Interest- Only Mortgages

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you are thinking about making a real estate purchase, you may find the financing options quite confusing.

There are two variables to consider- mortgage type, and interest rates. Before you can proceed, you have to know your terms, and understand what your options are. These are the most important considerations when deciding on real estate, so it is essential that you have a basic understanding of what they are. Repayment Mortgages. Your two main options are repayment and interest- only types, and under those are more specific kinds. This type of financing operates like a simple loan.

The loan lasts a certain period of time, and if you make all of your payments according to schedule, you will have both the interest and capital paid off at the end of that term. Every month, you make a payment and the money goes to both the capital( the actual home itself) and the interest. Interest- Only Mortgages. These loans have other options for paying off the capital in a lump sum. With this type of payment option, you are making your payments to the lender for the interest only. These have their benefits, but they are only good for those who can definitely make those payments according to schedule. You will be saving the money for the capital in a savings plan of some sort, like a pension plan, ISA or endowment.

If you do not keep up your payments, you risk losing the loan. At a certain time, that saved money will be used to pay for the mortgage, and the interest will already have been paid off. - Endowment Mortgages. Those funds will eventually be used for the house. With this type of financing, you are paying money into a life insurance plan. At the end of the term, this money will go to the house. If you die during the payment period, the loan will still be paid off so your family doesn t have to worry. The advantage is that you are not only saving for your mortgage, but also getting life insurance.

You also might end up with extra cash left over after it s paid off. - ISA Mortgages. One part is used to pay the interest on the principle( or original amount you borrowed) , and the other goes into an ISA plan, which is invested. With an ISA, your monthly payments are being split two ways. Part of the ISA plan will be simple savings, and the rest will go into stocks and other investments. You pay money into a pension that will be used to pay for the house when you retire. This is an excellent way to pay off your loan like a repayment mortgage, but save lots of money on taxes. - Pension Mortgages.

This option is usually only available to those who are self- employed. With this type, you pay almost no tax on your house, and end up saving all that extra money. You are basically saving for both your home and retirement, so you have to make sure that there will be enough when you retire for the house and to take care of you throughout the rest of your life. Once you ve decided which payment plan is best for you, you will have to choose an interest rate. Having advanced knowledge about your options will let you select the plan best suited to you and your future. Whether you need a fixed interest rate, variable rate or capped rate will depend on your lender and your own personal needs.

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The Recent Trends In Port Charlotte Area Reflect A Very Promising Picture - Ila Trieu's Finance and Real Estate blog:

The trends in real estate sector always fluctuate rapidly.

One Of The First Of These Is Regarding The Size Of Your House - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Becoming a parent is one of the most wonderful things in the world. Other more experienced parents and loved ones come up with all kinds of tips that young parents could use.

Which Allowed Business Men And Women To Commute From The Tax Havens Of Andorra And Monaco Thirty Weeks A Year

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

A well respected US magazine recently claimed Monaco has the most overpriced real estate in the world, claiming the rental returns as part of their figures meant the tax haven s property costs were unduly high. While admittedly high in Monaco at around 11 per cent, it s not common to be 20 per cent that their research was based on. The comparison of 50 financial centres assumed the property was not a main residence and looked at rental returns- another error when calculating Monaco s property prices according to the Monaco internet guide. By law in Monaco rentals are a minimum of one year, so it s obvious that rental returns are going to be less than places where weekly and six monthly rentals are possible.

In response a Monaco internet site says the American magazine are wrong, and have forgotten why Monaco s property prices are high in the first place. The error they made was comparing Monaco with places like Rome, Los Angeles and, Warsaw Vancouver, and they also overestimated closing costs. To gain residency in Monaco via renting the residency office needs evidence of a twelve month contract, so Monaco is in a unique position when compared to other leading financial centres. There is a shortage of available property in Monaco and high demand that shows no sign of slowing down- given all these factors we just think the US magazine s analysis of the Monaco real estate scene has been done without taking local factors into consideration. Typical property prices in Monaco at the moment include a second floor studio apartment at 1, 000 Euros, 100, a one bedroom apartment in Monte Carlo at 2, 000 Euros, 150, and a three bedroom two bathroom apartment at 5, 000 Euros, 500. One thing that could put the brake on the number of Brits looking to move to Monaco was announced after the magazine s claims about Monaco real estate prices were published. As well as buying a property, to gain residency in Monaco a bank account needs to be opened in the Principality, with account opening deposits varying between 100, 000 Euros, 000 and 500. The amount of time British tax exiles can spend in their home country is being limited by the British government, and it could impact the British economy, claim a company who specialise in tax haven property and residency. Importantly both the day of arrival and departure into the UK didn t count as a day.

Up until now a British taxpayer could avoid paying income tax by taking residency in a tax haven such as Andorra or Monaco, and be allowed to spend 90 days a year in Britain before falling foul of the Iland Revenue. So technically, a tax exile living in Andorra could drive to Barcelona airport for a 7am flight to London, and given the hour s time difference between Spain and the UK, be comfortably in an office working by lunchtime. Which allowed business men and women to commute from the tax havens of Andorra and Monaco thirty weeks a year. Equally, the same tax exile could leave the London office at 6pm Friday for Barcelona en route to Andorra- and importantly those five days in the UK would count only as three of their ninety day allowance as the day travelling to and from the UK aren t counted. Some would do Monday to Thursday and could do that virtually all year and still stay on the right side of the British tax man.

So, How Do You Go About Finding The Right Real Estate Agent In Cyprus

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you are looking to buy property overseas, the process can be fraught with uncertainties and worries as you look for that dream house in an area in which, you, to be frank re not all that familiar.

So, how do you go about finding the right real estate agent in Cyprus? Here, Cyprus is no different. First off, authorised real estate agents in Cyprus need to be both licensed and registered. If this is the case, then your first port- of- call should be the Cyprus Real Estate Agents Association( "Association" ). However, not speaking the same language as you do, and having their fees paid for by the seller, may give you serious cause to wonder whether they have your best interests at heart or the seller s! While the Association may not be able to give you conclusive evidence that your chosen real estate agent is either the best or worst in the business, they should speak English and should be able to give you some reassurance towards calming your worries. Besides checking the details of any real estate agent with the Association, if you know anyone in Cyprus, you might also want to ask them if they have any recommendations.

Also, with the European Confederation of Real Estate Agents trying to harmonise the standards of real estate agents across Europe( which these days includes Cyprus) , the Association should be able to give you the name of some reputable real estate agents in the area where you are looking. In fairness, there is rarely anything as good as a good recommendation given by word- of- mouth. In most cases, the sites also have a good selection of pictures of properties, if nothing else, which, will give you some idea of the types of property that the agent commonly deals with. Finally, if you are still in the UK looking for property in Cyprus before you go, then the Internet has a wide selection of Cyprus real estate agents advertising their wares. But, keep in mind that although many Brits do use the services of English- speaking real estate agents they found on the Internet, the Internet itself is no assurance that the real estate agent is going to be good- so if you do find an agent this way, try to get testimony from someone who has used them before or ask for proof that they re a member of the Association.

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Buying A House Is As Tough A Task As It Seems To Be - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Buying a house is as tough a task as it seems to be.

Vancouver Real Estate Agents Can Enlighten You More About This Issue - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Have you ever thought of buying a property in Vancouver or finding Vancouver Real Estate Agents? You might also have been looking for some real estate in Yaletown, the West End or other parts of the Lower Mainland.

You Don T Even Need To Leave Your House To Apply For A Mortgage Loan Online - Melody Antilla about Finance and Real Estate:

In the 21st century, with each passing week, more and more business is being transacted over the World Wide Web. Including people who are interested in buying a home in Riverview, Westchase and the New Tampa real estate market.

Lastly, Go After Your First Deal

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

By now you know you want to be in the apartment buying business. I know we all want to become insanely rich with real estate investments.

The process is fairly simple if you consider this three step plan: STEP 1- Decide which horse you re going to ride: First things first, before you can get started as a real estate entrepreneur, you have to know what you want to do. But we have to have a focus. How about 10- units, 50- units, or 100- units? The questions to ask yourself are: Do you want to invest in duplexes, quads, triplexes? Are you interested in wholesaling, or retailing these, rehabbing properties? Trust me, you must have a focus or you will get caught in a web of great ideas that will lead you nowhere. There are so many options.

STEP 2- Don t get caught up in paralysis of analysis. The best strategy is to learn the basics. That s the worst success killer in the business. Don t confuse this with learning everything there is to know before you do anything. It took me seven months do my first deal. It is not possible to expect to be an expert before you begin.

That s right! I overanalyzed each and every step. Seven months. I made the mistake of focusing all of my attention on this one deal. In my case I was lucky. There was no guarantee that this deal was going to close, but I still didn t consider looking at any other deals during this time entire process. The deal did close and the end result was great.

But think about all the wasted time I did over analyzing deals. I ended up netting$ 25, 000 at close. Better yet, think about all of the potential deals and money I could have considered, if I had looked at other deals. If you want to become an apartment investor, then keep in mind that there is no such thing as lack of time. STEP 3- Proceed immediately to your first deal. Every human being has the same number of hours in a day as you do.

You must determine exactly what you want to do and give it your laser beam focus. To become an successful entrepreneur, it is important to choice carefully what you do with your time. Keep in mind that it s OK. to fear failure, but you must give yourself a chance. Lastly, go after your first deal. Occasional failure is good as long as you are failing forward and learning from it. It s your future and the only way. to predict your future is to create it! Always Remember, You Can Replace Your Income With One Deal!

And. . .

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Prime London Property Prices Have Risen Again, And Have Overtaken Tax Haven Monaco Property Prices, According To A Report Recently - Finance and Real Estate:

Prime London property prices have risen again, and have overtaken tax haven Monaco property prices, according to a report recently.

At The Present Time, These Financially Unstable Developments Are Not Widespread In The Tampa Bay Area - Natalie Dilday about Finance and Real Estate:

As you go about the process of shopping for a home, you likely are finding yourself looking at newer developments. When it comes to considering purchasing residential Tampa real estate in a new development, there are some considerations that you need to keep in mind.

Don T Forget The Home Inspection - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Talk to any Realtor and they will tell you that there has never been a better time to purchase a new home. For the first- time home buyer, the outlook is even better.

But Spain Has A Lot Of Other Things To Offer As Well

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

You might have heard a lot about the crowded beaches, flamenco dancers and bullfights in Spain. But Spain has a lot of other things to offer as well.

Well, the country is certainly famous for all these attractions. You can enjoy a clement climate round the year, lead a relaxed life, and wine and dine at your heart s content if you have place to stay there. You will have Spanish property to rent at affordable rates. Don t worry about accommodation. There are options for all& #9472. From luxury apartments to budget accommodations, Spain has options for anybody and everybody. The well- offs and the abstemious.

With the north resembling the rolling green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture, the country offers spectacular beauty and rich diversity. The rich past of the country is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, crumbling castles, Moorish palaces, Roman ruins, and Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals. Living in Spain means spending time in holidaying for the whole year. Together with it, there is the distinctive modern architecture and other new developments. This probably explains the craze for Spanish property! And the result is designer living.

That Spain has certain uniqueness about it is probably because separate kingdoms made up the original Spanish nation. Excellent architecture in C�rdoba, Granada, Salamanca, Toledo and Madrid. In their language, cuisine and art, culture these regions are quite diverse. Quiet beaches near Malaga, Huelva and Almer�a provide an especially pleasant living. No matter which part of Spain country you want to have an accommodation, a property agent can easily manage one for you. In order to get a first hand experience of it, you can approach the agents who have Spanish property to rent. Spanish people are very open- hearted and communicative and so are the agents.

Being available on the Internet, they remain accessible with a few clicks of the mouse. They provide service to those who want Spanish property to rent.

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What A Great Way To Plan For College - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

With the average cost of college level education rising approximately 6% every year, what is the best way to have the money for college exepnses when you need it? In fact, only 40% of students graduate in four( 4) years.

The Orlando Condo Market Is Continuously Developing, Providing Its Clients A Variety Of Condos - Lina Bucklew about Finance and Real Estate:

Nowadays, those interested in buying a new condominium have a variety of choices at their disposal.

The Guidelines Say That, A Real Estate Lending Program Should Take In An Appropriate Real Estate Evaluation Program And Appraisal - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

A real estate appraisal will help you to establish the market value of the property, your lender needs an appraisal when you ask to make use of the house or other real estate as a safety for the loan, as it needs to made sure that the property will sell for the least amount of money.

Have You Ever Considered Getting A Home Mortgage

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Have you ever considered getting a home mortgage? A Bank home loan can help you achieve your dream of becoming a homeowner.

If you live in Turkey or Istanbul, you should definitely consider it. Don t let finances or bad credit hold you back from realizing your potential. Could you imagine saving up to purchase a home outright? Home mortgages are not yet started in Turkey but longer term home loan credits are a great way to buy a home and maintain lower monthly payments. No one can do that unless they re rich! You will need a good credit report in order to obtain a home mortgage, but if you have good credit, there really shouldn t be any problem.

Once established home mortgages in Turkey and Istanbul can help you buy a house and make it a home. You should be able to see a lender and soon be living in the home you ve always wanted in no time at all. If you jump into a mortgage without doing any background research, you ll be sorry in the long run. Just don t forget to really do your research on home mortgages in Turkey and Istanbul. Getting home mortgages in Turkey should be a big deal for you. If you have your credit and finances in order, it should be relatively easy to obtain a mortgage with a good interest rate and low monthly payments. While it will be a life- changing event, it shouldn t be that difficult.

Home mortgages in Istanbul are a great way to buy a home that you ve always wanted, regardless of the amount of money in your savings account. Having a mortgage is a commitment, after all and it should be treated as such. All that matters is that you have good credit standing and a commitment to paying your bills on time every time. While home mortgages in Turkey may not be right for everyone, it may be the perfect option for you. If this sounds like you, home mortgages in Turkey or Istanbul would be perfect for you. Perhaps you are new parents, seeking a home to settle down and raise a family in. Or, maybe you re tired of the apartment life and would like to have much more space of your own, with your very own garden.

If any of these situations sound like your current situation, you may want to consider getting a home mortgage( once they start) or a bank loan for purchasing a home in Turkey or Istanbul. Perhaps you just want to have a place that you can call yours and all yours, without the overhanging thought of rent gouging and problems with the lease. A simple call to your local lender could make all the difference in the world. Take the right steps toward becoming a homeowner today!

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Don T Forget The Home Inspection - Jewel Lankford's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Talk to any Realtor and they will tell you that there has never been a better time to purchase a new home. For the first- time home buyer, the outlook is even better.

If These Magical Animal Experiences Aren T Reason Enough To Purchase A Holiday Home In Orlando Then Nothing Is - Finance and Real Estate:

If you are thinking of investing in a holiday home but are wondering where the best place to do this is, Orlando is an excellent option.

French Place Is A Great Austin Neighborhood Without - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Nestled in central Austin between Airport Boulevard and Manor Road lies the quiet yet vibrant neighborhood of French Place. While French Place s houses are generally no more than two to three bedrooms, many houses have interesting add- ons to enhance functionality without resorting to cookie- cutter remodels.

Downtown Austin Is Growing Faster Than Ever

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Downtown Austin is growing faster than ever. The city council and the community in gereral is pushing for growing the downtown into a live- work area with high density, and living upstairs, shops downstairs.

Well, but more than, maybe not ever in the last 14 years I have lived here. The term is" multi- use" and it is pretty much pretty much the montra for Austin real estate. A couple condos are situated at the turn of the river in downtown Austin, taking advantage of views down the river. There are 10+ condo projects going up in the next couple years that cater to the different appeals of living in downtown Austin. The first time I saw the views, I was pretty surprised. One nice aspect about these places is that there is not much chance of anything being built in the way of the river view since you are at the bend.

You can see all the way down the river from the Congress bridge, past the Lamar Bridge, and past downtown. The two places are called The Milago and The Shores. If you want protected river views, The Milago is pretty much it. The Milago is right at the bend of the river with only the Town Lake Trail between it and the water. Also, to get any views, you need to be above the trees and that is at about the 6th floor as well as on the west side of the building. The Shores has a similar view corridor down the river and to the west and is a little more north of the Milago. The east side of the building pretty much has nothing interesting right now.

It has the Mexican- American cultural center being built in front of it and has a low- rise, older townhome project that poses no threat as of now to block the view. Moving on to a another downtown Austin condo sector. This building is not as rectangular as The Milago so more of the units have some sort of view, whether it be the river or downtown. Some hotels are renovating the top floors of their places or building new high- rises next- door to accomodate those who want more high- end services associated with hotels. The Hilton probably has the most upper end units right now called the Five Fifty Five. They will have room service available, concierge, workout facilities, and whatnot. To name a couple slick attributes, they feature wolf ovens, 24hr, wood floors. concierge& security, and walls of windows viewing Austin downtown.

The other downtown Austin aspect of living that some condos will be banking on is the trend to live near walkable shops and restaurants. They have a couple penthouses left. Clarksville is a neighborhood thriving around some shops and restaurants on West Lynn as well as the 6th& Lamar area. There s a local shop to walk to on West Lynn, and if you want more of a supermarket, the Whole Foods mothership headquarters complete with ice rink is at the corner of 6th& Lamar along with REI, Amys Ice Cream, Waterloo Records, and other fun stuff. It is probably the closest actual neighborhood( meaning houses too) to downtown to the west. The Nokonah is right there in the midst of all that.

And of course, people just want to live by cool areas. It was built in 2001, so it is all resale at this point, but a good location with concierge and security. Austin s South Congress is known for probably being the hippest street in Austin. A couple different condo projects are popping up around that area. It is so cool it has been abbreviated to be called SoCo. Most are the loft, slick style that blends with the SoCo area.

It s a smaller condo project at only 14 units available and starting at 380K. One is practically the neighbor of a popular restaurant and club. A larger condo projects is being developed further down south called the SoCo Lofts. They will not really be walkable to the SoCo shopping area but will be creating its own multi- use shopping, and restaurants, retail. These will have bamboo floors and stainless appliances. Since they are a little more south from the saught- after SoCo strip of shops, they are a more affordable option, starting at 225K for a 1- Another area in the south that is trying to model itself after SoCo is being coined as SoLa, or South Lamar. It is not as dense with shops but city plans are in the works to rezone almost everything along the street between the river south to 71 to be multi- use.

SoLa is parallel to SoCo and about 2 main streets west. It could be pretty cool and much more expansive than the current SoCo. One is just south of the river called The Magnolia. There are various condos planned to take advantage of the new SoLa. They ve already begun construction and are moving fast, targeting completion by July 200The funny story behind this location is that it used to be a Wendy s. There are a number of downtown Austin Condos but the new ones that are coming online should widen the selection for people interested in living downtown. It will be interesting to watch Austin develop over the next several years.

Additionally, the increased density should allow for more small shops and businesses to set up shop downtown which will hopefully make downtown a more walkable interesting location for years to come.

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Some Molds Can Be Deadly - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Molds are part of the natural environment. and is certainly a problem in houses in the Nashville, Tennessee area. But indoors, mold growth should be avoided.

In Summary, I Am Not Saying You Have To Buy In A Bad Neighborhood - Finance and Real Estate:

When people call me, typically one of the first requests they make is for a house in a" nice" neighborhood.

Why Buy Property Or Real Estate In The Limousin I Ask- And The Answers Are There Many - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Why buy property or real estate in the Limousin I ask- and the answers are there many.

Bank Foreclosure Property Investing Can Be A Very Tricky Business

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

People tend to steer clear of foreclosure properties because of one of the many myths that they have.

Unfortunately, as this industry has grown, there have been a lot of myths that have started to surface. A bank foreclosure property is easy to understand and buy if you know the facts. If you are looking for a bank foreclosure property to invest in, you will be well served to learn about all of the myths. Myth 1- It s Impossible To Lose Money. In the end, you will get a home that is much more along the lines what you were looking for, and that s what its all about, right? The first myth is that you will always be guaranteed to make money if you buy a foreclosure property. Bank foreclosure property investing can be a very tricky business.

Even though it is very possible that you will make a profit on the home, there are also times when you will simply have to take a loss. On some properties you will win, and on some you will lose, but the good thing is that as you gain experience you will become more successful at the process. Another myth that goes along with buying a bank foreclosure property is that you will be able purchase the home for pennies. Myth 2- The Homes Will Cost Next To Nothing. Remember, foreclosures are sold so that the bank can make money as well. Of course this does not mean that you won t get a good price, just do not expect to buy a bank foreclosure property for a dollar or two! This means that they are going to be selling the home for as much money as they can.

As well, don t assume that since the property is a foreclosure property that it is automatically a good deal. Myth 3- You ll Be Able To Flip The House Immediately. It s important to do your research, check what the houses surrounding the property have sold for, and how this one compares. Its up to your common sense to help you to dispel the myths surrounding foreclosure properties. By knowing what they are and how to avoid them, you will be able to make your next bank foreclosure property purchase a success. The thing that you as an investor must remember is that these myths can cost you time and money.

Chances are, you have nothing to worry about anyways, with the exception of spending too much on repairs and making a loss.

How To Enter Into Successful Cash Flow Detroit Real Estate

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Detroit took some tough jabs with auto industry scale- downs. The dismal local economy has created ample opportunity for investors to take advantage of Detroit wholesale properties.

Some of that pain is subsiding, as communities are rejuvenated with new investment. The power of passive income. Rental property is perhaps the best example of such a revenue stream, with the added benefit of appreciation. Passive income is a recurring revenue stream that does not require great or regular effort. Right now, Detroit area properties are priced so low- relative to current rental costs- that positive cash flow opportunities abound. Here are some examples of real Detroit real estate income property scenarios: 18719 Westphalia, Detroit MI 48205. 3 Bed 1 Bath 1500 Sq Feet.

Investors can profit significantly from Detroit investment properties because it is such a great market model to generate cash flow. ARV 80k+ Comps. 19168 Strasburg 1293 Sq feet. Sold on 10/ 31/ 07 for 89, 906 miles from Westphalia. Sold on 10/ 12/ 07 for 100, 0056 miles from Westphalia. 13859 Linnhurst 1324 Sq feet. Your Wholesale Price only$ 25, 00Estimated Repairs$ 20, 000. That covers the mortgage payment, management fee and the taxes. In this example, with a fixed rate mortgage financing the purchase with nothing down, you would breakeven at about$ 700 rent.

This calculation was based upon including the$ 20, 000 estimated repairs, and folding it into the financing. Fully remodeled and Rented at$ 725/ mo. complete with Management. 13591 Faust St 48223 3BR 1BA 1300 SF. Here is another, real world example: Positive CASH FLOW! !! Wholesale Price$ 49, 900. Just as there are employees and self- employed people, there will always be owners and there will always be renters. This property breaks even with around$ 650 in rental income.

Thus, it is an effective working model of passive revenue achieved through rental property. In addition to the strengths of passive income, cash flow properties in Detroit real estate contribute to your long- term wealth and prosperity. Growing your long- term wealth. While your renters are paying your mortgage payments, you are enjoying" free equity" building up in your home. In addition, as the graph of time clearly indicates, real estate will always appreciate. Thus, not only are you earning passive income from Detroit investment properties, but you are also simultaneously increasing your asset value. In the long term, Detroit real estate value will increase, especially considering that the supply of land is infinite.

How to enter into successful cash flow Detroit real estate. Subsequently, you are not only generating passive income and building free equity, but you can profit from future appreciation- all which pad your wealth. The main component to successfully profit from Detroit investment properties is knowledge. By having the knowledge it takes to choose a profitable cash flow Detroit investment property, you can enjoy the long- term benefits of growing your wealth. Most of the decline in many Detroit neighborhoods has hit the bottom already, and the inevitable upward bounce is already beginning. In fact, it is possible to use Detroit houses to build equity and wealth in as little as five years.

Poured Concrete: The Beauty Of Strength

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Most home buyers know that homes built of solid concrete are stronger than homes built of most other building materials.

Aside from obtaining the safety, durability and security that only solid concrete can provide, concrete homes are also able to withstand hurricane and tornado force winds, are resistant to heat, water damage, fire, wood rot and insect infestation. While that is a solid advantage of buying or building a concrete home, there are many other benefits to building with concrete, and especially steel reinforced, that the average, poured concrete Florida home buyer may not be aware of. Maximum energy efficiency can be obtained in a solid concrete home. Built strong for the concerned Florida home buyer. You can do your part to help the environment and reduce the strain on rapidly depleting natural resources simply by purchasing a solid concrete home. With very active hurricane seasons in 2004- 2005, and yet another active season expected in 2006, it is not surprising that the majority of Florida residents and those seeking to re- locate to Florida have hurricanes at the forefront of their minds. But this doesn t mean that you have to avoid living in Florida in order to be safe from severe weather.

It is smart and responsible to be concerned about and prepared for hurricanes. It s no coincidence that solid, steel reinforced concrete is the most widely used building material for safe rooms and disaster shelters. Recent tests conducted in simulated 250 mile per hour winds, with projectiles traveling at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, showed that solid concrete homes were able to withstand these conditions and remain structurally intact. If you build or purchase a home made with steel- reinforced concrete, you are greatly increasing the odds of your home withstanding a Category 4 hurricane like Katrina or Rita. Solid concrete construction offers water tight protection against leaks and mildew that are often a consequence of storm damage. Solid, poured concrete homes are also resistant to heat and fire. Fire safety.

This type of concrete will not burn, soften or bend. Concrete offers a huge advantage over wood framed homes in the event of a fire, as fire is not able to spread as quickly through a concrete home. Solid, poured concrete walls are dense and joint free, which prevents the spread of fire. This gives the concrete home owner valuable time to get themselves and their loved ones to safety should a fire break out. Energy costs have spiked to unprecedented levels of late, and there is no relief in sight. A break for the environment and your wallet.

A solid concrete home uses thermal mass and light reflectivity to maximize energy efficiency. If you want a home that is environmentally friendly, then concrete is the building material for you! By absorbing heat during the higher daytime temperatures and releasing the accumulated heat during the cooler evening hours, the concrete home will be less expensive to cool in the summer and heat in the winter. If you are concerned about the environment, then poured concrete is the building material for you. The concrete industry also recycles and reclaims materials throughout the concrete manufacturing process. Concrete is made from some of the most plentiful resources on this planet, and there are no toxic bi- products. Due to global demand for wood and a limited supply, wood prices for builders and home buyers are some of the highest ever.

Concrete solves this problem by using abundant and readily available materials! Using a material that is in high demand but has a slow renewal process also has a greater impact on the overall environment. Minimal waste generated by the construction of concrete homes also reduces the impact on area landfills. With a solid concrete home, the home owner never has to worry about wood rot. Minimal maintenance costs. This is often a very expensive repair for wood framed home owners. Poured concrete: the beauty of strength.

Since concrete is an unappealing material to insects such as termites, concrete homes will not require expensive extermination treatments due to insect infestation. Since concrete can be poured into any shape, the design possibilities for your new Florida home are endless. Interior walls and floors can be covered with all standard flooring and wall covering materials. Concrete can also be covered with your choice of beautiful exterior materials, stone, including wood, brick, siding and stucco. Energy efficient, environmentally friendly concrete construction makes for a sound investment in your future and your environment. Tough, well made, resilient, sturdy, durable concrete provides, hard wearing the safety, security and protection that home buyers are looking for.

What You Can Do To Prepare For Closing Day

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Buying a new home can be a very stressful experience.

With so much that can go wrong at the last minute, it's no wonder so many buyers look toward closing day with a shudder of apprehension, crossing their fingers and hoping that all goes as planned. Horror stories abound of buyers unable to find insurance, unable to get a firm closing date from a builder, stuck with more closing costs than expected, having an interest rate hike at the last minute, or being left waiting for final lender approval on closing day. What you can do to prepare for closing day. You don' t want to be scrambling to set a closing date because your home is not finished when it is supposed to be. First, find a builder with a good reputation for following through on their completion dates. Get a solid close date from your builder, and maintain close contact with them to make sure there are no delays in construction.

Finding a mortgage specialist. Sometimes there are circumstances beyond the builder's control that may delay the completion of your home, but if you stay in close contact and you choose a builder that keeps you informed, you will have plenty of time to set a new closing date. When financing a new home, you will need a reputable mortgage specialist. You can also contact friends and relatives in the area who have recently financed a home, and ask if they were happy with the specialist they used. Your bank can supply you with one of their specialists on staff, or you can find an independent specialist outside your bank. Once you find a mortgage specialist you are comfortable working with, you will need to do a couple of things immediately. Also, get a rate lock guarantee so your interest rate will not go up while you are completing the application process.

It is important to obtain a Good Faith Estimate of closing costs, so you know how much money you will need to have at closing time. Speaking of interest rates, be sure to go over all of the available loans with your mortgage specialist. You may do better with an adjustable rate or interest only loan. A 30 year fixed rate loan may not be the best loan for you. Your specialist should be able to offer you sound advice on which type of loan is right for you based on your income and how long you plan to live in your home. Your mortgage specialist will need certain documentation to expedite the financing of your new home. Gather your documentation in advance.

If you have this information put together in advance, you can quickly and easily supply it to your mortgage specialist. You don' t want to be waiting to hear whether you have been approved for financing the week before your closing. This ensures that there are no delays in obtaining your new home loan. This is added stress that you don' t need and that can be easily prevented. To verify your income, lenders will ask for the previous year's W- 2 form, one month of bank statements( all pages, including investments) , and pay stubs for the previous month that shows a year- to- date salary. Documents you will need.

If you don' t have the previous month's pay stubs to verify your income, your mortgage specialist can call your employer to obtain verification, but this often takes longer and slows down the loan process. Insurance requirements. You will also need a copy of the sales contract between you and your builder. Lenders require proof that an insurance policy has been purchased for your new Florida home before the loan can close. Often, your current insurance company will give you preference for being an existing customer. Your best bet is to contact your existing insurance company to obtain a policy for your new home.

For example, some companies do not write policies to new customers during hurricane season, but they will write new policies for existing customers. Don' t wait until the last minute to find insurance because without insurance, you cannot close on your loan. If you want to find a different insurance company to write the policy on your new Florida home, be sure you give yourself plenty of time to shop around and find the right insurance company with the right policy for you. Keep in touch. Ask questions and call for regular updates. The most important thing to remember throughout the closing process is to keep in close contact with your mortgage specialist. If you do your homework, prepare your documentation in advance and stay informed, you can have a stress free closing.

As A General Rule Of Thumb The Mortgage Repayments Should Be Less Than 35% Of Your Total Monthly Income

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The property situation in the UK has been steadily rising for many decades now, but finally it seems slowing down and possibly the reverse happening.

Either way it is making everyone a little nervous and more reserved than usual. Currently the market is very unsteady, some experts predicting a slight recession whilst others saying it's merely a slight hold up before continuing to rise again. Due to the unease it is the perfect break for the opportune developer looking to jump on the ladder. However before you jump straight in and start manically house hunting, bear in mind the following factors first, and in particular the hidden financial costs that can ruin any potential development by sapping up the whole budget! As less people are investing, you will find more attractive offers that you can seize and capitalize on. Firstly decide on a suitable mortgage that will allow the cash needed to buy a property and do it up, but does not, if necessary cripple you with excessive repayments. Remember mortgage lenders will generally lend about 3x your salary, however if you opt for a joint mortgage it is possible to get approximately 5x your combined salaries.

As a general rule of thumb the mortgage repayments should be less than 35% of your total monthly income. According to recent figures, first time buyers are priced out of 80% of the towns in the UK. Teaming up can make investment much safer, easier and less stressful especially making redevelopment less work. This is a very daunting statistic for any first time buyer, which explains why more and more are opting for help from another party, be it a family member or friend. Unfortunately more often than not will cause disagreements and in the worst possible scenario a complete break up between both parties. There are many mortgages available, from many different lenders, tailored to suit different peoples needs.

In any case it is essential to draw up a valid, detailed contract that clearly states what happens if one partner wants out. If you are not an expert, it is worth seeking an experts advice, the advice received should outweigh the cost of choosing the wrong mortgage and being stuck with it. Also remember to take into account additional factors such as the interest rate, lock- ins and redemption penalties. One simple point to note is that, the more deposit you can lay down initially, the better mortgage deal you will be able to negotiate. Whilst going through the process of purchasing an' average' house, worth approximately 217k the purchaser will incur approximately 4250 of additional costs, including: Mortgage arrangement fee. Solicitors fee.

Land registry fee. Stamp Duty. And on top of that building and contents insurance is a definite must. Valuation service( from lender) Structural building survey. Considering most developers thinking about refurbishing a property, need to keep, to add value costs down to a minimum, this could seriously affect the rest of the budget. What's more Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has recently revealed the government has set aside 600m to fund cut price housing to help first time buyers. However with careful and thorough planning and a sensible budget, there is no reason not to invest in your first property.

In conclusion I say do not hold back, in fact use these unsettled times in your favour, make the lenders compete to win your custom, find the perfect first time investment and jump straight on the property ladder!

This Investment Strategy Is Land Investment And Is One Of The Smartest Things Anyone Can Do To Increase Their Net Worth And Financial Freedom

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Thinking about retirement is natural for all employees. There are TV shows, stocks, investment seminars, bonds, mutual funds and what have you.

It seems like today there is a new investment strategy on the market almost every day, and many would- be retirees are jumping on whatever bandwagon they can to ensure they are protected financially when it comes to the retirement years. All promising to take care of you in your golden years. This investment strategy is land investment and is one of the smartest things anyone can do to increase their net worth and financial freedom. What many people do not realize is that there exists an investment strategy right under their nose that can be very successful in securing financial freedom at retirement. High on returns and low on risk is the mantra of a great investor. Investing in land is one that that comes with both low risks and high returns if you play your cards right and you do not need to be independently wealthy to get into this industry.

Good old fashion savings will not give you high returns, and stock market games are not often associated with low risks. All categories of investors have had some success in land investment. Land property is an investment that offers consistent returns that are safer than other investments, and always appreciate in value. The advantages of investing in property that is not developed are great. Thus, if you invest in land, when and if you decide to sell it, your will always get a higher return on your investment. Stock market and bond investments are currently averaging rates of returns in the 4 to 8 percent range. Not just is land investment often more lucrative than stock market investment, but also there is the backing of a physical asset.

Land investments on the other hand can offer returns on your cash investment as high as 200 percent. If you are a first time buyer, consider buying at a location where land moves fast. The largest advantage to land investments is the significant return on your investment as land always and only appreciates in value. For example, land investments in Florida and the Carolinas are extremely wise location points to begin land investment. It is estimated that 50 million people will move to the South within the next two decades. This is considered a hot market because this is the area of the country that retirees are moving to. The warm climate and easier lifestyle is appealing to the retired generation and they are buying real estate there at alarming rates.

Knowing how and when to act with land investments can be done with the aid of a realtor in the area you are interested in. Forecasting such moves makes for great real estate investment. Avoid freshers who might actually be able to get you the best deals, but will inspire lesser confidence. Now is the time to start thinking about it. Realtors know land the way a banker knows money, and they will always work with you to ensure your dollar is maximized. Land is land, i. e. , and increasingly scare commodity that will never really be created again.