Archive for the ‘Real Estate Selling’ Category

Government Grants for First-Time Home Buyers

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008


Image source:www.ronsaari.com
The American Dream Down Payment Act authorizes $200 million in grant aid for each of the coming four years to low-income, first-time home buyers. It certainly is a dream come true for many people who have harbored the fantasy of buying a home but were not able to get the cash for it.It is a joint government and banking program to help people put together that initial down payment which is crucial in buying a home. Such ventures also uplift the economy of the country, when loans are more accessible to people and first time home buyers.

Interest rates are hitting an all-time low, and assistance professionals are urging you to come forward and avail of this opportunity. Not only do these grants help in that down payment, but also are tremendously useful when closing the mortgage. The sooner you pay it off, the better. Even bad credit doesn’t go against you if you are a first-time home buyer, in the sense that you haven?t had housing ownership in your name within the last three years.

The Tatum, Sarasota

Friday, June 13th, 2008

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Laurel Park Ventures, Inc presents The Tatum, a hurricane-resistant green bungalow in historic Gillespie Park in downtown Sarasota, Florida. The details of this 1871 sf bungalow pay tribute to the area’s heritage. Finishes are luxurious and the classic accents do not give away the energy efficiency and healthy modern home that is The Tatum. Urban yet traditional, the two-storey residence is close to the main street and commercial establishments. The energy star rated appliances balances the old feel with contemporary technology. Well thought out and attractive, every inch of the house speaks of LPVI’s commitment to green building.

For contact info, visit LPVI

Finding your local EcoBroker

Monday, May 26th, 2008

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EcoBrokers are licensed real estate agents who are up-to-speed with the green real estate market. They are familiar with energy-efficient and environmentally sound building because of the ARELLO-certified training program they undergo. They differentiate themselves with their designation, which means that they are knowledgeable about Energy Star homes, sustainable design, and air quality issues, topics that are discussed during training. To find your local EcoBroker, properties and more information about green real estate, visit ecobroker. com. The website also gives information on Affiliates, suppliers of green products and services. EcoBroker is an Educational Partner of the Built Green voluntary program.

Tax benefits of real estate investment

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

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There are many different types of investment real estate: rental houses, apartments, vacant land, commercial buildings, industrial, shopping centers or warehouses.

They all offer big tax incentives for investors who understand those benefits.

Many people believe that depreciation is the best real estate tax deduction of all. The IRS REQUIRES real estate investors to depreciate their investment properties.

Depreciation is a “paper loss” required for estimated wear, tear and obsolescence.
However, land value is not depreciable. This applies to 100% of the money invested in buying vacant land and that part of the property value apportioned to land on an improved property. (That is, land with a building on it).

Condominiums do not have a land element and 100% of the purchase price can be depreciated.

Residential income property is depreciated over 27.5 years on a straight-line basis.

Commercial property is depreciated over 39 years, also on a straight-line basis.

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4 Dangers in Flipping Real Estate

Saturday, April 19th, 2008

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Flipping real estate? Beware the following.

1. When you keep property for a few years, you may experience a surge in property tax if your taxes are reevaluated during that time.

2. Renovation Expenses.
If you bought a fixer upper at a bargain, will you recover the expenses and make a profit? Can you withstand a correction in real estate values?

3. Insurance and Mortgage Costs.
You will have higher payments if you don’t occupy your residence and you have tenants.

4. Rental Pressures. A market saturated with rentals means that rents you charge will be less than what you hoped to receive. Will the lower income levels and added expenses drag your investment down?

By finding a dependable tenant, appealing excessive property tax increases and doing the upgrades yourself, you could limit risks. With determination, you could gain profits.

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Real Estate Investing

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

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Now that the mortgage rate has been cut, consider investing in real estate. There is a lot of money in the real estate market, but first you must know what properties make good investments. Many people agree that single family homes are good investments because they are easiest to buy. These homes can be found all over the country. Also, there are many foreclosures which can really do you well in the long run. When you find a foreclosure you will be able to purchase it for well below market value. In turn, your return on investment will come about sooner rather than later. Single family homes come at different price points and in a number of different forms. You can find lower cost homes or expensive ones. The choice is yours based on your available money, and what you are trying to accomplish with your real estate investment.

Look at vacation, time-share, real estate and commercial properties. Try www.usa-property-auctions.com/residential_homes.htm

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Selling Your Home in Sarasota (Part 2)

Monday, February 4th, 2008

null3. Remove all clutter like unnecessary and unusable things in your home. Make your closets organized and your home odor free. Unpleasant odors might drive the buyers away. Spraying a sweet fragrance will be helpful.
4. You can also repaint it a little bit to make your home sparkling. You don’t have to use expensive paint.
5. It is better for you to hire a real estate agent living in Sarasota to assist you in your home selling endeavor. Get the right one for you by interviewing at least 3 agents before you decide whom to trust. You can also ask recommendations from your family and friends.

Selling Your Home in Sarasota (Part 1)

Friday, February 1st, 2008

nullBefore selling your home in Sarasota Real Estate, you have to do some improvements to make your home appealing to buyers. Here are some tips to attract buyers to your home:

1. Inspecting your home thoroughly is very much needed. Check if there are damages that need to be fixed. Look at the faucets, sink, switches, and so on. Make sure that all of these are functioning well. You also have to make it clean so that buyers can already envision living in your home.
2. The first thing that buyers usually see is the yard. You always need to create a good first impression. Make your yard beautiful and attractive by planting some potted plants or flowers.


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