REAL ESTATE: More distribution activity likely in 2012

The industrial real estate market turned a corner in 2011 in Inland Southern California, and there are strong signals the arrows are still pointing northward in the area’s eastern tier, thanks to renewed economic activity and a shortage of available space.

The latter part of that equation almost sounds like an echo from five years ago. There is not much available space to build a big-box distribution center near Ontario international Airport, considered the best location for a logistics facility, and there are few vacancies among existing buildings.

That means that developers are going to look east, much like they did around 2004 and 2005, when massive distribution centers were built in places such as Perris, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and Riverside, developers say.

An end-of year report from commercial real estate company Lee & Associates found a 7.5 percent vacancy rate for industrial properties in the I-215 corridor, mostly in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris and surrounding areas. The vacancy rate had been more than 8 percent since 2006.

That means that 2012 could be a year to watch. If developers perceive there’s a demand for space, they could be ready to build new properties.

Three distribution centers near the city line that separates Moreno Valley and Perris are currently under construction and close to being completed. All are larger than 600,000 square feet, and all three are being built on spec, meaning they don’t have tenants yet.

“Those three big ones are like the canaries in the coal mine,” said Rick John, senior vice president of Daum Commercial Real Estate’s Ontario office. “We’re going to be watching those, and if all three are leased it’ll spring some new construction.”

Warehouse development has some detractors because it increases truck traffic, but it is probably the strongest segment of the job market in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. About 5,500 jobs related to the movement of goods were added in the last 12 months, and the growth rate of close to 5 percent is almost three times as much as the growth in all jobs, according to state data.

John Bower, the executive vice president in charge of the Inland offices of NAI Capital, said the prime locations near Ontario “are pretty well picked over.”

That means developers have no choice but to look east, and not only for the large distribution centers. Some investors are looking at facilities under 150,000 square feet, Bower said.

“We’re starting to get the next generation of developers wanting to replenish the supply in the mid-tier as well,” Bower said.

Bruce Springer, a Lee & Associates senior vice president, said it was unlikely the scenario that led to the construction of Skechers’ massive warehouse in Moreno Valley would repeat itself because that was an unusual situation. Developer Highland Fairview had Skechers lined up as its tenant early in the process. The three warehouses being built don’t have that luxury.

Also, Springer said, the market is still in the process of absorbing lender-owned properties that were given up in foreclosure proceedings, a reminder that the recession is still visible in the Inland area’s rear-view mirror.

“We’re still absorbing REOs, and that concerns me,” Springer said. “There are some great deals to be had. Unfortunately, there’s still blood coming out of the turnip.”

Real Estate Equities Management LLC Increases Rentals with Yardi Call Center

Leases jump 117%, aided by 24/7 coverage by real estate service professionals

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Residential real estate firm Real Estate Equities Management LLC reported that Yardi Call Center(TM) was instrumental in driving a substantial increase in new leases over an eight-month period in 2011.

From April through November 2011, Real Estate Equities Management's total leads for 31 properties increased by 181% and net leases (after denials and cancellations) by 117% over the same period in 2010. The company also received 179% more calls, 152% more walk-ins, 190% more email inquiries and 122% more applications. "We attribute this performance to more accurate lead recording and around-the-clock coverage that Call Center provides, along with improving market conditions," said Garin Hamburger, director of marketing for Real Estate Equities Management, which adopted Yardi Call Center in April 2011.

He added, "Our previous call center support only worked during business hours. We knew we were missing leads and opportunities to capture leases. We saw Call Center as an opportunity to increase occupancy and save money through reduced staffing requirements. Call Center's 24-hour maintenance service also adds an attractive amenity to our properties' offerings."

Yardi Call Center connects property management companies' prospects with trained real estate service professionals, day or night. This ensures that all leads are captured and acted upon, increasing leasing opportunities and promoting maximum occupancy. Guest cards and applications are entered directly into the Yardi Voyager(TM) property management system. Residents can also receive live assistance for rent payments, maintenance requests and other functions. Because Yardi Call Center agents work securely inside Yardi Voyager, they become an extension of the company's management office, with no need for data interfaces.

"We designed Call Center to be invisible to prospects and transparent to multifamily property managers. Our agents' thorough understanding of properties' key selling points allows them to provide immediate expert service and quickly turn prospects into residents," said Terri Dowen, senior vice president of sales for Yardi.

About Real Estate Equities Management LLC

Real Estate Equities Management, based in St. Paul, Minn., is a real estate firm with more than 30 years of experience in multi-family housing, townhome, senior cooperative, vacation home and fractional ownership development and management. In addition to developing, owning and operating numerous unique housing projects in the Twin Cities and other regional markets, Real Estate Equities Management owns several fractional luxury homes in markets such as Paris, New York, and the Turks and Caicos. The company's complete range of capabilities includes asset management, occupancy management, accounting, facilities maintenance, development/construction services, marketing and home rental services. For more information, visit www.reeliving.com .

About Yardi

Yardi Systems has been committed to the design, development and support of real estate investment management and property management software for nearly 30 years. With its Yardi Multifamily Suite(TM), Yardi Commercial Suite(TM) and Yardi Investment Suite(TM), the Yardi Voyager(TM) system is the most comprehensive single real estate management platform on the market today. Yardi serves clients around the world from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. More information about Yardi products and services is available at www.yardi.com .

SOURCE: Yardi Systems Inc.

        
        Yardi Systems Inc. 
Joel Nelson 
x1255 
        Joel.Nelson@
800-866-1144
 yardi.com
        

Copyright Business Wire 2012 

UBS's Chen Sees Opportunity in China Real Estate Stocks

Jan. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Chen Li, head of China equity strategy at UBS AG, talks about the nation's stock and real estate markets. He spoke yesterday in Shanghai with Bloomberg Television's Stephen Engle. (Source: Bloomberg) (Bloomberg)

Understanding credit ratings

When we approach a lending institution to borrow money, how does the lending institution know whether we are trustworthy or not? We might be able to assure them that we are… but can they take our word for it?

The lending institution is in the business of making money by lending money. They lend money to people who they think will pay it back and they charge a bit of interest which is their way of making money on the risk they've taken. But again, how do they know who will pay the money back?

That's where credit ratings come in. A credit rating – or "a credit score" – is derived from a big pile of information collected about us. There are three main credit scoring companies out there. They are private companies who get information about us from various sources. These credit reporting agencies use this information to give us a score. Every person has their own score.

Then, when we want to borrow money, we ask a lending institution for the money and they go to the credit reporting agency and find out what our score is. If we have a good score, the lender will give us money. If we have a bad score, the lender will either give us money but charge us a higher interest rate or they simply won't give us money at all.

So, it makes sense that we should work hard to improve our score. But how do we do that? Here are some tips:

1. Pay all bills in full. Don't leave any money outstanding on a bill. Pay it in full. Credit reporting agencies, and the lending institutions that use the scores, are going to want to know this information. After all, the lenders are considering lending us money and don’t you think they want to know if you pay your bills in full???
2. Pay all your bills on time. Don't be late. Don't wait until the last moment. Pay them on time. Again, lenders who are about to lend you money want to know that you are a conscientious borrower who happily meets your obligations.
3. Make sure you HAVE a credit history. A good score doesn't just occur because you don't own anybody anything. No. People get a good score because they've owed people money and they pay it back. Someone who doesn’t have any credit score at all isn't going to get much money loaned to them.
4. Watch your available credit. Available credit is how much money you CAN borrow. For example, if you have a maximum of $10,000 credit limit on your credit card, your available credit is $10,000. Lenders want to know this because they want to find the balance between what you earn and what your available credit is, If you have lots of available credit but a low income, they might be reluctant to lend you money. Some of the might be thinking: "If they go on a spending spree, they'll never be able to pay it all back."

Getting good credit is a strategic, time-consuming effort but it pays off if you want to borrow money.

Real estate investors need cash

There's a challenge in the real estate investment industry. There are many opportunities for real estate investors to buy inexpensive properties and fix them up and exit profitably… but they need something vital to make it happen. They need cash.

Real estate investing is a capital-intensive business because it requires tens of thousands of dollars up front in order to get started. You need to put some money down on the property, you need to fund repairs, you have carrying costs. Once you've covered all of those, you can sell the property (or rent it) and make a lot of money but it needs to have the cash up-front first.

Many brand new real estate investors make the mistake of using their own money to fund the deal. They use credit cards and they borrow against their mortgage. Unfortunately, those tactics have limitations:

• Credit cards have high interest rates and if a deal goes bad (and sometimes they do), the real estate investor may have a high amount of money to pay down on his or her credit card with exorbitant interest to pay, too. This can damage credit ratings!
• Borrowing against the mortgage is another way that real estate investors pay for their deals. Although the interest rate is lower, there is still substantial personal risk should the deal ever go south. The borrower could end up with their home repossessed.

Credit rating worries, high interest rates, and even the threat of eviction are all challenging problems that face the real estate investor using their own money.

But there are other options. Real estate investors need to apply the principle of "OPM" – "other peoples' money" – in order to invest successfully. When they do that, they put other people's money to work for them and they can get better rates of interest and they reduce their personal risk.

There are several ways to get access to other people's money:

1. The real estate investor can contact his or her family or friends and ask them to invest. Sometimes this is a good idea, especially if the real estate investor has a successful track record and the know people with money. However, this can be risky because they could lose their friends or family should a deal ever bust.
2. The real estate investor can go to a lender – like a lending institution. A lending institution might lend them money or they might not, depending on the investor's credit rating and how much risk the lending institution is willing to take on.
3. The real estate investor can find a group of investors – both individuals and corporations – who are willing to invest. This takes more leg work on the investor's part but it can release a great deal of money to the real estate investor to invest. And there are many investors out there!

Has Television Changed the Face of Real Estate Investing?

If you take a look through the television stations on almost any given day there is a television show somewhere that features home improvement, real estate investing, or some sort of combination of the two. From shows that teach people how to sell homes that have lack luster reviews to shows that teach viewers that it is possible to purchase, repair, and re-sell a home in a matter of weeks for astronomical profits, there are shows that appeal to the entrepreneurial wannabes in audiences around the globe.

These shows have made and lost fortunes a few times over by convincing viewers that they too can do the wondrous things seen on television. The truth is that many viewers are capable of doing these things but television never really shows how hard the work actually may be. The television cameras do not always show the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making these projects successful and rarely mention the countless complete and total failures that occur along the way. 

The cameras are also not to keen for showing up at 4 am and rolling well after midnight when the work for the day is finished. It doesn't catch the heart attacks and nightmares as credit cards are going dangerously close to being completely maxxed out while dreams of quick riches fade right in front of investor's eyes. 

This does not mean that every project is doomed to failure only that things are not always as rosey as they may appear to be on the television shows. Flipping houses may seem to be a bit glamorous and a lot hands on. The problem with that is that too few people really realize how much work goes into the hands on part of the program. This is not easy money no matter how much the television cameras would like to convince you otherwise. 

It is very possible to turn a substantial profit in a relatively short amount of time if you keep your cool, use your head, and buy and sell in the right conditions. The problem is that so many people do not consider the big picture and find themselves in over their heads and out of money before the project is anywhere near completion.

One thing that television has definitely done for this line of work is make competition for the flappable houses a little fiercer. The early bird in this business gets the worm and while the cheapest house isn't always the best candidate the less competition you have driving the prices up, the better in this situation. The goal is to buy low and sell high. Most people do not have a terrible amount of competition, as of yet, on the selling high portion of the program. The real trouble at this point in time lies in the buying low portion as there are many more would be real estate investors that are interested in buying the inexpensive properties than there are that will actually see the projects through from beginning to end.

So yes, television has greatly changed the way people invest in real estate. Whether this is truly good or bad for the overall real estate market remains to be seen. In light of the recent down turns in real estate it is to be expected that some of the popularity may diminish. The sad thing is that this is still one of, if not the best ways to make a large sum of money fairly quickly that is legal in the world today. Fortunes can be made and lost in real estate; the trick is always in placing your bets on the right property at the right time. For those who are willing to take the risks associated with this type of investment in today's market and those that are willing to wait for a slight upturn in the market the profit potential is phenomenal.

Flipping Houses for Fun and Profit

For those of you who watch on the edges of your seats week after week as people on cable television seek to successfully turn a lump of coal of a house into a diamond that is suitable for kings and queens of the middle class to call home it is quite possible that you have considered 'flipping' a home of your own. This is a great way to make a nice tidy profit in real estate rather quickly if proper planning and attention to detail is made in the process.

Believe it or not, when done correctly and within reasonable time and budget constraints, projects such as this can be a great challenge that is also a ton of fun. First of all, the average citizen isn't allowed to play with power tools on a regular basis and Tim Allen has taught us exactly how fun power tools can be. Keep in mind that he has also taught us just how dangerous they can be as well. The point is that it is often fun to learn new things and for many of us, working with power tools is a new thing. For those experienced with power tools, there are still likely to be some fun new things on the horizon when doing a real estate flip.

Even if power tools aren't exactly your cup of tea, perhaps you have always wanted to try your hand at creating a color scheme or a trial run at renovating a kitchen or bathroom. Beyond a great way to have fun while turning a profit, a house flip can be a great practice session for changes you'd like to make within your own home. Most of us learn best by making mistakes. Isn't it best to make mistakes with Formica or Corian (r) rather than the granite countertops we'd prefer in our own kitchens and baths?

This also gives you the opportunity to see how things you are considering for your home look in other homes before incorporating them into your home. If you are considering a certain type of laminate flooring, try it in a house that you are flipping. This is the ultimate opportunity to use trial and error when making design and décor plans for your own home. Even better is the fact that you can be working towards a profit as you do just that and I personally do not know of anyone that does not appreciate a nice hefty bit of profit every now and then.

Another fun thing about flipping real estate is that you often get the opportunity to work with the people you love. This is a great opportunity to get friends and family involved in the process of creating a masterpiece right by your side. The price for their time and labor is often some good music, a tasty pizza, and a couple of cold sodas (or beers provided the work is done for the day and everyone is walking home of course). 

Even children can be of some help in these projects though you want to be very careful that they aren't too much help with power tools and paintbrushes. Typically have older children help with landscaping projects and find someone to care for younger children (the tools, fumes, and temptations for small children simply may prove too risky to be practical).

Flipping Houses for Fast Real Estate Profit

One of the rising stars when it comes to real estate investment is known as 'flipping' properties. This works by buying properties that are in need of either minor cosmetic repairs or in need of serious renovations, doing the work, and selling the home for a much greater price. In theory this brings in a significant amount of profit in a rather small amount of time. This is the case for many who attempt to flip properties but it takes a little more than the idea in order to make the process work. For this reason, there are many who end up sacrificing profit or losing money in the process when plans aren't well conceived.

If you are considering a future in real estate investing, this is one of the quickest ways in which investors can turn a profit. It is also a method for bringing in high profit in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, this once closely guarded secret has gained some degree of infamy and there is fierce competition for the undervalued properties on the market as more and more would be investors decide to throw their hats into the collective ring.

If you are considering real estate investments in general and house flipping in particular there are some things you should keep in mind. 

1) Treat this as a business rather than a hobby. Far too many investors do not take their investments seriously. This is a mistake because in this business time is money and every month that the house isn't sold is a month that the house is costing you money. Create a plan, make a schedule, and stick to them both. 

2) Remember that this is a business. You are not investing in properties to make friends or seem nice. You are in this business to turn a profit. You cannot be timid about making low offers. The ability to buy low and sell high is the lifeblood of this particular business. This means that you are quite likely going to hurt feelings and make people angry (because they often place emotional prices to their homes that are simply not economically feasible). If you cannot deal with this reality then you are going to have some degree of difficulty gaining the high profits you are seeking. Nice guys finish last and you can't really afford to do that in this line of work.

3) Pay attention to the market. This is vitally important. Many 'flippers' lost their shirts in the recent near collapse of the housing market around the U. S. The truth of the matter is that the indicators have been building for years. In cities where there was once a shortage of viable housing options there are currently surpluses. This does not drive the value of properties down so much as it brings them back to their proper values. Investors that were counting on an ability to sell above the actual value of the property were left holding the bag (or rather notes) on these properties for quite some time until they could be sold. Some never managed to sell these properties and were left dealing with the expense in addition to the costs of the upgrades. Do not buy in an inflated market if it can be avoided unless it is during the very beginning of the inflation (before property developers have the opportunity to create a surplus). 

4) Do not allow it to become personal. Far too many first time house flippers decide to create a work of art rather than a business investment. It is tempting when making cosmetic and structural repairs to go ahead and create a dream home. The problem with this is that depending on the particular market you are unlikely to recoup the costs involved in doing so. The goal is to invest little and profit large. Granite countertops are lovely but not at all necessary in a neighborhood filled with those of humble means. Cater to the tastes and budgets of your target market rather than your personal tastes.

Despite the risks involved in flipping houses as a real estate investment there is no denying that fortunes have been made doing just that. Even in the current housing market there is a great deal of promise available to those who can do the work quickly and inexpensively. People still want to buy these lovely homes rather than buying a home that needs to be made over after the price of purchasing. 

Flipping A House For Cash

A lot of people these days are preaching about the buying and holding method of gaining wealth with real estate.  There indeed may come a time in your life or business when you’ll want to hang onto a piece of property, although you’ll only be interested in keeping certain types of property.  If you’re just starting out, flipping a house may be an ideal way to get started.

Basically, there are three ways that you can flip a house, although each one has it’s own terms, motivation, and type of property.  The first method is known as retailing.  What this means, is that you buy a house in bad shape, do the repairs to fix it up, then turn around and sell it.  There are a variety of houses in need of repairs out there, and several ways that you can quickly flip a house to net profit.  All you need to know are the techniques that will get you the most money in the least amount of time.

The second way you can flip a house is though wholesaling.  Wholesaling involves finding a home for sale then flipping it to an investor for a fast, yet small profit.  To do this, you’ll need to know the real estate investors in your area, the types of homes that flip the best, and how to fund your property so you can flip it to them.  If you live in a big area or a city, you’ll find that using the wholesaling method of flipping houses is actually easier to accomplish.  

The third way to flip a house is by assigning the purchase.  Using this method, you’ll commit to buy the house.  Instead of closing the deal yourself, you’ll assign it to a real estate investor - of course for a small fee.  The investor will take the contract over and close the purchase themselves - flipping the house.  This can be very profitable, especially if you invest in the right home.  You don’t need to have your contract worded any special way to be legal, although you will need to determine the assignment fee.

If you’re looking to break into the real estate market and make big bucks, you’ll need to learn all about flipping houses.  Flipping houses is very profitable, especially once you have learned the basics. The first and third methods are the best, although they will both take quite a bit of work on your part.  Restoring homes isn’t easy, and you’ll need to have a team qualified to handle any repairs.  Assigning the purchase may be difficult when you first start out, although it will get easier with time.  If you stay at it and do your best to make a profit - you’ll be an expert at flipping homes in no time at all.

Finding the Right Realtor for Your Real Estate Needs

Whether you are looking for a home of your very own or are interested in creating a long term working relationship with a realtor for the purposes of property investment it is very important that you find a realtor who will listen to your needs and wishes and act accordingly. The right realtor for your needs can mean all the difference in the world between a successful and profitable transaction now as well as many more in the future (if you plan on investing in multiple properties). Below are some important things to notice when selecting a realtor that will meet your needs.

1) Does the realtor you are considering listen to your needs? This is important as it will save you both a lot of time and money in the process of finding the perfect home for your family or for an investment property. If the realtor is constantly presenting properties that do not meet your budget or price requirements it might be a good idea to either lay down the law or find a realtor that is willing to expect your wishes and needs.

2) Does he or she ask questions and provide appropriate feedback? This indicates a direct interest in your needs, which is important-particularly when planning for a long-term investment relationship though some find it even more important when purchasing a home for their family home as this is a personal matter rather than a business matter. We all have a tendency to be more selective when placing the welfare of our family in the hands of another.

3) Do you feel comfortable dealing with the realtor you are considering? As I mentioned above we tend to be a little choosier when selecting professionals to help our families. Why on earth would be any less so when it comes to the realtor that will help our families find a home? Rapport is a good word to describe the sort of relationship you need to develop with your realtor. Do you have a good rapport with a potential realtor? If not, then move along. There are many realtors in most cities and there is absolutely no reason that you should deal with a realtor that doesn't make you feel comfortable and secure.

4) How well does the realtor in question know the area in which you are seeking a home? There are many things that make a home a 'good buy' for residential and investment purposes. You want a realtor that has his or her finger on the pulse of the city and the various areas of interest, growth, and decline within the city. School districts matter more now than at any other time in our history in most cases, he or she should know about the schools, new business developments, and the value of property in the area (as well as the tendencies of property values to rise or fall over the last several years). 

5) Does the realtor in question have specific experience dealing with your specific real estate needs? Whether you are planning a residential transaction or if you are seeking investment property you will need a dedicated and experienced professional that can help you meet your goals.

Realtors are a dime for a dozen in most cities and competition is fierce. There is no reason whatsoever that anyone should suffer with an agent that you do not feel is working for you or have your best interests at heart. If you invest a little bit of time and energy shopping around for the right realtor to meet your needs, you will find that your real estate transactions will take much less time and effort for this small sacrifice. It is much better to make the decision based on a few careful interviews in the beginning than after looking at fifty or more homes that do not meet your needs or price range. Then you have wasted a great deal of time and effort and you must still either risk wasting more time and effort or take the time to select another realtor for your real estate needs.

I also highly recommend selecting a real estate agent with a significant online presence. This means that he or she is making use of the available technology in order to offer more options to you as the consumer. Buying a house can be a mind-boggling process for the average person. Having a good realtor can make the process work so much more smoothly.

Finding A Real Estate Agent

Whenever you buy or sell real estate, you may be like millions of other people out there, in thinking that you don’t need a real estate agent.  Most people who buy or sell homes, generally think that a real estate agent is a waste of money.  Those who choose to buy a new home, think that real estate agents only add to the cost of purchasing the home.

What most people aren’t aware of, is the fact that real estate agents are normally paid by the seller, not by the buyer.  As a buyer, you’ll get to work with a professional real estate agent without really having to pay for it yourself.  The policies can vary greatly from state to state and company to company, which is why you should always check any paperwork or contracts that are provided to you to ensure this is the case.  When you are interviewing agents, make certain to ask about any type of fees as well.

A lot of real estate agents out there may work with both buyers and sellers, although most specialize in working with either the buyer or the seller.  If you are buying a home, make sure that the agent you choose has prior experience of working with buyers and transactions that involve no money down.  This way, you can count on your agent to be there when you need him the most - especially if you don’t have a down payment.

If you are interviewing a real estate agent and he or she isn’t familiar with down payment assistance programs, you shouldn’t hire their services.  Agents who aren’t familiar with these types of programs generally aren’t on the level, or they may lack the experience necessary to help you purchase the home of your dreams.

You can also make a list of real estate agents that you can interview based on referrals from friends, lenders, and even family. Lender referrals are normally a great choice as most lenders have worked with their recommendations in the past and both are already familiar with each other.  Choosing a lenders referral can also prevent you from encountering any obstacles or surprises.

When you interview a real estate agent, make sure that you have the agent explain his fees.  This way, you’ll know exactly how much he will be getting from the purchase.  You should also find out how much experience he has in the field, and how long he has been working with real estate.  You can also ask about sample contracts as well.  If you are buying a home, you should make sure that the agent works with buyers.  If you happen to be selling your home, then you’ll want to make sure that the agent works with sellers. Agents that are dedicated to one or the other are the best to choose, as they will have more experience than agents who work with both buyers and sellers.

Find a real estate agent is an easy task - providing you know what to look for.  If you take things one step at a time and carefully make a decision, chances are that you’ll end up with an agent who has the experience you want.  You should always be careful when you choose, and never rush the process.  Real estate agents are easy to find, although finding one who fits your needs and has your budget in mind is a little tougher to locate.  When you make that final decision, you should always choose an agent who has your best interest in mind - and isn’t just after the money.

Does Staging Sell Real Estate?

There is something to be said about a neat and tidy house when you are sorting through house after house looking for the perfect home for you and your family. This is something that should be kept in mind when selling either a personal home or an investment property. There are a few other things you should keep in mind when it comes to selling real estate. One of those things is that staging sells homes.

Seriously, there is something cold about an empty house. It could be painted impeccably and meet every possible standard a family has and yet feel cold and anything but homey when walking through the home for a real estate tour or inspection. This can be easily overcome by contacting a local furniture rental store and picking out furniture that will match at least the primary rooms of the home in order to make the home appear leaved in and homelike. 

The primary rooms that you will want to appear 'lived in' are the living room, dining room, master bedroom, and all bathrooms. These are the rooms that essentially sell homes and it is important to make them appear neat, orderly, and well cared for. If you have the funds for every room in the home then by all means do so. It is a huge selling point, particularly for those who are trying to sell homes quickly. If the home doesn't sell after the first two weeks or month (you decide the time limit) then you may want to remove the 'staging' furniture in order to eliminate the expense. I would strongly encourage you to keep this furniture as long as the home is being shown fairly regularly though.

You will want to do so much more than simply putting furniture in the property you are trying to sell. You want to create an atmosphere or warmth and comfort. This means you want to have prints on the walls, mirrors, plants, and pillows. You do not have to purchase items particularly for this process. You can use things from your own home in order to establish this atmosphere of homelike comfort. Be sure not to use sentimental favorites or very valuable pieces, as not all people who will view the property being sold are honest. It's a sad reality but something to consider all the same.

Other things that may help an empty home sell are scents. There is nothing quite like the smell of cookies in the oven or flowers in bloom to make a home feel 'homey'. These scents can be easily accomplished with well placed scented candles, potpourri warmers, dry potpourri, fresh-cut flowers, and electric room air fresheners. There are few things that will turn off potential buyers more quickly than an overpowering fragrance however so keep this in mind when selecting the method of fragrance. Having some fragrance in the home also eliminates the problem of an empty house taking on the 'empty house' scent that so many do over time. In other words, this is yet another part of the staging process that works for many trying to sell homes.

The short answer to the question of whether or not staging sells real estate is "yes". Staging a home can absolutely lead to a higher offer and a quicker sell, even in today's sluggish market. 

Determine The Listing Price

When it comes to buying a home, most potential buyers will use the listing price to as the number one factor to determine the homes that they look at.  Even though you and a realtor may determine the asking price, the buyer will determine the selling price.  If the price is too high, most buyers won’t give it a second thought - which is why you want to determine the listing price carefully.

If you set the correct price, you’ll notice a much faster sale.  Setting the right listing price will also attract more potential buyers to your property as well.  You’ll also notice an increase in response from realtors, and receive more calls about the property.  The listing price is very important - and it can ultimately determine whether or not you sale your property.

A home can be overpriced due to several reasons.  Overpricing is something you want to avoid, as buyers tend to steer clear of homes that have been overpriced.  Normally, this happens when a buyer asks a lot more than the home is worth or valued at.  Some buyers ask a lot more than the value of the home due to location.  Although the location is very important, most potential buyers won’t give the home a second look if they think the price is too high - and more importantly out of their price range.

When you put your home up for sale, most activity will happen within the first couple of weeks.  If you put the right price on your home, you’ll notice immediate interest.  There are always buyers looking for homes in their price range, waiting for new homes to be listed or homes to be reduced in price.  Buyers who are waiting to purchase may miss seeing your home completely if the price is too high.

To determine the listing price of your home, you should always have it appraised before you put it on the market.  This way, you’ll know the full value of your home.  You can sell it for market value or go a little under, although you should never attempt to go way over the value.  In doing so, you’ll miss out on a lot of potential buyers.  The home market is very competitive these days, which is why you want your home to draw as much interest as possible.

Keep in mind that realtors really have no control at all over the real estate market, only the plan behind marketing.  Realtors don’t determine the asking price - the seller does.  You can ask a realtor for advice, although you are the decider of your listing price.  If you do things right and take each thing step by step, you’ll set the listing price in the right area and have no problems selling your property.

What To Do When Your Home Isn't Selling

When you sell your home, the process is almost like going to a job interview.  Selling a home involves presentation, which is one of the key factors that determine the outcome.  Although this may sound a bit weird, presentation is a way of life in the world of real estate.  Buyers in today’s market look for good presentation – many basing their final decisions on it.

If the property you are selling comes with a garage, you’ll need to go through your garage before you sell your home.  Chances are that you store things in your garage, which can easily pile up over time before you realize it.  If your garage is in a messy condition, you’ll obviously want to clean it up.  Buyers look for homes that are in perfect condition, and anything less than perfect will look bad in the eyes of the buyer.

Most homes have some truly outstanding features inside of them.  You should always do your best to highlight the best features of your home, instead of just hoping that the buyer understands what they are.  The ideal way to bring out the best features of your home is to use the proper lighting.  If your home is clean, you can use lighting to bring out the best features in your home, and ensure that they stand out to the buyer.

When a potential buyer first pulls up to your home; the first thing he will see is your lawn.  If your lawn is trimmed and well taken care of, he will get a good impression right off the bat. If your lawn is a wreck, he may immediately pull away.  To give the best impression to the buyer, you should put some thought into how things look.  You can always plant flowers around the walkway and throughout the yard, which will look great to a potential buyer.

You should also make sure that the entrance into your home is a positive as well.  The front door should be in great shape, as well as the entry area into the home.  You can add some plants, paintings, and rugs to ensure that your buyer gets a good impression.  When the buyer walks through the entry way into your home, you should make sure that the view he or she takes in is a good on.  Your biggest goal when showing your home is to ensure that the buyer is pleased.

Keep in mind that it may take some time to sell your home.  These days, homes can sit on the market for months at a time before they actually sell.  If you are having trouble selling your home, you can always reduce the price or simply go back to the basics.  Eventually you will sell your home – although it may take more time than you think.

Tips For Selling Your Home

Unlike other things that you may own, you can never take selling your home lightly.  A house is a big commodity, one that is worth a lot of money.  Before you even think about selling your home, you should put a lot of thought and consideration into it.  Although you may want to sell your home - you should make sure that you do it the right way.

The first thing you should do when you are thinking of selling your home is to hire yourself a qualified real estate agent who knows the neighborhood.  An agent who knows your neighborhood will known the ideal price for your home, and help you sell it at the ideal price.  If your home is priced right for the neighborhood, chances are it will sell.  If it is priced too high, you might not get any offers or anyone interested in buying the home.

Once you have a real estate agent, you and your agent will need to develop a strategy.  You’ll need to decide on the price and how long you will leave it on the market before you think about a reduction.  You’ll also need to discuss his commission as well, which will help to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.  If you talk about these types of things when you first start out selling your home, you’ll find the entire process to go much smoother.

In some cases, you may run out of time before you are able to sell your home.  In this situation, you may want to rent out your home.  When you rent out your home, you may also be able to strike a deal with renters that your home is available for showing.  To make the house accessible to potential buyers, you may want to offer your renters a lower price.  This way, they will be more inclined to make the house available for potential buyers.

Keep in mind that selling your home will take you some time. You can also sell it yourself if you prefer, without a real estate agent.  This can save you quite a bit of money as well, as you won’t have to pay a real estate agent.  If you are planning to go this route, you should make sure that you know the value of your home and you know the neighborhood.  You can put a “for sale by owner” sign in the yard, and list your home in local newspapers, and on the Internet as well.  This way, you’ll get your home out to the market of potential buyers.  Homes that are for sale by the owner are always great for buyers - as they can deal with the owner directly and not have to worry about dealing with any real estate agents.

Tips For Buying Your First Home

For a first time home buyer, the process can get quite overwhelming, giving you the feeling that the financial decisions are rapidly spinning out of control.  When it comes to real estate, most people don’t have a lot of experience or know a lot about it.  In all actuality, buying a home is actually a simple process.  All you need to do is understand the basics, which will go a long way in helping you buy your very first home.

The first thing you should know is to avoid pre payment penalties at all costs.  What this means, is that if you buy the home then later want to sell it before the balance of your mortgage is due, you’ll have to pay a penalty.  You can find a variety of great loans that don’t include these types of penalties.  If you find a loan that does include pre payment penalties, you should immediately turn it down and look for another loan.

You should also be on the lookout for good ARM’s.  If you have a good ARM, then your interest rate and monthly payment will adjust at the exact same time.  This will make sure that your interest doesn’t affect your monthly payment.  If your interest rate does affect your payment, then you will notice the unpaid interest reflecting the overall amount of your loan balance.

You’ll also want to get pre approved for your house as well.  This lets the seller know that you are serious about buying, and will normally work in your favor to give an edge - which is especially handy if there are several others interested in purchasing the home.  Getting pre approved will also save you a lot of time as well.  If you can’t get approved for a loan, you shouldn’t waste your time inspecting it, trying to get a good interest rate, or negotiating with the seller for your ideal price.

Before you purchase a home, you should always be aware of how much you can afford.  Before you attempt to purchase a home, you should always go over your budget and figure out how much money you can spend on a mortgage payment.  If you manage your money smart and know your finances, this shouldn’t take you hardly any time at all.  On the other hand, if you don’t know your finances, this will take you a long time indeed.

If you’ve already purchase your first home, you should always avoid taking any type of home equity loan.  These loans can be very tempting when you get in an emergency and need cash, although most home equity loans add up to more than the value of your home.  You should never, under any circumstances take a home equity loan, as there are many other ways that you can clear up your personal problems without having to jeopardize your home.

Keep in mind that the above are just a few basic tips and that there are many other things you’ll need to know before you buy your very first house.  You’ll need to be familiar with private mortgage insurance, special loan programs, fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage, and several other things.  Buying a home is an easy process, once you know a bit about it.  If you familiarize yourself with buying a home and learn all that you can about what is involved, you’ll find the home buying process to be easier than you ever thought possible.

Tips For Buying An Overseas Vacation Home

A majority of us have dreamt of owning an overseas home at home point in time.  Owning a home overseas represents a different way of life, in a sun drenched tropical location that is teaming with activities and plenty of things to see.  For many of us, owning real estate overseas is a dream that we all look forward to at some point in our lives.

If you have been considering buying a home in a foreign land, there are some things you should be aware of.  Anytime you decide to buy a home in a far away land, there are traps and pitfalls that you need to be aware of.  If you are aware of these pitfalls, you’ll go a long way in securing your home – safely and securely.

If you want to buy overseas real estate for the value, you should always keep in mind that real estate fluctuates – some months the value may go up, while other times it may go down.  Not all countries have the same real estate economy, which makes it in your best interest to look into the economy before you buy a home.  This way, if you are buying for the value, you’ll know whether or not your purchase will be profitable.

Legal systems are also something you should be aware of as well.  Different countries do things differently, which is why you will need to look into the different legal systems before you decide on a property.  The last thing you want is to purchase a home and find yourself totally unaware of how the proceedings go in the area you have chosen.

If you are buying your home to make some extra money, such as using it for a vacation or holiday home, you should always pay attention to the accessibility factor.  If you plan to visit the home yourself for vacations, you’ll want to make sure that your property is easy to reach.  If your property is hard to reach by automobile or plan, it will decrease in value and popularity over time.  On the other hand, if your property is easy to access, it will be great for you and anyone else you decide to rent the property out to.

If you want the process to go as smooth as possible, you can always enlist the services of a real estate agent.  Even though you may be buying an overseas home, a real estate agent will know the area and he can answer any questions you may have.  Chances are that you aren’t familiar with most overseas areas, which makes a qualified real estate agent a very worthy investment.  Your agent can also make recommendations based on what you are looking for – and show you the homes that you wouldn’t be able to locate without his services.

Things To Know Before Buying A Home

If you are taking the next step in life and purchasing a home, chances are that you are feeling the pressure and the anxiety that goes along with this difficult decision.  Those who buy homes are very anxious, eager to get any information they can about real estate.  Before you buy a home, it always helps to learn all that you can.

The first thing you’ll need to do when buying a home is to find out just how much you can qualify for or afford to borrow.  You should also make it a point to check your credit and know where you stand.  If you have any problems, you should strive to correct them for you attempt to borrow money for a home.  The higher credit rating you have, the lower your interest rates will be.

If you can, you should always attempt to get pre approved by a mortgage broker or lender, as this will show your commitment to the mortgage.  Also make sure to look for any payment or prepayment options that can help you take a few years away from your mortgage.  Once you have been pre approved for a mortgage and know where you stand with your monthly payments, you can start shopping for property.

When you shop for a home, you should only buy real estate that is perfect for you.  Before you start looking, you should always make a list of everything you want your home to have, based on what you want and what you actually need.  You should also make sure that you mark out any areas that you are willing to come to a compromise on, just in case you have to.

To assist you with finding the perfect home, you should enlist the services of a reputable real estate agent.  When you meet with your agent, you will go over how much you are willing to spend, and what type of home you are looking for.  You’re agent will know where ideal properties are, and help you find the home that is best for you.

Your agent will supply you with a list of potential properties that meet your budget and your features.  Once you get the list, you should drive by the homes and check out both the home and the neighborhood.  You should consider the appearance and location of the home, safety, access to the freeway, schools nearby, commute time to work, local shopping, and even recreational activities.  

If you don’t find something that interests you the first time, you should keep looking until you find the home that is best for you.  Your agent can help with tours of homes and such, even tell you information about neighborhoods that you aren’t familiar with.  If you have chosen a good real estate agent, he will care about helping you find a home and go out of his way to ensure that you get exactly what you want.

To get the most from buying a home, you should always hire a real estate agent that you can trust.  Your agent will go a long way in helping you buy a home, from finding properties to giving you pointers and tips along the way.  Good real estate agents will care about your satisfaction, and will do all that they can to help you find the home of your dreams.  You can always buy a home without a real estate agent, although it will take you longer and you won’t get the help and other amenities that a real estate agent will bring to the table.

The Truth About Rent To Own

Most of us are very familiar with the term “rent to own”.  Places such as Prime Time and Rent A Center have built an empire with rent to own merchandise, although the buyer normally ends up paying double what the merchandise is actually worth.  While this may be great for those who have bad credit, most of us prefer to avoid going this route.  Homes are no exception, especially if you are buying a home on a rent to own basis.

Even though rent to own may be good for a short period of time, it proves to be an expensive way for someone to buy something they intend to keep.  Rent to own merchandise for example, may sound quite compelling at a few dollars a week.  The agreement is normally for around 15 - 20 months, which is where the company makes their money.  Although you may be paying just a few dollars a week, the total amount quickly adds up to nearly twice the cost of the item.

Along with paying rent, you’ll also have to pay applicable sales tax as well.  Like merchandise, rent to own real estate has it’s disadvantages.  Even though it can be great for those with not so great credit, you’ll normally end up paying back a lot more than you would with a mortgage.  You’ll still have to pay back your lender with a mortgage, although that amount won’t be nearly as high as it would if you decided to get a house on a rent to own basis.

In most cases, rent to own houses are put up on the market by the owner.  This way, you’ll deal directly with the owner.  It will start out as a traditional lease, then proceed to a rent to own basis if you decide you want to keep the home.  You and the owner will then work out an arrangement, which will normally be quite a few years.  Some owners are very flexible and will work with you just to get the price they want for their home, while others will charge you quite a bit more, in order to make a hefty profit.

If you have bad credit and can’t get approved for a mortgage, then rent to own would be your next best option.  Although some don’t like to do it due to the price, for many it’s a better alternative than an apartment.  With rent to own houses you are paying money towards the home, instead of just paying rent.  In some cases this is fine, although you should make sure to double check with the owner before you agree or commit to anything.  This way, you’ll know how much you’ll be paying for the home - and for how long.

Termite Damage And Real Estate

Termite damage, no matter how small it may be, is never good for a home.  During a real estate inspection, if any termite damage is found, it will affect the outcome of the home.  In most cases, the buyer is told that the seller will fix the problem.  Although this may sound good to some buyers that the seller will treat for termites, other buyers often wonder.

Of course it’s nice that the seller will pay to have the termite problem treated, which will normally cost around $1,000 or so.  Even though the termites will be gone, you have to wonder about the damage to the structure.  In the more severe cases, damage to the structure can cost up to 50 times the cost of the treatment.  The last thing you want is to move into a home that you know has been treated for termites, only to find the structure to be in very bad shape.

If any type of damage was done to the wooden structure of the home, you may need to get immediate repairs.  While some damage may be visible, there are other types of damage that may seem invisible to the naked eye.  To find out just how bad the damage is, carpets and rugs will need to be lifted, furniture and appliances moved, walls and ceilings will need to be opened, and even some types of excavation may be needed.  This is the only way to tell the extent of the damages, especially in cases of termites.  If you don’t inspect every area of the home, you could be moving into a home that has severe structural damage - which can cost you thousands to repair.

There could also be latent damage present as well.  To determine this, you’ll need to have invasive and destructive testing performed on your home, which will performed by qualified contractors and specialists.  This will help to determine the extent of the damage and the cost of any needed repairs.  This can be very costly however, although it’s the only way to find and repair any latent damage.

Destructive and invasive testing can cost you an arm and a leg, although you’ll need to have it done if you suspect termites or know for a fact that the home was treated for them.  To protect yourself, you should always get a treatment and repair history before you purchase the home.  If you are renting the home, you’ll need get written documentation from the specialist that details the damage to the home and cost of repairs.

Before you buy a home, you should always have it checked for termites.  There are a lot of termite inspection companies out there, many of which go above and beyond to check the home for any type of termite damage.  You don’t want to buy a home only to find out that it has been infested with termites.  If you have the proper inspections performed before you make the purchase, you’ll know for a fact that you don’t have to worry about termites or termite damage.

If the inspector or contractor doesn’t find any termite damage, you should always have it documented.  This way, if termite damage does exist, you’ll have the documentation to back you up.  Termites can be very destructive to your home, especially if you are looking towards a log home.  Termites can destroy wood in little to no time at all, which is why you should always do what you can to have your home treated as soon as you suspect any type of damage.  If you know a home has been infested with termites before - you should really make sure that the structure isn’t damaged and the termites are gone before you commit to buying.