Posts Tagged ‘Residential Real Estate’

Have you ever wondered if there was one resource for people interested in real estate investing, like the Guide To Real Estate Investing book? There are several of them, although none have exactly that title. I’ve read many of them, and I will give you my recommendations in this article.

When you’re looking for a comprehensive guide like the Guide To Real Estate Investing book, you need to understand that there is not one single book that will be all things to all people. Different investors will be looking for different information, depending on the type of investing they’re interested in. If you’re interested in residential income property, the Guide To Real Estate Investing book you choose will be different than if your interest is in commercial real estate or apartment complexes.

In other words, there isn’t one, definitive resource known as the Guide To Real Estate Investing book.

My experience and expertise are in residential real estate, such as single family homes and duplexes. Therefore, this discussion will focus on the Guide To Real Estate Investing book for that type of investment real estate.

Two of the best books I have read on residential income property, both of which could be seriously considered as the Guide To Real Estate Investing book, are Steve Cook’s “Wholesaling For Quick Cash” and “The No-Nonsense Real Estate Investor’s Kit: How You Can Double Your Income By Investing in Real Estate on a Part-Time Basis” by Thomas Lucier.

These books offer two different approaches to real estate investing, both of which are excellent. Steve Cook’s “Wholesaling For Quick Cash” is really a full-fledged real estate investing course, giving you a complete strategic plan for breaking into the world of real estate wholesaling. It qualifies for consideration as the Guide To Real Estate Investing book because it’s a self-contained investing philosophy and plan.

Lucier’s book, “The No-Nonsense Guide” is a book that gives you a complete, basic run-down of the important considerations when considering beginning real estate investing, as well as some complex and effective advanced strategies. This one is a sure-fire candidate for the Guide To Real Estate Investing book.

Of course, there are plenty of other excellent candidates for the Guide To Real Estate Investing book- these two are simply my favorites. If you have found a resource you think warrants consideration for the Guide To Real Estate Investing book, why not email me and let me know?

For now, check out my website, where I have tons more resources for investors, and some of the best articles and stories on real estate investing you’ll find anywhere! Hope you enjoyed this little article on the Guide To Real Estate Investing book.

Now, go make more offers!

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Tom Dunn is a successful real estate investor and author of the popular DealFiles Real Estate Investor Stories free newsletter. You are welcome to share this report, unedited and in it’s entirety, with anyone you like. You may not remove this text. 2007 by Tom Dunn. Website: http://www.dealfiles.com e-mail: tom@dealfiles.com

Author: Tom Dunn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Programmable Multi-cooker

Finding the right investment property is as important as any type of business endeavor. There are many types of property investments, calling for diverse strategies and styles. You don’t necessarily have to be a property developer in order to buy investment properties – in fact, just owning residential real estate property means that you’ve invested in real estate.

Although there are a large number of home owners, very few of them consider themselves “property investors” since real estate investment is perceived as entirely different from owning residential real estate property. They think of real estate investment as an endeavor that aims solely to generate income or capital appreciation.

As with any investment endeavor, investing in real estate entails risk. Many people have made unwise investments, losing all of their assets through bad real estate deals, so it’s really not surprising to see private individuals having second thoughts about investing in real estates. However, don’t forget that not all real estate investments end up in total loss – there are also those who have made thousands of property investments and gained a great deal of profit.

In order to prevent losing in real estate, first do thorough research to know whether you are investing wisely. There are many professional organizations, as well as some expert individuals, in real estate that may be able to help you choose the right investment property based on your own goals and objectives.

Remember that buying property is an important investment, so closely inspect the property before buying it. You need to take into account the market value of the property as well as the state of the property itself.

You may also wish to contact commercial realtors to find out just how much properties cost in your chosen location. This way you’re provided with an idea of just how much your chosen property should cost before you meet the owner and proceed with making an offer on the property.

Investing real estate property is very much different from bank and building society investments. Real estate investment gives a double return in terms of income – you’ll receive both rental income and an increase in capital growth. It’s also important to note that commercial real estate properties often cost more than the average family dwelling.

For a great number of real estate professionals, selling investment properties is not an option because it entails risk. In order to sell a property at a maximum value, it’s important to make sure that the property is in top condition. It’s especially important with rental properties to inspect the property thoroughly before becoming that building’s landlord, otherwise the cost of repairs and renovations could be expensive. Remember that your purpose in investing in real estate properties is to gain profit, not to spend a lot in order to lose a lot.

Stu Pearson has an interest in Finance & Business and Investment Property, for more FREE information and articles please visit Investment Property Resources

Author: Stu Pearson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Excise Tax

They say everything is bigger and better in the Lone Star State, and when it comes to the Texas Hill Country they probably mean the views. Rolling hills, rugged terrain, breathtaking vistas with magnificent sunsets—Texas’ Hill Country is quickly becoming one of the nation’s premier retirement spots. A plot of Hill Country land is still just the place to get away for those not ready to ride off into one of those stunning sunsets. You can’t do much better than the Hill Country if you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of every day life. Deer hunting, hiking and camping are all perfect in this region.

Right in the heart of this unique region is Boerne, an old German settlement near San Antonio. Many of the Hill Country’s hot spots are so rustic just getting there can be a task, and when you arrive you might find that getting basic utility services can be a hassle. But Boerne is well-traveled enough to make these tasks much easier, yet far enough out of the way to give you the peace you long for. Your plot of land is likely to be much cheaper than traditional hotspots like Florida or California because of the rocky soil and thick brush in this part of the world. There isn’t much agriculture. Texas has avoided the worst of the recent economic crisis, so real estate in this part of the world is still a sharp investment.

The Wild West is at the heart of all Americans’ dreams, and the frontier calls to free spirits across this land. Nowhere can you find the rugged yet enchanting spirit of that time and place like you can in the Texas Hill Country, and the Hill Country’s heart is in Boerne.

While the rest of the US has labored under an almost dead real estate market, Texas real estate is still going strong. Most experts agree that land and property in Texas is going through a correction, or an adjustment as opposed to a recession. Home prices didn’t follow the national average by dropping, but instead faced a small dip. What this means for buyers is one of the best opportunities in years when it comes to price and selection. For sellers this means that the market is still strong, even if buyers are presented with more choices.

Buyers who purchase dilapidated real estate to flip for profit may face smaller profit margins, or increased competition from existing home-sellers, but this just provides a bonanza for the buying public. It means quality, updated housing in the best shape, at a great price with solid steady upside potential. The run up in housing prices that occurred in so many areas didn’t occur so quickly in Texas, giving the perception that homes were real bargains. Texas real estate is still perceived as a good investment since the prices didn’t skyrocket and therefore didn’t plummet.

Texas is leading the recovery for the rest of the United State’s and as the economy improves, so do the prospects of the state’s residents. The job market for oil and petroleum industires will ramp up as the economy ramps up. Since Texas is at the forefront of this industry, more jobs will follow, and investments in the Texas real estate market will increase. There has never been a better time to invest in Texas property and grabbing the American dream has never been easier. With low interest rates and home values holding steady, Texas is mounting a countertrend to what’s happening in other parts of the country. The real estate market in Texas is living up to the state’s motto, “Everything IS bigger in Texas.”

http://www.hillcountrylandsource.com

House prices have unexpectedly risen since the start of the year, according the monthly January report from the Halifax. Britain’s largest lender admitted to being confounded by the figures, which contradicted expectations for prices to show a further drop after falling steadily throughout 2008. Instead the report shows that the average price of houses in the UK has risen by 1.9% since the end of 2008. It is the first rise in the prices of property for sale since January last year, when prices rose by just 0.1%.

A Halifax spokesman said that although the figures do show early signs of the housing market beginning to stabilize at a low level the property market was still likely to have a difficult year. He also said that the three-month figures, which are generally a much better indicator of trends in the market, show an overall drop in prices of 5.2%. For now, it would seem the Halifax report is the exception to the rule – their rival lenders Nationwide reported a 1.3% drop in prices in January, a figure that’s closer to predictions.

These national figures are unlikely to affect most local property markets and most are still seeing the reduced prices we would expect from a country that is still in recession. The cost of property for sale in Sussex is closer to reflecting the expected drop in prices than the surprise increases of the Halifax report. It seems although we could be seeing the first signs that the property market is beginning a slow recovery, there is still a way to go yet before things are back to normal.

The anomaly in the Halifax report could be partly explained by the recent boom in some areas of London, which has just been listed as the third most expensive city (after Monte Carlo and Moscow) in the World’s Most Expensive Residential Real Estate Markets 2008. It’s believed prices in London have risen partly due to overseas buyers attracted by lower prices and a weakened pound.

In Ecuador, real estate prices move up and down a bit. Not too long ago, you could get a house with several beachfront acres on the Pacific Ocean for under $20,000. Alas, those days are gone. In 2001 Ecuador adopted the U.S. Dollar as their only currency, and prices have been up and down since then, but never again that low.

They are still low, though, depending on what you are looking for. Actually, to be more precise, they are low if you are looking for residential real estate. In fact, it seems that the only way landlords make money in Ecuador is by selling their property.

When my wife and I traveled to Riobamba a couple years ago, we loved the changes we saw. This Andes Mountains city of 80,000 is alive with new businesses and new developments. Condos were going up in and around town, some really nice two-bedroom ones for as little as $26,000. Among the properties that we looked at were some rental properties.

One was a three unit building that was for sale for $102,000. That may sound cheap, but only until you hear what the units rented for: $80 per month each. Yes, you read that correctly, and if you are quick with your math, you realize that even with full occupancy and no expenses that represents a return of about 2.8% on the purchase price.

Prices have come down again since that time, as the people of Ecuador get used to the relative stability of the U.S. Dollar. Previously, having your money in anything other than currency – even real estate with lousy returns – made sense. But the numbers for income property still don’t work in most of the country. This is why you see developments selling condos and homes to occupant-owners, but far fewer that are meant to be rented out. For now, avoid investing for income in Ecuadorian real estate (except possibly in high-end apartments).

Ecuador Real Estate – Residential

This is an area where it get’s more exciting. As mentioned, the prices are not as low as six years ago, but there are still some great deals to be had. For example, we recently bought a small lot in a walled neighborhood with a guard at the gate. The price? $3,000. The property is a few hundred feet from the beach, on the Pacific Ocean.

For another $8,000 or so, my wife’s grandmother has just finished building a home there (this is being written in August of 2007). The shared dues to keep the guards paid run about $10 per month, and utilities are similarly low. Granted, this is a small lot, and we have a small, simple two-bedroom home, but you can see that the dollar goes farther in Ecuador.

Outside of the Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, new subdivisions are popping up like they did in the fifties and sixties here in the U.S. Nice homes sell for as low as $30,000. Some of them have small monthly association dues to pay for community swimming pools.

Of course, there are always differences in culture that show up in real estate. As in most of Latin America, and unlike here in the United States, it is common that the wealthy live low and the poor live in the hills. So if you want a great view, and can find a neighborhood that is improving in the hills, the time may be right for getting great deals here.

If you want to live with others from the U.S. and Canada, there are areas where this is possible, but you will always pay more. You may want to learn Spanish, and get a better deal on real estate in Ecuador by buying where Ecuadorians buy their homes. In either case, use the services of an attorney to be sure you understand the laws and what you are getting.