San Diego Real Estate Bubble Not Yet Ready to Burst

Michael Youngblood is a veteran analyst and the managing director of asset-backed securities research for Friedman Billings Ramsey & Co. in Arlington, Virginia. According to an interview he gave to BusinessWeek for its May 15th issue, the idea of a national bubble for residential real estate is fictitious. Since there is no national residential real estate market, there can be no national housing price bubble.

There are, however, residential real estate bubbles in 75 housing markets that he studies. Most exist either on the East or West Coast. San Diego residential real estate market is one of them. In a study he conducted in 2002, San Diego was one bubble city of several for which Youngblood was concerned, along with several other cities within the state of California and elsewhere. However, recent research has proven that the residential real estate markets within these California cities are more optimistic than previously projected and currently debated.

Youngblood assesses prices for the residential real estate markets in 379 metropolitan statistical areas, including San Diego. Most residential real estate forecasters use reactive indicators to predict future market changes, such as inventory-to-sales ratios and number of months required to sell residential real estate. Youngblood believes such indicators do not predict market changes; they only react to market changes. He created his own economic model, based on two predictive indicators that actually drive the residential real estate market. They are growth in employment and growth in personal income, both of which affect a buyer?s ability, desire and willingness to purchase a home and at what price. His findings are much more optimistic than other forecasters and show a much stronger residential real estate market than most other analysts suspect.

Youngblood predicts the greatest declines for the residential real estate market in states other than California. He sees both Bakersfield and Stockton showing the greatest gains in the state at 43 and 39 percent, respectively. The state of Florida also should expect substantial gains.

Though many forecasters believe that residential real estate prices are over-inflated in both California and Florida, these markets are driven by speculation that ignores underlying fundamental factors. Based on historical data, bubbles exist when median existing home prices are 6.8 times greater than the per capita personal income of a particular housing market.

According to Youngblood, bubbles may persist over long periods of time, as long as local economies are good. With a downturn in the local economy, there is typically a one-year lag before the downturn affects the residential real estate market. Even then, the market declines over a long period of time.

Given the gains Youngblood predicts in California, there should be no significant fall during 2006 for San Diego real estate prices. People should not necessarily fear buying or investing in this bubble market, though cautious and informed spending is always the smart path.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

Philippines Real Estate

The real estate business in the Philippines has recently been gaining popularity with several real estate companies developing their own sites in several parts of the country, including the non-metropolitan areas. Prices of real estate properties are relatively low when compared to those located in the United States. This makes investments in the Philippines attractive because their values are expected to appreciate in years to come.

People who want to make an investment in the country or make profits by selling a real estate property can manually contact real estate brokers for the packages they offer. However, the easiest and most practical way to locate brokers or agents is by searching for them in the Internet. There are already several online real estate marketers available in the Philippines.

Online real estate Philippine marketers promote their sites that include real estate listings and brokerages to international search engines. This makes their coverage wider and as such, heightens the possibility of getting closed deals quickly.

If a person plans to sell real estate property located in the Philippines, online real estate marketers can act as their brokers. They will be the ones to look for potential buyers and explain to them the initial policies and terms of the offer. The investor can also use their site to promote additional real estate items they want to sell.

For people who want to buy real estate property in the Philippines, online marketers also provide real estate listings that come from brokers in several parts of the country. Because it may be very difficulty to scan through the available properties for sale, some marketers have developed a system to filter out the choices. A leading marketer has set up a buyer's wizard that helps buyers narrow down the choices by their budget, preferred location and size. Once a selection has been made, the buyers submit the online form. The broker of the selected property will be contacted by the online marketer for a detailed discussion of the real estate package.

With the online marketing trend in place, real estate in the Philippines can be expected to register more profits in the coming years.

Philippines provides detailed information on Philippines, Philippines Tours, Language In The Philippines, Philippines Real Estate and more. Philippines is affiliated with Hong Kong Travel.

Running Up The Down Escalator

It is over, August, the most frustrating month of the year, with most people either on holiday or in holiday mood. Yes, the weather is glorious if you are on holiday, but not for viewing properties when you start the day in a cool air conditioned office then car, then properties, then car, then properties! If you don?t look like a wet rag you certainly feel like one. Then you have the client who continuously mentions swimming pools often dragging their disgruntle children away from one to view houses. On the other side, the owners are also in holiday mood either using their holiday homes that they wish to sell, but after August please! Or they are just not in the mood to move away from their pool to entertain visitors.

The first thoughts of owning a home in Spain are often driven by a holiday experience, so leaving the beach towels at the hotel they trundle into estate agents. Half of these clients go home and never pursue the idea other than watching ?A Place in the Sun?. The other half return later in the year, when they have the time and a better idea of what they want. So each client is not judged, but given time to explore their dream. I increase my freckles lose a few kilos and look forward to September.

On the plus side, parking is easier in Tortosa, as most of the sane locals have also left for the coast. The number of traffic wardens has diminished as they too take their holidays so I get less parking tickets. We don?t open the office in the afternoon just working through from the morning with clients until one of us drops! Oh and the town halls, notaries, and lawyers are also on half days or closed, so any business outstanding has to wait until September! Strangely, I have come to accept this practise but it is difficult to explain to outsiders, they think I am joking. In Spain there are eleven working months and August!

With pensions funds looking bleaker by the year there is a growing trend in buying property for investment. These purchases are normally village or town houses to restore over the years or to rent out until needed. The low maintenance, by not having land to worry about, plus the security factor of locking it up when not in use makes these an increasing option for people. So village houses are nearly as popular as the rustic properties with acres of land.

Most locals have always lived in villages or towns often with their separate parcel of land, which they tend with loving care to grow vegetables and fruit for the family. Of course the olive and almond trees are essential, so they go and harvest these in the autumn and winter. The small houses ?caseta? were a must to shelter both themselves and the poor beast that carried them and fruits of their labours before the car. They think it strange that foreigners want to ?live on the land? as that was never an option for them. Things change, now many of the locals are converting these once humble dwellings into holiday homes for their families to decamp for the summer. The water tank (bassa) gets a lick of paint and turns into a swimming pool for the summer, reverting back in the winter to collecting the valuable rain water for irrigation.

Why Do You Need Help Buying Or Selling Your Home In The New Market

Since the latter part of 2005, it seems like Real Estate signs are popping up in yards like weeds. As of July 31, 2006 there were 15,743 listings on the market for Pinellas County (9,549 Single Family Homes and 6,194 Condos). With this many homes on the market, it begs the question ? Why Do You Need Help Buying Or Selling Your Home In The New Market?

As anyone who has been in the market for a home recently knows, there are A LOT of homes to choose from. If a buyer is not specific with their criteria the number of possibilities can be overwhelming. By sitting down with an agent, the homebuyer can discover what is truly important to them and only look at homes that meet their exact requirements, including location, price or features.

Once a property has been selected, the buyer?s agent can also help negotiate the best possible price for that home and also make sure that the buyers financing needs are all met. Most agents have a good working relationship with a lender who can facilitate a smooth financial transaction for the buyer. In addition, more buyers are able to take advantage of seller assisted closing costs and other creative financing options which their agent will help them to negotiate during the offer.

Having an agent on their side in this market is also vital for home sellers. With all of the local competition it is not enough to just put a house in the MLS system and hope it sells. Agents are now utilizing every avenue available to market their listings including direct mail, the internet, homes magazines and on-site events like Broker?s Open Houses and Public Open Houses. Additional ideas like increasing the buyer?s agent commission, offering bonuses and assisting with buyer?s closing costs are also methods that can generate buyer interest.

The current absorption rate (the percentage of the homes on the market that sold in any given month) is a good indicator of the challenges faced when working to getting a home sold. The rate has dropped from 51.5% in July of 2005 to 8.6% in July of 2006 for Single Family Homes and from 43.6% in July of 2005 to 4.8% in July of 2006 (meaning that less than 10% of the Single Family homes and less than 5% of the Condos on the market sold last month). Having a dedicated Realtor? working full time to get your home in front of any available buyers is imperative!

Once an offer is received, the challenge is to negotiate an offer that is win-win for BOTH the seller and the buyer. Because of the tight market, buyers are more savvy when negotiating a deal and so having an agent on your side can ensure that you get the highest price possible for your home.

Visit realestatemarketingpro.blogspot.com for free real estate marketing tips or see these tips and tricks in action at www.ComeToClearwater.com

Realtors and mortgage bankers/brokers, please feel free to use this article provided this reference is included and all links remain active.

Is it too Late to Make Money Fixing Houses?

With the popularity of reality TV shows following real estate investors fixing houses for profits, many people would love to do the same. However, media reports on the housing bubble, too many houses for sale, and dropping prices make many wonder: is it too late to make money fixing houses?

Seasoned real estate investors understand how to make money fixing houses in any market. They've been playing the odds and making wise investments for years. Just like the stock market, real estate has its ups and downs. But the downs haven't been as bad as the stock market because people always need housing.

If you're thinking about real estate investing, you can learn from following the practices of wealthy investors. Like most investments, no guarantees of profits come with real estate. You must learn as much as possible about the business before you risk your money. Some inexperienced investors lose money buying houses that just don't turn a profit.

The key to making money with fixers in a buyer's market is to get in and out fast. The real estate market could go down in value. Usually, this takes some time. You should understand your local economy so you're prepared. Here are five tips to help you make a profit.

Buy low and sell for market value.

Buy a home that you can improve in value. If homes in the neighborhood in excellent condition only sell for a few thousands more than fixers, look for another neighborhood to invest in.

Plan your changes during the buying process. Be ready to fix the house right away.

Fix the home for a home owner who will live in the house. Profile your target buyer and select interior design details that speak to this buyer. Make your home outshine other homes for sale with extras that don't cost much like window coverings for privacy.

When you're ready to sell, price the home right. Make a business plan to sell with marketing psychology.

Each geographical area comes with its own economic conditions and possibilities. Learn about your economic outlook and explore your possibilities.

You might not make as much from a fixer this year as you could have made last year, but you can still make a nice profit. Last year, investors frequently made over $100,000 on one fixer. This year, the same investor might expect to make only $40,000 on a similar house, which is still a good paycheck for part time work.

Copyright ? 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Free Real Estate Investing Information, teleseminars, and reports for beginning real estate investors from author Jeanette Fisher. Get a free ebook: The Truth about Making Money Flipping Houses at http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com.

What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Commercial Real Estate Broker?

A commercial real estate broker is a person who acts as a link between a buyers and a sellers real estate. This relationship is one of fiduciary responsibility, meaning that it is a relationship based on trust.

The person appointed as the broker, has the responsibility of ensuring that his salespeople handle the transactions according to law. The sales people are known as real estate agents and their responsibilities include representing the seller or the buyer in the transactions and making sure that they get the best possible treatment. The agent representing the seller ensures that the seller receives the highest possible price for the property they are selling, while the agent of the buyer will negotiate for the lowest possible price. The buyer's agent will also try to find properties in the best structural shape that fits within their estimated price range.

In many places, such as the United States, it is mandatory for the broker to have a license to negotiate the sale and purchase of property. The broker can act as either the proprietor of a company or as an agent for another company. There are various ways to get the certification as a broker. One way is by going to school and passing a state test. Another way is to hold a position that automatically allows you to apply for and receive the certification, such being an attorney.

Following 1992, there were brokers from Florida and Colorado that recommended that the professional relationship between the agent and the client should be broken. Instead, they felt that the dealings between the two should be strictly limited to the actual sale and purchase of real estate, without taking the personal interest of the client into consideration. In Florida, the Broward Board of Realtors went so far as suggesting that the brokers and agents merely help the selling and purchasing parties with finalizing the sale, without the bond of trust. The only requirement being that they adhere to both legal and moral standards.

The result was that in 2003, Florida amended the law and made all real estate licensees have only a transaction relationship unless there is only one person acting as the representative for both parties. This will not apply if there is a business link between the two parties.

The change in the law also made it mandatory that the aspects of the transactions be made in writing and removed the dual and sub agency designations. A dual agency results when a broker handles the transactions of both the purchasing and the selling parties. Both parties would have agreed to this arrangement in writing. The sub agency agreement meant that two agents from the same brokerage would represent the selling and purchasing parties. Like a dual agency transaction, it would have to be agreed upon in writing by both parties to the transaction.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as commercial real estate loans at http://www.commercial-loans-now.com

The 411 on Lofts (And Why Everyone Wants to Live in One)

What is it about the high windows and ceilings, exposed brick and open floor plans that make so many people want to live in loft style apartments? Maybe it?s the carefree lifestyle that such an open style of living space represents. Maybe it?s because such a home can be as detailed or sparsely decorated as the resident wishes it to be. Or maybe it?s the artsy, urban lifestyle that?s been publicized so much in the movies and on television. Whatever the case may be, loft living doesn?t merely reflect a unique lifestyle, but it also creates a truly distinctive and unique attitude!

The vast majority of lofts are apartments that have been built into a vacant industrial building- one that?s been empty for some time. As the two-floored version of mono-spaced studio apartments, lofts typically have an open floor plan for a living room and kitchen area, plus an open-concept upstairs for the bedroom. The former warehouse-type building is chosen as the base of this trendy apartment style because of the high roof/ceilings that accompany industrial buildings, acting as a key component for ?urban renewal? projects around the globe. The results of such projects are art galleries, art studios, and of course, the artsy lofts.

But exactly how did lofts become the status symbol of ?the cool life?? It seems that back in the 1950?s, in the midst of the American domination of the world economy, the hustle and bustle of a once-thriving industrial areas, such as New York?s Soho district, had begun to vacate the large, high ceiling industrial-style buildings, as these buildings were no longer suitable for the changing times and modernizations required. The now-empty buildings forced landlords to look to the art community as a source for rent money, as the art and creative communities could certainly use the space.

Just as today, legal restrictions and zoning laws made life a bit tricky for the new residents. These studios were ?designed? for the use of artists as a place to work, not to live. So sometimes, historically, to hide their domestic usage of the property, a series of pulleys and false walls were added so that the living and sleeping arrangements of the ?studio? could be hidden from the variety of inspectors that would come by at a moments notice. The rest is loft history, including the incredible ?shrinking? loft, for as the demand for such apartments grew, the available space shrunk.

Since the 1990?s, loft living has been synonymous with a ?Soho/New York?- type of busy, carefree lifestyle and attitude, as lofts offer an extra touch of excitement! It?s considered to be genuine lifestyle that sets residents apart from the ?dull and monotonous? life of suburbia.

Maria Hayden recommends that you visit www.lofts.com for more information on lofts.

Looking For An Affordable Home

A house is the most important thing to purchase for your family or for you (if you are living alone), but due to the increasing prices and credit rating checks we end up not being able to get one.

There are other means of getting your own house, one of this is purchasing a house from auctions. Most of the houses that the government is selling are foreclosed. Foreclosed homes are houses that were once owned by people who had difficulty paying for their mortgage.

So the house is confiscated by the government and after the given time frame and the payment was still given, the house is finally put for auction and sold.

As with any house purchase, there are important things you need to reflect on to check on to before the actually bidding and buying.

1. Research

The most important thing you need to remember to do is to research. You need to find out the actual price of the house and the lot, you need to look at the actual situation of the house and see if it its still fixable and won't cost you much.

You also need to find out how accessible the area is and the past he house. Make sure also that the starting bid is very low and worth it for the house you are eyeing for.

2. Money

You need to have sizeable money to buy that winning bid or a loan with you. Make sure you know how much deposit is needed in purchasing that house. Make sure to save up for it eventually to because there are deadlines for the payments for the housing.

3. Limitation

When auctioning you need to have a limitation as to what you can only afford. You just might end up with a winning bid that will eventually be taken from you because you could not pay for it too.

4. Silence

When auctioning, it is sometimes better to keep quiet on the process and move when it is about to end (especially if the almost ending bid is still within your budget). You do not want to add to the increase in pricing do you?

Having your own home is the best gift you can ever give yourself and your family as a form of security. All you need to do is find the right house and pay for it.

To search for cheap repossessed homes, please visit www.buy-cheap-houses.info.

Affordable Homes In California A Myth Or A Reality?

In one of the most expensive real estate markets in the United States, how do you find a home in California affordable? It is simple. Don?t overextend your budget. In today?s market where lay offs are occurring and real estate sales are on the downslide, make sure you choose a home you can afford. If you?re laid off or you lose your job for whatever reason, you want to ensure you can still afford your payments and hopefully have some money to spare if an unforeseeable event such as job loss occurs.

Keep in mind not to select a home that will have your mortgage payments exhausting all of your resources in cause of emergencies. Most financial advisors recommend you have at least six months salary in savings in case of emergencies. If you saddle your budget with a huge payment, it might not be possible to do accrue such a savings. So can you afford a home in California? Sure, as long as you know your limits, budget accordingly, and don?t over extend yourself. However, chances are that if you are home shopping in California, you?re employed there as well. Congratulations! You?ve joined one of the top paid states for median income. So with higher salaries, a higher-priced home is more affordable to you. With most of California?s residents purchasing homes using up to 50 percent of their income, it?s better to be safe than sorry. Always keep a level head with thinking of how much you make and how much you can afford for you and your family.

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Real Estate Marketing Prewritten Reports Can Boost Your Business

Looking for a Real Estate and Marketing Idea that can take your business to new heights? Then you should Prewritten Real Estate Marketing Reports!

Why Real Estate and Marketing Reports? Because Marketing Reports are effective tools for educating consumers. Unlike days of old, most consumers looking to buy, sell, or trade real estate first look for information.

Once, it cost a lot to run a website - but those days are long gone. There are pay as you go services out there now charging as little as $1 per gigabyte of bandwidth. If you're sensible about the size of your pages, that dollar could last you a whole month, or even longer!

If you don't want to pay for design, it's never been simpler to do it yourself, or find free and/or reasonable cost software and pre-written content to do it for you. Really, it's never been cheaper to have a website than it is today, nor easier to market your message 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Savvy real estate agents are getting onboard by offering consumer information formatted as real estate web site content, special buyer and seller reports and email ecources. They're informing their visitors about closing costs, appraisals, preparing their homes for the market, what to expect at closing, gardening tips and even information about how to quit smoking and other health related information.

When you're on the web, it doesn't matter whether someone is next door to you or on the other side of the world - they can see your website just the same as anyone else can, at no extra cost to you or to them.

Phone and postage both cost enormous amounts of money, but a website lets you send information anywhere without any extra effort or expense. You can make friends and contacts in places you've never been and will never go. Suddenly, working globally is no more effort than working locally.

The beauty about using pre-written reports is that when you find really good ones you can practically use them as is. But if you spend even just a few minutes personalizing them and making them uniquely yours the results could be huge. Although others may buy the same reports as you, your personalized approach will go a long way in distinguishing you as a helpful, and successful real estate sales professional.

Some agents think that a 30-40 page web site is enough to generate leads and result in high search engine rankings, and it might, but probably won't! While most real estate web sites appear to have just a few pages, the more dynamic ones frequently have hundreds of hidden, hard working pages feeding the search engines and directing visitors to them.

Why? Because each web page acts as a doorway to your web site by which visitors arrive from all over the Internet. So it makes sense that the more web site pages you have on your site the more visitors you can expect.

Prewritten reports can provide excellent content at affordable prices, plus they can be uploaded to your web site in a matter of minutes. Their cost and utilization can't be beat!

You'll be able to convert more leads to paying customers with great content. They visit your web site, like the information on it and keep returning for more. And after they have gotten familiar with you, your style and the information you provide they may then surprise you with the call requesting your help in making a real estate transaction.

If you don't know what to write don't worry about it. Stop struggling with what to say with prewritten content; content ready for instant use. Use it as is or make it uniquely yours with little effort, then get ready for a boost in business!

Visit Real Estate Marketing Talk for more information about Prewritten Real Estate Marketing Reports and Web Site Content

Costa Rica Property ? 4 Reasons It Will Continue To Soar In Value

Costa Rica property prices continue to soar in value and many investors have been doubling their investments annually. Can this continue? The answer is yes and this can make you some great profits with low risk and we all want that!

Costa Rica property investment does have rivals such as Honduras, Belize and Nicaragua but these markets simply dot offer the same risk reward.

Lets look at why Costa Rica property prices will continue to soar in value.

1. Its an established market

Costa Rica property prices have been soaring for 10 years and it has become a mature market. While many investors think that prices can?t go higher, they can.

Why?

Quite simply, there is a track record of growth and all the factors that were present 10 years ago driving prices higher are still there, in fact their set to accelerate.

Investment is at record highs and rising and this will continue to drive prices higher.

2. Rewards are high and risk is low

The major attraction of Costa Rica property is the opportunity to buy property that is 70% less than in the southern US states in a beautiful and stable country.

Many investors however are thinking well if Costa Rica has taken off, maybe they should buy one of its neighbours like Nicaragua.

Prices are cheaper so upside will be higher.

This is totally incorrect. A new emerging market may take off but most don?t, you can buy property cheap but it?s cheap for a reason!

When buying property you don?t want to buy the cheapest, this is a mugs game.

You want to buy competitively prized property, with low downside risk and great upside potential and that?s exactly what Costa Rica property offers you.

If you want double digit annual gains with low downside risk then Costa Rica property can give it to you.

3. It has an established expat community

If people are looking at buying for investment, second or retirement property, they will look for who else is investing and living in the country from their own nation.

Once an expat community starts to establish and grow it attracts other expats. Many people like living in country where they are the only ones, but most don't.

Americans and Canadians in particular come to Costa Rica because the locals are friendly and they have their own community as well, to make them feel at home.

4. Outside Factors ? The major one to drive prices

Consider this

The baby boomer generation is coming to retirement age and are faced with this scenario:

Most will not be able to have the same standard of living their used to now. State support is less medical care costs are high, their living longer and they haven?t saved enough!

So what will they do? Many are already seeing Costa Rica as a way to maintain and improve their standard of living (just 3 hours from the US) and their buying Costa Rica property in ever increasing numbers

The baby boomers as they retire now will accelerate the upward trend in Costa Rica property prices and this is an opportunity for some double digit profits with low risk.

More FREE info and A FREE guide on Costa Rica property as well as video's features and articles go to http://www.costaricalandlots.com

Austin Luxury Apartments

Rich in natural beauty, Austin is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live. It offers a wide selection of economical to expensive luxury apartments for rent, lease, and sale in a variety of neighborhoods.

Set against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes with hill views, the condominiums, town homes, and duplex luxury apartments are designed to meet varying lifestyles and tastes. Austin luxury apartments engage twenty-first century concepts, spacious floor plans, and an ecologically compatible environment to foster physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Every apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, unique living space, and spacious dining area. Some have Berber carpet, a Roman soaking tub, Texas-size walk-in closets, built-in bookshelves and desks, washer/dryer connections, a utility room, and French patio doors leading to a private garden or balcony.

Common facilities include a sports park and clubhouse with lighted tennis and volleyball courts; professional, multi-level putting greens, big-screen TV and billiards room; computer and Internet access; fitness center with aerobics classes; indoor and outdoor games; parking spaces; a swimming pool and spa. Celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries, business meetings, and conferences may also be held.

Many Austin luxury apartments have a serene atmosphere, ideal for senior citizens. Independent living and assisted-living luxury apartments are also available. Independent gated villages are interconnected with a series of greenbelts, parks, and lit pathways as well as hike and bike trails.

Information about Austin luxury apartments may be obtained from professional apartment locators, realtors, or real estate agents. Many online sites also assist in buying, leasing, and renting apartments.

Austin Apartments provides detailed information on Austin Apartment Associations, Austin Apartment Guides, Austin Apartment Locators, Austin Apartment Stores and more. Austin Apartments is affiliated with North Dallas Apartments.

North Dakota Mortgage What to Know Before Buying a Home in North Dakota

Maybe you?re buying your first home in North Dakota, or perhaps you?re relocating to North Dakota from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on North Dakota home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in North Dakota:

The median price of a home in North Dakota is $74,400. The price of homes in North Dakota varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Fargo, North Dakota, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $201,000; however, in Bismark, North Dakota, the median price of a home was $171,000, and in Minot, North Dakota, it was $133,000. Average interest rates in North Dakota are below the national average, and job growth rate is below the national average.

North Dakota state law requires that the minimum loan amount on a mortgage is $35,000. Additionally, a title insurance agent is authorized to record a certificate of release for a residential mortgage.

North Dakota has a Fair Housing Law that prohibits mortgage discrimination against anyone because of their race, color, gender, religion, familial status, or national origin.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about North Dakota Mortgage Rates and Loans.

Downturn in Home Ownership Can Be a Windfall to Savvy Investors

With the housing market beginning to cool and interest rates on the rise, this may be an excellent time for investors to buy rental properties. The combination of those two market factors, along with an increase in the number of folks looking for new housing, could spell big profits for savvy real estate investors.

In the second quarter of 2006, home ownership actually rose somewhat, to 68.7 percent (although it was up less than a half percentage point), but that figure is down more than a percentage point from the high point, which occurred in the second quarter of 2004 (69.2 percent). Although that rise may be good for real estate sellers, recent interest rates, coupled with a large increase in property values during the housing boom many areas of the country experienced over the last several years, have made it much more difficult for buyers to get into homes of their own.

What does that mean to investors? It means that even at during the peak of home ownership in 2004, more than 3 out of every 10 Americans still rented the houses in which they lived, and it appears as if that figure may increase. In the last week of July 2006, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that applications for home loans had reached a four-year low. As an investor, those figures should spark your interest, because they indicate that more people are being forced to rent, whether they want to or not, until market factors adjust to make home ownership more feasible.

That fact was borne out in a recent survey by the National Multi Housing Council, which discovered that some 75 percent of apartment executives reported lower vacancy rates, higher rents, or both. In fact, the survey found that the Market Tightness Index, which is used to measure rental market conditions, increased to 85 in the second quarter of 2006, which was the highest number on record. Any number above 50 on that scale indicates improving market conditions for landlords, and it's been above 50 for 12 consecutive quarters. (The last time it was below 50 was July 2003.)

All of these factors offer a clear indication that owning rental properties makes more sense than it has in a long time, and that trend appears set to continue for some time to come. That conclusion was verified when a study by Harvard University identified a number of demographic forces that are combining to strengthen the rental housing market, especially echo boomers and second-generation Americans. The fact that investors are having to pay higher interest rates to buy rental properties has also translated into increased rents over the past few years.

With home buyers having more difficulty financing their dream homes, it appears as if the rental market will continue to strengthen for some time, at least until a market correction brings down home prices, which have been spiraling significantly over the past few years. As more and more people begin to look at renting as an option while they wait for that correction, savvy investors may be able to experience increased profits by adding more rentals to their inventory.

Copyright ? 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Jeanette Fisher teaches beginning real estate investors four ways to make money in any real estate market. Free Real Estate Investing Business Plan and free ebook, The Truth about Making Money Flipping Houses at http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com

California Probate Process Explained

The legal process begins with a ?petition? (request) to open the estate and formally name a personal representative who is responsible for the administration of the deceased?s property. An Official Notice of Creditors is printed in a local newspaper and a Notice of Administration is sent to other involved parties. Creditors then have a set amount of time to file their claims based on the date of first publication. The personal representative then pays the debt and distributes the remaining estate. Finally, a petition for discharge is filed, and the estate is closed.

This is a very simplistic overview of a complex legal process and you should engage the services of a skilled attorney. Upon your attorney?s recommendation, you may also be encouraged to consult with a CPA or tax consultant.

Probate - First month

File original wills and codicils (executor must petition for probate within 30 days or may lose right to be executor)
Publish Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (3 times before hearing date, 1st publishing must be at least 15 days prior to hearing)
Mail Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (at least 15 days prior to hearing)
File proof of publication and proof of mailing Notice of Petition to Administer Estate
File proof of will, if required and check calendar notes at least two days before hearing
File Order for Probate and if required probate bond

Letters issued - may be at the same time, or after filing order for probate

Next 4 - 5 months
Apply for Employer Identification Number
Notify Director of Health Services
Open Estate Bank account
Arrange for preparation of income tax returns
Prepare inventory & appraisements and send to Referee
Mail Notice of Administration to creditors, pay debts without requiring formal claims
File approval or Rejection of formal Creditor's Claims
File Inventory and Appraisement with court
List property for sale with Realtor and start to market and sell property
File petition for Confirmation of Property Sale (if no IAEA Administrator)
Attend court hearing for overbids (if no IAEA Administrator)
File change in Ownership Statement with county assessor for all real property
File federal estate tax return if gross estate is valued at $675,000 or more

Final Month - Closing Estate

File Petition for Final Distribution
Mail Notice of Hearing to heirs and beneficiaries
File proof of mailing Notice of Hearing
File Order for Final Distribution
Transfer assets and obtain receipt
File Receipts and Affidavit for Final Discharge

Intestate Succession

The following is an attempt to simplify the manner in which separate property is distributed when one dies without a will.

If there is a surviving spouse, but no surviving children, parents, brothers or sisters:
All to surviving spouse

If there is a surviving spouse, and one surviving child:
1/2 to surviving spouse
1/2 to child

If there is a surviving spouse and more than one surviving child:
1/3 to surviving spouse
2/3 to children

If there is not a surviving spouse and no children, but there are parent(s):
All to parents

If there is not a surviving spouse, no children, and no parents:
All to siblings

If there is not a surviving, spouse the preferential order of distribution:
Children
Parents
Parent's children
Grandparents
Children of grandparents
Children of predeceased spouse
Next of kin
Parents of predeceased spouse
Children of parents of predeceased spouse
State of California

Overbids

The Court must confirm the sale. At the time of the confirmation hearing, another buyer may overbid the original buyer. Typically overbids are offered at the hearing verbally. At the consummation of the confirmation hearing, the successful over-bidder will be required to execute the bid in writing and usually at this time, the buyer must present a 10% deposit.

There is a statutory formula for the first overbid. It is an additional amount equal to 10% or more, on the first $10,000 and 5% on the amount of the original bid in excess of $10,000. For example:

Original bid = $100,000
First overbid must be 10% of 10,000 = + 1,000
5% of $90,000 = + 4,500

Overbid must be = $105,500

If the court receives an acceptable overbid, the court will ask for any additional overbids. The judge will usually establish minimum increments as to additional overbids. All overbids will be taken into account based on the gross amount (without taking into account any brokerage fees).

The above is only meant as a simplification of a very complex procedure, and only an attorney can give proper advice. Information that is more detailed can be found in Sections 6400-6413 of the California Probate Code.

Phyllis Harb, a California native is a Realtor/Marketing Specialist at Dickson Podley Realtors in La Canada, California. Dickson Podley is a family owned boutique firm with offices in Glendale, La Canada, Altadena, Pasadena and Monrovia. Harb has been assisting Los Angeles County home sellers and buyers since 1989 and additionally offers over 10 years experience in real estate lending. Harb has an award winning web site @ http://www.RealtorHarb.com and may be contacted at 818 790-7325.

Generating Mortgage Leads Is A Very Important Part Of The Mortgage Business

Generating mortgage leads is a very significant part of the mortgage business. Buying mortgage leads is a daily practice for many loan officers and mortgage companies; often the leads that they buy are oversold Internet leads that lead aggregators online sell over and over causing mortgage applicants to get a colossal amount of phone calls, and unwelcome email.

The mortgage industry battle for loan deals on a daily basis. You see advertisements everywhere in the mass media sector. So, is there a way to compete with the big dogs of the industry? Yes, your local market is where you have to focus hard if you are a mortgage loan officer and are having trouble generating loan deals from leads that you buy online. There are many different ways of generating mortgage leads in your local market. Below I have listed a small number of methods that have worked for scores of loan officers who have taken the plunge in to gorilla marketing and viral marketing techniques.

-Create a referral network with realtors: Communicate or at least introduce your self to as many realtors as you can. This will create a viral marketing system that will generate you leads for years to come.

-Use online press release service to your advantage. Submit a well written interesting press release about the local mortgage industry include some worthy news. You local papers and news may pick up on it. This can be a goldmine!

-Plaster your local area with flyers, business cards, pens, and anything containing your company name. Pens work real well since that have a use and are saved for 6-24 months on average.

-Work with local events and charities. Be a part of the community. Sponsor charity golf tournaments. Many real estate agents play golf and wealthy homeowners.

-Network to build net worth! Be known! Don?t expect everyone to know you, make them know you. Go to local after hour spots and network.

-Join as many organizations as possible. The local chamber of commerce, BBB, Social Clubs, anywhere that will get your name more credibility and visibility.

-T-shirts for children. Make company t-shirts. Instead of giving them to adults give them to children, they will wear them and be seen. I saw one shirt on a child that said ?Future Mortgage Broker? Company Name, Phone?. Awesome!

These are just a few ways to enhance your local market share without spending big bucks. Compared to the price of internet leads ($15.00-$75.00 per lead) based off the prices we found posted at http://www.leadbull.com, local marketing is a immense money saver and maker if you have the time and put the effort in!

Jayson Brock has been in the mortgage industry for over 11 years and mostly in the marketing business for 6 of those years. To see more articles Jayson has compiled visit http://www.TheMortgageWire.com or http://www.BrokerTrends.com.

Home Appreciation Slows to Lowest Rate in Nine Years

Existing home sales fell 1.3% in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. This marks the eighth decline in 10 months.

June's average price of a sold home increased 0.9% from the year prior, to $231,000. This is the smallest year-over-year price increase since May of 1995.

Regionally, June's sales were down 3.5% in the Northeast and 2.3% in the South, while sales in the West and Midwest remained steady.

The supply of unsold homes has risen to a record 3.725 million units. The inventory is a 6.8 month supply at June's sales rate -- the greatest amount of time in over eight years.

Single-family home sales were down 0.9% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.81 million units, whereas sales of condominiums fell 5.5% in June.

David Lereah, NAR chief economist, says that home sales are beginning to level out after five years of record sales. With interest rates increasing, housing sales have slowed.

Lereah suggests that there are two markets seen in the industry right now -- one where red-hot markets are cooling, and the other where moderately priced areas are starting to heat up.

The NAR reports that sales have decreased in New York, Boston, Minneapolis and Chicago, but have increased in Syracuse and Pittsburg.

Overall, sales are increasing in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, while decreasing sales are seen in Maryland and Virginia.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Austin Real Estate

The term real estate refers to land along with anything permanently attached to the land, such as house. Real estate is an asset for the owners.

The city of Austin is the capital of Texas, U.S.A. It is divided into 7 main parts: North, with areas like Cedar Park, Copperfield etc.; Northwest, with areas like Block House Creek, Buttercup Creek, Canyon Creek etc.; Central, with areas like Aldridge Place and Allendale; South with areas like Barton Hills and Shady Hollow; Southeast with Onion Creek and Southwest with areas like Lake Pointe and Rob Roy. These areas have various advantages and disadvantages of their own. Each should be considered before buying real estate. Real estate agents can give guidance to a buyer.

With a population of more than half a million, Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Austin is considered a great place for real estate entrepreneurs. What's more, it is an environmentally friendly city. It has clean air, clean water, and healthy food facilities. Austin scored 34 marks in the Cleanest Cities Report, in which higher marks indicate a better city. Austin provides many great opportunities for students and educators alike. Austin has a main campus of the University of Texas. The many small and large businesses in Austin are growing. The infrastructure of the city is world-class. The service industry is at its peak. All these factors contributed to the real estate boom in Austin.

There are more than seven thousand real estate properties available in Austin waiting for buyers. Most of them have ability to become someone?s dream home.

Austin Real Estate provides detailed information on Austin Real Estate, Austin Real Estate Brokers, Austin Commercial Real Estates, Austin Real Estate Listings and more. Austin Real Estate is affiliated with Dallas Real Estate Agencies.

Tips to Improve Your Home's Chances of Selling

Want to sell your home fast and at top dollar? Try enhancing the garage! Garage? Before you think I have completely lost my mind, let me explain. Women love kitchens, men love garages. Yet, most people completely ignore and destroy their garages to the point that they can?t even get one car in there. I can never understand that. There is so much value to having a clean, organized garage whether your home is on the market or you plan on staying there until the kids grow up.

When people plan to put their home on the market their thoughts sometimes turn to ?What can I do to make my home wow someone on a limited budget?? Renovating the kitchen or the bathroom can cost upwards of $15,000. Cleaning, organizing and making over the garage could cost under $3,000 and can provide a huge bang for the buck especially if you are trying to sell your home in a competitive market. Every family has one neat freak and sometimes it?s the man of the house. And, remember what I said earlier ? men love garages. Many times when I am showing homes, the women migrate to the kitchen and the men go right for the garage.

Here?s some easy and cost effective ideas for your garage:

?Do a thorough sorting of the items in your garage. Make separate piles of keep, toss, and donate. Follow through on the toss and donate before you move on to the next step.

?Paint the walls in a taupe or grey color using satin or gloss paint finish. This way when you need to wipe up, it will be easy to do. Plus this finish will last you years longer than the builder?s flat white paint you started with.

?Buy some inexpensive fully finished, full back cabinets with easy clean melamine interiors and exteriors. Make sure that they hold a load of at least 100 pounds per shelf. Things we store in the garage are heavy. Mount some top cabinets for seasonal storage and some lower cabinets for items used more frequently. Be sure to mount the lower cabinets off the floor a few inches to prevent water damage.

?Look into some of the new finishes for the garage floor. There are some good ?do it yourself? finishes and some professional chemical and stain resistant floor coatings that will really wow the family or the prospective buyer. If you go for the ?DIY?, don?t fail to fully follow the instructions of the product you choose ? you could end up with a peeling mess. It?s best to consult a professional for floor coatings.

One of the biggest benefits to you as a homeowner when you put the time and effort into organizing your garage is the expanded living area and ease of finding all the necessary tools and utility items quickly when you need them, not to mention a home for your precious cars. The other advantage is the added and increased dollar value the extra, usable space has just brought to your home. When you are trying to sell your home quickly and at top dollar in a competitive market, focus on the garage, it will bring you some good results.

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the Tampa Florida Real Estate area.? He and his team have been helping families relocate to Florida and on the selling end get top dollar for their homes with great success.? Lipply Real Estate also specializes in Clearwater Florida Real Estate visit his website where you can search the MLS for up to date available homes for sale.

Make Money with Real Estate Government Home Seized

Do you want to learn how to make money with real estate? Have you always thought that you had to have a ton of money to start buying and selling real estate? Are you struggling to make an income and want a better way?

I am here to show you how to use government home seized real estate listings to make a ton of cash. Yes, you will need some start up capital or a little bit of credit, but you don?t need much of either. You see, in most cases, the government has become desperate to unload the homes they have seized.

This is a GREAT thing for you. This means that the price is going to be very low and they will be much more lenient on credit and down payment. I have even seen circumstances where homes go for under $2,500 with less than $100 down. That is insane.

Now the above example does not happen too often, but there are many homes for sale at 10% or less of their value. All you have to do is obtain one of these properties and you are set.

Once you get one of them, you can refinance the mortgage on this property and get cash out to buy another property. You can also sell this property to earn cash for your next deal. It just depends on how quickly you want to grow your business and how hot the property is on the market.

Once you get past your first deal you will be hooked. You will want to buy properties all the time and sell them just as often. There is millions to be made in real estate and all you have to do is start now and you can be on your way to claiming your portion.

Are you ready to buy government home seized properties? Do you want to make money form seized property sales? Go to the following website to get more information about seized property.

http://www.ready-repair-my-credit.com/seized.htm

Real Estate Investment Loans

Real estate investment loans can be obtained from savings banks and commercial banks, savings and loan associations, thrifts and loans, and from credit unions. Other sources from where a loan can be sought are insurance companies, mortgage bankers, finance lenders, pension funds, mortgage trusts and investment trusts. Real estate investment loans and property investment loans are even offered by private individuals.

The two types of real estate investment loans are residential and commercial. Residential category loans, which are often called as Non-Owner Occupied (NOO), include those investment properties (less than 4 units) that are bought and are planned for rental income and future appreciation. While a commercial category consist of those apartment buildings with 5 or more units, warehouse, mix-used buildings, and stores. The interest on the investment property loan is paid from the rental incomes. The major factors that are considered before an investment property loan is granted are investor's income, credit scores and reserves.

For a real estate investor seeking a loan, there are many options. Some of the mortgage financing options include commercial loans, bonds or stocks, syndicate equity financing, and security agreements. The five essentials needed for a loan are interest rate, terms, payment, final value, and principal. These mathematically interrelated elements alter automatically when there arise any small change in any one of the values.

To get a loan, there are no pre-determined limits set for the real estate investors. Real estate investment loans are provided as interim, short term and as long term loans. Various types of loans offered include permanent debt, construction debt, structured financing, bridge/interim financing, equity financing, mezzanine financing, foreclosure investor money, hard money loans and residential repair funding. To those investors in metropolitan areas who like to buy houses, fix them up, and resell them, the hard money loans are the best choice.

Real Estate Investments provides detailed information on Real Estate Investments, Real Estate Investment Trusts, Real Estate Investment Loans, Real Estate Investment Financing and more. Real Estate Investments is affiliated with Buying Investment Properties.

How To Lose Money On A Fixer Upper

A fixer upper home seemed like a good investment, but we had little experience. We had bought, fixed and sold a home in Montana for a profit, and completed the project in only a few months. However, we were new to the Tucson area, and didn't quite have a grasp on the home values. In Tucson, two identical houses can be $50,000 apart in price if they are three blocks apart.

Then there was the fact that the styles are different from anything we had in Michigan. They put corrugated steel fences around expensive homes here, and the people talked about how pretty they are! If we were to do a fixer upper, it would be good to have some help figuring not only home values, but also what buyers want.

We went to the Arizona Real Estate Investors Association meeting, and I announced that we had money to invest in a fixer upper home. We were looking for partners. Our names and phone number were written down on the overhead projector along with the others, and about three days later we got a call.

Bill and Diane were nice people. They had an accepted on a house, and looking at the comparison sales they had found, it seemed like a good buy. They had rough estimates of the rehabilitation and remodeling costs, which is what they needed our money for. A third couple was involved, so the expected $75,000 profit would be split three ways. We agreed in principle to the deal, and arranged to meet the other partners at the house after closing.

Fixer Uppers Versus Remodels

Three couples with six opinions - this can be a problem. Why did the beautiful wood floors have to be torn up and replaced with carpet? Why they couldn't at least be carpeted over without the expense of tearing them out? My wife and I thought it a crime to stucco and paint the beautiful brick exterior of the home, but we were assured that buyers here like it that way better. The ceiling in the add-on family room was a bit low, but raising it seemed too expensive and unpredictable.

Plans became new plans, and weeks of stressful anticipation evolved into stressful worrying. Houses in the area were selling for less than we initially thought, that the rehab cost would be more than we thought, and all the other partners expected to do much of the labor, rather than hire it out. Projected profits dropped from $25,000 down to $10,000 each, and we felt there might actually be a loss.

We dropped the deal. Fortunately, the other partners had procrastinated for weeks on our signing of the joint venture agreement. They would find a way to do it without us and split the profit two ways. We learned that this wasn't a fixer-upper in any case - it was a remodel. As I write this, it is more than three months past the projected completion date, and the home still isn't ready to sell. I hope they make a profit, but I am happy to have avoided the months of stress.

Other Fixer Upper Lessons

At another meeting of our investment club, a man told us about a fixer-upper he had bought years earlier, using credit cards for a down payment. He still hadn't finished it, and it looked like he was going to lose a lot of money in the end. He had no plan, which broke rule number one of the list below:

1. Have a clear plan.

2. Make sure everyone involved understands the plan and agrees to it.

3. Know what the home will sell for before you even make an offer.

4. Subtract ALL the costs (purchase price, selling costs, repairs, loans, other holding costs) AND your desired profit from the expected sales price. This gives you the highest price you can safely offer.

Learning what to do is a start, but learn what not to do too. Learn from our mistakes and those of others. That way, you won't lose money on your fixer upper home.

Steve Gillman writes on all real estate topics. Visit his website for: 1. A photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500. 2. A free book on how to save thousands buying your next home. 3. A free real estate investing course. Visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

South Dakota Mortgage What to Know Before Buying a Home in South Dakota

Maybe you?re buying your first home in South Dakota, or perhaps you?re relocating to South Dakota from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on South Dakota home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in South Dakota:

The median price of a home in South Dakota is $79,600. The price of homes in South Dakota varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $195,000; however, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the median price of a home was $171,000, and in Yankton, South Dakota, it was $149,000. Average interest and job growth rates in South Dakota are above the national average.

South Dakota state law requires that the minimum loan amount on a mortgage is $35,000. Additionally, it requires that an assignment of mortgage must be in writing and recorded. In the case of full loan repayment, the borrower must satisfy mortgage of record within 10 days of the lender?s written request. If they do not do so, they are held responsible for all damages the lender incurs as a result of their ill-compliance, including the lender?s lawyer fees and a $100 penalty.

South Dakota has a Fair Housing Law that prohibits mortgage discrimination against anyone because of their race, color, gender, religion, familial status, or national origin.

The Housing Development Authority in South Dakota assists low and moderate income families and first-time home buyers obtain mortgages. This program offers below-market interest rates and down payment assistance to borrowers who qualify under the state?s established guidelines.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about South Dakota Mortgage Rates and Loans.

Staying Calm When Home Values Drop

As the real estate market cools off across the nation, many people are getting nervous about reductions in the value of their property. There is little reason for such stress.

Staying Calm When Home Values Drop

The real estate market can be looked at in two ways. First, you can look at the movements on a monthly or annual basis. When doing so, you will see moves up or down and perhaps stress yourself out far more than necessary. Alternatively, you can look at prices on a long-term perspective of five years or more and predict where they will go based on historical trends in real estate. By far, this second approach is the way to go when it comes to viewing the value of your home.

Unless you live in Texas or Colorado, there is no denying that you have probably seen significant appreciation gains on your home over the last ten years. The market has been about as hot as it ever has. Properties in Las Vegas, for instance, were appreciating at a staggering rate of twenty-five percent or more a year. A YEAR! On paper, a lot of people became millionaires because of the equity gains in their home. As always, such growth could not be sustained inevitably.

The gains you have made over the last five years or so appear to be under attack at the moment. Across the nation, we are seeing a pull back on home values because of a cooling real estate market. It is important that you don?t overreact to this pull back. The gains you have seen in the last few years were paper gains, to wit, they did not put money in your bank account unless you pulled money out of your home. As home values cool, it is important to realize any loss of equity is also a paper loss, to wit, you aren?t paying anything out.

A map of real estate prices over the years would show a continual up trend. Yes, there are variations over a two to three year period, but the overall trend is an increase in property values. There is no reason to believe this will change anytime soon. The current pull back on property values will pass and your home will start appreciating again. It may take a year or two, but it will happen. Relax!

If you are seeing a pull back on the value of your home, you should not sell unless there is some other compelling reason. Practice patience and you will see prices rise again in the near future.

Raynor James is with the site - FSBOAmerica.org - FSBO homes for sale by owner.

Pune Property : India's Best Buy

Real Estate prices have been galloping in India over the last few years.

Since 2003 prices in Bangalore have been steadily rising upwards. Property purchased at 400Rs per sq feet has risen to 1800-2000Rs per sq feet within a few years. This is a 400-500% increase in price. Similarly for Noida. A plot for constructing an independent house is not available in Noida today for less than a crore . Why does all this make Pune property attractive?

Pune has been in the Real Estate news for a little over a year. So it's essentially been overlooked vis-a-vis hot IT markets like Bangalore and Noida. Real estate prices are still realistic in Pune. In the Eastern suburbs, you can still buy plots in Kondhva for about 600 Rs. Builders like Nyati, Cloud 9, Clover Village are the major sellers for plots and row houses in this area.

In the Western Suburbs Hinjewadi is the place where all the Real Estate action is happening. This is mainly because of the IT Park situated here. IT majors Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant are already there. New players have been coming in every month. This has resulted in a boom for rental accommodation in this area and also surrounding areas like Aundh, Baner, Bhugaon, Pune University.

A definite lower cost of living, fantastic weather, a small insular city which makes travelling easy, an extremely young upbeat crowd all add to the Pune charm. Pune is just a 3 hours drive over the expressway to Bombay and is well connected by air, road and rail. IT companies are moving to Pune since it's being seen as an extremely 'livable' city. The best property all over India

David Thomoson, an associated editor to pune360.com , is a contributing author to the www.pune360.com for distinct article sites/journals. Please feel free to visit www.pune360.com for more information on Real Estate, property and classified issues Or write to him AT pune360@hotmail.com. Any comments and /or suggestions will be highly appreciated.

Property Abroad What's it All About?

What's it all about?

The past 4 - 8 years have seen a tremendous increase in the interest, purchase and hype of buying a property abroad. The late 90's and early part of the 21st century has seen house prices surge in the UK to record heights, this together with the ever increasing coverage of the low cost airline destinations has given the average man in the street the excess equity in their existing homes and easier access to be able to think about buying and perhaps living overseas.

We've probably all been on a foreign holiday to some exciting destination, be it Europe, The Americas or even further afield and admit it whenever we've seen a local estate agent we always make a beeline for their shop window if not to compare the prices to back in the UK then certainly to see how and what we could afford - we've been doing it for years without really considering the possibilities.

4 years ago the number of properties owned by people from the UK hovered at around 170,000. Now there are over 1million Brits owning second homes in Spain and France alone, and figures from the Office for National Statistics recently revealed that around 200,000 Britons travel abroad every year in search of buying a property with the intention of staying for a minimum of 12 months.

The main question we at property-abroad.com are asked by investors and holiday home seekers is where should we buy? A difficult question to answer because every person's idea of owning an overseas investment or holiday property is completely different. We have a selection of questions that we ask client to consider when thinking of buying abroad which include:

?Budget - how much do you want to or can you spend. Do you need a mortgage or finance?

?Location - is location important for you? Beach, countryside or town?

?Use - personal for holidays or purely investment or a bit of both?

?Access - is getting to your property easily and cheaply important to you?

?Employment - will you need to work what is the employment situation?

?Schooling - do you need to consider such things as schooling for your children?

?Size - will a one bed apartment be big enough or do you need to consider a 4 bed town house or villa?

?Rentability - is it going to be a necessity to rent your property out to help with mortgage payments?

Although we have over 300 different websites and feature over 50,000 properties for sale in over 45 different countries abroad no two enquiries are ever the same and as such we treat each enquiry on a personal basis. We feature properties for sale directly from local estate agents and developers in every country.

What about the legalities

Buying a property abroad can be relatively straightforward - there's nothing really complicated as long as you follow instructions and use a reliable legal representative - whether they are from the country concerned or from the UK - it will make you feel more at ease and will help things to run smoothly. We feature various guides and books on buying property abroad on our website and apart from various little peculiarities in certain countries most overseas property purchases can run smoothly.

Mortgages

Financing your overseas property is a lot easier now than it was a couple of years ago. Mortgages for buying property abroad can be arranged through high street banks like the Abbey National, Nat West and Barclays. However, you may need to look at specialist lenders for new and emerging countries like Turkey, Bulgaria, and Croatia etc. Consideration should also be given to obtaining a mortgage in the country that you are buying in - things like euro mortgages can often work out cheaper than UK lenders but be aware of the changing exchange rate. Typical loan to value %'s can range from 60 - 80% depending on the country.

Insurance

As with all major purchases insurance must play a part in your overall budget plan. We would strongly recommend that adequate property and contents insurance is taken out to cover your investment as it grows. Although you don't anticipate any problems arising with your new home you certainly want to ensure that your investment is covered against loss and damage. Although there are a number of UK based companies that will offer Overseas Property Insurance - you will also find that there are local companies able to offer similar coverage in each country.

Most of us here in the UK are already home owners and there exists a continuing strong demand for our little piece of England. However, there exists a growing sector of young people who are unable to climb on the UK property ladder because of the high cost of entry property prices and as such are entering the overseas property market as a means to secure some foot holding on an emerging property market.

A Place in the Sun - Channel 4's property programme recently compiled their list of the 20 best places to buy a property abroad for investment purposes. To refresh your memory we have included those destinations below in ascending order from the best to the least projected returns on investments.

Romania - Poland - Portugal - The Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) - Sweden - Belgium - Slovakia - Sweden - Finland - Hungary - Luxembourg - Germany - Czech Republic - Ireland - Austria Netherlands - France - Italy - Spain - Cyprus

With over 45 countries covered in our overseas property database prices of properties for sale in the areas above can range from a plot of land in the Bahamas from ?2000 right up to a country holiday complex in Tuscany for over ?33 million. Typical property prices in the likes of Romania stand at around the ?10-15,000 mark for a decent property in the outlining areas whereas ?5,000 + will get you a rural property requiring renovation and upwards of ?30,000 will buy you something very near to the city of Bucharest.

Our Tip

The property market in Poland is our tip for rapid future growth as we consider the country to have the best prospects of all current EU members. There are a huge number of international companies, such as Tesco's and GSK, beginning to set up offices, shops and warehousing in the country - this together with over EUR70 billion of European funding earmarked for the country over the next 8 years or so can only indicate the anticipated growth in employment, housing and infrastructure. Together with our Polish partners we are currently busy identifying new opportunities within the country and will soon be marketing off-plan developments in Poland throughout our massive infrastructure of websites.

As we become more and more daring in our ventures of overseas holidays then the great British public will continue to conquer new and exciting areas of the globe in which to lay their foundations of a holiday home or indeed a permanent residence abroad. Whatever your reasons are for considering a move abroad then remember there's only one company out there that can offer access to over 30,000 properties for sale worldwide www.property-abroad.com Tel: 0870 720 3210

Les Calvert - the Director of http://www.property-abroad.com often writes articles and information on the overseas property market. Visit their site with useful information and properties for sale all over the world http://www.property-abroad.com/locations

Home Appeal for Today's Market

Sellers get todays market with pricing and longer market times, but understanding that the priced-right home needs to have an up-to-date appeal to home buyers can be a daunting next level. After years of hearing from successful sellers that they didn't have to do a thing, sellers need some rehabilitation to understand how they can stand out from their competition with rising inventories. Many sellers are open to a overhaul if the tips come from someone other than their agents mouth. Here is a handy list to help convince sellers that some features in their home might need some attention.

-Test all door and cabinet knobs. Replace mis-matched or inexpensive hardware for a quick update. Buyers rarely can get beyond a knob that comes off in their hand as they attempt to use a door.

-Take the time to paint walls, trim and ceilings. Keep adjoining rooms in the same color palette which will make your home appear larger and flow better. Clean up spills from messy painters. Hire professionals to paint mullions on windows and staircase spindles.

-Slipcover mismatched furniture in a room that requires visual unification.

-Discover ways to organize day-to-day room needs. Substantial wicker baskets or square stainless steel or brass can organize magazines, remote controls and toys. Books provide a good look, but vary them by laying some down and standing some up.

-Wallpaper is considered fill-in-the-blank decorating. No two people have the same taste in this instant decorator wannabe. If it?s more than three years old, take it down and paint in a neutral color. And wallpaper boarders are out.

-Simple furniture rearrangement can bring new life to a tired space. Float sofas and coffee tables away from walls for a designer look. Use area rugs to anchor furniture groupings on bare tile and wood floors. Place groupings of candles and clear glass bowls filled with natural potpourri, fresh fruit or glass crystals on side and coffee tables.

-Make sure there is balanced lighting in every room for dusk and evening showings. Dimmers help set the right tone. -Polish and wax hardwood floors to brighten and blend an old finish.

-Clean every surface until it shimmers and shines. Clean can seal a deal. Don't forget the windows.

-Purchase the best quality carpet pad which can make any new carpeting cushy, and home buyers love cushy. Stay away from shag styles, buyers know it won't be around long in style cycles.

-Streamline window fashions. Heavy drapes are in the minority. Think let the light shine in when placing placing blinds and shades. Light and bright can overcome other issues with home.

-Freshen-up closets with closet organizers to maximize storage space and paint a neutral washable color. Make sure buyers can see the back of all closets and cupboards. Lighting is often overlooked feature in closets, but buyers will always turn on lights when viewing a closet, big or small. Thinning closets, cabinets, basements, attics and garages will also help your storage spaces look larger. If you can't part with items, rent a storage locker to hold items for decision making later.

-Don't forget the basement, dark, dirty and musty basements are a turn-off to buyers. Add extra lighting, paint the floor and vacuum out all the cobwebs. Organize storage areas and take the time to clean the washing machine and dryer. To spruce up the hot water heater and furnace, wipe down with a strong cleaner. Scrub the laundry tub and sweep left-over leaves out of exterior stairs and window wells. Run a dehumidifier to reduce basement moisture.

-Take a good look from the street or road at the front of your home. Look for shrubs that are over grown or dead and remove and replace with shrubs that are to scale to your home. Small inexpensive bushes send the wrong message.

-Limit yard ornaments to a favored few. Excess ornaments can make yards look busy and buyers might want them included in a purchase contract.

-Paint and refresh yard lights, flagpoles, mailboxes, window boxes, fences and trellis. Don?t forget the swing set or play equipment.

-Replace broken bricks on terraces, cracked concrete patios and steps. Eliminate trips and falls on property showings.

-Restore screens on porches and lanai?s. Dirty, rusty and ripped screens limit functionality to homebuyers.

-Don't leave pets unattended for property showings especially when you know they can be aggressive or territorial around strangers.

-Have carpets and area rugs cleaned before showing your home to potential buyers. Those allergic to animal dander and hair, even if they can't see your pet will know when their eyes and nose start to alert them to an allergic reaction. Many will not purchase a home that poses strong allergy problems.

-Pick up dog droppings in the yard. Buyers out to take a look at the roof don't want any take away.

-A barking dog or overly friendly cats can kill a showing. Be pro-active and take your pets off site for showings. Hire a dog walker to occupy pets if you can't be home.

###

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. He contributes residential real estate analysis to Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. View his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com.

Blessings Or Transgressors

Estate agents are there to help people in need of properties for housing, commercial or other purposes. They are there to provide their services that varies from giving advices for properties, making two parties meet up for a deal. They are there to lend a hand to tenants, property sellers and buyers, to landlords etc. They are can provide an interested party with all the technicalities, particulars, prices and everything through their own medium, right at the party's doorstep. It is convenient to involve a middleman when a person wants a property so that he can save his time and energy. These estate agents carry out these services in return of what is known as commission.

The darker side of their business is that while they are offering their services they are filled with greed and they aim at gaining their commissions as much and soon as possible. In trying to achieve this they cause a misbalance in the proper flow of country's economic development.

Many of the agents in greed of earning commission mislead buyers through false information concerning the peculiars about the property. Rental housing acquired with the aid of agents for middleclass people often have them facing a huge financial loss. They end up having a totally contradictory situation to what they had been informed about by the agents. The extra loss is rendered for the commission paid by them. Mental stress plays its own part. They may sell properties already been sold off. The property owners pay agents extra if they manage to fish and convince buyers who are willing to buy their properties at double prices. This is especially a trait that these middlemen possess of convincing their clients and talking them into making deals they would otherwise get at much lower rates. It is more like a trend these days to involve these middlemen to escape and avoid efforts required for buying property whether it involves residential, business, trade or commercial purposes.

The other thing that agents do is they hardly ever let the two parties that he's dealing with meet one another and interact on their own, making their own false statements. Make people believe the buyer or the seller is out of reach and there is no way the can have direct contact with them. Real, professional agents would never turn to such acts but many unemployed people adopt these measures in order to earn easy money and pretend that they are professionals and thus looting innocent people. Estate agents are both a blessing and curse to people in the business world at the same time.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Real Estate, Investing, and Finance

Choosing the Right San Diego Realtor for YOU!

Whether buying or selling a home, it is one of the largest financial events that happens only a few times within your life. That makes choosing a realtor just as important and a crucial decision that can add to the stressful event or make it smoother and easier. So, choose your realtor as carefully as you would choose your doctor or attorney.

The first step in choosing the RIGHT realtor is to ask your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and business associates for recommendations. Ask them why they liked the realtor, what kind of service he/she provided, and would they use him/her again? Do not consider recommendations of their relatives ? it is doubtful that you are getting an accurate perspective on the realtor.

If you did not get several truly exemplary recommendations, then drive throughout your neighborhood and check the ?for sale? signs, especially those with ?Sold? stuck across them. Note the realtor names. Also, check out real estate, display and classified advertising in your newspaper and local neighborhood paper. Which realtors have the most listings? Which have the largest or most display ads with photos of the homes? Note the realtor names.

By now, you should have a good list of potential realtors. It is time to check them out. Attend at least one open house for each realtor you are considering. Observe them in action and judge their expertise. Are they professional ? or do they come across as a ?used car salesman?? How familiar is the realtor with the property he/she is selling? After you leave, make detailed notes of your observations and how you felt about the realtor.

If you only used the recommendations of others, now check the advertising in the newspaper and neighborhood media for the realtors in which you are interested. Do the drive through of your neighborhood to see how many sold signs these realtors have. Make notes of how visible these realtors are and their marketing efforts.

Next, choose your top three realtor selections. It is better if they are from different companies, ensuring they will work harder for your business. Call all three and set appointments. For sellers, make the appointment in your home and let them know you would like an estimate of your home?s market value. For buyers, let them know you would like them to determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. Be sure they know that you are meeting with two other realtors and will not make your decision until you have met with all three.

During each interview, take detailed notes on the realtors? presentations. Note any thoughts you have. Ask the following questions, along with any you may have:

?For sellers

oHow will they sell your home? What are their marketing plans? Are they customized to your listing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time realtor? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will be giving your listing his/her full attention.

oWhat is their sales record? This includes their production level, rating, closed rate, expired rate on listings, and average time listings have been on the market before selling within the last year.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat level of technology will they use to promote your listing ? web sites, virtual tours, online photo galleries, and so on?

oWhat services do they provide from the time of listing your home to the end of the closing?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you from listing through closing?

oDo they provide working relationships with local inspectors, appraisers, and real estate attorneys?

oWill they help you ?stage? you home for showing. This is a walk-through of the property, suggesting things that should be repaired, renovated or changed to improve your pricing for the home. It also includes things that would ?show? the home better. For example, too much furniture adds a clutter affect, making rooms look smaller. The realtor may suggest storing some of your furniture until after the sale.

oHow did they arrive at the results of their marketing analysis? Ask for the actual addresses of any homes they used for comparison.

?For buyers

oWhat services do they provide from the time you contract with them through the closing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time agent? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will give his/her full attention to finding you a home.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you during your search for a home through closing?

oWhat level of technology and research methods will they use to locate potential homes for you to view?

oWhat is their production level and rating? How many satisfied buyers in the past 12 months?

oDo they provide working relationships with inspectors, appraisers, title search companies/attorneys, and real estate attorneys for contracting and the closing? Can they suggest mortgage lenders, if you need one?

oDo they network with other realtors in the area? Sometimes, such relationships may afford you a viewing before a property is ?officially? listed, giving your first view.

Tell the realtors that you will make a decision and contact them in the next day or two.

After all interviews are completed, note the following:

?Who gave you the most usable information?

?For sellers, the market value for your home should be in similar ranges for all three realtors Note if someone is unusually high. They may be only trying to get your listing with the idea of talking your price down later. Also, drive by the homes they used for market value comparison. Which realtors compared apples to apples, and which compared apples to oranges?

?For buyers, your buying potential (what you can afford to pay for a new home) should be in the same range for all three realtors. If a realtor is much higher or lower than the others, note this. You may even call him/her to inquire about the difference and how they arrived at the amount?

?Who answered your questions with genuine sincerity?

?Who genuinely appeared most excited about your home and its sale?

?Who truly listened, and who did not?

?Which realtor seemed to be the best fit for you?

Choosing a poor realtor can turn an already stressful event into a nightmare with ramifications that you must live with for years to come. Choosing the right realtor can make the experience a dream come true and a totally satisfying event. Selling or buying a home is stressful enough. Be sure you do not choose a realtor that is going to add to that stress.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

Choose the Right Realtor

For most people, their home is the biggest investment of their life. Whether you're buying or selling a home, you want to be sure you're maximizing that investment. Choosing the right Realtor can make a big difference in how fast you find or sell a house, the price you pay or receive and the smooth completion of the transaction.

You'll need to do some research to find the one that's right for you. It's not hard, but it will take a little time; however, finding the right match will pay off in the long run. Here are some tips from AHA:

Go with a Pro

The terms agent, broker and Realtor are often used interchangeably. But not all agents or brokers are Realtors. The term Realtor identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and subscribes to its strict code of ethics, which in some cases goes beyond state law.

Experience Counts

Whether you're looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell a house, you don't want to be part of someone's learning curve. One of the first questions you should ask a potential Realtor is how long they've been licensed and how long they've worked in the area, says Richard Roll, president of AHA.

Get Referrals

Friends, neighbors and co-workers are often good sources for referrals. Get as many details as possible about their buying or selling experience with a particular agent. Were they happy with the service they received? Would they use the Realtor again? You can also check the local yellow pages or search the Internet to scope out your options and find leads . If you're selling, look for sold signs in your neighborhood.

Think Locally

Both buyers and sellers should look for a Realtor who is familiar with the area, notes Roll. Ask what they have sold or listed in the neighborhood recently. If you're buying, a Realtor should be able to provide you with information on the community, the schools, taxes and other facts. If you're selling, you want your agent to be able to talk to prospective buyers about these details.

Use the Right Type of Realtor

Should you use a conventional Realtor or a buyer's broker? Many home buyers don't realize that Realtors legally work for the seller. They're making their commission from the purchase price, so they want to sell a house quickly and for the most money possible.

A buyer's broker, on the other hand, represents the best interests of the buyer, and is an option that's growing in popularity. Buyer agents are bound to keep anything you say to them confidential. Since they are not working for the seller, they are less likely to try to gloss over any problems with a particular home and do their best to make sure you find a home that is right for you. However, you will have to pay the fee for a buyer agent, either an hourly fee or a commission based on the purchase price. The key is to make a better deal on the home that you buy to cover the cost of the assistance the agent provides.

Dual Agents work out of a traditional real estate office both as a traditional agent and a buyer agent. They can take on buyers directly as clients, but since they work in a traditional real estate office, they can also represent the seller. In this situation you need to remember to keep your comments spare and look for the best deal. A dual agent cannot negotiate on the buyer's behalf and cannot recommend specific terms, including a purchase price. If you want a true buyer broker without dual agency, be sure to look for an Exclusive Buyer Broker. Split Agents do the same type of work as a dual agent, in that they can represent the buyer or seller. The main difference is that they never represent both in a transaction. If you hire a split agent as your buyer broker, they are bound to the same rules as an exclusive buyer broker. Everything you say is held in confidence and they work solely and completely in your best interest.

Discount and e-brokers provide even more choices to home buyers and sellers. Both charge less than the typical 6 percent commission for their services. Discount brokers function much like a conventional agent. However, they may not provide the full range of marketing services you would get from a convention agent. Most e-brokers do not have a brick and mortar office, which cuts down their overhead costs, a saving which they pass on to consumers. When using an e-broker, you'll typically do most of the work yourself: checking the MLS listings, making a list of properties you'd like to view, weeding out the houses that aren't a good fit for you. The transaction takes place mostly online; when you have some houses you want to see, you contact the e-broker and they put you in touch with a local agent.

Another option as a buyer is to try to go it alone, searching through the papers and looking for listing signs as you drive through different neighborhoods. This is not recommended for first time buyers, but if you are a hardy soul and want to take on the task, make sure you do your homework on each property before signing anything. Be sure to go through the remaining sections of AHA's Home University 1st Time Buyers course, so you will know how to protect yourself and make a good deal.

Stay in your range

Whether you're buying or selling, choose a Realtor who concentrates on your price range. For example, if you're looking to buy a house in the range of $250,000 to $300,000, you should check the real estate listings in the local paper to see which Realtors are listing houses in that range. A Realtor who focuses on more expensive homes won't be as knowledgeable about what's available in your price range.

Interview a Few Candidates

Once you've done some background work, set up interviews with three or four Realtors you're considering. You might also want to visit open houses to observe the agent in action. Are they familiar with the property, the area, the real estate transaction? Did they show the home in a professional manager? Did they seem enthusiastic and were they easy to communicate with?

Don't Let an Agent Buy Your Listing

If one agent says he or she can sell your house for substantially more money than the other agents quoted you, they're probably telling you what they think you want to hear in order to get your listing. Or, they may not be familiar with the market in your town or neighborhood. Statistics show that properties which are over-priced when they are listed stay on the market longer and sell for less than if they had been properly priced from the start, says AHA's Roll.

Agree on Expectations

If you're selling a house, ask your agent to put together a written marketing plan detailing the steps they will take to sell your home. The agent should offer advice on how to prepare your home for the market and who has enthusiasm for your property. If you're buying a home, make sure you know how often your agent will supply you with listings, how many houses you can expect to see in a week, etc.

Look for a Personality Match

Once you know you've narrowed your search down to qualified professionals with the right expertise, make sure you choose someone you trust and who you like. Regardless of whether you're a buyer or a seller, you'll be spending a lot of time with your Realtor and it should be someone you feel compatible and comfortable with, says Roll.

American Homeowners Association (AHA)?

Richard J. Roll, American Homeowners Association (AHA)? Founder and President, created the AHA in 1994 after speaking to thousands of homeowners and discovering that they were facing similar problems ? high costs, no clout, little knowledge. The AHA helps homeowners and first-time homebuyers obtain the most value for their homes, build equity, avoid common pitfalls, and save $1000s on home improvements and home maintenance. Now the world?s leading homeowner?s savings, benefits and advocacy membership group, since its inception, AHA has served over 1 million homeowners and first-time home buyers and helps them to capture the most value in their homes, and make wiser decisions regarding home buying, selling, financing, maintenance and home improvements.

French Property Purchase the Compromis de Vente: What it is and Why You Should Want to Know

This is the preliminary contract between the buyer and vendor which sets out the exact conditions under which the Acte de vente will be completed and how the transfer of the property will take place.

It is a binding contract that is signed before any conveyancing takes place by the notary.

There is, however, a seven day cooling off period during which the purchaser may pull out without forfeiting any of his deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price). This period begins from the time the buyer receives a signed copy of the compromise and if you decide to pull out of the transaction then you must inform the notaire by written confirmation BEFORE the seven days are over. The buyer does not have to give any particular reason for this and should expect your deposit returned to you within 21 days of the notaire receiving the letter. It must be noted though that if the purchaser pulls out of the deal after this period then you are liable to losing the deposit unless any of the conditions suspensive (conditional clauses) are not met.

The Compromis de vente can be signed either at the estate agency itself or at the notaire's office. It can be drawn up by the estate agency or by the notaire - it is always safer to sign one prepared by a notary as it is more likely to protect you and include more details on the transaction.

The notary should spend some time with you on the details of the transaction and outline any conditions suspensives such as the contract being subject to mortgage approval for example.

Information held within the compromis:

? Details of the purchaser and vendor- You will be asked to provide information on your civil status which includes the following: Full names, contact details, passport copies, professions, birth and marriage certificates and details of ex spouses

? Title details of the property

? A description of the property and a map of the plot showing its exact location within the commune shown by the plan cadastral showing the borders of the property and what buildings are included in the purchase

? The price of the property

? The agreed deposit which is usually 10% of the price of the property (excluding the estate agent's commission). This deposit will normally be held by the appointed Notaire and should be in his account upon signing so be prepared and make sure that you have enough cleared funds to do this

? Circumstances when the deposit may be forfeited (e.g if the buyer pulls out AFTER seven days of receiving the copy of the signed Compromis)

? Declarations by the vendor and obligations of the purchaser

? Certificates of lead, asbestos and termite surveys (detailed below) or arrangements for them

? Conditional Clauses that must be fulfilled in order for the sale to take place. These include the standard clauses pertaining to the searches conducted by the Notaire (e.g limitation on the property being used for its intended purpose), claims on the Title, mortgage acceptance etc. Also additional clauses can be inserted if agreed by both parties such as building work to be completed or servicing of boiler, planning permission etc.

? Penalty clauses describing what action is taken if either side fails to fulfil his/her part of the deal

? Declarations on both the buyer and seller's capability to fulfil the contract

? Details of (Frais de Notaire) Notary fees

? Target completion date

? Inventory of items included in the sale

Fortunately in France the law states that the vendor is under a legal obligation to not withhold any information form the buyer and thus the purchaser is very well protected. This includes the following information necessary for the signing of the compromis to take place:

1) The asbestos survey - Any property built before the 1st of July 1997 must be accompanied by a certificate detailing whether or not asbestos is present in the building materials used in its construction which is valid for one year

2) The termite certificate - The vendor must show a certificate dated within the last three months showing the absence of termite infection within the property. If the certificate shows that there are in fact termites in the building then he must eradicate them at his own expense and provide a new certificate showing that the building is now free from termites

3) Lead certificate - If the property was built before January 1st 1948 and is located in an area which has been identified by the prefecture as an at risk area for containing lead then a certificate must be produced showing its presence or not

4) Certificat de la loi Carrez - A certificate showing the surface area of each house or flat in a co-owned property

Those four certificates above are essential to have before the compromis is signed and they are all provided by the vendor. Additional information set out below must also be supplied by the vendor as the notaire carries out the conveyancing:

1) The rental status of the property

2) A certificate to show that the property conforms to the building regulations

3) The building permission for the property

4) Whether or not the property has construction insurance if it is less than ten years old or if it has had some work done to it in the last ten years

5) The heating system

6) The gas supply

7) The safety standard of the swimming pool

8) The drainage system

It is also useful for the buyer to check to see if there is any planning permission on adjacent or nearby property and find out exactly what it is so that you know you are not buying something that will for example shortly have a high rise apartment block built next to it. You can do this simply by visiting the local Mairie (town hall) and asking for it.

If you want to know more about the overall process of buying a property in France, see our articles at http://www.leapfrog-properties.com/articles/

Good luck!

Nick Dowlatshahi is the managing director of Leapfrog Properties, a UK specialist agency in French property. Leapfrog offer an online database of up to 200,000 properties for sale in France plus a personal service from fluent French speakers to help you find, view and buy your property. Leapfrog Properties website is at http://www.leapfrog-properties.com.