Your practical real estate guide

What is Real Estate?

July 10th, 2010 B. Slade

1.jpgReal property like land, buildings and land improvements that are utilized by businesses to produce income are considered real estate. Real property in contrast to personal property is held for the purpose of investments. Typically, the increasing value of real estate exceeds the inflation rate but real estate uses an inflation hedge which differs in each locality.

In real estate, there is also leverage because of the high percentage of the investment which can be made with the use of debt funds with down payments usually less than 25 percent. Real estate also provides for capital appreciation and depreciation however, with a large capital investment.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

June 10th, 2010 editor

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Real estate agents can surely help you in finding the right place for you. Just where and how do you find them? Easy. The simplest way to find a credible and efficient real estate agent is through referrals. Being referred to would only mean they are doing a great job. Nowadays, it is also easy to spot them online. In the internet you can find lists of real estate agents where there are even ratings and testimonials so you would really be able to know who’s at the top of their job. If you attend open houses, you could find real estate agents where interacting with them is easy. They would surely be hanging around and that would be the time for you to observe who’s okay and then, select.

Moving Into Your New Home

May 29th, 2010 B. Slade

post5.jpgNow that you have acquired that new home for you and your family, the next big step is moving into that new home. Simple as it may sound, the moving part may be stressful if you are not fully prepared and in control of the situation.

Here are some simple tips to help eliminate the stress usually associated with the moving process and make you look forward to a comfortable and satisfying first night in your new home.
1. Inventory is the key.
2. Take only what is necessary, this is a good time to clean up.
3. Get professional movers who can take care of your belongings and get it there in time and in good condition.
4. Get an insurance based on your inventory to protect your valuables.
5. The moving company may pack your things for you but in case you decide to do the packing yourself, use sturdy boxes and bubble wrap if necessary.

Buying Your New House

April 24th, 2010 B. Slade

post4.JPGHow to buy a new house would depend primarily on the existing real estate laws and regulations in your location. However, there are some real estate constants that are not affected by these laws and regulations which will help you to purchase your dream house easier. This guide will give you a bit more confidence in your step towards buying your new house:
1. Keep your finances in order
2. Familiarize yourself with the mortgage industry
3. Secure a pre-approved mortgage
4. Determine specific needs and wants
5. contact a real estate agent
6. Search for your ideal property
7. Look into pre-offer tasks
8. Give your offer
9. Get the services of a home inspector
10. Stay on top of the transaction
11. Close the deal

Moving to a Small Town

March 22nd, 2010 B. Slade

post3.jpgThe price of real estate is slowly increasing and it is becoming unaffordable for most middle income families. Buying that dream property is still not a reality for most of them because of this reason. One step that you can make in making that dream a reality is relocating to a smaller town where the cost of living is relatively lower but still allows you to capture that dream of building your own home in a decent community.

This may even open new avenues of income and boost your finances to a point where it will allow you to develop your real estate and invest more in it. There are great differences in costs of living depending on your location and usually the difference can translate into savings for you and your family which will allow you to build a firmer foundation and spend more on your real estate investment.

Real Estate Transfer Tax

February 14th, 2010 B. Slade

post2.JPGReal Estate Transfer Tax is paid to the government whenever real property is granted, sold or transferred interest. This type of tax is also levied on holding companies of real estate. The government computes the amount of tax you need to pay based on determining factors relative to the real estate you have acquired.

There are some instances when payment of real estate transfer tax is exempted. Here are some common exceptions:
1. Gifts
2. Transfer of title to spouse due to divorce or nullity
3. Transfer to the State
4. Correction of deeds previously issued
5. Purchased at tax sale
6. Cemetery plots transfer
7. Transfer by law regulation
8. Transfer to a partner, in a partnership, due to death of a partner
9. Initial sale of manufactured housing

BENEFITS OF A HOME WARRANTY

January 10th, 2010 editor

Whether you are a homeowner, buying a new home or maybe planning to sell your home, you would surely encounter stuff about home warranty and maybe would wonder what it is and how it really works and moreover, its benefits. Apparently there are a handful of home warranty benefits.

First of all, it gives you peace of mind; they (the home warranty service provider) would give you no time to worry. With a home warranty, you would be hassle-free from unexpected expenses that could save you from your frustration.
Also, home warranty could be your best security for the unexpected. Whatever happens to your home, you know you are all covered. And of course, home warranty gives you not only budget protection but you can save money as well.

Image From : Ownerbuilderadvice.com

HOUSE STYLING REFERENCE

December 15th, 2009 editor

4.jpgby: Djai Tanji

Choosing a style for your house is not that simple. You can have difficulty in maintaining the image of your dream home in your head and at the same time, considering what other family members want. Good thing there are a lot of house styling references you can choose from.

Most homes have pure Architectural style elements and some may mix a little bit of this and that. Styling could be a lot easier if you have knowledge in roof styles, massing, window positions and sizes and some detailing. Common styling features are Victorian styles, Colonial homes, Eclectic styles (Greek, Italianate, Tudor), Classic styles and of course the modern housing styles.

Refrigerator Art Marketing

November 3rd, 2009 Kurt Wilde

Refrigerator art marketing might sound strange and newfangled but this is just a different twist to an old marketing idea. Advertising on refrigerator doors isn’t a new idea; lots of companies give away advertising magnets to customers and prospective customers.

Refrigerator art marketing is fairly similar to this. Many home buyers bring their kids with them when they look at houses or meet with their real estate agent. The kids tend to be a distraction and keep the transaction from getting done. The trick is to provide them with paper and crayons so the kids would remain distracted throughout the meeting. The marketing part comes in the paper, because it will contain your name, contact details, company information at the bottom of the page. Often the kids’ drawing will end up on the refrigerator door of your client’s home, which is a great place to be seen.

Home Buying for Single Women

October 20th, 2009 Kurt Wilde

According to the US Census Bureau, there are over 14 million women who live alone in big cities.  City planners and buildings are increasing security as they realize that many homes, apartment buildings, condominiums and streets are not designed with women’s safety in mind.  To help women buy a home with safety features, here are some tips:

Buy a home with an attached garage.  During winter, the days are shorter, which means that it’s usually dark by the time you get home from work.  You might feel uncomfortable walking to your house in the dark from a detached garage.

Consider a neighborhood with good lighting.  Brightly lit streets or streets with motion sensor lights give more protection than dark streets.

Get a home with a security system.  Ask the homeowner if the security system is owned or leased and how much it will cost each month.