Home selling strategies for a normalizing market

: After a solid five year run of record home sales, the market is readjusting itself to a more normal level. Most of those who wanted to move have moved. Interest rates are rising again, lowering the upper end ceiling for buyers overall. With buyers qualifying for a lower mortgage today than they might have a year or two ago, the buyer pool for higher priced homes is shrinking. The large inventory of homes currently for sale is resulting in an overall downward trend of housing prices. With increased choices, buyers can be more choosy and take longer to make their decisions. As a result, longer market times may caution a buyer away from a property. There are three important factors for selling your home in today’s market: condition, price, and time. Condition reigns supreme over anything else. Buyers have so many choices right now that anything that looks like it needs work can be enough to kill your chances of selling. People prefer move-in condition, so if your property isn’t, you probably need to do what it takes to make it that way. It is worth the money to remove old wallpaper, paint, replace carpet, and replace the roof if it’s almost at the end of its life. Offering an allowance doesn’t work in these market conditions because buyers tend to overinflate the costs of these improvements, anticipating double or triple what it will actually cost you. Plus, with the number of homes for sale, if yours is the one that needs to be painted, chances are it’s also the one that won’t sell. There are exceptions, such as homes that need a complete overhaul, so it’s a good idea to discuss your home and your plans with your listing agent before getting started. A word about home improvements – consider improvements as solidifying your home’s value rather than increasing it when deciding on a price range. The kitchen you recently renovated or the room you added may help your home sell more quickly than the one down the street because it’s in better condition, but it won’t necessarily increase your home’s value.

If you’re not looking to sell your home right now, spending the money on upkeep and maintenance now can help you avoid needing to spend a lot all at once when it is time to sell. The second factor is price. You want to have the best price on the market. That doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price, it means value. It’s a good idea to price your home aggressively because there are so many options available. If there are 40 homes for sale in your price range, you want your home to stand out as the best home for the money.

Misperception or misunderstanding of the current market conditions can lead to improper pricing which in turn can lead to excessive market time or even no sale at all. What you paid for your home or what your neighbors sold their home for last year are irrelevant when deciding on your asking price. Factors you and your Realtor should consider are your home’s current condition, the condition of other homes for sale in your price range, the asking price of homes similar to yours, and which homes are selling and which are not. Accurate pricing from the outset increases the likelihood that your home will find the right buyer quickly. The first three weeks on the market are the most important – that’s when people are excited to see the new kid on the block. A strategy of starting on the high end and then lowering it over time is rarely successful in a normalizing market. By the time the house is where it should be, interest has peaked and buyers have moved on. Finally, accept that it still takes time. There are only so many buyers out there and they have a lot of choices.

Average market times have been three to four months, so your goal is to reduce the selling time by carefully preparing your home and improving its condition plus adopting an aggressive pricing strategy. Then you just need patience and faith that the right buyer will see your home and decide that’s the home for them. Everyone’s situation is different, so be sure to discuss your situation with your Realtor and decide on the best strategy for your needs.

Today it takes twice as much work to be the best value in your neighborhood. Hard work and diligence can pay off. Today it takes twice as much work to be the best value in your neighborhood. Hard work and diligence can pay off.

Uk property investors go for philippine condotel investments

Investments in buy to let properties or Condo Hotels in the Philippines have increased in popularity by 29 per cent during the last three months, making it the second most popular investment vehicle behind consumers’ own homes, according to PLC Global. Beth Collingz, Global marketing Director of PLC International Marketing Networks, a company specializing in Condo Hotel or Condote Sales and Marketing in the Philippines, comments: "The UK Savings and Investments index clearly shows that the UK saver prefers to invest in bricks and mortar and more and more investors are moving offshore to take advantage of the much cheaper prices in the Philippines and high rates of rental returns as room rates in Metro Manila and Cebu, two major Cities in the Philippines, are not much less than rates charged for rooms in Europe making the Philippines buy to let properties an ideal property investment". The Philippines, located in Southeast Asia, is one of the few fully democratic nations with a predominantly English speaking population benefiting from substantial foreign direct investment and billions of dollars in remittances from overseas Filipinos. According to the report these facts mean that over the coming decade the housing market in Philippines will likely go from strength to strength and anyone who invests now could net up to 400% profit on their investment in the next ten years. Because property prices in the Philippines for mid range Condominium developments start from as little as twenty five thousand Pounds [25,000 GBP], the room for property price expansion is clear. The low starting prices for real estate in the Philippines also mean that its property sector is already attracting substantial international real estate investor interest. Investors from all backgrounds are attracted to the Philippines - those with a small sum of money to invest are looking to make immediate gains from buying Condos in Metro Manila preconstruction which can be purchased by stage payment and profited from upon completion when investors are flipping the real estate right back into the market. Those with more substantial sums of money to invest are generally drawn to either the Condotel Investment property sector in Manila or the Philippines burgeoning tourism market. Opportunities in the Philippines tourism market exist along the country’s stunning and as yet undeveloped coastline and also in the Philippines quality but as yet little known beach resorts. Accommodation in these locations is required to let out to tourists and a growing number of British citizens are also seeking second homes in these areas of Cebu, Philippines as well, with most preferring to purchase Condotel or Fully Managed and Operated Condo Developments where a rental income can be gained when not using their units. Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., Flagship Lancaster Atrium Suites Condotel [Manila] development located along Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, is one of the hottest Condotel Investments in the Philippines where property investors, apart from real estate appreciation initially reckoned to be 100% for early investors, will get projected Rental Incomes on their units of up to 16% per annum once fully operational from 2010 To be called Lancaster Atrium [which is the second Tower adjacent to the existing “Sold Out” Tower I] Condotel Studios, One, Two & Three Bedroom Suites are currently available to Property Investors adopting International Standard Escrow Trust Account “Buyer Safe” Easy Secure Payment Plans… with 6 year interest free payment terms or up to 12 year no prequalification "In-House" financing [available to all overseas buyers], full condo ownership, no management costs for Condotel Suites, no enrollment charges for joining the Condotel Rental Pool, and minimum monthly maintenance fees, as buyers or sellers of Real Estate you really should take a moment to look at this Philippine Condotel Investment Opportunity According to Beth Collingz, of PLC International Marketing Networks, a Lead Marketing Partner with Pacific Concord Properties Inc., whom have Condotel developments in Metro Manila and Cebu, and specializes in working with international clients: “My phone has been very busy with buyers from the UK, Scotland and Australia interested in purchasing investment properties and holiday homes here. A lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices in the Philippines compared to Europe, especially UK Housing prices, and the easy payment options available for our Condotel Developments where they can use the Condo for vacations and rent it out through our In-House Condotel Management thereby gaining rental incomes that on today’s purchase prices, give a projected ROI of some 12-16% depending upon mode of payment for the unit” Beth Collingz Director - PLC International Marketing Networks

Why do i need a realtor to sell my home

: As you consider selling your home, you might be thinking “Why do I need a Realtor, what value does a Sellers Agent bring to the table?” There are five areas where I, as a licensed Realtor can help you in your homes sale - SETTING THE PRICE Pricing your home is a careful balance. Set the price too low and you leave money on the table. Set the price too high and your home will be on the market a long time, which just compounds the problem as it raises questions about it’s sale-ability. As a Realtor, it is my job to know what properties like yours have sold for recently, and can utilize the detailed history of area sales to tell whether your home - with it’s unique features, location and condition - will bring more, or less, than similar listings. And I always have the pulse of the local and regional Real Estate market, so I know whether the market is heating up or cooling down, and can stay ahead of the trend, pricing your home to get you the highest possible price in the least amount of time. BEING OBJECTIVE Selling a home can be an emotional experience. After all, it’s been a part of your life, perhaps the center of your life, for years. As a third party, a Realtor can keep you focused and provide independent feedback on things you should do, or changes and repairs that should be made, to help the home sell. I will also act as a buffer during negotiations. As a licensed Realtor, I adhere to a strict code of ethics, and I work to represent your best interests. PROVIDE MARKETING MUSCLE Attracting interested people to view and buy your home does not happen automatically. I will market your home to the widest audience of potential buyers through a well-coordinated multimedia campaign. Of course, I will use Signs, Newspaper Ads, Internet and open houses, but you’ll also be placed in the Multiple Listing Service where local agents can bring it to the attention of their buyers, and then to Realtor and Yahoo Classifieds Real Estate where it can be viewed by anyone in the world that is relocating to this area. PRE-QUALIFY BUYERS I can help separate the serious buyers from the “lookie-loos” and thus save you a lot of time and frustration. I will determine if buyers are serious by getting answers to questions about their motivations and purchasing power and by ensuring that they have been pre-qualified for a mortgage in the amount needed to buy your home. When I bring you an offer on your home, you can be sure that the buyers’ finances are sound and the deal is ready to be done. FOLLOW THROUGH and CLOSE THE DEAL Selling your house is complicated and there is a mountain of paperwork. First there are offers and counter-offers. Then come the Contracts of Sale, inspection reports, disclosure forms, deeds, mortgage documents. I keep track of it all and see to every detail. My value is in avoiding delays and mistakes, and coordinating the timing of the sale of this house with the purchase of another, so that you make a smooth transition to your new home. SUMMARY The value that I, or any licensed Realtor brings to someone selling a house is, in the end, peace of mind. The marketing, the details, the paperwork, the coordination. I do it every day, and I enjoy the process. So relax and leave the details to me. You’ll find that having a knowledgeable Realtor beside you throughout the sale of your home is priceless.

Philippine apart hotels or condotels as an investment

In the Philippines it's not just that condos are comparatively cheaper and relatively more easy to maintain than a single-family home. In recent years, they've become the prime residential real estate investment and the best may be yet to come says Beth Collingz, International Sales Director, PLC International, the lead marketing partners for Pacific Concord Properties Inc's Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels. Collingz said according to her research into Philippine property values, since 2000, mid market condos in Metro Manila have increased in value 120 percent, at an annual rate of 17.14 percent compared to new homes rising some 25 percent since 2000 or 3.57 percent a year and resale homes rising 20 percent since 2000 or 2.85 percent a year. The median price for an existing studio type condo in Metro Manila is around $53,000 for 2007, up some 55 percent from $34,000 in 2005 whilst mid range housing prices in the $90,000 range for 2007 are only up some 8 percent from $84,000 in 2005. Rising demand for condos, hotels, short and medium term rental accommodation, offices and shopping malls in the Philippines, home to a population of almost 80 million and with a significant number of the more than 10 million returning overseas Filipino ‘Baby Boomers’, is also fueling rents. Residential rents in Metro Manila rose 26 percent in the three months to March 2007, their highest quarter-on-quarter increase in more than a decade, as more and more IT companies set up shop in the Philippinespanies like Texas Instruments are investing $1B in expanded operations in the Philippines. High-end rents rose some 13 percent from a year earlier, said Collingz. Collingz projects that Rents in the region are set to effectively jump up by at least 8.7 percent per annum over the next five years, compared with 3.3 percent in the United States and 3.7 percent in Europe. Yields from 8 percent to as high as 14-16 percent ROI on rental income property contrast with the 4 percent to 5 percent that private equity firms get in the United States and Europe. These facts gives significant rise to the value of making Condotel investments in the Philippines says Collingz. People are in general looking to shift fund flows relatively towards Asia, Collingz said. It already has had a profound impact in markets where there's a lot of this money chasing the same assets. In Singapore, the region's second - biggest market after Japan, investments by private real estate funds accounted for seven of the 19 office blocks, worth 6.7 billion dollars, sold since September 2005. REITs bought six. A Goldman Sachs fund paid 690 million dollars for two buildings last November that house the headquarters of DBS Group Holdings. In Hong Kong, property funds of Morgan Stanley and Macquarie Bank paid a total of 7.9 billion Hong Kong dollars, or $1.02 billion, for four office blocks from March to May, according a recent article published by CB Richard Ellis. As the Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong markets become saturated, the Philippines will be the next real estate market to attract substantial overseas investments. Lower prices and retirees’ spending money are also directing foreign attention to residential condominium hotels in the Philippines, which in turn is driving up more construction. A lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices here compared to Europe – especially UK housing prices – and the easy payment options available for condominium hotel developments, Collingz said. The buyers gain rental incomes that on today’s purchase prices give a projected ROI of some 8 percent to 14-16 percent depending on the mode of payment for the unit she said. Metro Manila remains a popular choice with international buyers and institutional investors. Collingz says clients tell her that it makes more sense to buy in a year-round vacation destinations and business centers. Lancaster - The Atrium Condotel developments by Pacific Concord Properties located in Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila - fits the bill with all it offers to International buyers. Accessibility is also a factor. Flights from London to Manila, for example, average just 16 hours, add to that the many airline specials and it’s easy to see why this area is becoming an international community. Unlike other offshore rental properties, where the rental market is largely seasonal, in the Philippines there is a strong market for rental properties year round. This gives buyers greater flexibility in choosing when to use and when to rent their property. The strong rental/second home market also has resulted in a proliferation of professional property managers and rental agents, making property ownership and rental easy. Pacific Concord Properties Inc with it’s flagship Lancaster Condo Hotel Developments fit’s the bill Lancaster Manila Atrium Tower A, Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila, Philippines is a Full Service Condominium Hotel [Condotel] offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower II will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units through Condo Hotel Management. Combined with rising condo prices, a general shortage of reasonable rental property and substantial increases in short and long-term rental rates, this makes Lancaster Suites Manila, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines said Collingz.

Selling you home without a real estate agent

If you’re thinking, "I should sell my house without a realtor," the current real estate market and explosion of the Internet will make your job easier. Sell My House Without A Realtor If you are looking to sell a house without a realtor, you are known as a "FSBO" seller. FSBO stands for the phrase “for sale by owner.” Although FSBO sellers have always existed, they have become much more prevalent in the last few years due to two primary factors. Hot Real Estate Market An insanely hot real estate market has made realtors somewhat irrelevant in many parts of the country. For instance, homes in San Diego, California were known to be on the market for less than two weeks on average in early 2005. Keep in mind, this was the average time it took to sell a home including the run down messes. In such a market, many homeowners started wondering why they were paying six percent commissions to a realtor who didn’t have to do much. Internet Use The creation of FSBO real estate listings sites has exploded over the last three or four years. As buyers and sellers became more familiar with these sites, they often searched online for homes instead of driving areas with a realtor. This resulted in sellers wondering why they should pay a commission of 6 percent to a realtor when a site like fsboamerica. org only charged $25 a month to list a home on the site. Many couldn’t come up with a reason. No Realtor The decision to sell you house without a realtor is one you should make carefully. If you’re comfortable with the sales process, going FSBO makes all the sense in the world. If you’re not comfortable with the negotiating process, then you may want to consider using a realtor. Ultimately, your first step should be to buy a FSBO book in your local bookstore or visit a FSBO site and read up on what is involved.

North cyprus the last mediterranean property investment hotspot

If only I'd had the foresight to buy an investment property in Spain, the South of France, Tuscany or in Malta twenty years ago when property prices were so cheap because the desirability of the destination had yet to enjoy exposure...if only... Many people believe that the world's most beautiful locations are the countries in and around the Mediterranean Sea - think Spain, Malta, Turkey, Egypt, Sardinia, Italy, Morocco and Tunisia. All are nations synonymous with a fantastic climate, a wonderful quality of life, excellent cuisine, friendly and laid back people...naturally enough the Mediterranean countries are the most popular with those looking for a sun drenched holiday, a beautiful place to retire to or the perfect place to buy a property that will go up in value, be easy to rent and easy to resell. But many have already missed the affordability boat. Properties on the most popular islands in the Mediterranean Sea and in the most desirable locations start from a quarter of a million pounds and go up to tens of millions. So the average property investor, second home seeker or retiree looking for an affordable place in the sun is going to be sadly disappointed then? That is unless they discover the secret delights of Northern Cyprus… North Cyprus is the secret and undiscovered third of the island of Cyprus that has been left untouched, unspoiled and unsullied by the greed of the 1970s and 1980s, it has escaped the overdevelopment and mass tourism of the 1990s and it has emerged in the new Millennium as a gem in an otherwise saturated, over priced market. Properties in Northern Cyprus start from just GBP 60,000 for a duplex apartment in a resort on a championship golf course! North Cyprus truly is the very last Mediterranean property investment hotspot and it will not remain undiscovered for long. While the government are committed to preserving the beauty and culture of the island and determined to prevent it being overdeveloped and sullied, the properties that are being built sympathetically are catching the eye of international property investors, retirees, second homers and those looking to afford to start a brand new and exciting life in the sun. The number of visitors coming to Cyprus is increasing rapidly; large international developers are discussing many projects from seven star hotels and luxurious resorts to more golf courses, marinas and even a furthering of the higher education establishments that North Cyprus is already famous for. Demand for property for sale and rent is coming from the large student base but more importantly it is coming from retiring Europeans, young families and couples, holiday makers, those needing a second home and even corporate investors. Northern Cyprus property will not remain so affordable for so long - firstly the demand for property for sale is outstripping current supply and builders cannot keep up with demand, secondly prices are already increasing and finance is being made available privately broadening the numbers of those who will be able to enter the market. As demand soars and supply remains steady and restricted by the government's high standards, prices are rising and are going to keep on rising...making North Cyprus's property market one of the hottest in the world.

How to climb the equity ladder in real estate

As one of the most secure investment areas, real estate is currently making more money for more people than almost any other area of investment. All you really have to do to see this is watch some TV, you will see any number of get rich schemes that are based on purchasing property. While most of these schemes are just that, the truth of the matter is that real estate makes money. In recent years real estate has made more millionaires than any other investment, and this trend is continuing. Smart investors continue to put their money where they know it will grow. When investing in real estate one needs to make some important decisions before the purchase is ever made. You will have to decide if you are going to be a landlord or simply flip homes. Being a landlord can be a difficult undertaking. Remember that in being a landlord, one must deal with the negative aspects of the job. Kicking people out, collecting unpaid rent or having to fix things regularly can weigh heavily on a homeowner so don't choose the landlord route unless you are sure you can do it. If you choose to flip homes, then be sure to have money set aside for the renovations that you will no doubt want to do. This is the easiest way to ensure that you see a good profit on your investment. In flipping homes, try to pick ones that are going to be easy to fix up. Location is also very important at this time, as a good location alone can sell a home. Purchasing homes in and around major commerce center or education district is good practice as these homes usually go for premium rates. Try to avoid homes that need extensive repairs or upgrades. These can cut into your profit margin and take precious time that could be better utilized by having the home on the market. Be sure to assess the risk involved with flipping a home. The renovations that you make must be able to justify the new asking price, so be careful and plan accordingly.

Real estate investing promises big money with little to no cash investment

It's no secret that there is a mountain of money to be made in the real estate market. Some think it might even be the easiest way to become a millionaire! Contrary to popular belief, however, you don't have to have a lot of money to start with. Hundreds of thousands of people across the country are making money without risking money or credit. There are three basic methods in use. The first of these is to take over the debt load of homeowners. This can be done without risk by developing a "subject to" deal. Many people are under a huge load of debt and will transfer their ownership to you along with the equity they have in the house, simply to be relieved of the burden of the debt. These homes are beautiful and well maintained as a rule. You do not have to guarantee a note in order to do this. You can learn how to take on these deals when you pick up my free real estate investing course. A second way to get into real estate investing with very little money risked is to wholesale houses that need "rehab." These low end properties that are in very poor condition can be a veritable gold mine. You find the bargains and pass them along to the contractors and carpenters who earn money fixing up houses to sell. You never own the property, but you can make anywhere from $10,000 up on each sale. It's possible to wholesale 3 or 4 houses every month. Just think of the income that could generate! A third way of making money with real estate is to option high end houses. This means that you find a house that has a lot of equity already in it, such as a million dollar house with three or four hundred thousand in equity. You option this for one price and through the use of killer sales strategies, you sell it for much more. The seller gets the price they want, the buyer gets the price they want, and you get the difference, which could be several hundred thousand dollars! Your only expenses are some marketing materials and about $100 for an option deposit.. If you're wholesaling, Ten Bucks will suffice! You don't have to make any monthly payments or repairs. You don't have to borrow any money yourself. Furthermore, there has never been a better time than the present for making money on these high end houses. One way to learn the tricks of the real estate investing trade is to find a mentor that already has had experience in Real Estate Investing. Another way to learn is to visit the website that I have listed below. These helpful sites contain information about many training options as well as hundreds of articles about every facet of real estate investing. Is investing in real estate something that would work for you? There is no way to know for sure unless you check out the claims and testimonials of those who are making this business work for them.