Buying or selling a home is a huge time and financial investment that can create stress and anxiety. Inexperienced buyers and sellers often make the mistake of doing it alone, losing money and falling into legal or other hardships along the way. Don't make such monumental decisions without expert guidance. Employing a real estate agent can save you money, time, and heartache.
Unfortunately, choosing a real estate agent can be more confusing than choosing a home. Although you may be tempted to open up a free real estate booklet and choose according to portrait, (look for the obligatory agent with cowboy hat) you'll want to take your time and interview a few different prospects before making your decision. Here are some questions to ask and the answers to expect.
1. How long have you been working in real estate and with this agency?
Let's face it-experience is invaluable. When buying or selling, you want to hire an expert, not a novice. You also want someone who has been with an agency for a good amount of time, or at least has been in the area for many years.
A realtor that knows the location well gives you the upper hand in seeking property and making negotiations. Newly licensed realtors can be helpful if you're seeking trendy hotspots, but be sure that they are well versed in legalities, or at least are not afraid to ask for help from mentors.
2. How much?
This might be a good question to save until the end, but it is important. Realtors are expert negotiators, so the first percentage they quote doesn't have to be set in stone.
For buyers, it varies between %1 and %4. Sellers generally pay more depending on if they must cover the buyer's agent as well. Don't be afraid to haggle and don't be afraid to decline an offer and move on. There are plenty of great realtors, especially for buyers, who can be talked down.
3. Why should I choose your agency?
It may sound hard, but what makes this realtor so special that you shouldn't just walk down the street to the next one? There is no shortage of realtors, especially in big cities. If you're buying, are they going to put in enough time?
Will they scoff if you're picky? How good are they at negotiating? How much time can they devote to your search? For buyers, how aggressively will they market your real estate? How many clients do they reach?
Do they have an online presence? You should feel confident and secure that the realtor is going to devote enough time and energy to the job.
4. Can I see a few references?
The answer to this question should be a resounding yes. They should supply you with phone numbers and emails of non-related, professional references that can adequately vouch for the real estate agent's professionalism, as well as their personality and work ethics.
Don't be afraid to ask these and many other tough questions to potential real estate agents. A good agent will not take offense and readily provide you with all of the answers you need.
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Perspective on Real Estate - Never Again in Our Lifetime So Be Prepared
In recent years lots of people have been playing the real estate markets thinking there was little risk, even trying to flip houses. An associate of mine told me a story about an MD that committed suicide over multiple investment properties where his properties were "under water" (the houses were worth less than the mortgages).
Everyone thinks he or she is an expert, like gambling addicts who think they can make up their losses with one more bet.
The Rude Awakening is Upon Us.
It's sad, but true that Real Estate doesn't always go up in value.
It might take a generation or more for real estate prices to recover in some locations.
To illustrate this point with a real life example from the Great Depression, we knew a woman who was living off real estate in the 1990s her father bought during the 1920s and 1930s.
60 years is a long time to wait for an investment to pay off.
It should change the way we manage our personal real estate investments. If you are paying on a big mortgage you experience severe risk in the event of job loss or an economic downturn.
Owing the bankers and loan companies just puts you under more pressure. So what should you do?
You want to get rid of the obligation as soon as possible. It makes you vulnerable to any income glitch like a layoff. If you own the structure outright, it means you only have to pay taxes, insurance and utilities.
Here are some good strategies.
1. Save up a down payment if you are buying.
2. Get a short-term mortgage.
3. Pay it off as fast as you can.
4. Buy or trade down to a smaller house that is more affordable.
5. Taxes will be more reasonable on smaller homes.
6. Get some land where you can grow food or add on other structures.
7. Look for tax breaks for agricultural land and homestead exemptions.
8. Avoid car payments and apply the income to your home. Cars are terrible investments. Even now real estate is better. I've seen car payments greater than many mortgage payments. You can't live in a car.
Finally, prepare for an even further drop in real estate prices and many more foreclosures creating a self-perpetuating downward spiral. If you prepare for the worst and it doesn't happen, think how much better off you will be.
Everyone thinks he or she is an expert, like gambling addicts who think they can make up their losses with one more bet.
The Rude Awakening is Upon Us.
It's sad, but true that Real Estate doesn't always go up in value.
It might take a generation or more for real estate prices to recover in some locations.
To illustrate this point with a real life example from the Great Depression, we knew a woman who was living off real estate in the 1990s her father bought during the 1920s and 1930s.
60 years is a long time to wait for an investment to pay off.
It should change the way we manage our personal real estate investments. If you are paying on a big mortgage you experience severe risk in the event of job loss or an economic downturn.
Owing the bankers and loan companies just puts you under more pressure. So what should you do?
You want to get rid of the obligation as soon as possible. It makes you vulnerable to any income glitch like a layoff. If you own the structure outright, it means you only have to pay taxes, insurance and utilities.
Here are some good strategies.
1. Save up a down payment if you are buying.
2. Get a short-term mortgage.
3. Pay it off as fast as you can.
4. Buy or trade down to a smaller house that is more affordable.
5. Taxes will be more reasonable on smaller homes.
6. Get some land where you can grow food or add on other structures.
7. Look for tax breaks for agricultural land and homestead exemptions.
8. Avoid car payments and apply the income to your home. Cars are terrible investments. Even now real estate is better. I've seen car payments greater than many mortgage payments. You can't live in a car.
Finally, prepare for an even further drop in real estate prices and many more foreclosures creating a self-perpetuating downward spiral. If you prepare for the worst and it doesn't happen, think how much better off you will be.
New US President and Real Estate
With a new President of the United States only days away from being sworn into office, are we bound to see a light at the end of the recession tunnel? Things are bad across the United States, but will a new leader truly make a difference in the world of personal finance and real estate? We can all hope the promises of the new leader end up boosting the economy and bringing back the powerful economical reign the United States has come to love.
With a new President comes much of the excitement a child feels with a new toy. That excitement is enough to make people believe in the practices, rules and regulations that the leader preaches will turnaround our financial world. Along with that novelty, comes the fact that the current President of the United States is facing approval ratings lower than anyone every thought possible.
Is a Turnaround Out of the Question?
Some people, including the President Elect, believe the state of the financial crisis is bad enough that a change needs to be made today in order to save the United States from years of recession. Not unlike the months before President Bill Clinton took office, the United States economy is in a slump and needs a boost. It took President Clinton four years to change the slump and four more years to gain the total trust of the United States people. Unlike that time in history, today people are looking for change and President Elect Obama may be the change the people need.
How Will The President Elect Change Real Estate?
The real estate market is directly related to the financial well-being of the people of the United States. If there is money flowing in the economy people are more likely to invest in a home of their own or investment real estate. When the media, friends and family are facing harsh economic times, lost jobs and reduced pay, the money is just not there to invest. And, even if the money is available, the savings rate in the United States is on the rise because people are saving that money in wait for the final financial shoe to drop.
The entire real estate community and agents across the United States stand together in hopes that the President Elect will be able to make good on many of the promises responsible for his election. A new day is on the horizon and we all can only cross our fingers that President Elect Obama understands what the American people and the real estate community need to climb out of the recession and become the financial leaders we once were as a nation.
With a new President comes much of the excitement a child feels with a new toy. That excitement is enough to make people believe in the practices, rules and regulations that the leader preaches will turnaround our financial world. Along with that novelty, comes the fact that the current President of the United States is facing approval ratings lower than anyone every thought possible.
Is a Turnaround Out of the Question?
Some people, including the President Elect, believe the state of the financial crisis is bad enough that a change needs to be made today in order to save the United States from years of recession. Not unlike the months before President Bill Clinton took office, the United States economy is in a slump and needs a boost. It took President Clinton four years to change the slump and four more years to gain the total trust of the United States people. Unlike that time in history, today people are looking for change and President Elect Obama may be the change the people need.
How Will The President Elect Change Real Estate?
The real estate market is directly related to the financial well-being of the people of the United States. If there is money flowing in the economy people are more likely to invest in a home of their own or investment real estate. When the media, friends and family are facing harsh economic times, lost jobs and reduced pay, the money is just not there to invest. And, even if the money is available, the savings rate in the United States is on the rise because people are saving that money in wait for the final financial shoe to drop.
The entire real estate community and agents across the United States stand together in hopes that the President Elect will be able to make good on many of the promises responsible for his election. A new day is on the horizon and we all can only cross our fingers that President Elect Obama understands what the American people and the real estate community need to climb out of the recession and become the financial leaders we once were as a nation.
Stapleton - Who in the World Would Want to Live There?
Ever heard of Stapleton? To the random observer who passes through Denver, Colorado with eyes half closed, Stapleton might appear to be just another capricious settlement in the vast expanse known as the United States of America. However, if you are one of the rare breed of observant individuals, you will be sure to take note of Stapleton. It's the clean, livable, neighborhood near downtown Denver that's both lovable and memorable.
Yeah, Stapleton is a planned community, but not just any old run-of-the-mill contrived residential entity that could pass for one of hundreds of others throughout the nation. Nope. Stapleton is unique. How so? It is among the vanguard of the progressive sustainable community movement.
Community planners in Stapleton envision a bright future for the nation through environmental sustainability. They developed Stapleton as a model for the rest of the country. Stapleton residents are encouraged to recycle (the community is already involved in 90% recycling, much greater than the national average), to use less automobile fuel, and to use a bicycle or to walk when possible. Most residents try to reduce the number of miles driven by motor vehicle to help reduce greenhouse gases. Stapleton residents are dedicated to the philosophy that by using fewer natural resources now, it leaves more of them for future generations.
Many Stapleton residents live healthy lifestyles, eat sound diets, exercise, feel safe in their neighborhood, are neighborly, and love to help their neighbors. Sound idyllic to you? Well, that's the idea. That is why about 30% of the land in Stapleton has been set apart for parks and recreation areas. There are 24 parks and three swimming pools located within the 4700 acres that comprise this charming neighborhood.
Stapleton is compact for a reason. Most everything is close enough to allow people to get where they are going without having to drive an automobile. Offices, restaurants, shops, grocery stores, recreational facilities, and most everything else is within easy walking or bicycling distance.
The Stapleton community has a farmer's market, an antique market, an international kite festival, organized sporting events and teams, a community garden and many other great activities for a superior community.
Stapleton has all kinds of clubs, groups and other organized activities. Some of these include a strollers group of moms and dads, cooking clubs, book clubs, close-knit neighborhood get-togethers, and all kinds of other stuff. If they don't already have the activities you personally enjoy, you will likely have no problem organizing a group or club of your own. As much as people enjoy their neighbors in Stapleton, you shouldn't have much trouble finding several people to join your organization, assuming that your group is dedicated to the common good and the common welfare of the community, and is personally and environmentally friendly.
Yeah, Stapleton is a planned community, but not just any old run-of-the-mill contrived residential entity that could pass for one of hundreds of others throughout the nation. Nope. Stapleton is unique. How so? It is among the vanguard of the progressive sustainable community movement.
Community planners in Stapleton envision a bright future for the nation through environmental sustainability. They developed Stapleton as a model for the rest of the country. Stapleton residents are encouraged to recycle (the community is already involved in 90% recycling, much greater than the national average), to use less automobile fuel, and to use a bicycle or to walk when possible. Most residents try to reduce the number of miles driven by motor vehicle to help reduce greenhouse gases. Stapleton residents are dedicated to the philosophy that by using fewer natural resources now, it leaves more of them for future generations.
Many Stapleton residents live healthy lifestyles, eat sound diets, exercise, feel safe in their neighborhood, are neighborly, and love to help their neighbors. Sound idyllic to you? Well, that's the idea. That is why about 30% of the land in Stapleton has been set apart for parks and recreation areas. There are 24 parks and three swimming pools located within the 4700 acres that comprise this charming neighborhood.
Stapleton is compact for a reason. Most everything is close enough to allow people to get where they are going without having to drive an automobile. Offices, restaurants, shops, grocery stores, recreational facilities, and most everything else is within easy walking or bicycling distance.
The Stapleton community has a farmer's market, an antique market, an international kite festival, organized sporting events and teams, a community garden and many other great activities for a superior community.
Stapleton has all kinds of clubs, groups and other organized activities. Some of these include a strollers group of moms and dads, cooking clubs, book clubs, close-knit neighborhood get-togethers, and all kinds of other stuff. If they don't already have the activities you personally enjoy, you will likely have no problem organizing a group or club of your own. As much as people enjoy their neighbors in Stapleton, you shouldn't have much trouble finding several people to join your organization, assuming that your group is dedicated to the common good and the common welfare of the community, and is personally and environmentally friendly.
Home Reversion Schemes - What Are They?
A Home Reversion scheme allow you to sell all or part of your home to a lender, usually a company. They will then pay out a cash lump sum, a monthly income or a combination of the two.
Interest is not paid on the loan but the lender will take a percentage of the value of the house when the property is eventually sold. The percentage will depend on several factors, including how old you are. The greater your age then the more money you will receive.
You sell part or all of the ownership of your home to the company, under these schemes, and you become a tenant However, you remain responsible for the property, its bills and maintenance. Even though you are tenant, you are guaranteed the right to live in your home for the rest of your or your partner's life under a Lifetime Lease.
Types of Reversion Schemes
Policies are different from provider to provider and there is no standard Reversion Scheme. Competition in the Home Reversion market is leading to new ideas and different schemes are being offered regularly.
It is most important that people interested in Home Reversion do as much homework as possible. Investigate the different providers and pay attention should on the costs and small print.
Some examples of different policies
* Different lenders give you the choice of having a lump sum, income or a combination of both.
* Some schemes allow you to profit from any property value increases while others may not do so.
* Some lenders will only provide the equity released by way of income. They may use an annuity to do so.
Interest Only Mortgages
Rather than a Home Reversion Plan, this is a different way for the over 60s to benefit from the built-up equity in their homes.
* Quite a few Building Societies and Banks which are prepared to offer ordinary interest only mortgages to retired people. This means that capital can be released in the as a cash lump-sum.
* Interest only mortgages mean that you only repay the interest and but not the capital to the bank or building society. This reduces the monthly payments which can become relatively affordable.
Interest is not paid on the loan but the lender will take a percentage of the value of the house when the property is eventually sold. The percentage will depend on several factors, including how old you are. The greater your age then the more money you will receive.
You sell part or all of the ownership of your home to the company, under these schemes, and you become a tenant However, you remain responsible for the property, its bills and maintenance. Even though you are tenant, you are guaranteed the right to live in your home for the rest of your or your partner's life under a Lifetime Lease.
Types of Reversion Schemes
Policies are different from provider to provider and there is no standard Reversion Scheme. Competition in the Home Reversion market is leading to new ideas and different schemes are being offered regularly.
It is most important that people interested in Home Reversion do as much homework as possible. Investigate the different providers and pay attention should on the costs and small print.
Some examples of different policies
* Different lenders give you the choice of having a lump sum, income or a combination of both.
* Some schemes allow you to profit from any property value increases while others may not do so.
* Some lenders will only provide the equity released by way of income. They may use an annuity to do so.
Interest Only Mortgages
Rather than a Home Reversion Plan, this is a different way for the over 60s to benefit from the built-up equity in their homes.
* Quite a few Building Societies and Banks which are prepared to offer ordinary interest only mortgages to retired people. This means that capital can be released in the as a cash lump-sum.
* Interest only mortgages mean that you only repay the interest and but not the capital to the bank or building society. This reduces the monthly payments which can become relatively affordable.
Motorola ROKR E8
Motorola ROKR E8 - TRANSFORMING THE MUSIC EXPERIENCEMotorola designed ROKR E8 to deliver an uncompromised consumer experience for music or talk. Using breakthrough ModeShift technology, Motorola ROKR E8 presents users with only the controls they need, at the time they need them, instantly transforming from music player to phone to imaging device with the touch of a button. Simply move a thumb across the FastScroll navigation wheel to search for music (music mode), contacts (phone mode), & multimedia (imaging mode). Motorola ROKR E8 a perfect blend of art and science..
Dimension
115 x 53 x 10.6 mm, 60 cc
Weight
100 g
Battery
Talk time Up to 5 h, Stand-by Up to 300 h
Memory
2 GB Built-in + Memory Card (microSD)
Connectivity
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, USB, GPRS Class 12 (48 kbps), EDGE Class 12
Display Size
320 x 240 pixels, 2.0 inches (Touch-sensitive keypad, Navigation scroll wheel)
Display Colour
TFT, 256K colors
Operating Frequency / Band
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Colors
Dark Navy, Platinum
Entertainment
Stereo FM radio, MP3/AAC player, 3.5 mm headset jack, Games (builtin + downloadable)
Camera
2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels, video
Other Features
Built-in handsfree, Organizer, ouch-sensitive keypad, Navigation scroll wheel
Ring Tones
Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3, AAC
Messaging
SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Sony Ericsson G502
Sony Ericsson G502 - Up to speed. Up to date.Stay updated, wherever you go. Sony Ericsson G502 gives you email and Web access on the move. High-speed 3G or HSDPA Sony Ericsson G502 provides the connectivity power you need. Access your webmail and secure POP3/IMAP client email accounts from your phone. For complete mobility, Sony Ericsson G502 supports Exchange ActiveSync®.
Dimension
103 x 46 x 13.5 mm
Weight
83.5 g
Battery
Talk time Up to 10 h, Stand-by Up to 340 h
Memory
32 MB Built-in + Memory Stick Micro (M2)
Connectivity
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, USB, GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps), EDGE Class 10 (236.8 kbps), 3G (HSDPA 3.6 Mbps)
Display Size
240 x 320 pixels, 2.0 inches
Display Colour
TFT, 256K colors
Operating Frequency / Band
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 (HSDPA 2100)
Browser
WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront 3.4), RSS reader
Colors
Champagne Black, Brilliant Hazel, Celerity Red
Entertainment
FM radio with RDS, MP3/MPEG4 player, , TrackID music recognition, Games (3D games + downloadable)
Camera
2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels, video
Other Features
Google Maps, Picture editor/blogging, Built-in handsfree, Voice memo/dial
Ring Tones
Polyphonic, MP3
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email
Nokia Presents New Bluetooth Headset BH-904 at CES 2009
Continuing the excitement of CES 2009, Nokia adds a new Bluetooth headset – BH 904. This headset is not the same as other available in the market. It has a very fast charging capability and the special feature is that it can connect to devices simultaneously. The headset is also equipped with enhanced background noise canceling technology which offers much better voice quality. Charging headsets was a huge problem before but as the technology is enhancing everyday, better batteries have incorporated in such small space. With this one you can keep jabbering till 5 hours with only a 15 minute recharge.
This is not the only feature which makes it stand out from others, the device can connect to two devices simultaneously means you can connect to your laptop and mobile device at the same time without the need to un-pairing it each time you need to switch between the devices.
The headset also features Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP), single button for call and volume management. It has a comfortable U-hook device thus you can put it on either ear very comfortably.
This headset is currently shown as a prototype at the CES event and thus no information about its price or availability is yet known. But its surely going to create a lot of noise in the headset market.
LG KE970 Shine
Whats New?
Born to Shine(Mirror effect screen, full metal body)........Shine is the second Black Label Series phone from LG. It's mirrored finish and matal body combine design and function perfectly
Dimension
99.8 x 50.6 x 13.8 mm
Weight
119 g
Battery
Talk time Up to 3 h, Stand-by Up to 280 h
Memory
50 MB internal memory + Extended (microSD TransFlash),
Connectivity
Bluetooth v2.0, GPRS, EDGE, USB
Display Size
240 x 320 pixels, 2.2 inches (Mirror effect screen, full metal body)
Display Colour
TFT, 256K colors
Operating Frequency / Band
GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Entertainment
Games (Builtin + Download), MP3/AAC++/3GP/MPEG4 player (Document viewer (.ppt, .doc, .pdf, .xls, .txt)
Camera
2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels, autofocus, video(QCIF), flash
Ring Tones
Polyphonic (40 channels), MP3
Messaging
SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Samsung U600
Whats New?
:::U600 A powerful slider that is all about style::: Bedecked with exquisite jewel-toned colors that give the mobile a look of distinction and sophistication.
Dimension
103.5 x 49.3 x 10.9 mm
Weight
81 g
Battery
Talk Time Up to 3 h 30 min, Standby Time Up to 250 h
Memory
60 MB internal memory, microSD Card
Connectivity
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, USB, GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps), EDGE Class 10 (236.8 kbps)
Display Size
240 x 320 pixels, 34 x 44 mm
Display Colour
TFT, 256K colors
Operating Frequency / Band
GSM 850 / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML, Yahoo Search
Entertainment
Games (Builin + Downloadable), MP3/AAC/eACC/WMA player, FM radio
Camera
3.2 MP, 2048x1536 pixels, autofocus, video, flash
Ring Tones
Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Email
Nokia 1650
Whats New?
Style & ConvenienceWith its contemporary design, large color display, FM radio, handy One Touch shortcut keys, and MP3-grade ringtones, the Nokia 1650 comes packed with life’s mobile necessities.
Dimension
104.2 x 43.8 x 17.8 mm, 69 cc
Weight
80 g
Battery
Talk time Up to 8 h, Stand-by Up to 420 h
Memory
8 MB user memory (No Memory Card)
Connectivity
Headset connector (standard 2.5 mm)
Display Size
128 x 160 pixels, 35 x 28 mm
Display Colour
CSTN, 65K colors
Operating Frequency / Band
GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Browser
No
Colors
Red, Black
Entertainment
FM radio, Games (Snake Xenzia, Beach Rally, Soccer League), Themes and wallpapers
Other Features
Flashlight, Built-in handsfree
Ring Tones
Polyphonic (32 channels)
Messaging
SMS (up to 250), EMS, Instant Messaging
blackberry-1
Product ID:
16274
Product Sort:
BlackBerry
Intro:
Orange and Research In Motion (RIM) has announced the launch of the new 3G-enabled BlackBerry Bold smart phone in Romania. BlackBerry Bold has been launched by leading telecommunications companies around the world. The deal is right on spot as previously it was only available for Orange corporate customers, but now it will be found in Orange storefronts which means that any customer can buy it from their nearest stores.The BlackBerry Bold smart phone brings high-speed data transfer, integrated GPS, Wi-Fi, rich multimedia capabilities and much more for its business professionals and power users. Sleek and shiny BlackBerry Bold features a 2 megapixel camera which has a video recording capability, a built-in flash and digital zoom. Blackberry Bold has an integrated GPS receiver which can pin point the exact location pointer. This integrated GPS can support variety of location-based applications and services. It also comes with BlackBerry Maps for easy access to directions.Preloaded features includes DataViz popular software application Documents to Go software suite by which Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files can be edited directly on the handset. BlackBerry Bold smart phone will provide wireless access to email, phone, calendar, web and many other business and lifestyle applications for orange users.
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