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- Secrets to Understanding REOs - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Michael NewtonIf you are getting involved with real estate you may have heard the term REO without really knowing what it refers to and how it could play a part in your current or future investments. REO is actually just an acronym that stands for real estate owned by the bank. REOs aren’t all that common ...
Views: 856 - Why learn market cycles in Real Estate? - by Submitted on Jul 31, 2009 from David LindahlIn order to be successful in the real estate business, it is vital not only to research, but to learn and to become familiar with the current market trends. Knowing the market cycles, you as a potential buyer, can make a smart investment decision by developing a strong market strategy. This ...
Views: 2028(43 votes) - How Can We Can Avoid Home Foreclosures - by Submitted on Jul 27, 2009 from Intent.com AuthorsI believe that in the current housing and economic environment (with declining home values nationwide) it never makes economic sense for a Bank/Servicer to foreclosure on an owner occupied home. As a result, I believe we can successfully and rightfully place a temporary nationwide foreclosure ...
Views: 661 - Estate Planning Legal Guide for Dummies - by Submitted on Jul 23, 2009 from Priyank SaxenaBlythe’s parents divorced when she was 5 years old. The court awarded joint custody with liberal visitation privileges. The divorce was not acrimonious and Blythe made a good adjustment to the new living arrangement, staying with her mom during the week and visiting her dad on weekends. Then, 3 ...
Views: 1189 - One Key Missing Piece: Early Thoughts on the Obama Plan for At-Risk Homeowners - by Submitted on Jul 20, 2009 from Intent.com AuthorsI am pleased to see the Obama administration attempting – much more aggressively than the Bush administration ever did – to help (3-4 million) at-risk homeowners stay in their homes through a variety of loan modification initiatives and incentives which are designed to lower the at-risk ...
Views: 585(2 votes) - New Financing Option Provides Alternative to Traditional Lenders - by Submitted on Jul 20, 2009 from Joel GreeneWith real estate values continuing their nosedive to astounding new lows, the one thing that prevents investors from taking advantage of the great buying opportunities is the scarcity of money. Despite their federal bailout, banks still aren’t ready to open up the cash tap. Most borrowers ...
Views: 836 - 3 Things to Know About HUD Homes And The Teacher Next Door Program aka Good Neighbor Next Door Program - by Submitted on Jul 20, 2009 from Nishika Jones-GreenThe Teacher Next Door Program (TND)also known as the Good Neighbor Next Door Program (GNND) is a HUD homes special program open to not only teachers, but also police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMT). To get started and for qualifying purposes there are three things ...
Views: 3288(1 vote) - Commercial Real Estate: The Importance of Population Trends - by Submitted on Jul 17, 2009 from Craig HigdonWhile commercial real estate can be an excellent investment, it’s all but impossible to succeed in this competitive environment without some sort of game plan. The most successful professional real estate investors are those who are able to look at a given area and accurately predict which ...
Views: 2372(4 votes) - Commercial Real Estate: Raising Equity - by Submitted on Jul 17, 2009 from Craig HigdonGETTING STARTED WITH INVESTORS Those researching the subject of commercial real estate investment are likely to encounter the term “OPM” on a regular basis. OPM is an acronym for “Other People’s Money.” I’ve covered this topic in general in an earlier article, but today I want to focus on ...
Views: 1492(2 votes) - What Should You Look For When Selecting a Real Estate Investing Course? - by Submitted on Jul 17, 2009 from Ataur RehmaanWhen selecting a real estate investing course, you must ask yourself the following five questions: 1. Are they happy to provide contacts of past participants? 2. Are they providing the course content in advance so that you can take a look at what to expect? 3. Do they themselves develop ...
Views: 639(1 vote) - Bullet-Proof Listing Presentations - by Submitted on Jul 15, 2009 from Dirk ZellerThere is an old adage that we make three listing appointments for every one we actually go on. We make a presentation on the way to the appointment as we run through it in our car. We make the actual presentation live – in front of the seller. And we usually make the final one on the way home ...
Views: 1373(3 votes) - Real Estate Scripts: Buyer Objections - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Cheri AlguireI am often asked, "What do you say when a buyer asks?" I always have an answer for every objection, but only because I use a method for analyzing every objection. Here is a list of common buyer objections and a quick follow-up statement for the buyer agent. They say:"I am too busy to make an ...
Views: 8028(4 votes) - The New Rules to Wholesaling Real Estate - by Submitted on Jul 13, 2009 from Terence YoungIt seems that the rules have changed when it comes to wholesaling. I remember when you were able to find the ugliest house on a good street, put it under contract, and sell your contract for a nice profit. I mean, you can still do that, but with so many foreclosures on the market, your good deal ...
Views: 716 - Commercial Real Estate: Outlook at the Power Breakfast - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonI had the opportunity to sit in at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) annual “Power Breakfast” that featured some high powered institutional investors as panelists. They included Erwin Aullis, the Managing Director of Transwestern Investment Company, Stanley L. Iezman, the ...
Views: 1229 - Commercial Real Estate: Asking the Right Questions - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonThere are many “insider” commercial real estate secrets. One of the most important secrets is knowing the right questions to ask when investigating a commercial property investment. While I’m not going to cover all of the potential questions in detail, I will make you aware of some of the key ...
Views: 1566(2 votes) - Commercial Real Estate - How to Ask Your Discovery Questions - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonIn order to make a successful commercial real estate investment you need to know the right questions to ask and the right way to ask them. Since purchasing commercial real estate is a negotiation between the buyer and the seller (and probably their prospective brokers), it is important that ...
Views: 1776(2 votes) - Are you willing to Work for Free? - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Christopher ShawI am a small business owner and sometimes just to break the monotony in the hiring regiment I will ask a prospective interviewee if they would work for free. I do this because I understand that the standard resume and usual interview questions are predictable. So, when I pitch this curve ball ...
Views: 2497(6 votes) - Build Your Million Dollar Dream Team - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Christopher ShawSuccess is just a mindset; you hear this old saying all of the time or what about “Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises. Did you ever stop and think about these words and phrases as you go about your everyday life? Have you ever paused and truly thought about the ...
Views: 1480(8 votes) - Commercial Land: The Asset That Lenders Forgot - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonLast week I discussed the financing of the purchase of a residential lot for development with a woman who, with her husband, wanted to build a custom home. As always happens when discussing financing, the conversation turned to interest rates and loan structures. When I described the going ...
Views: 1161 - A Roadmap for Commercial Real Estate Syndications, Part 2 - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonLast week I covered the first ten steps to creating your own investment groups for commercial real estate acquisitions. I was able to take the process right up to the acquisition of the property and I’ll cover the balance of the process here. The focus of these articles has been on acquiring ...
Views: 1278(2 votes) - A Roadmap for Commercial Real Estate Syndication, Part 1 - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonOne of the most important requirements for purchasing commercial property is having enough down payment money, called “equity,” to complete the transaction. A very popular method of raising these funds when you don’t have it yourself is by forming a group of people who pool enough capital to ...
Views: 2192(3 votes) - Where Have All the Commercial Lenders Gone? - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonDo you remember that song from the 1960’s that went something like: “Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing?” Oh … you don’t? Hmm, maybe I really AM old! Well, I would update that song for the current decade to something like this: “Where have all the lenders gone, no loans ...
Views: 1236(1 vote) - Free Market Lends Federal Housing Stimulus a Hand - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2009 from Brian IcenhowerEconomic experts overwhelmingly agree that before the United States financial crisis finally comes to an end, declining housing values must be halted so that real estate will once again provide adequate security for lenders to make loans comfortably. The prospect of imminent declines in housing ...
Views: 1116(7 votes) - The Future of Real Estate Investing - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2009 from Terence S YoungSince fall of 2008, the news has been bleak for the real estate market. Foreclosures have been at an all-time high. And while buyers found that it was harder to get a loan, they did find the market favored them. Many good quality homes have been on the market months longer than they would have ...
Views: 1308(9 votes) - The Difference Between Foreclosures and REO’s - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2009 from Terence S YoungForeclosure, REO, short sale—these terms can be confusing if you are a first-time real estate investor. But knowing the difference is important if you are going to sink your hard-earned money into investing. Let’s look at the differences. In a foreclosure, the property owner has defaulted on ...
Views: 1043(9 votes) - How to Find the Best Investment Property - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2009 from Terence S YoungThe real estate market of 2009 is vastly different from the real estate market of 2004. Just five years ago, homes moved fast and at good prices. Interest rates were low. Lenders were eager to lend money. In the fall of 2008, everything changed. The economy soured and millions of people lost ...
Views: 983(7 votes) - Finding Below Market Deals - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2009 from Terence S YoungWhether you are investing to rent, wholesaling or flipping, you want to find the best deals you can. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to be honest with you about the condition of the property and its market value. Still, investors are making thousands on property they are buying at below ...
Views: 848(6 votes) - Characteristics of a Great Investment Property - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2009 from Terence S YoungYou have motivated buyers. Now you need great property. The definition of great investment property varies from buyer to buyer and from community to community. In this economy, there are some guidelines that are great across the board. Apartment units and other types of multi-unit ...
Views: 996(5 votes) - Earn More Interest on Your Money Through Real Estate - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2009 from Terence S YoungWhen investing your money, you want the greatest return on your investment. But in this dismal economy, investing is risky. If you don’t lose your money, you are not likely to get any type of return. But there is an answer---secure your money with real estate. Even that idea may seem insane with ...
Views: 1121(8 votes) - Selling Your Property in a Financial Distressful Situation: Take Action. - by Submitted on Sep 15, 2011 from Kevin SullivanSwimming alone in the deep waters of financial distress will sometimes make us want to bury our head in the sand and hope all of our problems will all go away. This doesn't usually work, however, so if you are in this position you need to take action! One of the first steps you want to take ...
Views: 1156 - Selling Your Property in a Financial Distressful Situation: Communication is Key - by Submitted on Sep 15, 2011 from Kevin SullivanSelling your property under the best of conditions can still leave many homeowners feeling a bit stressed as well as vulnerable: promising offers that fall apart, price reductions leaving less money for next property purchase, and opening the house (and valuables) for strangers to pick through ...
Views: 1117 - Building Your Real Estate Investing All-Star Roster - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Cheryl PinkardEvery star player (that’s you) needs a supporting team. There are several key players you’ll need to facilitate the success of your real estate investing business: Realtor, Contractor, Mortgage Broker, Appraiser, Attorney, Accountant. Realtors—One great source of leads can be working with a ...
Views: 730 - Top 3 Big Fat Mistakes of Real Estate Investors - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Cheryl PinkardDo not invest in real estate until you read this report on the three major pitfalls that real estate investors fall into. Big Fat Mistake #1—Willy Nilly Syndrome—The worst thing you can do in real estate or any business is to enter into it haphazardly. Before you begin you need to set ...
Views: 716 - Top 3 Must Haves for Your Real Estate Investing Business - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Cheryl PinkardThere are a few things that every real estate investor must have in place for the success of his or her business. Three things your business can’t live without are: 1. Marketing—Without leads you have no business. You must aggressively market within you target area if you want to be a ...
Views: 687 - Buying and Selling Real Estate--What Realtors Don’t Want You to Know - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Cheryl PinkardWhat is the number one question people ask you when you tell them about your real estate investing career? “Isn’t it illegal to sell a house if you don’t own it?” “Don’t you have to be a Realtor to invest in real estate?” Answer #1: Yes. Answer #2: No. Confused? Good. Allow me to ...
Views: 958 - Marketing Isn’t Everything…It’s the Only Thing - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Cheryl PinkardWhat’s a Dr. without patients? An attorney without clients? A teacher without students? They are the same as a real estate investor without leads—broke and out of business. The only way to make money in real estate is to have a constant stream of leads coming in. Here are just a few ways to ...
Views: 1982 - Remember the Age-Old Saying Location, Location, Location is Key to Gain Success in Real Estate. - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from David LindahlIn some areas real estate is in demand, in other areas this is not the case. The key to selling real estate is buying that real estate in a desirable location or one that will become desirable soon. If the location of a property is not desirable, selling it becomes virtually impossible! It is ...
Views: 1667(6 votes) - Marketing Yourself in Real Estate - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from David LindahlThe first key to being successful in the area of marketing is to think positively about your abilities to buy and sell properties, and have confidence that you have the skills necessary to put successful strategies in to place to reach your goals. Remember, if your passionately believe in your ...
Views: 1153(5 votes) - How to Effectively Sell a Property in a Buyers Market - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from David LindahlPrice the property to sell: When looking to sell a home or a property in today’s buyers market, it is important to remember that it doesn’t really matter how much you, or your realtor, think that your property is worth, it only matters how much a buyer is willing to spend when purchasing that ...
Views: 1127(4 votes) - The Reality of Property Investing - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Clayton MooreProperty investment is one of the best ways of creating wealth and securing financial stability for the future. Even during the current economic climate property is still an excellent investment, yet it’s also important that new investors understand the reality of the business and any ...
Views: 1066(4 votes) - Predictions for the Property Market - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Clayton MooreWhilst Britain and the USA are battling through some of the toughest economic battles they’ve ever had to face, many are speculating about the value of property and whether prices will ever recover to the levels seen a couple of years ago. Many would-be property investors may have been ...
Views: 1087(3 votes) - Trading Up Using the 1031 Exchange - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonIn spite of decreasing real estate values across the nation, real estate investors continue to come up with innovative ways to make their investment turn out profitably. A powerful method for building real estate holdings is the use of 1031 Exchanges, which lets investors defer capital-gains ...
Views: 2777 - Is a Timber Framed Home Green or Sustainable? - by Submitted on Jun 21, 2009 from Daniel ADDEY-JIBBIt’s not uncommon to see claims in our industry that timber frame structures and the wall & roof panels used to enclose them are green and sustainable – but is this really the case? I thought it would be interesting to look a bit deeper into these questions to try to uncover the facts. The ...
Views: 930 - Segregate Costs for Better Cash Flow - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonUtilizing Cost Segregation to Enhance Investment Real Estate Cash Flow Everyone knows that a dollar today is more valuable than one received in ten years. Tweed Financial Services, Inc. suggests that a Cost Segregation study, which reviews the depreciation schedules related to your real ...
Views: 1342 - Picking the Right Commercial Property Lender - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonWhat a Super Weekend for sports! No … NOT the Super Bowl (although I’ll get to that), I mean the Australian Open. When Federer plays Nadal in a Grand Slam final, you begin to lose words to describe what you see. Even the announcers were speechless, and it’s their job to talk! Hats off to ...
Views: 1363 - Multifamily Properties: Strategies for Increasing Profits - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonEveryone is well aware of the cyclical nature of commercial real estate, as well as the potential for significant profits to be gleaned by purchasing assets before they rise in price. In an article entitled “10 Strategies for Apartment Profits in 2009 and Beyond”, Patrick S. Simons offers ...
Views: 1404 - Home Buying Tips - by Submitted on Jun 19, 2009 from Kari ClarkWe have all seen the news reports and read the papers. We know that people are running around like chicken little screaming about the collapse of the housing market. If you listen to all the experts it starts to seem pretty bleak. Is there an upside? There certainly is if you are a new home ...
Views: 710 - Is a SBA 7(a) Loan Still a Wise Choice? - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonLast year’s commercial mortgage slowdown was reflected in the statistics for the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which reported a year-over-year decline in approved loans of 29%. This surprisingly high reduction in loan volume was also noticeable in the 13% drop in the program’s ...
Views: 2235 - Individualist vs. Collectivist - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig HigdonWith all of the hoopla surrounding the end of the Bush administration and the beginning of the Obama, have you noticed the stock market? It has been quietly sinking as the reality of the state of the economy has been “sinking” in. Here is some of the evidence that things are probably going to ...
Views: 1545(1 vote) - Going Green: What is “LEEDs?” - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Craig Higdon“An Overview of LEED Compliance” Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to designate buildings which are notable for stewardship of our resources and for sensitivity to the ...
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