Saturday, August 30, 2008

These Overlooked Expenses Only Eat Into Your Profit Figure Calculated In Haste

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

There are a number of lucrative business opportunities being tapped today. However, like any other industry, the real estate investment industry too has certain dos and don ts that need to be considered before any investment.



Investors have always been and continue to be lured by the real estate market. In the attempt to save money, it is essential for you as an investor not to knowingly and deliberately avoid important expenses while attempting a professional property analysis. However, this is a, and very interestingly common misconception! Profit is usually calculated as that which the business attracts after sorting out the outgoings. There are a number of additional expenses that are often overlooked in the quest to quickly calculate the profits with every deal closed. This expense is most often left out in the initial analysis. One such commonly overlooked expense is that of insurance.


Insurance may be a mater of solicitation, but it is an absolute essential in the case of renting out your investments. It is also very essential to consider and calculate reserve funds and recent decisions made by the condo board, in the case of condo investment. Insurance outgoings should be calculated regularly to ensure the security of your investment. These overlooked expenses only eat into your profit figure calculated in haste. Have you looked into the vacancy rate in your area? It is important to stay updated with cost of the legalities involved in the many forms of real estate and the cost of individual and quality enhancing services and fees by professionals. This essential if overlooked could result in post- retirement blues.


Another aspect you cannot afford to overlook at all is maintenance and repair. You could identify with contemporaries within then industry to help you calculate the potion that needs to be carefully banked. You need to be vigilant and regular in evaluating the damages, if any. It pays to nurture a maintenance fund as part of your real estate management strategy. This is a quality enhancing strategy, which if kept in place, yields positive long- term returns on investment. You could decide upon an amount and regularly bank the same to take care of the maintenance expenses. It also pays to consider keeping aside a set amount regularly to take care of the fees of professionals the state and local laws insist on.


With every addition to the fund, your property will be secured for sudden major repairs like that of the roof or complete renovation. You may be managing the property, but there are certain times, like in the case of evaluating the property and indulging in structural repair, where a professional needs to be considered. These and other expenses are unavoidable once you plan to remain a long a term player in this industry. The fund thus raised would enable you to take care of the fees of these professionals. It is utter foolishness to ignore the add- ons mentioned because it will only result in your having to dip into personal funds to deal with the issues when and as they come up.

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It Just Means The House Wasn T Meant For You, And The Search Starts All Over Again - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

It s like this: You buy a house for a price, and they thrown in buyer s remorse for free.

Once This Visualization Begins, They Re Hooked, And The Home Is As Good As Sold - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Buyer Conversion sounds very technical, it speaks to, but simply stated getting those prospective home purchasers, who ve already seen your home, to sign on the dotted line. A great Real Estate Agent, whom you ve hopefully enlisted the help of, will have a complete arsenal of techniques and tactics to get these home" Lookie- Lou s" to turn into homeowners.

Friday, August 29, 2008

This Is The Largest Single Contributing Factor That Will Facilitate The Rapid Increase Of Development In The Southern Zone

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

We all hope to find that niche in a real estate market. The best way to ensure that you pick the right spot for that investment, is to look at what activities are taking place that present themselves as conducive to rapid growth.



To be" in the right place, at the right time" is the goal of every investor hoping to see substantial returns on their investments. The following article will emphasize why this author believes without a doubt that Costa Rica s southern zone presents investors with the best opportunity to realize tremendous gains by choosing this hot spot. This is the largest single contributing factor that will facilitate the rapid increase of development in the Southern Zone. Paving of the last piece of the Coastal Highway north of Dominical. For many years now a solitary 30 mile stretch of the coastal highway between the popular tourist destination of Quepos and the hip surfing village of Dominical has remained a bone- jarring rock and gravel road. There are also plans to convert the coastal road into the Pan- American Highway once the Quepos to Dominical project is completed.


The highway both north and south of this unpaved stretch is in great condition, and with the new implementation of the national highway infrastructure program, this remaining stretch of road will begin being paved in the spring of 200This will substantially cut down the drive time from San Jose to the southern zone, which in turn will spur the developmental potential of the region. The southern zone has enjoyed a type of immunity from large development projects due to its somewhat difficult accessibility, but after the paving is complete the door will be thrown wide open for future investments. The second contributing factor to the growth potential of the southern zone lies with the construction of a new international airport near Palmar Norte. Construction of a new international airport near Palmar Norte. President Oscar Arias was recently in Palmar Norte( July 2007) to finalize the plans and sign the required documentation to implement the construction plans for the new facility. The addition of an international airport to the southern zone of Costa Rica is a true indicator of the growth potential of the region. There are currently only two international airports in the entire country, one located in Liberia in the northern zone, and the other in the capital of San Jose.


Many international travelers will find it much more appealing to be able to fly into the beautiful southern zone as opposed to having to rent vehicles and make the difficult drive from the capital. The airport is set to break ground in May of 2008 with a completion date scheduled for sometime in 201Prices are assured to see dramatic increases once the airport is completed. Investors will also see the better accessibility as an attractive feature when considering purchasing land in the region. New hospital facility being completed near Cortes. The facility is now 95% complete, and should be totally finished by the end of the year. The final factor that is a great indicator as to the investment potential in the southern zone involves the completion of a new medical facility near the town of Cortes. This addition could prove quite attractive to retirees looking to settle in Costa Rica, but also wanting quality health care nearby.


These three factors are prime indicators of the eminent growth that the region will soon be encountering. Costa Rica is internationally recognized for having an adequate health care system, and often referred to as the best place in Latin America for health care. The prices of property in the area have already seen gradual increases as these projects were being considered, and are sure to see even larger increases as they are completed. All the current economic, and developmental trends, political point to the southern zone being the next hotspot in this country full of boundless potential for investors. The future of the southern zone of Costa Rica looks bright and full of great investment opportunities for that savvy buyer.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Buy Preconstruction Homes

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

In Atlanta, there s a certain allure to buying a new home as opposed to what s called in the industry a" resale" home.



You can buy new construction in a planned community, choose a pre- built home, finished home or, buy a new choose a custom home builder and start with your own blueprints. There are several different ways to buy new. Your choice of how to buy a new home will depend on a great many factors including your pocketbook and your style. Build on Your Own Land. If you ve decided that you want to buy new, you ve got many options among the builders who specialize in custom homes in Atlanta. If you re building on a budget, one money- saving option is to build on land that you own. Modular home construction is an option that has come a long way in the past decade.


You ll still have multiple options for new home styles, including pre- built and custom built homes and other custom home options that are in between the two. Many builders will work with you to customize and personalize pre- built and modular homes and make them reflect your own personal style. Planned communities are among the most popular of new custom homes in Atlanta. Buy preconstruction homes. Most of us think of" planned communities" in terms of cookie cutter houses, but that doesn t reflect today s realities at all. When you buy new custom homes in the pre- construction stage, you get the most out of the opportunities to customize the look and style of your new home.


Most communities are built on several basic styles with lots of room for customization. The earlier in the construction phase that you buy into the community, the more options you have for input into the design process. Development of planned communities happens in several stages with options to buy at different places. What are preconstruction homes? Developers need to raise money at various stages in the construction process, and the earlier that you choose to buy a" unit" in the development, the more say you have over design choices. Often, if you buy your home in the pre- construction phase, you can get it for 70- 80% of the price you ll pay for the exact same home once it s finished. Buying in the preconstruction phase will also give you considerable financial advantage.


Buy during an early construction phase. Developments are built in several phases, with the homes that sell during each phase of building priced accordingly. Although it won t save you quite as much, buying a new home during an early construction phase of a new community development is a good way to get a bargain on custom homes in Atlanta or anywhere else. Generally, phase one is the preconstruction phase, starting before ground is broken. Each successive phase will be timed according to a landmark in building or selling of homes in the community. You ll be buying based on an artist s rendering of your new home.


As each phase is completed, the cost of each unit will increase. Consider a" systems built" home. You can save 15- 20% of the final purchase price of your new home by buying in an early phase of construction. The wave of the future in custom home building appears to be building systems, where a new home is constructed of pre- built systems that are put together at the home site. Those are just the furthest extension of the idea of system building, though. The most familiar of these for most people are" modular homes" which are completely finished offsite, with only the foundation built on site.


Panelized home building systems may include just the basic structural elements of a home- the framing of the walls and roof, for instance- or they may be fully finished with doors, windows and even appliances. Because much of the work is completed in a climate controlled factory setting, using building system components eliminates many of the most common reasons for construction delays and cuts costs considerably. Each component is completed off site, shipped to the home site and assembled on site by an experienced builder. The degree of customization possible varies from package to package. If you re looking at custom homes in Atlanta, discuss the above options with your builder and/ or realtor. Working with an experienced builder of custom homes in Atlanta will give you the highest degree of flexibility with the minimum of delays and frustrations.


You may find that it s far less expensive to own a beautiful, custom built home, brand new than you ever imagined.

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Why Is The Real Estate Market Stability So Important - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Economists have been predicting a real estate" bubble" for the last year.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

One Important Step You Can Take Is Hiring A Realty Broker

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you have a lot of experience in buying and selling real estate properties then you must be aware of the difficulties that you have to face in order to complete a deal all by yourself.



They fail to realize that this notion is far from correct and the whole process of selling or buying involves a lot more than just a sign board. There are many people who feel that sticking the" for sale" sign outside their property would be more than enough to get potential buyers. If you want to succeed in either selling or buying a property in the real estate market, then you will, especially in Florida have to plan and prepare and develop a good understanding of the market. The Florida realty market is one of the best markets for investment and since many investors would be more than willing to buy your property, it is a good idea to hire a realty broker so that you can keep your best foot forward. One important step you can take is hiring a realty broker. A broker will not only provide you the required information regarding the deal, but also help you make the right decision so that you benefit a lot. You should find three to four good realty brokers so that some comparison is possible.


When you take on the services of a broker in Florida, make sure that he or she possesses some of the established real estate broker qualities. If you want to know whether a broker knows his or her job, first inquire about the license because it will mean that the broker has the skills and knowledge that is necessary for any realty market. Experience is another important factor that needs to be taken into consideration when you search for a good Florida realty broker. Make sure that the broker is legally recognised and worth your trust. Never hesitate to ask the broker about his or her previous transactions and clients and whether the dealings were performed as pert he client s expectations. You can ask their former clients about their performance. Asking for reference will also help you in making a decision.


The real estate market in Florida is very popular and in the last few years there has been so much growth in this market that one right decision can make any individual a successful realty investor. So, when you place your property in the market for sale, make sure that you hire a real estate broker who does not only have a very good understanding of the market, but also has the knowledge to help you get a good deal. If you ever plan to sell your Florida property then there will be no shortage of good offers because investors are always ready to buy. If the broker is experienced and genuine he or she will not have any problem handling the entire process of selling and buying, to provide with you the best transaction. Hiring a good realty broker can make a lot of difference to you and your property.

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Realtors In Las Vegas - Lillian Mazariegos's Finance and Real Estate blog:

New homes in Las Vegas are very affordable throughout the entire Las Vegas area. Of course, Las Vegas is known as the gambling mecca of the world.

From The Very Beginning Of The Industry, Real Estate Infomercials Have Been Very Successful - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

From the very beginning of the industry, real estate infomercials have been very successful.

First, Consider Your Rent Situation Compared To Owning Your Own Home - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

The days of women waiting for marriage to get their home with a little white picket fence are over. In fact, single women represented 22 percent of home purchases( according to survey of National Association of Realtors) .

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Houston New Homes Are More Than Just Beautiful To Look At

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

When people refer to Houston new homes, they are talking about a whole different animal than anywhere else in the country.



Through the careful development of homes, also known as, neighborhoods planned communities, have taken on an existence of their own, just enough removed from the downfalls of human society. This area has developed a reputation, for being the, and rightfully so Queen of fantastic home sites in some of the nation s most prestigious communities. These homes are models of exemplary living, and give each individual family a private place to live untouched by the majority of the criminal element that makes life so dangerous. However, this uneducated approach is far from reality. From its inception, there has been controversy around these communities, some even remarking that these are nothing more than cults living in some of the finer new homes. People of various backgrounds, and other personal, religious affiliation choices are welcomed into these communities. The outlandish remarks the planned communities have of the homes here are nothing short of laughable.


It is simply a community dedicated to raising the standard of living and preventing the crime that none of us want to live with in the first place. After all, we all choose our communities based on what we can afford and how safe it is. By building some of the finest homes behind a gate to keep the residents safe, the state of Texas initially received ample criticism. It is an unfortunate fact of life that those who can afford to live in low crime areas do so. Now it is receiving accolades and other community projects throughout the country are trying to emulate Houston s success. They are truly functional pieces of artwork, each crafted in its own unique vision. Houston new homes are more than just beautiful to look at.


There is nothing more unappealing than looking at cookie cutter homes with cookie cutter lawns. Naturally, it is cheaper to design one home and create it over and over again than to give each individual home its own personality and character. Our nation is founded on a greater sense of creativity than that. However, Houston new homes builders managed to give these homes style and class while bringing up the current standard of living. Luxury is really defined by how we choose to live our lives. Most often, luxury is more than simply what meets the eye on the outside. It is partially the quality of our home and partially the quality of our lifestyle.


This is not living in luxury, but rather living in fear of losing the luxurious property you own. It can be tremendously uncomfortable to own a very fine home in the middle of a neighborhood that is not known for its stability or its safety. The homes imply that the entire lifestyle is cemented in luxury rather than just a nice home built where there was a little available space. Despite all the negative yapping by those truly unaffected by these homes, people came to purchase in a wave of relief. The homes here are striving to live up to a standard set many years ago when the first planned community was introduced. The supply has yet to catch up with the demand.


On top of that, they managed to do all this in the heart of some of the best school districts around, and if there was ever a make it or break it deal buster, it would be community living in an under par school district. Luxury home builders are giving people more than just a place to live, but a true sense of community and pride as well as the opportunity to live in relative safety. This certainly didn t happen by accident. There will always be critics of those who have versus those who don t. These school districts have a long history of outperforming a large percentage of the country both in standardized testing and special education programs. This is just a fact of life that we all must contend with from time to time. Quite frankly, envy was the biggest motivator behind the criticism.


Houston new home builders have been able to produce what everyone wants, luxury living in a simple and ethical community where family values and concern for the wellbeing of all citizens is paramount. Right underneath the surface of fear, was the knowledge that these communities were a strong contender in the race against crime.

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In Phoenix, Many Homeowners Are Taking This Trend To Heart - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The rapidly appreciating home values throughout Phoenix have made moving up into newer or larger homes a huge challenge for many families.

You Can See Now Why Buying A Fort Lauderdale Preconstruction Condo Is A Bargain - Finance and Real Estate:

Who would not like to live in the sunny state of Florida? For investors, purchasing a house in Florida is a profitable business, for the same reasons.

As A Result, The Unfortunate Prospect Is Bulldozed Into A Loan Program With A Higher Interest Rate - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

First and foremost, you must have a mortgage consultant in your corner that is willing to take the time to know what your long- term goals are.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Opening A Real Estate IRA

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Real estate has become one of the hottest investment vehicles around.



Real estate is a tangible asset that can be seen, and rented out, touched. Always popular, real estate has grown in investors opinions since the dot- com bubble burst and the securities markets started showing their weaknesses to new generations of investors. A well structured real estate deal on a rental property can actually pay for itself over time. Whether you are looking for single- family homes, apartment complexes, condominiums, or commercial development, real estate is hot. Texas like many other parts of the country is experiencing a boom in real estate demand. There may come a day when the real estate market suffers a correction from runaway speculation, but even then investors will retain value in their real estate assets rather than being left holding worthless pieces of paper.


Cities such as College Station, Austin and Galveston, Denton have a high ratio of college related tenants offering a solid return on investment. Investment dollars from California New Jersey and other highly appreciated real estate regions are flocking to Texas cities that have large college populations. Enacting real estate deals within a traditionally structured and custodied IRA can be quite difficult and can cost you excessive amounts in fees. An IRA LLC gives you checkbook control over your IRA so you can quickly move on properties and pay associated expenses directly from your IRA without triggering fees from your IRA custodian. If you want to invest your IRA in real estate, you should open a self- directed IRA LLC. Opening a Real Estate IRA. Larger financial institutions usually will not do it.


Trying to find a custodian for your self- directed IRA on your own can be exceedingly difficult and time- consuming. Self- directed IRA advisors that specialize in self- directed IRAs are the way to go. Look out for fees, though. These companies usually already have all the required documentation and may have relationships with companies that will custody self- directed IRAs. Self- directed IRA advisory firms have negotiated favorable fees to the absolute minimum and can save you enormous amounts of money over the long term.

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The Process Of Looking For Your First Home Is Always Exciting And Fun - Doris Yarnell's Finance and Real Estate blog:

To choose your first home which you will feel comfortable living in, you need to do the necessary research on your side. Let me share with you some tips when you are looking to buy your first home.

Can You Afford The Taxes And Insurance On The Property - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Investing in foreclosures can be a big money maker when it comes to real estate investing niches.

Real Estate Investing Is A Business - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

I bought my first apartment 10 years ago, on my 20th birthday.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

And Highland Park TX Real Estate Doesn T Disappoint

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

There is a garden paradise in Texas- Highland Park real estate.



Highland Park real estate was first developed by John Armstrong and his son in laws, Hugh Prather Sr. , and Edgar Flippen. This premium property is known for its quiet dignity, and the sense of peace that folds over its residents and shields them from city stress. While they chose to call it Highlands in reference to the land s elevated position, the name became associated with the superior lifestyle and premium view. Armstrong mandated that 20% of Highland Park real estate would be devoted to parks. With every Highland homes for sale, owners were given a promise of the high life- accessibility, and a luxuriously, reliable services green landscape. So today, despite the number of Highland Parks homes for sale, there are large sections devoted to parks and even lakes.


But a beautiful view is just one of the reasons why Highland Park homes for sale are considered one of the best property investments people can make. Many of these are centered around Turtle Creek, a fantastic backdrop of trees and waters sparkling like diamonds under Texas golden sun. Most people aren t just buying a house- they re buying a home. And Highland Park TX real estate doesn t disappoint. In other words, they are looking at the quality of life that this area will provide. Here are just some of the benefits you will get from Hghland Park homes for sale: Accessibility Highland Park real estate is an easy four- mile drive from the north of Dallas, Texas.


Education Parents will be happy to discover that Highland Park s educational system is ranked as one of the best in the United States. You can pass though the State Highway 289, and US Route 75( also called North Central Expressway) . There are 6 schools that serve thee area, and one of them- Highland Park High school- has the distinction of having Texas best sports programs. There is a shopping center with plenty of stores and recreational facilities. Facilities and services Highland Park real estate owners won t have to go far to run errands. Exclusive, affluent community Many people fall in love with the Highland Park homes for sale, then ask( naturally) about what kind of neighbors they will have. Eight out of 10 residents have a baccalaureate degree or higher.


There s no cause for concern: Highland Park is one of the United States top 50 wealthiest cities, and attracts an exclusive community of successful professionals. Most are married, while about a third have children. The Park that People Talk About. It s a great place to raise families! The picturesque and serene landscape of Highland Park real estate has caught the eye of Hollywood, who see it as the perfect symbol for suburban affluence. But perhaps it is better to see for yourself.


No wonder it was used as a location for movies, television show( which will center on Highland Park High School) and books like the 2005 legal thriller, The Color of Law. Browse through the Highland Park homes for sale and find out why Highland Park TX real estate is the best investment you will ever make.

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So Will Another Interest Rate Cut Be Enough To Bring Back The Mortally Wounded Housing Market Back From The Brink Of Death - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

As the sub prime mortgage debacle continues to play out across the United States, the Federal Reserve has opted to cut interest rates by half a percentage point, from 2This cut makes all loans relatively cheaper, thereby encouraging a pantheon of economic activity to increase, hopefully in the troubled housing market. This collapse triggered a recession, which took three years to completely stabilize.

Even Though There Are Several Ways That You Can Buy A Home, Pre- Foreclosure Is One Of The Best - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

What is a Pre- Foreclosure?

First, Decide What Type Of Property You Want To Purchase - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

It seems that Cyprus is the place to go when it comes to overseas investment or retiring. Europeans especially seem attracted to this island.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Average Temperatures In Brittany

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Brittany is a region located to the North- West of France.



To the East, Brittany borders Lower Normandy and the Western Loire. The English Channel on its Northern coast, and the Atlantic on the West and South. Landscape: Brittany is a cacophony of diverse landscapes. Long golden sandy beaches are guarded by rugged cliffs where a myriad of wildlife play and nest including some species of rare birds. Never far from the sea, walkers have an abundance of coastal paths to explore stretching north to south. Inland pinewoods cast a glance over gently rolling green valleys whilst rivers meander through farmland untroubled by the passing of time. Attractions: Mont- Saint- Michel.


Unspoilt wide- open spaces together with charming villages wait to be discovered and extend a warm welcome to travellers. Mont- Saint- Michel has evolved from a mere oratory in the 8th century to the breath taking magnificent monastery and national monument that towers above the sea today. The tides around Mont- Saint- Michel are renowned for their strength and are particularly treacherous in the spring when speeds of 18 mph have been recorded. . Linked to the mainland by a causeway accessible only at low tide adds to its enchantment. Saint- Malo. It is an important port and ferry terminal as well as an excellent tourist resort.


Saint Malo was named after a welsh monk who landed here in the 6th century. The old walled city is particularly interesting with cobbled streets, studios of local, small souvenir shops artisans and excellent restaurants. Dinan. Children would enjoy a visit to the local aquarium where helpful staff are only too happy to explain the exhibits and encourage hands on participation. The mediaeval town of Dinan is one of the oldest in Brittany. Walk along the ramparts and enjoy spectacular views, visit the museum and mediaeval church, enjoy a delicious lunch at numerous restaurants using local produce.


Standing proud atop a hillside overlooking the Rance valley it has an abundance of attractions. The fish restaurants are particularly good. Josselin sits at the edge of the Oust canal and is dominated by an impressive medieval chateau, which has been the home of the Rohan family since the 13th century. Josselin. Although the interior has been renovated many of its bygone splendours remain and tours of the Chateau are well worth taking. Foret de Paimpont. There is a fascinating museum in the former stables housing the families collection of dolls.


Also known as the Foret de Broceliande, is all that remains of a primeval wood. A visit to the enchanting village of Paimpont is an excellent starting point to explore the myths further. Legend has it that King Arthur and Merlin the sorcerer have connections with this area. Weather/ Climate. However, it does have a propensity to change from gentle showers of rain to bright blue skies within a few hours. The weather in Brittany does not suffer from huge variations in temperature.


On average the climate on the coast tends to be milder than inland. Cities: Rennes Jan= 8 April= 15 July= 24 Oct= 17� C. Average temperatures in Brittany. Brest Jan= 9 April= 13 July= 20 Oct= 16� C. By rail. Getting there.


If travelling from the United Kingdom, why not use the Eurotunnel? This is a fast and exciting way to visit France and beyond. Catch the train with your car at the Folkestone Kent Terminal and arrive at Calais/ Coquelles 35 minutes later. The service is frequent and operates round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Eurostar is an ultra modern high- speed service with a journey time of only 3 hours from London. The EUROSTAR train also operates a foot passenger only service either from Waterloo Station London or Ashford Kent International Terminal directly to Paris.


Paris and Rennes in Brittany are linked by the Atlantic TGV service, which takes 2 hours. You can also catch the TGV train to Brest or Quimper and this journey takes four hours. Trains usually leave every hour between 7am and 1pm from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes. It is possible to travel to Brittany avoiding Paris altogether. It is also possible to travel by coach to the main tourist resorts in Brittany. The TGV service operates directly between Lille( 3 hr 50 min) and Lyon( 4 hr 30 min) to Rennes. Regular coach services connect with all major railway stations throughout the year.


A number of low cost air- lines operate from various locations in the U. By Air. K. directly to Rennes/ Brest. Ferry services are frequent with direct routes to the ports of St Malo and Roscoff. By Ferry. Population. Inland generally is sparsely populated with most residents around the coastline.


With just over 3 million inhabitants- the major towns are Rennes( half a million) and Brest( 300, 000) . Major Towns. Malo. St. St. Discover the old walled city with its narrow cobbled streets. Malo is a major port and ferry terminal as well as a tourist resort.


Visit the Cathedral of St. Do not miss the Chateau de St Malo. Vincent and marvel at the modern stained glass window of the Chancel. Steeped in history the chateau dates from the 14th- 15th centuries. Brest is a naval port with a rich and varied maritime history. Brest. For the inquisitive there is a museum depicting the important episodes in its history together with model boats and rare maritime maps.


Quimper. With the constant flow of cargo vessels from all over the world coupled with local fishing boats, Brest is indeed a modern city that has retained its charm. Quimper is a busy town with attractive half- timbered houses. Prices. (August 2006) There are large variations in prices. Famous for its hand painted pottery and Breton traditions you can find little shops selling costumes and the most delicious crepes and cider. The most expensive area is around Vannes on the southern Brittany coast.


Inland property prices drop dramatically- Central Brittany and Ille- et- Vilaine offer the cheapest prices. Coastal properties are more expensive. Price Guideline. Villas: 300, 000 euros. Apartments: 80, 000 euros( Coast) Farmhouses: 50, 000 euros( needs renovation) Townhouses: 40, 000 euros. Land: from 5 euros per sq. m

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Is The Agent Licensed

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Everybody s doing it, so it must be easy. buying a home in Phoenix that is.



There s one other crucial step you need to take, and that is to find a good real estate agent. It seems like all you need to do is drive around searching out" For Sale" signs, or reading the, visiting open houses classified ads in newspapers and magazines. If you don t have someone working with you, buying property can become a disaster. Often they just ask their friends and relatives or deal with the agent already working the property. For some reason, home buyers don t always pay close attention when they look for an agent. Before you do the same thing, you should be aware that you can easily spend$ 250, 000 and up for a home in Phoenix.


It s not just the money you should think about either. Since your real estate agent makes his or her commission based on around six percent of the price, you should really like and trust that person. The real estate agent you choose should find you the perfect home in Phoenix. You ll want your agent to be experienced, hard, smart- working, and interested in what you want. not just that commission. The one that fits your needs. You don t need to give your business to the first person you meet.


For most people, buying a home is the single largest purchase they ever make. Be prepared to conduct some interviews. Take enough time to find someone you feel comfortable working with. You ll want to find out how long it takes them to return calls or emails. Here are some questions for them: Is he or she easily accessible? Ideally it should be within a few hours of your initial contact.


Find out too if this is full or part- time work for the agent. Great deals go fast and you want to be in the running. Is the agent licensed? We all wish novices good luck, but when you re spending large amounts of money on such an important purchase, you ll want to know they have good skills and experience. Not only do you want to make sure the agent is licensed in Arizona, you also want to know how long he or she has been in business. Is your agent hearing you? You have specific wants and needs.


This process is all about you. You know the area or at least the type of area where you want to live. And you know how much you want to spend. You have your own taste. Unfortunately, some real estate agents care more about making a sale than they do about making their clients happy. Buying a Phoenix home is stressful enough without having to worry that your real estate agent isn t completely on your side.


If he or she starts showing you only their own listings and they don t meet your criteria, feel free to find someone else. A good agent will spend as much time as it takes to make you feel comfortable rather than pressured and coerced. It s your time and money at stake. It s fine to ask friends, and co, families- workers for references, but you still need to question them closely before letting them represent you. Finding the right Phoenix home should be as pleasant a process as possible. That s the main goal of a great real estate agent.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Death In The Form Of Destroying These Beautiful Homes

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

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



They spread their vitriolic messages utilizing the Internet. They will not hesitate to use violence as a means to publicly assert their cause. The horror of their assaults invades our homes on nightly newscasts. This terrorist is home grown and they operate under the guise of the moniker" eco- terrorist" . meet the American Al- Qaeda, the Earth Liberation Front( ELF) . "The time has come to decide what is more important: the planet and the health of its population or the profits of those who destroy it. " Around 4AM on Monday March 3, the quiet tranquility, 2008 of the Seattle area night was interrupted by the sounds of sirens. However, unlike their middle east counterparts, these terrorists are on our soil. Many sirens. Three were lost and two were saved.


Four multimillion- dollar homes along a Street of Dreams in Snohomish County, Washington were ablaze. The fifth home, while set for destruction, did not ignite. The Snohomish County sheriff s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Explosives, Firearms also are participating as part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The FBI is investigating the fires as a possible" domestic terrorism act" , said FBI spokesman Fred Gutt in Seattle. Authorities estimated that Monday s fires did over$ 7 million in damage to the Street of Dreams. The homes were promoted and designed to be eco- friendly. Named the Street of Dreams, this developmental project was comprised of a row of luxury model homes.


These so called" green" houses were to include such features such as formaldehyde- free materials, energy- efficient appliances and landscaping that included idiginous plants. Acting as judge, the ELF denied, jury and executioner that the homes were indeed green and for that crime against the environment, their sentence was death. Whether or not they were indeed green really does not matter. Death in the form of destroying these beautiful homes. Nope black! The ELF left behind a sign that read, "Built Green?


McMansions in RCDs r not green. The homes destroyed on the Street of Dreams, 200 and 4, ranged between 4, 750 square feet in size. ELF. " An RCD is a building code designation referring to a project in a rural cluster development. They were selling at prices around$ 2Million dollars each. Make no mistake, these environmental Jonestownians have partaken of the worst kind of Kool- Aid. Let s go ahead and drop the prefix" eco" from the eco- terrorist. They believe that capitalism infringes upon Mother Earth, and they will use any means necessary to spew their hate and inflict their economic sabotage.


ELF members, like their cultural Jihadist brethren, have pledged their lives to their cause. It is believed that The ELF was founded in the England in 199They quickly grew and spread throughout Europe by 199It is now an international terrorist group with operations reported in over a dozen countries. They are maniacal in their mission to destroy the profitability of residential development and industrial progress. The ELF operates in cells embedded in communities across the world. They shroud themselves in the cover of darkness to wreak havoc in their war against Capitalistic advancement that, in their sole discretion, causes environmental destruction. Sound familiar?


The ELF was classified as the top domestic terror threat in the United States by the FBI in March 200The United States Department of Homeland Security concurred that the Earth Liberation Front is the most serious threat to our nation. How dangerous is this organization? Not convinced that the Earth Liberation Front are true terrorists? To inflict maximum economic damage on those profiting from the destruction and exploitation of the natural environment. b. Here is some information taken from their published mission statement explaining what their cause is: a. To reveal to, and to educate the public about the atrocities committed against the earth and all species that populate it. c. Sounds fanatical to me.


To take all necessary precautions against harming any animal- human and nonhuman. This is eerily reminiscent of the same hatred we have heard from Islamic extremists. They seek to eradicate anything they deem contrary to their beliefs. The foundational basis for these organizations is clear. Just as you can not negotiate with Islamic extremists, you can not negotiate with the ELF. In a 2001 incident, ELF members burned 35 SUVs at a Eugene, Ore. , car dealership.


While a great deal of their attention is focused on real estate developments, the ELF will attack any business in any industry that they judge to be guilty of exploiting Mother Earth. This attack was reportedly executed as a show of solidarity and support for a fellow anarchist elf who was standing trial on a previous arson incident. This monkeywrenching can be carried out upon everything from the logging industry, to automobile manufacturing, to genetic research and sales. and of course, real estate development. Monkeywrenching, described as economic warfare by means of sabotage, is the ELF s main avenue of choice for imposing their will. The FBI s most recent report in 2005 noted that there had been over 1, 200" criminal incidents" amounting to tens of millions of dollars worth of damage. We are speaking about cold- hearted ruthless terrorists who have a insatiable desire for economic bloodletting and who revel in the use of explosives and incendiary devices.


We are not talking about you re average group of treehuggers here. A suburban IED if you will. "While innocent life will never be harmed in any action we undertake, where it is necessary, we will no longer hesitate to pick up the gun to implement justice, and provide the needed protection for our planet that decades of legal battles, protest, pleading, and economic sabotage have failed so drastically to achieve. " Somewhere, somebody knows where this evil lurks. Unfortunately in this instance it is not a half a world away. It eats, and it lives, it walks among us. It s here, and it wants, in America to take away our freedom and our streets of dreams. As a Nation, as an individual American and as a real estate industry professional, we can not let them succeed.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Another Thing To Watch Out For Is The Escrow Service That The Bank Uses

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

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.



Foreclosures happen because the owner couldn' t make the mortgage payments and had to forfeit the property. Often, what happens when someone can' t make their payments is that the property reverts to the mortgage company, after a failed, usually a bank foreclosure auction. This means that they end up going to the bank who really has very little use for properties and are usually very interested in getting rid of them as fast as possible. Most foreclosure auctions never receive even one bid, for one reason or another. These foreclosed properties are referred to as REOs or Real Estate Owned. This usually means hiring a buyer's agent who has experience in aiding bank- owned foreclosure sales. If you aren' t experienced in negotiating with banks, you' ll want someone to be the go- between and make sure things run smoothly.


You are not usually the one responsible for paying the agent, take a look at the contract first and you' ll likely find that the seller( the bank) is the one to pay any commissions. Banks are not likely to budge much from the asking price is a property has just been put on the market, but once it has been there for a time without offers, they will be more willing to reduce the price in order to sell quickly. Negotiating the price on bank- owned foreclosure real estate will generally depend on how long the property has been on the market. It can actually be to your benefit to wait until a property has been on the market for a month or more so you can get a lower price. If you don' t understand the legalese, you will definitely want some help translating it. Make sure you have a lawyer take a look at any contract that the bank draws up, since this is probably not going to be in your favor. Remember, you don' t have to sign anything until you are satisfied with the deal you are getting.


Banks often arrange a bulk rate with an escrow service, but you could very well end up paying the difference. Another thing to watch out for is the escrow service that the bank uses. Check the fees that you' ll be charged before you pay. Buying bank- owned foreclosure real estate can be a very good investment, but it does require some knowledge of the system. They could be steeper than you like and it's a good idea to know that ahead of time so you can check out your options. Until you have a sale or two under your belt, you will want to have a buyer's agent to make the entire process easier and snag free.


Once you' ve actually completed a bank- owned property purchase, you may just find that you are addicted and want to continue to buy properties like this to flip!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

But Why This Boom In New Homes Tampa Bay

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Florida has always been an attractive location, but there is nothing quite like the boom in new homes in Tampa Bay.



It all depends on location. The price range for new homes in Tampa Bay is between$ 130K to several millions. If you are relocating to the area you can start your search online but it is important to visit the communities and the homebuilders in person. However, it should not be the only one. Of course, when it comes to purchasing Tampa new homes, price is one of the main concerns. You may want to live in the city of Tampa, but check out the surrounding areas as well. Right now you can find great deals on Tampa new homes because there is a lot of inventory on the market- new and resale homes.


If you are considering buying new homes in Tampa Bay expanding your search will get you a better price. There are a lot of resources on the web that can help you educate yourself on how to get the best price on your new home. But why this boom in new homes Tampa Bay? Search the market long enough and you will be able to find yourself a very good deal. Well, people move there because of its climate( no winter here) , first rate hospitals, good airports serviced by inexpensive carriers, short distance to, Busch Gardens Disney World, good shopping( check out international mall and the outlets in Ellenton) and of course the beautiful beaches. Even though the Tampa real estate market is currently depressed, the future of Tampa Bay is bright- especially after the housing prices and inventories correct.


There is also the night life in Ybor City and in Channelside. There is evidence of both happening right now. Are you missing your chance to buy your piece of Tampa Bay at the best prices we will see for a while?

Monday, August 11, 2008

Offer Some Other Item Of Value

Oh, no! What happens now?



You' ve found the home of your dreams. but so has someone else! At this point, negotiation flies out the window, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of winning the bid. This must be in writing with signatures from everyone involved and a copy of this signed document must accompany your best and final offer. When this happens, the listing agent( in the State of Tennessee) must inform all parties involved about the multiple- offer situation. There will be a specific time to have all bids turned in to the listing agent, so everyone is playing by the same rules. They will choose the one that best suits their needs.


When all bids are submitted, the seller( s) and their agent will have a meeting to consider all offers. And surprisingly, it's not always the highest price that wins. Then the possession date might carry more weight. For instance, what if the seller needs more time to move? Let's consider a few ways to improve and strengthen your best offer: First of all, don' t panic! Do you really want or need this property?


Try to keep your emotions under control and use your common sense. Or. should you keep looking? Make sure your offer is as" clean" as possible. But, if this home is the one for you, then let's get busy and make your offer stand out from the crowd. This simply means that the fewer contingencies, the better. Submit a letter with the offer. from the lender stating your qualifications.


Be sure to have your financing in order. Perhaps you should also conduct your home inspection beforehand, clearing that possible contingency. It might sway the seller to your offer if you can give him/ her the time they need to move. Can you be flexible with possession? Make your best offer, but be careful about offering a price that is too high for the area. Consider structuring your offer to read" $500" over highest bid.


Most appraisals will take care of an inflated price, but be careful if you' re paying cash! This can make a difference, but you would want some sort of cap on this type of offer. There was once a lower bid that included" 2 Super Bowl tickets" if the offer was accepted. Offer some other item of value. And it was! Sit down and think about all the things you love about it.


What do you love about the home? Then write a personal letter to the seller. telling them what the home would mean to you and your family. These are just a few suggestions, but there are many more possibilities. Many times, the seller will have put a lot of themselves into the home. and want to know that the next owners will love it as they have! Much depends on the particular situation. I always enjoy hearing from you so, contact me with any questions you have!