"People always say that real estate is a great investment because the value of homes is always going up. To some extent, there’s truth in that. But it’s also a fact that the real estate market fluctuates. Sometimes it’s a buyer’s market and sometimes it’s a seller’s market. And there are actually other times when the real estate market is in transition. A transitional real estate market poses certain issues for people who are buying and selling homes and you should be aware of them. This is especially true for anyone involved in real estate right now because the real estate market in many areas is either in transition or could be in transition shortly.
A transitional real estate market happens during the interim between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market. There’s this funny period of time in which the market isn’t particularly good for either party. In a way, this gives each party some leverage in the real estate transaction. And yet it also puts them on solid ground. If you are buying or selling a home in a transitional real estate market, there are some things that you can do to help give you a leg up in the interaction.
Here are some tips for buying or selling a home in a transitional real estate market:
1) You should know whether it’s going from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market or the reverse. Being aware of this helps you to position yourself and sell yourself appropriately. For example, if you are a buyer and real estate is transitioning to a buyer’s market, you can point out to the seller that he’s going to have a harder time selling in two months and therefore should make the sale to you at a good price. Likewise, if you realize that it’s a transitional real estate market that will soon be in your favor, you might make the decision to hold off on the transaction all together.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Real Estate Websites: A Technology Guide For Real Estate Agents
You know a real estate website will help you market your services, educate your clients and prospects, and build business relationships. You're ready to get your site up and running. You even have a picture in your head of what it should look like.
There's one question...
How Do You Get Started?
My advice at this point is to slow down -- just a little bit. The initial setup stage is where most folks make their biggest and costliest mistakes. In their excitement, they skip the necessary research and sign on with a designer who can't deliver exactly what they're after.
Or they shell out $300 dollars or more for a real estate website template, only to realize later that the design can't support their content plans.
Elements of a Website:
To have a website live on the Internet, you'll need three primary things:
A web host (like Dotster, GoDaddy, or hundreds of others) A domain name (like www.mysite.com) Web pages (HTML files to structure the pages and style sheets to format them)
The Web Host:
A web host is a company that provides web hosting services. These companies own servers (extremely powerful computers) that host and "serve" the files that make up their clients' web pages.
You can create a website on your computer. But you have to put the files onto a web server before anybody can access them over the Internet.
There's one question...
How Do You Get Started?
My advice at this point is to slow down -- just a little bit. The initial setup stage is where most folks make their biggest and costliest mistakes. In their excitement, they skip the necessary research and sign on with a designer who can't deliver exactly what they're after.
Or they shell out $300 dollars or more for a real estate website template, only to realize later that the design can't support their content plans.
Elements of a Website:
To have a website live on the Internet, you'll need three primary things:
A web host (like Dotster, GoDaddy, or hundreds of others) A domain name (like www.mysite.com) Web pages (HTML files to structure the pages and style sheets to format them)
The Web Host:
A web host is a company that provides web hosting services. These companies own servers (extremely powerful computers) that host and "serve" the files that make up their clients' web pages.
You can create a website on your computer. But you have to put the files onto a web server before anybody can access them over the Internet.
Real Estate Ebook Shows You How You Can Make $2000 Per Deal From Real Estate
Have you come across any of the real estate ebooks that are available for purchase online?
If so, they may have sounded quite intriguing to you. And the fact of the matter is that they can help out in more ways than one.
(there is a free real estate ebook for you to download at the end of this page,that shows you how you can make $2000 per deal from real estate).
But before you buy a real estate ebook make sure that you know what they are all about.
If not, you may end up buying something that does not suit your needs. Remember, there are many areas of the real estate industry that you may be interested in.
And when it comes down to it each of these topics probably has a few ebooks dedicated to it.
So what are the majority of real estate ebooks focused on? This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many of them available to choose from.
Generally speaking, there are quite a few real estate ebooks that are geared towards agents. These books are meant to help them find customers, sell more homes, and learn how to close the deal.
If you are an agent searching for one of these ebooks make sure that you look into each one that is available. You may find out that one real estate ebook is a best seller, while another is lagging behind a bit.
There are also quite a few real estate ebooks for sale on the subject of investing.
In today’s day and age more and more people are looking for ways to make money in a hurry.
While real estate is not always the answer, it is definitely something that you should consider.
If so, they may have sounded quite intriguing to you. And the fact of the matter is that they can help out in more ways than one.
(there is a free real estate ebook for you to download at the end of this page,that shows you how you can make $2000 per deal from real estate).
But before you buy a real estate ebook make sure that you know what they are all about.
If not, you may end up buying something that does not suit your needs. Remember, there are many areas of the real estate industry that you may be interested in.
And when it comes down to it each of these topics probably has a few ebooks dedicated to it.
So what are the majority of real estate ebooks focused on? This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many of them available to choose from.
Generally speaking, there are quite a few real estate ebooks that are geared towards agents. These books are meant to help them find customers, sell more homes, and learn how to close the deal.
If you are an agent searching for one of these ebooks make sure that you look into each one that is available. You may find out that one real estate ebook is a best seller, while another is lagging behind a bit.
There are also quite a few real estate ebooks for sale on the subject of investing.
In today’s day and age more and more people are looking for ways to make money in a hurry.
While real estate is not always the answer, it is definitely something that you should consider.
Real Estate Lead Generation - Attracting Attention With Real Estate Virtual Tours
Online virtual tours are the wave of the future for real estate advertising. They allow prospective buyers to view a home 24 hours a day, attract attention to your listings, and even appeal to prospective clients and home sellers looking for a real estate agent willing to go the extra mile.
So, how do you create a virtual tour, and what goes into making a good one? For the answers to these questions and more, keep reading.
Capturing and Creating a Virtual Tour
In the past, real estate agents who wanted to create virtual tours had to go through expensive graphic design and video editing firms. Today, there are a number of inexpensive software programs and even free online services that will create the virtual tour for you if you provide the photos.
To capture the photos, you'll need a digital camera and a tripod. By capturing each shot and rotating the camera approximately 15 to 20 degrees between each shot, you'll have enough photos to create an accurate and compelling virtual tour.
Then, you can use any of the following services or products to stitch together your tour:
FlyInside.Com (http://www.flyinside.com)
Totally free and easy to use, this simple website allows you to create a virtual tour using their basic online wizard. You can add your own branding for a small, additional fee.
TourWeaver (http://www.easypano.com)
This software is expensive ($200 to $700, depending on the edition), but it creates fantastic virtual tours that also allow you to create clickable hot spots right on the tour. So, for example, you can add roll-over pop-up windows to the kitchen to tell prospective buyers about the new gas hood range or a hot spot in the bathroom to highlight the spa shower.
MapWing.Com (http://www.mapwing.com)
So, how do you create a virtual tour, and what goes into making a good one? For the answers to these questions and more, keep reading.
Capturing and Creating a Virtual Tour
In the past, real estate agents who wanted to create virtual tours had to go through expensive graphic design and video editing firms. Today, there are a number of inexpensive software programs and even free online services that will create the virtual tour for you if you provide the photos.
To capture the photos, you'll need a digital camera and a tripod. By capturing each shot and rotating the camera approximately 15 to 20 degrees between each shot, you'll have enough photos to create an accurate and compelling virtual tour.
Then, you can use any of the following services or products to stitch together your tour:
FlyInside.Com (http://www.flyinside.com)
Totally free and easy to use, this simple website allows you to create a virtual tour using their basic online wizard. You can add your own branding for a small, additional fee.
TourWeaver (http://www.easypano.com)
This software is expensive ($200 to $700, depending on the edition), but it creates fantastic virtual tours that also allow you to create clickable hot spots right on the tour. So, for example, you can add roll-over pop-up windows to the kitchen to tell prospective buyers about the new gas hood range or a hot spot in the bathroom to highlight the spa shower.
MapWing.Com (http://www.mapwing.com)
Real Estate Rent vs. Buy Tips From Cincinnati Real Estate And Northern Kentucky Real Estate Remax Agent
Why should I buy, instead of rent?
Answer: You'll love the feeling of having something that's all yours - a Cincinnati home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are. A thriving vegetable garden in the backyard, a tiled entryway, a yellow kitchen... when you own, you can do it all your way! But there's more to owning a Cincinnati home than personal satisfaction. You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes, too. And interest will compose nearly all of your monthly payment , for over half the number of years you'll be paying your mortgage. This adds up to hefty savings at the end of each year. And you're also allowed to deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. If you rent, you write your monthly check and it's gone forever. Another financial plus in owning a Cincinnati home is the possibility its value will go up through the years.
There are advantages to buying a Cincinnati home versus renting. View these advantages in a financial comparison of buying versus renting in the Buy vs. Rent Calculator.
Savings: Buying
In many cases, the amount of money a renter spends on rent can be about the same as or less than the amount a homeowner spends on a mortgage. With the tax benefit for homeowners, the savings can be significant.
Buy vs. Rent Comparison
The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5% The homeowner purchases a Cincinnati home for $110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000 After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment With the tax savings of homeownership, the homeowner's payment is less than the rental payment after 3 years
Answer: You'll love the feeling of having something that's all yours - a Cincinnati home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are. A thriving vegetable garden in the backyard, a tiled entryway, a yellow kitchen... when you own, you can do it all your way! But there's more to owning a Cincinnati home than personal satisfaction. You can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes, too. And interest will compose nearly all of your monthly payment , for over half the number of years you'll be paying your mortgage. This adds up to hefty savings at the end of each year. And you're also allowed to deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. If you rent, you write your monthly check and it's gone forever. Another financial plus in owning a Cincinnati home is the possibility its value will go up through the years.
There are advantages to buying a Cincinnati home versus renting. View these advantages in a financial comparison of buying versus renting in the Buy vs. Rent Calculator.
Savings: Buying
In many cases, the amount of money a renter spends on rent can be about the same as or less than the amount a homeowner spends on a mortgage. With the tax benefit for homeowners, the savings can be significant.
Buy vs. Rent Comparison
The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5% The homeowner purchases a Cincinnati home for $110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000 After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment With the tax savings of homeownership, the homeowner's payment is less than the rental payment after 3 years
Property Management Companies: What You Need To Know
Property Management companies come in all sizes and shapes. It seems that many of them are a small business or family business. If you have a large portfolio of properties or a large multi-family income property you can attract a variety of companies because many are paid as a percentage of rental income. If you have a single family home or a smaller rental property its just not that attractive to many companies because they won't see much income from it and you may not get the attention you deserve. You may find better service from a smaller property management firm.
How Do You Find Them?
Check with the standard sources such as referrals. You can also ask:
Local Real Estate Agencies - They may have a local property manager they often recommend to or perhaps one of the agents also manages property.
Check with your local Property Management Association or apartment association for a list of local firms
In rural areas the State Apartment Association may be a good resource for a firm near you.
What Do You Look for In a Management Firm?
Valid Brokers License: In may states a brokers license is required to operate a property management company. You can check to with the local dept of real estate to validate it and see if it has ever been revoked or suspended.
Management Fees: Property Management fees are generally a percentage of rental income. Fees can vary from company to company and you should shop around. Expect fees of 5% or more as a percentage of rental income. If you own a single family home or a duplex that has a low rental income number, you may get quoted a flat rate.
How Do You Find Them?
Check with the standard sources such as referrals. You can also ask:
Local Real Estate Agencies - They may have a local property manager they often recommend to or perhaps one of the agents also manages property.
Check with your local Property Management Association or apartment association for a list of local firms
In rural areas the State Apartment Association may be a good resource for a firm near you.
What Do You Look for In a Management Firm?
Valid Brokers License: In may states a brokers license is required to operate a property management company. You can check to with the local dept of real estate to validate it and see if it has ever been revoked or suspended.
Management Fees: Property Management fees are generally a percentage of rental income. Fees can vary from company to company and you should shop around. Expect fees of 5% or more as a percentage of rental income. If you own a single family home or a duplex that has a low rental income number, you may get quoted a flat rate.
Can't Sell Your Home?
If you are having trouble selling your home, then ask yourself these simple questions.What options have I tried? What are my circumstances? What does it look like? How do I price my home?
Let’s start with the first question: What options have I tried? Most people who initially put their home up for sale do it with a realtor. There are many however that will go with a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) option. There are pros and cons with both. While realtors are there to help you, they are still looking to make a paycheck. Many times they will have you put your home up for sale for an amount that is unreasonable, so nobody even comes to see your property. The positive side of using a realtor is you can have a wider range of exposure and someone is doing the work for you. If you choose to go with a realtor, I would encourage you to still do your homework. Now take FSBO, this is good because you don’t have to pay a commission of 5-7% at the end of the day and you have full control of your property. However, your exposure to buyers is reduced. So what else can you do to advertise when you are selling your home FSBO? Put an ad in local newspapers, put up signs around town and on your property, let everyone know you are selling your home (referrals can sometimes be the best way), use the internet (www.craigslist.org). There are many ways to get your home sold by yourself. You just need to be a little bit creative.
Let’s start with the first question: What options have I tried? Most people who initially put their home up for sale do it with a realtor. There are many however that will go with a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) option. There are pros and cons with both. While realtors are there to help you, they are still looking to make a paycheck. Many times they will have you put your home up for sale for an amount that is unreasonable, so nobody even comes to see your property. The positive side of using a realtor is you can have a wider range of exposure and someone is doing the work for you. If you choose to go with a realtor, I would encourage you to still do your homework. Now take FSBO, this is good because you don’t have to pay a commission of 5-7% at the end of the day and you have full control of your property. However, your exposure to buyers is reduced. So what else can you do to advertise when you are selling your home FSBO? Put an ad in local newspapers, put up signs around town and on your property, let everyone know you are selling your home (referrals can sometimes be the best way), use the internet (www.craigslist.org). There are many ways to get your home sold by yourself. You just need to be a little bit creative.
New FREE Rental Listings Website For Polaris World Property is Launched
A brand new ‘owners direct’ rentals website offering FREE listings to owners of Polaris World properties in Murcia, South-East Spain, has been launched by Murcia Golf Properties Ltd.
The website offers to display rental properties on the Polaris World group of golf resorts free of charge. These include Mar Menor Golf Resort, La Torre Golf Resort, Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort, El Valle Golf Resort, Terrazas de la Torre and Condado de Alhama.
Enquiries are passed directly to the property owners. Owners are not asked to pay any management fees or commission and can therefore offer the best possible prices to renters. There are no catches - the website is paid for with sponsorship by the region’s leading re-sales agent Murcia Golf Properties Ltd.
Polaris World golf resorts offer countless facilities including Nicklaus designed golf courses, five star hotels, restaurants, bars and SPA facilities. With 24 hour security residents and holiday makers can enjoy peace of mind in the sunshine. Golfers will delight in the golf – several golf courses designed by Nicklaus and offering different challenges to all levels of golfer.
The website offers to display rental properties on the Polaris World group of golf resorts free of charge. These include Mar Menor Golf Resort, La Torre Golf Resort, Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort, El Valle Golf Resort, Terrazas de la Torre and Condado de Alhama.
Enquiries are passed directly to the property owners. Owners are not asked to pay any management fees or commission and can therefore offer the best possible prices to renters. There are no catches - the website is paid for with sponsorship by the region’s leading re-sales agent Murcia Golf Properties Ltd.
Polaris World golf resorts offer countless facilities including Nicklaus designed golf courses, five star hotels, restaurants, bars and SPA facilities. With 24 hour security residents and holiday makers can enjoy peace of mind in the sunshine. Golfers will delight in the golf – several golf courses designed by Nicklaus and offering different challenges to all levels of golfer.
Choosing an Estate Agent
When you sell your property you want to be with an estate agent who you can trust. Here we look at what you need to know to choose your agent correctly.
Like every business some estate agents are great, some mediocre and some wanting top dollar at every opportunity. Be wary and ask the right questions when you choose your agent. Prepare yourself with a list of questions to ask and have a pen handy to jot down their answers - be professional and take your time. It is very costly to buy and/sell a house and you want to keep your costs as low as possible.
Check the commission rate the estate agent is offering. Some will want 2%. This is high in the current market and you must shop around to get the lowest rate. Some will offer 0.75%. You need to haggle and if you are not used to this, remember, it doesn't need to be uncomfortable. You can be upfront and simply state that you want the cheapest commission rate you can get.
The tie-in to the contract must be in your favour. You do not need to go with the agent who has a tie-in after a certain amount of time on their books. In fact, when you sign up with an agent you may be able to give in your notice at the same time. That gives you, say, 4 weeks with one agent and you can renew the contract if you are comfortable with them. Or, after 4 weeks, you can advertise your property with another agent. Again, this is something you can haggle for. This can be a point where people, especially first time sellers, overlook. If you know what to expect you know how best to handle it. Do not simply take the agent's first offer as one that you need to accept. Remember that you are the customer and every estate agent will want your business. Aim for a renewable contract of four weeks with no tie-in and give in your notice as you sign up so that you can renew after four weeks if you are suitably happy with the agent. Speak to the agent about this and again, you can be upfront about it.
Like every business some estate agents are great, some mediocre and some wanting top dollar at every opportunity. Be wary and ask the right questions when you choose your agent. Prepare yourself with a list of questions to ask and have a pen handy to jot down their answers - be professional and take your time. It is very costly to buy and/sell a house and you want to keep your costs as low as possible.
Check the commission rate the estate agent is offering. Some will want 2%. This is high in the current market and you must shop around to get the lowest rate. Some will offer 0.75%. You need to haggle and if you are not used to this, remember, it doesn't need to be uncomfortable. You can be upfront and simply state that you want the cheapest commission rate you can get.
The tie-in to the contract must be in your favour. You do not need to go with the agent who has a tie-in after a certain amount of time on their books. In fact, when you sign up with an agent you may be able to give in your notice at the same time. That gives you, say, 4 weeks with one agent and you can renew the contract if you are comfortable with them. Or, after 4 weeks, you can advertise your property with another agent. Again, this is something you can haggle for. This can be a point where people, especially first time sellers, overlook. If you know what to expect you know how best to handle it. Do not simply take the agent's first offer as one that you need to accept. Remember that you are the customer and every estate agent will want your business. Aim for a renewable contract of four weeks with no tie-in and give in your notice as you sign up so that you can renew after four weeks if you are suitably happy with the agent. Speak to the agent about this and again, you can be upfront about it.
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