Saturday, August 30, 2008

With The Market Continuing As It Is, New Developments Are Probably Going To. Offer A Slightly Better ROI

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

With the Dubai freehold property market in overdrive, and real estate costs reaching new highs, it can some times. be hard to see how to achieve a good level of investment at the present time.



Well, looking at the secondary property market, it would generally appear a difficult but not impossible task. With most properties on the market already. having achieved impressive premiums for owners, is it still possible for those investors new to the market to enjoy such a. return on property investments in today s climate? As mentioned. in previous blog entries, it s key to look for a development that yet to fully utilize its potential, either due to location. or advertising reasons. Well no, not. exactly. This alone can increase the chances of achieving a good ROI, but is that as far it goes? The secondary market may have already achieved a large proportion of its premiums by now, but premiums are still. continuing to rise, all be it at a slightly slower rate.


Then consider property direct from developers. But what of those of you who want more? With the market continuing as it is, new developments are probably going to. offer a slightly better ROI. With the market continuing to show no sign of price decreases in the near future, you can be. positive of a good return on your investment. If you can get in early and purchase property directly from the developer, you can be assured of. getting the best possible price. Of course how good an investment still comes down to where and what you will. buy, with some developments having a wider appeal than others. During the summer months, some developers. introduce special offers and rates in order to temp buyers during the market slow down that occurs.


And timing your purchase can always give you that little bit. extra of an advantage when looking to purchase freehold Dubai real estate. And the good news is that we offer a wide range of property, from all the top developers in Dubai. As an official agent for all these companies, we are able to offer a huge range of property direct from the developers, all in the one place. Emaar, ETA Star, Nakheel, and Damac are just of a few of the developers whose property we have for sale.

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Jardin Exotique Is The Highest Area In Monaco, And Most Apartments Enjoy Good Mediterranean Views - Finance and Real Estate:

While much of Europe could be on the edge of a property price recession, Monaco it seems knows no limits for her prices.

Friday, August 29, 2008

This Makes Selling Real Estate A Top Priority For The Moving Family

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Your ability to find motivated sellers is one of the keys to becoming a successful Real Estate Entrepreneur. A motivated seller is someone that needs to sell.



What is the definition of a motivated seller? You won half of the battle when you understand that there is a big distinction between someone wanting to sell a property versus someone that needs to sell a property. Someone who just wants to sell a property is usually expecting a buyer to pay retail prices and if they get it fine and if they don t it s no big deal. One is a suspect and the other is a prospect. Now a motivated seller on the other hand has to get the rid of that property by any means necessary, they are looking for a solution to their immediate problem which is the house that they need to get rid of and if you the Real Estate Entrepreneur comes up with a workable solution, their house becomes yours at a bargain price. Job relocation.


What are some of the circumstances that make owners of real estate motivated sellers? Millions of families travel to new cities and towns when companies shuffle their employees between different locations. Job termination. This makes selling real estate a top priority for the moving family. Although no one likes to think about it, millions of people lose their job, which puts their finances at risk and can often lead to selling real estate to move to a more economical alternative. Real estate may be given to one or several family members by a relative who has passed away.


Death in the family. If the family already own real estate, then one of the two properties is often sold. When someone is completely down on their luck, often the money invested in their real estate is the only money they have access to so they must sell quickly. Bankruptcy. Maintenance woes. Divorce.


After acquiring several properties and buildings in different areas such as a home in the city, and a cottage, a rental property, some people may decide it is too much work to maintain them all and want to sell one of them. People sometimes split up which changes the economic dynamics of their situation. This creates a financial strain on them and puts the real estate investor in the perfect situation to present the perfect solution called debt relief. Instead of there being two people sharing a mortgage you now have in most cases one sole person paying the entire mortgage. In conclusion, your success as Real Estate Entrepreneur will be determined by your ability to find and locate motivated sellers so that you can present your offers and close deals.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

To The North Of Gonubie Beach, You Will Find A Bluff And Estuary

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Gonubie can be found in the vicinity of East London of South Africa. The economy of East London has been booming lately due to the influx of industries such as manufacturing plants that churn out Mercedes- Benzes for the luxury market, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles and clothing.



East London itself is drawing in many retirement- age individuals who find the area an attractive place to spend their golden years due to the mild climate and low population density. This is a welcome change from the apartheid era when East London was nearly abandoned by businesses. On reason to buy a Gonubie property is the pristine Gonubie Beach that is situated on the banks of the Gonubie River. Nowadays, the East London Industrial Development Zone has been set up on 1500 hectares, acting as one of the South African duty- free sites. This beach has been able to win international recognition as an environmentally- protected beach through the Blue Star Award. If you can find a Gonubie home for sale in this area, snatch up that Gonubie property as soon as you can- you will be sitting on a goldmine.


Gonubie Beach was granted a Blue Star not only because of its adherence to environmental standards but also because it maintains satisfactory personnel, and facilities on, safety equipment- site according to Blue Standards standards. You will find your Gonubie property to be a good investment because it is on or near a protected South African beach- and South African beaches draw tourists from all over the world. While to the south you are guarded by rocky headlands. To the north of Gonubie Beach, you will find a bluff and estuary. If you purchase a Gonubie home for sale, it is possible to make short visits to the beach itself so you can take friends and family for a walk on the vast boardwalk that links the main parking lot to Gonubie Beach proper. You will not be isolated from South African society if you buy a Gonubie property because Gonubie Beach is connected by the N2 freeway to the city of East London itself. There are also artificial tidal pools and lavish growth of native vegetation to see in the area.


If you want a change of pace, or would like a respite from hunting for a Gonubie home for sale, then you may want to visit other East London beaches such as the Nahoon Beach and the Orient Beach. As East London has a dearth of hotels, you might want to buy an old Gonubie home for sale or other East London property and turn it into a bed- and- breakfast. It may take some time before you find the perfect Gonubie home for sale to buy for you and your family, so why not spend some time examining some other Gonubie property as well? It is said that such lodging places are very much in demand among East London tourists nowadays. Not only will you be able to turn that old Gonubie home for sale into a charming hideaway for your family, you get to earn something from letting visitors experience the benefits that come with patronizing your establishment.

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What Makes Retiring In Spain So Alluring - April Fennelly about Finance and Real Estate:

Does your retirement dream include relaxing on warm, sunny beaches and leading your life at a leisurely pace? According to Cyril Holbrook, author of Retiring to Spain , around 700, 000 Britons have already migrated to Spain and the number of people moving to Spain to retire is steadily increasing.

Moving On To A Another Downtown Austin Condo Sector - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Downtown Austin has been growing over the last few years. The term is" multi- use" and it is pretty much the montra for Austin real estate.

A Tale Of Two Homes - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Whether you are looking for a primary residence or a vacation home in Florida, purchasing a new home is a large investment of both time and money.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

In Costa Del Sol Property, There Is No Dearth Of Accommodations

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Besides being arguably one of the world s greatest holiday destinations, Costa del Sol remains a highly potential place for profitable investment.



Most of these people visit the place for holidaying. The excellent weather together with endless leisure facilities make this stretch of coastline a major draw for millions of Europeans, particularly the Britons. But the number of people looking to relocate there are not at all few. The climate certainly plays the most important role. There is more than one factor that makes Costa del Sol a fantastic place to buy a holiday home. But the golf courses around the coast do not lag far behind.


All these facilities make a visit to the place a memorable one. Along with this there are the great shopping opportunities and lots of restaurants. And if you live permanently amid all these endowments, then you are sure to enjoy every bit of your life. The place is protected from the northern winds by a mountain chain that in some parts comes down to meet the sea. Serviced by Spain s largest Airport, Costa del Sol property takes up about 300 kilometres of the Mediterranean littoral that corresponds to the province of Malaga. The sheltered coast is shaped by a succession of extensive beaches, coves almost hidden between cliffs, marinas and anchorage for fishing.


The valleys blanketed in vegetable gardens, long sandy beaches, green landscapes- all contribute to make the place an ideal destination for a short sojourn, as well as for a holiday home. You will have semi- tropical vegetation in which you can find palm and cypress trees, oleander and hibiscus, bougainvillaea, mostly owing to the warm micro- climate, infrequency of rainfall and the sea breeze. In Costa del Sol property, there is no dearth of accommodations. Investment in a property with such potential is sure to engender huge profits. Apartments, luxury villas, penthouses, every kind of accommodation are available there in this place of unparalleled attractions.

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This Can Be The Best Time To Find A Home In Chandler, Arizona - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The Arizona real estate market has been scrutinized by experts for some time. Chandler, Arizona is a great example of real estate trends in the Phoenix area.

The Ease And Convenience Of Finding Hardin County Tennessee Real Estate Is Easier Now Than It Used To Be - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

On an average, buying a new house ranks among the top lists of difficult tasks, however this process is made far simpler and user friendly with the addition of versatile real estate listings made available online. Finding McNairy county Tennessee real estate is now among the easier tasks that are part of the house searching process.

Real Estate Agents Are Masters At This - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Sound too good to be true? The concept and recipe for success in real estate investing is very easy to understand, but very difficult to do.

Friday, August 22, 2008

So, You Are Thinking Of Buying Property

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

So, you are thinking of buying property. So many factors, so many issues to consider.



Then you must be aware of the troublesome job that it is. Not to forget, a host of legal affairs and documentation and real estate market survey and price check. And in case you wish to buy property in some other country, it means a few more complex issues. After all, property is not a small thing. This is because the cultural practices and market trends and taxation systems can be much different. Much as the prospect is an adventurous one, it is good news at the same time that buying Spanish property can be hassle- free as well. If you are a native of the UK, buying property in Spain requires a bit more assistance from experts.


People in the UK seem to have that adventurous streak to them. Or that beachside penthouse, a villa on a golf course or a hillside getaway? After all, who wouldn t like to have that delight of the Spanish resorts: the exotic villas and townhouses. Such attractions of a way of perpetual holidaying hold the fancy of so many Britons. One of them includes a ten- year insurance policy against defects in the housing structures. And then, there are some new laws which have helped to build the confidence of buyers in such offshore purchases.


There are reasons for optimism, supplied by the fact that the builders today are more open to attract overseas buyers to cash in on the growing popularity of Spanish property. This is a common complaint but then also a much expected one. However, it may not be out of place to cast a glance at a few issues that may prove a setback to your plans: High price of the property, some even call it overpricing. What can you expect when your plans are on the exotic side of the line? This can help you to chance upon the Spanish property that suits your fancy and also your budget. The solution herein can be good research, and preferably online at that. Finding a real estate agent is another good idea.

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A Lot Of UK Properties With Development Budding Are Now Sold At Property Auctions - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

A lot of UK properties with development budding are now sold at property auctions.

In This Regard, One Of Your Prime Sources Of Information Will Be A Home Mortgage Lender - Finance and Real Estate:

When all is said and done, it is important for a person who is interested in making the purchase of a home to actually buy that residence at the most appropriate point in time.

They Can Purchase Foreclosed Homes Under Market Value Directly From Lenders - Finance and Real Estate:

When an investor is prepared and flexible to invest in real estate it would be wise to look at investing the Las Vegas foreclosure market. The foreclosure listings will help you out for the suitable home you are looking for.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The First, And Most Important Of These, Is To Do Your Homework

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

With booming real estate markets, greater lending competition and high consumer confidence, there has never been a better time to purchase your dream home and, by doing your homework before taking on a mortgage, you can get a better value investment for your dollar. The first, and most important of these, is to do your homework.



There are a few secrets and simple tips buyers should know before shopping for a home loan mortgage. Home loans vary greatly and it s important you find the one that best suits your situation. Potential purchasers should study their local real estate market to get a feel for what suburbs offer the best value and investment return potential, they type of property you are seeking, and how long you plan to live there for. With the rapid growth of online private investors, even people who the banks and major mortgage lenders won t deal with can usually qualify for a home loan. Once you have a good idea of the property you are seeking and its price, work out your budget, list all your assets, and decide how much you can afford in repayments. After all, there is plenty of competition and they want your business!


If you qualify for a loan from a bank or major mortgage lender, it is usually best to approach them for a loan, and don t be afraid to negotiate on their establishment fees and interest rate. If you don t fit into this category, you can still apply for a loan from an online private investment group who will lend on the basis of no credit checks, no income or employment verification, and no prepayment, no tax returns penalty. You need to check the fees for private investor loans as they are usually slightly higher than conventional loans, but they give people the opportunity to buy their own home when otherwise they would be stuck in the rental cycle. The difference between the major lenders and these investor groups is that the former lend not only against the value of the property, but who is acquiring it based on income etc. , whereas the latter are only interested in the value of the property. There are some type of homes, such as mobile homes, or other unusual, homes on stilts structures which may be rejected because their value may be an unknown quantity should the borrower default and the property has to be sold. This makes it easy for almost anyone to get a home loan, but always remember the repayments have to be met, so don t borrow more than you can handle.


Lenders are more willing to provide money for home loans than any other type of loan because they know purchasers will always meet their mortgage repayments ahead of other payments, to protect their asset and keep a secure roof over their family s head. It s a good idea to always keep your payments one or two months ahead so if anything does go wrong you have some breathing space. So, by doing a little extra homework at the beginning, you should end up with your dream home and a reasonable mortgage that let s you sleep easily at night!

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What A Great Way To Plan For College - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

With the average cost of college level education rising approximately 6% every year, what is the best way to have the money for college exepnses when you need it? In fact, only 40% of students graduate in four( 4) years.

Overall, Buying And Selling Foreclosed And Pre- Foreclosed Homes Can Be Lucrative Investments - Nadine Schlottmann about Finance and Real Estate:

Heard the news. ?

They Have Stated That Those Who Are Already In Danger Of Default Will Be Given No Assistance, As Well As Those Who Can Afford To Pay Their Mortages At The Increased Rates - Cara Bickers's Finance and Real Estate blog:

The White House has recently unveiled a plan to help mitigate the wave of foreclosures that have recently swept the US as reports continue to predict that an even greater number( some estimate as much as 2 million) of Americans are likely to default within the next year.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

It S A Good Idea, As Both Homebuilders And Homebuyers Profit From The Deal

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

In general, the purchase of a new home involves taking money out of your pocket, there, but in Texas s a new trend that enables new home buyers to put money into their pocket as well. That secret is that homebuilders generally add a 3 percent commission to the selling price of a newly built home or piece of property.



Through the developing new trend in sharing home sale commissions with new home purchasers, Texas homebuyers are reaping the benefits of a real estate secret that has been closely guarded for years. In the past, the real estate agent involved in the new home purchase or land purchase adds that commission to their profit when they sell that home or piece of land to Texas buyers. While most real estate agents are hesitant to share their commission profits, in- the- know homebuyers can receive up to 2 percent of a commission that is generally reserved for real estate agents. Now new homebuyers can benefit and receive a portion of that 3 percent commission as well. If a real estate agent is not involved in the purchase, the homebuilder generally pockets that 3 percent commission for himself and adds it to his or her profits. Walking away from a purchase of a new home with extra money in your pocket is a lucrative deal to everyone involved, and is the start of a new trend in the real estate market.


The cash rebate, whatever you prefer, or commission to call it, is perfectly legal and can save new homebuyers thousands of dollars on the purchase of a new home or property in Texas. Most homebuyers aren t aware that the 3 percent commission even exists, and why should a real estate agent spill the beans? While the concept of offering commissions to new homebuyers is becoming popular in Texas, it certainly won t be long before other companies around the country are following suit. However, sharing is something that many new companies are learning to do, especially to infuse new interest in the sale of homes and property, which in the last quarter, has endured quite a slump in most areas of the country. It s a good idea, as both homebuilders and homebuyers profit from the deal. The money needs to transfer through a licensed real estate agent who will handle the transaction for you and keep 1 percent of the homebuilders commission for their trouble. However, a middleman is necessary for this to occur, as a homebuilder cannot directly offer a homebuyer this commission.


Everyone s happy, especially the new homeowners, who just walked away from a purchase with extra and unexpected cash in their pocket that can be applied to closing costs, the down payment or as home decorating or landscaping money. The more educated you are about options available to you as a home buyer, the better deal you ll end up making when it comes time to sign on that dotted line. So if you re in the market for a new home, ask your real estate agent about this new trend in new home buying- - ask them about cash home rebates in your area.

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The Region Has Over 30 Golf Courses, With The Closest Minutes Away - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

There are those who will live on the mountain and those who can only look up at them.

This Will Allow Your Loan Provider To Assist You In Finding That Ideal Mortgage Of Yours - Elena Vantassel about Finance and Real Estate:

Buying a house is quite a tough job.

Using A Realtor Is The Best And Easiest Way To Sell Or Buy A Home - Finance and Real Estate:

A realtor can be a great help when home buying or selling but can also sometimes be extremely hard to work with. Using a realtor is the best and easiest way to sell or buy a home.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Take The Time To View Several Homes

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Buying a new home can be an exciting time, whether it�s your first home or your fifth.



You want to feel comfortable when it is time to sign on the dotted line and feel good about the home you are about to purchase. However, your credit rating, your savings, and your financial freedom are all on the line when purchasing a new home. It�s important not to let your emotions cloud your judgment when you set out to buy what is most likely the largest single item of your life- your new home. Make a careful assessment of what you absolutely must have in your new home compared to what would just be nice. Before you get to actually looking at homes, take the time to establish your needs and wants. Be as specific as possible when determining your needs prior to purchase. Determine how much you can afford in a home loan and get pre- approved.


It will save you much time and concern to do this before looking rather than getting into a new home only to discover that it doesn�t meet your needs. Set up a budget for monthly payments and be realistic. When considering the purchase of a home, don�t just look at your current financial status. By assessing your financial situation and getting pre- approved, you can be certain that when you select a new home, you will have the financial backing to get you in as quickly as possible. You will probably be in this home for years, and many things can change. Once you begin the process of searching for a home, don�t let emotions cloud your judgment.


Take your future into account as well, looking at such things as job changes and a growing family. Just because a house has a nice lawn or some interesting architectural features doesn�t mean it is the perfect one for you. Never judge a house by how the current owner has decorated. While it is important to consider the aesthetics of a property, consider that much of what you see can be changed. Most likely, whatever is inside the house will be gone when the seller leaves, and it will be up to you to paint and decorate. This doesn�t mean look at every house available on the market, but look at enough properties to get a good feeling that you aren�t just making an impulse buy.


Take the time to view several homes. When you find the right home, all the work you do in this process will pay off. Be sure the home is inspected by a professional home inspection company, and go over that report with a fine- toothed comb. Once you have selected a home that you feel is right, inspect it thoroughly. By taking the time to do this before making the purchase, you can save yourself an endless amount of stress after the fact. There are many pitfalls that can surface during the process, and it�s vital that you take care of these problems before you move in.


Don�t take anything for granted. When inspecting your home, check for working utilities so there are no surprises later on. Taxes, insurance and homeowner dues may appear, and you need to know all of them. Check out all costs and expenses before you sign anything. Ask as many questions as possible and be very conscious of details. Align yourself with the right real estate professional and you will have an entire team of reliable lenders, title representatives and home inspection companies available to you. Use your home- buying team as much as possible.


Each of these people should work hand in hand with you and each other for your benefit. Be absolutely positive the property is in exactly the same condition that you agreed upon in the contract. Be sure to do a final walk through once all the previous owner�s furnishings have been moved to be sure of no surprises. Things that could not have been spotted before are often unintentionally overlooked. Closing dates are not carved in stone. Plan for flexibility.


Allow for certain contingencies and always have a back- up plan in the event that delays occur. Any and all promises and agreements must be written. These types of circumstances are not at all uncommon in real estate transactions, so it is important that you are prepared for them. If it is not in writing, then assume that it doesn�t exist. Remember, your team will work best for you if you are honest and up front with them. Even the best of intentions can be unintentionally misinterpreted, so take the time with your REALTOR to be certain that all agreements have been signed on paper.


Take the time to select the right team of professionals to get you into your new home and do everything possible to make this an enjoyable experience. They will return the favor by getting you into your new home as smoothly as possible.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Why Buy A Home In Palm Coast

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

With the rapid development that has taken hold in Florida, it has become increasingly difficult for residents to find a place to live that still has that" Old Florida" feel. Palm Coast is a small city nestled amid the wooded beauty and natural wetlands of Florida s East coast, and offers all the amenities of city life while maintaining a small town feel.



If you have been searching for that great place to live in Florida, where amenities are combined with a small town atmosphere and an abundance of natural beauty, Palm Coast may be the place for you. With 50, 000 residents and counting, our welcoming community has used careful city planning to preserve and conserve, without sacrificing growth and convenience. Regardless of whether you are looking for a sunny climate, an abundance of recreational activities, or access to, a friendly community the magnificent beaches and ocean activities, Palm Coast will not disappoint. Palm Coast has something for everyone. Say good- bye to winter woes. Palm Coast has an average winter temperature of 53 F. Are you worried about rising fuel prices and the effect they have on your winter heating bills?


While your friends in the North are shoveling mountains of snow and paying sky- high utility bills, you will be enjoying the warmth and beauty of Florida living at its best. Our white sand beaches and outdoor lifestyle are yours to enjoy year round! In the summer, experience the caressing sea breezes and an average temperature of 75 F. The Great Outdoors. Palm Coast is the golfing destination of the southeast, and home to eight championship golf courses. For the golf enthusiast, Palm Coast is sure to satisfy.


Seventeen championship courses and LPGA headquarters are all within easy driving distance. Are you a tennis enthusiast? If you don t care for golf, or want a change of pace, there is an abundance of available recreational activities in Palm Coast. Palm Coast gives you the option of playing on a selection of USTA approved hard courts, as well as clay and grass courts. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and abundance of Florida fish and wildlife that are found in Palm Coast is to explore by boat. Boating and Fishing!


Several fresh and saltwater canals are available for exploration in Palm Coast. Venture out on the deep seas of the Atlantic for a chance at Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Sailfish, King Mackerel, Tuna, Wahoo, Grouper, Jack Crevalle and, Red Snapper Amberjack! If you prefer fishing to pleasure cruising, fishing in the Palm Coast surf can yield Whiting, Bluefish, Pompano, Redfish and Flounder. Surround yourself with natural beauty in a new Palm Coast home. Take your pick of eight state parks, nine county parks and numerous wetlands and wildlife preserves. Enjoy the majesty of Florida s indigenous flora and fauna.


Camping, walking trails, hiking, fishing, picnicking, boating, equestrian activities and so much more is available for you in Palm Coast. One of only two such land bridges in the United States! On a short day trip you can see the Manatees at Blue Springs or explore the nearby land bridge used only for equestrian riding, hiking and wild animal use. Venturing out to neighboring cities. If you have a home in Palm coast, you can take a short trip north to historic St. In the mood for a change of scenery?


Augustine. Augustine s beautifully preserved downtown area. Shop, sample fine cuisine and get a taste of the past in St. Visit Castillo De San Marcos National Monument, or the St, Fort Matanzas. A short drive on I- 95 south will bring you to world- famous Daytona Beach. Augustine lighthouse. Soak up the sun on Daytona s beautiful white sand beaches.


NASCAR enthusiasts can explore the birthplace of racing, take part in race weeks or visit Daytona USA. A variety of restaurants and shopping venues are sure to please even the most discerning diners and shoppers. Daytona Beach is also home to Bike Week, Spring Break, Biketoberfest, National Cheerleading Competitions, the Turkey Rod Run and so much more. Looking to step out in the big city? Stop in at Adventure Landing Water Park in downtown Daytona Beach for a day of family fun. Then you will be pleased to note that Palm Coast is situated within easy driving distance to the bustling cities of Jacksonville and Orlando. Why buy a home in Palm Coast?


Fine dining, art, music, museums, professional sporting events, gardens and so much more await you in these beautiful cities. We strive to maintain a beautiful city built with preservation of the environment and natural beauty. You can have it all! In Palm Coast you can live the good life among friendly faces and a strong community spirit. Live the Florida dream. Purchase a home in Palm Coast!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Of Those Who Spend Time Out Of The UK And Choose Spain As Their Home They Appear To Be The Happiest Of All, With More Than 90 Per Cent Saying They Are Happy With Their Lives Here

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Here's what Mark has to say: "Is that totally correct or would it be right to say that the purchasers looking to buy in Spain have changed? .The numbers may be less but the quality of the buyer is definitely up. They are internet savvy, ask loads of relevant questions and have clearly done their homework.



It's excellent to see an educated and informed public who roughly know where they want to buy and largely what they are looking for. These purchasers take time to seek the RIGHT property, in the RIGHT location and- most importantly at the RIGHT price. " Yes, it's true, Spanish property sales have declined in the past few years and many of those intending to purchase are more informed than they have been in the past years- due to the internet revolution a wealth of information is now available on- line, something that just wasn' t there a mere 10 years ago. "Why this demand? aks Mark" "Amid the tales of woe about the Spanish property market why are they still looking at Spain! Don' t they know! Open any publication over the last year or so and see the wailing and beating of chests about the Spanish market. Hasn' t anyone told them! The answer is they have voted with their feet- as have many before- in search of a new and different direction in life.


Do they need their heads examined! ! The demand is simply there because no where else in Europe delivers better weather, better year round sports, better medical and communications infrastructure- all in all Spain delivers A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. Of those who spend time out of the UK and choose Spain as their home they appear to be the happiest of all, with more than 90 per cent saying they are happy with their lives here. Don' t take my word for it" he goes on to say. "In research conducted by UKForex nearly eight out of 10 Expats are happier living abroad than they were living in the UK. The survey showed that most people- around a third- moved to seek a better quality of life and according to the research it seems that many have found it in Spain. " "Moving away from the UK, for many is not something that they would undertake lightly" says Mark. "Losing day to day contact with friends and family at a later stage in life can be a strain. many new clients are seeking to combine life in the UK- or other home country- and spend perhaps six months of the year in Spain. That four bed roomed house which was an essential when they were growing up may have become a millstone.


October to March seem to be the preferred months in Spain for a variety of reasons primarily related to the weather. " But it's not just the sun that's the constant lure for those struggling to heat an ageing and now partially unused family home in one of those spots around the UK or other parts of Northern Europe that have seen substantial growth in value over the last ten plus years, Mark goes on" In the days of under performing equities, the" credit crunch" and fears of recession stemming from the continued" sub prime" fallout from the US, there is actually some sound retirement planning at play. "He goes on to comment on how living circumstances for many has now changed in the UK: "A non- existent or materially diminished mortgage that can be easily paid off on sale opens a Pandora's Box of wonders for those whose children have left home to make their way in the world. The recent rises in the Council Tax bill, above inflation rate rises in utility bills and generally the costs burden of maintaining a too large property has prompted many to look at alternatives. Another big change Mark notes is in the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. It's now usual for them to see the kids for Sunday lunch when they load up on a Roast and collect their now clean washing deposited the week before. " Sounds familiar? He was talking to a couple of golfing grandparents recently and they told him how their kids and grandkids actually look forward to coming to Spain to spend some quality time with them. "Oh no, not another trip to Granny's" turns into a playground brag" We are spending summer with Granny in Spain" ! they explained. We have a 4 yerar old grandaughter back in the UK and even at the tender age of four years we are already subject to comments like" I haven' t been to see you for a long time have? " "I want to come to your house. " "When am I coming to see you? " I' m sure we will be bombarded with these requests as she grows as she( and her parents) have a great time when they are over here.


I can vouch for that too. And yes, although we don' t see her as often as we would if we were back in the UK, the time spent together is quality time and the relationships very are strong. Now here's the point that I disagree with Mark over. Mark picks up on what he sees as another recent trend- rental enquiries soaring over the last few weeks with many applicants seeking an early foothold in Spain whilst they try on the Spanish way of life- but I hardly see a snapshot of activity over a brief few weeks period as a" trend. " This needs to be viewd over a longer period. He advises people to rent for a period of three to six months before they buy. "Until you have had the experience of day to day life in Spain, after the first blush of the love affair may have waned a little, you' ll not know whether you are happy to commit to the reality as opposed to the dream. To find favourite locations, restaurants, golf courses, clubs, friends etc. " But I would argue that 3 to 6 months is hardly enough time to decide whether Spain is the place for you and renting instead of buying straight away can bring its own problems.


In our experience, it also gives the potential buyer time to really look around. Whilst some people settle in straight away, others can take much longer. I would recommend a minimum of about one year. What's 3 or 6 months out of your life when you can be talking of spending maybe the rest of your life here? And I would not always advise on renting a property first. Many people don' t settle because they can' t settle into a home that isn' t their own and return back home disappointed, whereas they may have settled in straight away if they were in their own home. This can have negative effects.


Also, on the question of renting whilst seeking out a property to buy. With all the information that is available on the internet today, is is almost achieveable to find the perfect home in the perfect location without even leaving the comfort of your home in the UK. I have seen many people in the past who have taken this approach- and many who have gone back to the UK in tears, having spent months and months driving around and seeing that much that they just cannot make up their minds, or they have tried to find a property off their own back without the help of a trusted agent- which for all sorts of reasons can be an impossible task to achieve.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

They Have Stated That Those Who Are Already In Danger Of Default Will Be Given No Assistance, As Well As Those Who Can Afford To Pay Their Mortages At The Increased Rates

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The White House has recently unveiled a plan to help mitigate the wave of foreclosures that have recently swept the US as reports continue to predict that an even greater number( some estimate as much as 2 million) of Americans are likely to default within the next year.



These subprime loans have an artificially low introductory rate of between 7 and 9 or more after the grace period, which many real estate owners have been unable to cope with in recent months, sending shockwaves through global markets as investors in mortage- backed securites have been spooked. This plan involves the major US lending companies making an agreement to freeze the relatively low" teaser" interest rates that many Adjustable Rate Mortages are set up with, instead of allowing them to reset at their regular time, usually two years from the loan's issue. As their loans have defaulted, the bonds that have been repackaged and sold have become basically worthless. Since the cost of a forclosure is often over$ 50, 000, the investors have little choice if they want to salvage any of their investment. Bush's talks with mortage companies have been concerned with solving both aspects of this problem by extending the introductory rates to a select cross- section of subprime borrowers, thus preserving some of the cashflow supposedly guaranteed to those investors who believed the AAA bond rating for the securities into which these mortages have been sold off. However, the standards used to judge which borrowers qualify for the rate freeze have been left( some say intentionally) vague. What is unclear is how the lenders will determine who is able to pay.


They have stated that those who are already in danger of default will be given no assistance, as well as those who can afford to pay their mortages at the increased rates. Those who fall into the middle bracket, or who are likely to default at some point if rates increase but who are able to make their payments now, are the targeted borrowers for the freeze, which is proported to last from two to five years past the date at which the rate would normally reset. Many economists have recognized the mortage- related woes as a necessary reassessment of the American economy. Therefore, some foreclosures are still guaranteed, but the specter of falling property values, which threaten to send the entire US economy into a tailspin, will hopefully be offset somewhat. In combination with the falling dollar, recent developments in this crisis make it clear that the housing market of the US has artificially inflated for years, which would have to be corrected somehow anyway. These statistics point towards a reckless tendancy of many Americans to spend because the economy will always grow.


And, while this scenario is relatively unpleasant, the US has had unsustainably high levels of consumer spending, coupled with the lowest percentage of consumer saving in three decades. While this assumption has helped industrialize the world through American spending, it may do harm in the long run. If not, it may just encourage more recklessness by the government's taking responsibility for the market's woes. With any luck, the real estate landing will be softened and Americans will be more apt to work with their lenders. Only time will tell.