Buying investment property Posted By : Kausik Dutta
Thursday, August 21st, 2008Buying investment property Posted By : Kausik Dutta
Hints and Tips on Due Diligence This is an exercise we do about due diligence it is very important that you are able to look at this - and double check it. Here are a few tips to get you thinking: 1. Make sure you are working in the right area have you checked Transport links Hospitals University Urban regeneration plans Etc 2. Have you checked the various websites with regard to current market value and rent this can normally be done via www.rightmove.co.uk or www.home
Property Management
Property management pertains to the processes applied to maximize returns by effective administration of property “one of the major assets of most organizations. It also comprises the disciplines implemented on property rules and rental policies. Property Management is a career profession that is a part of our growing business industry. A property manager s employment can either be directly under the supervision of a real estate property owner, or for a property management company, hired by an owner or legal entity to look after the real estate over a particular span of time. A property management company is tasked with the responsibility of managing the multiple aspects which come along with the ownership of real estate. This is akin to the role of management in any business. One of the important roles property management companies play is that of acting as liaison between the landlord and tenant. Their duties include posing appropriate gross rent, accepting rent, responding to and addressing maintenance issues, advertising vacancies for landlords, and doing credit and background checks on tenants. In exchange for the service provided, property management companies charge landlords a percentage of the gross rent collected each month, in addition to lease commissions. In addition to managing income and expense related activity, property managers may also manage construction, development, repair and maintenance on a property. The direction of repair and maintenance is quite a large part of a property manager’s function. Property managers should develop a relationship with the management company, property owner and tenants that is based on a mutual trust and complete confidence in one another. His alliance with tenants gives an advantage to the landlord and provides them the necessary buffer servicing their desire to profit and distance themselves from their tenant constituency. There are many aspects to this profession, including participating in and/or initiating litigation with tenants, contractors and insurance agencies. Litigation alone is at times considered an entirely separate function, set aside for trained attorneys. Although a person or persons will be responsible for this in their job description, there may or may not be an attorney working under a property manager. Special attention is given to Landlord/Tenant law and most commonly evictions, non-payment, harassment, reduction of pre-arranged services, and public nuisance are legal subjects that gain the most amount of attention from property managers. Therefore, it is a necessity that a property manager be current with new laws and practices in their given localities, cities and states. Excellent property management can only achieved by top-notch managers. To be the best in this field, one must know and stay updated on local ordinances and state laws; be highly honest and ethical in enforcing property rules and rental policies; be detail oriented and organized with paper works; have good communication and computer skills; like working with the public; have a strong sense of duty and commitment; and be an exceptional follow-up person. Copyright 2007 Ismael D. Tabije
Unlock the secrets of successful executives and professionals. http://www.BestManagementArticles.com — the article directory with thousands of free articles in business and management–tips, advices, strategies and solutions for your success. Specialized articles in the field of Property Management may also be accessed at: http://property-management.bestmanagementarticles.com/
THINKING ABOUT A MAJOR REMODELING?
You might be looking around your home and say, This place is so outdated, it s time to fix it up. And so you might go to the library for information on how to design and plan a home improvement; how to deal with the city building department; how to do tear out “and where to dispose of debris; how to do carpentry, electrical, plumbing, dry wall, painting . . . Hmmmmm . . . Perhaps you will hire somebody to do this, instead. Whether you decide to do it yourself or decide to hire a contractor, the first thing you have to do is clear all your stuff out of the area that is going to be remodeled. Take a deep breath and get ready for MESS. Having had my own kitchen extensively remodeled, I know how stressful it is to have one s house torn up. Our home is our safe place. Even if it is an ill-suited, messy nest, it is our shelter; and we have strong feelings about that shelter. I think the time it takes to complete the job has a big impact on weather you think it was worth it when completed. In order to get the job done in as short a time as possible, whoever does the job, a home owner or a contractor has to plan in advance. Make a schedule of every action before starting. There is a list of things needed in every job. One important item not to forget is to make sure you order all the materials in advance especially the cabinets. Don t do anything till you open the boxes and inspect the contents for damage and to make sure the correct model and color cabinets are there. Make sure there are enough cabinets and moldings. You don t want to have to stop and order anything in the middle of the project and have to wait 2 weeks for something. 1. Empty all the cupboards and closets. This may take a couple days 2. Demolish the cupboards and counter tops. ” Don t forget this includes cutting up the debris to fit in garbage bags and carrying around or loading into a dumpster. Probably a couple days. 3. Demolish all the drywall or plaster and put in bags. Don t forget old drywall and all plaster is loaded with asbestos. Maybe a day. 3 Remove all the old wiring and pipes that won t be needed. 4 Remove all the old flooring. This too may have asbestos. Pay attention to the wall heights at this point, especially if you will be having any full height cabinets later. This can take 2 full days. 5 Rough plumb and rough wire for the new utilities and be sure to install what ever tin work for moved heating or microwave vents. This could take several days. 6. Change out any windows and door openings. This can take several days. 7. Install the new drywall. This can take as long as a week. 8. Paint on special drywall primer. A day to dry. 9. Install sub floor (and finish floor if using ceramic). Another week maybe. 10 Install the cabinets then the counter tops. If the counter tops are made by someone else this is 2 days. 11 Small misc. jobs and clean up and trim A couple days. Even a careful crew makes noise as they tear out drywall and flooring. Though they lay down plastic and tarps, they will be tracking endlessly through your house “the door will seem never to be closed! Kitchens are particularly difficult to bear with. My appliances and table were in the living room. I washed dishes in the laundry room sink, and cooked with small electrical appliances on the washer and dryer. Everything was misplaced. And then the drywall was taped and sanded. Even though plastic was taped to the walls to keep the dust from the rest of the house; dust still found its way into rooms it had no business being in! The stress of spending money, having to work your schedule around other people, noise, distraction, dust, endless discussions and decisions; it is stressful “be prepared! There is no getting around it, construction is messy. But the result is SO worth it. Having a beautiful new room that works efficiently. New appliances, new plumbing, new lighting. It just feels good! You will forget the aggravation and difficulty of the remodeling phase as you take delight in your new skylight, or Jacuzzi, or shower, or kitchen, or fireplace. Pleasure in your remodeling job lasts a long time. It is all worth while. As you can see this is about a month long process for a full time crew. Good luck.
Bob McGuire is owner of Oakbridge Construction http://www.expertcarpenter.com and http://www.expertwaterproofing.com
Invest in Dubai Property Market
Located on the southern coast of Persian or Arabian Gulf, Dubai is the 2nd largest of the seven emirates that constitute United Arab Emirates. Dubai has a population of 1.35 million inhabitants of which majority consist of expatriates. Dubai has the biggest population among other cities of UAE. Major parts of Dubai consist of rolling sand dunes. During the last few decades, Dubai has experienced a hasty development in every field of life. Twenty years back and you would find Dubai, a city inhabited by itinerant Bedouin roving across with their flocks and herds. Today, Dubai has become one of the most modern cities in the world. With the continued boom in industry sectors such as tourism industry and Dubai Property industry, Dubai has fast become the center of attraction for millions of people and businessman around the globe.
To some extent, Dubai is little different from rest of six Emirates of UAE. Unlike other Emirates, revenues from oil products contribute only 6% of the Gross Domestic Products of Dubai. The major contributors in its GDP are the tourism sector and the real estate sector. Later has gain a significant importance in the economical growth of Dubai. Today Dubai proudly holds some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
With nonpareil facilities and lifestyle on offer in Dubai, many people are planning to make Dubai as their second home. Some are even planning to relocate their. This has resulted in an increase in the property demand in Dubai. The increase in the demand of property for sale in Dubai has forced the hike in price for properties in Dubai. With the announcement of new laws for property in Dubai, Dubai has able to magnetize many property investors around the globe. According to AME Info (leading press release website about Middle East), a massive investment of USD 4 billion has been committed in the Dubai property market since the passing of new laws for property in Dubai.
Dubai Investment Fund has planned to broaden the horizons of property investment across the following three branches of Dubai property market.
Commercial Property in Dubai Industrial Property in Dubai Residential Property in Dubai
DIF has aimed about 15 to 20% annual growth in the investment funds for Dubai property sector. One of the major developments in Dubai real estate market has been the announcement of new Dubai Freehold Property Zones. Expatriates can own property in Dubai in these zones either on permanent basis or on the basis of 99 years lease. This factor has significantly intensified the Dubai property market. All of a sudden, Dubai property market converted from an average local market into a full of activity international market. With matchless lifestyle Dubai has now become the heaven for millions of people in quest of a trendy and out of this world lifestyle.
The Dubai property prices have shown a significant upward trend during the last few years. Dubai property market has seen a 40% increase in the rental price against the property for rent in Dubai during the first six months of 2005. The price of property for sale in Dubai has also seen an increase between 20 to 50% during 2006. According to many real estate experts, this is the best time to invest in Dubai property market as prices are set to see more heights during the upcoming years with ever increasing property demands. Many investors are turning to invest in Dubai property for rent market to take home their share of benefits that Dubai property market has on offer for its investors. There is a lot of profit on offer in Dubai property market if you can play your cards well. All one needs is the careful survey of Dubai property market.
Sim Whatley, the proud owner of Dubizzle.com, is a multidimensional character. By visiting his online portal Dubizzle you can find all needed information about dubai jobs, classified, and property in Dubai.
How to choose the perfect Realtor
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? But if you’re still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR, here are a dozen more reasons to use one: 1. Your REALTOR can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders — banks and mortgage companies — offer limited choices. 2. Your REALTOR has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties. 3. Your REALTOR can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are Realtors have access to a variety of informational resources. Realtors can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? 4. Your REALTOR can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required. 5. Your REALTOR provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date. 6. Your REALTOR can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders. 7. Your REALTOR can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly. 8. When selling your home, your REALTOR can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle. 9. Your REALTOR markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. 10. Your REALTOR will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. 11. Your REALTOR can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing — a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process. 12. Your REALTOR can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).
This website is brought to you by Tom Takihi and for more information about choosing the right Realtor please visit http://www.discoverdiy.info/Realtor/index.html
Selling Your Home? How Avoiding This Mistake Can Earn You Thousands!
You remember the old adage that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” For anyone interested in selling their home, this adage should be the first thing in their mind as they prepare their property for sale. With the help of a good realtor, a seller can get objective advice as to what “fix-it” items need to be addressed on their property before their house is put up for sale.
Without a doubt, the first place they should start is in their front yard and surrounding exterior. For many prospective buyers, how you maintain the front exterior of your home can be the difference between a buyer telling their agent that they want to take a look at your house or to keep driving on to the next home for sale. This is what is known in the business as “curb appeal”.
If you have watched HGTV, you might have seen the show where the realtor walks in to view the house that is being prepared for sale and he or she makes a disparaging comment about the curbside view of the house the minute they drive up. Don’t let this common mistake happen to you.
If you’ve lived in your home for several years there is a good chance that there is something in your yard that needs to be cleaned, trimmed or thrown out. Very often sellers have grown accustomed to some of the undone projects around their yard and need to now view these items with a critical eye. From hedges and trees that can use some additional trimming to leftover home project materials that might have accumulated in a corner. With a little sweat equity and relatively little cost, spending time cleaning up the yard can improve the sale price of your home by up to five thousand dollars and also immediately improve the chances of your property being shown to several prospective buyers.
The following is a checklist of items you might need to attend to:
- Too many flower pots or clutter around the front entryway —although a single plant in a decorative pot might enhance the front entryway, a variety of pots can detract from the entryway’s appearance. Pare them down to one or two at the most and get rid of old or broken pots.
- Tires or left over home improvement project materials —even home improvement materials that are stacked neatly can give a cluttered appearance. It’s time to get rid of them or donate them to someone who can use these materials.
- Firewood —If you can’t find a place to stack firewood neatly, you should reconsider having it in your yard at all. Firewood can attract bugs so you might be better off paring down the amount of firewood you keep.
- Dated playground equipment –If your aluminum playground equipment is rusty or if it was previously brightly colored but has since faded due to the exposure to the elements, now may be the time to dismantle the equipment and get rid of it.
- Lawn clippings and other natural waste —Sometimes leaves and debris can get stuck in corners of the yard that you might have not otherwise noticed. Have a trusted friend objectively review your yard and point out what you might have missed. Also make sure you check debris in your rain gutters.
- Bicycles and other kid’s toys —Try creating storage for bicycles in the garage on a bicycle rack or other type of storage device. Besides being a tripping hazard, bicycles are best kept in the garage or storage shed to reduce visual clutter.
- Bottles, cans & trash —Most people maintain their yard adequately; however, if you have kids they may not always be as diligent in picking up their soda cans and similar items. Make sure your yard is free of this debris.
- Exterior lights —Although most people will view your property in the daytime, a prospective buyer might drive by in the early evening. Make sure any exterior lights have had their light bulbs replaced.
- Mow the lawn, Trim the hedges — A neat, lush lawn and trimmed hedges add to the beauty of your home. If you have not regularly maintained your lawn, now is the time to pay attention to all these details.
- Pets —This is probably the most sensitive area for most homeowners, since pet owners love their pets and are tolerant of the negative side of pet ownership. However, just as there are many people who own pets; there are equally just as many who do not care for them. If you have an outdoor pet, now is the time you may need to keep him on a leash and keep his water bowl and dish scrupulously clean.
While the mere mention of these items may seem rude or offensive, a professional real estate agent will not hesitate to share this checklist with you if these items apply in your situation. Remember, don’t under-estimate the drawing power of a clean, well maintained lawn and surrounding yard: you might not get a second chance.
For a wealth of real estate information visit Diamond Bar Real Estate Info
Nef Cortez is a California licensed Real Estate Broker. He first obtained his salesperson's license in 1976, and then earned his Broker's license in 1984. Mr Cortez has worked in the real estate industry as a salesman, manager, loan officer, and owner of Real Estate and Mortgage Brokerages. He has also served in various committees and offices of Realtor Associations. Mr Cortez is also multilingual, with proficiencies in Spanish.
Stop Foreclosure - We buy houses
The term foreclosure refers to the circumstances, which arise due to the nonpayment of loan to the lender. When the borrower failed to pay back the money borrowed to the lender, then the lender will transfer the ownership of house property to him. The foreclosure arises when the owner of the property failed to make payment to the lender, the property will be seized. Losing the house property for not paying of foreclosure is a ridiculous task. Some steps can be followed to avoid foreclosure. There are so many alternatives available to avoid foreclosure.
Foreclosure Involves Many Stages
Stopping foreclosure is not the difficult process. There are several stages involves to pay off the current loan and avoid foreclosure. When the owner failed to pay money for a long period say 5 to 6 months then the lender ask to obtain a notice from the county record office. This notice will make the borrower to face the foreclosure and starts with replacement period.
If the borrower fails to correct the foreclosure within few months, say three months then foreclosure date for sale will be intimated. The notice of sale will be issued to the homeowner and this notice will be posted on the property. The notice of sale will recorded in the county record office and also published in the newspaper.
The foreclosure occurs where the property is located. In the notice of sale the time and location of the foreclosure will be properly designed. In the sale, the property is auctioned to the highest bidder.
Foreclosure Auction
In the auction the opening bid for the property is foreclosed by the foreclosing lender. The opening bid will be equivalent to the outstanding loan, interest accrued, additional fees and attorney fees related with the trustee sale. Compared to the opening bid, if no bid is higher than the property, the property will be purchased by the attorney who conducts the sale for the lender. The property will be deemed as REO if the opening bid is not met. It occurs because many of the properties listed for sale at the foreclosure auctions are worth less than the total amount payable to the lender. When a property has been purchased in the foreclosure auction sale, all small liens other than the property taxes will be swabbed out. The priority of lien will be determined by the date of recording.
Buying Homes On Foreclosure
Buying homes on foreclosure is said to be good purchase. If you are interested to buy a property on foreclosure, then you can search either on online or through professional realtor.
1. Search the foreclosed property either on online or through a professional realtor. The realtor will help you to find a successful foreclosed property. The realtor may always be updated with the real estate information.
2. If you are searching a foreclosure property through a selling agent you have to pay a commission to him at the time of purchase. But if you obtain a foreclosed property through a realtor you need not want to pay commission and find good foreclosed property.
3. Time is essential for purchase of foreclosure property. If you are paying for a foreclosure property through a loan or through cash, maintain proper records.
4. While purchasing a foreclosed property obtain some few bids from different contractor to estimate the cost.
5. If the property is going to be sold in the market, then ask the realtor to estimate the market value of the property going to be sold.
6. Additional cost or maintenance cost can be estimated to the tax department to get exemption or deduction.
7. After purchase of the foreclosed property, the purchaser receives the title under the special warranty deed. This title protects the buyer. Each lender obtains an insurance protection from the loan.
8. Foreclosure properties are highly profitable. But it requires more alertness while collecting details. The experienced realtor will handle the situation more carefully.
Ron Victor is a Expert Author for <a target="_new" href="http://www.webuyhousesforcash.com"> We Buy Houses</a>. He written many articles in various topics like Buying Homes Fast and <a target="_new" href="http://www.webuyhousesforcash.com/stop-forclosure.php">Stop Foreclosure</a> online. For more information visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.webuyhousesforcash.com"> Buy House for cash</a>. Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com.
