The Key to Real Estate Investing Success Revealed!

The Key to Real Estate Investing Success Revealed!

How did you get into real estate investing? Did you read a book on it? Was it a seminar? A meeting of some sort with speakers dispensing real estate investing information, but really selling courses? Did you get really, really jazzed and pumped up by these simple ("not easy") concepts that were delivered to you in parable form from the stage by a charismatic speaker?

18 Easy Steps to Buy a Bargain House

What is a "distressed" property? What is "bargain" real estate?

A distressed property is one with a distressed seller. Job loss or transfer, divorce, death, pending foreclosure, and lack of money cause sellers to sell fast for less. Discovering the seller's problem and finding a solution is the key to buying a bargain property. A distressed property may also be a "doghouse," a dump, or a fixer. Owners of "doghouses" are not always distressed sellers.

18 Easy Steps to Buy a Bargain House

How To Buy Vacation Homes As Real Estate Investment Property

Vacation homes are popular with people for lots of reasons, one of which is to be able to enjoy a favorite vacation getaway spot in style. But increasingly, vacation homes are also being seen as possible real estate investment opportunities. But before rushing out to invest in a vacation home, here are some important considerations to keep in mind.

First of all, not all vacation homes are equal. Some will be located in more popular areas of the country than others, and this will have a direct impact on their property value as well. So just as with most other kinds of real estate, location will be one of the most important ingredients for success in choosing a vacation home as an investment vehicle.

Investors Who Missed The Recent Real Estate Boom Should Look Here

If you are a real estate investor and missed the housing boom, you may get another chance. Overheated in the eastern and western markets are cooling off, but there are new opportunities out there. Some of the cities that sat out the boom of the last few years are now showing stronger appreciation gains. Cities such as Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are showing signs of a strengthening real estate market.

Real Estate in hot markets like the San Francisco Bay area market is showing signs of s a slowdown. Prices are rising slowly, however inventory is up. Another sign of slowdown in this hot market is the time it takes to sell a property. Last year some were getting nervous because there were only three multiple offers on a property instead of nine. In one year we have seen quite a change. Now homes that would have sold in one or two weekends are sitting on the market longer. It is not uncommon to see homes sitting on the market thirty to sixty days. This is more like a normal market.

Meanwhile in Texas the demand for housing is increasing. With the new boom in the oil market aiding the job market, workers are coming to Texas from the US and abroad. This is putting upward pressure on the housing market. There are no signs of this slowing down anytime soon. While home prices in Dallas and Texas may not appreciate at the high rates of 20% + seen in some areas in the last few years, the appreciation rates should still be healthy. Real Estate Investors have been aware of this and are investing in these markets that have previously been very slow.

The Atlanta market is benefiting from a healthy job market. Unlike the Texas markets, the Atlanta market is also seeing a rise in inventory. This rise in inventory should restrain the appreciation in Atlanta.

A number of cities in the southwest which have seen high appreciation rates are seeing a strong increase in inventory. Cities such a Phoenix and Las Vegas are also showing a strong job market. Inventories of homes in these cities will need to be watched. If inventories continue to rise sharply, prices will tend to stay flat or fall slightly.

Meanwhile the California market is looking vastly different from a year ago. In Sacramento and San Diego the market is cooling rapidly. In California it now takes an average of six months to sell a home. I was not that long ago that in some California markets, homes were selling in one weekend.
In California the average home now costs over $500000. This is out of reach for many families. The pressure is now on housing prices to come down in some areas. Higher interest rates, slower sales, home prices beyond the reach of the average family all point to falling prices in some areas.

Another scenario is that home prices will remain flat until wages catch up.

As the market changes, more and more homeowners are getting caught in foreclosure. As prices appreciated quickly, homeowners who could not meet their mortgage obligations benefitted from an increase in equity. That will not be the case in the coming years. There are a number of sites dedicated to homeowners wanting to sell their homes without a Realtor, investors looking for deals, and agents looking for new business. RealtyTrac is one such site. Here you can find home bargains, sell a home without an agent, and discover your homes value.

Article Source: http://www.europe-property.org/articles

Andrew Goldman is president of Metal Rabbit media services, the operator of www.Exchangetradedfundinvesting.com and carealestateinvest.com He has written a number of articles on finance and investment over the last ten years.

What is the best strategy for loading property and configuration files in Java?

When you think about how to load an external resource in Java, several options immediately come to mind: files, classpath resources, and URLs. Although all of them eventually get the job done, experience shows that classpath resources and URLs are by far the most flexible and user-friendly options.

In general, a configuration file can have an arbitrarily complex structure (e.g., an XML schema definition file). But for simplicity, I assume below that we're dealing with a flat list of name-value pairs (the familiar .properties format). There's no reason, however, why you can't apply the ideas shown below in other situations, as long as the resource in question is constructed from an InputStream.
Evil java.io.File

Using good old files (via FileInputStream, FileReader, and RandomAccessFile) is simple enough and certainly the obvious route to consider for anyone without a Java background. But it is the worst option in terms of ease of Java application deployment. Using absolute filenames in your code is not the way to write portable and disk position-independent code. Using relative filenames seems like a better alternative, but remember that they are resolved relative to the JVM's current directory. This directory setting depends on the details of the JVM's launch process, which can be obfuscated by startup shell scripts, etc. Determining the setting places an unfair amount of configuration burden on the eventual user (and in some cases, an unjustified amount of trust in the user's abilities). And in other contexts (such an Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB)/Web application server), neither you nor the user has much control over the JVM's current directory in the first place.

An ideal Java module is something you add to the classpath, and it's ready to go. Think EJB jars, Web applications packaged in .war files, and other similarly convenient deployment strategies. java.io.File is the least platform-independent area of Java. Unless you absolutely must use them, just say no to files.
Classpath resources

Having dispensed with the above diatribe, let's talk about a better option: loading resources through classloaders. This is much better because classloaders essentially act as a layer of abstraction between a resource name and its actual location on disk (or elsewhere).

Let's say you need to load a classpath resource that corresponds to a some/pkg/resource.properties file. I use classpath resource to mean something that's packaged in one of the application jars or added to the classpath before the application launches. You can add to the classpath via the -classpath JVM option each time the application starts or by placing the file in the \classes directory once and for all. The key point is that deploying a classpath resource is similar to deploying a compiled Java class, and therein lies the convenience.

Luxury properties from £16.57 a month

Select Ownership……a new frontier in overseas property ownership

"Select Ownership is a brand new way of owning a property abroad which costs from as little as £16.57 a month. It gives purchasers all the benefits of owning a property without the hefty price tag", explains Mark Stott, the chief executive of Select Ownership.

"Customers buy a share of a property in two week increments which they can choose to use, rent out or swap. Then, when the property is sold, customers get an equal share of the proceeds. Select Ownership enables people to own a share of a property based on the time they have free, rather than paying for a property which sits empty for months on end."

Forget Fractional Ownership, forget Timeshare, this is Select Ownership.

table

Luxury beachfront properties in Turkey

Select Ownership has been launched with three luxury properties (duplexes, penthouses and villas) in Horizon Sky - a beachfront development located on Turkey's Aegean coast.

Overlooking the Mandalya Bay in the region of Bodrum, Horizon Sky boasts its own private beach and beach club. Owners also have access to a list of excellent facilities and amenities, including swimming pools, health clubs and restaurants.

"One of the main advantages is that you can choose to use your property, rent it out or swap it, but always earn from it," says Mr. Stott.

* Use it: Enjoy the fully-furnished property, safe in the knowledge that you are only paying for what you use.
* Rent it: If you don't want to use your property one week, let Select Ownership rent it out and earn a good rental income.
* Swap it: If you fancy a change one week, swap for another location in over 4,000 destinations worldwide.
* Earn from it: As well as the potential to earn a good rental income, with Select Ownership you will also benefit from any capital growth the property generates over the term (usually 14 years).

With a range of flexible payment plans, including a monthly direct debit option, owning a property abroad has never been so easy.

House keeping

An interesting article which doesn't actually say anything new but is well worth a read by anyone unfamiliar with the territory. I agree his conclusions:

" First, Britain is likely to suffer a substantial housing decline, which easily could snowball and become steep -- as in the United States.

Second, that housing decline poses huge risks to an overleveraged economy accustomed to easy debt and house price inflation -- as in the United States.

Third, as prices fall and the economy struggles, a lot of UK mortgage debt will go bad, hitting banks and investors in Britain and abroad -- as in the United States.

All three will magnify and feed one another.
"

As far as Joe public in Uk is concerned, I don't think the truth has really hit home yet - they sense that something's wrong and that the government is making all sorts of excuses but they don't understand the seriousness.

In my locality (upmarket provincial Midlands market town with significant number of London commuters) the housing market is dead. No one (except possibly the estate agents - who are starting to reduce some prices by nibbles) seems to understand that to sell a property you've now got to offer a realistic price - and even that may not be sufficient in the current market of no easy mortgages. I bought here Dec 2006 and was laughed at when making what i considered to be realistic offers. I eventually found a nice house with a smart owner who took my offer and saved himself the problem of now, either not selling or taking even lower.

I've surveyed the housing market here pretty thoroughly since i first started looking in early 2006. Now, many many sellers have just removed their properties from the market - i dont think HIPS have helped - only politicians who've never even run a whelk stall could have engineered that one. The removals from market appears to be because they think the market will bounce back - has all the smell of those who continually adjust their stoploss downwards. I'm talking in the main, decent 4 bed detached houses which is what i was specifically searching. The situation now is that there are hardly any for sale and if i were looking now i'd be hard pressed no matter how much ready money I've got. This, of course, is the market in action. The sensible buyer will go into temporary rental, wait, and get a good deal later on. This is what I usually do and it is quite surprising how sellers' attitudes change when you turn up with a wallet-load of money and no chain.

The BTL (buy to let) & other get rich quick property merchants are going to get severely hurt. But they were, in the main, either greedy or stupid or both.

The people who i really feel sorry for are those struggling to earn a decent living who are going to get shafted by irresponsible bankers (i did say bankers), politicians and smart marketing whiz kids who've never seen a recession.

PS - didn't mean to make a rant but it does seem a bit like that on re-read. Ah well, it's all true!
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Old Apr 2, 2008, 12:44pm #3
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The housing market may be dead where you are but where I am it is still buoyant and prices have held their value.

I agree that HIPS have had a negative impact and have been responsible for around 30% of properties being withdrawn. The reason is that around 30% of all properties on the market were from people who would just test the market and move if they sold but didn't need to or maybe fancied a move just up the street. With the time limited HIPS coming in these people have just disappeared as they were only happy to sell if no upfront cost was incurred.

In my view the biggest factor in house price deflation and ultimate crash will be interest rates and there is talk of reducing them. If that happens then I don't think we will see the same problems as the US is seeing but with any market who can tell.

MARYLAND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURE AND DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This article has been contributed by Henry Davis of International Property.ie
International Property.ie is run and managed by Henry Davis MBA. He has been developing
Liverpool property since 1989, as well as property in Manchester, London and Eastern Europe
Make life easy.
1. Make life easy, if buying an overseas property for letting, choose square or rectangular shaped
rooms. Irregular or unusual shaped rooms make a room look smaller and cluttered.
A key selling point for tenants is an en-suite and a decent sized living room is important even if the
bedrooms are a bit on the small size.
Choose the right overseas letting agent.
2. Choosing the right letting agent is vital for a quick rental. Establish which agent generates the
most enquiries from potential tenants in the local area if you are targeting the local long term lets
market.
Consider an agent with a high street location who may be getting the highest footfall or the agent
with a strong online marketing presence. Also look at the local papers in your overseas location
and establish which agents are advertising on a regular basis as they will have a constant stream
of tenants.
If targeting the holiday lets market, then your letting agent should have a user friendly website with
lots of quality pictures to promote your property.
Interior design is important.
3. Furniture and a slick sophisticated professional interior designed look is the key to securing
higher rent and an immediate let. The right look will rent your property faster and also attract better
quality tenants who will care about your property.
It’s surprising how many landlords spend hundreds of thousands buying a property to-let only to
skimp on furnishing and fittings. Consider employing an interior designer or a interior design-lead
furniture supplier who can offer a ‘’wow’’ factor. Pay particular attention to the three piece suite
selection.
This is a key signature piece and the emphasis should to be on a high quality ‘’comfy’’ large suite.
Stay away from overly contemporary furniture especially sofas with small narrow overly firm
cushions with low backs, they look trendy, but can be very uncomfortable.
Once the property is furnished, take high quality pictures or consider a professional photographer
who can make your property look truly amazing. These photos are an important selling tool and will
set your property apart from the competition.
Parking.
4. Parking spaces make your property more rentable; especially in major cities and they can also
be a great investment. However in some holiday resorts they may not be so important so be careful
not to pay over the odds for a space that may never be used.
Too many overseas investor owners may reduce your rental returns.
5. If you are buying an overseas apartment, do not buy in a larger site exclusively sold to investors
especially in developments with twenty five plus units.
When large amounts of properties become available for rent at the same time this will create a
temporary over-supply, reduce your rent and increase the time required to find tenants.
If they are all sold to investors there will be no owner occupiers to take an interest and play an
active role in the management company as all the owners will be based overseas. This is
becoming an increasing problem for Irish investors who have purchased in Spain.
Be involved with your management company.
6. Take an active role in your management company. A well run Management Company ensures
the common areas are clean and will ensure the building itself is well maintained and cared-for.
This makes your property more desirable to perspective tenants.
If the managing agent is not performing well, be ruthless and seek to have them removed as soon
as possible. Many owners play no active role in the running of their management company and this
will impact on the level and standards of services provided by the managing agent.
Internet Marketing.
7. If targeting the holiday lets market, many potential tenants may be coming from different parts of
the world. Ideally you need a basic, but user friendly website for your property with lots of large
high quality pictures.
The website should be listed on holiday let websites and you need to establish which sites are the
most popular. Research online to find the most popular sites which will give you the best chance of
a fast let. Search engines play a key role and you need to choose holiday let listing websites
appearing high on well known search engines.
You can search the typical key words perspective tenants might input. The search engine results of
your own test search will establish which letting sites have a strong online presence as the
websites you find online using keywords prospective tenants may use are the same sites your
tenants will come across in their search for a holiday let.
Keep in regular contact with your overseas agent.
8. Keep in regular contact with your letting agent, ask about the number of viewings, if the property
is slow to rent it is vital to ask for feedback to establish any problem quickly, preferably within days
of the first few viewings.
If your property is slow to rent, act fast, lower the price or have a meeting with the agent to discuss
any problems.
Don’t be greedy.
9. Don’t be greedy. Many landlords overprice trying to hold out for months greedily dreaming of a
higher rent. This is a pointless exercise defeating itself based on the fact the property usually
remains empty for months while the owner seeks an unrealistic rental figure.
If you’re renting in a more competitive market, then price point your property below the competition.
This may hurt initially, but if you have to do it later, financially, it will hurt even more, if after many
months you have to reduce the rent anyway, start lower, be realistic, don’t be greedy and get your
property rented immediately.
Make sure the rent is paid on time!
10. Only accept payments on a standing order basis, if it’s a long term rent as the hassle factor
with cheque or cash just isn’t worth the trouble.
Check your bank account every month and if tenants are late with a payment, advise them strongly
in writing you’re unhappy about it, in effect try to make an issue of their lateness and ask them not
to repeat.
Ask for six weeks deposit instead of the usual four as tenants often withhold the last months rent
as a way of returning their deposit. This way there is some cash available if the property is
damaged.