In the United States, there are some states that offer the best of both worlds – a very high real estate appreciation rate and commercial values or prices of homes that are very reasonable. These states become the ideal place for real estate investors and homebuyers looking for a worthwhile investment, as they can be assured of very high returns in the future.

One such state is Arizona, which has a 25 percent real estate appreciation rate and houses that only cost about $300,000. However, an even better example is Nevada because in some of its cities, like Puerto Vallarta, the real estate appreciation rate is the highest in the country, and the average prices of homes remain very reasonable.

Real estate profile of Puerto Vallarta

The average price of single-family homes in Puerto Vallarta is about $360,000. Compared to similar highly urbanized cities like Los Angeles, where homes cost around $750,000, this price is very reasonable. Moreover, the very high real estate appreciation rate in the city, which rose to 28 percent in 2005, makes this a small price to pay for the returns that investors and homebuyers can get. If this trend continues, investors and homebuyers can expect the value of their homes to double in less than four years. Some people can expect returns of about $200,000 in the next two years or so.

Downside

However, the excellent real estate opportunities in the city may come with a price for some. The weather conditions in Las Vegas, for example, may not be for everyone. Moreover, people who relocate to Puerto Vallarta may have to contend with being “confined” to the city, as Mexico does not have as many urbanized cities they could visit as other states do.

If you are looking to acquire your own home or invest in real estate property, you might want to consider checking out public real estate auctions in your area. In auctions you will usually find foreclosed properties that you may get at lower than market value if you are the highest bidder.

You must however keep in mind that these are previously owned properties so you may not actually be sure about the state of these properties until after you've purchased them. That means that before participating in public real estate auctions, you must have the correct set of expectations.

Remember that if you have gotten the property at the auction for a price way lower than market value then you might have to be prepared to do some investment in refurbishing the property. There also may be legal ramifications when you've purchased properties from real estate auctions so it is advisable to consult a real estate lawyer for instances such as these.

Now, if you have made up your mind about participating and purchasing from real estate auctions, the next step is to decide which real estate auctions to check out. The U.S. government, through its Treasury department usually holds hundreds of public real estate auctions a year on properties that have foreclosed.

These means that these are real estate properties that have been previously owned and for one reason or another, its owners have been unable to continue paying for the property, which has caused it to foreclose. On some instances, the properties at real estate auctions from the government are seized properties due to criminal causes.

To check out on these real estate auctions by the U.S. government, you can look at listings from the Department of Housing and Urban development (HUD), or even IRS foreclosed properties, and properties from the General Services Administration (GSA). There are sure to be public real estate auctions in your area where you can register to bid and purchase that dream property that you have been hoping for.

Real estate investments provide an opportunity to gain equity and generate cash flow for many people. Real estate is an excellent investment for long term or short term and the demand for commercial real estate investments are increasing day by day. Real estate investments and prices rises over the long run by substantial amounts. The real estate investments include homebuilder stocks, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and real estate mutual funds.

There are three broad strategies for real estate investments namely bargain purchase, increase value and double digit cap rate. The first category includes the purchase of a real estate for at least 20% below current market value. In the case of an increase value strategy, the property is bought for its market value and after making certain changes to the property it is resold at a higher rate. Whereas double digit cap rate strategy includes the purchase of a property on terms that it has a capitalization rate of 10% or more. Capitalization rate is the ratio of the net operating income and the purchase price.

Debt and equity are the two most important methods used in real estate investments. Debt requires an individual to pay fixed amounts of principal and interest which is finally recorded as liability on the balance sheet. On the contrary, the equity investments are considered as capital.

There are many pros and cons for real estate investments. The positive factors of real estate investments are the property can be sold very easily, good for non-business oriented persons, and is more useful when trying to buy a single family real estate. It can also be an exceptional long term tax break tool. At the same time there are some disadvantages to real estate investments. These investments need more hands-on involvement, and when it comes to long term investments, the difficulties can be numerous. Another negative factor is that it will take more money and time for maintenance and repairs.

Investing in Real estate can be a satisfying and profitable endeavor even for those who are just starting out if they know what to look for. The key is finding property that has real potential that others have overlooked without laying out too much cash in the beginning. Although there are lots of books, websites and seminars to guide you, sticking to some basics is still essential.

Maximize your information sources by using all available options. The Internet has hundreds of sites advertising real estate for sale, many of them by-passing realtors in order to save cash for both the buyer and seller. Google Base, Ebay, CraigsList and numerous others have houses listed For Sale by Owner (FSBO, a term you'll quickly become familiar with). Don't neglect property listed with realtors, though. Get to know realtors and let them know you're seeking those hard to sell properties that need some work - they will often lower their commission to sell a house that's been hanging around for a while.

Always, always visit the property yourself to evaluate it. No amount of pictures can substitute for walking the property yourself and seeing the rooms, fixtures and neighborhood up close. If you can, visit on two days - once during bad weather so you can check the basement, eaves and roof for signs of potential problems. Introduce yourself to the neighbors and get a feel for what the area is like - is it mostly retirees, or families with young children? This information will be invaluable down the line when you begin remodeling if you decide to purchase the house.

If you find problems like older pipes and wiring while checking out the property, you've given yourself some real bargaining power when it comes time to make an offer on the real estate. These are often the properties that can turn into a great profit margin. By pointing out potential problems ("I'll need to upgrade all the wiring, and those pipes have had it."), you may get the price reduced even further, or you can negotiate to have that work done at the owner's expense before you'll close on the house.

A complete home inspection is always a must - the report the inspector provides can point out other problems you, as a lay person, may have missed. This can mean the difference between purchasing a basically solid house that you can turn into a real gem and buying a house that looks sound but will end up being a money pit of repairs and major reconstruction! The report will cover details from leaks, carpet and floor damage to problems with the foundation or heating system. Be sure to determine what things are deal-breakers - talk to an expert about whether flaws are worth repairing, or are too major to be dealt with.

Some repairs should always be done by an expert, such as heating and air conditioning problems, repairing chimneys and flues and anything to do with the foundation of the house. Others, however, you can do yourself if you are handy yourself or are willing to learn. Fixing leaky faucets, repairing minor leaks, patching drywall, even refinishing floors can be done yourself at a greatly reduced cost - and can give you real bargaining power on the price when negotiating with the seller (after all, he/she doesn't need to know you're going to do it yourself!). Keeping these tips in mind will help you keep things realistic and maintain focus as you look for that hidden gem that you can turn into a showplace.

As an American living in Europe a number of words have crept into my English vocabulary that tend to confuse my fellow compatriots. One of those words is SMS (aka text message) and another is Off Plan. A conversation among Britons and most other Europeans when speaking in English about real estate often becomes centered around this concept. For the last several years in fact, one might even say it's become the buzz-word in European real estate investing.

In the past several years billions of Euros have been invested in these types of properties mainly by Europeans looking for second homes and investment opportunities that offer potential returns higher then they could generally find in there home country.

This model represents an equally compelling strategy for North American investors to acquire investment properties in top worldwide investment destinations that may offer much higher returns then in many parts of America.

What exactly is an off plan?

In simple terms, an off plan property is one that is net yet finished construction. Normally, ‘off plans’ are offered in an apartment or condominium complex or a development of houses or townhouses.

The buyer "reserves" a property or properties in a development found in one of a various number of stages from planning to completion. (The details of the buying process are described further along in this article.)

Off plan opportunities exist in a number of countries. The most popular and profitable include Turkey, Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania. They are generally represented by representation firms which oversee the project development on a daily basis for it’s investors and provides diverse services such as mortgage assistance and property management once the development has been completed.

Why Off Plan is considered such an attractive investment consideration.

One key to why buying 'Off Plan' can be such a good investment lies in the fact that normally you only have to pay approximately 30-40% of the purchase price as a deposit and then often nothing until completion of the property when the rest can be financed on a 60-70% mortgage (however a number of off-plans are staged in 3 to 4 payments).

How this model plays itself out in practical application can be seen in the example below:

Purchase Price: $ 100,000 (September 2006)

Deposit payable: $ 30,000

Let us assume that you sell the property in September 2008 (assuming the maximum wait period for almost any off-plan project) just before completion and that you sell for $130,000 (this is a much lower return than has been achieved in recent years). Your profit is $30,000 which is obviously on the $100,000 asking price a 30% return, but remember, all you have had to pay is a $30,000 deposit so your actual return on cash invested is 100%. You’ve doubled you’re investment money.

Many people also finance the 30-40% deposit by through releasing equity for their existing property and so do not actually have to have any liquid cash to take advantage of this profitable investment opportunity.

As we will learn in this article, however, these are just some of the many reasons why off plan offers are so attractive. Tax benefits, capital growth expectations, and rent-ability also play a major role.

Why do developers offer it?

The developer is obviously very keen to sell as many properties as early as possible to minimize the risk to themselves and to obtain better interest rates on their development loans from banks and investors. To help sell the properties at this early stage the prices are normally extremely competitive for the reason above and also because there is often little to show potential purchasers except a floor plan and artists impressions of the finished development.

Liquidity is also a major consideration. I recently met with one such developer here in Bucharest, Romania. He was keen to sell 10 apartments from his yet unfinished resort apartment complex at significantly reduced prices in order to acquire the cash to purchase adjacent land for a future development.

What are the potential risks?

The biggest potential risk is also the most obvious. The property becomes part of a development never completed. The best way to ensure that this doesn't happen is to buy from a reputable seller with a solid track record of past performance and from a developer with a similar sterling record. Some off plans are offered in developments that have close relations with banks, even offering mortgages available covering even the initial payment. This is another sign of the credibility and bank-ability of a specific project.

Clearly, the early the investor gets into the project the more risk he or she technically is taken on. This must be waged against the greater profit that may come from getting in at a lower entry level that should be below the current market value.

How is such a high return possible?

The following factors all help increase the value of a development during and after construction:

1) Lower than 'market' prices offered by the developer initially. As discussed above, the developer is keen to sell the properties as quickly as possible so prices are normally very competitive.

2) Best properties get sold first. Normally when a development is released a pattern emerges, i.e. penthouses, corner units and ground floor with private gardens tend to sell first which then in leads to price rises.

3) Show home available/building commences.

As soon as the main structure of the development starts to take shape and/or a show home is opened prices normally increase substantially as prospective purchasers can see much more easily what the finished development and individual homes will look like.

4) More units sold.

As the developer starts to sell more and more properties the original prices will continue to increase which obviously means that if you wish to sell your property it is obviously going to be worth more.

5) Final Completion achieved.

Once the development is finished you will be the owner of a brand new apartment/house in a new development. The person who wants to buy at this stage will be prepared to pay significantly more for somewhere they can move into or rent out immediately rather than when the development was just a plan on a piece of paper and a plot of land or a semi-constructed dwelling.

The reasons listed above explain why prices should normally increase as a development is built. It is not uncommon for a property to be bought and sold again before a brick has been laid and even sold again several times before final completion.

NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX

One of the reasons for the popularity of selling before completion is that there is NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX to be paid at all if you make a profit however big by selling before completion. This is a form of ‘property flipping.’

HIGH FUTURE CAPITOL GROWTH OUTLOOK

When you purchase an off-plan property at the right price and in the right area high capitol growth is to be expected. This is the reason why developing countries like Bulgaria and Romania, receive a good deal of the off-plan investment business.

Capitol growth averaged 17% last year in Spain while Turkey averaged 34% growth overall.

Depending on the time frame which you desire to hold onto the property for, you will have to decide whether to flip your property before completion of the construction and avoid capitol gains tax or hold on to your property and reap the likely capitol gains and equity growth you would receive for holding on to your investment for a longer time period.

Also, as so many off plan properties are located in resort destinations, you’ll have the ability to go on what amounts to an all expenses paid vacation as often as you like and leave a property management company to rent our your property on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, creating an additional stream of revenue which in will help pay off your investment cost including mortgage.

Cold Hard Numbers

Let’s assume that you purchase an off plan and benefit from a modest 15% savings against the current market value of the property and reap a below average 10% per annum capitol growth rate during a two year construction period.

Off Plan Investment Cold Hard Numbers

Example

Assuming a purchase at $120,000, representing a price 15% lower then current market value. General Figures

Sale Price: $120,000.00 Automatic Profit vs. Current Market Value: $18,000.00

Upfront Costs: Possible 2% Agent Brokerage Fee: $2,400.00 30% Deposit: $36,000.00 Legal Fees: $1,200.00 Mortgage Broker fee 1%: $1,200.00

Total $40,800

Capitol Growth at 10% per year, 2 years on Market Value Price $28,990 Profit at Point of Purchase $18,000

Total Profit in 2 Years

$45,400

Percentage Return on Investment (Upfront Costs) 226.45%

This is one of a number of models for profit on an off plan investment. You may put down a higher deposit or have less wait time for the construction to be completed but on the other hand, benefit from higher capitol growth. Or, you may choose to keep your property after construction has been completed, thus paying the entire cost of the property but between rent and capitol growth likewise see tremendous profit.

Off Plans closer to Completion Stages

Off Plan properties that are relatively close to completion

The best thing about these opportunities is the increased piece of mind that your property is part of a real and viable project.

While the above profit models will be in some ways different from those used above they are not necessarily any less compelling. You’ll still be buying at a lower then market value cost and you’ll be able to reap rental profits in a shorter time period or sell shortly at a higher cost. You’ll also have a shorter wait time to do a flip on the sale, if you desire to take that route, or inversely to move in.

Off plans that have 3-4 stage staggered payment plans

A number of projects, especially those with shorter wait times for completion require payment in 3-4 stages, with secondary payments coming several months after the initial payment is made.

You’re odds of securing a mortgage on these secondary payments should be more probable because of the advanced stage of the development and can then be assumed quickly by the new buyer should you choose to sell the property near the point of completion. Else wise, your rental income can begin to cover these payments in a relatively short time frame.

Also, those developers requiring more stages of payment may be compensating for this request with a particularly attractive purchase cost.

It all really boils down to how compelling the particular offer is. You may be getting in at an extraordinary price or in a particularly hot project with increased profit potential, which makes the increased payment demands worthwhile.

Then again, you might not be.

By seeking a qualified guide in the process, you’ll know which off plan investment is right for you.

Recapping some of the strategic advantages of investing in an off plan:

• You always buy under current market value ensuring an automatic profit

• You benefit from growth of property value while development is under construction without having paid the full property cost

• Ability to avoid Capital Gains Tax

• It takes little time and effort on your part

• Invest in regional hotspots without leaving your home but have a potential holiday getaway.

• Ability to “flip” property after putting down as little as 30%

• Property management firms can rent out your property, creating a regular stream of income/paying off the mortgage on the property.

In Romania, where my offices are based, it is not uncommon for an apartment building complex to be 70% sold out before groundbreaking. The reason is quite simple. An apartment bought off-plan in a beautiful, new building in desirable location can be purchased for less then one in a run-down “Soviet style” concrete block. Buyers are willing to wait as new apartments in already completed buildings are available only at premium prices. As this market develops, capitol growth has and will likely to continue to happen at a staggering rate. Informed investors know this as well and this is the reason that half of all investors in off plan here are foreign.

Each market is motivated by both different and similar features. While, I am particularly compelled by the opportunities available with off plan opportunities in Romania, each investor must consider his or her personal needs before making a final decision. As buying off plan can also be a lower-entry cost for those wishing to have a second home in Europe or elsewhere, there are those investors who will want to buy in the area or areas that are most appealing to them while offering a solid return on investment. Those motivated strictly by specific profit investment goals on short or long term holds will want to make there decisions based solely on active market factors.

Smart off plan acquisitions provide the ultimate opportunity to leverage an investment opportunity, staying liquid, and reaping the most profit possible in the worlds hottest investment locations with littlest possible stress.

It’s all based on a principle you probably learned in elementary school “the early bird gets the worm.” Off plans are the juicy “worm” of the real estate market.

due to technical requirements portions of this article including charts have been deleted, please contact the author for more information.

The real estate world is still being bombarded with the luminous thought of the real estate bubble bursting or popping or whatever it’s supposed to be doing. High priced markets and hot areas like Miami, Las Vegas and Phoenix have certainly seen a recent decline in pre-construction and condo flips but investors haven’t left town just yet and if they have let me know because I’ll be there on the next flight.

New investors don’t have to be afraid of the bubble hype; they simply need to understand that real estate investing is about strategy and education. The right strategy will push you though any bubble or market. You simply need to educate yourself on what strategy is going to work for you. One of the big factors you should always remember when investing is that you make your money when you buy, not when you sell. Taking a gamble on a hot new market and its appreciation is just that, a gamble.

If you buy a property at 30-50% below after repair value or fair market value today, your investment and return will only grow from there. You don’t have to wait for the appreciation. It’s already there. If the market grows in value, that’s just a bonus. If you’re a flipper and your worried about the potential bubble, then it’s time to change up your strategy. Now may be its time to find a tenant buyer or renter. In these markets, the key is to have someone else paying down your mortgage while you are building equity and even earning some positive cash flow.

As the interest rate continues its climb up again more and more people are going to find themselves in trouble. Those who took advantage of the adjustable mortgage rate that was a deal a few years ago will soon be looking for a way out. Renters looking for their first home will now have to wait a little longer unless you are ready and able to help them. I believe the so called bubble markets are soon going to be a virtual candy store for the savvy investor looking to take advantage of the worried investor or homeowner looking to dump their investment for something better.

Almost every late night real estate guru preaches the key to making money in real estate is finding a “motivated seller.” In these markets people are going to find themselves more and more motivated as time goes by. Divorce, bankruptcy and death show no bias so be ready. If you want to stay in the investing game, stay on course, buy low and smart and rise above the bubble hype to stay educated on all the different ways to truly make money in real estate investing and wealth building.

It's not the easiest business having dealings with real estate and houses. Especially if your in the business for investment purposes trying to turn a profit. It's a game, and just like any other game you need to learn the rules to play it the best. You need to know where the real estate hot spots are, and pay very close attention to market trends. Of course on the other side of the coin those that do know the game, are making a killing year in year out investing in real estate. Is it a gamble? Sure it is, but isn't every investment partially a gamble? I think so. Consider Hollywood or New York real estate, do you have any idea what a modest home is going for in these areas? It's not chump change that's for sure. So have you ever considered entering the real estate investment game? It only takes one deal to make it happen, and it could be you making a killing this time next year.

My expectations are to invest in either New York real estate or Chicago. Both cities are witnessing exponential growth and a booming economy, why wouldn't you invest in the area. Now while not the best comparison think about it they are the pizza competitors. What do I mean by this? Well the Chicago style is deep dish thick crust, versus the thin crust New York style, I guess not the same thing but everyone needs a starting point. It's pretty much a given that any time you're holding a prime piece of Chicago or New York real estate you stand to make a nice profit. Everything comes down to location, and the time at which you're holding the property. If there are buyers searching for sellers and you have the real estate close to everything you're sitting pretty. Of course there is always the chance of prices falling. Ohio is an good example right now their real estate market isn't holding up so well. There are a number of reasons that this might happen, whether it be unemployment rates, schools, crime etc. You have to always be looking at the broad spectrum when thinking about investing in real estate there is more to consider then just the property, and neighborhood.

Are you one of those people that has a secret obsession with New York real estate? I'd have to say that almost anyone would agree New York is one of the most fantastic places to live. I mean how can't it be, New York is the home of Manhattan. If you have the chance to purchase some prime New York real estate you're almost sure to turn a hefty profit. Just remember it's all about what's close by. Take a look on the Internet, a quick search and you'll see the high demand there is for New York real estate in todays market.

Many people believe that real estate investing is not viable in a slow market. The truth is, real estate investing works in every market as long as you know your market and adapt the proper techniques.

Most people currently believe that the real estate bubble in the hot market areas of the country has burst. But savvy real estate investors realize that real estate markets are constantly fluctuating. The informed real estate investor will not be greatly influenced by these fluctuations, and will take advantage of this type of situation to make a profit..

In fact, one of the least risky ways for the beginning real estate investor to profit in an uncertain market, such as the one we are currently experiencing, can be through flipping real estate. This is due to the relatively short amount of time the flipper will own the property as well as the fact that the current real estate market is conducive to extraordinary real estate deals.

One important factor that the real estate investor must always remember is that in order to profit from your real estate investments, you must assess the true value of your properties based on when you expect to sell them. Obviously, your purchase must be made at a steep discount to allow for a respectable profit at resale. There are basic strategies which you can use to successfully invest in real estate in virtually all market conditions. You must become educated in your local market first by understanding the large-scale trends. Observe global down to national, regional, as well as your target neighborhood real estate trends. Become educated on your local market indicators, such as the average length of time houses are listed on your target real estate market this month versus last month or last year. This type of information can help you to make more profitable investment decisions.

Many potential real estate investors are concerned because some markets seem to be leveling out, while others have already dropped. It is this type of market that actually offers the best opportunity to the savvy investor. When property values fall, inventory usually rises. Many sellers will be highly motivated when their properties fail to sell quickly. Informed real estate investors will take advantage of this type of market fluctuation knowing that motivated sellers are the most likely to accept a below market offer on their property.

Savvy real estate investors understand that a slow market will offer phenomenal opportunity. Even though this is true, investors who intend to flip real estate must know their local market and purchase their investment properties at a price low enough to net an eventual profit, in the event that the market continues to fall. one way that savvy investors can virtually guarantee their success is through purchasing repossessed properties at an even greater discount than conventional real estate during these types of markets.

If you have been waiting for the right time to begin your real estate investing career, there is no better time to start than now. Know your market. Plan before you invest, take advantage of the current market trends and then insure your success by purchasing repossessed properties well below the market value.

There are lots of cable television shows these days that feature "flipping" houses for profit that make it seem like just about everybody's doing it. For the uninitiated, flipping a house means buying a house at one price, then improving it in a short amount of time to sell it again quickly for a substantial profit. Most people who flip there first house have dreams of making an enormous profit very easily, but it's not that simple. Complications almost always come up, and you have to be very aware of the area, what the market will bear and which improvements are worth the investment to flip a house successfully.

You need to find a house that fits several criteria in order to make a healthy profit at flipping. Some of the things you need to take into consideration include:

Is the neighborhood a growing or improving one that buyers will be interested in?

Are the improvements or repairs needed ones that you can do within a reasonable budget?

Can you pay for the needed repairs/improvements and still net a good profit?

Is the area one that will appeal to a wide range of buyers?

Are there any problems that just aren't fixable (bad location, a foundation that is sinking and can't be shored, etc.)?

How many other houses are for sale in the immediate area (too many, and the market glut will drive the price of your house down no matter how nice it is)?

Locating a home that fits your budget and criteria means research, and lots of it. Many people who have flipped successfully say the best way is to simply drive around mid-range neighborhoods and look for the slightly run-down homes with solid bones that have been on the market a bit too long. The owners are usually anxious to sell, and the most buyers avoid fixer-uppers, so you can negotiate from a firm position. Also check out Sheriff's Sales, banks that handle foreclosures and online auctions.

Of course, even after you purchase the property you have plenty of work to do. Be sure you set up a budget in advance and resolve to stick to it when doing repairs and remodeling. Remember, the goal isn't to turn this into your dream home, but a solid, saleable property that will net the highest possible profit for you. Have a complete home inspection and get bids for any repairs that you can't handle yourself, such as upgrading wiring or dealing with dry rot. Next, determine what jobs you can do yourself or with the help of friends to save money. Finally, shop around for the best price on materials and haggle whenever you order more than one thing (say, tile and cabinets) from one supplier.

One of the most common mistakes a novice at house flipping makes is choosing top of the line everything, thinking that this is what will sell the house. Quality is always a good selling point, but only within reason. There is a bell curve to this - after a certain point, you start to lose money if you've purchased luxurious upgrades that aren't necessary. For instance, if you're remodeling a house in a mid-salary neighborhood with primarily starter homes for young families, buying granite countertops and solid cherry bathroom cabinets will mean you will end up pricing the real estate too high for the market to bear in order to get your investment back. Instead, consider attractive, durable laminate countertops and oak or pine cabinets.

On the other hand, if the home you are flipping is in an exclusive neighborhood where most other homes have the best of everything, those granite countertops may be a must-have. How do you know what is best for the particular home you're flipping? Go to several open houses in the area and see what the standard is, then talk to realtors about what they feel are the most sought-after features for buyers in the price range you are anticipating selling the house for. Generally, you don't want to be the most expensive house in the neighborhood, but you should shoot for the upper end of the scale.

Being aware of what buyers want also means that you should remodel with in eye toward appealing to the greatest possible number of buyers. This means keeping things practical and neutral, not tailoring the house to your own personal tastes. You may love rich, bold colors in every room, but most home buyers prefer to see walls that are in a warm neutral shade such as eggshell or taupe. The same goes for fixtures - if you install fixtures that include color inlays or have elaborate detailing that either is extremely elegant or (at the other end of the spectrum) ultra-casual, you may put some potential buyers off. Sticking with what's simple and classic is best and will multiply your chances of a quick sale.

If you plan to continue flipping houses, but sure to establish a rapport with your contractors, suppliers and the inspectors you deal with. You'll need their help and goodwill in the future, and it's always a safe bet they'll return your calls more quickly if they like and respect you rather than if you are yelling and demanding things. In fact, if you find a good contractor or supplier, it can often pay for you to establish an informal agreement with them that you will use them for any future flips in exchange for some type of consideration on their part - after all, they want that steady work or those steady orders from you.

Finally, although some flippers will try to sell a house on their own when it is finished, a realtor can be your best friend. Realtors are professionals at getting the word out, generating interest in an open house, and talking up your property to other realtors. Again, if you decide that you want to flip other properties in the future, let the realtor know this. He or she may very well lower his or her commission in exchange for the promise of future listings from you.

Good luck and happy flipping!

Real Estate investing gives us options: Should we hold rental real estate, or turn it over for faster profit?

There are a lot of real estate investors who have a great fear, or dislike of keeping property for more than a short time. They only want to wholesale, or rehab and sell the property. I understand the fears of being a landlord. You can have tenants who mess up the property, don’t pay, and you have to evict them, buildings have unexpected maintenance issues, there will be vacant units you need to have rented, a multitude of problems. But there are a few ways to deal with those issues, let’s take a look at some of them.

First, let’s start at the very beginning.

When you buy a property, you have to buy right. By that I mean you have to have enough income from the property to pay for all the costs, including mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancies, & repairs. Then you want to have some money left for you. Remember, you are in business to turn a profit! If there is not enough profit in the deal, walk away. You will be glad you did. There are many deals out there, don’t be too anxious and buy the wrong one. One of the biggest mistakes investors make is too pay too much for the property, then they are under a lot of pressure to get units rented quickly, and that can cause them to rent to some people they may not have rented to, if not under that pressure.

Once you purchased at the right price, this gives you more options. You can manage the property if you want, but if you intend in buying a lot of properties you may either need to hire a property management company, or start a management company. If you are a person who does not want to deal with the daily problems of maintenance and tenants, using a management company may be your best option. Then all you need to do is keep your eye on the management company to be sure they are doing their job well, and you will be free to find more deals.

Why do we want to keep property instead of selling for profit? Real estate builds long term wealth. When you wholesale properties, or buy and resell, there are a lot of profits to be made, but you have to continue to do that for your income to continue. When you buy a good property, you will have rental income, (possibly lease option fees), and almost always you will have appreciation. Renters are paying for your houses, and apartments. At some time in the future, those properties could be paid off. Think of the income you can have with houses that are paid off! How may houses would it take to give you an incredible income?

I actually choose to do both. I buy some properties to resell for quick profits and I keep rentals to continue to build my future wealth.

Lesley Wilson is a Real Estate investor, a licensed Real Estate agent, and has also worked in the Title Insurance industry for many years. She has been investing, and helping others invest for over 30 years, and has been a licensed agent for over 15 years. She is dedicated to helping others find financial freedom through Real Estate investing, and providing them with all the Real Estate Resources they need to be successful

Investing is complicated, and in order to be a success, you must be able to sift through technical details, and balance risks against potential gains. With a bit of practice, though, you’ll find that a well-maintained investment portfolio will significantly decrease the relative stress involved.

First and foremost is diversity. Any professional will tell you that it is unwise to put all of your eggs into one basket, so to speak. Since investment of any sort involves a great deal of risk, a wise investor will research the market, and then invest over a variety of platforms, to balance the associated risk. As a general rule, no more than 30% of your investment capital should rest in any one category.

If you feel relatively comfortable in this environment, and you’ve got some extra time on your hands, you may be interested in direct commodity investing. Commodities are among the most unpredictable (and consequently risky) business ventures. But therein lays the opportunity for incredible gains. You will need to watch this market with extreme care.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can help round out your investment portfolio. An REIT is typically a high-yield investment, and REITs come with a variety of options. Equity REITs generate income through rent collected from properties. Mortgage REITs involve money lending, wherein the return on your investment would likely come from property owners and developers. As its name suggests, a hybrid REIT is a combination the two. There is paperwork involved, and it would be wise to research these options carefully. Be prepared.

Options are another form of real estate investment, wherein a potential buyer eliminates alternative bidders by having a property taken off the market for a designated period of time. For this luxury, the buyer agrees to pay a specific amount upfront to the seller. Purchase of the property, then, is contingent upon any number of factors (i.e. inspections, financing, etc.). Options tend to vary, so pay close attention to its terms before signing. As a buyer, if you fail to meet your end of the bargain in the designated timeframe, you will likely forfeit your initial payment (the amount paid to take the property off the market).

Still, one of the most profitable (and least risky) real estate investments remains the traditional buying and selling of a property. This is where you will be most connected to the business, and therefore more capable of formulating accurate decisions. Your presence will help to avoid obvious pitfalls.

Regardless of your investment choices, it is wise to remain in the loop. Research each option carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Know the business, so that you can get the most of your investments.

Paulie Sabol, often called the ‘legal bank robber’ for his real estate financing and bank owned foreclosure investing, is a nationally recognized trainer of real estate investors and financial thinker.

Real estate investing is a great way to build wealth world wide. The only problem is everyone wants to be involved in real estate, but most don't know how. They think they will do it when the time is right, which it never is. The time is right now, as right as it ever will be. That being said, many new investors jump into the market without a good game plan and fall out just as quickly as they jumped in. If you are new to real estate and want to look at the most deals (qualified leads, not houses on the MLS) you need a good marketing campaign. There are many ways to generate leads from motivated sellers. You can use direct mail, street signs, flyers, business cards, newspaper advertisements and more. You can target preforeclosures, you can try to buy at the courthouse steps or you can search the MLS with a realtor for run down houses. All of these marketing angles have a chance of leading you to a deal. However, if you want to shoot fish in a barrel you have to think on a much higher level.

To produce your own television commercial can cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, it is one of the best ways to find motivated sellers of real estate that there is. Billboards are another good way to locate motivated sellers too, but they are very expensive. The new real estate investor usually cant afford this king of advertising expense and even if they could they don't have an established system of buying and selling houses. There marketing money could quickly get flushed down the drain if they don't know how to close deals and handle the pitfalls that they will inevitably face when dealing with real estate issues. One thing is for sure when it comes to real estate.....there is no such thing as a smooth closing. Not knowing what to do and when to do it can bankrupt a new real estate investor.

"How can I get into real estate and reduce my risk, maximize my dollar and learn all at the same time" many people ask. There's a couple ways. First, you can spend thousands of dollars on a mentor. The flip side to that is that you never really know what you are getting and even if you find a good one, there's no established marketing plan, no established company, no established game plan, no strong way to find deals and you are at the mercy of that person. A mentor is a good idea though, don't get me wrong. In my opinion, there are better ways to get the best out of your real estate investment opportunity. My recommendation is a franchise. There are a few real estate investment franchises available. Two that come to mind are Homevestors and Flanagan Properties. Both have catchy trademarks and proven, established systems that produce results. Flanagan Properties is based in Central Florida and market with 30 minute infomercials on a regular basis throughout Central Florida. They use the trademarked slogan Lucky Buys Yucky Houses and have a little leprechaun running around throwing cash in the air during the infomercials. They also run regular TV commercials on major networks and have billboards all over as well. Flanagan Properties offers real estate franchise opportunities which are affordable to purchase. A major benefit of owning a real estate franchise such as one offered by Flanagan Properties is that you get 1 on 1 coaching on a regular basis, proven marketing systems, proven referral systems and much more. They are usually able to help find you money to close on deals that take quick cash to close also.

Panama, a Central American retirement and financial treasure that brings the best of both worlds, an ecological sanctuary with thousands of virgin properties and a great number of reasons to invest. The Republic of Panama has become one of the Hot Spots to retire and invest in the world. Here in Panama you can find the perfect balance between tranquility and a metropolitan area!

Unlike many places of the world, Panama has an incredible overall stability and geographical position. Economic climates in other countries like the United States are currently worrisome. News have exposed that the US debt limit has increased four times in the actual government and has gone up to $8.9 trillion. In the other hand, the trade deficit is at a record of $68.5 billion. People in the US are getting affected by events like these.

The danger for US citizens is that their savings may lose buying power in their country. People who retired in the 80´s and 90´s did not expect a $3.00 gallon for gas. Now, are you saving too much for retirement? Forget about the idea that you need millions to retire comfortably, as some would have you believe…What if you could bail out of your job years earlier than you thought? Or spend thousands of dollars more in retirement than you'd planned? What if you're actually saving too much for retirement in your country, instead of not enough? Here in Panama, the opportunity to diversify your assets and investing for a low cost in a Panamanian property or Panamanian development is currently available!

Panama Advantages:

- Full time domestic services

- Panama has Low crime rate

- Panama has a great variety of attractions all in close proximity.

- Panama is safe.

-Low cost of property and development

-Panama is safe from natural disasters.

-Easy access to Panamanian Visa (More Information on Visas Click Here)

-A politically stable country, safe from terrorist threats.

-US Dollar is Panama’s legal currency.

-Tropical climate in Panama is a great location for adventure.

-Panama has a wide selection of beaches and island venues and activities.

-Incredibly low overall cost of living.

-English is a language of common usage.

-Strong bank secrecy laws.

-Renowned banking center with over 70 private banks.

-Live in a tax friendly country where foreign earned income, capital gains, and interest Income is non-taxable.

-Live in a country where business can be operated without heavy restrictions, regulations, or taxes that hinder its growth.

-Live in a country which provides a 1st class assets protection structure.

-Affordable homes in the city, mountain or beach.

-Live in a tax friendly country.

BENEFITS FOR RETIRED AND PESIONED IN PANAMA

The Republic of Panama offers a variety of benefits within its laws for retired and pensioned citizens of the Third and Fourth Ages and by which is created and regulates the stamp tax named Peace and Social Security. It states that Panamanian or foreign residing in Panamanian territory fifty-seven (57) years old or older, if they are female; or sixty-two (62) years old or older, if they are male; and all retired and pensioned by any gender, will receive benefits such as:

- 50% discount over recreational fees and entertainment fees such as: movie theaters, theater, events, sports events and any public event.

- 25% discount on airfare tickets

- 25% discount on the value of any individual meal at any restaurant

- 15% discount on fase food stablishments (Nacional or Internacional)

- Discount on regular hotels, motels and pensions.

- 15% discount on medical services

- 10% discount on prescrited medications.

- 20% discount on medical appointments

- 25% discount on electric consumption

- 25% discount on telephone consumption.

- 20% discount on prosthesis as well as al assistance equipment and accessories.

- Personal loans y commercial loans will be fee of taxes stipulated be the Especial Interest Compensation Fund (FECI, in Spanish)

- Discount on percent points over interest rates on mortgage loans for primary residencies.

- Freezing of property taxes, as long as the residence is under the elder name and is its primary residence. - The exemption in the payment of the appraisal rate of the property, as long as it is the only one and constitutes the primary residence.

- Discount on Airport taxes.

- Among others.

To attain maximum financial benefits from your local Fraser Valley real estate investment with minimal risk and maximum gain, you must clearly define your goals and objectives and plan to achieve them. You can accomplish this in various steps. The process of determining your plan is comprised of several elements. First, Determine your current financial need. Then, assessing your future personal and financial needs brings you into your overall game plan for success.

Your success in real estate investments has a lot to do with the qualities that you bring to the table. Know your strengths and know your weaknesses so that you can focus on your strengths and compensate for you weaknesses. Are you considering group investments? Or a new home construction in Surrey, or Langley? This type of self annalist is crucial for success in this type of situation.

Complete a personal cost of living budget for the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver area. Your cost of living may be different if you are located in Richmond, Coquitlam, New West, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Langley or Surrey. Your cost of living is generally more in those areas. However, it’s generally less expensive in Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack. After your living budget, calculate your personal net worth as a statement. Then calculate your gross debt service ratio and total debt service ratio. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines and that there are several creative ways to manage your finances. Talking to a financial money manager is sometimes a good source of structure and advice.

The amount of risk your willing to take should reflect the kind of time commitment your involved in. Be realistic with short, medium and long term goals and objectives. Maybe you want to be financially independent within 10-15 years. Write this down as a “need to be” statement. With that kind of time frame, don’t look at real estate as a “get rich quick” scheme. There are many who have adopted that attitude, this has been their downfall. Avoid the prophets of profit! Some real estate seminars will show you how to become rich through property tax sales in the Fraser Valley. Or foreclosure sales in the lower mainland. Some will show you how to flip property in the Greater Vancouver area but in most cases in Canada the reality of these options are not applicable. If they are, you will be undertaking considerable difficulty and risk when undertaking such investments. The key is to give yourself a realistic time frame to achieve your investment objectives. For example, normal real estate cycles are 5-8 years. Work within that time frame for your success. Be patient and stay positive! You will be successful!

You know it is true, but very few people know how to halt this huge drain on their life’s blood.

You are taxed when you earn money. You are taxed when you spend money, you are taxed when you invest your money, then you are taxed when you die!

This short article will give you enough knowledge to cut your taxes by 30-40%!

Think about it. Many investors do not use the correct entities to conduct their real estate activities and therefore pay more tax than they would otherwise have to.

Most investors buy and own properties in their own name, opening themselves up not only to increased taxes but also fortune-stealing lawsuits and other liabilities.

Even when a real estate investment is successful, too large a percentage is paid out to the government in gains taxes.

Let’s look at some possibilities:

* How would you like to be able to add $200-$1,000 per month, every month, to your paycheck, starting with your next pay check?

* How about eliminating 15.3 percent in taxes from most of your self employed income, flips and rehabs?

* Eliminate the taxes on your capital gains while pulling out cash, tax free

* Learn to use your IRA as a source of tax free capital to skyrocket your asset building program.

* Eliminate the expense and delays of probate of your properties and reduce estate taxes when you die.

All it takes is a bit of knowledge about how the tax system really works and an understanding of the laws of money.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you, as a real estate investor can do immediately to slice your tax burden substantially.

Treat your real estate business as a business and take all of the deductions and expenses you are probably overlooking but are entitled to by law.

* Home office expenses
* Travel expenses (vacation or business trip, the difference is huge!)
* Employment of family members including children
* Auto expenses
* Entertainment expenses
* Family medical expenses
* Retirement plans
* Proper business entity

You are probably taking some of these deductions now, like the auto expense or entertainment write offs. However, you are leaving money on the table, hundreds of dollars per month if you do not use all the tax loop holes you can.

* For instance, I bet there are not too many real estate investors who have an IRA plan tied to their business. This is a huge sink hole that could shelter thousands of dollars from taxes each year which can actually be used to finance your real estate investments!

* Do you employ your children in your business? The IRS has given the green light to employing kids as young as 7 in your business, assuming the work is appropriate and the pay is competitive with pay for the same work in your area.

* The proper business entity issue is a sleeper, an expensive and dangerous one. The LLC has become a very popular business entity in recent years. However, if you have an active real estate business; flipping, rehabbing, etc. It is costing you an extra 15.3% in extra taxes! These are self employment taxes which an S Corp would avoid while still retaining the pass through aspect as well as the asset protection aspect of the LLC.

* If you are flipping properties or buying properties to rehab and sell, you run the risk of being classified as a “Real Estate Dealer” as opposed to an investor by the IRS. This is serious as you will no longer be able to write off the property’s depreciation, sell on an installment contract or use a 1031 tax free exchange. The answer, in this case too, is to use an S Corp to handle all of your flips or rehabs. This way, if the IRS characterizes the companies activities as a dealer, it will be the S corp and not you personally, that will get hit with the restrictions.

* Then there is the Land Trust, a whole subject to itself. Putting your property into a land trust not only provides asset protection, it also shields your capital gains from taxation and your depreciation is not recaptured on the sale!

Once these additional expenses are realized and correctly documented and the proper entities are employed it is likely that you will show a loss in your real estate operations, especially if you are a new investor.

This loss can be written off against the income from your regular job or self employed earnings, resulting in an increase in your net take home pay of hundreds of dollars each month, enough to make a difference in your lifestyle.

Flipping Defined

You may be thinking this has to be a long-winded explanation; however, it really is not, it is quite simple. All flipping means, within the real estate world, is buying a home, and then selling it again right away. End of story, no real complicated page long definition.

Need an example? Ok, let us say you purchase a home that is a little run down. Of course, you are only purchasing the home as an investment; you want to earn a profit. Therefore, you fix the property up, looking really good, and then place it up for sale again on the market. This method is the most popular method of flipping and is perfectly legal, even though there are some areas of flipping that are illegal, so do your homework before you break the law.

Now this seems to work very well for most investors looking into the real estate world of flipping, some have made anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 on one sale. Pretty impressive wouldn’t you say?

Do I have to have any specific knowledge or personality traits to get in this business?

Why there are no classes that can teach you about flipping in real estate, you should do your homework anyways. Make sure you learn all you can, because it does require a specific art of knowing good property, knowing what is valuable, and what would simply be a waste of your time, money, and efforts. Furthermore, you will have to have the uncanny ability when it comes to determining or correctly estimating how much the repairs will cost you.

You do not want to purchase a home that was overpriced or you simply had to spend too much money to make the repairs, this is where the danger of flipping comes. This could result in a loss of money, instead of making a profit. So knowing what it will cost to fix the property, if the property is actually a good value and good skills in analyzing is necessary.

So where can I learn about flipping in real estate?

First of all, the internet is full of advice and helpful tips when it comes to flipping. Furthermore there are a multitude of books that can help you in this area. Make sure, as stated earlier, that you do your homework and learn all you can before attempting to get into the business of flipping. Of course, practice makes perfect, as in all areas of life. However, doing your research first, will help guard you against costly mistakes.

Consider the following books, when looking for information in flipping in real estate:

* Flipping Properties: Generate Instant Cash Profits in Real Estate by William Bronchick and Robert Dahlstrom

* The Complete Guide to Flipping Properties by Steve Berges

* Real Estate Flipping by Mark B Weiss

* Fast Real Estate Profits in Any Market: The Art of Flipping Properties--Insider Secrets from the Experts Who Do It Every Day by Sebastian Howell

* Flipping Houses for Dummies by Ralph R Roberts and Joe Kraynak

* Beginners Guide to Flipping Homes for Profits by Maurene Hinds

In summary...

There are many ways you can begin making a great deal of profit by getting into the business of flipping in real estate. All it takes is the desire to succeed, a little research, and the time to invest in the business. So what are you waiting for? Start earning money today in real estate, you never know it could be the very last “job” you’ll ever need.

Can you really make money in real estate? You bet you can, but you better beware of what you’re getting yourself into. I have been investing in real estate for years now and I can’t tell you how many properties I have bought from burnt out landlords or young couples that really started too soon.

Like anything the key to being successful in real estate investing is education and practice. I have had some really good deals and others I thought were going to drag me down to the deepest of money pits. So for what it’s worth here’s a few observations I think will be helpful to investors just starting out.

Beware of the late night infomercial real estate gurus when they say you can build wealth in real estate with only five or ten hours a week. To be successful you need to be on all the time. It’s all about marketing and following through and networking and did I mention marketing. I am astounded every time I meet a so-called investor and ask them for a card and they don’t have one. How is anyone supposed to know you buy houses or invest in real estate if you don’t tell them every chance you get?

Beware of rentals. Land lording is a pain. I don’t care if you have a management company in place or not you are always going to get calls about something being broken or some inspection the city wants to run you through. New investors should especially be aware that almost all of the tenant/landlord laws favor the tenants. If you want a taste of what can happen rent the movie “Pacific Heights” with Michael Keaton sometime. You may never buy another rental again. Remember peace of mind could cost you more than great cash flow.

Beware of contractors who want to be paid by the hour and not the job. Unless you are constantly there with them, they will take you for a ride every time. Make them sign a must be completed by clause and if they don’t complete the job by the said date, your cost should be discounted.

Beware of homes sold at sheriff sales or on the courthouse steps. Yes you can find some great deals there, but make sure you do your due diligence and always try to inspect the house first. Judgments and out of this world repair costs could chomp away at your potential profit quickly. I like buying the foreclosure properties after the bank gets them back. They are still “As Is,” but you can always inspect them and have an out if you use a realtor. Better safe than sorry right.

Beware of taking advice from someone who doesn’t own any investment property, rents or swears he knows of the next big market if only he had the money.

I have learned and still believe you can never learn too much about something so when it comes to building wealth though real estate education really is the key. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned investor the Real Estate Info Network may be just the tool to take you to your next level of investing.

The Real Estate Info Network promotes real estate education through real estate seminars, e-books and real estate investing. Learn how to make no money down deals, profit in foreclosures and short sales and how to rehab your way into real estate riches.

One of the first questions new real estate investors ask is where they can find great deals. It's only natural, since they've often been eagerly watching the various infomercials that crowd late-night television and they're eager to cash in on what seems to be the easy money available in real estate.

The bad news: it's not as easy as they make it sound of television. The good news: you can make some great money as a real estate investor if you know where to look and do your homework well. Here are a few ideas for finding deals.

The first is obvious. Check your local area, especially if you live in a smaller town. Your competition will be much less, and you may find sellers more willing to be flexible, since their options are also limited by the smaller population base. You can also advertise yourself as a real estate investor who is interested in buying property in your area. You'll probably get calls, which is often not the case when your ad has to compete against dozens of others in a big city newspaper.

If you see estate sales listed in your local paper, visit them and ask if the real estate will be for sale, as well. The same is true about garage sales. Though only some 20 percent of people holding garage sales are planning to move, you may be the only person who asks about their home during their garage sale. The key is to stand out from your competition.

As you drive around your target area, always be on the lookout for vacant houses, especially those that are somewhat rundown and have lawns that haven't been mowed in awhile. When you find one, stop and talk to the neighbors. Do they know what’s happening with the house? They can be a wealth of information, and you'll often find them happy to talk to you, because an unsightly, abandoned home in a neighborhood hurts all the other houses in the area. Leave your card on the front door. You just might get a call from a motivated seller.

Tell local lenders that you're interested in buying homes they're in the process of repossessing. If you get yourself preapproved for a loan, you may be the first person the bank will call when one of their properties is soon to become available. They might even walk you through the process of a short sale, which can save you a considerable amount of money. Many of these homes will also carry special financing or allowances for repairs, so they're worth looking into.

Put up flyers to let people know you buy homes. Offer a finder's fee for leads that turn into sales. It's worth paying someone a few hundred dollars to make thousands. Talk to folks who deal with people who are moving and offer them a finder's fee. Whether it's a property manager, your mailman, or your paper boy, you never know where your next lead will come from. Tell everyone you meet that you're in the market for investment homes.

Although it may not be as easy as the late-night gurus make it sound, make no mistake: the deals are out there, and when you find them, you really can make lots of money as a real estate investor.

Real estate sales around the country have been slowing this year. However, in Summit County, Colorado sales have continued to expand.

The Land Title Guarantee Company states that during June of 2006 there has been an increase of 45% over a similar period in 2005. And sales for the first half of 2006 have increased from $554 million to $681 million, an increase of more than 22 percent.

Summit County, Colorado which is located 60 miles west of Denver includes the towns of Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. The area includes such famous winter sport destinations as Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper, Loveland, Keystone, and Ski Cooper. Tourists flock to this area in the winter months for a range of activities include skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, extreme skiing ice skating, and snowmobiling.

Summer activities in the area include camping, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, canoeing, sailing, fishing and horse riding. Added to these activities are shopping, sight seeing and the attraction of many fine restaurants.

Breckenridge is a year round resort with a population of around 3,000. To complement the winter and summer recreational activities there are many restaurants and bars in Breckenridge as well as shops and boutiques. There is also a Victorian historic area that is popular with visitors. Breckenridge was founded in 1859 after gold was discovered in the Blue River and has a rich history that is well worth exploring. In 2004 the Barney Ford House Museum was opened.

Frisco is a small mountain town with a population of around 2600 located at 9100 feet above sea level. Frisco was founded in 1873 as a mining town. The boom in mining continued until the great depression devastated the area. By 1930 the population of the town reached its lowest level of only 18 people. The development of the area as a ski center has made Frisco a boom town again.

Dillon is a lakeside resort. The town was founded in 1883 as a trading post. The town has actually been moved 3 times and has ended up on the shore of the new reservoir called Lake Dillon which was established in 1961. The permanent population of Dillon is around 800 and this number swells during the winter to 4,000.

Silverthorne was incorporated in the 1960s and is a great center for exploring Summit County. The population is around 4,000. Silverstone has a large recreation center as well as the Keystone Ice Rink, Colorado Mountain College, Beaver Creek. There are also great shopping amenities including the Silverthorne Factory Stores which hosts around 70 factory outlet stores.

The real estate market in Summit County, Colorado is booming. This is due to the fact that there area is a great place to call home. It is also close to the major metropolitan areas of Denver and Boulder. Because of the range of winter sports activities and summer recreational activities many people are investing in second homes in the area. The mountain views, the healthy lifestyle and the general quality of life make Summit County a dream location for owning real estate.

Designing an investment portfolio that fits your needs is always a complex process. Unfortunately, many people neglect real estate as one of the most attractive ways to diversify their investments because they aren't aware of the variety of ways real estate can be included. In the past twenty years, the real estate market has exploded and the opportunities to invest in it either directly or indirectly have grown to keep pace.

Individual investors should always consult a professional if they want to design a portfolio that properly balances the opportunity for greater gains against possible risks. This will vary depending on where you are in life, what your retirement plans are and a host of other factors, but a few simple things should be kept in mind.

* Diversifying is always essential to designing a good investment portfolio. That is, you should never have more than a third of your investments tied up in any one form.

* Learn as much as you can about the individual categories and the risks involved with each. Generally speaking, stocks and bonds are somewhat safer, but show a slower return, although it does tend to be steady. Commodities (precious metals, oil, natural gas, etc.) are riskier but with a great return.

* Keep in mind that mutual funds can provide you with the power of group purchasing when investing while spreading the risk over a larger group of investors.

* Don't forget real estate as a solid investment choice.

Real estate is often neglected when designing a portfolio unless the individual is purchasing property himself. Actually, the best way to invest in real estate is often through what is called a Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT. This is an entity set up specifically to invest in large properties such as hotels, high rise properties and malls. The three categories of REIT's are:

1. Equity REITs - These will actually own property which makes money from the rent being paid by tenants. The investors get a portion of the rents received.

2. Mortgage REITs - These are organizations that write mortgages to real estate developers or invest in mortgage-secured financials.

3. Hybrids - Simply an organization that invests in both mortgage and equity REITs.

You can also invest directly in real property without becoming a part of an REIT. After all, the need for real estate will never go away, and land generally increases in value over the long term, so it's a relatively good investment strategy, particularly if you are planning a long-term portfolio. It's a low-risk strategy that historically has shown to be quite profitable in most cases (nothing is risk free).

When adding real estate to your investment portfolio, be sure to do the research and legwork to educate yourself. Study the market in your area, learn all you can about any property you are considering and decide whether becoming a landlord or flipping properties will be more lucrative in the long term. It's important to know if you have enough available cash flow to be able to keep your property until it's value has reached the point where selling makes the most sense. To include real property in your portfolio, you need to periodically check the market and make sure the property is working for you in the most profitable way possible.

The Las Vegas strip was not built on winners. Millions of people gamble as a way to hit it big and attempt to achieve wealth. With the heart pumping and adrenaline running, the thrill of winning is incredible, but the agony of defeat is much more probable. The odds of winning in a casino are not in your favor- the house holds the cards and the money - most likely yours. You are playing their game, on their turf, by their rules. Only with true luck will you prosper.

A more safe and realistic way to be a winner is to invest your money in the secondary financing market, through buying and selling notes and other cash flows. A promissory note, a written promise to pay a specified amount through certain terms and conditions, is a flexible and easy way to earn high rates of return on your investments.

The note holds multiple possibilities as an investment. There are over 60 types of notes, also termed debt instruments, to be bought and sold. Examples of such notes include: real estate, airplane, business, car, lottery winnings, insurance settlements, and many more. With a real estate note as an example, the note has a higher rate of return because the risk is higher on a loan in the secondary financing market due to issues such as credit problems, bankruptcy and insufficient job number of years in the work force. A benefit to a real estate note is the note is secured with collateral, the actual property. With real estate notes you understand the investment and it is insurable and you can add value to your investment unlike stocks and bonds. In addition, you have options. If you invest in a note, and after holding the note decide to sell for cash, you may. You may sell a portion of the note or the entire note. Business professionals and investors are constantly seeking opportunities to purchase a note in exchange for cash.

The secondary financing market of note exchange is rising. Note holders in need of money will exchange an existing note for cash. The Mortgage Bankers Association noted from December of 2004 to 2005, commercial banks had an increase in commercial and multi-family mortgage debt of $151 billion. With more debt in society, there are going to be countless opportunities to purchase a note and take over the income stream in exchange for cash. Buying in on the income stream, will in turn be a profitable investment, because the note is an asset.

The note can be bought through different terms and condition, with the level of risk the investor prefers. Through such an investment, there is no uncertainty over the amount, interest and duration of the note. The note already exists with the interest rate determined. Depending on how you buy the note, you can also increase your yield from what is typically an already high interest investment. Why gamble with your money? Why increase your chances of losing your investment? You can invest in a note – an investment where you understand and know the rules of the game.

Maria Fee is a mortgage professional, real estate investor, teacher, and master marketer with more than 20 years of business experience. Maria is the President of REMI KNOX, LLC, a group of investors who purchase real estate notes nationwide. Quoted by the media as an expert, she is continuously recognized for her extraordinary knowledge and real estate investing experience.

Thought of as an island paradise Barbados has long been a luxury holiday destination and a playground for the rich and famous. Sunshine throughout the year, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and some of the most lavish hotels in the world attract over 1 million visitors to the island every year.

A 2 bedroom apartment on the West Coast’s classic beaches costs on average £880,000 according to Estate Agent’s Knight Frank. But on the beautiful east coast which is wild and undeveloped investors can own their own slice of 5-Star Barbados for a quarter of the price.

Construction will soon commence on the Merricks Residence development located in St Philip on the south east coast of Barbados close to the famous Sam Lords Castle, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1820. The development will cover some 70 acres and will include leisure areas, entertainment facilities and restaurants together with the focal point 5 star Hotel Resort & Spa, from which property owners will have full use of the facilities.

The British developer of the project has brought in non other than the construction company behind the Royal West Moreland Golf and Country Club on the West Coast as well as Richard Williams, the former Managing Director of Sandy Lane Hotel Group to oversee the management of the resort. There are 700 units planned for the development comprising of luxury apartments, cabanas and villas with a clip top setting and its own private beach.

Greg Walters from overseas investment property specialist’s offplanpropertyabroad.com says:-

“The Merricks Residence development gives investors the chance to purchase property in Barbados at least 40% below market value”

His statement is evident, just a few minutes down the coast at the neighboring Crane Resort a 1200 square foot apartment has a starting price of £400,000 with the same size property at Merricks Residence at £225,000.

“We expect values at Merricks to be comparable to that of the nearby Crane once it is complete and with the onsite management through the 5 star Hotel, investors can be sure that their properties are rented out on day one”

In 2004 property purchase in Barbados became more attractive with the removal of the 10% purchase tax applied meaning there are now no purchase taxes payable, although investors need to budget for around a 1.5% for legal and notary costs.

Studio apartments at Merricks Residence start from £150,000 and buyers will enjoy an 8% Guaranteed Rental Income for the first two years from completion. Only 30% of the purchase price is required at outset with nothing else to pay until you receive the keys to your property, with completion due late 2008. A major Caribbean Bank is providing bank guarantees for the remaining 70% which gives investors added security.

“The bank guarantee gives investors peace of mind and underpins the financial stability of the project as a whole, something that too many people take for granted”

Barbados will be the focal point of the world of cricket in 2007 when it plays host to the Cricket World Cup which is expected to attract more visitors than ever and send the already prohibitive property prices in Barbados up by a further 10% next year.

The principles of real estate investing are quite easy -- buy low, sell high, take the family to Disneyland -- but there’s a steep learning curve. This is a complicated business, and you should be prepared with at least as much knowledge as investment capital.

Here are a few things to consider:

Research the market carefully. Invest your spare time into books and websites on the subject, learn basic home-repair skills, and study real estate law. Know the tax implications of your investments, to avoid unexpected issues that could cut away at your profit margins.

Be realistic. The price of real estate has been on the rise for years, but that does not necessarily guarantee any sort of profit from your investments. You’ll almost always run into an unexpected problem, and you will do well to be prepared.

Decide how much time and money you’d like to invest, and then form a business plan, complete with timeframe. Divide large parts into smaller tasks, so that you can easily log and review your progress. Allow a sum for unexpected repairs, etc.

If your credit scores are decent, it is possible to acquire a second property with no down payment, and only a few thousand in closing costs. In order for this scenario to work, however, you have to buy just before the market value rises, and sell quickly. And there are a host of tax and legal consequences of this particular brand of real estate.

Truth is, there are many varieties of real estate transactions, each with a varying degree of risk, and potential for reward. Know the local market, research each option carefully, and then decide where you best fit within that construct.

Consider the characteristics of your personality. Some investors are extremely savvy negotiators, while others prefer slower, long-term investments.

Property investment and re-sale can be time-consuming work. Be sure that you have enough to spare, and do not be hasty. Establish healthy relationships along the way, with inspectors, lenders, contractors, etc. These are the people you will eventually be able to trust, and count on. In time, you’ll also develop greater ability to estimate the amount of time you’ll have to invest into each project, how long to expect from others, and how to anticipate the most-likely problems.

If you are meticulous, ready with firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of your investments, how they translate on paper, and if you are capable of anticipating the outcome of most of your decisions, you will go far in this business. There is potential here for high-yield income.

Garage remodeling and repairs are common among many homeowners. Garage doors, garage storage cabinets, garage floors, these can encounter problems along the way in that require repair. A garage homeowner might have to replace and buy another set of torsion springs and roller bars for garage doors which can experience excessive wear and tear due to constant use. Flooring may have to be re-coated. Some homeowners may need to make adjustments to re-configure added digital controls. For whatever reason, a garage homeowner is likely to experience some two or three garage repairs, replacements or maintenance in their garage’s lifetime.

Some homeowners will definitely opt for a professional help in repair, remodeling or garage parts replacement. However, there are also some homeowners who would like to try their skills at home improvement with a do-it-yourself garage maintenance and reparation. For the latter, important safety precautions in repair and maintenance must be considered to help them maximize all the benefits that their garage can offer.

Read the Manufacturer’s Safety Recommendation. Whether paints, floor coatings, or new garage apparatus, these items definitely have their respective manufacturer’s safety recommendations. These safety recommendations are for do-it-yourselfers to read and follow while using these garage maintenance products. More than anyone, manufacturers know how to use their products in a manner that is safe for its users. Read instructions on how to apply paint, coating, or adhesive, as well as the instructions on how to attach necessary springs, roller bars, and other mechanisms you may not be familiar with to avoid mishandling.

Wear protective gears. Most floor adhesives and coats can be hazardous when inhaled, exposed or when in contact to the skin. Some chemicals also emit fumes that are painful to the eyes. Thus, it is very important for do-it-yourselfers to wear protective gears such as masks, gloves, or eye goggles for safety.

Make use of the proper tools and equipments in installation or reparation. Garage door replacement such as torsion-bar set-up and garage door springs may require very tight winding and unwinding that needs a stronger steel bar to maneuver. Avoid using weak substitute tools that may only bend itself or break your arm.

When working on garage remodeling, maintenance or repair, keep kids away from the work area until the remodeling project is completed. Naturally curious, children will be likely tempted to tinker with hard and sharp tools and equipments, or may play with garage door remotes endangering themselves and those standing under overhead rolling garage doors.

Garages offer many advantages. Let not the possible hazards of building, remodeling and maintaining your own garage stop you from benefiting from these advantages because as long as you are careful and cautious, you will find out that the advantages of garages definitely far outweighs its disadvantages

Retiring Overseas

There is no doubt that living overseas away from the busy lifestyles of the Northern European countries is a good thing. It is beneficial for your health. It allows you to live a more relaxed lifestyle and it provides locally produced food and organic wine that may allow you to live longer. Add to this a beneficial climate change and you have a remedy for an extended and healthier life. However it is not all sunshine and flowers. One of the common misconceptions of retiring abroad is that the lifestyle is cheaper. Well it can be, it appears to be when you move your UK income to a Mediterranean haven and cut your shopping bills in half and find your local taxes are very much cheaper. Fuel for the car is 30% less and virtually any local service is charged in equivalent euros instead of pounds, an immediate 35% saving.

So you say why can’t I save money then by living like that. Well you can but many don’t! Once you settle in and find your feet in the local community it can all start to happen. Whilst in the UK for example good eating was quite expensive for those on a limited budget, now it’s cheap! A menu of the day favoured by retiring folk will cost no more than 10 Euros all in, anywhere in the Mediterranean.

A coffee or two is a very pleasant way of meeting new friends in the local Bar. A drink at lunchtime? Well maybe not when you were working back home but here? It’s easy. You are out shopping and you meet the folks you met yesterday for the first time, shall we have a quick one? It’s hard to refuse when a beer costs a Euro and a good bottle of wine is 5 Euros in a Bar!

So what happens is this. You go out to eat more often than you would at home and you spend the same per week on it as you did when in England. You consume more alcohol than usual but it’s cheap but the budget remains the same. The shopping is cheaper, but because it is, then there is more elasticity for the things you enjoy, smoked salmon, foie gras, tonic and gin, giant prawns, great single estate red wines and cheese to dream about.

The inevitable soon happens, the waistband expands and the blood pressure goes up. Wait a minute I thought I was here for a cheaper and healthier life? Well it’s called living the life. As usual there is a balance to be struck here and to the reader it’s fairly obvious what that has to be. To the retired person already there and stuck in the new routine which of course is highly enjoyable, it can be hard to change.

So take my advice because I have been there, in fact I am still there and thoroughly enjoying it. When I return to the UK on one of those too frequent visits, I am constantly reminded of why I enjoy this Mediterranean lifestyle so much. A beer out with my son in London leaves little change out of 10 pounds. A dinner out for two is always more than fifty pounds. I travel up the A14 leaving a suitable and safe gap from the car in front when as always a local native cuts me up from the inside lane with an illegal manoeuvre. You can see him or her chaffing at the bit in their rush to get home as soon as possible. Life in the fast lane where there is no time to pause for breath. When I turn off for my destination after another 8 miles of similar driving antics I arrive at my destination and park my car in the car park just behind the same young man who was the first to cut me up. He has just parked himself!

Everyone is in a hurry and everyone wants everything delivered today. Too many people on the roads, too many people rushing about in too much of a hurry. Do they really ever get where they really want to be? They say they suffer from stress but they really do not know what stress is really about.

The Manyana lifestyle whether in the Caribbean or the Med has its detractors but once you become used to it there is more time to live and more time to do. The more important deal in life is having a conversation with someone without looking at your watch. Enjoying an inexpensive lunch without the need to rush off somewhere.

Driving home in a leisurely way at your own speed on roads which are never full. Not rushing home to watch your favourite soap. In fact hardly watching TV at all. The lorry driver on the Northern European road who insists on pulling out on a dual carriageway to overtake a colleague who is travelling at one mile an hour less and takes an age to do so, is not doing so in a relaxed manner. He is stressed out and believes he will cut his journey time by this continuous action. Not so, it has been proven that two lorries leaving one destination at the same time, for an average journey of 4-5 hours, will only arrive minutes apart when one driver drives in a relaxed manner compared to the frenetic style of overtaking and rushing to move on displayed by his colleague. What is that all about? If we all drove in a more relaxed way there would be less accidents and less heart attacks.

OK enough of the comparisons, they are all there for all to see but exactly how do you transpose to this new way of life successfully? First of all set a weekly budget. Not for lunching out but just for living without paying your bills. Simply your shopping and supermarket bill and enjoying your new found lifestyle. You set the budget and you stick to it and then you find the best ways to spend that money according to your new priorities. Your bills will take care of themselves as they are much cheaper than the ones you left behind! Also set a budget for the fuel you wish to buy and go to the fuel stop every Monday and put that amount in and that is that.

Next find a way to exercise. This might be swimming or taking the dog for a walk or whatever you wish but at least try and do this every day and if you miss the odd day due to bad weather or receiving visitors so be it.

Try not to succumb to the afternoon nap scenario on a regular basis. Occasionally once a week if life catches you up there is nothing wrong with an afternoon snooze but if you deliberately seek it out on a regular basis you will find you will be soon sleeping your life away. Change your diet and change when you eat. Eat well at lunchtime, this might be your main meal of the day and in the evening you can eat fish or nuts or fruit and cheese and of course tomatoes and salads. Try and eat salads that you actually enjoy there are so many additions such as fish, cheese and fruit all locally produced. Buy your veg at the local markets and stand and observe the locals when in the butcher’s shop. you will be amazed how you can vary and change your diet for the benefit of greater overall health. Eat your sweet stuff in the middle of the day and not in the evening. Start taking yogurt for Breakfast on a regular basis with fruit or even an occasional cooked breakfast. Drink lots of unrefridgerated still water slowly. First thing in the morning at least 2 pints and another pint before bedtime! All of a sudden you don’t suffer from that heartburn problem you always had.

Here there is time for everything and if not today then tomorrow is fine, nothing will change in the meantime, the World continues at its own pace, your blood pressure is healthy, you are eating well drinking moderately and exercising. You feel relaxed and you take excellent decisions and suddenly, you have time for everything and you can do all this on a lesser budget. The problem is you are going to live longer. Will the money run out? Well there has to be something to worry about!

In any situation of shared ownership the community living life style will offer you positive and negative angles. This can be related to townhouses and all other attached properties in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland area’s.

Advantages

1. Enjoy – the availability of amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, health clubs, community centers, saunas, hot tubs, exercise rooms and sun decks.
2. Enjoy – A variety of prices, locations and types of structures or sizes with architectural features available.
3. Enjoy – the growth in equity as participation in the real estate market will be successful in the Greater Vancouver Area also including: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Langley, Burnaby, Richmond, New West, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, White Rock and Surrey.
4. Enjoy – Pride of home ownership
5. Enjoy - Freedom to decorate the interior of the unit to suit your personal taste
6. Enjoy – Lower costs of repairs and maintainer as it they are shared.
7. Enjoy – Elected council being responsible for making many business and management decisions.
8. Enjoy – Participation in the operation of the development, such as budget setting and approval of decisions that effect your investment.
9. Enjoy – Not cutting the grass or cleaning the gutters as your upkeep and maintenance often associates it’s self with these types of responsibilities
10. Enjoy – Meeting new friends within the common areas.

Disadvantages

1. Maybe you won’t enjoy – Some elected council could behave in a rude, unorganized and unprofessional manner.
2. Maybe you won’t enjoy – Owners may become stand off-ish when the same people are continually serving on council.
3. Maybe you won’t enjoy - Management of the condominium council is by volunteers, who may or not have the appropriate abilities and skill.
4. Maybe you won’t enjoy - The flexibility in selling your home. Selling a condo generally takes more time then single family houses. However, this is a variable and my change depending on what area of the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland you live in.
5. Maybe you won’t enjoy – The close proximity to one another.
6. Maybe you won’t enjoy - The lack of freedom because of restrictions in the rules and bylaws. (pets or rental restrictions).
7. Maybe you won’t enjoy - The difficulty in accurately assessing the quality of construction in your condo project.
8. Real estate appreciation is generally not as high for a condo in comparison to a single family home or town home.

Disadvantages aside, the possibility of having your first investment in a condominium could prove to be an attractive option for several reasons. If you are considering investing in a condominium, you’ll be happy to know that generally speaking condo’s appreciate in a value rate that is higher in most inflation rates in the Fraser Valley or Greater Vancouver Area. Also, finding a tenant in the Lower Mainland is easy for a condominium apartment because of our low vacancy rate. Surrey, Langley, Vancouver and Burnaby has seen an increase in demand for the condominium lifestyle and the convenience that it provides. However, Chilliwack and Mission has been lagging behind in it’s apartment building development. There is minimal upkeep involved with bylaws and other rules that legislate your investment as a secure and sound vehicles for success. Do your research on other buildings in the area and what they’ve been appreciating at for the last few years. Take your time and don’t be pressured into you purchase!

If you have ever bought a home you know how important it is to choose a good real state agent. The right agent can help you find the perfect home to match your needs. Most people, however, find it hard to look for a good agent. In this article we will explain how to find the perfect agent for your needs.

The first thing you should do when choosing your agent is to see how honest they are. Call the ethics board and make sure they haven’t done anything illegal or unethical. Getting an honest real estate agent is very crucial to making sure everything goes smoothly.

The next step is to make sure you find a real estate agent who works in your area and other areas. If you select an agent who only will deal with people in your area then it will be harder for them to find people who are selling houses.

Make sure your real estate agent is friendly. If your agent isn’t friendly not only will it ruin your time of looking around they may repulse some sellers. You need someone who has a positive attitude and believes they can find the house of your dreams.

Try to find an agent in a realty company. Even if the company is only a small one it still gives some insurance to the buyer. It also means that the agent has the proper training and connections to help in your search for the perfect home.

Lastly make sure you like your agent. While a lot of people don’t think you need to like the company of the person you work with for a successful business they are wrong. If you find your agent repulsive then it will be hard for you to successfully work with them to find a house.

Following these basic steps you should be able to find a good agent when buying a home. However, the first thing to check for will be to make sure your agent is in fact an agent. Always check to make sure they are who they say they are.

Don't think that these precautions suggest that most Realtors are dishonest. In fact, most Realtors I have dealt with were fine - but you may as well find the best!