Friday, August 8, 2008

Investing in Dubai Real Estate

Dubai is currently one of the top of the list for fastest growing cities worldwide and has a real estate market others are highly envious of. As a result everyday new apartments, villas and luxury bungalows are entered onto the market. Dubai is a free tax haven, which has lead to many investors taking advantage of the huge capital gains to be made in property investments. An investor can expect to make around 30 percent returns on their investment. Dubai has a solid and stable real estate market.

The huge returns being made from Dubai property investments has pushed the prices up for locals and expatriates wishing to either buy commercial or private property worry about being able to afford to live in Dubai the mortgage repayments are often significantly higher than rental payments. Due to high demand and rapid growth particularly in apartment and seaside dwellings building costs have skyrocketed. Some market experts predict a slump or a correction to prices by a reverse trend sometime in the near future. To date however there appears to be no slowing down and demand way out exceeds supply. The fast profits being made have lead to a worldwide awareness and a rush to invest and as a result there have also been dubious realtors and scams being conducted.

If you are considering buying commercial properties in Dubai then it is prudent to do your research first. You cannot expect to just jump off a plane and find yourself a profitable short-term investment. Foreigners in particular need to be wary and get sound advice before even considering a purchase. As an investor you cannot apply other market results to expectations of returns. To avoid being scammed or sold over priced properties then you really need to spend some time having a trusted person look over any prospective deals and comparing them to others in different regions. Never buy a property unseen.

Dubai’s government opened up shop for those of any nationality in may of 2002 this lead to an overnight boom in the real estate market there is however no guarantee that this will remain the status quo.

Dubai as mentioned earlier has a tax free law which means that no taxes are imposed on people who want to venture into Dubai real estate. There are currently many Dubai real estate and property projects which are coming up in various locations in the city like The Walk, Jumeriah beach residence, Business bay, The Executive Towers, The Villa, and Bay Avenue. Dubai sure is the ideal place to invest in real estate and you will find different types of apartments ranging from studio, to three bedroom apartments, villas and luxury homes being built and put up on sale.

Clifton Real Estate runs a site dedicated to providing advise and information for those wishing to learn or invest in the Dubai property or Dubai real estate markets.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Best Investment You Can Make Is Buying A Home

When you buy your own residence, you take the first measure to the richness of building by the investment in real estate. Instead of carrying out the payments of rent which sponge someone else they seem more the reasonable one to carry out payments of mortgage to sponge your clean. In this way not only your payments in a property, you invest you can benefit from the appreciations. A creative method to increase your booklet of the properties is to connect periodically on the increasing stockholders' equity available in your primary residence.

After the purchase of your own house, the next most common stage in the investment of property of real estate is to buy a rental property. By making a smart purchase, by keeping our continuous expenditure with a minimum, and by receiving valid payments of hiring, you could benefit from the appreciations, and the rental income that you receive can be employed to continue to pay your mortgage. After obtaining the stockholders' equity in the property and payment of your mortgage, you can repeat the process to buy another property.

Reduce your risk to the minimum by buying properties well below the commercial value. The values of real estate simply put and will increase with time. If you are ready, you will surely profit by maintaining the property. Unless you are rich, you will have to leave a mortgage to buy the property of real estate. A mortgage deed employs the property like safety for a loan on the property.

A mortgage enables you to buy the real estate with an installment and limits of refunding so that you should not pay the full value of the property immediately. If one decides to be contravening on payments, the preclusion will find the neccessity for a legal hearing which provides to the borrower certain forms protection.

The real estate historically offered to investors returns much better than the majority of the other options of investment. The practices in force of bank ask for only one deposit of ten percent so that you acquire the property, although you must also prove that you can support the monthly payments. You are in excellent position to carry out beautiful benefit if you buy wisely. In fact, the real estate traditionally returned the investments primarily more than average of stockmarket with time.

As well as the long-term richness of building, the investment of property can offer tax incentives in certain circumstances. Obtain the council of your accountant to know if your circumstances would enable you to claim tax incentives.

The investment of stockmarket is a decision much wiser than the real estate investing because it has advantages such of the fluctuating prices. With the real estate you can make a proposal which lower (sometimes primarily thus) larger or is low compared with the price. Prices of stockmarket are fixed and do not allow any part to move. Thus, sometimes an excellent property can be acquired by you when your offer is accepted by the salesman, who is in a hurry to sell.

Altogether, the investment in real estate is a wise choice which offers excellent long-term returns and sometimes even in the short run substantial profits. You can start small with a deposit of ten percent on an accessible property and gradually accumulate investments in your booklet of property. The investment of real estate is generally a sure way with the placement of personal richness and retirement as long as you behave conservativement and wisely.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Avoid Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

Selling your home can be an exhausting experience. Last minute walk throughs, inconvenient calls, price adjustment and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are real concerns. If you are not completely prepared you could end up losing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in profit.

The difference between a profitable smooth transaction and a break even, miserable experience is often a fine line. In the majority of cases it comes down to the subtle know how of your professional. By utilizing the knowledge of a well-trained real estate investor, you'll ensure the quick, profitable sale of your home. This report is designed to arm you with the knowledge to avoid 11 common mistakes that cost sellers serious money.

1. Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs
It always costs you more money to sell 'as is' than to make repairs that will increase the value of your home. Even minor improvements will often yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale. Your agent will be able to point out what repairs will significantly increase the value of your home. Seemingly small fix up jobs can have quite an impact.

2. Not Considering Other Financing Terms
Cash is not always the most advantageous transaction. Income level, tax benefits and current legislation are all critical factors when considering purchase terms. Professional Real Estate Investors are experts at home transactions and can lead you down the path that will give you the highest yield.

3. Provide Easy Access for Showings
Accessibility is a major key to profitability. Appointment-only showings are the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least. However there are certain considerations to take into account: your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale and the relationship with the person representing your interests. The more accessible your home is, the better the odds of finding a person willing to pay your asking price. You never know if the one that couldn't get a viewing was the one that got away. By developing a trusting relationship with an investor, he or she will show the home with your best interests in mind.

4. Priced Too Low/Priced Too High
One critical reason to find an experienced professional real estate investment professional is to make sure the property is priced appropriately for a timely and profitable sale. If the property is priced too high it will sit and develop the identity of a problem property. If it's priced too low it could cost you considerable profits. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re-evaluated by your representaive every 10-14 days to help you maximize your return.

5. Relying Solely on Traditional Methods To Sell Your Home
The real estate professional who is innovative and willing to offer new strategies of attracting home buyers will always outperform those who rely on traditional methods. Demand around the clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods and lead accountability. These services exist and should be offered on your home sale.

6. Market Timing/Seasonal Selling
Just as a broker who continually follows the trends of a stock, your real estate professional continually follows trends of your home market. They will know if the market cycle is poised to net you the most money. Avoid believing that property sales are seasonal.. property is always selling.

7. Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes
The prospective home buyer's first impression is the most important. Hundreds ordf thousands of home sales have been lost to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, bad stains, unpleasant odors... all the seemingly little things. Imagine you were the home buyer and clean your place from top to bottom... military style.

8. Wasting Time With An Unqualified Prospect
Your representative's responsibility is to screen a prospect's qualifications before valuable time is lost. Be sure to align yourself with the right professional and eliminate negotiating with unqualified prospects.

9. Don't Test The Market
Never put your property on line to sell unless you are serious. The right professional will find you buyers and if you are harboring indecision... you will blow the sale.

10. Believing You are Powerless to Make a Difference
Be a part of the team! Take an active role with your real estate professional to see what you can do to facilitate your sale. Networking with professional peers and personal friends often results in the sale of a home. It's surprising how many homes are sold this way.

11. Believing All Realtors, Brokers & Others are the Same
With all the intricate details and critical decisions to be made concerning your home sale, should you rely on anyone but an experienced real estate investment professional? Many friends and family members have been estranged as a result of failing to meet expectations. Your home sale is a time consuming, effort related, difficult task. Maximize your profit by utilizing a experienced real estate investment professional.

Are You Buying a House or a Home?

As you read and study about buying real estate, you will often find the words "house" and "home" used interchangeably. There is a huge difference between a house and a home.
A house can be a place to eat, sleep, park your car, and put all your "stuff" (including other family members). It is a material possession and an investment. A home is where you feel comfortable, warm, safe, and protected.
A home is where you live.
A house is something you buy logically. A home is an emotional purchase. When buying real estate you have to balance your emotional wants and your logical needs because there will almost certainly be a time when the two conflict.
Example
For example, you may want a house with a view, but the payment is higher than you feel comfortable with on a thirty-year fixed rate mortgage.
What do you do?
Purchase the house anyway and budget more carefully for the next few years? Buy the same house without the view and get it cheaper? Make a larger down payment by borrowing from your 401K or family members, so you get a lower payment? Get an adjustable rate mortgage with a smaller payment instead of a fixed rate loan? Or buy a smaller house and still get the view?
When viewing the house, most people look at it emotionally and envision it as a safe, happy, comfortable home. Later, when making the offer or filling out a mortgage application, your logic may begin to kick in, instead. That's when "buyer's remorse" may come up, but...that's a different article.
Balancing Act
The trick in buying real estate is to view all decisions with both a logical perspective and an emotional perspective. If a situation presents itself that requires a trade-off, decide on whether there is a huge conflict or a small one. Logic should win the big conflicts, but emotion should always be a factor, even winning the small ones.
You will find yourself owning a warm, happy, safe home – and an investment for the future at a price you are willing to pay.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Terms related to Listing Agreement

The contract is often referred to as a listing agreement and, if the broker is a member of the National Association of Realtors, it must include all of the following terms:

1. A beginning date and a termination date.

2. The list price at which the property will be offered for sale.

3. The amount of compensation offered to the broker, whether it is in the form of a flat fee or percentage of the sales price.

4. The terms and conditions under which the brokerage fee shall be paid by the seller.

5. Authorizes the broker to co-operate with other brokers as sub-agents or buyer's agents and details the compensation to be offered to those brokers in the event they procure a buyer.

6. Authorizes the broker to reveal or not to reveal the existence of offers previously received.

In addition, other terms which may appear in the agreement can include:

7. Authorization to the broker to post a sign, to advertise the property, and to put a lockbox on the door, as well seller's obligations to advise the broker on the condition of the property, and broker's obligations to advise the seller about regulations and laws which may affect the sale.

Listing Contract In Property

Types of Listing Contracts

A listing contract is an agreement between you and a licensed real estate broker that authorizes the broker to represent you in the process of selling your home. There are several different types of listing contracts, but very few of them are used.
A listing contract is a contract between a real estate broker (or his/her agent representatives, acting in the broker's name) and a seller or sellers of real property to give the broker the right to offer the property for sale.

Open Listing

This is a non-exclusive contract. An open listing lets an owner sell her home by herself. It is a non-exclusive agreement, meaning the owner may execute open listings with more than one real estate broker and pay only the broker who brings an able buyer whose offer the owner accepts.

The big difference is an owner will probably pay only a selling broker's commission, which is about one-half of typical fees. The reason is because the owner is unrepresented. Therefore, owners do not pay a broker to represent the owner, but do pay the broker to represent the buyer. However, if the owner finds the buyer herself, the owner will not owe anybody a
commission. Open listings are not popular with many full-service real estate brokers. Generally, the only people who use open listings are FSBO's (for sale by owner) who are willing to pay a partial commission to an agent for finding a buyer. You shouldn't expect any marketing or advertising at all with an open listing contract.

One-Time Show

This type of listing contract is pretty much the same to open listing. It's generally used by people trying to sell their own home and involving an agent for the home showings. The listing contract identifies the potential buyer and guarantees the agent a commission if that buyer buys the home. Just like open listings, this type lacks of marketing efforts.

Showing Listing

Also called the “one time” agreement. This is an agreement whereby a FSBO agrees to let an agent show the home to an interested client and pay a commission to the agent if that showing results in a sale. The purpose being to prevent a seller from letting an agent show the property, then deal directly with the client, to avoid paying any commission.

Exclusive Right to Sell Listing

The most popular type of listing with sellers and brokers, this contract gives the full right for your broker to do whatever it takes to sell your house. For obvious reasons, this is probably the type of contract where you can expect the most incentive from the agent - a good marketing effort can take place here, and the homeowners' work is much reduced. The owner pays both the listing and selling broker fees. The owner cannot sell the property herself without paying a commission, unless an exception is noted in the contract.

Exclusive Agency Listing

During your home selling, you will find that different types of listing contracts involve a lot of different people. This one involves a broker. Basically an exclusive agency listing will give you the right to sell your own home, without paying the broker any commission unless the house is sold through a licensed real estate professional. Should the house be sold without any help of agents, the contract allows homeowners to pay no commission at all. The reason why this type of listing contract is widely used is the temptation of not having to pay your broker.

An exclusive agency listing is similar to an open listing except the major difference is the broker will represent the owner. The owner still reserves the right to sell the property herself and not pay a commission. The broker is free to cooperate with another brokerage, meaning the second brokerage could bring an able buyer whose offer the owner accepts. Typically, the
broker is paid a listing commission that is shared with the selling broker, so the owner pays both fees.


"Before you choose your contract, always make sure you know every type of listing contracts available to you. Take in mind how much effort you would like to contribute to the home selling - this is often what distinguishes the types. Discuss the possibilities and disadvantages of each type. Remember, a listing contract is your first legal step in selling your house - take that step carefully."

Monday, January 7, 2008

Critical Areas During A Home Inspection

A home inspector looks at the structure and many systems and components in the home. While this information is all helpful to the buyer, the fact remains that a few key locations at the home tend to be those areas where the most dangerous safety issues are found.

If a home inspector adheres to any of the published national standards, the home inspection will include many locations and systems: structure, roof, crawl space or basement areas, plumbing, heating, electrical, fireplaces, etc. Even though the inspector looks at all of these components, there are certain locations or systems that are, in fact, more critical than others in trying to identify the possible safety concerns.

Faulty, ancient or overloaded wiring often causes house fires. An inspector should look for evidence of this condition. Another significant danger at the home involves decks. With high decks, and to a lesser degree low decks, a person falling through rotted decking can receive a life threatening injury. There are a number of other common deck safety issues: missing lag bolts at high decks, poor or missing guardrails or handrails and unsafe steps. The hot water heater, the fireplace and the furnace are other systems that need to be carefully evaluated by the inspector. An incorrectly plumbed water heater might explode. Furnaces and fireplaces, that are not maintained professionally, can be fire hazards or disperse carbon monoxide into the home.

The components and systems described above tend to be among the most critical as far as household safety. That does not, however, mean that other areas of the home should be ignored. Historically, some of the most expensive repairs - often with dollar amounts going well beyond the cost of repairing those systems listed above - involve re-roofing, replacing old plumbing, or resolving serious structural problems in the crawl space, such as repairing damage from termites, carpenter ants or rot. A quality home inspection should pay for itself. In the long run the inspection report, prepared by a trained professional, will provide you with not only an overview of the work that needs to be addressed right away but also a glimpse into the future and the projects that will be required or are recommended at a later date.

Finding New Homes

Finding a new home can be a long, tedious and trying adventure. But if you get prepared before hand this will help. Do you know where you want to live? What you can afford? And what size and type of home you want? This will help you a great deal in your search.

There are many tools available to help you in your search for that perfect new home. Home magazines contain homes listed for sale by realtors; you can browse at your leisure and then call the realtors to take a look at the ones of interest. Many of these have pictures so you can get an idea of what they look like. If you go on the internet you will find many sites that have listings of for sale properties from realtors and home owners. Most of these have pictures of the home and many also have a virtual tour of the ones that are available. You can also learn about the neighborhoods, schools and places of interest.

You can obtain the assistance of a realtor who will take the information of what you are looking for in your new home purchase, and do a search of homes for sale and give you the results, they will also take you to look at the properties you like. They can make your experience much easier and relaxed. However when you decide to start looking for a new home, it should be fun. And by getting prepared before you look, it will help to make the process easier and enjoyable. Check out news stands for the magazines, ask your friends for a referral to a good realtor.

Get a hot cup of coffee and relax in front of your computer and do some looking there. You can check out realtor sites and classified ad site to look for just the right new home for you and your family