Archive for December, 2009

Home Foreclosure Florida: What the New Florida Foreclosure Law Means for Homeowners

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

By Yuwanda Black

According to the 12/29/09 online edition of the Miami Herald, foreclosing on a homeowner in Florida just got a little more complicated and costly for lenders. The article states in part:

“. . . a state supreme court order issued today that aims to reduce a foreclosure overload. — [a] statewide program . . . requires mediation on all homesteaded properties before a foreclosure hearing is held.”

Basically it means that homeowners get to meet with lenders to discuss options other than foreclosure, ie, home loan modification or short sale is.

Other Particulars of this New Florida Foreclosure Law
Lenders are responsible for paying all mediation fees; these can be as much as $750.

Homeowners have the right to refuse mediation; they can also work out other options with their lender. However, every residential homesteaded property in foreclosure will be referred to this process as a matter of course.

Lawmakers hope that this new law will reduce the foreclosure case load in the state; a situation that has been referred to as “horrifying” by Florida’’s Task Force on Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Cases.

Will Mediation Help Florida Homeowners Facing Foreclosure?

Reaction to this new law signals what many homeowners have been shouting all along. Namely that until home prices stabilize, the courts won”t work.

One commenter wrote, “Procrastination and disruption of the market correction by the courts wont work but rather make things worse. Home prices PLUS predatory property taxes, bloated insurance, and abusive HOA/maintenance fees still need to drop until reaching affordable income ratios and below rental values,…”.

The problem with many who are facing foreclosure now is still jobs . . . or a lack thereof. Many who are losing their homes now didn”t get subprime mortgages; they had good credit; and they didn”t buy homes that they couldn”t afford.

What they did do was lose jobs . . . and many have lost jobs that are not coming back. So unless this new Florida foreclosure law takes into account that many homeowners need some financial breathing room to get back on their feet, mediation is not likely to help.

The Credit Crisis Prolonging the Home Foreclosure Crisis

And, when you add in the fact that many who have managed to hang on to their jobs can”t get home loans because of the credit squeeze, what you have is a lot of foreclosed homes that will likely sit on the market for a lot longer.

Need a Mortgage? Why Home Loans are Not Easy to Come by Now

Banks are skittish. After years of giving home loans to anyo9ne with a pulse (which is how this whole subprime mortgage mess started), they now require credit scores above 720 (and in some cases 75); down payments of 10-20% and longer stints of employment.

So for example, if a couple wanted to buy a $200,000 home, a 20% down payment means coming to the table with $40,000 in cash — and this doesn”t include closing costs and all the other incidental costs that crop up when you buy a house.

Who has that!

So while mediation may help some Florida homeowners facing foreclosures to hang onto their homes, there ain”t a lot of hope until the jobs come back and people can get back on their feet financially.

About The Author

To learn everything you need to know about how to stop foreclosure, log on to http://ForeclosureBusinessNews.com. You”ll also find info on how to start a foreclosure cleanup business, mortgage modifications, free articles for your website, newsletter or blog — and a lot more.

When to Remodel - 7 Popular Reasons

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

By Roselind Hejl

A profitable remodel takes a lot of skill, market savvy, and luck. It is possible that a few economical, but strategic, touches can transform a house, but those opportunities are rare. Professional remodelers buy low, make some improvements, and live with a certain amount of risk. The flip-this-house programs on television do not operate in the real world. Many factors can affect profitability. For example, the home may already be at peak value for the neighborhood. Or, prices may fall due to economic conditions. Or, you may make changes that are important to you, but do not create higher resale value.

Sometimes, when folks are getting ready to put their home on the market for sale, they ask if it would be a good idea to remodel. Generally, the answer is, “No, this is not the time to undertake a remodel project.” This is because they are likely to recover only a portion of their investment when they sell the home.

Therefore, think of remodeling as a way to improve your home for you and your family. It is well worth it to consult with an architect and Realtor friend before proceeding. They will know the latest trends in materials and colors, and will bring a higher level of expertise to your job. Sometimes people make the mistake of not thinking deeply enough about how to improve their home. You may be thinking of enlarging the kitchen, when you could simply open a wall to have a lighter, bigger space. It is more cost effective to make better use of the space you have than to add on.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is the surface remodeling of a house, room by room. This misses the opportunity to consider how the architecture of the space can be redone to create more dynamic changes that improve the livability of the house and its market value.

Here are seven popular reasons for doing a remodeling project:

Stay in Style:
Colors and finishes transition to new styles about every ten years. For example, in the early 1990′’s bath tile tended to be white with green or maroon accents. In the 2000′’s that was out, and granite or travertine was in. Now we see glass tiles, concrete, and engineered stone. People want to refresh the look of their homes. Staying in style with the current trend in colors and finishes adds to the value of your home. It gives it emotional appeal - an important thing to have when you are ready to sell. Finishes are not difficult to change, and they make a big visual change - a lot of bang for the buck.

Get Ready for Move In:
An optimum time for updates is just after the purchase of a home. Vacant houses are much easier to work with. This is the time to attack that popcorn ceiling, remove old wallpaper, re-finish wood floors, paint, and re-carpet. It is safer and faster to work in an empty space.

Build Bigger Closets:
In small homes the most common addition is a new master bedroom and bath. Modern baths are bigger and brighter than they used to be. Although the trend is toward smaller baths, we have moved from humongous to simply big. Closet needs today will not go back to the 1950′’s. Often the limited closet space in older homes is simply unacceptable to today’’s buyers.

Bring Kids In:
A popular motivation for remodeling is the need for more living space for expanded families. Couples have more children, or children get older and want more space. We see game or media rooms added for teenagers, as well as outdoor spaces, such as covered patios or pools.

Move Kids Out:
It is not uncommon to see homes re-done after the kids move out. Couples want to clean out and simplify their lives.

Improve Kitchen Appeal:
By far, the kitchen is the room most often updated. This is the heart of the home and gets the most intense use. When it looks dated or worn, it establishes the condition of the house. This is the area that has the best return on investment. New appliances, countertops, lighting, floors, paint, and updated cabinets are very visual improvements, and can transform the look of the home. These changes are enjoyable to live with, and are upgrades that add market value. So, kitchen updates are a win on several different levels.

Expand to the Outdoors:
A better connection with the outdoors will add to the emotional appeal of your home. People love front porches, screened rooms, covered patios, and courtyards. Improving tired old landscaping can make a huge difference. One of the most common remodeling mistakes is not realizing that old, woody shrubs come across as stodgy, and set a dated tone before people even come inside.

About The Author

Roselind Hejl is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United in Austin, Texas. Her website offers homes for sale, market trends, buyer and seller guides. Let Roselind help you make your move to Austin.
http://www.weloveaustin.com
http://austintexasrealestateblog.blogspot.com

Puerto Vallarta Properties for Sale Attracts Many Americans

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

By Rahman Mehraby

A few years ago, Puerto Vallarta was quite different from the one we see now. There were very few Americans who were interested in Puerto Vallarta properties for sale. The real estate scenario was also not very encouraging. But today, it seems as if the Americans are all set to outnumber the local Mexicans.

Drawn by the scenic wonders of the place, the Americans have made PV their home and are in fact, loath to go back across the border. But what is it that has drawn so many Americans to make PV their home? And why do those who go back never fail to return here the next year again? In fact, there are many factors which excite the Americans in PV.

Climate: This is perhaps the most important aspect why Americans love staying in PV. There are seven months of good weather which really makes people opt for condo for sale in Puerto Vallarta.

Scenery: The Banderas Bay attracts people with really fabulous beaches, and rocky cliffs on the bay side. The wildlife and the flora and fauna make the place akin to Paradise.

Safety: PV is probably one of the safest cities in the world. The Americans can stay here without being troubled by thoughts of burglaries and robberies. Guns are almost unheard of here and the tourists can literally laze around on the beaches without being afraid of terrorists spoiling the beautiful scenery.

Hospitable: Studies conducted from time to time have always pointed out PV as the friendliest resorts in the world. The locals are very friendly and go out of their way to make the stay of the tourists a memorable one.

Clean Food and Water: In the last few years there has been a boom in the real estate scenario. With more and more people loving to stay in a house for sale in Puerto Vallarta, there has been great development in the road system, power generation and distribution and also in sanitation and water treatment systems. Food and water available are free from germs and comparable to the standards provided in the US. Cleanliness is the lookout of most of the people involved in this business.

Medical Care: The medical facilities are very good and there are hospitals and clinics to cater to the people in times of emergencies. They are even capable of performing intricate surgeries. Dentistry is a very renowned profession here and the doctors and dentists are mostly trained in the US. Hence communicating in English is not a problem.

Friendly atmosphere: With fellow Americans galore, it is easy for the tourists to make friends here. Everyone is in a jovial mood and not cowering under pressures of the office.

Language: With tourism being the main industry here, most of the people in PV can speak English. It is easy to deal while buying Puerto Vallarta properties for sale. Learning Spanish is not important for the Americans to stay in PV.

Travel Time: It is very easy to drive down to PV. The roads are wide and you can drive in the modern highways. The good quality roads enable the Americans to drive down easily from across the border.

Connectivity: Internet service is at par with any other civilized city in the world. You can connect to any place in the world and even continue to do your office work while sitting in the privacy of the available condo for sale in Puerto Vallarta.

Investment: The past ten years have proved very constructive for the real estate market. The Puerto Vallarta properties for sale have skyrocketed and have really boosted the economy of the place.

With so many factors favoring the Americans, it is no wonder that most of them see PV as a retirement option. It certainly makes them feel better, if not younger.

About The Author

Neptune Realtors offers extraordinary Condo for Sale in Puerto Vallarta . Also you can choose to invest in a House for Sale in Puerto Vallarta. Check out for more at: http://www.neptunemx.com.

Seller Closing Costs - Estimated Expenses Deducted from Proceeds When Selling Your Home

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

By Stephen Daniels

real estate transactions are subject to several taxes and fees at the time the deal is finalized, or closed. These are termed as “closing costs.” These taxes and fees vary widely based on the city, state and county where the property is located. Though usually less expensive for sellers than buyers, closing costs are often thousands of dollars. It’’s important to understand the different fees that are paid by the buyer and the seller. This article focuses on the costs that sellers of property can expect to have deducted from their proceeds when the sale closes.

Here are some of the costs sellers are likely to be responsible for:

1. real estate commission - Whatever fee you have negotiated with your real estate broker. This is a percentage of the sale price and is paid to the real estate agent. It is one of the biggest costs that will be deducted from the sales proceeds.

2. Title and lien search - This is a process to ensure that you, the seller, have the right to sell your property. It also discovers whether there are any restrictions or allowances attached to the land (such as an easement for power lines). Finally, it will find any liens on the property, including mortgages, back taxes, or construction liens.

3. Clearing title defects - If the title search turns up any liens on the property, the seller will need to pay these off to ensure a clear title for the buyer.

There are other charges that may be assessed against the seller or the buyer, or may even be split, depending on what is typical in each state. Following are some of those costs:

1. Document stamps (also called doc stamps) on the deed - This is a state tax assessed for the sale of the property, due at the time the deed is transferred into the name of the buyer. In Miami-Dade County, Florida, for example, it is $0.60 per $100 of the sales price. Thus, if you are selling a property in Miami for $200,000, doc stamps on the deed will cost $1200.

2. Document recording fees - Most counties require a per-page document recording fee for deeds as well. The new deed being recorded for the mortgage is conventionally charged to the buyer. However, there is a deed that transfers title out of the seller’’s name, and this is typically a seller cost.

3. Preparation of sale documents - These include the deed, bill of sale, no lien affidavit, and 1099 tax form. In some areas, these documents are prepared by an attorney, while in other cases the title company takes care of this process. Either way, there is generally a fee assessed. This fee is usually called an escrow fee when the paperwork is handled by a title company. Paperwork prepared on behalf of the seller is charged to the seller.

4. Prorations of homeowner association fees and property taxes - the seller will need to pay the portion calculated for the percentage of the year that they owned the home.

Since costs associated with closing the sale of a home are often vastly different from state to state and even city to city, it is important to consult with a real estate professional about the closing costs you should expect in your area. Your real estate agent is required by law to disclose all possible fees to you, so they are a great resource for understanding the local regulations that apply for your transaction.

About The Author

http://www.nancybatchelor.com a luxury real estate broker in Southern Florida bringing you in-depth market knowledge and the resources of EWM and Christie’’s Great Estates, plus local expertise and global network access. This article powered by http://seo-search-engine-optimization.netbiz.com/

FSBO - Make Advertising Your House Super Easy

Monday, December 28th, 2009

By Creztor Tessel

Selling your house yourself, or FSBO, is a great way to not only sell it but to also make sure you get the most money you can from the sale. When you hire real estate agents to sell your house, they do so based on a commission. This commission is only a few percent, but when you consider the price of land and houses today, that few percent actually turns out to be sizeable chunk of money that should rightfully be yours. This is why so many people go the FSBO path and sell their own house; it is not only a learning experience for many but also a very profitable one. Selling your own house, however, can cause one big problem. That is advertising. Just what or how should you advertise your house to make sure it gets the exposure you need to spread the word that it is up for sale?

The obvious solution is to put an ad in your paper. real estate ads usually aren”t cheap, but it is the easiest way you can get attract potential buyers. Don”t just limit yourself to one newspaper. If you have several local papers, why not advertise in them all? Target the most popular newspaper first and then work your way down the list to the least popular. You may even be lucky enough to find a newspaper which is dedicated entirely to real estate listings. Also, be sure to think outside of the area you live in. Try placing ads in newspapers in cities or areas where you know there might be people interested in buying your house. Many families are dying to get out of over crowded cities and this is a good example of some untapped opportunities you may find in cities outside of the one you live in. While advertising in newspapers can be extremely effective, don”t stop there and take it one step further by going online.

The internet is used worldwide for a vast number of purposes. It makes sharing information extremely effective and efficient and this is very handy for advertising your house. There is bound to be a website online that caters to real estate listings in your area or country, think of them as electronic newspapers. real estate websites offer something newspapers can”t, the ability to place and edit your own FSBO ad whenever you like. You may also find that some real estate sites offer you the ability to upload colored pictures and maybe even video footage. These two tools can be crucial in promoting your house and there is no better way to attract buyers by showing off your house with a beautiful video. real estate websites offer you the chance to also advertise far beyond your local area or even state, with people from all around the country having the chance to see your house online.

FSBO for many people can be frustrating, not because it is hard but because they just can”t find a reliable way to advertise and promote their house. The simplest way to let people know your hosue is for sale is to advertise in as many local newspapers as possible. However, you can take it one step further by going online with your ad on real estate websites. These websites may even offer you the feature of putting multiple photos and videos online which makes selling your house even easier.

About The Author

Visit http://www.fsboads.com to discover more about FSBO and how to advertise your house effectively.

5 Tips For Purchasing Spokane Land

Monday, December 28th, 2009

By Grady Wallace

Buying your own piece of land to build your family home on is a dream for many. When considering the purchase of Spokane land, there are many factors to take into account. Here are the top 5 things you should consider:

1. Location
The old adage of real estate is location, location, location. Picking a property in the right spot is the key to realizing the goals of your investment. Whether you are looking to start a family homestead, or trying to create some income property, getting a great location will affect your future property values dramatically.

Consider your proximity to the 5 places you”ll visit most- such as work, school, shopping, family/friends, and the airport. If you can strike a balance between convenience for you and your visitors while still having a remote setting, you”ve got a great asset. Fortunately, there are hundreds of Spokane property options that offer country charm close to the city.

2. Setting
Do you dream of living in the country? There are many options outside of the city, anywhere from flat farm land to waterfront property. Some will enjoy the comfort and security of living in a gated community, where others want total separation from others.

It is important to identify what is most important to you and weigh that against other factors. While the land itself may have the many treed acres you would love, views are just as important to consider. Not only will a great view give you great enjoyment throughout the seasons, it will actually also enhance your property values.

3. Rights
It is critical to understand both zoning laws as well as community bylaws that may affect the area in which you live. In Spokane, WA you should check with the Planning Services Department for specifics on land use permits, or if you are looking for property in Spokane County check with the Department of Building and Planning.

You may be surprised at the complexity of the limitations of specific zoning regulations which can dramatically affect how you can use the land. One typically contentious issue is the availability of housing large animals in certain residential zones (as such, horse property fetches a premium price). It is a good idea to check about each of your building plans (including outbuildings) before you make any purchase, so you don”t run into red tape with the County and find out you can”t get the necessary permit for your dream home due to some technical issue with your zone.

If living in a community make sure that you study the bylaws thoroughly before agreeing to any purchase to ensure that you can stay in compliance without conflict. It is wise to retain the services of an experienced real estate attorney, especially if this is your first time purchasing land in Spokane.

4. Future Development
While it impossible to know the future, make sure to give thought to any future development that may affect the value and enjoyment of your land. Perhaps a new freeway or wind farm might be planned in the near future right around your property. Maybe some new environmental legislation that is pending may limit your ability to do construction in wetlands.

If you are finding that the property you are considering is a great bargain, there is probably a good reason why the price is below market. Do your homework and find out why before you get stuck with a lemon of a lot.

5. Seasonal Considerations
Thousands of people that have chosen to move to Spokane love the balance of the strong economy with an easy pace of life, but most who move here fall in love with the four seasons climate. When looking for Spokane land, be mindful of how you are going to travel in the winter, and decide if you”ll need to purchase different vehicles to do so.

If your land is on a slope, consider any improvements you may need to make to ensure that erosion doesn”t limit your ability to travel safely. Also plan for hot weather in the summer months. Strategically building your home among trees can really reduce your energy bills in the summer.

Just don”t forget to be vigilant about maintaining those trees in the fall and winter- many a Spokane home was damaged by a falling tree in a wind storm that could have been easily prevented with a preemptive tree removal.

Truly there are dozens of other factors to consider in such a major purchase. The best thing you can do is work with an experience real estate agent who really understands the Spokane real estate market, and has a history of completing successful rural property transactions. It will take patience and diligence to make your land purchase a success, but it can pay dividends for generations to come.

About The Author

Grady Wallace is an experienced property investor in the Spokane, WA area. He lives with his wife and three children on their land North of Spokane.

Looking for Spokane Land? Check out River Bluff Ranch http://www.riverbluffranch.com

Where to Start if Interested in Switzerland Real Estate

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

By Lawrence White

Buying an overseas property involves a lot of pre-planning as with any real estate deal. Switzerland real estate is no different and this nation has always been associated with providing a great investment opportunity to many. The country is one of the most accessible countries in Europe with a number of road links, high-speed trains, and

European airlines operating in the area. Not to forget the stunning mountain scenery provided by the Alps, and good food. Switzerland is also relatively pollution free and with natural water supplies, it has become one of the most popular holiday destinations all the year round. Tourists from across the world, flock to the nation in search of the perfect skiing holiday.

All these factors present an atmosphere conducive to a flourishing real estate market. Switzerland real estate presents investors with the chance to earn through rentals all year round. This is understandable considering the fact that there is a great demand for accommodation throughout the year. Rentals bring in short-term as well long-term gains to investors. Moreover, tax breaks are something synonymous with Switzerland, which is even more reason to invest in real estate. A stronger Euro as against the Swiss Franc also makes investing in Switzerland real estate a viable proposition.

Swiss alpine properties are hot real estate investments today. Currently, bank interest rates are low, and saving money in banks doesn”t seem to be an attractive proposition. Switzerland, on the other hand, has a flourishing economy, which makes investing in real estate the ideal option. Alpine properties are set amidst the stunning mountain scenery of Switzerland. It is the favourite location for plenty of tourists on their dream vacation. Crime rates are also low in the country, making it a safe place to be in. In fact, recent studies indicate that Switzerland is the 2nd most popular country to live in.

Swiss law allows foreigners to buy land in the country. So investing in an Alpine property has become easier. Renting out to holidaymakers will always bring in tidy sums, and it is not only the skiing public, the country also attracts visitors to its spas, golf courses, and marinas. Apart from that, Switzerland real estate includes hotels, lodges, apartments, and ski chalets. Moreover, with over 300 weekly flights between Great Britain and Geneva, conducting business is much easier today.

Villars is a good location to invest in due to its proximity to Geneva’’s international airport. The skiing public also prefer to stay in this area. Land prices in the ski resort of Villars are around 1,300 Swiss Francs per square metre. Chalets and apartments are also available in the region with prices having doubled in the last couple of years. Verbier is another area that makes a good investment. The ski resort has seen prices rise sharply to around 25,000 Swiss Francs per square metre. Vaud and Valais are also hot properties today. Switzerland offers a range of opportunities to investors who look for value for money especially during the tougher economic climate.

About The Author

Hartmann Singleton helps their customers understand Where to Start if Interested in Switzerland real estate. If this is something you”re looking into then you can visit the website at http://www.hartmannsingleton.com/home.

Benefits of Buying Swiss Property - A Viable Investment

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

By Lawrence White

Switzerland can surely boast of being the most stable economy in the world. However the problem that many people face when it comes to property, is whether to purchase the property outright, or to rent it. Many expatriates are faced with this question if they intend staying in Switzerland for quite some time. There are a number of factors that need to be considered. Personal factors and financial circumstances need to be taken into consideration before deciding on any course of action. Families with children or families, who come from an altogether different cultural background, need to take into account their adjustment into a new place and climate. It is important to note that Switzerland is different from continental Europe.

The percentage of people owning homes is comparatively low and many people prefer to stay in rented homes. As far as owner-occupancy percentage is concerned, Switzerland has one of the lowest percentages. The trend of rented occupancy is common here, but slowly, more people are choosing ownership. The Swiss are very traditional in their approach when it comes to buying a home, thanks to the house price inflation faced by the Swiss in the year 1980-1990.

What makes the Swiss economy so healthy?

Some of the factors for stability as far as the economy is concerned, are good and robust climatic conditions, well organised rail systems, a lower crime rate, good education systems, attractive tax incentives, sophisticated lifestyles and so on. Considering all this, it makes sense to buy property in Switzerland as compared to say France. As per statistics, it holds the second rank in regards to lifestyle and standards of living.

So how does one go about buying a property in this wonderful country? There have been alterations in the Swiss Law that have made purchasing property an attractive and feasible proposition. More and more foreigners are now interested in buying property in Switzerland. This however does not imply that anyone can buy property anywhere in Switzerland. It means restricted allocation is done to selected foreigners and they could buy land only in earmarked areas as per Swiss Laws. The foreigners need to be provided right permits so as to be eligible to buy property in Switzerland.

The Valais area of Switzerland is considered to be an attractive tourist spot and foreigners can invest in this area. Investing in Valais is definitely a thoughtful investment and investors stand to benefit. Valais boasts of one of the best climatic conditions surrounded by bountiful nature and high mountains. Valais has some wonderful skiing resorts, making it easier for property owners to rent out the property to tourists and earn a regular income. The property taxes would definitely be appreciated, considering this place is an attractive tourist destination.

Interested buyers are entitled to buy only one property in Switzerland, unless they have the Type B permit. Individuals that have a type C permit, have absolutely no restrictions on purchasing property. Before buying property, it is important to hire a notary who can help you with the legalities and also enable you to obtain a Type B permit.

The notary would also advise you on the locations where you should not buy property, or where it is not worth investing your money. Avoid non tourist locations. Tourist spots like Zermatt, Sass Fee, and Lausanne do not permit foreigners to buy property. At Geneva, you could buy property, provided you have the requisite permits.

About The Author

Hartmann Singleton is a Yorkshire based company that deals in buying property in Switzerland. If you”re looking to buy property in Switzerland then you can visit the website at http://www.hartmannsingleton.com/home for more information and advice about the Beneifits of Buying.

Vulture Hunting for Investment Properties

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

By Tom Fazio

There are times when you may want to invest in the ”right” investment properties. ”Right” in this context meaning that you are seeking for a specific type of property. You need to increase the chances of finding that ”right” type of investment property by looking for more deals. You however must start with gathering relevant information on the investment. The more information you gather and process, the more you know where to find affordable and viable investments. Information is actually the only tool to use against competing investors.

You need to know that it is vitally important to let people know you are interested in properties. As such, investments will be coming right at you most of the times. The fact is that very many people want to sell their properties but they are yet to list them. It will save them some money and effort if they find you instead.

Again, let the internet be your best friend in your search. You only need to go to a search engine and after feeding in the kind of investment properties you are searching for, anything published online in that regard will be easily accessible. You must however specify in the search the city or town you want to invest in. Another way of finding the right real estate investments is driving around searching for sale signs that owners usually put up. Most owners are in no hurry to sell and do not feel the need to put up an ad for the property. You can read all the dailies and still miss out on the prime properties in town. Physical searches will take you to properties that might be cheaper and unadvertised, thus minimizing investor competition.

Another way to come across investment properties is through finding abandoned properties. This can be a clear sign that the owner might be fed up by the property and is ready for an offer. You might make a kill if you are bold enough to approach but courteous so as not to offend. You can also talk to your local bankers on where you might lay your hands on a foreclosed investment property at a cheaper price i.e. if you can purchase it prior to its listing with their real estate agent. Offering a finder’’s charge or fee is another great source of property news. People will be coming to you with news every day, hoping to make a few dollars and in turn give you information; you may be spoilt for choice.

Another innovative way of finding investment properties is through eviction notices. You should always buy those newspapers that regularly publish eviction notices. You can also get similar information from the courts. If a property owner has just evicted tenants after defaulting pay, he or she might be willing to sell it off immediately and escape the bother. As they say, strike when the iron is still hot.

In most ads on papers, you might realize that the owners have not yet concluded the sale of their properties and you can call just to enquire whether they are still available. You might find out that they are still ready to sell you the property since they have not had a serious buyer.

Sellers are everywhere and if you can reach them you will never have a shortage of properties to purchase. Always remember that a good investor knows it takes lots of digging to find cheap and right investment properties.

About The Author

Tom Fazio is a private investor and investment writer who provides free investment information on real estate and commodities at http://www.denverhouses-denvercondos.com/ and http://www.hobofinance.com/.

Foreclosure Rates Affected By Unemployment

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

By Shaun Greer

President Obama issued one of the largest investments in American history, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act valued at more than 750 billion dollars. The large government spending program was created to create jobs and increase the unemployment rate. In November 2009 our nations unemployment rate was at 10 percent, meaning over 15 million Americans were without jobs.

The United States unemployment rate directly affects our housing statistics. If home owners do not have jobs then they fall behind on their mortgage and therefore they are at risk of loosing their house to foreclosure. In an interested note foreclosure rates are directly affected by unemployment rates.

Besides the government spending massive amounts of money in our economy to try to create jobs, they have issued a loan modification program to help home owners who can not afford their housing payments. Loan modifications work well if someone can find a job fast or if they can stay on unemployment for a long duration of time. The issued with loan modifications comes if home owners can not find a job.

For home owners who purchased their home before the real estate boom and before the real estate peak in the summer of 2005 there is a chance they have some equity and can sell their home to walk away from the mortgage. For most home owners they purchased or refinanced their home at or near the peak of the real estate market and now that the real estate market has dropped they have no equity to sell.

There are a few solutions for home owners who do not have equity. I suggest talking with a real estate professional about the details of these solutions and the best option for you but, a short sale, lease option, renting, selling to a real estate investor, or a loan modification are all possible solutions to sell your house or keep your home with lower payments.

If you are falling behind on your mortgage payment and are staying away at night thinking how can I sell my house, the best thing you can do is to take action. Contact a local real estate professional that are experienced in short sales and foreclosures. What you should not do is avoid your mortgage company and do nothing. There are many options for home owners.

The good news is the nations unemployment rate is starting to decrease and the recession has officially ended. It may take another year before employers start hiring and opening new jobs but at least there is some good news for home owners.

About The Author

http://www.ExpertHomeOffers.com is a national company dedicated to connecting motivated home sellers with real estate professionals nation wide.