Modesto and Vicinities Real Estate

Selling Your Home--Perks That Get Buyers To Make Offers

2012-02-24T06:00:00.001-08:00

In the real estate business, you need to take steps to make your home stand out from those around you. Here are some thoughts on perks that get buyers interested.

Perks That Get Buyers To Make Offers

From the perspective of the average buyer, hunting for that perfect home is both exciting and excruciating. Even with the advent of real estate sites on the Internet, buyers spend an inordinate amount of time looking at homes that simply do not fit their vision. Once they find a good area, they face the task of deciding between homes. In our modern society, developments tend to have one, two or maybe three styles of homes. These styles are repeated over and over with the only real difference possibly being landscaping.

In such a situation, you need some advantage over comparable homes in the area. There is a reason they are called "comps", and it can be difficult for buyers to make a decision. Given similar homes and prices, they may decide on the interior décor even though it will go with the seller! To make you home stand out just a bit, which could be critical, consider offering the following perks when possible.

Overall, you want to offer flexibility. If you are up front with it, buyers tend to view you in a better light. Offer to go with a fast or slow closing depending on their particular needs. If they have not lined up financing, offer to put them in touch with your mortgage representative. Heck, offer to let them store stuff in the garage while closing occurs since they are probably stressed about moving at the same time as wrapping up the purchase.

An area where you can really stand out from the crowd is an allowance. A buyer is committing to a large amount of debt to purchase your home. Inevitably, they will nitpick over various aspects they are not crazy about. Instead of fighting with them, offer them a cash allowance at the end of closing that can be used to fix whatever is bugging them. Obviously, you need to be careful about how much you offer them, but it can be the difference between getting an offer or not.

When selling your home, try to be flexible wherever you can. If you offer a few perks, your property will stand out from the others around you.

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Modesto Short Sale--Benefits for All!

2012-02-21T06:00:00.001-08:00

As dreams are taking newer turns, so are our efforts to realize them. It is only natural for anyone to dream of a home of one's own, where one can live with one's loved ones and cherish all the dreams that one had regarding a home, sweet home. And to acquire this, one can actually do anything starting from laboring day in and day out for paying that sky-high mortgage, even compromising on several aspects of daily life. But what happens when you miss to repay one installment? They threaten your property for real estate foreclosure. However, unlike most things, you have this in your own hands and decide the fate of your own home by being able to avoid foreclosure auction, avoid losing home and short selling your property pre-foreclosure.

Why would you do that? Property short sale means selling your property at a value less than what you owe your bank or the lender organization for the mortgage under question, that is, less than the loan balance, which is secured against the property. This way you can save a lot of your money, which otherwise you would have needed to pay the lender along with saving yourself and your loved ones from all the humiliation and embarrassment that facing foreclosure auction generally induces. Some times, you may end up selling your home at a rate higher than what you owe the lender entity, thereby saving some cash for yourself for future reference. This would not have been possible if you would have let the lender take complete charge of your property.

Why would it interest the lender? A very obvious question arises here as to why the lender entity would be interested in such a transaction where it is receiving less than what you owe him. The answer to this is simple, indeed. By compromising on a section of its due balance, the lender entity is basically saving a lot of its expenses that it would have to spend otherwise in conducting a lot of paper works, by carrying out the legal procedures of foreclosure, refurbishing the property, marketing it, finding the suitable investor and so on and so forth. Just the simple organization and execution of the property foreclosure auction could cost the lender as much as $50,000, which is not a sensible investment in the absence of an assured buyer or investor.

The question that follows is why any investor would like to buy a short sale property. The answer to this too is simple enough a short sale property usually sells at very down to earth prices, which at times can get as low as 60% of the actual worth of the property. Moreover, with the increasing rate of foreclosure and the subsequent rise of property short sale, the real estate industry is booming all over the United States and is showing much promise to interested US and overseas investors. Investors can earn great profits on these short sale properties by buying them from the homeowners at a very humble rate and reselling them in the open market at standard industry rates.

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10 Ways To Find Investment Properties

2012-02-18T06:00:00.001-08:00

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

Here are the ten:

1. Talk. Let people know you are looking and sometimes the properties will come to you. There are a lot of owners out there who want to sell, but haven't yet listed their property.

2. Use the internet. Go to a search engine and enter the type of real estate you are looking for, along with the city you want to invest in. You never know what you might find.

3. Drive around looking for "For Sale By Owner" signs. Owners often don't want to pay to keep the ad in the paper every week, so you won't see all properties there.

4. Find abandoned properties. That's a pretty clear sign that the owner doesn't want to deal with the property. He might sell cheap.

5. Find old "For Rent" ads. Call if they are a few weeks old. Landlords are often ready to sell, especially if the haven't yet rented the units out.

6. Talk to bankers. You might get a foreclosed-on investment property cheaper if you buy it before they list it with a real estate agent.

7. Offer someone a finder's fee. There are people that always seem to hear about the good deals. Have such people coming to you.

8. Eviction notices. If your local papers publish eviction notices, or if you can get the information at the courthouse, it can be useful. A landlord who just went through the procees of evicting tenants is a likely seller.

9. Old FSBO ads. If you call on two-month-old "For sale By Owner" ads, and they haven't sold, they may be ready to deal. Owners often give up the effort, but still would love to sell. Help them out!

10. Put an ad in the paper. "Looking for investment properties to buy," might be sufficient to generate a few calls.

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Sell Your House Fast!

2012-02-15T08:00:00.001-08:00

There is nothing worse than putting house up for sale and watching it sit on the market. Here are a few tips to sell your house fast.

Sell Your House Fast

The following tips will help you sell your house fast, but we need to cover something first. If you have some type of defect with your house, it is going to have to be repaired. There is a difference between making small mistakes that prevent a sale versus having a major problem like a sliding foundation. These tips will only help if your home is in reasonably good shape when compared to those houses selling in your neighborhood.

The number one thing involved in selling your house fast is the price. The price of your home should not be what you personally think it is worth.

Buyers simply don't care about such things. To sell your house fast, you have to find a price that is attractive to buyers. The best way to do this is to look for comparable houses in your neighborhood that sold fast. Find out how much they sold for and compare your price to the prices the other houses went for. If you are above those prices, you need to take a deep breath and lower your price. When it comes to pricing your house for a fast sale, do not try to recreate the wheel. Just follow the lead set by neighbors in your area.

The second thing you can do is deal with clutter. I can't tell you how many times I've taken a buyer to a home only to be shocked by the amount of junk stuffed in garage, basement and rooms of the home. Whether you like it or not, you are selling a product. Clear out the clutter and make it look as nice as possible. Buyers will be much more interested in buying a sharp looking property.

Another tip is to let go of your emotional attachments in the home. A friend of mine recently sold a home and nearly had the sale fall through over four high quality bar stools. They were hand made and one of a kind. The buyer wanted them thrown into the sale and my friend refused. The deal eventually went through without the bar stools included. When my friend moved into his new home, he realized there was no room for the bar stools and ended up putting them on consignment! Don't fall into this trap!

To sell your house fast, the number one issue is always price. Nail down the proper price and you should be able to move the property as quickly as your neighbors did.

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Most Agents Will Neglect This Powerful Marketing Tactic

2012-02-12T08:00:00.001-08:00

Did you know that according to Realtor.com, only about .8% of Realtors are actually using video marketing for their business?

Plus, when considering that almost 90% of people are now using the internet for real estate based searches, wouldn’t it only make sense that your listing agent should include this as a part of their real estate marketing strategy?

However, embracing change is not always easy to do, and many real estate professionals are still relying on traditional marketing methods even though the future of real estate is online. Therefore, by listing with us you can rest assured that we will make video marketing a priority to ensure you gain top exposure and receive the fastest and best offers possible on your home.

Step 1: Creating Video Content

The first step in preparing video content for your listing will be to create a virtual tour of your entire property. We will be sure to highlight all the perks and benefits of your home and the surrounding neighborhood as well. Additionally, we can include information about your school district(s), local businesses, as well as other recreational activities. Feel free to share any other ideas you may like to include as a part of the marketing strategy, and we will be happy to accommodate where we can.

Step 2: Optimizing Your Content

As experts of video syndication and online marketing tactics, we have access to various tools and strategies that will ensure you are receiving maximum exposure for your listing. Some of these techniques include:

Uploading to Youtube and other video marketing directories
Including videos within written article content and submitting to various platforms
Creating a property specific landing page and/or mobile website with your virtual home tour
Feeding listing data to social media pages, the MLS and other property marketing sites

We have found that videos tend to really engage prospects more and really help them to get a better feel for the home and neighborhood before even scheduling a showing. Plus, you are more likely to attract qualified buyers following this plan as well.

Step 3: Call to Action

Finally, we also ensure that there is always a unique call to action within every one of our videos, in order to capture important contact information for future follow up. This is an area that many agents can neglect, which can drastically impact your chances for success. Therefore, we make it a point to always direct each prospect to some form of lead capture, so that we are able to build a relationship and ensure that we never miss a possible opportunity. In other words, people are much more likely to share their information than take the time to call.

Can you now see the power behind using video marketing for your property listing? Since creating video is so simple and can greatly enhance your chances for selling, we encourage you to contact us when ready to list your home in order to learn more about our comprehensive online marketing strategies....our you can check out our videos http://www.Youtube.com/ModestoAndVicinities

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4 Common Pitfalls To Purchasing A Foreclosure Property

2012-02-05T08:00:00.001-08:00

Due to the mortgage crisis that our country faced over the last several years, there are continually more and more foreclosure properties that are being put up for sale everywhere you turn. Of course, this can be very tempting for homebuyers as people can sometimes get properties for 30% or even less on the dollar.

However, if you are considering a foreclosure property for your next purchase, then there are some common pitfalls that you will need to avoid along the way to protect yourself and your future asset. Let’s review some areas to be aware of before making any serious offers.

1. Avoid Making Emotional Offers: When you are planning on putting a bid down on a property, you need to be extremely confident with the home’s current condition, its true market value, and what will be needed to fully restore the property. Too many buyers will think that they found a slamming deal and fear that they will lose the home to another bidder. So instead of taking the time to truly do their homework and complete the proper inspections and analysis, they can end up locking up a property for more than it’s actually worth.

2. Estimate Neighborhood Values: Consider what other comparable properties are selling for and talk to a real estate agent who has a working knowledge of the area. In fact, it’s a wise decision to thoroughly review these questions and any other recommendations your Realtor may make:

Is this neighborhood a desirable location and how are crime rates?
What schools would be available for my kids or future buyers?
Were there any other foreclosures or investor sales that could negatively affect the future value of my home?
How long do I plan on living there and how could that affect things?
What type of appreciation should I expect?

3. Get Preapproved: Before you even start looking at homes, you must get preapproved on a mortgage in order to know exactly what you can afford. Sadly, many buyers can miss out on some phenomenal deals or spend hours of wasted time because they avoid this step. Show banks that you are a serious buyer and have your financing in place!

4. Get Professional Help: Not only should you seek the expertise and of an experienced Realtor, but you may also need guidance from a real estate attorney or financial consultant as well. Each professional can ensure that you are making the right choices throughout the process and can protect you from any issues you may come across along the way.

Remember that there is a lot more than meets the eye when you are trying to buy a foreclosure property. Negotiating with the banks, filling out paperwork properly, and undergoing all the necessary inspections can be a very detailed and tedious procedure.Therefore, we encourage you to give us a call today to get started. Our agents have years of experience assisting other clients with buying foreclosures for their next home or investment property. Discover how we can help you to make a smart and profitable investment as well!

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5 Ground Rules for Home Buying Success

2012-02-03T08:00:00.001-08:00

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

Making the wrong decision in buying a home can have devastating and long lasting effects, while making a wise decision in home buying can greatly enhance the overall value of the investment. It is necessary to learn all you can about the world of home buying and mortgages before setting out to purchase the home of your dreams.

While there are plenty of web sites designed to help first time homeowners learn all they can, most financial experts say that there is no substitute for the good old one-on-one learning. Fortunately, most mortgage lenders, home inspectors and real estate agents will be able to provide this kind of one-on-one learning.

When buying a home it is often best to use a systematic approach as this is often the best way to be sure that all decisions are based on information and reason, not on impulse or emotion. Buying a home can be an emotional process, nevertheless it is imperative to keep your emotions under control and not let them cloud your judgment.

There are five basic ground rules when it comes to buying a home and shopping smart, and they are:

#1 Get your financing before you get your home

There are few things in life as disappointing as losing out on the home of your dreams due to not being able to secure funding. While the desire to get out there are search for that great home is understandable, it is vital to line up the financing you will need before you start shopping for a home.

Getting the financing ahead of time has a number of important advantages, including knowing how much you can buy and gaining more respect from the listing agents. By knowing how much home you can afford before you shop you will avoid wasting your time looking at unaffordable properties, and the listing agent will be more than willing to show you the homes in your price range.

It is also important to take a good look at the various types of mortgage on the market before getting started in the home buying process. These days, mortgages come in far more choices than the typical 15 or 30 year. For that reason, potential home buyers need to understand how each type of mortgage works, and to gauge which mortgage is the best choice for their needs.

#2 Look at the community, not just the home

It is a good idea to look at the entire community, instead of focusing on a single home. This can be a particularly important thing to consider for those moving to a new metropolitan area, as these buyers will be unfamiliar with the local climate and lifestyle. It is crucial to determine the areas of town that are most desirable, and to consider things like distance from work and local shopping opportunities.

We have all heard that location is the key consideration when it comes to real estate, and that is certainly the case. Buying a house in the wrong area can be a big mistake, and it is important to choose the location as well as the home. Potential buyers can learn a great deal about the nature of the various neighborhoods simply by driving around town, as well as by talking to other residents.

#3 Be fair with your first offer

Trying to lowball a seller on the first offer can backfire, as can paying too much. It is important to carefully evaluate the local market, and to compare the asking price of the home with what similar houses in the neighborhood have sold for.

Comparing the sales of comparable homes, what are known as "comps" in the industry, is one of the best ways to determine what is fair, and to make sure that you neither overpay or underbid on the property.

#4 Always get a home inspection

Always investigate the home for any possible defects before making an offer. Compared to the cost of the average home, the price of a quality home inspection is virtually negligible. Hence, get a good home inspection done before you buy.

To find the best home inspector, it is a good idea to seek out word of mouth referrals as many of the best home inspectors rely on word of mouth advertising.

#5 Do not alienate the sellers of the home

Many real estate deals have fallen apart due to the personal animosity of the buyer and the seller. It is important to avoid alienating the seller of the home during the process, and to avoid nitpicking every little detail during the sale.

Keeping the good will of the seller will help the transaction go smoothly, and it will provide the best environment for seller and buyer alike.

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3 Surefire Ways To Sell Your Homes On Steroids, While Other Investors Can't Give Away Their Homes

2012-01-31T08:01:00.001-08:00

So you need to sell your home?

This article is exactly what you need to do, to sell your home or create a bunch of leads of individuals, who are HOT prospects to buy your home.

Before, I share my 3 steroid ideas on selling your homes; you need to take a few simple steps...

PREPARATION

1. You need to locate and interview an aggressive Mortgage Broker, very knowledgeable, with a GREAT TRACK RECORD of closing deals, especially difficult ones.

I cannot stress enough the importance, of having a great broker on your power team. Remember, you can sell a home ten times, if you can't get the buyer funded by a mortgage company...who cares, your wasting your time.

2. You should make some effort in fixing the home up; even if it's a hunker, I'd still get the lawn cut and maybe throw a coat of paint on the property. You'd be amazed at the improvement to even an ugly property, with a simple coat of paint on the front of the property.

3. Go to your local community financing offices. For example in my area (Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Conty), both counties there are classes for buyers on becoming a first time home buyer.

LET'S DO SOME MARKETING ON STEROIDS

Let's be frank, your going to have to be more aggressive, smarter and persistent than 99% of all your homes neighbors.

There's no magic pill, but this has been working for both my students and me, for the last year, and we're always testing and fine-tuning the system.

And I can tell you, that while every other investor, is sitting with their heads in their butts, my students and I are able to sell all of our properties, during one of the worst RE slowdowns in history, and this is in South Florida, one of the most depressed markets in the Country,

1. Buyer First System

Basically you create your own buyers. The best example would be converting a lifetime renter into the American Dream a homeowner. Just so happens, that while becoming the American Dream, they also end up buying your home.

Very simply, create a flyer or postcard, and market to communities of people who would be a great prospect to buy your home.

Who doesn't want to be a homeowner in America? Nobody, that's a stupid question, everyone wants to be a homeowner, and it's bred into us as kids.

The real key is you must understand, that these individuals renting, most are under the impression they CAN'T get a mortgage. They might have tried in the past, and we're shutdown and embarrassed, only to believe they would live the rest of their lives as a RENTER.

These are the best leads you can focus on, because it's not a matter of IF they'll buy your home, they will, the key is can you get them funded or is it the right house for them, financially affordable.

I must also share with you, this strategy will take some of your time and initiative, because their is hand holding involved, mortgage brokers, and helping them get any government help in First time homebuyer money.

2. Fish in some one else's pond!

Go where the most prospects are for your home. I'll give you some examples, you need to go where the most and the best prospects are to buy your home, assuming it's a good deal (priced right, and there's still built-in equity for your buyer).

If you have any contacts or a friend of a friend, now is the time for using it and your expectations are for these contacts to open doors for you, to their sphere of influence.

So what ponds can you fish in, with your marketing? Think about whom you know (friends, family members, and associates)?

BEST: Teachers, Cops, Firefighters, Government Employees, Bus Drivers, Department of Transportation. (These careers are loved by lenders, they mostly have good credit, and their income is basically guaranteed and very stable.)

GOOD: Large local employers: Supermarkets, Local telephone company (Bell South), Home Depot, Wal-Mart, etc.

3. Use the Internet...

You should definitely have an individual website for your property.

You can get a simple site built for under $100.00.

Now, when ever you talk to someone on the phone or in person, they can quickly look at your property, on the web. This will be the best $100.00 you'll ever spend on marketing of your home.

4. BONUS:

Promote and hold your own, "First Time Homebuyer Seminar".

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Expired Listing? Seven Steps to Sell Fast and Get Top Dollar

2012-01-28T08:00:00.001-08:00

Over 50% of homes listed for sale do not sell during their listing period, in some markets its' as high as 65%. The dirty secret in the real estate business is that most homes don't sell on the first go around. Blame the agent blame the home owner both are at fault. Seven steps below will give you the best chance of your home selling first time out.

1) Price it Right

Far and away above any other consideration is the price. The worst home in the worst area at the right price will sell. Get your head out of the clouds, as a seller it's just another house.

2) Hire the Right Agent Interview 2 to 3 agents

Hire the one who uses the most tools to market your home. The I'm No 1 and pat their self on the back real estate designations are not going to get your home sold.

3) Team Approach to Selling

Agents who use a team approach to their business have the right attitude towards real estate. Today's single agent actually does 14 different jobs in the home selling and buying process. A team can spread the work load, specialize, and has less chance of dropping the ball (you and your house).

4) Advertising Systems

Where, when and how often will your home be advertised in newspapers and home magazines. We know that about 90 to 95% of calls on ads reject the house after receiving all the information. But it is a fact that advertising especially using a 800# call capture systems with a compelling ad will draw buyer prospects for your agents' team to work with.

5) Signs and Sign Riders

Signs with 800# call capture number. Show your agents web page address. Web page must have free reports and other areas for buyers to register. Sign riders offer compelling reasons for buyers to call the 800#, zero down, special financing, low down payment, Buy this house and I'll buy yours for cash are some that work well.

6) Open Houses

One of the least effective ways to market a home. Saturday or Sunday afternoon for 3-4 hours you go to the mall and your agent hangs out watching TV. How about an open house tour 5 to 6 homes open the same day for 15 to 20 minutes each, the group goes from house to house creating an auction like affect and get to you stay home and see the show.

7) Visual Tours & Photos

By using visual tours and multiple photos your agent will get your home placed higher on websites like Realtor.com. Almost 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet it is best for you to be at the top of the list. You can also email your home to friends, neighbors, co-workers, hand-out C/D's at open house tours. Your agent will also send these out to the top agents in your area.

Agents with multiple approaches to the marketing of your home will work best for you. They are internet savvy have a team and support staff that can handle the various tasks involved with finding the right buyer for your home.

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Financing For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

2012-01-25T08:00:00.001-08:00

The process of purchasing a home via FSBO can be somewhat different than most home buyers are used to. The actual act of buying a FSBO can be much more involved than most people think. That is not to say that the process cannot be successfully completed, quite the opposite in fact. It can also be extremely rewarding as a good deal of money can be saved if the deal is handled properly.

If you are planning on buying a home that is being sold by the owner, spend some time and research the home buying process, not only is this simply a good idea in any home purchase, but it will also help you to be a more informed buyer in the future.

One thing that you should always do when purchasing a home for sale by the owner is to investigate your financing options well ahead of time. There are a number of financing plans specifically designed to service the FSBO industry and you should definitely try to locate a financier that can supply this service. In locating a lender that supplies this kind of financing, they will likely also supply or recommend a service to help you through the closing and contracts that are involved with the sale.

Be sure that you have a good lawyer on your team as well. They are the best people to handle the legal matters during the closing of the home. This includes things like title issues, any outstanding liens or easements and the actual conveyance of ownership.

Remember to be careful when purchasing a home and if there are any questions about the sale or the process don't hesitate to contact someone who is a professional in the matter. This is an important purchase and you want to be sure to get the best deal possible and to be happy once the process is complete. Maybe you can even use the money you save to do a renovation or two if the mood takes you!

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3 Tips to Staging the OUTSIDE of Your Home Like a Pro

2012-01-22T08:00:00.001-08:00

Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Afraid it will take too long to sell, or that you won't get the price you want? Think about "staging" your home, or in other words, setting the scene for immediate buyer interest in your property.

To be really effective, you need to look at both the outside and the inside of your home. Here are 3 tips to get you started with the outside of your home:

1. Go stand on the street to see what clients see when driving up to the house. Be aware that any negative impressions they get outside the house (landscaping not maintained or non-existent, peeling paint, etc.) is just going to make them think that the house itself has not been well taken care of. So even if you have spent the time and money to fix up the interior, it would all be wasted if the clients get a bad first impression as they drive up to the house.

2. Next, step outside your front door and close the door; then stand on the stoop and look around for 5 minutes. While the realtor fumbles for keys and tries to figure out how to open the door, the clients are standing behind and looking around. So what are they seeing? Dead plants, old Halloween decorations in the middle of January, cobwebs? Again, not a good first impression!

It's definitely worth it to take some time and clean it up. Want to go a step further? Try a new coat of paint or some new furniture or accessories.

3. Don't forget the backyard. While that might not be part of the potential buyers' first impression experience, you still should make sure it's in the best condition possible. Pull up weeds, water plants, do some sweeping (if that's applicable in your case) and maybe even purchase new furniture or accessories (plant pots, bird houses, etc.)

And the biggest tip of all? Imagine yourself as a potential buyer looking at your property for the very first time. What impressions are you getting? Would YOU buy your house? What would you like to see changed before you put an offer on your house?

And don't worry about spending several thousand dollars to get your house ready to sell you'll get it all back when your house sells. Proper staging helps you sell your house in a shorter time and at the price you want.

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3 Tips to Staging the INSIDE of Your Home Like a Pro

2012-01-19T08:00:00.001-08:00

Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Afraid it will take too long to sell, or that you won't get the price you want? Think about "staging" your home, or in other words, setting the scene for immediate buyer interest in your property.

To be really effective, you need to look at both the outside and the inside of your home. Here are 3 tips to get you started with the inside of your home:

1. De-clutter. This is one of the most important things you can do. It might be easier to think of de-cluttering like this you're moving anyway, so why not start packing now?

Pack up everything you don't need and store the boxes out of sight in the garage (or consider temporarily renting a small storage locker).

2. Organize your closets - put similar colors together, pants together, skirts together, shirts together etc. Why? Because it will make the closets look bigger. (Really.) An organized closet appears bigger, and you want your closets to look as spacious as possible.

3. Make your home look like a model. You want to de-personalize as much as possible so potential buyers can imagine themselves and their own belongings occupying the space in your house. That means minimizing putting away everything you don't need or use. Clear off kitchen counters as much as possible stash all those appliances you don't use, and put miscellaneous small clutter in a few attractive baskets or boxes

And don't worry about spending several thousand dollars to get your house ready to sell you'll get it all back when your house sells. Proper staging helps you sell your house in a shorter time and at the price you want.

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Dangers In Flipping Real Estate

2012-01-16T08:00:00.003-08:00

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

1. Property Taxes. Keep the property for a few years and you may experience a surge in property taxes especially if your taxes are reevaluated during that time. Some hot real estate markets have seen taxes nearly double in just 5 or 6 years.

2. Renovation Expenses. You may have purchased a "fixer upper" at a bargain rate. Once your project is complete will you be able to recover the expenses and make a profit especially if the value of your renovated property is above those in your neighborhood? In addition, can you withstand a correction in real estate values?

3. Insurance and Mortgage Costs. You will pay more for homeowners insurance if you do not occupy the residence and you have tenants. If you are financing the property you know that your mortgage rate is higher as well.

4. Rental Pressures. A market saturated with rentals will mean that the rents you can charge will be less than what you had hoped to receive. In some markets you are required to get special licensing in order to be a landlord. In other markets the legal rights of tenants mean you could have a lengthy and expensive battle in ridding yourself of a bad tenant. Will the lower income levels coupled with the added expenses drag your investment down?

Of course, you can limit your risks [and costs] by doing the majority of the upgrades yourself, appealing excessive property tax increases, and finding for yourself a trusted and dependable tenant. It isn't easy flipping a home, but with a lot of pluck and determination it can result in strong profits for you.

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Dangers In Flipping Real Estate

2012-01-16T08:00:00.001-08:00

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

Of course, you can limit your risks [and costs] by doing the majority of the upgrades yourself, appealing excessive property tax increases, and finding for yourself a trusted and dependable tenant. It isn't easy flipping a home, but with a lot of pluck and determination it can result in strong profits for you.

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Benefits of Flipping Real Estate

2012-01-13T05:56:00.001-08:00

The obvious benefit and sought after benefit of flipping real estate is the profit.

This is one incredibly tangible benefit, particularly when the profits are large and quick to come your way. Of course there are risks. Most ventures that offer high profit also come with a high degree of risk. Money, however, is not the only benefit that can be associated with flipping real estate though it is certainly the one on most investors' minds when they get into this line of work.

Let's talk profit first. Profit is the one reason that most people get into this business. The days are long and the work is hard. This is definitely not the type of work one would ordinarily undertake for the simple love of getting one's hands dirty. This is real work that leaves you bone weary at the end of the day. However, when all the work is done and you get around to making the sell, you will find that the profit involved in a successful flip is well worth the effort you've put into the process.

The good news is that the savvy investor can still manage to make money even when the situation may not work out quite as planned. This is yet another benefit to flipping real estate. If the flip doesn't work out, there is always the option of leasing to own the property or renting the property out. The profits in these situations are considerable less than a straight out flip but it can prevent financial ruin that is often the risk of a flip gone wrong. The fact that there are options and that you aren't necessarily left ruined at the end of a bad flip is definitely a benefit. There aren't many types of investments that allow you the option to save yourself the way real estate does.

One of the intangible benefits of flipping houses is that you are in essence working for yourself. In other words you do not have to punch a time clock or worry about overtime (at least not on your part). This can be a bad thing too if you lack the discipline required to get the job done. However, most of us will view this is a huge check in the pros column when deciding whether or not to take the plunge into the wonderful and frightening world of real estate investing.

Even though this is a business that requires a lot of work in order to turn an attractive profit there is some satisfaction at the end of the day involved in knowing that you are working for yourself and not to make someone else wealthy or in order to punch a time clock. That feeling of satisfaction is one that you should hang onto when the brand new toilet you've just installed becomes a geyser. Of course there are mistakes along the way, what other job keeps you on your toes quite like this one?

Real estate investing, house flipping in particular, can be one of the most frustrating types of investments a soul can pursue. At the same time it can also be one of the most rewarding mentally, spiritually, and financially. This is something you should keep in mind when deciding whether or not this is the right path for you.

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Avoid Home Foreclosure - Facing Foreclosure? Some Options That May Help You

2012-01-12T05:57:00.001-08:00

If you are facing a foreclosure, there may be options to negotiate a workout program with your lender. To get help with a foreclosure you have to start by talking to your lender. Help is available if you are willing to workout a reasonable repayment plan with your lender, while this can sometimes be difficult, you may be able to save your home. They really do not want your house back. Let us cover some options that may be available to you if you are facing a foreclosure.

The continuing flow of creditors and collections agencies called you can be over whelming, while it may seem hopeless, you may have options. Starting with the most important, your home, the others may have to wait and be fixed later.

Lenders usually will offer several options to a homeowner that is in default on their contractual obligations of a mortgage payment. They would much rather workout a program that is best suited for all parties involved then to come and take your house. They are in the business of lender money, not managing properties. This is true even more today, with foreclosures at record highs, banks have been overloaded with homes that they must not manage and maintain until they are able to sell them to someone else.

The time that you have to negotiate a deal, is often very limited. In most states, a borrower that is in default 60 or more days is just about out of time. This period varies from state to state so make sure that you have checked your local laws. Lenders can and will take legal action to foreclosure on your home if you are not talking to them.

Here are some possible solutions that you can offer to the lender to avoid foreclosure. While not all will be satisfactory to the lender, you can at least make the offer and let them tell you.

Reduced Payments

Lenders may be willing to take a reduced payment for a specific period, this will allow you to remain in the home and catch up the default amount over time. Some lenders will not allow you to do this, but it never hurts to try.

Short Sale

Lenders may let you sell the property for less then what they are owed on the loan. More and more lenders are allowing this type of transaction as they have realized that it costs them much more to pursue the foreclosure then if they just settle and take what they can get.

Payment Deferment

Some lenders may allow you to defer a payment or two, they tack the payments on the end of the loan and allow you time to catch up and stay current. This option is only just now beginning to become available as lenders are doing whatever they can to help avoid the foreclosure process.

While this article only covers a few options that may be available, check with your lender and try to work something out, it may keep you from losing you home in the process. Keep in mind that a foreclosure will cost you money, even if you just walk away. The impact on your credit is substantial and will hinder your borrowing power for years to come.

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Avoid Foreclosure: An Option That Many Do Not Know About

2012-01-11T05:57:00.001-08:00

Looking down the barrel of a foreclosure, if you are among one of the over 1.4 million homeowners facing this same issue, there may be a creative technique to save your home. Save your home and salvage your equity so that you can fight again. The last thing that you want to do is give your home back to the lender.

If your financial hardship has left you in a position whereby you are not able to pay your mortgage payment, whatever the reason may be, then you cannot afford to live in your home. Foreclosures are growing dilemma for many homeowners in the Untied States today; foreclosures are at an all time high, and will continue in 2012.
Some lenders out there have not been playing fair, and some even to the point of unethical practices. These unethical practices are a primary reason that foreclosures are at an all time high and not expected to slow down, from what most experts have said.
On the bright side of things, you may have an option that may allow you to keep your home, even if the foreclosure process is already under way. Something that has been around for many years, and you may possibly utilize to save your home and equity. You may need to wait a year or two in order to cash out the equity on the property, but it is better then the alternative.
This option is referred to as a Lease Purchase Agreement, find a tenant to lease your home from you, with an option to purchase the home at the end to the agreed period or time; usually 12 to 24 months. You set a price for them to buy the house when the agreement is signed; this will allow you to set the price so you can save the equity and by some time to recover. With a tenant that has the option to buy your home you may be able to:
1) First and foremost is the avoidance of a foreclosure.
2) Since renters are paying less today due to the high foreclosure rates, this may be a way to increase the monthly rent, due in light of the purchase agreement.
3) A one-time payment, up-front as a non-refundable deposit, this is usually 1% - 3% of the sales price. The best part of this is that even if they decide not to buy your home, you still keep the money.
4) Quickly locate a buyer for your property, most times faster then trying to sell you home in the traditional manner.
5) Someone else will be paying the mortgage payment, and potentially a few hundred dollars a month more.
Lease Purchase Agreements usually work well in any real estate market; these agreements referred to as a "lease option" as well. This is a very valuable strategy to keep in mind, especially during market that in a distress.
While there may be many other reasons to take advantage of a lease option, they are defiantly an excellent way to avoid foreclosure, and salvage your home from the bank. In a foreclosure, your credit will be destroyed for years to come, and the additional financial repercussions can take a tool on your personal life.

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Is Your Home Ready For Winter? Here are some tips that should help...

2012-01-10T06:42:00.001-08:00

It’s about that time again! The crisp/cool air, countless beautiful shades of colors, and plenty of enjoyable evenings around the bonfire await us. Yet, amidst all these great things, there are certain preparations that you need to be aware of when getting ready for the fall season as well.

As a homeowner, it’s important that you take certain steps in order to protect your home’s condition and also your wallet. So let’s explore 5 key areas that you ought to review over the upcoming weeks to be fully equipped for what lies ahead:

Routine furnace maintenance: Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for your furnace. While trying to juggle work obligations, kids, school, chores, and much more, this is one of those areas that can easily be overlooked.
But a couple hundred dollars now is much more reasonable than a few thousand later. Keep your furnace in good working condition and make sure you’re prepared for the colder temperatures.
Clean off your roof: As the leaves begin to fall, it’s important that you protect your roof from unnecessary moisture. Take the time to clean off any debris that builds up before the winter months and ensure that your roof is patched from any basic wear and tear.
This will be especially vital when winter snow begins to accumulate. Also, clear out your gutters and scan the area around your chimney as well. If there seems to be any places where water could leak in than it may be time to call a professional.
Prepare Your Pipes: First of all, don’t forget to unscrew any hoses or nozzles attached to the outside faucets. For those who are using underground sprinklers, take the time to push out any remaining water from the summer. Also, cleaning your septic system may be beneficial before the temperatures hit freezing.
Basic Crack Repair & Landscape: For those who have minor sidewalk or concrete damage, now may be a good time to fill some of those areas with something like Quikrete to avoid further damage. This can help to keep water and moisture out, especially once snow hits. Also, make sure to clear out the areas around your house where leaves have fallen, and cut back any other trees or shrubbery.
Insulation & Energy Efficiency: This can be a huge money waster! For those who are rarely at home and constantly on the run, you may want to consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This can save you hundreds of dollars alone by cutting back on unnecessary energy costs. Especially with the rise in most utilities costs, this should certainly be considered.
Also, are there areas around your windows, doors or elsewhere that may be allowing draughts to enter your home? Consider either having these places sealed or maybe investing in some new materials. Depending on how long you plan to live at your current residence, the cost could certainly be justified.

Hopefully you have found these 5 tips to be helpful and informative. Please visit us again soon, as we update our website with other useful tips on a regular basis.

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Tip: Selling Your House Quick

2012-01-06T05:58:00.001-08:00

Life can throw surprises at you that require you to sell your house quickly. If you're thinking, "I have to sell my house quick," here are a few tips.

Sell My House Quick

As we all know, life can take stressful turns that require quick action on your part. This may even require the quick sale of your house. Such situations can include a sudden job transfer or divorce to mention only a few. Regardless of the reason you have to sell quickly, the following tips should help you get the job done.

The number one thing involved in selling your house quick is the price. The price of your home should not be what you personally think it is worth. Buyers simply don't care about such things. To sell your house quick, you have to find a price that is attractive to buyers. The best way to do this is to look for comparable houses in your neighborhood that sold fast. Find out how much they sold for and compare your price to the prices the other houses went for. If you are above those prices, you need to take a deep breath and lower your price. When it comes to pricing your house for a quick sale, the lower you are willing to go, the quicker your home will sell.

If you're forced into selling a house quickly because of a job transfer, you may be in luck. Many larger businesses have employee assistance plans in place wherein the company will actually purchase the house from you. The advantage of this situation is you are able to move the property quickly with a minimum of stress. The disadvantage is you may not be getting the best price for your house.

Finally, you need to consider whether selling your house under a high stress situation is really your best choice. It may make far more sense to rent the house through a property manager while simultaneously taking a credit line to pay for your additional housing needs. The viability of this solution is entirely dependent upon the reason you need to sell quickly, but is often a better choice than losing equity in a panic sale.

To sell your house quick, the number one issue is always price. Still, you should be careful to avoid giving away you hard earned equity in a panic sale.

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Renting Versus Buying A Home

2012-01-05T05:59:00.001-08:00

Renters are often in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to continue renting or buy a home. Buying a home makes more sense, particularly when taking a long-term view. Yes, even in the current real estate market.

Renting Advantages

Renting can have a few advantages depending on the part of the country you live in. The primary advantage is your monthly rent payment may be less than an equivalent mortgage. A secondary advantage is the fact that maintenance and improvements to the property are the responsibility of the landlord. Still, these advantages pale in comparison to the disadvantages of renting.

Renting Disadvantages

The disadvantages of renting are significant. If you have any opportunity to purchase a home or condominium, it almost always makes sense to do so.

The biggest disadvantage of renting is the loss of value. Assume you rent a residence for $1,000 a month and you live in the residence for two years. You will have paid a total of $24,000 in rent, a pure expenditure. The $24,000 is simply gone and you will have nothing to show for it other than the time you spent in the home. Compare this to what your landlord has gained.

Rent payments are closely aligned with a landlord's mortgage payment. Using the above example, lets assume your $1,000 rent exactly equals the mortgage payment. For two years, you have indirectly paid the landlord's mortgage, helping them build equity in the house by paying down the loan. In addition, the landlord has benefited from the appreciation of the property.

By appreciation, I simply mean the amount of increase in the value of the house. If the rental appreciated $20,000 in two years, the landlord has received a windfall. They may have seen a gain of $24,000 in appreciation and payments lowering the mortgage. As a renter, you have made this all possible. The landlord no doubt would like to thank you.

Now, what would have happened if you had purchased a similar home with similar financial figures? You would have seen an increase in YOUR wealth of $24,000, not the landlord's wealth. If you renting, these figures should make your teeth grind.

If you are renting, you should be out shopping for your own property. After all, isn't it time to make your money work for you, not a landlord?

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Real Estate Negotiation - Seller Motivation

2012-01-03T06:00:00.001-08:00

One of the most important principles of real estate negotiation is to learn why the seller is selling. More than that though, you want to try to learn the seller's motivations for every aspect of the process. In other words, learn not just why he wants to sell, but also why he wants to sell a particular way, why he wants the price he is asking, what's important to him when making decisions, and more.

Watch for personal motivators, too. Is the seller more motivated by what she reads or by what she hears? Is she more motivated by the promise of a fast sale, or a high price? Listen for clues.

A seller who continually says, "I see" is probably more visually oriented and motivated. You want to show such a seller the advantages of your offer. Don't just explain the offer, but point out on paper why it can work for you both.

Statements like "I just don't want any problems," or "I just want to be done with this" indicate she is more motivated to avoid stress than by positive goals. In this case, you would want to make the process as easy as you can for the seller. You might also suggest that this is her chance to "be done" with selling.

Early in your real estate negotiations, gather any information you can on the seller's motivations, then decide how to use this information. For example, I have a friend who likes to see himself as a shrewd negotiator. Letting him "win" a lot of small concessions is a sure way to get what you need most. Use a seller's own motivators, and even their own words. If they say "I understand" a lot, then start a statement with "I think you understand why..."

It is even easier to use the specific motivations involved. If you learn that a buyer of your house wants to be able to tell his friends what a great price he got, push hard on every other area. Get the terms you want, have him pay all the closing costs, etc. Take the attitude that if he'll give you what you want, he'll get what he wants.

A little more sophistication is called for most of the time, of course. You can't just say "Oh, you want that? Then give me this." Negotiate hard in all areas, but let him "win" the concessions he wants from you, and downplay what you have won. You'll both be happier in the end. There are many important principles involved in real estate negotiation, but you can't go wrong starting with an understanding of a seller's motivations.

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Rent To Own Homes Explained

2012-01-02T20:22:00.001-08:00

If you desire to own your own home but are unable to secure conventional financing today, leasing a home with an option to buy may be your best option. A lease purchase can make your rent money work for you instead of making your landlord rich. Typically rent to own homes offer rent credits that reduce the final purchase price!

Here's how it works:

A home is made available via a standard lease with one important addition. Included is an option to purchase that home at a specified price over a specified time period (usually one or two years). In order to acquire that option, the renter/buyer must pay a one time, NON REFUNDABLE, fee called the option consideration. The exact amount is negotiable, but it is usually ranges from 2.5 to 7% of the purchase price. A fair contract will credit the buyer 100% of that option consideration upon closing of the sale. Furthermore a negotiated percentage of all rent payments should be applied toward the purchase price of the home. Some typical terms and conditions one might expect to find in a contract follows:

In order to receive a rent credit of 50%, time is of the essence. You MUST pay your rent on or BEFORE the due date of your lease (typically the 1st of the month). This means it must be received by the lessor (landlord) on or before the due date. Any payment received after the due date will result in a 0% rent credit for that month, a late fee may apply and you will not be building any equity.

Maintenance is the responsibility of the Tenant Buyer. You are now renting to own and homeownership requires maintenance. This includes things like broken windows from stones or baseballs, clogged drains, peeling paint, broken appliances, burnt out bulbs, lawn work/snow removal, etc. If any major repairs are required to ensure habitability, the owner remains responsible.

You need to have Option Consideration. Option Consideration is typically 2.5% to 7% of the purchase price of the home. It is a non-refundable payment, of which 100% is credited toward the purchase price, which binds the lease purchase contract.

Here's an example transaction:

We have a nice 3 bedroom, 1 bath single family home located in a near west suburb of Chicago in a great neighborhood with good schools and a strong community. It has been freshly painted, cleaned, and is ready to move in. The purchase price will be $215,000. Monthly rent payments will be $1,500 and you will receive a 50% rent credit ($750 per month). You need between 2.5% and 7% in up front Option Consideration. Let's say your budget allows for $6,000 for Option Consideration. This equates to approximately 2.8% ($6,000/215,000). You will also need $1,500 for the first months rent for a total initial payment of $7,500.

Please note: Option consideration is not a security deposit. It is a non refundable payment toward the purchase price and is 100% credited toward reducing the price of the home.

Now suppose you paid all your monthly rent payments on or before the due date and you choose to buy the rent to own home at the end of the 12 month lease purchase contract. You will have $15,000 in equity before you even own the home! Here's the math:

Lease Purchase Price - $215,000

Less: Option Consideration paid at lease signing - $6,000

Less: 50% rent credit of $750/m * 12 months - $9,000

Net Purchase Price after credits - $200,000

You started with $6,000 and by paying your rent on time; your equity position grew 150% (another $9,000) for a total of $15,000 with 12 months. Not a bad deal! Many people find it nearly impossible to save $9,000 in a year with all the costs of living constantly on the rise.

What's the catch?

Now you may be thinking, "OK, what's the catch? This sounds too good to be true."

Answer, there is no catch.

There are many possible reasons a landlord/seller may want to enter into a rent to own agreement. Some reasons may be:

Needs to maintain ownership for at least one year for tax purposes.

Unable to get a fair price due to local conditions.

Tired of performing minor maintenance.

Furthermore, when one sells a home through a realty service, a commission of 5-7% is typically paid. In the example above, this can cost more than the rent credit. Since realtors are usually not involved with this type of transaction, there is no commission and the landlord can afford to pass along the savings to tenant/buyer in the form of rent credits.

Also, when the Tenant becomes the Tenant Buyer (via rent to own), there is an immediate sense of pride in ownership. Tenant Buyers add value to the community. They take care of their future property, make improvements, and feel good knowing their rent money is working for them (reducing the purchase price) rather than just making their Landlord rich.

There are also many advantages for the renter:

Build equity toward home ownership.

No bank or finance company involvement.

Poor credit history may not be an issue.

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Real Estate Negotiating - 4 Steps to Success

2012-01-02T11:56:00.001-08:00

Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

(American 35th US President (1961-63), 1917-1963) Even the most famous recognize the need for the art of negotiation. To be able to make a good real estate deal, you must develop the art of good negotiation or find someone who can do the negotiating for you.

The real secret of being a successful negotiator is to help both parties obtain their goals. To do this you must present your case in a businesslike way and close the transaction. This can be accomplished in 4 steps.

1. The first step in any negotiation is to know your goal. If you have someone else negotiating on your behalf, make sure they understand what your ultimate goal is. If your goal is to get the property at the lowest price, make sure you understand exactly what is involved to achieve that success.

Don't be afraid to reevaluate your goals. If during the negotiation process new details come to light that may allow you to obtain your goal by a different means, allow yourself the ability to explore the new details, don't get stuck in your negotiations by being to rigid.

Once you are comfortable with your goals, and understand how far you are willing to go to obtain the property, you are ready to move to the next step. However, even when you are comfortable with your goals, you must be flexible. Remember there are two parties involved and the other party may present an option that could get you to your goal faster. In real estate there are several ways to achieve the same desire.

2. There are two types of negotiations: Blind and Open.

In a blind negotiation you don't know anything about the other party. You do all the negotiation via an agent or third party and don't meet the sellers. Keep in mind you may be dealing only with the other parties agent and they have their clients interest at heart.

In this type of negotiation your homework is very important. Know the property, know the market, and know values so you are able to negotiate the deal that is best for you, or be able to walk away. Blind negotiations can be handled, but they are a bit more time consuming.

Open negotiations are a bit easier, but require you do be good at your homework. In an open negotiation you may be working with the for sale by owner. In this way you have access to a bit more information.

If during your negotiations you begin having problems on a particular point, such as price, do your homework. Find out why the other party is buying or selling. Knowing the other parties motivation can give you the upper hand. For instance, if you know the seller or buyer needs to move quickly, you will then have a bit more leverage to work with.

What homework will help you in your negotiations?

a. Why does the other person want to buy or sell?

b. Who is the other person trying to impress?

c. Know the timing aspect of the transaction.

d. Verify the facts.

3. In the art of negotiating, it is critical to get started on the right foot. Do not try to antagonize the other parties to the transaction. Be very neutral about the entire deal.

a. Don't praise or criticize the property.

b. Don't try too hard to buy or sell the property.

c. Don't criticize the other parties to the transaction, including any agents involved.

d. Explain motivation without disclosing too much information.

e. Meet all deadlines or better yet be ahead of the deadlines.

f. Do not lie, rather say nothing.

4. Communication is the key to negotiation. However, too much talking can kill your negotiations. Make your offers in a written contract and let the other party do the same. Remember "lose lips sink ships."

When you begin talking to the other party you will give away too much of your motivation. You may think you can better obtain information from the other party about their motivation, but keep in mind it works both ways.

Now that you've learned the 4 basic steps to negotiating you are ready to go out and get the property you desire. You must also keep in mind that not all negotiations turn into real estate deals. Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal that is not to your liking. Otherwise you may well find yourself making very bad deals and wasting your negotiation skills. Good luck and good negotiating.

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Real Estate Math - Do You Know These Simple Formulas?

2011-10-22T17:37:00.001-07:00

How much real estate math do you need to know if you are investing in real estate? There are computers and calculators for calculating interest rates or amortizing loans. What you need to know is a few simple formulas for determining if a property is a good investment or not.

The Real Estate Math You Don't Need

The gross rent multiplier is one formula you don't need. I bring it up because people are sometimes still using it, and there are better ways to estimate value. A gross rent multiplier is a crude way to put a value on a property. You decide that properties are worth 10 times annual rent or less, for example, and simply multiply the gross annual rent a building collects by ten to get your value.

There are obvious problems with this formula. You need to constantly change it to reflect interest rates, because a property might be profitable at 12 times rent when interest rates are low, but a money loser at eight times rent if the financing is expensive. Also, there are just plain different expenses for different properties, especially when some include utilities in the rent, for example. Gross rent doesn't say much about the factor that makes a property valuable: the net income.

Real Estate Math You Need

Rental properties are bought for the income they produce, so this is what your real estate valuation should be based on. That is why your real estate math education needs to start with the how to use a capitalization rate, or "cap rate" to determine value. A cap rate is the rate of return expected by investors in a given area, or the rate of return on a property at a given price.

An example might make this clear. Take the gross income of a property and subtract all expenses, but not the loan payments. If the gross income is $76,000 per year, and the expenses are $32,000, you have net income before debt-service of $44,000. Now, to arrive at an estimate of value, you simply apply the capitalization rate to this figure.

If the normal capitalization rate is .10 (ask a real estate professional what is normal in your area), meaning investors expect a 10% return on the value of their investment, you would divide the net income of $44,000 by .10. You get $440,000 - the estimated value of the building. If the common rate is .08, meaning investors in the area expect only an 8% return, the value would be $550,000.

Simple Real Estate Math

Estimated value equals net income before debt-service divided by cap rate - this really is simple real estate math, but the tough part is getting accurate income figures. Is the seller is showing you ALL the normal expenses, and not exaggerating income? If he stopped repairing things for a year, and is showing "projected" rents, instead of actual rents collected, the income figure could be $15,000 too high. That would mean you would estimate the value at $187,000 more (.08 cap rate).

Besides verifying the figures, smart investors sometimes separate out income from vending machines and laundry machines. Suppose these sources provide $6,000 of the income. That would add $75,000 to the appraised value (.08 cap rate). Instead, you can do the appraisal without this income included, then add back the replacement cost of the machines (probably much less than $75,000).

No real estate formula is perfect, and all are only as good as the figures you plug into them. Used carefully, though, real estate appraisal using capitalization rates is the most accurate method for estimating the value of income properties. For putting a value on a single family home, you need another approach. Yes this means more real estate math to learn, but we'll save that for another time.

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Modesto Real Estate: Investing For Your Retirement

2011-10-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Are you going to be able to retire? And if you do, will you be in a position to enjoy your life, pay medical bills and maintain an acceptable level of health?

Those can be chilling questions if you haven't thought about them much. If you haven't given them adequate thought, that means you haven't prepared for certain inevitabilities.

Real estate investment can help you answer those questions and remove that chill factor.

Let's face it. Not only will you not want to spend your golden years working, you may not be able to, regardless of whether you would like to. You may live well up into your 80s or 90s and be unable to do the job you are doing today or any job for that matter.

You need to lay the foundation of security and happiness for your future self. Real estate can help you do that.

This is because, as your investments age, they should be making more and more money for you with less and less work output from you. It's a sort of financial magic that will serve you especially well in later years. That's why people get into investing in the first place.

In order to prepare for your retirement in this way, however, you must examine your core. That means that you will need to make sure your needs are taken care of in such a way that you don't have to spend all of your time scrounging for pennies. You need the time to learn about real estate, and working in someone else's office for peanuts isn't going to get you that.

According to Robert Kiyosaki, author of the Rich Dad book series, you need to build a business system that can operate without you, thereby making money without working for it. Then take a portion of that money and invest it, thereby exponentially increasing your earning potential. Have you heard of making your money work for you instead of vice-versa? That is what this means.

As you grow older, you should be working less, not more. This is partly because your ability to work will decrease. But it is also because you deserve to be able to work less and enjoy your life more. Retirement isn't about being forced out of a job or at least it shouldn't be. It should be about leaving a job to catch up with your life. To spend time doing the important things like hanging out with family and friends, engaging in hobbies that you enjoy and becoming involved in life-enriching activities such as spirituality or art. Not to mention getting enough exercise.

If you are in a job now that doesn't allow you to do these things because it doesn't pay enough or because you don't have enough time left over in the day to learn to make a change, then consider switching to a job that pays more or gives you more time. Develop a business system in which you can train people to do the work for you. Then, when that is up and running, and providing you with the money and time you need, start learning about real estate.

Put your extra money into real estate investment but don't put in more than you can afford to lose on the learning curve. Real estate investment is a skill like any other and you will make mistakes. Don't be the farm on your first few purchases. In fact, don't bet the farm at all. Make sure you are making enough money to live on, and then enough money to invest on.

After a while you should see your money start to grow exponentially. Then you are on your way to a happy retirement.

Posted via email from Modesto And Vicinities