Saturday, August 30, 2008

Investment Market- Quality Office Will Continue To Attract Institutional Investors

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The quarterly report indicates that Taipei s total stock remained unchanged for the eighth consecutive quarter. Investment Market- Quality office will continue to attract institutional investors.



Taipei office market is likely to follow an upward trend on the back of keen demand for quality office space. Taipei s property investment market was fairly active in the third quarter of 2007, with activity concentrated in the Neihu Technology Park. Shin Kong Life Insurance purchased two buildings from BenQ as well as an under- construction building from Huaku Construction Co. , Ltd for NT$ 54 billion in July. The combined value of the quarter s investment sales in the Park amounted to approximately NT$ 8 billion. The robust demand for properties within the Park has showed investor s buoyant confidence in the prospects of the area. In the third quarter of 2007, a subsidiary of, Nanshan Life Insurance AIG, bought several floors and parking space of Chong Sheng Building from Yuanta Financial Holdings for roughly NT$ 43 billion.


Currently viewed as a decentralized area, Neihu is likely to become a significant office submarket in Taipei as the City Government is formulating the plan of Grater Neihu, which will add another 175 hectares of land to the existing Neihu Technology Park. Another notable transaction was the purchase of Meifu Building along Jiang Guo North Road by CITADALE, a private fund from Singapore, for NT$ 2 billion. Leasing Market- Office occupiers are drawn by quality buildings under construction. The building purchased from Mei Fu Construction Co. , Ltd is under construction and slated to join the market in 200 As the Taipei office market has been following an upward trend, it is expected that institutional investors will keep close eyes on quality space with good location and that the foreign/ local insurance and investment companies will continue to dominate the property market for some time to come. The third quarter saw the total stock of office space remain the same for the eighth consecutive quarter as no new supply was introduced this year in Taipei s CBDs except the Yuanta Core Pacific Securities Headquarters reserved for self- use. After experiencing market stagnation with respect to space take- up in the second quarter of 2007, the Taipei office market witnessed an increase of approximately 200% q- o- q in net take- up, reflecting a total of 8, 762 ping occupied in the period under review.


The next prominent office space coming on stream is the Meifu Building, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 200The structure, will have limited, however effects on the office leasing market for most of the total area being pre- committed by AEGON Life Insurance under a 15- year contract. In accordance with the trend of relocating for upgrade reasons, Grade A office market contributed nearly 5, 000 ping to the buoyant take- up this quarter. The robust demand for Taipei s office space had consequently compressed overall vacancy rate to 13% at the end of the third quarter. The largest leasing transactions in terms of area included Hontai Life Insurance s 2, 128- ping relocation to Hung Tai Century Building located in the Minsheng- Dunhua Area, Bank of America s occupancy of 1, 414 ping in Taipei 101 in Xinyi- Jilong Area and 1, 341 ping of take- up in the President International Building by AIG General Insurance, which also resides in XJA.

Read more...

A Condominium Complex Offers Close Community Living Without Many Of The Downsides Of Spread Out Neighbourhoods - Finance and Real Estate:

In all of Canada s large cities, condominium real estate is a very hot niche in the market, and Toronto is no exception.

The Only Need Is That You Have To Find A Good Property Dealing Company By Doing Some Online Research - Amy Lefebre about Finance and Real Estate:

Owning a comfortable home is dream comes true for many of us.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

These Days, It Is Becoming Increasingly Fashionable To Buy Property In Morocco

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

These days, it is becoming increasingly fashionable to buy property in Morocco.



But because of the desirability of property for sale in Morocco an investor should not be deterred from securing their ideal piece of real estate just because purchasing it can take many months and a great deal of paperwork because there are many agencies that can help you do everything for you while you sit back and relax. Morocco has a lot to offer in terms of property sale in areas such as Mediterrania Saidia, Tangiers, Asilah, Marrakech, Tetouan and Agadir. The key to successfully navigating the real estate purchase process in Morocco is seeking the assistance of a recommended real estate agent or simsaar. There are quite a few, but Qudoo. com is one of the best you can get to ensure a smooth and beneficial deal. These people have a local working knowledge of the property market in the particular part of Morocco in which they work and they are often able to shield the buyer from paying over the market price by understanding the true value of properties for sale. As with many emerging markets property investors who broadcast the fact that they are in the market for real estate will often find that the places they re offered for sale suddenly go up in price- with the help of a good simsaar the foreign buyer will pay the same as a local buyer in Morocco. The amount of time and money they can save an investor means that they are well worth their commission.


A simsaar will usually charge two and a half percent of the property s purchase price in fees and some charge a daily rate which can be deducted from this fee. However, because these agents often speak little English or French it is usually necessary to have a translator as well and a cautious approach should be taken when finding a translator, real estate agent and solicitor in Morocco. It s highly likely that an investor will have a great deal of choice in Morocco particularly if they re interested in older properties and those in need of renovation. The Moroccan people are keen to attract foreign investment and the majority of professionals an investor will deal with will be happy to genuinely assist- but as the saying goes, buyer beware when employing anyone to assist with the buying process in any country in the world! It s a good idea to take a camera and a notepad when examining properties because after a few days it s easy to forget which pieces of real estate had which features! Once an offer has been accepted a deposit of around 10% can be paid.


Once an ideal property has been found it s usual to make an offer to buy and to negotiate on the asking price. The deposit or arbon should secure the property and remove it from the market place. There is one small problem with this approach- by officially closing the sale the taxes should be due within 30 days. But unfortunately the reality is that it s wise to close the sale at the time the price is agreed upon otherwise if the vendor is offered more money before the sale is closed they may well take it and return the investor s deposit to them. BUT if you pay the taxes the sale really is closed and the buyer can refuse to move out which in the worst case scenario results in a five year legal battle to have them evicted. This may sound confusing but with the help of a decent lawyer all of this is transparent to the property purchaser.


So what most buyers do is hold back on paying the taxes, incur a small fine but save themselves the trouble of having deeds transferred into their name and running the risk of having sitting tenants! Those buying brand new or off plan property in Morocco of course avoid all of these issues. As stated the real estate agent will charge about 5% , the notaire or public notary will charge 1% to sort out title deeds on older properties- a process that can take up to 2 years after the sale has completed but which will result in the property being worth more in the long run as all subsequent buyers will avoid having to repeat the process- and finally there s also a small amount of tax on the purchase price on Investment Property Morocco which pays for itself when you consider the benefits of living in a charming and culturally rich country that has a lot to offer in terms of value for money and a peaceful living. An investor looking at Morocco Property should budget an additional 7 or 8% on top of the purchase price for fees and taxes.

Read more...

Land Appreciation Trends - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Every investor makes an investment strategy with the main aim of lucrative returns.

Different Types Of Florida Home Builders - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

When it comes to building homes in Florida, not all home builders are created equal. Finding the right builder for your new Florida home requires time and research.

Interview Local Home Builders - Finance and Real Estate:

Do you know how to successfully navigate the current Florida real estate market?

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Also, Don T View Negative Amortization As A Dark Cloud In Terms Of Loan Programs

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

San Ramon, CA- - Federal Reserve Board Chairman, commented best when, Alan Greenspan he stated" Homeowners might have saved tens of thousands of dollars had they held Adjustable- Rate mortgages rather than Fixed rate mortgages during the past decade" . On average only 15% of your original principle balance will have been reduced.



If you own a 30year fixed mortgage, the first 10years of your payments will be applied towards paying down your mortgage interest. Considering the fact that most people will live in their homes approximately 5 to 7years, it makes since to plan what your goals will be before deciding on a loan program. Statistically speaking, if you have a family of four( 2 adults and 2 kids) , a loan balance of$ 400K with an interest rate of 5% (642% APR) , you ll need a Combined Yearly Income of$ 140, 000 just to Almost Break Even each month. Your decision could affect your financial planning for the next 10years. Actually you could have a loss of approximately$ 478 per month. These figures don t include any increases from your local county assessor s office, cost of living, car repair bills increases, cable or satellite services, etc, utilities. Here s the breakdown: Income$ 140K per year x 35% (tax bracket) = $91K per year( $7, 583 mo. ) Monthly Expenses: $2, 027( Principle+ Interest) + $417( taxes) + $117( home insurance) + $1K( 2 car payments) + $800( food) + $500( health insurance) + $2K( family of 4 living expenses) + $300( student loans) + $300( credit cards) + $600( childcare services) = $8, 061 Total Expenses.


Rather than considering shorter termed loans( with more favorable rates and payment options) , the customer will keep their existing loan( they like the current low rate) and take out a Home Equity Line of Credit. This good news creates a rising Prime Rate, which increases the payment rate on your Equity Line of Credit. Currently our economy is prospering. Some people are using their Equity Line of Credit accounts in order to maintain their current standard of living. This scenario has the possibility of a foreclosure waiting to happen. One of two things will eventually happen: a) The client will have to prematurely sell their home because they can t afford the payments or b) The client will maximize their existing equity and be forced to make higher payments.


In addition to establishing your goals and determining the right loan program, you should also understand the character of a real estate investor. Learn to use your equity as leverage in order to obtain greater wealth! Treat your property as an Investment and NOT a Retirement! Ask yourself what are you trying to accomplish with this transaction? Did you know there s a loan program available that may have a higher interest rate than you currently have, but provides you with a lower monthly payment( plus extra monthly cash- flow) , and no negative amortization? In our opinion, "rate shopping" is the old process for selecting a mortgage loan and it should be replaced with" payment shopping" . Also, don t view negative amortization as a dark cloud in terms of loan programs.


Copyright� 2005 2002- 2005 Brisco& Associates. Depending on how long you plan on staying in your home, this lower payment option could be a blessing in disguise for the true Real Estate Investor. All Rights Reserved

Read more...

What Kind Of Spanish Property Do They Have In Their Portfolio - Eileen Wetherell about Finance and Real Estate:

Investing in Spain, is an excellent, especially Almeria choice for overseas property investors.

Clackamas Area Residents Have Much More Variety And Options Now At Their Fingertips - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Portland, Oregon is fast becoming one of the countries primary relocation destinations. Families and retirees are looking to move to the Portland metro area to enjoy all the Northwest has to offer.

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.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

So How Strong Was Your Education In Real Estate Investing

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Your education in real estate investing is critical to your success. A one trick pony is simply not a good act!



Look at it this way, would you rather have one way to buy 10 houses or 10 ways to buy one house? Let s test your knowledge to see if you should be investing in real estate information and education. Short answer is no. Should you use a Realtor for finding real estate investments? Your real estate investing business depends on your ability to find good deals. Why?


Unfortunately most good deals are not found through Realtors and MLS! Because if an agent gets a good listing they first see if they have a buyer or someone in their office before posting it on MLS. Terrible odds. Once a property gets on MLS then it is picked over by hundreds or thousands of agents and offered to their clients. That said a good deal is always a good deal and if a Realtor presents one you should buy it. Absolutely not.


Do you need cash and or good credit to have a successful real estate investing business? You can wholesale properties without cash or credit. You can structure owner financing deals. You can buy properties subject to their existing financing. For more information read" Real Estate Magic 101- How To Get Rich In Real Estate Even If You Are Dead Broke! " Having good credit does give you advantages for conventional financing but is definitely not a prerequisite for a successful real estate investor. When I learned this it was a real education in real estate investing for me! Did you know you can buy and sell a property in the same day without ever officially owning the property?


I d been in the business for almost 10 years before I had ever bought and sold a property in the same day. Did you know you can take over loans without having to qualify? At the time I did not know there was a wholesaling system that taught people how to buy properties at deep discounts and sell them to other investors where they could make a quick 5K, 0r 15K profit, 10K. In the real estate investing business we call this buying property" subject to" the existing financing. Please understand that when you buy" subject to" the existing financing the lender has the right to call the entire loan due because there has been a transfer of ownership. Banks do not want you to get this education in real estate investing because they make most of their money in points and fees when people get new loans. Although they have this right to call the loan due in practice this rarely happens because banks are more interested in receiving their payments than foreclosing on loans.


Well, almost. Did you know people just give houses away for free? Let me explain. In short, they don t want any cash for themselves, just someone else to pay on the loan. Many sellers find themselves in a position where they have little or no equity and they are looking for someone who can take over their payments. In the real estate investing business we call that getting a free house because we don t have to come up with any money when we buy.


Do you know what hard money is? Note: Your education in real estate investing is important because not all free houses are good deals! Hard money is when you buy a property using money from a mortgage broker that utilizes a private money investor s cash. It is not uncommon to pay 18% and several points which may seem expensive but really does not matter. It s called hard money because the terms are hard . Why? Do you know what a short sale is?


What matters is how much you will make on the deal and not what the money is costing. A short sale is typically when a seller having their house foreclosed on by the lender for nonpayment on the loan and you work with the lender to have them discount the amount owed on the loan in return for a cash payoff. So how strong was your education in real estate investing? This is one of the most lucrative areas for real estate investing. If you knew the answers to all of the questions you are probably have a phenomenal real estate investing business and a matching bank account. If you can see that investing in real estate information will help you become a successful and profitable investor than you should start your education with Real Estate Magic 101 or Kick Ass Wholesaling.

Read more...

Of All The North Campus Residents, The Largest Demographic Is Also The Most Difficult To Describe With Any Certainty: The Students - Dorothy Bilski's Finance and Real Estate blog:

In Austin, just north of, Texas one of the largest universities in the US, lies the neighborhood many refer to solely as North Campus.

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.

An SCI Is A Company Set Up For The Management And Letting Of Property - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Be warned- The Legal situation in France regarding property ownership is very different to that in the United Kingdom.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Phuket Is In The Early Stages Of A Long- Term Growth Curve

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

These days, visitors to Phuket cannot help but notice the number of premium property projects being marketed on the island. Post- tsunami Phuket s property market is enjoying a boom fuelled by rising demand from expatriates.



Developers on this tourist hotspot are going all out to woo buyers with projects running the gamut from luxury villas to upmarket resort condominiums with ultramodern facades and interior design. Real- estate consultants say foreign investors from Singapore, Europe and the, Hong Kong Mediterranean from the bulk of buyers who are snapping up properties across the island. Property on Phuket has always been sought after, owing to its status as a top resort destination in Southeast Asia. Traditionally hot market. About the size of Singapore, the 570 sq km island attracts tourists and investors with its striking natural beauty, unique brand of Thai hospitality and cost of living that is lower than other markets in the region such as Hong Kong and Singapore. "[Phuket] distinguishes itself by its unique blend of safety, and the degree, unrivalled hospitality of sophistication of its economy and property market. Bouncing back post- tsunami.


It is a fully serviced island with first- class facilities, very accessible from anywhere in the region, thanks to its international airport, and benefits from a fantastic natural environment, " notes David Simister, chairman of CB Richard Ellis Thailand. It s not just luxury villas that are being snapped op on Phuket. Supply has also evolved to fit all budgets, from US$ 70, 000( $1 approx US$ 64) to above US$ 7 million. Consultants say the island is enjoying strong demand across the entire spectrum of properties available. Where are these investors coming from? That profile, however is changing. " We are now seeing an increasing number of high net worth individuals coming from areas such as China, and expect to see more and more buyers from Europe as Mediterranean resort prices continue to rise and people realise that Phuket can offer a very good value- for- money exotic lifestyle. " says Simister. Analysts say demand has historically been from cosmopolitan Hong Kong and Singaporean residents, as well as western expatriates living in the region.


Choice investment properties. These fast- selling developments include Trisara, which consists of exclusive US$ 6 million to US$ 3 million ocean- view and ocean- front villas on 1, 900 sq, 300 to 2. m. land plots adjoining an eponymous six- star hotel. Potential buyers on Phuket invariably look for ocean- view properties, which are highly sought- after because of limited supply. Another sought- after development is The Heights, with 200 to 415 sq. m. sea- view condominium units priced from US$ 400, 000 to US$ 950, 00Both projects sold half the units released within months of launching. Phuket s south and east coast are steadily gaining prominence as an alternative, as a result of the exhaustion of prime land in the west coast. While buyers previously looked to projects on the traditionally popular west coast of the island.


A high- end project with prices lower than that on the west coast is Supalai on Ao Por, which offers three- and four- bedroom villas with sea views for less than 20 million baht. Such properties represent much better value for money, with higher capital- appreciation prospects as the area develops. Just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the area is less crowed and located near amenities such as golf courses and marinas. While consultants say Phuket s property rental market is still in its infancy and most investors buy for owner- occupation, properties can offer healthy yields depending on their type, location and furnishings. He adds that rental returns usually reach their full potential once the property and development it is in are fully completed and have been in operation for high seasons. Simister of CB Richard Ellis estimates that yields for an actively managed property can range from 6% to 12% a year, based on 100 nights occupancy.


Room for more growth. Simister says, "Far from being a bubble, the high level of real estate activity seen on the island is only the beginning. CB Richard Ellis is more bullish. Phuket is in the early stages of a long- term growth curve. The market has only one way to go, in terms of, which is up volume of sales, and range and sophistication of properties and facilities offered. "

Read more...

Located A Short Distance From Downtown San Diego - Finance and Real Estate:

Located on the south western corner of the United States San Diego is often called America s finest city .

You May Also Get A List Of For- Sale- By- Owner( FSBO) Homes - Terrie Lines about Finance and Real Estate:

On average, people who live in the United States move to new homes about every seven years. Sometimes it could be long and, difficult process when the things do not go in the right way.

Interview Local Home Builders - Vivian Goates's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Do you know how to successfully navigate the current Florida real estate market?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

This Could Save You Hundreds If Not Thousands Of Dollars In Water Damage Repair Costs

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Rehabbing properties to lease seems easy.



But did you rehab it right. You find a property, you repair all of the unsightly items in the house and then you rent it out- -no problem! Did you spend enough or spend too little on paint, on plumbing fixtures, on cabinets, on carpets or on bathroom fixtures? Well, there are some simple rules to follow when rehabbing a property. How will you ever know? Some rules of thumb if you will that will ensure that you don t spend too much money, but still use quality materials that will hold up under your tenants use. Faucets with warranties and replacement parts.


Follow these simple yet important tips when rehabbing and they will save you time and money: Consider using quality faucets throughout the property. Quality faucets will save you from having maintenance issues in the very near future and they will better stand up to abuse. These cabinets are not" top of the line" , but will look great and they will withstand the test of time with your tenants. Use heavy polyurethane casting cabinets with smooth rollers on drawers and solid hinges. If it isn t already, make sure to replace the existing water heater with a 40- 50 gallon water heater. Another area of the project to consider is flooring.


This is great if the tenant has a large family or they just like to take long, hot showers( make sure to charge them for water useage, we always do) . Purchasing a quality carpet pad is important, as it may save you from replacing the pad and the carpet down the road when the carpet is not able to be cleaned and needs to be replaced. Other flooring that you should consider for your project would be laminate. At that point all you need to do is replace the carpeting, saving you possibly thousands of dollars. Most laminates look great, come in a variety of styles, and can be, are very durable laid over the existing floor. This again may save you time if the tenant does not dirty the walls too badly.


Use a washable paint. If that is the case all you have to do is clean with soap and water saving you from repainting before renting to the next tenant. The doors may have to be repainted from time to time, solid door should, but a good stand up with even the most" physical" tenants. Heavy solid doors and solid hardware will save you from constantly replacing these items every year or so. Use quality toilets. In the kitchen, put up chair rails on the walls. Better quality toilets will give you less headaches in regard to clogs and will last longer than a cheap toilet.


This will ensure that the walls will become less damaged over time and will save you from filling in holes and repainting. Show the tenant where it is and instruct them how to use it during the leasing procedure. And last, make sure you, but not least leave easy access to the water shut- off valve in the property. If they have a water emergency( water spilling out all over the place) , they will know how to shut it off. This could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in water damage repair costs.

Read more...

Real Estate Agents Too Specialize In Buying And Selling Of Certain Types Of Real Estate - Kay Malsam's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Finding the right real estate deal can be challenging, sometimes no matter how hard one tries it requires a little more expertise to figure out how one can buy the house of his/ her dreams without spending a large chunk of their savings.

So Bankruptcy Is A Short- Term Fix With Very Long- Term Consequences - Rosalyn Schmeling's Finance and Real Estate blog:

The myth of bankruptcy and foreclosure is simply that bankruptcy stops foreclosure.

This Makes Buying Or Moving Into A Valrico Home Is A Good Choice - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Located north of Tampa, Valrico is an unincorporated community within the Hillsborough County, featuring the typical, Florida adavantages and disadvantages of a small town. If you want to relocate to Tampa Bay Area, or from Tampa, Florida to a smaller town, one of the options to be considered is Valrico.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

To Maintain Residency In Monaco, Residents Need To Live In The Principality For Six Months A Year

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Tax haven Monaco, the world s second smallest country, is currently enjoying the most expensive real estate in Europe- topping even the most fashionable parts of London. The lack of new apartment buildings in Monaco has only hastened the rise of property values at a time when residency is increasingly in demand.



Home to many of Europe s top businessmen and women, residents benefit from an absence of income tax as well as close proximity to the French Riveria, and a short, Italy flight away from the United Kingdom and Germany. The number of Britons moving to the principality is thought to have doubled in the last two years from 1500 to 3000 now. The lowest priced property on the market at the moment is a 30m2 studio with a 7m2 balcony in the Fontvieille district at 720, 000 Euros. The lack of new homes in Monaco surprises many would be buyers as they can clearly see construction work being undertaken, but the new apartment buildings are for locals and key workers rather than new incoming residents. With closing costs this rises to over 800, 000 Euros. And at the top end is a three floor penthouse apartment in the well known Eden Star development at 25, 000 Euros, 000.


Mid range is a 210m2 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in Monte Carlo, close to Casino Square, 200, at 4, 000 Euros. Future Trends. With one bedroom apartments in the Principality already at the million Euro level, the lack of properties coming to the market and the absence of new builds could make today s prices seem like a bargain in five years time. Three years ago there were six hundred properties on the market , they claim, Now there are two hundred. Traditional rules of supply and demand in the real estate market are likely to see Monaco property prices rise further in the short and medium term, according to one Monaco property specialist. Coupled with increased demand, especially from the UK, prices have been rising and could go quite a bit further if current trends continue. Visitors to Monaco and Monte Carlo are often surprised at the lack of apartments for sale as they can see new buildings under construction. The apartment buildings under construction are for local Monaco people , they explain, Rather than for the open market where anyone can buy a property. Monaco now has the highest priced property in Europe. Other reasons for the shortage of property in Monaco include that residents are holding on to their apartments longer, enjoying the tax free status Monaco affords, and as the owners see their property rising in value holding on to it as an investment.


The situation is unlikely to improve in the short and medium term but the number of buyers is rising- and consequently so are the prices. To maintain residency in Monaco, residents need to live in the principality for six months a year. Winter time often sees a lot of apartments mothballed with the owners wintering in the Caribbean.

Read more...

Who Is Eligible For A Reverse Equity Mortgage - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

In common language, it s the opposite of a traditional mortgage.

Massive Homes Are Hard To Heat And Cool - Finance and Real Estate:

A lot of realtors, and home builders, home buyers are jumping on the recent" environmentally friendly" band wagon by throwing around the term" green" .

A" Cool" Market Will Heat Up - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

People always ask me if this is a good time to buy real estate. I have the same answer for both questions: I don t know.