Sunday, December 28, 2008

How To Buy A House

There has been a lot written about the mechanics of how to buy a house. You get prequalified for a loan, then perhaps preapproved, and then you look for a home, make an offer, have inspections done and so on. Many people can help you through the process. But what if you can't get preapproved? What if you have little income, bad credit or other serious problems that prevent you from buying a home?

Mortgage loan requirements are being toughened up again now. Once again you might even need a down payment to get a loan. A bad credit rating no longer just means paying a higher interest rate - it can actually exclude you from obtaining a mortgage loan. But there still is hope. Let's look at how to buy a house when it doesn't seem quite possible.

How To Buy A House With Bad Credit

To begin with, if it is a slight credit problem, you may still be able to get a traditional loan. There are several ways to do this. The first is to correct any errors on your credit report, and challenge any entries you disagree with. You have a legal right to do this. Once changes are reflected in your credit score, you may be able to apply again and get a mortgage loan.

The other way is to go to local lenders which hold their own loans. Ask around to see which ones do this. Most lenders sell the loans they make, and so these loans have to meet the requirements of the secondary market. If they keep some loans "in house" they are not necessarily bound by rules or requirements other than those they have for themselves.

You can also buy a house with another person. Many people think that this is only for married couples, but any two people can buy a home together, and the lender will look at both credit histories to determine eligibility. It can be risky to buy a house with a friend, but sometimes it works out better for both compared to renting. If you had a down payment, for example, and he had good credit, you might help each other out, and sell the home five years later to recover your down payment and the respective shares of the equity you build.

You also can look to seller financing as a way to buy when you can't get a loan. I have seen homes sold without credit checks and with nothing down by sellers who financed the deals. The usual motivation for them to do this is to get a higher price and /or to sell a problem property, but it still can sometimes be a good opportunity for a buyer. Even if sellers don't offer terms, if you know they own their houses free and clear you can make offers that involve making payments to them rather than getting a loan to cash them out. Make it decent offer if you want it accepted, of course.

How To Buy A House When You Have No Money

If cash is your problem, you can start by making high offers on those houses that might be sold with zero-down seller financing, as suggested above. Teaming up and buying a home with a friend who has a down payment is another possibility. There are even a few mortgage lenders out there who are still offering zero-down loans. Check around.

One way that no one seems to like much is to save the money for a down payment. This means putting off owning a home for a while, but that may be a good thing at times. For example, in some areas in 2005 it cost $600 more per month to buy a house than to rent an apartment of similar area. Suppose you could have afforded the house, but had no down payment. You could have banked the $600 you were saving by renting each month, and three years later you would have about $23,000 for a down payment. Meanwhile home prices fell.

What if your problem isn't just a lack of cash, but also low income? Then maybe this isn't the right time for you to buy a house. This is especially true where the cost of buying is significantly higher than the cost of renting. On the other hand, if it will cost you about the same each month to buy as to rent, try everything above to get into a home. You'll be better off in the long run.

You might want to consider cheaper options than the usual starter homes. My first home was a mobile home on a small lot, for example. It cost less than $20,000 and I sold it for $45,000 years later. The monthly payment? $257. That certainly beat renting, and you can see that the idea some have about mobile homes not appreciating is just plain wrong (the land is where the value is, of course).

There are other ways to buy a house when your income is low and you have no money saved. If you expect your income to rise, you might look for a lease-option deal. You rent a house with an option to buy it at a set price within a set time (often a year or two). This buys you time to save money, improve your credit, and increase your income, so you can get a loan.

Buying a small lot for now is another way. Sellers of small lots may not worry about credit ratings, and they often don't need large down payments. They know you can't damage a piece of land as easily as a house, so they feel secure selling it with little or nothing down and they enjoy the interest they make. Your goal here is to get your finances and credit in order as you make those payments, so you can get a mortgage loan in a couple years, and put a house on the lot.

Look at all the possibilities. There is usually a way to buy a house if you keep trying.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Buying real estate with a trust in Mexico

Manzanillo is one of a kind in beauty and value. Of increasing popularity is touring and obtaining real estate in Manzanillo. There is a lot of confusion out there about owning property in Mexico. Especially when it comes to owning owning property in the "restricted zones" like close to the beach, and near the borders, Manzanillo included.

As experienced real estate owners in Mexico, let us clear up a few misunderstandings about owning Manzanillo real estate. We've dont this before, so following these instructions will make it as easy and quick as possible. We pretty much know how the process works and understand the reasons for this method of property ownership, so here is a partial explanation for the trust method of property ownership in the “Coastal Zone” of Mexico.

The laws have shifted greatly. No longer is owning land in Mexico out of the realm of possibility to foreigners. It’s still not unusual to have someone emphatically exclaim that “you can’t own property in Mexico”, or that “you have to have a Mexican partner on title to own property in Mexico”. These and other perceptions are just that: perceptions.

Reality is something like this (give me a little wiggle room here on the details, but I think this is close):

At one time the Mexican Government prohibited foreign nationals from owning land in the restricted border zones (within 50 km. of the ocean, border etc.) because they were concerned about being taken over by foreigners. This became a part of Mexico’s Constitution and as such can not be altered. Owning land in Mexico was a risky venture back then, and only the truly brave (or stupidly rich) would attempt it.

The solution to this is a Fideicomiso, or land trust. The governemnt has instituted this provision to allow foreigners to own real estate in the restricted areas of Mexic, such as the Manzanillo beachfront. Not unlike a trust created in Canada or the USA where assets are lodged in the trust and held for the exclusive use of the beneficiary, your Mexican trust holds the property deed for the sole benefit of you, the beneficiary. You have the right to do anything with the property (within the law of the local jurisdiction of course). You can occupy, rent, sell, develop, lease, etc. at your discretion. One advantage of the trust is that when creating the trust document for a specific property, you lay out your beneficiaries upon you death, eliminating the need for a Mexican Will.

Really, there isn't much by way of downside to this. Prices for everything are only slightly higher than a Mexican national would have to pay, and the yearly fee payed to the bank isn't terribley high. I look at this fee (tax on us) that Mexican’s do not have to pay, as a part of the price we pay to enjoy all that Manzanillo has to offer. This ‘payment of yearly trust fee’ certainly makes for good discussion at margarita time.

Your real estate purchase does not include the requirement of being a Mexican resident. The laws governing property ownership are certainly different from ours, but the result is nearly the same. The fideicomiso system is complete, if inconvenient, and it makes buying and selling property in Mexico safe and secure. When the time comes, make sure you use a good Notary that adheres to the proper procedures. Ask questions!

This should clear up most questions about the topic. There is lots of information on trusts in different publications and on the internet, most of which is factual. The Fideicomiso system makes owning real estate in Manzanillo painless and effecient, sans a few trips to the Notary. International living is within your reach!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

How To Find Really Cheap Housing

So you want really cheap housing? Whether you are buying or renting, here are five ways to find a home that costs you less. Those are followed by a list of the real expenses you need to compare your options fairly.

If you can live where you like, you can start by looking at towns where houses or apartments cost less, and cut your housing costs by as much as half or more. For example, an apartment which rents for $500 in Tucson, Arizona might be $1,500 in New York or San Francisco. A house you would have to pay $400,000 for in California might be $120,000 in many other cities.

Once you know which city you'll be living in, find the neighborhoods where prices or rents are lowest. If they aren't clearly unsafe or otherwise undesirable, start your search here. Only move on if you can't find what you need after carefully looking at what is for sale there.

Some types of housing are cheaper than others. Normally mobile homes on property are the cheapest options for buying or renting (although I have seen exceptions). Beyond that, the relative value of various types of houses can vary a lot in different cities. In some, classic old houses are valued more than new homes, while in other towns they're seen for the trouble they are and priced lower. Start cheap and work your way up if you don't find what you want.

There are often just plain good deals that can be found in any area or with any type of home. Putting a price on homes (or setting rents) isn't an exact science, and some sellers won't even use what decent tools are available for this, so keep your eyes open for an under-priced house. If you're willing to deal with a fixer upper, this could mean paying $20,000 less to buy a home that needs just a couple thousand in repairs and deferred maintenance.

Also, you can always offer less than the asking price. Learn a few good negotiating tactics if you are going to be talking to the sellers yourself. Otherwise you can make a bunch of low offers to see if one of them is accepted by a seller. If your first ten are rejected without a counter-offer, though, you might need to adjust your sights.

How To Compare Housing Costs

Don't make the mistake of thinking finding cheap housing  is all about the lowest price or monthly rental charge. A house for $10,000 less may mean paying $60 to $90 less per month on the mortgage, but if it means driving 10 miles more to and from work, and your car costs 30-cents-per-mile to operate, that's an extra $120 per month right there. Look at the following when comparing options:

- Loan costs. A higher interest rate on a small house may make the payments higher than those on a lower-interest owner-financed home which costs more. Consider the interest costs.

- Home owner insurance. Really cheap housing may not be so cheap if you have to pay more because of old heating systems or being in a flood or earthquake area.

- Taxes. A block or two can be dramatic in the cost of property taxes, depending on whether you are in or out of the city or township.

- Car expenses. It is not only your job, but also stores that can be further away if you are too far out of the city. Estimate your monthly car expenses based on the location and your habits.

- Gas, electric and other utilities. Your heating bill can be twice as high on a drafty old house versus a new energy-efficient one. Consider electricity, water, sewer and garbage collection expenses too.

- Repairs. Some homes are truly ready to live in without any work needed. Try to estimate the next three-year's repairs and divide by 36 to get a monthly figure to compare.

- Other regular costs. Does the home, condo or apartment have association dues? How about special assessments, snow removal costs or lawn care expenses?

Write down any and all expenses for each home you consider, so you can meaningfully compare them. Estimate as closely as you can if no records are available, and find a monthly average total for each. In this way you can see which are really cheap housing options.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Hobby Farm Enterprise - Experience Is Important

Starting A Hobby Farm Enterprise

 

The idea of developing a new and often novel hobby enterprise can lead to much excitement and frenetic activity soon after purchasing the farm. It is easy to get carried away with the excitment and run into the activities without careful planning.

 

Experience Is Important

 

In most cases the availability of money is an important issue and hence rushing forward can be a costly affair.

 

Unless one has had considerable experience working in a chosen field, for example - a plant nursery worker may have run and operated a business for the owner for many years and be fully prepared to establish such an enterprise on the farm, one should approach any new enterprise with caution.

 

Be Prepared For Hard Work

 

Quite often an enterprise will be developed slowly and worked on weekends or after retirement from a full time job. A wise option is to start with a small scale.

 

Since there is an endless array of possible enterprises, generalizations need to be made. However, the basics will always apply;

 

Budget For Initial Investments

 

Plants need to be matched to their physical requirements such as soil or the growing media, climate, water quality and availability, wind and extremes of temperature. Highly perishable crops often require extra treatment during harvest.

 

Aspects related to packaging, storage, transport and marketing must be investigated. When dealing with issues related to birds, flying foxes, vermin and insect damage, disease control can be an expensive requirements. Initial investment is usually heavey on fruit plantings. It can be highly costly if time is wasted on trying out plant varieties and understanding plant culture.

 

Market Condition And Competition

 

Research regarding the supply and number of local or overseas competitors growing a similar crop should be undertaken. Market timing may be adverse during harvest and nothing is more disheartening than to receive a return way below the cost of production. During harvest, same marketing principles would apply for all plants and flowers. The distance from markets can also be an important factor - should you want to set up a farm stall, then passing trade is needed and time is required dealing with customers who want to chat for long periods.

 

Local Regulations And Law Compliance

 

Animal production has its own unique and general requirements. Check with local council on environmental related laws, especially on noise and odours. When considering hobby enterprise, animals requires closer attention than plants. Animal farming can be costly on medicines and vaccines, especially if a vet is needed in the case of large animals. Livestock can be attacked by wild and domestic dogs, snakes, people or may even be stolen. Local council laws may require fencing and housing to be in place.

 

Logistics, Marketing And Other Considerations

 

Transport and marketing issues will also need investigation as with plants.

 

Once the research is done then issues such as insurance and the availability of capital need to be resolved, not to mention you general health and determination to overcome obstacles. An ability to negotiate change and unforeseen circumstances is required. It will be a great bonus to be able to deal with people and government agencies. Make an informed decision upon thorough research.

 

Remember, some people have become quite successful having started out with a small enterprise on a hobby farm

 

Wishing you every success, and the best of luck!

 

 

 

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The uk housing market is on its way back

Banks in the UK are under huge pressure to start lending again by the British government after the global credit crisis hit the housing market hard. This is in response to the Bank of England cutting interest rates for the 2nd time in a month to their lowest level in over 50 years, they now stand at 2% but some are already saying that they need to be cut to as low as 1% in order to get the market kick started. These rate cuts have led the government to put huge pressure on banks to pass on these savings to their mortgage customers but as yet very few banks are reacting to this. HSBC announced they would be looking at passing this onto their customers a swell as doubling lending next year to £15 billion, they have enjoyed huge growth this year and now have a market share of 15%. Also 5 other banks have said they will be passing on the rate cut to its customers whilst some other banks will only partially cut rates which has angered a lot of government officials and the general public.
Experts in housing market say they are already seeing a small growth pick-up and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has said it has been carrying our slightly more Surveys during that latter half of the year.
With mortgages being cheaper than ever it makes sense for people to buy now even though the country as a whole is struggling in the middle of a mini recession, many people are realising that with interest rates being so low and the fact that house prices have gone down so much there has never been a better time to buy, also the renting market is very strong at the moment, i have been researching into some of the rental properties, mainly 3 bedroom houses to rent in Worthing as i myself am looking at moving house and i have found that rental prices are very high at the moment as there is so much competition in this market aswell as there being high competion in the local area with many bungalows for sale in Worthing.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

The Flourishing Intra National Estate Space: Fostered by The PropertyIndex.com Company

Although the Property Index service is only a fairly young corporation, they were registered in March 2007, they have attained to expert status very quickly. They are a pretty down-to-earth corporation entirely dedicated to offering informed instructions to every customer expecting to sell, buy etc. real estate in many parts of the world. Their affirmation is to be of assistance to you to uncover exactly what you are looking for very quickly and, likewise, unproblematically.

Real estate can be bought in most popular areas of the world now, certainly the coolest area being properties you can purchase in Spain. It should be no big challenge to list a slew of the fabulous property you can purchase in Spain, the explanation for picking property here is the houses and apartments for sale and the good chance of living between this lively population. It's one of the most sought after countries now, and in view of the beauty and the wonderful climate surrounding you all year, how could you conceivably go wrong? Real estate in Spain is rich in history, this realm of the world has been and is still home to a lot of sophisticated nations.

Property Index can help with overseas property investment, view the properties available for investment.

Some 20 years ago you'd find just a trickle of British people keen on property in Spain. Ask anyone who has chosen to remove to Spain and they are certain to back it up. Well, some would prefer to see it as a transient fad and others prefer to see it as a practically a fixation! People that are willing to relocate to this region will typically range from yuppie couples looking for a life perspective to pensioners intending to take it easy. Do bear in mind, though, that there might well be catches when trying to purchase property overseas; there are obviously a hundred different actions be it when brainstorming, popping in or finalising. Even if a single procedure is missed it can definitely give rise to sizable catches plus, preeminently, monetary loss.

Obviously and expectably with this favored location, property could be high-cost in this place which is, of course, absolutely caused by the high market demand. Yet, the buyer presently is spoilt in terms of choice in a region characterized by shiny view. It actually has the whole enchilada one could ever relish and plenty more.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Mississauga Real Estate & GTA Market Statistics

 

If you've been watching the news and following the pundits and commentary, essentially the message has been that real estate prices have declined in the 905 region, including Mississauga of course, by about 8% from October of 2007. However, there are bright spots to keep in mind. Mississauga and the surrounding 905 area have had prices decline by 8%, however they're still 1% higher than October of 2006. The average price of a home in October 2006 was $332,822, and October 2008 is $336,049. Many believe we are merely experiencing a market adjustment rather than a significant downward trend.

Mississauga Real Estate statistics summarized in the totals of all sales in the 905 region, also known to most as the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), indicate sales figures from January 1, 2008 to Mid November 2008 to be 70,474. During that same period for 2007 sales totalled 84,994.

Real Estate in Mississauga showed a total of 1791 new residential listings added to the local multiple listing service in the month of October 2008 increasing by 16% over October 2007. The total number of residential properties listed for sale in Mississauga at the end of October 2008 was 3,101. Although we don't know how the trend will be for increasing property inventory, the wider selection combined with lowering prices certainly bodes well for buyers. There isn't any doubt that purchasers have a wide selection of properties to choose from.

In the first two weeks of November 2008 the average price in the 905 region was $358,130 from $358,610 recorded a year ago. The average price recorded for the first have of November 2006 was $336,576.

In summation, a study by the International Monetary Fund based upon housing markets in seventeen countries determined that Canada was only one of two nations where house prices are supported by the economy. Canada is positioned very well to ride the economic downturn due to many factors, including more stringent regulation within the banking system. These regulations have helped to avert the kind of upheaval in real estate being experienced in the US.

The above real estate statistics can be found discussed in greater detail at either the Toronto Real Estate Board or The Canadian Real Estate Association.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Real Estate Investing Advice for the first time home purchase

WOW, I was asked to write an article to HELP a first time HOME Buyer not familiar with the United States system of purchasing a property.  Having lived overseas I can relate to being very intimidated about such a decision and makes me reflect on the first time I purchased real estate in Puerto Rico. 

After thinking about this and modifying this article, here is what I came up with.  I hope this helps:

  • A Buyer needs to determine how much HOUSE/PROPERTY they are qualified for.  It makes no sense to look for a property to purchase if you can't afford it.  This is something that the American consumer is finding out NOW as we speak.  Get a professional to pre-qualify you so you know what that magic number is and always look for a purchase price less than, 10-20%, that number.   
  • The purchaser needs sit down and write what items the property must contain that are important and affordable:
    • Number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
    • Square footage. Remember the more square feet the more expensive!
    • Parking - Can you park all your vehicles on the property?
    • Garage - An awesome place for storage and protection for your second largest purchase.
    • Kitchen.  This has always been important to me since I have experienced small ones. It is a high traffic area so make sure it is BIG.
    • I could go on and on with this but you get the idea.
  • By now most people would look for a REALTOR to help them look for a property.  While this maybe a good option there are other avenues available to the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER:
    • INVESTOR Properties.  This is a property owned by an investor who is looking for a quick sale, profit, and moving on to the next deal.  They will DEAL with you.  This is a good opportunity for you to save a lot of money but you have limited property choices.  More investors available more choices. There are many organizations available throughout the United States that attract INVESTORS.
      • Since I am in Miami, Florida you can find investors at: Miami Real Estate Investors Association (MREIA)
      • For other organizations check the internet. Google "Real Estate Clubs" or "Real Estate Investor Associations"
      • Or check out http://www.creonline.com/ and click on the menu link:"Real Estate Clubs".
    • Foreclosures - Right now you can get AWESOME deals on pre-foreclosure properties but there is a learning curve. Rather than go into all the real estate jargon and explain the process, you can speak with my wife Alejandra.  She is a FORECLOSURE COACH and teaches people expressing an interest in the foreclosure market. Check out her course description at: Foreclosure Coaching Program. She is also bilingual (Spanish/English) which really helps one of the largest minority groups in the United States purchase a property if English is not their primary language.
    • FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) - Usually this is not an option for someone who is looking to negotiate a deal.  The owner of the house does not want to pay commission and probably does not want to pay for anything else.  They are less likely to deal with you.  If this is the case, state your offer and walk away.  They may call you later.
    • There are so many ways to pick up a deal and I highlighted some but not all. For more information contact your local Real Estate Investment Club. They usually produce seminars and workshop events on investment strategies that allow you to find a deal and save yourself some money.
  • NOW you have found a property what is next?  You have to determine what is the value of the property?  Not what the SELLER says is the value but what you think is the value.  Remember this is the biggest investment you will ever make so you must make sure you can afford this investment.  Don't let anyone talk you into doing something you don't feel comfortable with.  Listen to your inner voice.  Here are some tools that can help you:
    • Go to the property information sites provided by the county.  These sites are useful to provide you with recorded history of your targeted purchase.  For Florida, I have a page on my web site that lists all the property information sites by county at: Florida's County Property Information and Clerk of the Court Websites
      • For Example:  The property maybe listed as a 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms but the county records say it is a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom.  A red flag should go off in your head.  Why don't they match?
      • The county sites usually list all the Year-to-Date Recorded Sales information based on the purchase property's address.  Here is the sales link for Miami-Dade county in Florida: Miami-Dade Year to Date Recorded Sales
    • Comparables - What are the comparable prices of properties listed and selling in your specified neighborhood?
      • If you are using a Realtor, ask them to provide property comparables for your review.  Make sure you get copies of:
      • Pending Sales.  This are current properties listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) but have not been sold.
      • Sale of Properties from the last three months if available.  No sales maybe a good sign.  Neighborhood Stability!
      • If you are not using a Realtor, don't panic.  There are sites that list property comparables for FREE.
  • Once you have determined the value you want to submit an offer to purchase.  There are two ways to make and offer based on the determined value:
    • Price - Buyer/Seller will negotiate based on purchase price.
      • Seller/Buyer feels comfortable talking about price because they believe there is some room for negotiating the price but still produces a win-win deal for the Buyer and Seller.
    • Terms - There may be no room to drop the price due to various reasons but the Seller will give you better terms.
      • Maybe the Seller will hold a mortgage for the Buyer.
      • Maybe the Seller will allow you take over "Subject To" the existing mortgage.
      • Do a "No Money Down Deal"
      • Exchange an Asset for another Asset.  I have learned that you don't need money to do a deal.  The "Greater Miami Real Estate Exchangors" specializes in exchanging assets.
      • There is a million ways to negotiate on terms. Don't be afraid to get creative.  Just make sure to place it in writing.
    • Place everything negotiated in writing.
      • Realtors have a contract template that is full of disclosure forms and allows you to enter your negotiated terms if it not available on the contract template.
      • Deposit - Make sure you negotiate the smallest amount as possible.  The minimum amount by law in Florida is $10.
      • If you are not using a realtor, contact a local investor and ask them what they use for a contract.  See if you can get a copy of one.  I never had a problem getting any document for FREE.  Just ASK!
  • After Buyer's contract has been accepted by the Seller, the Buyers needs to do the following:
    • Find financing to qualify for funding if the Buyer is borrowing money to purchase the property.   I use Phoenix Capital Funding, LLC, licensed in 38 states.
      • You may want to check the following:
        • How are the taxes and insurance going to be paid?
        • Is there going to be a pre-payment penalty?
        • Are you going for a fixed or adjustable rate (OUCH!) mortgage?
        • What is the interest rate you are going to pay?
        • What percentage will they finance the property up to?  75%, 80%, 100%? This means you may have to come up with the rest of the money.
        • Be careful of PMI.  Ask your Mortgage Broker about that.
        • What are the closing costs and their amounts?  These can be negotiated.
    • Get the house appraised. Make sure you have a true picture of the properties value from a professional.  If you are financing the property, usually the bank will hire the appraiser.
    • Look for a FULL SERVICE Home Inspection Company to do a complete examination of the property the Buyer has under contract. Their job is to find out what is wrong with the property so it can be repaired. The results of this examination may save you additional money before the purchase occurs. I use Castrillo Home Service.
    • Property will need to be surveyed to check for property encroachments.
    • Start looking for an insurance company that will provide coverage for you after the purchase has occurred.  Please note that if the property is beyond a certain age, the insurance companies may require a 4 point inspection.  This is used to determine whether the property has been brought up to existing code for plumbing, roofing, electricity and mechanical (A/C and Heat).
    • In order to facilitate the deal a Title company is used to make the purchase transaction smooth, legal and protect the Buyer, Seller and the financial institution. Depending on whose Title company being used, the Buyer's or Seller's, make sure you have a Title company that knows what they are doing. Especially when the transaction maybe different from your normal purchase.  I have been financially burned many times by Title companies that didn't check for "OPEN Permits", missed an existing mortgage during a Title Search, liens, violations, etc.  Make sure you get Title Insurance to protect you from mistakes made by them.
    • Also, you may want to order a C.L.U.E Report that provides a 5 year history of insurance claims against the property.  This will tell you the insurance history about the property:
      • Was it flooded?
      • Fire Damaged?
      • Vandalized?
    • Find a good Real Estate Attorney.  They charge a fee but they will protect you from many things that may cost you much, much more later on.
      • I use in South Florida an awesome Real Estate attorney named Paul Woods for all my transactions and issues. 
      • His contact information along with several other individuals can be found on my website at:  South Florida Service Providers.
  • You nearing the finishing line!   All the documents, inspections, appraisals, searches, deposits (MONEY that may come out of your pocket or not) have been done.  Both parties are ready for CLOSING.  An appointment is scheduled to sign a bunch of papers.  CAUTION:  Deals can and will blowup at the closing table!
    • A good friend and mortgage broker Joseph F. Suarez wrote an article: "Ten Reasons Deals Fail at Closing".  It explains why deals fail at the moment of Truth! Don't go crazy like I have done in the past! If it is a sound deal and both parties are motivated everything can be negotiated and fixed.
  • Last but not least, make sure the transaction is recorded properly.  One time I received a recorded DEED with a strange name of a woman.  Try explaining that to your wife!  It's OK!  Call your Title Company to correct the error and record it again.
  • You're DONE!   Go enjoy your HOME that you have worked so hard for!

Bob Burns
(305) 300-6242
Email: mailto:rkburns@investmentpropertiesmiamiflorida.com?subject=Article%20-%201st%20Time%20Home%20Buyer
Website: http://www.investmentpropertiesmiamiflorida.com/

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Your World Wide Property Space -- Expedited by The Property Index Online Company

Though the Property Index may be considered a rather young bureau, doing business only since March 2007, they were quick to achieve expert status. In actuality they are a rather undemanding bureau devoted to offering advice to anyone who is designing to sell, buy, rent or let real estate across the world. Their avowal is to help you hit upon dead-on what you require swiftly plus, of course, painlessly.

Real estate can be purchased across the globe presently, one of the choicest areas being real estate for sale in Dubai. It should be easy as falling off a log to chart the glorious realty for sale in Dubai, one argument for picking property here being properties available and the sensational opportunity of spending your life together with such a optimistic populace. It is one of the most popular property markets presently, and in view of the scenic beauty and the wonderful climate that surrounds you night and day, how could you be wrong.? Real estate in Dubai is steeped in history, art and culture, this part of the world has been and is still home to several civilizations.

Find one of the most exclusive selections of Dubai properties here!

About 30 years back you would find merely a tiny number of English people looking for realty in Dubai. Just ask anyone who has relocated to Dubai and they'll tell you the same. Quite a few people would call it a basically irrelevant trend and others call it a close to an obsession... Buyers that are looking to move over here extend from young families who are looking for a challenge to seniors planning to enjoy their retirement. Note that there could well be hitches when purchasing realty abroad: expectably there are dozens of procedures to bear in mind when working out a plan, surveying or finalising. Even if one single minute action is missed that could engender large hitches plus, more importantly, loss in financial terms.

As can be counted on with this sought after region, realty may well be high priced in this location and that's clearly because of the peaking buyer demand. Regardless of this clients certainly are spoilt in terms of choice in an area full of fair terrain and fantastic panorama. Actually it can boast the lot a patron may long for etc.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Costa Rica Real Estate: What You Should Know About Investing

Real estate investors have a saying,The only three things that matter in real estate are location, location and location. We all understand that a ten bedroom, eight bath home with cathedral ceilings and a swimming pool that is sitting next to a garbage dump has no value.

On the other hand a little one bedroom, one bath shack sitting in the middle of downtown Boston might be worth a small fortune. So you can see that the location is of the utmost importance when you are considering a piece of real estate to invest in.

The same thought process holds true when you are considering buying real estate in Costa Rica. Costa Rica property has been returning at very high levels, since investment first began there.

Like in any other situation, you should ask yourself, "what makes the location of a piece of real estate a must have? The answer is fairly simply really. The value is based on nothing more than the desirability factor. Desirability is one of those hard to define factors.

Property that is totally undesirable to one person might be just the next person's dream-come-true. And this phenomenon is true for real estate investors and for home buyers and for renters. It is true for all aspects of the real estate market.

The main point for any real estate investor to consider first is what their strategy will be for making money from the investment. Buying is only half of the equation and whether the location of the property is good or bad depends upon that crucial profit strategy.

For example, prime real estate is the best choice if you are planning to purchase a property with the intention of just waiting for the market to rise. Locations that are near entertainment centers or newly developing areas would be best because the likelihood is pretty good that that the property will increase in value with little other effort.

On the other hand, if you are planning to invest in a property with the intention of renting it and making a monthly income from it, you might be better off to look into urban properties. Urban properties wouldnt always be considered prime real estate but they are prime rental properties. What these properties may lack in space or amenities, they make up for by being very close to the action.

And we can't forget the real estate investors who are handy with their hands. These people like to purchase properties below market value and fix them up. They can make repairs and renovations to rundown properties themselves, sell it for a great deal more than their purchase price and make a very nice profit. For these investors, the best location is that made up of mid-priced homes in working neighborhoods.

There are many factors that real estate investors consider when they are deciding which property to invest in. Knowing what kind of investor you are, and what your profit strategy is for the investment will help you decide where and how to find the perfect property in the perfect Costa Rican location.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

How Much Can I Borrow For A Mortgage - Coming Up With A Realistic Amount

Inquiring how much can I borrow for a mortgage is a smart place to start when you're in the market for a new home.The answer to that is somewhat complicated, and you need to know more about this topic before contacting a lender.  The following are details on how lenders calculate how much they will let you borrow.

How much can I borrow for a mortgage?This is an often asked question, with an answer that varies depending on your circumstances.A lender can make the situation seem more complicated and cryptic than is has to be.But the guidelines below will help you determine for yourself how much can I borrow for a mortgage.

The information here contains descriptions of different types of mortgages, but the most important thing will be your net income.Your gross salary is the money you bring in every month before taxes are withdrawn.Whatever you have afterwards is called your net income.When determining how much mortgage can I afford, you need to consider your net income.

Mortgage lenders use specific methods to figure out what net income you will have available to spend on your monthly payment.Understanding mortgage types becomes quite important at this point.  29% of your net income will be allowed for your monthly house payment if you have an FHA loan.On the other hand, if you take out what is referred to as a conventional mortgage, a third of your net earnings can go toward your mortgage payment.So if you want to know how much can I borrow for a mortgage, the amount will depend on what kind of loan you're considering.

The ratios above should give you a clue about how much a lender will allow you to spend on your housing payment every month.But there are other factors besides understanding mortgage types that should be part of your decision.  When you are thinking how much can I borrow for a mortgage, don't forget to look at how much you can reasonably afford.  Sometimes the most money you are qualified to get means that you won't be able to add to your retirement savings or take vacations.If that might be your situation, take your finances seriously.

The price of homes within your budget will also be influenced by the interest rate you get.  The higher your rate of interest is, the less home you will be able to afford.Notwithstanding the different types of home loans to choose from, the effect of interest rates should be taken into account.  More often than not, you're required to pay mortgage insurance if your down payment is less than 20%.  So consider these extra expenses when you ask your lender how much mortgage can I afford.

Asking questions is one of the most important aspects of shopping for a home loan.Having seen these descriptions of different types of mortgages, you should be ready to take the first step.In addition to finding out how much can I borrow for a mortgage, remember to be realistic about how much you can afford.

We hope that you enjoyed reading this article. If you are looking for additional information on health related articles or free niche articles, please be sure to check out our website.

When Buying A Home, Is Good Credit Necessary?

For those who want to purchase a home or to refinance the home they already have and have a bad credit score, there is still hope! The industry that provides mortgages has a wide reach and more things to offer than many people know about. It is not necessary to go to the local bank to procure your mortgage and to know that perfect credit is all they will accept.

Thousands of lenders for mortgages are available throughout America. They are more commonly referred to as wholesale lenders because they offer special programs for those individuals who want to borrow money who have less than perfect credit. These lenders are the ones that work with a broker who has wholesale customers ready to purchase.

Brokers do not lend money themselves, but are the ones to turn to for knowledge and education on the process of obtaining a mortgage from the start to the finish. Brokers can also help find a lender that will be perfect in providing you with the exact needs you require.

The broker will have the ability to access hundreds of lenders across the United States at one time. They will have the resources to find a lender that can accommodate your specific credit needs and a decent down payment you can afford to make no matter what your credit score might be. Brokers are always ready to compete for business so sit back and let them fight for your business.

Financing on less than perfect credit is also a possibility but you can expect to see a larger amount asked for the down payment. The lower the credit score, the higher the down payment will be. Fifteen percent is normal for a regular finance but will go as high as 40% for those with bad credit under 520. Some mortgage lenders will ask for half the money down before they will agree to lend you the remaining amount.

Some of the time, a larger down payment for a bad credit loan can work to the advantage of the buyer. For those who put more than 20% on a loan, the private mortgage insurance is not needed and it can reduce the interest paid over the life of a smaller loan.

Applying online for a bad credit loan is easy as there are many places to choose from. Many will give you there preapproval determination within minutes of applying.

This type of loan will show you what you can afford every month and the type of budget you should be following to get the amount of money you want no matter if you are approved for the bad credit loan or not. The important last step to applying online is to keep in mind that the application form should be completed correctly and it should be looked at over again to make sure there are no errors in it.

All items need to be filled in and spelling should be correct. This will reduce the problems in trying to match the information on your credit history that could slow or stop the entire process from happening as it should. It can even cause you to be denied.

Timothy A. Crane Private Real Estate Investor We buy houses and help people with their situations and give them options that they did not know they had. Cash For Your Home http://www.cashmoneyhousebuyer.com

Land In Savannah Tennessee For Sale

Cashmoneyhousebuyer.com

Finding Property in Savannah Tennessee for sale is an easy task when you review all the options available to you for searching to find these properties. Variety is good, and it just got better with so many ways of making your search easier and more successful.

If you find yourself lost trying to find properties and not being able to find any, this article is for you. Read it carefully to learn the easiest ways of locating some prime property and acquiring it for you.

After you find the area that you would like to purchase your home in, then you can try to get to know the area a little better. The locals can be an unlimited source of information, sometimes help, and always fascinating. Try to get background stories on local properties that are for sale, and find out whom you are to contact for information concerning the Property in Savannah Tennessee for sale.

After taking a look around town, you will get to see everything first hand, which brings new meaning to the phrase "seeing it for yourself". Nothing beats having a good look at something before you buy it.

You will also find properties that are not listed anywhere else, and will still be up for sale.
Try calling around to various real estate agencies for a listing of local homes and properties that are for sale in the surrounding area. They will give you a listing, and possibly assist you in your search for that perfect home.

Enlisting their services is another option if you would rather not deal with some of the problems that accompany house-shopping on your own. Regardless of whether they have many listings, you will have saved some time by calling as opposed to driving and walking around.

No matter which method you use to locate properties for sale in Savannah Tennessee, there are plenty to choose from. Do not settle for small listings or only word of mouth information. There are many ways of finding the homes, whether listed or not, and you can do it using any of the above mentioned ideas, and quite possibly making some ideas of your own.

Regardless of your choice in search preference, indulge your curiosity and give yourself a chance to broaden your search by being creative with your property hunt, raising the chance of success dramatically.

Timothy A. Crane is a Private Real Estate Investor.     We buy houses and help people with their situations and give them options that they did not know they had.Sometimes we offer owner financing to people, that can't get a mortgage through traditional methods.   Cash For Your Home http://www.cashmoneyhousebuyer.com

Owner Financing Homes in Tennessee

If you are planning on moving into the Tennessee area, there are many options for you to choose from for finding owner financed properties. No matter your reason for moving whether in or out of state, there are plenty of locations and properties up for sale or rent. Depending on your needs or desires, you could settle into your dream home much more quickly than you would first expect.

Finding owner financing homes in Tennessee is made easier by using the real estate ads made available in most towns and cities, free of charge. These ads will give you information concerning the statistics of the homes being sold and the people you need to contact. Finding owner financing homes will take a little more time to peruse the ads for those that are being sold by the owners instead of through a real estate company, but the work could be well worth it for finding your future home.

Searching online sites for private ads listing homes being sold by the current owner is another way of maximizing your search options. There are a myriad of listings that enable you to get a head start on finding some of the best owner financing homes in Tennessee. You can often take virtual tours in some of the homes, which allows you to see the home layout in 3D format, and others you simply must visit in person. There is almost no better way to find a great home than to gather the information beforehand.

Friends and family are sure to be an additional source of information when it comes to finding that perfect property location in Tennessee. Ask family and friends if they know of any locals or companies that would have recent information concerning purchasing these types of homes in Tennessee.

Finally, perseverance is what will ultimately help you procure that perfect home. That and diligence to keep searching until you find what you are looking for. It takes time and effort to find a great deal, and investing your time and energy into this venture enables you to heighten the chances of a successful result, no matter the challenges that arise.

Bear in mind the fact that searching for a new home in a different location can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. Keep your brain focused and your options open, and you might be surprised what you find.

Timothy A. Crane Private Real Estate Investor We buy houses and help people with their situations and give them options that they did not know they had. Cash For Your Home http://www.cashmoneyhousebuyer.com

Thursday, October 9, 2008

ABC's Of Learning To Buy Tennessee Real Estate

selling a house can be a very daunting task if you aren't familiar with the procedure involved, but taking into consideration the current market for Tennessee property, your house could be one of several thousands that have successfully completed the sales. With high reviews, and outstanding results, the current market for real estate allows for ample choices, also giving you numerous options when it comes to finding that perfect house.

Savannah TN offers a variety of appealing choices when it comes to the community and what is available. With 5 public schools interspersed throughout the area, the TN real estate market considers education to be an integral part of the community. Parents and local residents have rated the schools on a scale from one to five in regards to their integrity and success of teaching the proper education to the children. The ratings come in at 41/2 out of 5, revealing the exceptional standards of the public schools in Savannah.

If you find yourself asking, "How can I sell my house fast?" The best answer is listing the land with Tennessee real estate. From the start to the ending of the process, your property will get a massive amount of publicity from being listed.

Adamsville residents expect and require the same results when it comes to locating that dreeam home or property to settle down. With a community built around the needs and desires of the people, Adamsville has rapidly risen in notoriety for offering prime locations in the Tennessee real estate market and helping numerous people trying to navigate the confusing process of selling a house.

The surrounding community boasts a varied assortment of businesses, schools, and churches. With a diverse background and a thriving real estate market, finding the best location is easy for those of you interested in planning a move or re-location to TN. Finding the perfect house for you and your family is much simpler with the help of real estate listings that provide alot of information about the facts concerning each home currently on the market.

With help available to ease your worries when you wonder 'how can I sell my house fast', you can begin focusing your time on more important things to do with your future and with creating the best start in your life. Serving all your needs in your mission to find your dream house, Tennessee real estate is first on the list and all the information is available for you to use.

Timothy A. Crane is a Private Real Estate Investor We buy houses and advise people with their situations and tell them about options that they weren't aware of. Savannah, Tennessee Property http://www.cashmoneyhousebuyer.com

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Easy Way to Buy a Home if you Have Credit Problems

Some might think it's impossible to acquire another loan after a bout of foreclosure or bankruptcy in their life. On the contrary, some lending companies do provide mortgage loans to those who have a history with financial difficulties. Even with damaged credit, it is still possible to get a loan and your dream home, and here's how.

It is recommended to forgo getting a loan within a span of 2 to 3 years. These times will be well spent in repairing your damaged credit rating, and will allow you ample time to start over again from scratch.  In the meantime, you still can move into your dream home.  Places like BadCreditHomeFinder.com can help you own a home while you fix your credit.

Fix the problem

If you have credit issues, you will find out important it is when you try to buy a home. If you follow the traditional route to buying a home, repairing your credit is a must. Follow these tips to repair your credit score

1. Try to get a credit report and check out each item carefully. Take note of those transactions which gives you a negative credit rating. Paying online can help you keep your payments on time. This might take some time depending on the number of transactions you made with late payments, but everything will all add up in the long run.

2. Making your payments on time is probably the most important thing you can do to improve and keep a higher credit score. If the company notices that you've been making on-time payment on a regular basis then they might award you by lowering your interest rates.

3. Getting a new and secured credit card is a good way to improve your credit rating. Try to make on time payments with your new credit card for a year to show the lending organization that you are financially stable and your past woes are now erased from history.

Finding a lender for your new home

It will be quite difficult in finding a new mortgage lender that will provide you with the best deals for your dream home, but never impossible. If you do get approved for a mortgage, you will still pay a lot more in higher interest charges.

There are two ways to go for a loan even with a damaged credit: one, you can scout around for lenders with manageable interest rates and continually pay on-time so that they can lower the interest rates with your timely payments. Similarly, there are some mortgage lenders who will give people a second chance, but things are tighter than than they used to be.

Researching online will reveal many lenders who may be willing to qualify you for a loan. Online mortgage brokers will go out of their way to help you out even if you have a damaged credit record. Also, some online lending companies give low interest rates even to ones with bad credit record; try to keep an eye out for these sites since you can get back to them later to compare terms and agreements, conditions and interest rates.

If traditional lenders fail

Your best bet would be to think outside the normal avenues.  Sites like BadCreditHomeFinder.com can help you get into a home while you improve your credit. 

More often than not, traditional lenders will refuse to do business with people with bad credit records, especially those who just came out from foreclosure and bankruptcy; then one option you have is through sub prime mortgage loan lenders.  Although the current environment makes it more difficult to get a sub prime mortgage, you should still pursue this avenue to see whether you can qualify.

Even with bad credit, sub prime and high-risk mortgage lenders do business with people who have credit ratings of 650 and below. The standard score for any traditional lender is 660 and above. Often time, traditional lenders will even raise the requirement to 670 just to be sure that the risk is less when giving out the loan.

You can find sub prime and high risk mortgage lenders online, where you can see their current requirements. Again, you can find lots of credit card companies that issue credit cards for people with poor credit.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

West Tennessee Property For Sale

Cashmoneyhousebuyer.com

Life changes frequently, sometimes more for some than for others, and with those changes come the desire or necessity to buy or sell a house. No matter where your location, buying or selling a house is a series of steps that require knowledge of the real estate market, and knowing West Tennessee real estate is the starting place of working toward a positive result from your hard work to sell or buy a home.

During the initial search for information on West Tennessee property for sale, there is a period of reservation which is completely understood. Your need to find the best location is only natural, and if you have a family, there are numerous other factors that will ultimately affect your final decision. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the availability of nearby schools in relation to the house, the general reputation of the surrounding area, community involvement within a chosen area, and the number of shops, churches, and entertainment establishments that comprise the city or town.

Bringing all of the above factors into play, while finding a West Tennessee house for sale, brings new meaning to the process. Finding information is relatively easy with the aid of the internet, and procuring this information is the beginning to making an educated decision in your future and the future of your family. Take steps to familiarize yourself with the local residents through town and city websites that offer pertinent information concerning statistics that will apply to you if you decide to purchase a West Tennessee house for sale.

Once you have found the information you are satisfied with, finding the local listing for West Tennessee real estate is a speedy way of viewing the exterior of houses you might be interested. Most listings include a photo of the property, which will give you a chance to take a glimpse from your home. Another great way of aquiring information concerning West Tennessee property for sale is by driving around.

Besides acquainting yourself with the overall layout of the town or city, this enables you to view, firsthand, various locations that may not be listed with any real estate company, and allows for a more relaxed and stress free approach to the process. Take time out to create a schedule that suits you and your busy life, and find that home just waiting to be owned by you.

Timothy A. Crane Private Real Estate Investor We buy houses and help people with their situations and give them options that they did not know they had. Cash For Your Home http://www.cashmoneyhousebuyer.com