There are many people who are constantly asking what their neighbor’s houses sold for. Some people may think they are just being nosey, but the truth is that there is a lot to learn by what your neighbors get out of their homes. In fact, you simply cannot go without knowing these figures, if you are interested in your own property’s value.

Every year, the homes in your area sell and are bought. However, you may not know how much each house is sold for. If you read the paper daily, you probably know that most real estate transactions are listed in many papers. This will be the easiest way to find out what your neighbor’s house sells for. You can often find them by address and even see the person’s name that bought it. This is all public information and is almost always published weekly.

The reason it is so important to know that your neighbor got so much for their home is because you might want to sell you home in the future. When your neighbor gets more for their home, you should get more as well. This is if your home is comparable in size and kept the same. If your home is larger and you maintain it better, you might even get more and should take that into consideration.

So, don’t worry about being nosey. Find our what your neighbor’s house sold for so you know about how much your home is worth as well…just in case you want to sell!

If you are a property or real estate investor in Sicily, you will probably be aware of the ongoing situation regarding the proposed Messina bridge, which would connect Sicily and mainland Italy, by road, and drastically reduce the speed to travel between the two. The bridge would in effect probably greatly aid the Sicilian economy and make Sicily even more accessible and attractive to investors and realtors. With the defeat of Berlusconi from office, the bridge project (which would mean creating the longest suspension bridge in the world) this year 2006 looks unlikely to go ahead. The project was a pet project of Berlusconi's and Prodi who has taken over power, clearly seems to believe that the bridge is unnecessary and a waste of money.

On the 19th September 2006, approximately 1000 residents of Sicilian and neighbouring mainland areas i.e. marched in Rome to voice their support and desire for the Messina bridge project, demanding an improved infrastructure in the South of Italy, which has arguably, been neglected over the years. The North of Italy is more affluent than the poorer south. One group involved with the protest went as far as staging a pretend funeral to highlight the death of the bridge project. The protestors want the project brought back to life.

Sicily has lacked investment in the past and the protestors, who included Sicily's local government chief Salvatore Cuffaro, believe that the bridge would drastically help the Sicilian economy and also create thousands of jobs. The bridge has already been approved by the E.U. and there is a fair amount of opposition to the bridge, in addition to support for it. The opposition highlight the costs that would be involved, and concerns that the mafia could become involved in the financial side of the construction work. Others highlight concerns over the environmental impact of the bridge, if it is built. Many Sicilians though, feel that they deserve finally to get some investment into their depressed region.

Under Berlusconi, the bridge development would have commenced this year and finished 2012, at an estimated cost of more than 4 billion euros. Estimates in the media, state that the bridge would likely be able to handle four and a half thousand cars per hour, up to two hundred trains a day. This project would certainly help the Sicilian economy and also booast the Sicily real estate market.

In today’s changing real estate marketplace, one-third of consumers said in a national survey that local ” housing market knowledge” is the most valuable attribute they look for in hiring a real estate agent. “Commissions” and “communication” tied for second place in the survey. Each received 22%.

Fourteen percent of consumers responding to the random survey said “experience” is the most valuable asset they seek in hiring an agent. Ranked last is “negotiating skills.”

“Market knowledge is critical in all kinds of real estate markets, no matter the location,” observed Michael Bearden, President and CEO. “This is especially true when housing markets are as balanced as they are now between buyers sellers.

“By taking advantage of the free ‘Current Market Conditions’ feature on their websites, our member agents can immediately establish themselves as real estate market experts in their exclusive territories,” Bearden continued. “These quarterly surveys measure such things as days on the market, percentage differences between listing and selling prices, inventories of unsold homes, the ratio between buyers and sellers, local market hotspots, and repeat and first-time buyer activity.”

By participating in the survey, local sales data developed by member agents also becomes part of regional and national housing data released quarterly to the media and publicized both internally and externally.

The importance of communication between agents and their customers is underscored in the survey results. “The Internet has become an important tool in establishing and maintaining good communications with clients, past clients and prospects. The customer expects and demands instant communications.

By ranking “commissions” ahead of agent “experience” and “negotiating skills,” consumers are focusing on the bottom line after a five-year run-up in homes for sale prices in many parts of the country. “We’re talking about bigger commission dollars and higher expectations of services and results by home buyers and sellers in slower markets,” Bearden said. “To be successful, real estate agents must have aggressive marketing plans and have a solid track record of successful results in all kinds of markets. Our system and our marketing tools were designed to do just that for our members.

It is believed that the greatest boom in the Atlanta real estate is yet to happen. An increased growth in population and rate of employment in Atlanta has caused the value of the real estate market to escalate continuously. The real estate prices are comparatively reasonable in Atlanta as compared to other large metropolitan areas. For example, a two-bedroom condominium in New York will cost you more than one million dollars, while Atlanta offers the same type of property for $250k to $300k.

The rapid pace of development of Atlanta has made it a center of many industries. This has led to an oversupply of commercial buildings, thereby decreasing the value of commercial properties. Assessment based on the supply and current vacancies has shown that Atlanta markets are more vulnerable to overbuilding. Atlanta has comparatively low mortgage interest rates. Federal environmental regulation or the tax reforms put forward by the state or the nation can also influence the Atlanta real estate trend.

Timely analysis conducted by credible industrial experts on different aspects of Atlanta real estate will help you to foresee changes in the market. Many experienced real estate professionals who know the Atlanta market are there at your service. They can represent your interests with integrity, character, and honesty. It is highly recommended that you get the property inspected before buying. If something turns up during the inspection, you have the right to negotiate a repair or remedy.

Atlanta posted one of Southeast's highest office sale prices recently when an investment management company paid $168 million ($330 per square foot), for an office building. The standing record in Atlanta is $343 a square foot for a building, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle

Atlanta, comprised of numerous distinct neighborhoods, cities, and counties, has a good choice of furnished apartments - garden-style apartments, lofts, town homes, studios, and many others. Center city apartments and more suburban apartments come with features such as ample parking and swimming pools.

Furnished apartments are ideal for corporate housing and extended-stay rentals. These are available in any size, and equipped with kitchens, fully furnished bedrooms, air conditioning, fireplaces, dining and living rooms with or without bathrooms, hardwood floors, backyards, and parking areas. Some apartments in Atlanta are particularly designed to cater to the needs of short-term contractors or European business personnel. Almost all private apartments are located close to Atlanta's business areas, shopping malls, and restaurants.

Extended stay apartments are available on monthly invoice payments and are perfect for business travelers, those on temporary assignments, consultants, and visiting family and friends. Furnished short-term apartments feature the most comprehensive short-term and temporary housing facilities. These are available in all price ranges and sizes, and on one-month to twelve-month leases. Furnished apartments are popularly marketed to businesses like movie studios and film production companies that frequently employ visiting, temporary workers.

The town home in Atlanta is one of the popular styles of apartment buildings. Town homes are generally built on more than one level with living areas on the first and/or second levels, and bedrooms on the levels above living areas. Town homes are perfect for those who are willing to live on multiple levels and are able to maneuver stairs.

The rapid growth of this metropolitan area and its economic development have both contributed to the increase in the number of new apartments. Although Atlanta is one of the world-famous industrial centers, Atlanta apartments are affordable and the average monthly rent is below the national average. If you are looking for a living space, Atlanta has a number of well-established property management companies offering furnished apartments. They assist you with computerized apartment searching and apartment rental services to search for a fully furnished apartment, whether it is traditional or modern, according to your taste.

Corporate apartments are temporary lodging facilities for corporate travelers. These are situated in usual apartment complexes or complexes owned by a lessor and structurally similar to other apartments regarding the number of bedrooms available and indoor or outdoor facilities. Atlanta, a world-class business center, has a number of renowned corporate apartments in its downtown and suburb areas.

Atlanta corporate apartments are excellent accommodation options for business travelers for temporary, interim stays. These are more comfortable and convenient than hotels. Atlanta corporate apartments are available in various sizes and with a full range of facilities and amenities. Many apartments are ready to be rented directly to corporations, which enable the relocating personnel to engage in their work without the usual delays involved in hunting for a suitable house.

Modern corporate apartments in Atlanta offer standard to luxury stays for every budget and lifestyle. Corporate apartments are generally sited close to public transports and next to services such as restaurants, Internet centers, and convenience stores. Furnished Atlanta corporate apartments are first-rate solutions for extended- and temporary-stay travelers, relocating employees and their families, home buyers, or any person seeking a weekly, monthly, or extended stay.

Fully furnished single-, double-, three-bedroom, or three-plus-bedroom apartments are available for short- and long-term leases. Corporate apartments are rented at a rate of a minimum of about $50.00 per day, but this rate may vary with additional facilities. Standard facilities such as a business center, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, playground, clubhouse, and tanning bed are also available in some reputable apartments. One can select apartments with a fully functional kitchen including a refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher, and icemaker, and with a washer and dryer. Some apartments allow pets.

Atlanta corporate apartments maintain competitive and flexible rental rates and terms, seasonal discounts and incentives, and master leases for corporate clients. The specialized property management companies in Atlanta will assist any corporate traveler with a number of furnished, cost-effective corporate apartment options and housing needs.

Prices of Atlanta real estate vary considerably. Atlanta has recorded one of Southeast's highest office sale prices recently, when an investment management company paid $168 million for an office building. The standing record in Atlanta is $343 a square foot for a building.

The first step in buying a home or other property in Atlanta is to go through the current listings of properties available in the Atlanta real estate market. A proper study of the current real estate trends in Atlanta is essential for making wise decisions. Atlanta magazines, newspapers, and websites help you make this preliminary study. It is a good idea to browse the advertisements in Atlanta newspapers and journals. You can also approach an agent who can give you proper guidance in purchasing Atlanta real estate. Atlanta has lots of reliable real estate brokers and agents.

Before you buy a property, find out how much money you can invest, keeping all your income and debt in mind. Get a copy of your credit report from the bank. Availability of cash for a down payment, the type of mortgage you select, and the current interest rates are important factors you should consider. You must be prepared for other charges including the closing costs that include attorney's fee, taxes, and other transfer fees.

Make sure to tailor your need needs and comforts to go with your finances. Also, see that the property you intend to buy, whether a new or an existing property, has all the features you need. Look for a location with nearby schools, recreational facilities, and safety facilities.