วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 9 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Miami PreConstruction Trend

The future of Miami Real Estate is shifting to high gear. It rides on the newest bandwagon of the real estate industry, which gives the fastest ROI, at less effort. Consider this:

You buy the property now before construction takes place. To hold the property, you can give an earnest deposit. As real estate value appreciates, so does the value of your property. By the time construction takes place on your piece of property, you have already recouped the earnest deposit you paid for it Begin to calculate for the value of your property after two years, before construction begins, with an appreciation value fixed at the rate of 20% annually. Now, this is what good investment is all about.

This is the drawing power of Miami Condo Preconstruction Real Estate Investment.

Investors are now putting higher stakes at condominiums that will be built in a couple of years. Miami Preconstruction designs a very lucrative package among investors such as no carrying cost prior to construction, no taxes, no fees - entirely, investment on a clean slate.

Since mortgage is not a requirement, a poor credit history does not hinder anyone from making a purchase.

Here is a sample illustration:

Here in Miami, a property developer will require a 20% deposit on the property to put a hold on it. Say, a $700,000 condo will require $70,000 upon signing and another $70,000 when construction commences. Total initial cash outlay is $140,000 which is 20% of the total contract price. Construction is due to start after two years.

In a conservative estimate of a 20% appreciation value per year, your property appreciates to $840,000 by the end of the first year. That's 100% ROI on your initial cash outlay.

What about on the second year? Your property is now close to a million dollars in value, and it all happens even before the first cornerstone is laid!

If it's long term investment you're looking at, Miami Preconstruction is a very viable option. Just be wary in choosing a property to buy, including its price. You may refer the matter to a realtor who understands the real estate business like the back of his hand. Developers may look at the whole picture of the sale from his own vantage point, and that is to get your signature on the contract. A good realtor can point out some leaks and show you ways to overcome them.

Developers market precon properties through real estate brokers who may channel these through their sales team. There is no formal advertising campaigns, only person to person approach Pricing is not pumped up as agents can receive between 10-15% for every sale.

Prices of precon properties that are advertised normally gets an add-on cost of 5-10% to cover advertising cost, and those listed publicly, thus also advertised gets an increase in its pricing by 5-10%.

A bubble waiting for its time to burst? Not likely.

Miami's investors come from international markets who enjoy an upper hand on the power to purchase Precon Condo due to weakened purchasing power of the dollar.

Foreigners also find Florida laws on real estate buying flexible and favorable to them. A surge of investors coming from upscale California and New York are eyeing oceanfront properties, as well as Miami Precon Condo as investment targets.

Whether you are a buyer or a developer, a cautious approach to investment and skill on proper risk management remain as flagships of survival in the highly competitive world of real estate.

Christiene Villanueva

Miami Real Estate

Christiene Villanueva - http://floridarealtyfinder.com

The Ten Biggest Home Buying Mistakes

This article highlights the greatest mistakes buyers can make. Get familiar the following mistakes and make sure to stay clear of them.

  • Not being prepared from the start. In this age of the internet there quite simply isn?t an excuse for not thoroughly researching any topic of this significant importance. An abundance of information is available on the internet. See Part Three for more on this.

  • Purchasing on a hunch of what future demand might bring. You need to buy based on your own current and future needs. It?s very risky trying to guess what will happen to the market in the coming years.

  • Selecting a poor location even within a fine neighborhood. Location, location, location. Even location within neighborhood boundaries is important. Is there high traffic volume? Do you have a porch view of a wooded buffer zone or the backside of movie theater? Discussed more thoroughly in Part Four.

  • Forgetting the importance of the interior layout because the exterior is so impressive. It may be attractive from the outside, but it?s the interior that must suit your family?s needs.

  • Selecting a home which does not match your family?s needs. How do you really live? Are certain rooms going go completely unused? If given the choice, would a space used as a home office be more important than one used as a formal dining room? Is a child on the way?

  • Not having the home properly inspected. Every prudent buyer will take the time to get a thorough home inspection. The investment is simply too great to take any chances. Get an inspection from a qualified, respected professional.

  • Failing to verify the qualifications and reputation of a home builder. It?s advisable to speak with three to four people who have purchased from the home builder, particularly one that is new on the scene. Are they satisfied with the end product? Has there been an unusual amount of troubleshooting during or after construction? Ask questions. Most people will be proud to discuss their home with you. This is also an opportunity to visit with possible future neighbors.

  • Rushing into a decision. Settling for less. This is one of the largest, if not the largest, investment you?ll make in your lifetime. Patience is critical in heading off mistakes. Once you know it?s the correct choice then, with your real estate professional, move quickly.

  • Waiting for interest rates to come down or hoping demand slows. There is no way to know for sure how market conditions will change. When you find the right home at the right price it?s time to move.

  • Not investing at all. The benefits of home ownership begin with various tax deductions and end most likely with growing equity. Building home equity has proven to be a great way toward a rich fulfilling retirement.

Buying or selling real estate can be an emotional, stressful rollercoaster ride. It's important you find a real estate agent whom you can trust and help avert the pitfalls inherent in buying or selling real estate. Equally important-you should be able to count on an agent to do so for a fee structure that maximizes your bottom line.

I provide you with frank appraisals of the current market and ensure your interests are protected while your transaction stays on course. You can count on me to have the patience to invest as much time as necessary to make sure you are comfortable with every step of the process. We will always complete our business at hand before I move on to my next client. My first priority to you is the utmost skill, care and due diligence.

When listing your home, I take the approach of utilizing a non-traditional commission structure to make every effort to maximize your profit. I look forward to discussing with you my fair commission approach.

When buying a home learn how you will pay no commission.

http://www.claytonncrealestateagent.com

วันจันทร์ที่ 6 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Construction Project Management Courses Practical Knowledge

An industry that continues to grow and shows only a little sign of slowing, the construction industry?s competitive world are in need of construction professionals who are equipped with skills and the know-how to effectively carry out the assigned job. So, if you are planning to choose a career in the field of construction management, might as well take up a program that will help you excel, like the construction project management courses offered in some of the schools. The construction project management courses provide construction professionals practical knowledge and expertise, which are exactly necessary to do your job.

The innovative and timely series of Construction Project Management courses are designed to develop the knowledge base of those working as project managers and project personnel, and to those who show interests to enter the field of construction management, whether for the principal or for service providers like consultants or contractors. The course focuses on basic principles across the breadth of the project management body of knowledge, and covers the key concepts in managing a project right from the start to final close-out.

The topics may include, but not limited to construction accounting, acquisitions, developments, estimation, plan reading, field project management, real estate law, bidding, scheduling, and construction safety. To obtain certificate of completion, students must successfully complete eight intensive courses. However, if you don?t plan to pursue a certificate, you may possibly take individual classes. Additionally, all construction project management courses provide Continuing Education Units or CEUs.

The Core Courses of Construction Project Management Program may include but not limited to:

Construction Accounting ? this course reviews accounting theory, providing an understanding of the terminology of accounting. Payroll accounting focuses on workers compensation insurance, cost allocation and control. There is also other subjects that include types of businesses and organizations, lien law, construction cost control, progress payments and sub-contractor invoices, back charges, cash flow and cost of sales.

Financing Real Estate Acquisitions ? this course focuses on the nature of development projects, sources of funds, mortgages, payment and construction loan processing, and administration for both portfolio and for the sale projects.

Estimation ? this course provides cost estimating with emphasis on quantity survey and pricing.

Plan Reading ? this course provides a survey of the fundamentals of Construction Math and plan reading.

Field Project management ? this is one of the construction project management courses, which helps you become a successful project manager by learning the basic principles and responsibilities of construction process. You will also learn how to identify and manage the important components of project planning, budgeting and scheduling, resource allocation, legal requirements and ethical considerations, construction safety, and project supervision.

Real Estate Law (Law for Construction) ? this law provides an overview of the legal system such as contractor?s license law, contract laws, real estate law, mechanic liens, as well as basic contract principles and responsibilities.

Bidding and Scheduling ? this is one of the important construction project management courses that will touch on the different bidding strategies used in the construction industry, methods of selling or buying out the construction project. You will be able to learn to read, analyze and create your own bar chart and critical path method schedules. Additionally, you will learn to monitor time, money and other resources with the schedule. At the same time, learn to use the schedule to measure the effect of changes and delays on the project.

Construction Safety ? this course provides overview of safety procedures, regulations and their application, included also is a series of lectures supported by printed materials provided by an industry working safety specialist.

Dean Shainin is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Construction.Deans-Knowledgebase.com For more articles, and valuable resources for everything you need related to construction, visit his site at: construction management

Residential Metal Buildings

There are many different building options out there, but residential metal buildings offer more benefits than traditional wooden structures. Metal buildings are sturdy and can handle weather and environmental extremes. They are also more cost effective and are often portable. Residential metal buildings include sheds, additions, porches, decks, garages, extra storage, and homes.

If you have a construction project in mind, you may want to do a comparison between hiring a builder who uses traditional methods (wood), using metal buildings, or constructing the building yourself (using wood). Factors to consider are time needed, cost of materials, or what the builder will charge. Get multiple quotes from different builders and also companies who specialize in metal buildings. What you will probably find is that residential metal buildings are probably the most cost effective and easiest to construct.

Once you decide to purchase a metal or steel building for your project, keep in mind that there are so many companies out there, it can seem overwhelming to choose one. Decide which designs are best suited to your needs and which products you desire. Keep in mind that some companies specialize in certain products and others generalize. Call several companies and ask for catalogs and prices before you make a decision.

There are other things to consider. You may need to borrow money so ask your financial advisor how to best pay for your residential metal buildings. You will also need to figure out if you are going to install the building yourself from a kit or hire the company to do it.

Once you make all the necessary decisions, it won?t be long before the entire structure is built. After confirming that there are no defects in the product, you can begin using it for storage or move all your furniture into the room. Residential metal buildings are certainly a wonderful building option, and you will probably find that there is not much difference in quality of living between them and wooden buildings.

Metal Buildings provides detailed information on Metal Buildings, Metal Storage Buildings, Metal Building Kits, Commercial Metal Buildings and more. Metal Buildings is affiliated with Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings .

Real Estate Investing: How To Buy Distressed Real Estate During PreForeclosure

When folks find out that I buy houses from distressed homeowners during the preforeclosure stage, they always ask the same question: How do you find them?

My simplest answer is: At the courthouse.

Distressed properties are always easiest to find when a mortgage lender begins the foreclosure process. (The process is triggered when the borrower fails to make a mortgage payment.) Technically speaking this is the preforeclosure stage. The borrower/homeowner has missed one or more payments, the sheriff's sale or public auction is looming on the horizon, and the homeowner realizes he may soon lose his home.

Depending on which state you live in, the lender either records a Notice of Default (NOD) or files a judicial foreclosure lawsuit against the borrower. As soon as the foreclosure is public information, it's relatively easy to find.

So, depending on which property I'm interested in, I either do a search at the county courthouse or I get the information from a legal newspaper that has done the searching for me.

The hardest part is finding a property that has any equity in it. What I'm looking for is a Loan To Value (LTV) of 80% or less. For example, if a property has a market value of $100,000, the homeowner can't owe more than $75,000 -$80,000 on the property.

Why? Because I can't spend more than $75,000 - $80,000 for the property and still make a decent profit. That includes what I pay for the property (principle, interest, taxes, and insurance), my repair costs, and my holding costs. I have been known to pass on a great deal, simply because it was November and I wasn't convinced that the property would sell before summer. I always factor in having to pay the holding costs on a property for at least six months while I remodel or market the house. If the numbers don't work, I walk away.

Sometimes it takes quite a bit of research to find a property that I can make a profit on, but the rewards are worth it.

Now, before you call me a mercenary just because I look for distressed properties to profit on, let me say this: Somebody profits from every foreclosure - and it might as well be you or me.

Some people think it is unethical to benefit from another person's misfortune of losing their home or investment property by buying it from them in the preforeclosure stage. But I disagree. I look at buying preforeclosures as opportunities to help the distressed owners save their credit. When I buy their property, their debt is paid off and they are free to move on with their lives.

Foreclosures and other property distress are caused by divorce, unemployment, death, medical emergency, economic downturn, and any number of personal problems.

Recently, many homeowners bought expensive homes or refinanced to take equity out of their homes when the interest rates dropped. Those that later lost their jobs or had a medical emergency suddenly lost their ability to make mortgage payments. Many of those houses are now coming on the market as foreclosures because their owners haven't been able to sell them.They think of me as their guardian angel when I am able to buy their property prior to the sheriff's sale, save their credit, and pay off their debt.

For the most part, homeowners understand I need to make a profit to stay in business. If they are upside down in their house (meaning, they owe more than the property is worth), and there is no equity in the property, then it is very unlikely that they will be able to sell quickly -- to me or anyone else -- and get out from under their debt.

Wonder How Some Investors Make Millions Buying Foreclosures? Krista Goering has created a Free Guide to Buying Foreclosures and reveals Expert Tips for Getting Super Real Estate Deals. Krista Goering is an attorney, real estate investor, and coach who teaches real estate investing strategies online. Over a two year period, she bought and sold more than $4.5 million of real estate using these strategies. Free Guide to Buying Foreclosures: www.foreclosures-now.info Preforeclosure Website: www.foreclosures-now.com/pre1.html Preforeclosure article: mailto:pre1@foreclosures-now.com .

Find The Perfect Honolulu Monthly Rental

Hawaii is beautiful, find the perfect vacation rental

Are you in need of a rental in Honolulu? Honolulu is broken into four areas: Downtown, Manoa, Waikiki, and Waimanalo/Kaneohe. Before proceeding to search for a rental in Honolulu, you should pick the areas that most appeal to you. You must also come up with a reachable budget. When you rent, you still must pay for your food, utilities, and personal expenses. It is important to know how much you can afford to pay in rent and still have money left for your other bills.

The majority of rental in Honolulu managers require a full-credit check, a security deposit, first and last month?s rent, personal and professional recommendations, and proof of employment. You will be asked to sign a legally binding lease. Make sure you are clear on what utilities, if any, are included in the monthly rent. Water and heating are usually included. Electricity and phone bills are typically the renter?s responsibility.

In Downtown, rental rates can be quite low per month for an unfurnished studio that houses a living space and bathroom. Located on the western side of Oahu, Downtown Honolulu is close to shopping, dining, business, and the major airport. For several thousand dollars per month, you can rent a three-bedroom plantation-style bungalow that is located across from the beach. For this area of rental in Honolulu, the average price is high but that is indicative of the location. The renter here gets a three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage near the major shopping district.

Manoa is located on the southwestern edge of Oahu. Beaches in this area are pristine. A one-bedroom studio rental in Honolulu in the Manoa area starts is several hundred dollars per month. A few thousand dollars a month will get the renter a two-bedroom apartment with ocean views. For a lower price the rental typically includes one-bedroom apartments that come fully furnished, minus the fabulous view.

Waikiki is located on the southern end of Oahu. This area is popular with surfers and beach lovers. A rental in Honolulu in the Waikiki area is also in the few thousand dollar range. Property in this area is extremely hard to come by.

If you are planning to obtain a rental in Honolulu in Waikiki, you must be extremely aggressive in pursuing any available property. An unfurnished one-bedroom apartment with one parking space is very desirable and therefore is in high demand. Spending more per month will net you an unfurnished two-bedroom cottage in a gated community. Neither of these examples are waterfront. Waterfront property in Waikiki is extremely rare and very high priced.

Finally, when looking for a rental in Honolulu, Waimanalo/Kaneohe is another area to consider. On the eastern coast of Oahu, Waimanalo/Kaneohe properties are a popular choice. A three-bedroom, executive style home will rent for a few thousand dollars per month including utilities.

Leasing a rental in Honolulu can be a trying experience. Prices vary greatly, but if you go into your search with a firm budget in mind, you?ll do fine!

For more information on the best Honolulu Montly Rentals try visiting Real Estate Magazine located at http://real-estate-magazine.com where you will find valuable information on real estate, prefab log cabins and other information..

"The Time Value of Money"

The time value of money (TVM) is an investment principle that states money is valued greater today than in the future due to inflation and economic conditions. Essentially, a dollar in your pocket today is worth more than a dollar in the future because money may be invested and earn interest over time. The notion of TVM is money is worth more the earlier it is received.

If you loaned a friend $20, would you rather get the money back today or a year from now? You should want the cash today. Think back to the price of movie tickets 10 years ago. The price for a movie ticket at one point was just a few dollars and has risen to almost $10 due to the factor of inflation. By receiving cash today, rather than the future, you can invest the money into an alternate source and potentially receive a higher return for your money. Future value includes the amount of money you would earn through growth in your investments in the future assuming a given interest rate. It is what the cash is worth at a particular time in the future, while present value refers to the value of a given sum of money today. The same principle applies to real estate notes. A real estate note, a mortgage for example, is created with specific terms, conditions and a length of time for its return. In order to exchange the note for cash, a note?s present value is determined through a discount analysis to appraise its current worth, which will differ from the note?s value in 10 years.

To demonstrate TVM and why it can be more advantageous to have money now rather than the future, consider the following example. If you own a real estate note that is appraised at present value for $150,000 you can cash out now and spend the money, or you can invest in alternate sources for a higher return on your investment. By receiving the money today, you can avoid dealing with late payments and the risk of not receiving a payment at all. Immediate cash appeals to most much more than receiving money in the future. The following illustration of TVM shows the change in value of $150,000 over a year if invested with a rate of return of 10 percent.

Future Value = (Present Value) x (1 + Rate of Return)

Future Value = (150,000) x (1 + 10%)

Future Value = (150,000) x (1.1)

Future Value = $165,000

Understanding the time value of money is essential to achieving financial success, as this concept allows you to evaluate the potential value of money today in comparison to the future. When you talk about mortgages, loans, car notes and retirement funds, the practical knowledge of time value of money can help you accomplish the wealth you have longed for.

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.

You too can discover hidden secrets to success with real estate notes. To take control of your financial future with proven strategies visit Maria's website at www.REMIKNOX.com. Happy investing!