Posts Tagged ‘Residential Real Estate’

Assessing the Real Estate Investment Property Before You Buy

If you’re in the market to purchase a real estate investment property it’s only natural that you’ll want to look at it before you make a decision about whether or not you want it. However, there is an art to doing this because if you miss something important, it can prove disastrous for you. Not only will your property not make you any money, but you may actually lose money. The advice that follows applies to all common real estate investments that you could purchase.

Look at the Neighbourhood

The neighbourhood is just as important as the property itself. If the potential residential real estate investment is nice but the area around it is not, this is a red flag that you may having trouble renting, reselling, or flipping properties you buy there.

There is another benefit to scoping out a neighbourhood. You may find out some information that may result in you buying an investment property for a better price by finding out about auctions or striking a deal with the owner. Also, you may find some investment properties for sale that you may not have heard about through your agent or the listings.

Beware of Inexpensive Properties

Property investing depends on whether or not you find a high quality property that will make you money. Every now and then you may find an investment property that is so inexpensive, it seems too good to be true. Still, you feel that purchasing something inexpensively is a good thing, especially if you’re in the business of flipping properties.

However, not every cheap property will make a good investment, especially if there is a lot wrong with it. That is why when considering investment properties for sale that it is important to view the property with more than one person so you can determine if it will be worth the investment.

Finding a Good Neighbourhood

Yes, it is one thing to tell people to avoid buying investment property in bad neighbourhoods. However, this is not something that can be considered from a “black and white” perspective. There is a middle ground. Some neighbourhoods may not look bad on the surface, but they could have problems.

So, how do you go about buying investment property by finding a decent neighbourhood and a solid property to invest in? There are some clues to consider and you can start by watching the people in the vicinity of the property. In general, you just want to look for signs that the area is in good shape – no broken windows, people are well groomed, etc. You can also check with law enforcement to see what the crime rate in the area is. These are all factors to consider.

Buying a UK real estate investment property can be a big decision. It is important to assess the property and the neighbourhood to help ensure your investment will be a good one.

Ian Clark is a real estate consultant and advisor in UK. He has extensive experience in all aspects of Real Estate Investment built over 20 years . He is also the Director of Midas Estates, an online real estate website offering property investment opportunities in UK and overseas. Midas Estates is a property investment company who deals with Real Estate Investment Property with an aim to provide maximum capital growth for the clients as the majority of the clients are looking to secure financial security in the shortest time possible. Ian’s honest presentation of the real estate investing business, including both profit and risks is respected for his sincere, candid approach. He is highly regarded as one of the most sound, dependable source for the specifics behind the sometimes tricky and exigent facets of real estate investing.

To get more information and for a 30 minute no obligation absolutely free consult in how to make your property investment strategies work log on to http://www.midasestates.com/investment-property

Author: I Clark
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Why Residential Real Estate Investing Is Your “Golden” Ticket to Freedom

Investors new to the real estate investing game quickly realize that there are two types properties they can be investing in: residential and commercial.

Commercial properties, as their name suggests, are properties that are sold or leased to businesses. These can include retail areas, warehouse spaces, industrial properties, restaurants, and much more.

Residential properties are homes, duplexes, condos, townhouses, and rental properties rented or sold to individuals and families.

While investors can certainly invest in both types of properties, many beginning investors are wise to select one type of property to focus on, at least initially.

This is because a new real estate investor may spread himself or herself a bit too thin by trying to attract both businesses and tenants or families to both residential and commercial properties. Plus, residential real estate investing is very different from commercial real estate investing. Different skills, networking procedures, and even marketing are required for each.

It may be simpler to focus on one type of buyer or renter and one type of property, at least at first.

For a beginning real estate investor, investing makes a great deal of sense. There are many advantages for the beginner investor, and even seasoned investor, interested in residential real estate investing. One major advantage is that there is already an extensive financing industry in place for residential properties. In fact, anyone — including someone with bad credit — can generally get funding in order to buy a residential property. There are even government programs and special programs in place to help those with little money buy their first home.

You can begin as an investor with no money down deals, and can easily find a first-time-homebuyers program or an inexpensive residential property in order to get started in investing.

Residential real estate investing can also be very attractive because there’s always an target market interested in this type of property. When the economy takes a downturn, businesses may tighten their belts first. However, families and individuals will still need places to live. They will still be renting, and even buying properties. The fact that there are government initiatives and many types of mortgage programs ensures that home buyers continue buying even when the economy is in a slump. This can make investing slightly less risky for real estate investors.

There is simply always a market, something that cannot always be said for commercial property investing.

Another major advantage of investing is that it takes far less money to get started. While commercial properties tend to be more expensive, residential homes can be purchased for very little. Distressed properties and foreclosed properties, in particular, can often be purchased for less than their actual market value. This makes getting started in residential real estate investing relatively simple. An investor can simply purchase a property that is being sold for less than its value. He or she can use traditional mortgages or business loans in order to make the purchase.

After some renovating or even just cleaning up, the investor can then resell the property for considerably more and therefore make a profit. It really is that simple.

There are many advantages to investing. For those new to the real estate investing game or even for seasoned investors wishing to expand a portfolio with some more solid investments, residential properties are great investment opportunity.

To Massive Profits.

Brad Wozny

P.S. Think residential property investing may too difficult?

From a corporate job with $20,000 of credit card debt, Brad set out to build an empire and never looked back. Within 93 days, he had generated $3.2 Million profits (cash and equity) from property in the United States with his partners. 24 months later from the day he began, his businesses had contracted, bought, developed, built, sold, rented or assigned $15 Million of property across America.

He is the creator of the renowned Strategic Investment Manifesto and the highly acclaimed 7 FIGURE Profits system that successfully teaches all investors how to build a business that generates a 6 figure bank account and realize 7 figure gains in as little as 7 months …

Personally endorsed by celebrated entrepreneurs like Mark Victor Hansen (co-Creator Chicken Soup for the Soul Series) and NY Times Best-Selling Financial author Robert Allen (Nothing Down, Creating Wealth, One Minute Millionaire), Brad runs his real estate investing and development business from his offices in Colorado and Canada.

For more free information on these investment principles visit: http://greatrealestateinvestinginfo.com/

Author: Brad D Wozny
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Property in South Africa – Guide to Buying Property in South Africa

Overview

There are no restrictions on foreign nationals investing or buying real estate in South Africa. Indeed, for generations, foreign nationals have been very active in the real estate market in South Africa.

As will be discussed more fully later, real estate in South Africa actually is known as or termed immovable property

Investment Property in South Africa

The investment real estate market in South Africa has been profitable for foreign nationals for years. There were some tentative times directly after the end of Apartheid in that country. However, as time has marched on from the period of transition, foreign nationals have carried forth in their investment in South African real estate — immovable property — on many fronts.

By way of example, foreign nationals play a significant role in the ownership of real estate or immovable property in the commercial sector. Foreign nationals own everything from office buildings to hotels and resorts.

There are no restrictions on the types of real estate that a foreign national can invest in within South Africa

Residential Real Estate in South Africa – Single Family Properties

Many foreign nationals have taken to purchasing some fairly high cost properties in South Africa. These men and woman have purchased these costly residences to be used as second homes and for holiday or vacation purposes. Many people — including a significant number of Europeans — regularly take extended holidays in South Africa. Since the end of Apartheid, a greater number of people from across the globe are taking to spending extended holidays in South Africa. This includes an ever growing number of North Americans, Canadians and U.S. citizens alike.

The single family dwelling market is fast moving and brisk in many different areas of the country. Not only can foreign nationals be found investing in these types of residences in the more urban centers in the country, but they are making purchase of these types of property in rural areas as well. As will be discussed, many foreign nationals enjoy making an extended holiday stay in South Africa (and have done so for many years). Thus, many of these foreign nationals have been interested and continue to be interested in buying single family residences — and at times very substantial properties — in urban and in rural regions of the country where they can live for a portion of the year.

Residential Real Estate in South Africa – Apartments

Because of the high rate of foreign investment in all sectors of the South African economy, many foreign nationals regularly can be found purchasing apartments in the major urban centers in that country. These foreign nationals find themselves in country for more extended periods of time. These men and women find the purchase of apartments to be an economical manner in which they can provide themselves housing during their time in South Africa on business.

There has also been a brisk business in the buying of apartments in resort communities by foreign nationals. Many foreign nationals are taking a two-pronged approach to buying apartments in resort venues. First, they are using these properties for their own holiday purposes. Second, they are letting out these premises to other foreign nationals when they are not personally using the property. Many foreign nationals have found that they can make a tidy sum by renting or leasing an apartment in a resort locale during that part of the year when they are not personally in residence in the resort community apartment.

Holiday Property in South Africa

For generations, Europeans and men and women from other countries the world over have made South Africa a holiday destination. Indeed, the history of people from Europe and elsewhere around the world making long and extended holiday stays within South Africa is long and legendary. As a consequence, the market in vacation or holiday real estate in South Africa is well established.

For the foreign national interested in purchasing vacation or holiday property in South Africa, the options and opportunities in regard to such property is extensive and varied. A foreign national has the ability to purchase anything from a high priced villa in a trendy resort community to a snug and tidy apartment in a sprawling urban setting to a lovely chateau in a rural area in the country.

A number of foreign nationals have taken to investing in different holiday and resort properties. Indeed, foreign nationals have been active in the development of hotels, apartments and free standing dwellings that are leased or rented to people who have traveled to South Africa on holiday. Overall, this type of investment has proven to be very lucrative for many foreign nationals from different countries the world over.

Specific steps to buying real estate property in South Africa

In South Africa, the laws governing the buying and selling of real estate actually are called laws governing the buying and selling of immovable property or land. At the present time, there are no restrictions on a foreign national buying and owning real estate in South Africa. Indeed, foreign nationals have bought and owned real estate — immovable property — in South Africa for generations.

Generally speaking, the buying and selling of immovable property or real estate in South Africa is governed by decisions of the courts of that country. The one area in which statutory law does play a role when it comes to buying and selling real estate/immovable property in South Africa is in the area of the ownership of mineral rights. When it comes to mineral interests that might be underneath the surface of a particular piece of property, that interest as a general rule belongs to the “people of South Africa.” In other words, even though a foreign national may be able to buy real estate in that country, more often than not a foreign national will not be able to easily purchase a right to extract minerals from that real estate. (Of course, a contract can be entered into with the government that will grant an individual of business the right and the ability to withdraw minerals from underneath the surface of land.)

Because there are some tribes that exercise some degree of local autonomy in South Africa, some foreign nationals wonder what impact these more or less autonomous governing authorities might have on their ability to purchase real estate. Historically, local, tribal or customary law had little impact on the buying and selling of real estate in South Africa. However, in recent years, the national government has given some recognition to parallel lines of authority within the country. Therefore, if a foreign national is interested in buying immovable property in an area that is included within an autonomous, that foreign national will need to make certain that he or she understands the particular regulations in that area that might have an impact on the purchase of real estate in that area. Because there are so many different local variants that might come into play depending on what region of the country a person is considering investing in real estate in, it is impossible to detail them all in this limited space. Therefore, a foreign national who is interested in purchasing real estate in South Africa will want to make certain that he or she has access to very capable legal representation.

The underlying real estate purchasing process in South Africa is simple when all is said and done. A tentative or preliminary contract is entered into between the buyer and seller. As in many other countries around the world, a deposit is made upon the property by the purchaser. The amount of the deposit is negotiated between the parties. Additionally, the terms of under what conditions a deposit might be returned are also negotiated between the parties to the agreement.

Following the execution of this preliminary contract, the buyer will embark on his or her efforts to find appropriate financing for the real estate. There are many different mortgage lenders within South Africa that deal regularly with a foreign clientele. With that said, it is also perfectly permissible for a foreign national to obtain mortgage financing from a firm located in that person’s country of origin. The government of South Africa is flexible as to where a person obtains his or her financing to fund a real estate or immovable property purchase in that country.

Once all of the requirements of the initial agreement have been satisfied, a final agreement of sale and transfer of immovable property is executed between the parties. It is at this juncture, when this agreement is duly executed, that ownership of the immovable property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. With this conveyance, a new title to the real estate is registered immediately with governmental authorities.

Again, it is important to keep in mind that there might be some slight variances in this procedure in some of the more autonomous regions of the country. However, with the assistance of capable legal counsel, a foreign purchaser of immovable property or real estate in South Africa will be able to maneuver through the legal requirements.

Property Abroad always recommends using a Solicitor or Lawyer.

Les Calvert – the Director of http://www.property-abroad.com often writes articles and information on the overseas property market. Visit their site with useful information and properties for sale in South Africa http://www.property-abroad.com/south-africa.

Author: Les Calvert
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Residential Investment – An Appropriate Investment These Days

Residential investment in property is one of the best ways of earning millions. Think about it – it is one of those demands that will always exist, no matter how market changes. There is so much land in this world and every individual needs a shelter to survive. Although, investing in property is at its all time high but investing in residential property is a highly popular choice these days. Unlike, investing in commercial property, investment in residential property involves low risks because you do not have to worry about how the business is doing. Additionally, it is easy to get investment property loans as compared to other types of loans. Many benefits come with investing in residential property. So, check out some of it hottest benefits:

  1. Investing in Residential property serves as the future purpose of home
  2. Property bought turns into a huge capital income in the long run
  3. Depending on the location of the property there is a considerable amount of appreciation on its actual worth.
  4. This type of investment opens door to a slow/low but fixed income

Before spending a single penny, it is wise to talk to other people who have invested in residential property. Find or locate someone who has invested in residential real estate and use him or her as a source of your information. You can also get information from the real estate investing forums. Many people approach banks for advice while investing in property. However, this is a big mistake- often committed by the first-time investors. As the bank has its own interests, the bankers would always advice you otherwise.With a residential investment in property, you can easily protect your venture. Most of you want to purchase property at a low price so that you can eventually sell it at a much higher price. You can determine a property’s value by looking at the neighborhood and then compare its prices. A thorough research on a particular area will help you in getting a good deal on an undervalued site. Consider those houses that have been in the market for a short while.When opting for investment property loans, always consider low interest loans. In this way, you can make smaller payments and keep more cash that comes from your rented properties. Always negotiate, even if the price is low.

This may help you save a small amount of money and thus, make your investment more valuable. If you are renting your residential investment property, then it is imperative to ensure that one is familiar with the property owners and tenants of that place or area. Make sure that the lease is as detailed as possible and clearly states about the late fees, deposits, rental charges and everything else regarding money from your tenants. It is difficult to maintain residential property. Once purchased, you have to spent more money on its maintenance. These days’ people prefer to invest money in property instead of keeping it in the dark corner of a bank. Generally, people invest in property with a notion of increasing their current income. However, a good income depends upon the thoughtful and good investment.

For any help on Residential Investment Brisbane, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the Residential Investment!

Author: Piter Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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With the Current Stock Market Malaise, Investment in Phoenix Real Estate Makes Even More Sense

The Phoenix residential real estate market represents a great opportunity to individuals, families, and investors who are weary about the stock market and are realizing that their investment portfolios are too exposed to fluctuations in Wall Street. By now, the reality has sunk in with most people – the stock market’s decline has hit 401K and other retirement investments hard. As a result, this is a critical time to for individuals, families, and investors to rethink diversification of their portfolios again. Portfolios need to be more highly diversified than ever before.

And it’s time to rethink real estate as one component of your diversification in the future in addition to stocks, bonds, commodities, international investment, and low-risk savings instruments, to name a few.

Wall Street, Main Street, and My Street, and Real Estate

There is no doubt that the goings-on in the real estate industry are intermingled with the market challenges that Wall Street is facing, which in turn impacts Main Street and “My Street.” But the issues with real estate largely emanated from the many corporations that make up Wall Street combined with lack of government oversight and inaction. Lack of personal discretion also contributed to the problem.

Having said that, here is why real estate should be a component in your investment portfolio once again, and why the Phoenix real estate market is an excellent choice for investment to help you diversify that portfolio.

First, due to the wave of foreclosure-related properties, prices have declined to 2004 and even 2003 pricing levels. This is pricing that is pre-run up. Though there is a risk that prices may drop further, the extent of a further decline may be limited in the short term while the long term outlook gradually gets stronger.

Second, real estate can prove to be a more reliable investment in a normal market environment. Prior to the run-up in home valuations in the second half of 2004 through 2005, annual home appreciation in the Phoenix residential real estate market averaged 5%-6% . Playing the long game as investors should, holding a property for 5-20 years could yield a solid return.

Long term is key here. The investor has to be committed to a lower but steady return on their investment when it comes to real estate. The Phoenix housing market will not likely experience a meteoric rise in valuations like it did again. That’s not to say that there won’t be some opportunities to turn properties fast (whether through acquisition at a foreclosure auction or wholesale, or a flip), but this model will have the high risk that most investors will and should shy away from.

One note here. At least in the Phoenix area, investors have to weigh the merits of investments in homes and real estate by several components to get a true picture of the return on a property. These factors are growth in appreciation, rental income and offsets, tax benefits, and equity paydown and buildup.

Third, real estate is real. You can see it. You can touch it. You can check up on it (if you buy locally). And it will always hold some intrinsic value no matter what happens. If you have a home in Chandler, it is easy to get across the Phoenix area, to check up on an investment property in Glendale. Or, perhaps the investment property you choose is right next door to your home in Tempe.

Fourth, under certain circumstances, real estate taxation on capital gains growth can be minimal. The same cannot be said of many other investment vehicles.

Fifth, an investor has much more control in determining the value of the property. Smart improvements and renovations combined with effective property management can increase the value of the property substantially.

Sixth, the Phoenix area continues to grow. The Valley saw a 2.8% increase in the number of residents here last year. This trend will continue as Phoenix and surrounding areas are perceived as a stable, optimum climate to live and to work. With the decline in real estate prices, this perception will also be reinforced by a sense that Phoenix and surrounding areas are once again affordable.

Finally, real estate can serve a dual investment/personal objective. For instance, an investment in real estate can serve as a later gift for children. Or, it can be utilized as a sort of savings plan for children’s college tuition as a complement to 529s and Coverdell plans. The investment could be a retirement property for later in life. Real estate investments can also be used to create income streams to live off of (when rents and equity buildup eventually turn the property cash-flow positive).

There are numerous reasons to invest in real estate even beyond this list.

Real Estate Has A Role to Play in Your Investment Portfolio

The difficult truth about the stock market is that over the past eight years, the U.S. economy has seen two major disruptions or recessions that were severe enough to have rippling effects for all Americans as seen by the decline in 401K and other retirement savings values. As a result, further diversification of investment portfolios is needed across many different asset classes with a regional focus as well.

Real estate should be one of those classes. Given real estate has seen real substantial pricing declines over the last three years to levels seen before the run-up period, one has to consider that there are real deals in the marketplace for real estate. Coupled with the right long-term outlook and commitment to investment fundamentals, real estate can have a more effectual, countervailing purpose in investment portfolios that can help Americans better weather substantial market disruptions in the future. For investors looking for specific markets that may be worthwhile to investigate, real estate in the Phoenix area is a compelling choice.

About David Lorti

David Lorti is a professional Realtor for RE/MAX Elite in the Phoenix area and helps clients buy and sell homes. He holds a Master of International Management and Bachelor of Arts degrees and his insights have been quoted in several news outlets. He also holds a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation – one of only 1,600 Realtors nationwide. His websites, LortiHomesArizona.com and LortiHomesBlog.com, offer additional information on Ahwatukee Real Estate, Chandler Real Estate, Gilbert Real Estate and other parts of the Phoenix Real Estate Market.

Contact:
David S. Lorti, Realtor – MBA, Certified Negotiation Expert, RE/MAX Elite, 480-227-6911 Direct, 480-285-3600 Office

Author: David Lorti
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Real Estate Investments in Greater Vancouver Offer Most Attractive Investment Yield

Is there an investment asset that can produce a 366 per cent return in a three-decade span? Yes, it is the housing property in Canada. Is there an investment asset that can beat this performance? Yes, it is the property in Greater Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Indeed, Greater Vancouver has proven to be one of the real estate investment hotspots, given its appeal as an investment market that boasts the natural beauty, strong economic and demographic fundamentals, and financial stability, which together ensure optimal yield for a low level of investment risk.

Property prices in Greater Vancouver, BC have risen by some 473.7 per cent in the period between 1980 and 2009, yielding, on average, spectacular 17 per cent per annum over the noted period. In other words, according to Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and RE/MAX Canada, the average price of a residential property in Greater Vancouver in 1980 was slightly over $100,000. Today, that same property is worth, on average, somewhat more than $574,000.

The noted return on investment looks especially attractive given the low risk associated with investments in residential property. Investments in residential real estate in Greater Vancouver have been characterized by an exceptional stability. Average price of a house in Greater Vancouver dipped seven times in the past 30 years. Most of the dips occurred in the late 1990s. However, all declines in average prices of homes in Greater Vancouver have been exceptionally mild, with the largest of the annual declines not exceeding 3.5 per cent.

This performance of real estate investments in Greater Vancouver looks remarkable when compared to performance of property investments in the Canadian housing market as a whole or performance of investments in most other regional real estate markets in Canada. As noted earlier, the average price of a property in Canada has risen by 366 per cent between 1980 and 2009. This translates into an average annual return of 13 per cent in the same period. Only Victoria, Regina, Toronto, and Ottawa have recorded returns higher than this average for Canada as a whole. In fact, Victoria, which is also located in British Columbia, has the second-highest return on residential real estate investments in the Canadian property market. An investment in housing property in Victoria has returned 448.5 per cent in total return, or 16 per cent on average each year between 1980 and 2009. This makes British Columbia the best performing regional property market in Canada.

On the other hand, taking an international investment perspective, even less robust would have been investment returns on U.S. real estate. Based on the average values of homes in the United States in the period between 1980 and 2009 (using the Freddie Mac Conventional Home Price Index), an investment of $100,000 in residential properties in the United States in 1980 would be worth $382,576 today. This would represent a total return, measured by the increase in home prices, of 283 per cent over the noted period. In other words, an investment in the real estate market in the United States would have produced an average nominal yield of 10 per cent per annum, which is much lower than that earned on the property investment in Greater Vancouver.

Investments in residential real estate in Greater Vancouver area look exceptionally appealing, given their outstanding performance relative to property investments in other regions of Canada and the U.S. real estate market. Therefore, investing in Greater Vancouver’s property market can represent an investment choice that promises high yield for a low level of investment risk.

To invest in Vancouver point grey real estate is ensured to be one of your favorable options! Contact your local Top Real Estate Agent in Vancouver west side and downtown area.

Author: Mimi Tores
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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