Saturday, August 30, 2008

This Is Lower Than The 5, 783 Units Sold, 129 And 4 In The Second And First Quarters Respectively

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

In a study of the take- up of new non- landed projects in non- prime areas, The mid- tier and mass market projects turned in strong sales volume since a year ago in 200Until now, the market had perceived that these segments trailed the high- end market in their recovery, and had begun to recover only in early- 2007, in terms of volume and price.



Likewise districts 15 and 16 take- up rates were about 90 per cent. A detailed analysis of the new units launched in 2006 and the corresponding take- up volumes show otherwise. 68 per cent of the new projects launched in the West Coast, in districts 5 and 21 in 2006 had actually been taken up. This is not far from the 74 per cent take- up of projects in the prime districts of 9 and 10 and the 96 per cent of those in the Downtown and Sentosa Cove. The number of new launches in the West has tripled from a year ago, with the launch of one north( 405 units) , One Rochester( 366) , Botannia( 493 units) and The Parc Condominium( 659 units) . A year on, the number of projects on the market in the West( districts 5& 21) has swelled. As well, the number of new launches in Newton/ Novena( district 11) has doubled from 578 units in 2006 to 1, 351 units so far this year, featuring Pavilion 11( 180 units) , Sky Eleven( 273 units) and Hillcrest Villa Paradise( 163 units) .


Over in the East( districts 15 and 16) , take- up in January- September 2007 is equally strong at 85 per cent. Take- up of the projects in these two micro markets has also been very healthy, with 90 per cent of the units snapped up. The pace of the residential market slowed down a little during the third quarter, due partly to the seasonal effect of the Lunar Seventh Month( 13 August to 10 September) , and partly to the credit tightening which resulted from the US sub- prime mortgage problems. With the slowdown, it is likely that the total new homes sold in the third quarter will be around 4, including sales from, 000 units ongoing projects. Developers launched around 3, 500- 4, 000 units, fewer than the average of 4, 300 units in each of the previous two quarters. This is lower than the 5, 783 units sold, 129 and 4 in the second and first quarters respectively.


New benchmarks were achieved by the sale of a penthouse each in The Marq at$ 5, 100 psf and in The Orchard Residences at$ 5, 500 psf. Nevertheless, some projects like The Parc, Soleil and Hillcrest did very well. Preliminary estimates by URA for the third quarter showed that the private residential price index increased by 4% to 5% from the previous quarter. Anecdotal evidence suggested that sub- sale activities have been muted as investors become more cautious. A weaker market sentiment was felt in the secondary market. While the first and second quarters saw secondary market sales volume of 6, 645 units respectively, 514 and 4, it is likely that the third quarter figures will be lower, in the region of 4, 000- 4, 500 units.


Residential rents have gone up significantly due to the shortage of apartments for lease following the slew of collective sales of existing developments in the past two years. The proportion of sub- sales to total sales( primary and secondary markets) is likely to fall below the 4% and 7% registered in the first two quarters. In the last six months, the rental index has risen by 17 per cent, compared to 11 per cent for the whole 200A rise of another 8% to 10% is expected for the third quarter. In particular, rents in the popular areas of Tanjong Rhu, Meyer Road/ East Coast/ Dunman/ Joo Chiat and Siglap have gone up 49 per cent since the fourth quarter of 200Median rents of apartment in the area have increased to$ 62 per square foot per month. More and more expatriates were observed to opting to buy their own homes or move out of the prime districts for cheaper accommodation elsewhere. Apartments in Orchard/ Grange Road/ Tanglin and Bukit Timah witnessed the second highest increase in rentals since the last quarter of 2006, going up by 35 per cent.


Some new launches expected to come on- stream are Hilltops, Ritz- Carlton Residences, the second phase, 21 Anderson of Marina Bay Financial Centre, Turquoise condominium in Sentosa Cove and the first phase of Waterfront View redevelopment project. Tenants in this traditionally popular area are now paying$ 74 per square foot per month on average, compared to$ 72 per square foot per month in the last quarter of 200 Moving into the final quarter of 2007, the residential market will remain active as the government s projected economic growth of 7% to 8% for the year remains on track. The sale of new homes may register 3, 000- 3, 500 units while prices may rise by 6% to 8% , led by possible new benchmarks set by branded residences.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

A Savvy Agent Could Clue In Clients To This Area

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

A real estate agent I know recently posed the question, "how important is it for a real estate broker to be involved in his community? " That is, does a real estate agent provide better service if he does things such as serve on local boards, belong to local committees, and contribute to local charities?



On the other hand, it can be argued that as long as an agent does, know the market, indeed, the source of this knowledge is irrelevant. One view is that an agent who is involved in these types of activities is invested in his community, will be more, and thus informed and educated about local issues, including the current real estate market. It can come from community involvement, but it can come from other sources as well. The answer to this question may come down to the issue of what is most important to clients. In addition, some people might argue that an agent would be better served researching the local market and concentrating on activities that are specifically related to real estate rather than wasting time participating in things that have little or nothing to do with real estate. Do they want an agent who is all business and no nonsense and who concentrates solely on issues such as market analysis, or do they want a more friendly, warmer agent who involves himself with all aspects of the community, real estate related and not? One type of client will appreciate the former type of agent, and another type of agent will appreciate the latter.


Presumably, both types of agents will be able to find fans. I would argue that agents would benefit from both types of experience. Since most people an agent deals with in a day to day basis will not have access to the same data resources as a real estate agent it s a prudent to look at statistics to understand what is happening in the market. Crunching numbers will help understand what has happened in the past in a particular real estate market. Frequently press reports are a little behind so carefully analyzing numbers as they come out can help an agent to be ahead of the curve of popular opinion. A savvy agent could clue in clients to this area.


For instance maybe an area of town that is still considered rough is starting to see more sales. But while analyzing numbers can help an agent determine what is happening on the ground today being involved in the local community can help an agent know what is happening in the future, whether it is a potential redevelopment or a planned expansion of an existing company. In addition, being involved in the community has other benefits. Being involved in the community and talking to people can help an agent be informed about future developments. It benefits the larger community the agent lives in. In addition, they provide a break from the day to day grind of being a real estate agent. So from feeding the homeless to be involved in educating the less fortunate these activities can have a larger social impact.

Read more...

As We Have Discussed, There Are Many Factors To Consider When Finding The Right Neighborhood - Finance and Real Estate:

As the old saying goes, the three most important facts for selecting the right neighborhood are location, location, location. It is indeed a very important fact in the selection of your new home because a really nice, affordable home in, attractive the wrong neighborhood can be an expensive formula for disaster for you.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Inheritance Is One Reason That Many People Find That They Need To Get Rid Of A Property Quickly

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

There are many situations that you may find yourself in where you need cash and quickly.



Inheritance is one reason that many people find that they need to get rid of a property quickly. Whether you need to move on in life quickly, or you simply have a property that you need to get rid of for cash in hand, a real estate investor will be able to provide you with the solution for your problem. While you might have been overjoyed to inherit a house from a deceased relative, you might just as quickly become dismayed over how much it costs. A house can stay in probate for more than two years, depending on the size of the property and you will probably find that upkeep on the house has been minimal, perhaps even nonexistent. The house itself is coming to you for free, but don t forget that the property taxes need to be paid and repairs will probably need to be made. You may realize that the house you inherited is riddled with structural integrity issues, things that would take a fortune to fix and suddenly your inheritance might not look so attractive. You ll find that when you acquire a property like this, one of the best things you can do for yourself, before you get stuck with property taxes that you really can t pay, is sell the property as quickly and for as much cash as possible.


A real estate investor can help you deal with this issue, especially if you live far away from the property that you inherited. One of the greatest advantages of having a real estate investor on hand is that he will be able to make you an offer in cash on the property and quickly. Another reason that you may need the services of a real estate investor results from needing to split a property in half. With many other private buyers, you ll be negotiating for weeks on price and renovations and repairs, but with a real estate investor, all you will have to hear is one offer for cash, and that can come in a matter of days! Whether due to divorce or death, or any number of other situations, you ll find that the property needs to be taken care of and the revenue from it divided. If you are in a situation where the other person who owns the property is no longer someone that you care for, the last thing you will want to do is be in a situation where you have to spend an extensive amount of time cleaning the house and putting it into a saleable state!


This is another situation where you will want the property dealt with in as short a span as possible. When you are going through a real estate agent or if you are selling the home yourself, you will often find that there needs to be quite a lot of discussion among the people who actually own the home. Moreover, if something falls through, you may very well end up doing this more than once. You will need to decide on offers and counteroffers together and this can uncomfortable, to say the least! A real estate investor can offer you cash up front for your home, which you can then divide easily. Because they are in a situation where they buy and flip properties regularly, they will be in a position to offer you a deal on your house as- is.


The cash option is another advantage of dealing with a real estate investor. A real estate investor is not interested in the house as a home, but rather as an investment. Contact a real estate investor and let him appraise your home today. If there are superficial things that he can fix on his own, and this can, he will get you out of your home and on with your life much more quickly than going through a real estate agent. Many will take properties as- is, making your only responsibility moving out. When you need the money from the sale of a house quickly, a real estate investor can be the best solution you have available!

Read more...

Over The Years The Area Has Built Itself Up For Tourists And Residents Both To Enjoy - Michelle Blackwelder's Finance and Real Estate blog:

As the area of Baja California, Mexico continues to grow, so do all the reasons for individuals and families to purchase beach front property there. Add total land ownership with affordable financing, and you have got a match made in heaven.

The Main Attribute Of The Riviera Maya Mexico Is The Diversity It Offers To Visitors - Susana Zuck about Finance and Real Estate:

The Riviera Maya Real Estate Mexico is comprised of untouched and isolated beachfronts that offer the quintessential tropical vacation experience, complete with turquoise waters and coral reefs. Geographically, Riviera Maya extends from 20 min south from Cancun and extends till Costa Maya.

Don T You Want A Home That Is Built To Last - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

If you have been in the market for Florida real estate, then you have seen them. They are alike in every way.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

High- End Rents Rose Some 13 Percent From A Year Earlier, Said Collingz

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

In the Philippines it s not just that condos are comparatively cheaper and relatively more easy to maintain than a single- family home. Collingz said according to her research into Philippine property values, mid market condos, since 2000 in Metro Manila have increased in value 120 percent, at an annual rate of 114 percent compared to new homes rising some 25 percent since 2000 or 57 percent a year and resale homes rising 20 percent since 2000 or 85 percent a year.



In recent years, they ve become the prime residential real estate investment and the best may be yet to come says Beth Collingz, PLC International, International Sales Director, the lead marketing partners for Pacific Concord Properties Inc s Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels. The median price for an existing studio type condo in Metro Manila is around$ 53, 000 for 2007, up some 55 percent from$ 34, 000 in 2005 whilst mid range housing prices in the$ 90, 000 range for 2007 are only up some 8 percent from$ 84, 000 in 200 Rising demand for condos, short and medium, hotels term rental accommodation, offices and shopping malls in the Philippines, home to a population of almost 80 million and with a significant number of the more than 10 million returning overseas Filipino Baby Boomers , is also fueling rents. Companies like Texas Instruments are investing$ 1B in expanded operations in the Philippines. Residential rents in Metro Manila rose 26 percent in the three months to March 2007, their highest quarter- on- quarter increase in more than a decade, as more and more IT companies set up shop in the Philippines. High- end rents rose some 13 percent from a year earlier, said Collingz. Yields from 8 percent to as high as 14- 16 percent ROI on rental income property contrast with the 4 percent to 5 percent that private equity firms get in the United States and Europe. Collingz projects that Rents in the region are set to effectively jump up by at least 7 percent per annum over the next five years, compared with 3 percent in the United States and 7 percent in Europe.


These facts gives significant rise to the value of making Condotel investments in the Philippines says Collingz. It already has had a profound impact in markets where there s a lot of this money chasing the same assets. People are in general looking to shift fund flows relatively towards Asia, Collingz said. In Singapore, the region s second- biggest market after Japan, investments by private real estate funds accounted for seven of the 19 office blocks, worth 7 billion dollars, sold since September 200REITs bought six. In Hong Kong, property funds of Morgan Stanley and Macquarie Bank paid a total of 9 billion Hong Kong dollars, or$ 02 billion, for four office blocks from March to May, according a recent article published by CB Richard Ellis. A Goldman Sachs fund paid 690 million dollars for two buildings last November that house the headquarters of DBS Group Holdings. As the Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong markets become saturated, the Philippines will be the next real estate market to attract substantial overseas investments.


A lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices here compared to Europe- especially UK housing prices- and the easy payment options available for condominium hotel developments, Collingz said. Lower prices and retirees spending money are also directing foreign attention to residential condominium hotels in the Philippines, which in turn is driving up more construction. The buyers gain rental incomes that on today s purchase prices give a projected ROI of some 8 percent to 14- 16 percent depending on the mode of payment for the unit she said. Collingz says clients tell her that it makes more sense to buy in a year- round vacation destinations and business centers. Metro Manila remains a popular choice with international buyers and institutional investors. Lancaster- The Atrium Condotel developments by Pacific Concord Properties located in Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila- fits the bill with all it offers to International buyers. Flights from London to Manila, average just 16, for example hours, add to that the many airline specials and it s easy to see why this area is becoming an international community.


Accessibility is also a factor. Unlike other offshore rental properties, where the rental market is largely seasonal, in the Philippines there is a strong market for rental properties year round. The strong rental/ second home market also has resulted in a proliferation of professional property managers and rental agents, making property ownership and rental easy. This gives buyers greater flexibility in choosing when to use and when to rent their property. Pacific Concord Properties Inc with it s flagship Lancaster Condo Hotel Developments fit s the bill. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower II will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes as Owner Non- Residents when not using their units through Condo Hotel Management.


Lancaster Manila Atrium Tower A, Metro Manila, Shaw Boulevard, Philippines is a Full Service Condominium Hotel[ Condotel] offering Studio, Two and Three, One Bedroom Suites for sale. Combined with rising condo prices, a general shortage of reasonable rental property and substantial increases in short and long- term rental rates, this makes Lancaster Suites Manila, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines said Collingz.

Read more...

There Are Many Destinations For A Stroll Around Bryker Woods - Tracy Heyn about Finance and Real Estate:

Just a few miles from downtown Austin, bordered by Westover on the south, 35th street on the north, Shoal Creek on the east and Mopac on the west, lies the old Austin neighborhood of Bryker Woods. In the early 1900s, other subdivisions popped up nearby, like Camp Mabry Heights, which named its streets with a patriotic theme, such as Pershing and Funston named after American generals, Madison, and Jefferson, and Harrison named for former U.

Only Those Who Have Lived Away From Home Actually Understand The Need To Belong - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Only those who have lived away from home actually understand the need to belong. However, as soon as we are uprooted, we realize the value of" Home Sweet Home" .

Death In The Form Of Destroying These Beautiful Homes - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

They seek to force their will upon those they feel are not following the laws in which they believe.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Real Estate Market Is Risky Till You Master The Game

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

You might have frequently heard of people making fortunes by investing in real estate, but you must have also heard about people losing their shirts playing this game. So before entering into the ring, please grasp some knowledge about it.



The real estate market is risky till you master the game. Wise investment in real estate business can lead you towards an upgraded lifestyle. In real estate investing you hear terms like bargain, distressed property etc. Investing in real estate business is interesting as well as tricky, so think well before you take risk. Distressed property is a property of a distressed seller. Understanding the sellers plight, finding a solution is the key to buying such a bargain property.


A property owner becomes distressed due to job loss, divorce, transfer, pending payments, foreclosure and these, death issues leaves the seller without any finance and thus forces him to sell his property as soon as possible. Distressed property can be a doghouse, fixer home etc, dump. The best way to find such properties is by talking to people in a particular area. . Steps to find a bargain property. . Try and have a word with your bankers as they have a REO department that handles real estate and then ask your bankers to notify you about the availability of such properties. . Discuss with friends and real estate agent for referrals to investors. .


Learn and seek good advice from experienced and successful investors. Understand your investment goals, like for example- why you want to buy a home or why do you want to invest or why do you wish to hold on to it till the market prices increases etc. . Handle and clear all credit issues. . Get all your credit reports and scores in place and create an individual file for each credit- reporting agency. Go through all real estate investing articles and books and attend workshops and seminars to learn about bargain house investments. Select a good lender, who offers the best service, has a good closing record and fair costs. Avoid learning out of date information from television. .


Arrange all the finances to purchase the property. . Study about the area through real estate newspaper or pick up Home for Sale flyers. Select your target locations and then learn the market around. While noting down the specifications, please stress on the sales, amenities and conditions, note prices. Before you select a real estate agency, interview the options. Follow the HUD sales specified in your area. . Do not sign any agreement with those agents who limit their search to bargain property. .


If you get a good bargain property dont forget to get your terms and conditions clear from the seller. Select agents who are well versed with the local market and those who can provide you with a wider choice. . People generally like to get away from their problem houses, so you can really click a good deal if you focus. Real estate investment is a business where hard earned money is involved, so think well before bidding. Investing in real estate requires time, as you might need to deal with many issues, good and bad.

Read more...

Not For Today S Homebuyer - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Once you start house hunting there is no doubt one of your first stops will be at a new homes website or community to see what they have to offer in the area you would like to live in. What was once considered a luxury reserved for the rich and famous, new construction has opened the door to all price ranges and styles including luxury high- rise condominiums, active adult communities, townhouses and single- family homes.

"The Housing Market Is Falling Apart - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

"The housing market is falling apart! Well, and I mean, economists love LOVE, to spread the gloom and doom.

Another Thing To Watch Out For Is The Escrow Service That The Bank Uses - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

When a bank forecloses, they take ownership of the property, usually in order to resell it in hopes of earning back some of their money. Bad for the home owner, since you can, good for you often get bank- owned foreclosure real estate for a song.

Friday, August 22, 2008

You Have Just Bought Your Dream Home Online

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Just imagine.



Now it s not just any house. You have just bought your dream home online. It has style and panache and is exactly what you have wanted for many years. The Japanese garden though relatively small, and demands to, is beautifully landscaped be noticed with discretion and pride. It is neat, elegant, two story, and very modern. A few months go by and you learn that your neighbour to the left is planning a replica of the Parthenon, complete with concrete front yard, and Aphrodite set in a large fountain with water streaming from an orifice near her navel.


Not that I have anything against the Parthenon. Then a few days later your neighbour to the right is scheduling a large version of an English miners- cottage , with neat flowering cottage garden, climbing Cecile Brunner s , complete with ubiquitous gnomes. It is a truly beautiful and awe- inspiring building, but best left in Greece. Perhaps neither of these homes are the type that you are searching online for, so it may be that you need to browse through the thousands of properties at OzFreeOnline. com where you can search real estate property listings. The English miner s- cottage, on the other hand, is going to be very much out of place with its single frontage, built on a much larger scale of course, and with a fussy, high maintenance garden. Just by registering free and submitting all the search criteria for the property you want to view, you can search for a home anywhere in Australia. The best way to avoid this sort of architectural surprise is buying a home within a master- planned community.


Thinking on it, perhaps it is your home, which is going to look entirely foreign. Master- plan communities can be seen on Ozfree Real Estate section who boast at being Victoria s leading home builder. These plans map out the type of development that will occur on a site and where, and can establish design standards, view- sharing principles, landscaping and even lawn maintenance. On entering their site you can visit their display homes online.

Read more...

That S Why It Is So Important To Enlist The Services Of A Professional, Licensed Real Estate Agent Who Specializes In Commercial Real Estate In Cancun, Mexico - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Deciding to buy commercial real estate in your own country is a big decision, but making the decision to purchase commercial Real Estate in Cancun can seem even more daunting. These experienced individuals can help you to buy or sell an empty lot, a retail space, a hotel, a professional office building, an apartment building or rental property, a warehouse, a restaurant, a gas station, or any other type of commercial real estate property in Cancun, Puerto Morelos and, Playa del Carmen Puerto Aventuras or other outlying areas around Cancun.

Reassure The Seller Of Your Ability To Close - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The goal in a real estate negotiation is to reach a good agreement- one in which the underlying interests of both buyer and seller are met. Many of our real estate clients have been experienced negotiators in other industries, and we have learned from their skill and experience.

The Owner Should Not Forget About The Write- Up - Ebony Rowden about Finance and Real Estate:

There are many new owners who wonder about the financial opportunities that are usually related to a new investment. People who are looking for pollensa, alcudia holidays are used to renting different locations.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Despite The Value Of Homes Being Reported To Have Risen For The 20th Consecutive Month, This Growth Was Half Of That Recorded In May

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Property price growth slowed over the course of last month, a new survey indicates.



Despite the value of homes being reported to have risen for the 20th consecutive month, this growth was half of that recorded in May. According to research carried out by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors( Rics) , house price inflation in June fell from the previous month as borrowers were said to struggle to make secured loan repayments. The study indicated that 16 per cent more chartered surveyors reported a rise rather than a fall in house prices, down from 25 per cent in the previous month. Across Britain, Northern Ireland was reported to be driving housing costs the most" as the peace premium remains a boost to price growth" . Meanwhile, this figure was said to be below the long run average of 26 per cent. Meanwhile, Scotland and London were both said to have shown" buoyant" increases. Some 15 per cent of chartered surveyors reported a fall rather than a rise in buyer enquiries in June, compared to a two per cent increase in May.


Despite the rises, first- time buyer enquiries fell at their fastest rate since February as the effect of interest rates impacts upon consumers affordability to make secured loan repayments. New buyer enquiries were also said to have decreased all regions with the exception of Scotland, the West Midlands and Wales. Mr Perry added that the Bank s interest rate rise in July may not be the last as the effects of recent increases are yet to be fully felt by consumers. Spokesperson for Rics Ian Perry said: "House prices have finally started to cool significantly for the first time since the recent mini boom in the housing market got underway in 200Interest rate hikes have begun to affect the psychology of the market with potential new buyers starting to think twice before buying a home" . The Rics representative also claimed that the housing sector is set for a" softer landing" over the coming months as autumn approaches. Meanwhile, a study conducted by Halifax earlier this month revealed a fall in house price growth during the second quarter of 200According to the firm, property values increased by two per cent during the three- month period, compared to a rise of three per cent recorded between January and March. Figures from the financial services company also reported that confidence among surveyors about the outlook of property prices has reached a three- year low due to five interest rate rises by the Bank of England in the past year and" the prospect of more to come" .


As with the Rics study, figures from the Yorkshire- based lender also indicated that the Greater London region and Northern Ireland had help to propel the increasing value of homes. Although chief economist Martin Ellis claimed that a shortfall in supply is set to continue to push housing prices for the remainder of 2007, he pointed out that this is set to be a lower rate than that witnessed earlier this year. In addition, rising immigration and demand for property from buy- to- let investors was said to have driven costs, with the average home now reported to be worth 228, 790 pounds.

Read more...

The Owner Let S The Lender Proceed With The Foreclosure - Tracy Heyn's Finance and Real Estate blog:

- "The Negotiation Process That Will Get The Seller s Signature With Your Numbers And Terms. "By Marko RubelIt is crucial to you as a foreclosure investor to fully understand all the options and alternatives that are available to owners in foreclosure and the consequences of each. Reinstatement.

Develop A Specific Home Buying Plan - Cassandra Onken about Finance and Real Estate:

If you have reached the point in your life at which you are ready to make the purchase of your first home, there are three vital tips that you will want to keep in mind as you prepare to enter into the marketplace in search of your dream home.

Puerto Vallarta Also Boats Of Many World Class Restaurants - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Puerto Vallarta has become a popular spot for foreigners from all over North America and Europe to retire or buy that second home or vacation home.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

To Obtain Residency In Andorra, Applications Need To Be Submitted In Catalan

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Andorra, the tiny independent country in the Pyrenees, saw her property prices rise in value by 13 per cent last year, and a local travel guide suggests that another rise in prices is likely in the year ahead.



But what really pushes the prices up is that there s a third stream of buyers, people from around the world who want to take residency and benefit from Andorra s tax haven status. Property currently for sale in Andorra include one bedroom apartments at 210, two bedroom apartments, 000 Euros in Soldeu, the main skiing area of Andorra, 000 Euros and, at 272 280, 000 Euros in another ski village Arinsal, and three bedroom apartments in the capital Andorra la Vella at 333, 000 Euros. Best known for her ski resorts, Andorra attracts nearly ten million tourists a year, but it s not just the holiday makers who are falling in love with the country and buying second homes that is fuelling the price rises, the guide says. Quite a few tourists do like Andorra enough to buy a ski apartment, and there is an active local market too. Houses start from around 900, 000 Euros. Most seemed convinced that the tax take from their earnings will rise more in the years ahead, and are planning for retirement and selling their businesses now . Andorra property specialists have also noticed an increase in buyers recently, and comment that a large part of the increase in buyers is the increased attention from potential overseas property buyers in the UK. The number of buyers from the UK has increased quite noticeably over the last couple of years , they say, With many quoting higher taxes in the UK as their reason for moving to Andorra. The companies also comment that historically tax havens have been popular no matter how the economy is.


More Property Price Increases. When someone buys a property in Monaco it often doesn t matter to them if it s a few hundred thousand Euros as they re going to save more than that in tax during the time they are resident in Andorra. Demand for property in Andorra for the year ahead is every bit as high as in the past, with many potential buyers already having planned visits. Up to eighty per cent of a property s value is often agreed by the banks in Andorra. Surprisingly perhaps for a tax haven, mortgages for a property are as available as many European countries, with rates around the same level. Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time.


To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. Residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved. One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have ine future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a year in Andorra, but this isn t policed. The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come.


Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes. Given the tax advantages Andorra has , note a travel guide, A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax.

Read more...

Inheritance Is One Reason That Many People Find That They Need To Get Rid Of A Property Quickly - Finance and Real Estate:

There are many situations that you may find yourself in where you need cash and quickly.

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

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.

So, You Want To Know What The House Price Would Be Equal To Paying$ 1000 Per Month - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

When someone decides to buy a house, one of the first tasks is to talk to a lender and determine the maximum loan they can get.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Analysis Of The Tenant Mix With A View To Optimising It Is An Important Part Of The Buying Process. 2) Property Zoning

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Commercial Real Estate Projects are, the same as, in many respects residential real estate investments except for their size. In this article we examine three of the most significant non- financial issues that an investor should consider before investing in a commercial real estate deal. 1) Selection of tenants.



A commercial develpoment may well be many times larger in scale and thus require much more money. Given that most real estate investors are buying property to generate cash flow and generate profit from asset appreciation some time looking at the tenant mix of a commercial building can determine the potential profitability of a project. So, finding a project with creditworthy tenants- or, at least, the expectation of finding them is a priority. Seeking creditworthy tenants may well assist in gaining finance on good terms from potential lenders- many lenders will make an offer that is based upon the credit rating of the larget tenant. Analysis of the tenant mix with a view to optimising it is an important part of the buying process. 2) Property Zoning. If zoning should change during redevelopment of a property then there will be significant additional costs associated with changing the use of the property to meet the new regulations.


Success in real estate investment has much to do with land zoning. Due diligence is the key here. Use the attorney to check that, all necessary accesses, for example are available and that rights of way have been established and any development will not cause rights of way conflicts. 3) Check Utilities. Hire a real estate attorney to check on the property to find out if there is a likelihood of re- zoning and other legal issues. A thorough inspection of all utilities and their condition is mandatory. In the worst cases, where pipes and wires are emebedded in walls, ceilings and underfloors the cost of renovation may make a project non- viable without complete demolition.


Reinstalling electrical systems and piping can be very costly and any defect should be factored into the offer price. So, spend some time with an appropriate legal advisor, check and optimise the tenant mix and ensure that utilities are in serviceable condition. Although these factors may not be an immediate part of the financial considerations they should be as shortcomings in due diligence can prove expensive and, issues uncovered should, of course be reflected in the purchase price of the property.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Los Cabos Will Fill All Your Desires

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Los Cabos will fill all your desires. Whether you want to call Los Cabos home or purchase property for a quick getaway at anytime, it s one of the hottest places people are interested in today.



A secluded destination once only visited by power players and movie stars has become a location for everyone to enjoy. It is considered to be the number one fastest growing resort area on the continent. This is what s happening in the Baja California Sur as we write this and will be for years to come. Everyone knows when you buy property at inexpensive prices and the surrounding area grows bigger, the worth of your real estate skyrockets. What started out as an area for pirates and buried treasures many centuries ago has become the center of a booming real estate empire. Definitely a low increase compared to what the future holds in the next twenty years. In fact, this Mexico golden egg has increased its revenue since the turn of the twenty- first century by one hundred sixty percent.


Having trouble trying to put this all together and picture the development? The area is contained within the likes of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, giving off a tranquil serenity like no other. Since 1997, Los Cabos has had three- quarters of a billion dollars invested in hotel resorts, tourist events, golf courses, shopping areas, and hundreds of businesses to give everyone who visits everything they ever wanted in a vacation destination. In the distance, the mountains reveal to everyone around that this is a world of its own. When you re ready to purchase property in Mexico, there are a few things to keep in mind before looking. All those who visit will not only enjoy the benefits of the accommodations and activities, but the scenery as well.


Since the area lacks largely in financial loans, sellers sometimes offer to finance the buying price themselves. Oh, one more thing, get your own attorney for the transaction. So don t be surprised if this type of offer comes from them at some point during negotiations. Since most likely this purchase will be for vacation purposes, have fun with it. The only difficulties you ll have is figuring out how to choose a dream house on the beach because they will all look like one when you see them in person. With Los Cabos growing to new heights, there will be plenty of options available. Los Cabos is truly a tropical paradise with miles of beaches, world class golf and fishing, five- star Resorts, unbelievable night- life and dining experiences, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and desert adventures.


Dream no more and do what other dream seekers are doing by getting in on the boom of Los Cabos. These reasons, along with the friendly people and perfect weather, have created a location where international visitors are taking advantage of the real estate opportunities available here.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

As In The UK, Employment In Spain Generates Taxes

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Fuelled by the influx of tourists and the resultant boom in Spanish property prices, more and more foreigners are moving to and working in Spain.



There are several reasons why working in Spain has become such an attractive option. Unlike in the past when Spain was just a temporary holiday destination for tourists, the number of immigrants working in Spain has risen in leaps and bounds in the last five years. For many, the lure of buying relatively inexpensive Spanish property and living in the beautiful country sets them to look for suitable employment and business opportunities. However, many of the other perks that come with working in this beautiful country more than make up for a few lost pounds or Euros! For many others, it is the prospect of a much more relaxed and stress- free working environment in Spain that draws them, despite the fact that working in Spain will not be as highly paid as in many other European countries. There is no shortage of job opportunities for foreigners with the right kind of skills and experience.


The latter option is particularly appealing to a lot of migrants from other European countries. Broadly, there are two options for working in Spain: either find a suitable employer or start a business and be self- employed. Rough estimates indicate that almost one- tenth of new enterprises starting up in Spain are set up by foreigners. Moreover, as the Spanish property sector continues to grow, the construction industry also offers several options for working in Spain. Considering the popularity of Spain as a tourist hotspot, it is not surprising that a number of jobs are available in the tourism& hospitality sector, particularly in the coastal regions. There is a strong demand for bi- lingual professionals in various sectors, as well as for teachers. Spain provides a congenial environment that welcomes foreigners from anywhere in the world and provides them with opportunities for working, and integrating into society.


Those with experience in housekeeping and other domestic services are also much sought- after, to serve both wealthy locals as well as foreigners who are retiring to Spain having bought Spanish property. As in any country, foreign nationals desirous of working in Spain must follow some simple legal procedures. Also, prospective employees are, before starting work advised to get formal contracts drawn up which clearly stipulate the terms of the employment. While citizens of EU member countries are free to work in Spain without a work permit, non- EU residents are required to obtain the necessary work permit. Even though initially a new employee may be given a short term permit to work in Spain, the employer is obliged subsequently to provide a long term contract( subject to conditions, of course. However, if you intend to be self employed, then you are advised to obtain the services of a Gestor who will guide you through the requirements of working in Spain in your chosen field. Typically, if you are working for a company, they will arrange for all the relevant paperwork to be completed.


The majority of UK nationals who migrate to Spain seem to start their own business. As in the UK, employment in Spain generates taxes. The local Town Hall issues the necessary permit for working as a self- employed professional in Spain. Employers are expected to deduct social security from monthly wages. One of the benefits of working in Spain and paying your social security is that you will be entitled to free medical facilities which are first class and comparable to, if not better than, those in the UK. When operating a business, the government expects you to pay the VAT( known as IVA in Spain) , though there are certain minimum requirements for your business before you attract the attention of the VAT inspector.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COSTS

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

People talk about running the numbers before buying an investment property, but before doing that we need to discover what are the numbers and how do you get accurate numbers.



In this article we will go through the costs and factors to consider to make your investments successful. Running the wrong numbers can make the difference of making$ 500 or losing$ 1000 per month. RENTAL INCOME. Sometimes properties are under- rented and sometimes properties are over- rented, so be sure to find out the market rents when you consider a property. Rental income is not as straight- forward as it seems. When we bought our first fourplex, we looked at comparable leases and realized our rents were too high, so instead of assuming we would continue to receive$ 3600 of rental income, we had to be realistic and assume it was more like$ 320 MORTGAGE INTEREST. You should definitely sort out the details of your loan options and get an idea of current rates before running the numbers.


A huge cost is mortgage interest. It could make or break a deal. Triplexes and fourplexes tend to have higher rates, and commercial is a whole other ballgame. If you are getting a duplex or a house, the loans are generally similar to other home loan programs. One thing to consider is to put more down because the more you put down, the less your loan will be, which means less monthly interest to pay. We usually recommend for people to get a fixed rate mortgage these days because the current ARM( adjustable rate mortgage) rates are not all that much lower than fixed rates. Another consideration is the type of loan.


Basically, just get educated about the loan options and run the numbers with them. The best way to get educated is to talk to a variety of mortgage brokers and banks to find your best solution. Oh, and also, do not just take advice from one mortgage person. Not all loan places have the same programs. People frequently use the taxes from the year when they purchased the property, assuming the taxes will stay the same. TAXES. Taxes change every year.


For example, an owner occupied property usually has tax breaks, so unless you intend to owner occupy too, your taxes will go up. Taxes can go up drastically after a purchase. Also, the county appraisal that your taxes are based on could go up after your purchase. The safest approach is to look at the tax rate and the purchase price to determine your future taxes. For example, if you buy a property for 100, 000 but the tax appraisal last year was for 50, don, 000' t count on it remaining at 50, I have seen, 00In fact cases where a year after a property was purchased the tax assessor increased the appraisal value to the purchase price. VACANCY COST. Even when looking to invest in a desirable rental area, it's best to always take into account at least an 8- 10% vacancy rate.


For some reason people tend to forget to take into account vacancy rate. Do some investigation, look at your market and find statistics on the average vacancy rate. We have personally found the biggest surprise to be the expense of tenant turnover. TENANT TURNOVER COST. This includes advertising for a new tenant, repainting, cleaning, replacing carpet, etc. INSURANCE COST.


If you expect to have high tenant turnover, like next to a college campus, anticipate this to be a significant cost. Insurance on investment properties are typically higher than owner occupied, single family properties. You also should purchase liability insurance which can be expensive. So get an insurance quote on the property instead of basing your expected insurance off of the insurance bill for your house. MAINTENANCE COSTS. It depends on the property, whether you fix some of the problems yourself or hire outside help, and random luck.


This is by far the most difficult number to estimate. So we can' t give you a hard and fast number but we can look into different factors to take into account. * Property Type- When you evaluate different properties remember to take into account the type of property. Decks need constant maintenance. If it's brick you won' t have to paint or worry about wood root. A property with wood or concrete floors will be easier to clean and will not have to be replaced when a tenant moves out. For instance, say there are two properties for sale for 200, 000 and each have a combined rent of 200A property with 2 units and a total of 1000 square feet will be cheaper to maintain than a property with 6 units and 3000 square feet.


Just think about the aspects of the property and their maintenance costs. * Property Size- A smaller property is easier to maintain than a larger property. The larger property will be more expensive to maintain when you are replacing the larger roof, painting the interior walls, etc. If you buy a property 30 miles away, over the course of a year you can spend a decent amount of gas money driving back and forth. * Your personal management style- How often will you do maintenance work yourself vs hiring help? Also, more units mean more money spent on advertising, make- readies, and more appliances to repair. * Property Location- Consider your proximity to the property. For instance, when a unit needs painting will you paint the rooms or hire a painter? UTILITY COSTS.


Hiring professionals is definitely more expensive, but you have to be realistic about how much you will personally do, especially if you are looking at a lot of units. Be sure to check what the tenants pay for and what the owner pays for. In addition, there may be owner expenses like parking lot lights and trash bin service. This includes all the utilities and lawn maintenance. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COSTS. We personally choose properties that we can manage ourselves. If you are going to hire a property management company, definitely get their rates.


SUMMING THE NUMBERS. This doesn' t necessarily mean you should not purchase the property. Once you add all the numbers up, you often find the property has 0 cash flow or even negative cash flow. There are positive tax benefits to rental properties and depending on your situation, a property with technically 0 cash flow could still put more money in your pocket due to tax benefits. The point here is that if you are buying a property with zero or negative cash flow, it's best to know beforehand instead of after the property has been purchased. Also, if you think the property is going to appreciate in the future, a zero or negative cash flow property could still be appealing.