rates will continue to increase, a change could have disastrous results for the housing business. The combination of rising interest rates and a popped real estate bubble means that homeowners will often be unable to sell their properties for what they bought them for.

Some analysts even believe that a collapse in housing could bring down the U.S. economy and create another recession. A burst real estate bubble could have dire consequences for the national economy. 750,000 real estate foreclosures are expected over the next five years. Homeowners are being forced to look at their options. The main recommendation of real estate agents and lenders is to find a way to get out of your adjustable-rate-mortgage or equity line of credit and find a more stable loan. Even if this means paying certain one-time fees, the savings will be considerable in the long run and could help thousands keep their homes. Lenders all over the U.S. are reporting that customers are coming into their offices to do whatever they can to get a fixed-rate mortgage.

Refinancing is the Best Option

If you're a homeowner, you should think about the best way to safeguard yourself against rising interest rates. Mortgage refinancing is the choice that many are making in order to preserve their financial stability. I personally looked into refinancing with many companies and found that It pays to do your homework! Check out this site for all your Home Loan Refinancing needs. and I've been pleased with their interest rates and customer service. My wife is Spanish-speaking, and they were able to accommodate her language needs. There are other companies out there, such as the Loan Store and Countrywide, etc, but when explored their offers I wasn't impressed. If you're looking for a company that won't treat you as another number in line, you should definitely consider Life Planning Network. They were friendly, and put me at ease.

Refinancing will allow me to switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate one, with fairly little hassle. I know that whatever fees I will have to pay now will pay off in the long term, since interest rates are likely to keep rising indefinitely. I am tired of having to worry about my family's stability, and whether or not we can keep our home. I want to know that my children won't suddenly have to move just because I didn't watch the real estate bubble and find out whether it was going to pop soon. After finishing the refinance process, I'll feel secure knowing that no matter what happens with interest rates, I will pay a stable mortgage payment every month and be in control of my own finances.

Once again, due to the instability of the market, you should refinance your ARM or balloon mortgage to make it a fixed-rate payment as soon as possible. As for the economy, is it in for a crash? I don't want to cause you to panic, so I'm not going to say either way. But if you want to protect yourself against the popped real estate bubble, it's best to refinance so that you can keep your home in the long term.

To stay current on trends in the real estate market, I'd recommend going to http://www.bubble-real-estate.blogspot.com. Also, be sure to check out Home Equity Loan Refinancing for the latest refinance rates and more tips on refinancing. Ask any real estate expert, and they'll tell you that now is the best time to take advantage of refinancing. In five years, you'll thank yourself.

Chris Ciabarra has a Master’s in Business from Alvernia College.He has worked in various financial and utility companies, and now is a business consultant in Los Angeles. www.bubble-real-estate.blogspot.com.

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

Perfect Timing -- The Key To Real Estate Success

Perfect Timing -- The Key To Real Estate Success by Luke Cameron

The real estate industry is similar to other forms of investment like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. However, they have certain aspects that greatly differ like night and day.

First, most investments can readily be bought or sold at the current market price. With real estate, buying and selling properties may take a longer period of time. In all investments, you should wait for a perfect time to buy and sell. You have to wait for a high point whenever you sell, and you have to chance upon a low point to be able to buy a stock or a property at a much lower price. Again, the difference is in the time span. In the stock market, the stocks can change hands easily, within a day or two, or probably even a month. Real property takes a much longer time before it could change hands. It may take a lot of months before an investor can be satisfied with his profits.

Another difference between real estate and other forms of investment is that real property is always unique while stocks remain the same across different companies.

In real estate, timing is very important. It does not matter whether you are buying or selling. You have to be able to catch a perfect opportunity to close all your deals.

There are a lot of ways to improve your timing. One method is to acquire property at very low prices. You can find these bargains through foreclosures or properties that are in dire need of a considerable amount of repair.

You can also find good deals by reading local newspapers and real estate websites. Take a closer look at Notice of Default listings and schedules of auctions. If you are patient enough in scouring the papers and the web for bargain prices, you may even come across foreclosures that costs from 25% to 35% lower than the current market value.

Another great real property investment strategy is to find sellers who are leaving the area. However, there is a slight chance of a turnaround. This happened in several neighborhoods in Manhattan, such as the Lower East Side. Before, it was a depressed area, and now, the properties within the vicinity sell at a premium price. You should always research on the area for possible industry boom or market shifts. Always think long term.

If you are able to do a small amount of repairs, you might like to buy a property for a lower price and just invest some time, money and energy into repairing some damages and restore the property into good condition. With a little makeover, you can increase the value of the property by 10%.

These strategies will be easily executed if you have a working capital. It doesn't mean that you need to have a huge amount of money on hand or in the bank. You must be able to have access to money, either by keeping your credit rating at a more than satisfactory level and by having a lender who would be able to work with you and assist you in financing your projects.

The real estate industry is not an easy game to play. You will need to invest money, time, knowledge and patience. You will need to know theories and strategies and apply them when the time is right. You just don't buy a property when its price is low without checking the market first and you certainly don't sell a property when you absolutely have not looked at the other options available for you. All things are to be undertaken in perfect time. That includes real estate investing.

About the Author
Luke Cameron is owner of Real Estate Cubby. - an online magazine offering news, tips and articles on real estate related topics. His website can be found at: http://www.realestatecubby.com and http://www.homesviews.com

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Thursday, November 16, 2006

What You Need To Know About Buying Unfinished Homes

What You Need To Know About Buying Unfinished Homes

If you want to look like an expert in Buying Unfinished Homes and yet don't want to read all those tomes, just go on with this article and in two minutes flat you would feel like an expert.
Your search for information on Buying Unfinished Homes ends here. You just have to read this article to come up with all the relevant information that you have ever wanted on Buying Unfinished Homes.

If you don't have something which is unique, it is very much difficult to remain in the fray for long but there is one more thing that could be done- presentation and that is what we have tried to do with this article about Buying Unfinished Homes.

Unfinished homes present a great way to save a lot of money and get yourself a new home in the process. If you buy an unfinished home, you can keep your monthly mortgage payment low and also lower your initial investment. You may also be able to buy a larger foundation size as well, which you can easily add on to and save money in the process.

Reading this article on Buying Unfinished Homes must have helped you to confirm your belief whether you know everything that needs to be known about Buying Unfinished Homes. And we can guess what your answer might be.

Normally, unfinished starter homes leave the upstairs area unfinished. The question here, is just how much equity you want to put into an unfinished area. Sometimes though, an unfinished home may leave the roofing, framing, plumbing, or electrical aspects unfinished. Before you make a purchase, you should always decide how much money you have to finish what needs to be finished.

We chose to write this article about Buying Unfinished Homes of the simple reason that we believed we could write better and now when you are reading about Buying Unfinished Homes don't you think that we were right in our thinking.

If the home you are looking at has plans for a garage, you can save thousands if you decide not to go with the garage. On the other hand, if there is another attached room that is planned to go onto the house, you can save just as much if you decide to forgo it. There are always ways that you can save money just by looking at the plans. Unfinished homes may have other planned on additions as well, in which you can save a lot of money just by leaving them out.

Now, when you are reading this article on Buying Unfinished Homes do you still think that you are wasting your time. It must be clear to you by now that there were so many points that you were unaware of.

This is something that you should always keep in mind. When builders acquire a piece of property that they plan to build a home on, they will do everything they can do make as much money as possible on their homes. You might be able to get them to agree to some of these ideas, although they probably won't agree to all of them. Building homes can be a very profitable business - which is why most companies like to build their homes exactly as the plans call for.

An article is incomplete without its readers and that is why it is essential that readers are satisfied with articles. We have tried hard to achieve this very purpose. And now it is for you all to judge.

When looking at unfinished homes, you also need to look at what banks are willing to accept. If you are planning to get a mortgage, most banks will need to ensure that the home is up to local codes and in living condition. What this means, is that there will need to be a living room, bedroom, and other rooms finished. If the home is lacking quite a bit in terms of being unfinished, most banks won't give you a mortgage.

Most banks are also known to turn down unfinished home mortgages that they feel will have trouble selling in the event that you default. Normally, the entire downstairs area will need to be finished, along with most of the landscaping. You might be able to do some of it yourself and save money, although in most cases the home builder will need to do a majority of the topsoil and grass just to satisfy the bank. Banks have strict requirements when it comes to unfinished homes, which is why you should always check with your bank before you invest in an unfinished home.

As most of us already know, buying an unfinished home provides an excellent way to get into the housing market and get your very own home. Unfinished homes also allow potential buyers the chance to grow into their home along with their family. If you are interested in saving money, you should be sure to talk to the builder. This way, you can go over the plans and decide what doesn't need to be there. In most cases you can save a lot of money and still get a home that will provide years and years of memories for yourself and your entire family.
This article was nothing but an attempt to provide you with a few tips and suggestions to help you in making correct decisions and if you keep these in mind there is no reason why you would not be able to do so.
Everything that has a beginning has an end and we have also come to the end of our discussion on Buying Unfinished Homes. We hope that you would find the information gained here useful in your life.

By: Sinta Makah
For More Hot Tips on Real Estate, hurry on to:
mydomainname101.com/RealEstate/

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Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Buying Cheap Government Repo Houses

Buying Cheap Government Repo Houses by Anthony Lee

Rising consumer prices and cost of living make owning a house today difficult, if not impossible, for many.

So if you want to have an opportunity to own a home which costs lower than the running market value, you can take a look at government repo houses; with the word repo used as short for repossessed.

How Does It Work?

1. Ordinary home loans are traditionally supported by a government housing organization. When homeowners default on their home loans, the mortgage company repossesses the properties and files a right for reimbursement of losses with the government housing organization.

2. Then the government tries to get back the money it paid the mortgage company by selling the foreclosed houses, often, at auctions.

3. The bureau tasked with the selling of government repo houses may, at times, make some repairs and renovate these houses before being sold. But more often than not, these government repo houses are sold "as is". Either way, it is good to remember that there are no constructional assurances given.

4. Government repo houses are sold by way of accredited and licensed real state brokers who, in turn, earn commissions from every house sold. Buyers of government repo houses have to prepare for down payments which vary depending on the properties' qualifications for indemnity policies.

Plan Your Attack Before Making The Shot

1. First, find listings of government repo houses. You can do this via the Internet or by calling up accredited real estate agents.

Narrow down your list as to what type of repossessed house you plan to acquire. The types of house can be, among others, a new home to live in, a summer abode, a house to be rented out, or a house for reselling.

2. If you are interested to buy any one of the government repo houses on the listings, you should contact the real estate broker assigned by the government housing organization and let your intentions be known.

3. After consulting with the broker about the details and you decide to go on with the purchase, you will be subjected to the initial steps of the bidding system.

But before buyers even begin bidding, they should inspect the house they want; they must know the basic conditions of the houses because they might end up spending more on renovating and repairing government repo houses than buying brand new ones.

4. When bidding, it is important to know how much you are willing to go for to buy the house you want and that you have the cash to back up your bid.

Some agencies require house buyers to have their money in place when bidding for government repo houses; while others are willing to propose financial facilitation. If you win the bidding, the house is ready to be yours. And indeed, you have a dream come true!

About the Author
For listings of repossessed homes, please visit http://www.buy-cheap-houses.info/.

Make money in the Las Vegas real estate market. Buy Siezed Real Estate at 90% of Market Value - Click now to learn how!

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Sunday, November 12, 2006

The Tremendous Benefits Of Buying Pre Foreclosures

The Tremendous Benefits Of Buying Pre Foreclosures

So what is Foreclosures really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about Foreclosures--info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

The information about Foreclosures presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Foreclosures or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

Pre foreclosures are known as properties that have reached the final stages before they get repossessed or taken back by the lender or bank. The owner is still in complete control of the property or home, although the bank or lender will repossess the home if the owner doesn’t attempt to rectify the situation. Normally, if the owner makes things right with payment, the pre foreclosure will settle and things will go back to normal.

When buying real estate, there are several benefits to pre foreclosures. Although there are several ways that you can buy a home, pre foreclosure is one of the best. Even though it is one of the best ways to buy property, many people miss out simply because they aren’t familiar with pre foreclosures and all of the benefits that come with them.

The best thing about pre foreclosures is the prices that are associated with them. In most cases, the owner has no choice but the sell the house, and therefore will listen to just about any offer that he receives. Due to this very reason, you can find pre foreclosures for sale at nearly 50% off market value. This is an ideal time to purchase, especially if you are looking to save a lot of money.

Along with the great prices you can get with pre foreclosures, you’ll also have the luxury of dealing directly with the owner - no third parties involved. This is a great advantage, with buyers being in total control of pre foreclosure sales. In the event that the home owner decides to turn down your offer and cannot find another buyer, he will lose everything. Even if you offer the owner a small price, he will be able to make a little bit of money selling the home.

You can find pre foreclosures that up for sale pretty much the same way that you can find homes in which the bank already has control of. You can look in the local newspaper, on the Internet, or by calling the lender directly. There are several options that you have in terms of finding pre foreclosures, giving you plenty of options. Once you have found a pre foreclosure for sale, it’s up to you to seal the deal and get the home of your dreams at a very affordable price.

When you compare foreclosed properties with pre foreclosed properties, you’ll find that there is less competition involved with pre foreclosures. Pre foreclosed homes are a great purchase, as they will normally come at a very affordable price. Those of you who have been looking for a new home shouldn’t hesitate to check out pre foreclosed properties. They are a great investment - and can indeed be very profitable in the long run.

Now you can understand why there's a growing interest in Foreclosures. When people start looking for more information about Foreclosures, you'll be in a position to meet their needs.

By: Sinta Makah
For More Hot Tips on Real Estate, hurry on to:
mydomainname101.com/RealEstate/

Make money in the Las Vegas real estate market. Buy Siezed Real Estate at 90% of Market Value - Click now to learn how!

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Thursday, November 09, 2006

Casino Careers

Casino Careers by Josh Stone

Casino gambling continues to expand around the World. Every year there are new casinos opening in existing markets and new venues around the World.

When most people think about employment in the gaming industry they naturally think of the dealers and casino personnel. It's only natural to think this way because those people are the ones out front and in the public eye. However the gaming industry is more than what you see on the gaming floor. Gaming has become an increasingly popular leisure activity, reflecting growth in both population and disposable income. Job growth is expected in established and growing gaming areas, such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and in other States likely to legalize gambling in the coming years.

Like nearly every business establishment, casinos have workers who direct and oversee day-to-day operations. Many job tasks of gaming managers, supervisors, and surveillance officers and investigators do not require interaction with casino games and patrons--but in the scope of their work, they must be capable of handling both.

Gaming managers. Gaming managers are responsible for the overall operation of a casino's table games. They plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate gaming operations within the casino; formulate gaming policies; and select, train, and schedule activities of gaming personnel. Because their jobs are so varied, gaming managers must be knowledgeable about the games, deal effectively with employees and patrons, and be able to assess financial issues affecting casino growth or decline. These assessment abilities include measuring the profit and loss of table games and slot machines, understanding changes driving economic growth in the United States and so on.

Salaries vary by establishment and region. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data show that full-time gaming managers earned a median annual salary of $46,820 in 1999. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,630, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $96,610.

Gaming supervisors. Gaming supervisors oversee gaming operations and personnel in an assigned area. Circulating among the tables, they ensure that all stations and games are attended to for each shift. It also is common for supervisors to interpret the casino's operating rules for patrons. Supervisors may also plan and organize activities for guests staying in their casino hotels. Periodically, they address--and make adjustments for-- service complaints.

Gaming supervisors must have leadership qualities and good communication skills. They need these skills both to supervise employees effectively and to greet patrons to encourage return visits. Most casino supervisory staff has an associate or bachelor's degree. Regardless of their educational background, however, most supervisors gain experience in other gaming occupations before moving into supervisory positions because knowledge of games and casino operations is essential for these workers.

Slot key persons. Slot key persons, also called slot attendants or slot technicians, coordinate and supervise the slot department and its workers. Their duties include verifying and handling payoff winnings to patrons, resetting slot machines after completing the payoff, and refilling machines with money. There are no formal educational requirements to enter this occupation, but completion of slot attendant or slot technician training is helpful. BLS data show that median hourly earnings of slot key persons were about $10.28 in 1999. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.02, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $17.83.

Gaming cage workers. Gaming cage workers conduct financial transactions for patrons. They sell gambling chips, tokens, or tickets to patrons or to other workers for resale to patrons. They also receive and convert the gaming chips, tokens, or tickets to currency at patrons' requests. Some cage workers may also accept patrons' credit applications and verify their credit references, enabling patrons to establish in that casino either a check cashing authorization or credit account.

Gaming dealers. Gaming dealers operate table games such as craps, blackjack, and roulette. Standing or sitting behind the table, dealers provide dice, dispense cards to players, or run the equipment. Some dealers also monitor the patrons for infractions of casino rules. Gaming dealers must be skilled in customer service and in executing their game. Dealers determine winners, calculate and pay winning bets, and collect losing bets. Because of the fast-paced work environment, most gaming dealers are competent in at least two games--usually blackjack and craps.

Nearly all gaming dealers are certified. Certification is available through 2- or 4- year programs in gaming or a hospitality related field. Experienced dealers, who often are able to attract new or return business, have the best job prospects. Dealers with more experience are placed at the "high roller" tables. Median hourly earnings for gaming dealers were $6.20 in 1999, according to BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $5.38, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $9.53.

In addition to specific requirements for each occupation, all gaming workers must meet some general requirements. For example, a high school diploma or GED usually is required for entry-level jobs. And applicants for gaming or casino jobs must be at least 21 years old. All gaming workers are required to have a license issued by a regulatory agency, such as a casino control board or commission. Licensure requirements include photo identification, residency in the State where applicants anticipate working, and payment of a fee. The licensing application process also includes a background investigation.

In addition to a license, all gaming workers need superior customer service skills. Casino gaming workers provide entertainment and hospitality to patrons, and the quality of their service contributes to an establishment's success or failure. Therefore, gaming workers need good communication skills, an outgoing personality, and the ability to maintain their composure even when dealing with angry or demanding patrons. Personal integrity also is important because workers handle large amounts of money.

Each casino establishes its own requirements for education, training, and experience. Almost all casinos provide some in-house training in addition to requiring certification. The type and quantity of classes needed may vary.

Like any job, gaming work has its good and bad points. One of the advantages is the work environment: the atmosphere in casinos is generally fun filled and often considered glamorous. In addition, advancement opportunities in casino gaming depend less on workers' previous casino duties and titles than on their ability and eagerness to learn new jobs. For example, an entry-level gaming worker, such as a slot key person, eventually might advance to become a dealer or card room manager or to assume some other supervisory position.

About the Author
Freelance writer for over eleven years.

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Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Las Vegas Jobs

Las Vegas Jobs

Las Vegas core industry is, as you might expect, the hotels and casinos. Though many people believe that these Las Vegas jobs are plentiful, they are actually quite competitive. Still, a person new to Las Vegas can do some things to assist in finding those Las Vegas jobs in the hotel and casino industry.

If you are a newcomer to the Las Vegas area an looking for Las Vegas jobs in the hotel/casino industry, you should probably try to start with off-strip casinos to gain experience and break into the industry. On the whole, strip-based casino owners will not give novice hotel/casino workers a chance, so looking for off-strip Las Vegas jobs can help you gain the experience and exposure you need to get a job on the more lucrative strip. Not only will these off-strip Las Vegas jobs give you experience, but they also allow you to get to know more “regulars” in Vegas. Many locals’ casinos draw regular clientele, while the strip hotels tend to draw tourists.

Again, if you are looking for Las Vegas jobs on the famous strip, you will need significant experience. However, you need to start somewhere. Many hotel/casino employers may hire you if you have a good work history, even if you do not have hotel/casino experience. Las Vegas jobs in hotels and casinos are easily learned through training, so employers look for you to be reliable and have a good attitude. In fact, some casino and hotel hiring managers often look for people who have no experience so that they come in with no judgments. If you go looking for Las Vegas jobs, whether off-strip or on the strip, you should bring with you a detailed and accurate employment history.

As you continue to look for Las Vegas jobs in the hotel/casino industry, you will probably be invited to interview with various employers. There are some things you need to do when you interview for these Las Vegas jobs. For instance, you need to go into your interview with a smile and a positive attitude. Many of these Las Vegas jobs in hotels and casinos require you to have a lot of contact with clientele, and if you cannot be positive in your interview, you most likely will not be positive on the job. You should also plan to take a drug test when you interview for these Las Vegas jobs, as most hotel/casino employers have drug-free environment policies. Dress neatly and professionally for your interview or audition, as many employers for Las Vegas jobs look for people who are taking the opportunity seriously.

Some of the most popular Las Vegas jobs are the ones where you will receive tips, and they are often the most sought after. Many people some seeking Las Vegas jobs that receive tips thinking that they will be dealing with high rollers that tip big, but usually you will start off on shifts and in hotels or casinos where the tips are not that large. Many people starting off in these Las Vegas jobs usually have to get a second job at first to make ends meet.

By: Charles Fuchs
Download the Free Quick Start Workbook (Free $97 Value!) and receive valuable tips, strategies and techniques designed to grow a very successful Home Based Business. Copyright © Charles Fuchs is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Home Based Business. He specializes in showing people the best way to Make Money at Home.

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Tuesday, November 07, 2006

The Fizzling Real Estate Boom

The Fizzling Real Estate Boom by Raynor James

The last five or six years have been some of the best in real estate for a long, long time. There is little doubt those days are over, but what does this mean to you?

The Fizzling Real Estate Boom

For the last few years, we have seen an incredible surge in the real estate market. While some states such as Texas and Colorado missed out, most states showed hyper appreciation and sales rates. The combination of incredibly low interest rates and a solid economy created a frenzy in the market. This frenzy led to such amazing situations as homes in Las Vegas appreciating at rates of over 25 percent in a single year. A single year!

As with a bubble you might blow from gum, the good times had to come to an end. Recent reports from various credible sources show the real estate market slowing down. In many places, it is actually showing a reverse trend where home values are dropping instead of just slowing down. As a homeowner, what does this mean to you?

First off, there is no reason for you to panic. The appreciation you have seen on your property is a paper gain. This paper gain does not impact your financial situation until you actually sell your home and accept an offer. When discussing appreciation and home values, it is important to remember the figures represent a projection of wealth. If you make your mortgage payments on time and then sell in 10 years, the value of your home will only matter when you actually sell at the tenth year. The value in years 2, 5 or 7 is more or less irrelevant. As long as you are able to meet your debt repayment obligation, there is no reason to panic because your home is losing some value.

The real estate market will recover and so will the value of your home. Of course, many people would like to know when the recovery will occur. The truth is nobody really knows. At the moment, the gurus are suggesting the market will bottom out in 2007 at some point and then recover. Even if it takes till 2008, you should be fine. Once appreciation rates start moving in a positive direction, you will recover any of your paper losses in due course.

Yes, the real estate market is pulling back. If you relax and live in your home for a few years, the value will rise again.

About the Author
Raynor James is with FSBO America - information on home values.

Make money in the Las Vegas real estate market. Buy Siezed Real Estate at 90% of Market Value - Click now to learn how!

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Monday, November 06, 2006

Government Real Estate Auctions - Tips for Buyers

Government Real Estate Auctions - Tips for Buyers

Government real estate auctions sell off real property that has been seized, abandoned, or forfeited. The Department of Treasury has been designated as the state department to handle such auctions. Typically, they conduct 100 auctions a year.

The funds obtained at state real estate auctions help support local and state police and other areas of the city. The placement of a successful bid at a Department of the Treasury auction establishes a legally binding contract between the successful bidder and the Government.

Here are some basic rules and policies:
1. To be eligible to bid you must be 18 years of age and not an employee of the state.
2. You cannot be the contractor, subcontractor or vendor or their agent who has access to information about the property.
3. A bidder registration form must be submitted for approval. If bidding for someone else, the form must be notarized.
4. Buyer is to inspect property prior to placing a bid.
5. Changes may be made on the day of the sale.
6. The Government reserves the right to withdraw from sale any of the property listed.
7. The buyer understands the property is sold on the “AS IS” basis.

A lot of rules and regulations govern government real estate auctions, and it is wise if you take the time to research them prior to attempting to attend. Each registered bidder will be issued a bidding number. This is your lifeline to what is important on that day. Don't loose it.

Most importantly enjoy yourself at government real estate auctions. The properties auctioned off are very valuable and should bring you a good return.

Please visit some of my other site at Real Estate Actions and State Real Estate Auctions

By: pjs1965
For more information please visit my website at government-real-estate-auctions.blogspot.com” title=”Government Real Estate Auctions">Government Real Estate Auctions

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Friday, November 03, 2006

3 Tips To Buy Cheap Government Seized Houses

3 Tips To Buy Cheap Government Seized Houses

Countless assets owned by private entities are being seized by the government every single day. These assets range from cars to boats and furniture to homes.

Among these things, nothing has more value than government seized houses. Almost all the other items depreciate in value; unlike government seized houses which actually increase in market price over a period of time. It is therefore a good idea to include government seized houses in one's options in buying a home.

Buying government seized houses is advisable not only to people who want to acquire a home, but to people who want to make good money out of reselling houses.

Here are some tips that can help you in finding your ideal home among the numerous government seized houses out there.

1. Consult The Experts

Always consult with an accredited licensed real estate broker when you are planning to buy from the many government seized houses. While you certainly have to incur commission expenses if you make use of their expertise, the good thing is you will have a worry free purchasing transaction.

Besides, the total acquisition cost of government seized houses including the broker's commission is still not that huge when compared to buying a new house.

2. Seeing Is Believing

Check out the government seized houses that are on your list. Remember that government seized houses are sold at bargain-based prices because the government does not normally repair or renovate them before being floated in the market.

The government has no disclosure policy as to the condition of the houses. And so the structural and aesthetic order of the house could be found wanting. So beware!

3. Learn The Ropes

While looking at government seized houses is a good way to find the house of your dreams, it can also be a good source of income.

Many people have raked in a fortune by just buying government seized houses, spending a little on repairs and improvement, and finally, selling the newly renovated house for a hefty profit.

Largely, the government has to contend with rising deficits, hence, its need to immediately dispose of the things it has confiscated or seized. The logical strategy is for the government to drive down the prices particularly of government seized houses.

So if you take advantage of this concept, you can actually earn a lot by reselling sequestered properties you won at auctions.

Truly, a road to take when you are looking for your dream house is to scout for the latest auctions for government seized houses. Good luck on your house shopping!

By: Anthony Lee
For listings of government seized houses, please visit www.buy-cheap-houses.info/.

Make money in the Las Vegas real estate market. Buy Siezed Real Estate at 90% of Market Value - Click now to learn how!

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Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Bouncing On The Real Estate Bubble...How The Newbie Breaks In

Bouncing On The Real Estate Bubble...How The Newbie Breaks In by Patrick Zanders

Creative real estate investors have been experiencing a boom over the last decade. They have been able to see some serious profits in a relatively short period of time. Some markets continue to show this amazing growth too. Areas like Phoenix, AZ and Las Vegas, NV are as hot as the desert that they are located in. Some people predict and end in sight very quickly, while others believe that it will continue. Now, being that this article is based on facts, let's agree that we are currently in a real estate boom. With that being agreed upon, we can now move on to the lesson at hand.

The "how to" business is booming in real estate is as hot as some markets. Most of these self proclaimed gurus will tell you that you can make money in any neighborhood, in any economic climate, all while being in any financial situation you happen to be in. This may have worked a few times, which gave the guru a name or a motive, but the fact is that you need to have yourself in a good situation before you begin in real estate investing.

Let's take a look at Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas just to name a few. These states have all passed or have pending legislation that will put a serious hurt on the creative real estate field. There is no way that Texas investors for example, can do a lease option if it is illegal correct? There is a provision though that states that the investor can buy the property outright (most newbies do not have that kind of cash), or he can use his line of credit (sorry, this is reserved for people with decent credit), or he can get a simple loan and ask the banker to agree to what he wants to do (this is easier than it sounds but you still need good credit).

Every day I am asked by a new real estate investor (or wanna be), what the best route to take is when getting into the business. My same old answer is that you can learn any type of investor style, just make sure that you have yourself in order first. One word of caution too, don' be fooled into thinking that you can spend some cash and instantly have business credit and be able to take down properties in the company name. Lenders have tightened their belts considerably when it comes to lending to an llc or corporation with credit. Yes it is possible to get corporate credit cards at Home Depot and Office Max when you have some corporate credit, but unless you are going to build a building and type a letter of thank you, you again need credit. Lenders will lend in some instances to a corporation with good business credit, but only if the company owner or representative signs as a co-signor or what they call a guarantor which states that they are backing the loan in their name and guess what...Yep, they need good credit.

Newbie investors truly need to understand that it is nearly impossible to have sustained success without a stable credit score behind you. Stop spending countless time and money or various programs and first step back and get your own financial house in order. Don't fall into the misconception that it will take years to clean your credit up. There truly are ways to climb out of the rut that you are in and it does not have to take years to do. With most credit reports containing blatant errors, a person can upgrade their credit quite easily. There are also ways to add things to your files that will make you more appealing to creditors. Most people do not know that you can add character references to your reports. This in itself can add a distinct advantge when looking for lenders to accept you as it is setting you apart from the masses and that's what it is all about.. Adding positive credit is a very simple aspect as well. You might not be able to remove everything negative, but at least cancel it out with something positive.

The journey into real estate investing can be a wild and financially rewarding ride. The averge Joe can be financially secure in a matter of a years. If this is truly an area that you want to concentrate your time, effort, and money in, do the right thing and get yourself prepared for what it will take. Do this even before you attend your first seminar or buy that first course.

About the Author
Patrick Zanders is co owner of ACR Systems. He is a lecturer, writer, and assists newbie investors in preparing themselves for breaking into the investing arena. The company also freely assists individuals all over the country that have poor or damaged by introducing them to their free poor credit buying program. He can be reached at pzanders@comcast.net or www.acresystems.net

Make money in the Las Vegas real estate market. Buy Siezed Real Estate at 90% of Market Value - Click now to learn how!

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