Pros and Cons of Being a Limited Liability Company

Limited liability companies are the popular new choice for business start-ups. The "LLC" has only been in existence for roughly 26 years and there are some definite pros and cons.

A limited liability company is a creature of state law. Prior to the late 1970s, it had never been a choice for businesses because it didn't exist. In the late 1970s, the State of Wyoming passed an act creating it. It took another ten years or so before other states caught on. Once they did, the mad rush was on to pass legislation allowing for the creation of LLCs in nearly all states. The world of business entities had been changed forever.

The LLC is a business entity designed to help small business. As a result, most of the positive reasons for using it are catered to such business. In a general view, the entity is heavily favored because it provides liability protection from lawsuit judgments and business debts just like a corporation. On the other hand, the entity does not carry the legal requirements for running it like a corporation. Few board meetings are required and the administration of minutes and such is extremely simple. For small businesses, this cannot be understated.

Another significant positive of the limited liability company has to do with taxes. The IRS made a landmark decision in the late 80s to allow the LLC to be taxed like a partnership. This means the business owners can elect to have the finances of the business pass through to their personal returns. Doing so avoids the double taxation situation corporations are often criticized for.

The LLC is a great vehicle for small businesses, but there are some important cons associated with it that you must understand. First and foremost is the lack of history in relation to the entity. While it is supposed to provide the protection of a corporation from liability, this has not entirely been flushed out in the courts. So far, the decisions seem to support the idea, but it will be another 20 years at least until we can all be sure. Courts have a history of interpreting laws differently than the legislature wrote them.

Another con is clearly the fact that an LLC cannot be taken public. If you start a business and it takes off, the company cannot be listed on any stock exchange for a basic reason. To trade stock on an exchange, there has to be...well, stock. A limited liability company does not have stock. Instead, the owners are called "members" and own membership interest like you would see in a partnership.

Finally, there are a certain number of states that limit the use of the limited liability company. States like California, for example, do not let professionals use the entity. Professionals can be defined surprisingly broadly. While doctors, lawyers and accounts seem obvious, certain states also will restrict real estate agents, consultants and other professions. Ironically, the states will usually approve the filing, so you don't know there is a problem till someone sues you.

At the end of the day, an LLC is often a great vehicle for small businesses. Just make sure you understand the limits.

The Dirty Little Secret About The Do Not Call List

The Do Not Call List has changed the way real estate agents can and will do business forever. After all, 76% of US adults have added their name to the list. The dirty little secret...it does not matter! The Do Not Call List does not mean that you can't still get solid qualified leads. There are a lot of real estate trainers out there claiming to have the answers, a sure fire way to beat "The List" and the next be all, end all real estate marketing program to have people beating down your doors to do business with you. The ads for these programs usually include a lot of hype and testimonials by agents who have increased their business by 200% and then at the end hit you with the big price tag. But where are the real numbers and hard facts behind the hype? Who really knows if those programs are going to lead you to the path of success? I certainly don't. But here is what I do know.

The biggest obstacle to a real estate agents next commission, and their long term success, is finding qualified leads. You know that if you could just get the leads, you could close the deals. But most agents are at a loss once they exhaust their list of family, friends and sphere of influence. And with 3 out of 4 prospects off limits, cold calling becomes more like walking a mine field than trying to drum up business. That is why the turn-over rate for new agents in real estate is over 50% per year So how do the successful 50% find qualified leads? Well for one thing they do not passively look for leads, they actively generate them. Many successful agents have turned to toll free number call capture technology to generate leads without the risk of an $11,000 fine. When you look at the numbers, it is easy to see why it works.

83% Of Americans Want Recorded Information

According to a Gallup Poll, 83% of Americans would rather call for recorded information before speaking to a salesperson. Give the public what they want. A toll free number call capture system allows real estate agents to offer free recorded information about properties, free reports for buyers and sellers or any other information they would like to make available to their prospects. Once the potential clients call in, their name, address and phone number are captured for the agent to follow up on. Since the prospect called into the toll free number to request information, the agent is free to call them back for up to 3 months (unless the consumer requests not to be called.)

32.7% Will Buy or List Within 30-60 Days

A survey of over 25,000 prospects who called for recorded information showed 32.7% of them bought or listed a property within 30-60 days after calling. An additional 42.1% acted within twelve months. I have not heard of any other form of marketing that can tout those kinds of numbers of quality leads. A toll free number call capture system generates quality, actionable leads. And the best part? They called you. Agents who have these kinds of quality leads, calling them 24/7, could care less about the Do Not Call List.

74% Will Do Business With YOU.

According to NAR, 74% of the people that complete a real estate transaction do so with the FIRST agent they talked to. That being the case, it is in an agent's best interest to make sure they are the first ones to reach the prospect. A call capture system makes this easy to do. Once the potential client calls in, all the information is available to the agent; name, address, phone number, and in the better systems, even what information extension they called in on. With that kind of information at their fingertips, an agent is empowered with everything that they need to get back to the consumer in a timely fashion and with confidence.

Everyone in the real estate industry knows that the Do Not Call List has completely changed the way agents do business. But some have found that by using call capture technology, they can generate even more quality leads than they ever did with cold calling. The technology gives consumers what they want by allowing them to call in for free recorded information and generates quality, actionable leads that agents can follow up on quickly and with confidence. And in spite of the Do Not Call List, agents are finding it actually easier to do business using call capture. If you want to know how that is possible, just look at the numbers and then check out call capture technology for yourself.

Steamboat Springs - Real Estate - Hayden Colorado Community

If you are thinking about a change in lifestyle consider Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Rated the #1 location in the West to own a second home by Sunset Magazine. Visit www.steamboat17.com for more information.

Real Estate Marketing Strategies - Are You Sabotaging the Law of Attraction?

One of the most popular movies circulating around in everyone's living room these days is The Secret. Everyone in every profession is watching this movie and wondering," Can the Law of Attraction really work for me?"

If you are a real estate agent, this article will describe how I have used the law of attraction in coaching real estate agents to double and triple their incomes in the last 10 years.

o I will describe why it works in some cases.

o Why it doesn't in other cases.

o What you can do to make it work for you 100% of the time.

I was skeptical at first...

Were you skeptical when you first heard about the Law of Attraction? Even after watching The Secret were you still skeptical?

I was first introduced to the Law of Attraction, about 10 years ago. I wanted to see if it would work for me before I introduced it to my clients.

When I added it to what I had already been using "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, I started to get immediate results as measured by increase of income, clients, and the lifestyle I desired. One of the biggest bonuses was that I was attracting the kind of clients I really wanted to work with, my Ideal Clients.

The time came to introduce it to my clients...

After working with people for 30 years, 20 years as a psychologist, and 10 years as a business coach, I knew better than to introduce it to everyone. As I suspected, certain people were open for it and others not.

For the ones who were eager to learn about the Law of Attraction, I introduced it into the business coaching, along with Stephen Covey's "7 Habits" and creative marketing strategies, customized for my clients.

The results were mixed...

For about half of my clients, the introduction of the Law of Attraction worked wonders. Their businesses skyrocketed. For the other half of my clients, there was no difference.

Trained in psychology, I started to delve down, to find out why this was so. What I found out quickly was that the ones who benefited from the Law of Attraction, had already cleared their self limiting beliefs, either with me or before.

The ones upon whom the Law of Attraction had no effect, were still carrying self limiting beliefs, like:

o I don't deserve to be successful,

o I don't have what it takes to succeed,

o Marketing is not for me,

o There is never enough money to go around,

o Real estate is too competitive for me.

Amazingly enough, once I coached them in how to release the self limiting beliefs and install and Empowered beliefs, like:

o I deserve to be successful,

o I have what it takes to succeed,

o I'm good at marketing myself,

o There is plenty of money to go around,

o I think in a co-- operative way, rather than a competitive way.

...then the law of attraction, worked like a charm.

What about today's market?

In today's market, more than any other time, the Law of Attraction should be in the toolkit of every successful realtor.

Why?

In today's market, we are bombarded with news from the media and other sources, all giving out negative messages. While at the same time the experts are predicting that the real estate market is strong and getting stronger. So are you going to look at the cup half-empty or half-full?

Did you know that successful real estate agents succeed in any market?

It's because of their mindset. While other people are listening to the news and getting caught up in a scarcity mindset, and focusing on what they don't want, successful real estate agents are looking at the possibilities and focusing on what they do want.

In a sense, successful real estate agents already practice the Law of Attraction.

In today's market, what are some simple steps you can follow?

Based on my experience of having seen how the law of attraction can turn a business around through the power of a positive mindset, I would suggest practicing the simple principles of the Law of Attraction.

o Get clear on what you don't want and write it in one column.

o Get clear on what you do want and write in the second column.

o Visualize having what you want in vivid detail, while at the same time, "feeling" what it feels like to have what you want.

o Clear all of your opposing self limiting beliefs.

o Take inspired action, release all doubts, and allow yourself to become magnetic for the clients, income, and lifestyle you want.

I have written in greater detail about how to practice the Law of Attraction. It's all in my article, "The Law of Attraction: Are you the Victim, Flat liner or the Deliberate Creator of Your Life?"

What's the bottom line?

You can continue doing the same thing over and over again and getting the same results or you can practice becoming magnetic through the Law of Attraction.

Here's what a former client had to say:

"In the past week, I have been really focusing on the Law of Attraction. Out of the blue, I have got 3 new listings in one week. I know it's my practice of the Law of Attraction. I have been putting out a very positive energy, expecting results to come to me, and they have."P. P., real estate agent.

In today's market, when your own personal mindset is the key to your success, you will benefit greatly from using the Law of Attraction to help you focus on what you want, not on what you don't want, and to take Inspired action, rather than frantic action.

Apartment Hunting 101 - Your Leasing Agent

"Looking for an apartment can be a time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming experience. Trying to sort through all of the different apartment listings can be quite tedious and deciding which ones are truly worth your while can be difficult. Since so many of us are dealing with busy schedules, it is difficult to find the time to look at different apartment listings and to try to coordinate your schedule with the schedules of various landlords. Therefore, if you are looking to simplify the process while also increasing your chances of finding your dream apartment, it is a good idea to enlist in the services of a leasing agent.

What is a Leasing Agent?

A leasing agent is a person that actually works for the landlords of apartment complexes, shipping centers, and office buildings. The primary job of a leasing agent is to help the landlord find tenants. When the leasing agent successfully finds a tenant for the landlord, he or she receives a commission. The leasing agent also takes care of finalizing the leases. As such, the landlord relies upon the leasing agent to find good tenants that are willing to pay a fair price for the apartment.

What Should I Expect from a Leasing Agent?

Just as a real estate agent is hired to represent the person selling the home, a leasing agent is hired to represent the landlord. Therefore, you are responsible for trying to negotiate the best deal possible. After all, the leasing agent is going to try to get the best deal for his or her client as possible because this will result in a larger commission. In order to guarantee that you are properly represented, you might want to higher an agent to represent you.

How Can I Be Sure to Get the Apartment I am Looking For?

In order to make sure you find the apartment you are looking for, you need to have a clear idea of what you are looking for when you approach the leasing agent. This includes knowing how much you are willing to pay, the size you are looking to rent, where you prefer the apartment to be located, and the amenities you want to be included. If you are a pet owner, you will also need to bring this to the attention of the leasing agent.

By putting together a comprehensive list of what you are looking for in an apartment, you can simply submit this to the leasing agent and ask that the agent contact you with a list of apartment options that fit your criteria. Once the leasing agent supplies you with a list, you can select the ones that are of the most interest to you.

In some cases, the agent will only provide you with the apartment information and you will be left to look into the apartments on your own. In other cases, the leasing agent will actually take you to view the various apartment rentals on the list. If this is important to you, be sure to deal with an agent that will take this extra step for you."

Top 7 Reasons to Use a Buyer's Agent in a Real Estate Transaction

1) Full Access to the MLS

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a powerful tool that only Realtors have access to. When listing agents market a home for sale, they typically allow any Realtor to present the home to potential buyers, and to present contracts for purchase. The MLS is a database of all homes listed by Realtors, and represents roughly 99% of the homes for sale in any given market. As technology advances, so does the MLS. It has evolved into an extremely powerful search engine that allows your buyer's agent to enter in search criteria, and returns only homes that match those specific parameters. Buyers can find a lot of this information online through IDX feeds available on many websites, but this information is a "watered down" version of the MLS because the IDX search engines aren't quite as powerful, and don't return as detailed profiles as the MLS.

2) Maximize Your Time

While driving neighborhoods is an excellent idea to help you decide which locations you prefer, it's not a very efficient way to find your new home. Gas is expensive, and your time is valuable. Your Buyer's Agent will listen to your needs, make fantastic suggestions based on your likes & dislikes, and provide you with a list of homes that ALL match your wants & needs. Your Buyer's Agent has helped MANY new homebuyers through MANY purchases, and will help you better organize your search & decision making process - saving you valuable time.

3) Representation

Listing Agents enter into legally binding agreements that require them to ALWAYS act in the best interest of the seller. They are the seller's "coach" and will make sure that their clients' best interests are looked after. Luckily, your Buyer's Agent is there to make sure YOUR best interests are accounted for. With your expert Buyer's Agent in your corner, you can rest assured that you're on, at least, even ground with the home seller. A football team would be at a pretty significant disadvantage without a coach - just as you would be without a Buyer's Agent.

4) Negotiating Power

The MLS maintains a record of, not only all homes listed by Realtors in a given market, but also the sales price of those homes. Your Buyer's Agent will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine a prospective home's Fair Market Value (FMV). In simpler terms, your Realtor will look at similar homes in the same neighborhood that have sold recently. This way, you will know whether or not the seller has their home priced fairly. If the home is priced over Fair Market Value, your Buyer's Agent can present your "under asking price" offer with plenty of firepower - and a greater chance that the offer will be accepted.

5) Experience

The average person buys 3-5 homes in their lifetime. A good Buyer's Agent will assist in 3-5 home purchases every month. What might seem complicated and intimidating to you is fairly common and familiar to your Realtor. Your Buyer's Agent will know what to expect, and will know when to alert you if anything out of the ordinary occurs.

6) Industry Contacts

It takes a lot of people to close a real estate transaction - Buyer's Agent, Listing Agent, Loan Officer, Inspector, Appraiser, Insurance Agent, General Contractors, and sometimes more! A good agent will come with a strong closing team that has performed in the past, and will continue to perform. A transaction is only as strong as its weakest link - with your strong Buyer's Agent & their closing team, you can rest assured that you will have plenty of support.

7) Piece of Mind

If you are like most people, your home is the largest purchase you will ever make. The average person spends around 1/3 of their total monthly income on their home. This is a big decision and you don't want to go at it alone. When you use a trusted Buyer's Agent, you know that your best interests are accounted for, and that you can feel confident in your purchase.

Purchasing a home can be a fun and exciting process. However, the home buying process can be intimidating, and mistakes are possible. A Realtor who specializes in working with Buyers can help alleviate the fears & possibilities for mistakes. Make sure and use a Buyer's Agent on any real estate transaction, and you will help ensure that you are making the right decisions.

Durango Real Estate - Three Springs

Amazing architecture, open space, parks and recreation, walkable streets, schools, work environments and more make Three Springs the place to live, work, shop and play in Durango.

Positioning Strategies For Real Estate Agents

Just recently I was asked to do a talk for my good friend and co-author
of our best-selling book in Singapore titled Get Rich Now: 15
Strategies from a Self-made Millionaire, Dr Dennis Wee. (Dr Wee is one of
Singapore's most celebrated entrepreneurs. Despite not having completed his
high school education, he managed to start and build up his own real
estate company, Dennis Wee Group, to become of Singapore's leading real
estate companies generating S$3.8 billion worth of sales in 2006.)

He wanted me to share some marketing secrets with his real estate
agents and I was more than happy to do so because I believe there's so much
more that agents can do to position, brand and market their services.
Sadly, most agents, whether in real estate or financial services
(insurance) or any other industries, tend to see themselves just as a
salesperson. This perception of themselves is limiting their growth and income!

By thinking that they are just salespeople, they don't see the
possibilities of growing their careers into full-fledge businesses. There are
so much more benefits for someone to think big and build a big business,
compared to just existing, and making a living. Donald Trump said: "If
you're going to be thinking, you might as well think big." But that's
another topic for another session.

Here, I'm going to show you some detailed examples of how an agent can
differentiate himself using some simple positioning and branding
strategies that I have used with other clients to great success.

Many people perceive that being an agent in any industry is like being
a salesperson. Someone who is always competing with all the other
thousands of salespeople in the industry. To a certain extend it is correct.
Those other agents are also looking for the same deals that you are. It
is a matter of who gets the deal first. So they are relentlessly going
out there to cold prospect.

Now, I am not a fan of cold prospecting. To me, cold prospecting is
like bashing your head against the wall, hoping it will crumble before you
start bleeding... most people just end up being very disappointed. Why do
you think new agents don't last long? I strongly suspect it's because
they realized that their heads can't go against the wall.

But there are ways to turn the table around. In my talks I like to ask
the audience: Would you prefer to work hard and look for prospects, OR
would you prefer to let your prospects seek you out?

The answer is obvious.

But more than just having less work and an easier time, there are
deeper psychological advantages to being able to let your prospects seek you
out instead of you cold prospecting them. Simply said, when you seek
someone out, you will be open to the person's ideas, advice, expertise.
That is the reason you seek him/her out in the first place--to get expert
advice.

There won't be the wall of resistance you've grown accustomed to when
you cold prospect. In fact, now it's them who are jumping over hoops to
seek you out in your domain. Man, it's always exciting to talk about
this!

Believe me, it's a whole new paradigm. Imagine you becoming a celebrity
overnight and people are just doing everything they can to get in touch
with you. Think of stars of reality shows like Survivor and American
Idol... It is that powerful!

So how can you achieve that?

Let's look at a typical scenario:

You have probably have opened your letter box day after day only to
find it stuffed with piles of flyers from various real estate agents. Just
take a closer look. You will realize that all of them claim to be the
"specialist" in the area. Now if everyone is a specialist, then does it
matter who you call? Absolutely NOT!

"But I'm different from the rest. I have more experience, quality,
etc..." you protest.
Let me be upfront. It doesn't matter who you are or what your
background is. If the prospects don't recognize that straight away, you are just
like everybody else. No matter how different you think you really are.
Repeat after me: If you are like every-body else, you are a no-body.

Remember: It's all about their perception, not yours.

So instead of being just another area specialist, be different. So far
I've not come across any agent who positions him/herself as the
specialist to serve "first-time home buyers". Do you think that is powerful?
Absolutely!

First-time home buyers are inexperienced. They don't know what to
expect, what the whole buying process is going to be like, how long will it
take, what possible hiccups might occur, etc. They are in a place where
they don't know what they don't know. Do you think they have different
needs/concerns compared to those who have bought a house before? Of
course! If you are able to gain their trust, do you think they will look
for someone else?

The point is this: you have the information that first-time buyers are
looking for (in fact all real estate agents should know these
information). But by letting them know that you are the expert who can guide
them through the whole process safely, will in itself, earn you a closed
deal.

You might need to make some minor changes in the way you do things,
such as explaining the buying process more thoroughly, going through the
nitty gritty details that you won't normally need to with experienced
buyers, etc. But all these will help to cement your positioning and
branding as the expert to serve first-time buyers. And once your branding
gets out, you will be busy with so many referrals for other first-time
buyers. Is the first-time buyers market huge enough for you?

Once you have established your branding, it is easy to market your
services. You can easily get the publicity that once used to be impossible
for you. If the media wants to get an opinion on what first-time buyers
think about a new housing policy, who do they look for? They will
interview the expert (you). And after appearing in the media, you will have
gained even more credibility. Can you see how this will snowball into
your profits?

It all starts with creating a powerful positioning, branding and
marketing strategy that is suitable for you.

What other positioning can differentiate you? How about:
o The property investments expert (investors love to work with those
who understand their investing needs, someone who is not just another
agent); or

o Divorce cases specialist (they definitely have different needs as
compared to the usual buyers); or

o Downgraders or upgraders; or

o Serve only those looking for luxurious, high-end houses worth $XX
amount and above (your service must of course reflect that); and

o Many more!

As you can see, it is critical to create a powerful positioning to get
your prospects to start looking specifically for you. I assure you I'm
not an expert of the real estate industry. But I'm an expert in
positioning, branding and marketing. These same principles can be applied in
other industries, such as the financial services industry, perfectly
well.

So start positioning yourself today!

Hempstalk 2009: Sandpeople - Real Estate

Sandpeople - A brilliant fusion of talent and dependencies Footage: September 12, 2009 Portland Hempstalk 2009, Kelley Point Park www.hempstalk.org http www.youtube.com www.myspace.com www.facebook.com Nov 5 2009 The Prime (Sapient & Luckyiam) at Satyricon. Also Gray Matters, T&E, and more! Portland, Oregon Nov 10 2009 The Prime (Sapient & Luckyiam) with Crown City Rockers at Zebra Bozeman, Montana Nov 11 2009 The Prime (Sapient & Luckyiam) with Crown City Rockers at Reef Boise, Idaho Nov 12 2009 The Prime (Sapient & Luckyiam) with Crown City Rockers at Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, Utah Nov 13 2009 The Prime (Sapient & Luckyiam) with Crown City Rockers at Larimer Denver, Colorado Nov 14 2009 The Prime (Sapient & Luckyiam) with Crown City Rockers at Eldo Crested Butte, Colorado Nov 15 2009 The Prime (Sapient & Luckyiam) with Crown City Rockers at Fox Theatre Boulder, Colorado

$279900 Residential, Steamboat Springs, CO

Visit www.mybrokers.com for additional information regarding this property. KEN SCHOMAKER OF COLORADO GROUP REALTY MLS #127896 Located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado Expansive ski area views from this 1 bd plus loft, 2 bath Rockies condo with Rollingstone Ranch Golf Membership! Great location in complex. End building - Top floor unit, with large loft with two twin beds and a full bath. Fully furnished. New carpet. Some upgrades. Nice deck with incredible unobstructed views right at the ski mountain. The Rockies has an outdoor pool, hottubs, ski lockers, owner lounge, on-site management and winter shuttle. A great nightly rental PLUS the golf membership. SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE! Residential $279900 1063 sf

Selecting a Real Estate Agent

Finding a good Real Estate agent can be as daunting and interviewing builders! Step one, as always is: network, network, network. As friends, family, co-workers, etc. who they've used, who they'd recommend and from whom they'd warn you away (and why). With the resulting list in hand, make an appointment to meet with the top three choices. If you have time to see four, that's better, but usually after three you'll have a good feeling for which company is best.

At that meeting, find out how long the person has been an agent and if the Agent works full time. Most full time agents know their market a little more intimately than part time ones. They also have a more vested interest in keeping their clients happy. Secondarily, let them tell you about the company for whom they work, the longevity of business, their activities in the community, and a list of satisfied clients that you can contact if you wish.

Third, find out if your potential agents really know the neighborhoods / communities in which you want to shop, and the types of home for which you want to shop. If not, see if they'd recommend someone else in house who DOES know those neighborhoods. The lack of a positive response here is the true test - a listing agent works for the seller, but if the agency offers a buyer agreement the showing agent should put your interests first.

Fourth, find out if the Agent has a network of resources. Some agencies cooperate with information, including post-show feedback from potential buyers. This can save valuable time especially for people moving to new towns, cities, or states.

Fifth, see how honestly your potential agents respond to tough questions. These people have a vested interest in selling property at a high value, but if you feel like they're candy-coating information or potential problems, that's a big red flag to avoid. Another no-no is multi-agency sales as this can not only increase costs, but also create conflicts and stress for showings, contracts, specific details etc.

By the way, when you're considering all the information you've gathered in your interviews, don't do so in front of potential agents. This allows you to really compare and contrast without being rushed. Even then, it's not a bad idea to hire a real estate attorney to review any contracts you're about to sign with an agency or on a home. The attorney works for YOU, not the realtor, and will help avoid very costly mistakes. They will also make sure that all agreements & options are fully documented in writing.

$450000 Residential, Hayden, CO

Visit www.mybrokers.om for additional information regarding this property. DEAN LAIRD OF COLORADO GROUP REALTY MLS #125450 Located in Hayden, Colorado Back on the market! 4 bedroom, 2464 sq.ft on 36 acres just 10 minutes from Hayden and close to the Elkhead Reservoir. One of the few properties in this area with great water included are the water rights, a private pond, fenced alfalfa and grass fields for horses to feed. A new 50ft x 60 ft steel building with plenty of room for farm equipement and several vehicles. Large enough door to accomondate a motor home. The old barn is ideal hay storage, plus a round pen and fenced corrals make this an attractive Horse Property. The basement is finished including a 2nd living room with a gas fireplace and other 2 bedrooms plus a large storage room. Master bedroom has a private deck. Just 25 miles West of Steamboat Springs. Residential $450000 2464 sf 36.16 acres

Boulder Real Estate Green Building Expert Profile

zacharyepps.com Boulder custom home builder Bob Hughes is at it again. Hughes construction is finishing up an incredible green-focused remodel on the personal residence of well-know local Boulder architect Jim Logan. Check out www.zacharyepps.com for more important Boulder real estate info. From the engineered lumber used for much of the framing, to 100 plus year old bricks (which are very green due to the very low 'embodied energy' which includes simply the transportation from Denver), Hughes has shown once again that he and his crew understand the wide variety of ways to implement green building techniques in a straight-forward and cost effective approach. This Boulder green builder has the experience and dedication to bring you honest and effective solutions to your home building or renovating project. One thing that I love about this profile is that you get to see the home before much of the green built techniques and products are covered up. We went into the Logan residence just after insulation, doors and windows were in, to give you a rare peek at the guts of a project like this. There's a very important reason to be here, reporting on the project at this phase. Hughes makes it a policy to do a blower door test on all his construction projects at two points in the schedule. The first, and most important test is done before sheetrock and other finishing systems are in place. This way, the Hughes Construction crew can find any small leaks and REPAIR them before ...

$879000 Residential, Steamboat Springs, CO

Visit www.mybrokers.com for additional information regarding this property. CHRIS PAOLI OF COLORADO GROUP REALTY MLS #127876 Located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado Newly remodeled downtown home located in a very desirable neighborhood. This home has lots of character and charm. You will love spending time in the great room enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances and there is a wonderful dining room with lots of windows to let in the natural light. The home has all new electric and a new roof plus a perfect addition of two bedrooms, full bath and living area upstairs. Fantastic views of Howelsen Hill and the Ski area, large trees for shade, spacious deck and a fenced yard is the perfect place for family and friends picnics and Fourth of July parties. Plus, the backyard is ideal for children and pets. The main level master with steam shower and multiple recreation areas make this a great downtown home for the whole family. Residential $879000 3612 sf 0.27 acres

April Storm Buries Conifer & Evergreen Colorado

A quick video by Bob Maiocco Denver's Real Estate Guy showing the overpass of Richmond Hill Road over US Highway 285 during Conifer's biggest snow storm of 2009. Conifer, which is just West of Denver and South of Evergreen received over 30" of snow which caused highway closures and power outages across Conifer and Evergeen. The next day it was a perfect Bluebird day--not a cloud in the sky and temperatures rose into the fifties!

Luxury Homes in Colorado: Southwest Style Home in Colorado Springs for Sale

Luxury Home Video Tours in ColoradoLuxury Real Estate. PRICE: $420000 CONTACT: Flying Horse Realty at 719-291-4123. www.flyinghorserealty.com The great Southwest design meets the beautiful Rocky Mountains. This adobe home is located in the foothills of the Rockies just moments from the famous Hotel. With an inner courtyard featuring a fireplace you can enjoy the mountain air, while the warm interior finishes a lifetyle rare in Colorado Springs. Fully-furnished and accessorized, this home is ready for move-in! Presenting the finest Luxury Homes in Colorado, celebrity homes, and HGTV Mansions. Luxury Home Video Tours filmed on location. Luxury Real Estate on TV and in the news. Castles and Mansions for Sale in CO. www.theluxurybrokers.com All Rights Reserved. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. Neither The Luxury Brokers, LLC. nor the service providers for The Luxury Brokers, LLC. are liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the information provided through this website. © 2009 The Luxury Brokers, LLC.

Ways to Sell Your House Quickly

When you are selling a house, you know that there are some very important things that you have to keep in mind. You can not just move out of the house and put it up for sale. Obviously when you were living there, you were living according to your own tastes and preferences. If you have moved out or if you are going to move out, you have to present a proper house to the buyer. You do not want the buyer to see a shabby house, especially if you are living alone.

Make repairs around the house. Check all the faucets and the leakages. If there are any, then call the plumber and get them fixed. Or if you can do it yourself, then do it. That will save you a few grand. If there is a burned out bulb anywhere or if the lighting system is out dated, then it is high time you got it changed. Are there any holes in the walls? Is the roof coming down? If yes, then get working and fix them. Because when a buyer comes to see the house, they will keep checking the walls and the roof to see if they are in a proper condition because they do not want the expenses exceeding the limit of their budget or else this will get in the way of selling your house quickly.

Do the curtains and the rugs need washing? If they do, then soap them up and make them sparkle like new. Clean out all the dusty things and make sure you give the buyer the impression that you have been taking good care of the house and this way you can make the buyers to consider your house and your house might sell quickly.

Also, when the buyer arrives, deal with the buyer in a very friendly way. Offer them chilled bottled water or something to eat. So when you sit down to talk about the house, there is some activity going on. This warm and friendly nature of the seller might impress the buyer and it might help to sell your house quickly.

While talking about your house, do not hide the faults of the house. If there are any faults and the buyer finds out about them and it crosses the limit of the budget, then they may back out. Talk openly about the house and try to make as many repairs as much as possible. This will help you sell your house as quickly as possible.

If you show the buyer a presentable house, then the buyer will surely be appealed and would want to buy the house. But make sure you do not rush the buyer into buying the house. They are investing in something big and they need their time.

The Real Estate Market in South Africa

Any foreigner can buy real estate in South Africa. This includes - unlike Namibia - farms and agricultural land. Due to the favorable exchange rate, property in South Africa is affordable. For example, a house in a good area of Cape Town, with a swimming pool and a big garden, costs hardly more than $US 250,000.

Apartments are offered for less than $US100,000. In other areas, such as the province of KwaZulu-Natal., it is even cheaper. The Cape region is the safest place for an investment in property, as there is still a strong influx of buyers from the Johannesburg area, which keeps the prices up. The Garden Route is a growth area as well.

Real Estate Agents

The property market in the whole country is firmly in the hands of a few estate agencies. Private sales are relatively rare. In South Africa the agent is paid by the seller, so you can readily turn to an agency (see the real estate info page), if you are interested in buying property. When it comes to signing a contract or an offer to purchase, the agent will look after the required legal proceedings.

Market Survey

To get an idea of the market situation, one has to have a critical look at the available properties in the preferred area. The big newspapers (e.g. Cape Argus) publish a big property section every weekend, where you can find almost all the places for sale, advertised with photos. Many houses are "on show" on Sundays, which means you can view them without a previous appointment.

Real Estate Prices

Property is usually advertised at a price which lies 10 to 15 above the price the seller expects to achieve. You must keep that in mind and make an offer accordingly, if you are interested in buying something. If the seller accepts your offer, a down-payment of 10 per cent is typically required.

The transfer of the property is handled by an attorney, who also secures the transfer of the payment. Registration at the "Deeds Office" takes 6 to 8 weeks. At that time, a transfer duty is charged, which falls between 5 and 8 per cent of the purchase sum, depending on the value of the property. The attorney receives about 1 per cent.

Financing of Property

Be very careful if you are considering financing a house purchase with a bank-loan. The local interest rate stands at approx. 13 per cent at the moment. European banks are very reluctant to finance properties in South Africa, so that cash payment is usually the only option.

Buying a African Farm

Many people dream of owning a farm in Africa. This dream can be fulfilled, but one - particularly a non-farmer - should not underestimate the problems that go with owning an agricultural estate. Without the proper know-how, such a possession can become very costly. In the Cape area, agricultural estates, specially the lucrative wine and fruit farms, have become very expensive.

An affordable option is still an estate in the Natal Midlands, below the Drakensberg, where one can acquire a true paradise with forest, river, streams and lakes on hundreds of hectares for less than $US 300,000. Game farms, especially in Mpumalanga, are interesting investment prospects as well.

Buying a Foreclosure Or Bank Owned Home

We get a lot of calls from people looking to buy a foreclosure home. Most of these folks are wanting to buy a home in foreclosure because they see it as an opportunity to buy a home for a great deal.Unfortunately, most people do not really know and understand what a foreclosure home really is. In fact, "Almost 20 percent of men aged 18-34 and 20 percent of single people don't even know what a foreclosure is, according to Trulia.com."

First, there is a difference between a foreclosure home and a bank owned home.A foreclosure home is a home that is technically still owned by the home owner, but that homeowner has defaulted on their mortgage payments. The mortgage company (or bank) has started the foreclosure process and there is a date set (usually about 6-9 months from the 1st defaulted payment) for the home to sell at the foreclosure auction. The homeowner has the option of catching up on their mortgage, selling the home or letting it fall into foreclosure.A bank owned home is a home that has already sold at the foreclosure auction and is now the sole property of the bank.

Second, there is a BIG difference in the buying process of a foreclosure home and a Bank Owned Home. Buying a Foreclosure or Bank Owned Home:

*Buying a Foreclosure Home:

If you are looking to BUY a foreclosure home, chances are it will be a short sale. A short sal*e means that the bank will have to agree to take an amount less than the mortgage. In these cases, a home buyer who puts an offer on the home, may have to wait up to several weeks before the bank accepts/approves the offer and it could take up to 6 months before closing on the home.

Additionally, the bank will generally NOT take much less than market value... so the chances of "getting a great deal" are greatly reduced. And you will have to have the patience of Ghandi for the process to complete before you can become the new homeowner.

However, homes for sale that are in some stage of foreclosure can be in relatively decent shape, as the homeowners want the home to SELL so they do not fall into foreclosure. Also, some homeowners may be willing to do minor repairs if requested by potential buyers.

*Buying a Bank Owned Home:

Bank owned homes, on the other hand, CAN be better deals and take WAY less time to navigate the contract and closing process. Why? Well, banks are not in the business of owning properties so they will usually list the home at well below market value and will be quick to approve offers and close quickly.

Bank owned home, though, tend to be in some stage of minor to horrible disrepair. Some former homeowners who fall into foreclosure take out their frustration on the house. We have seen many bank owned homes in Colorado Springs that have holes in the walls, massive pet stains, destroyed kitchens with no appliances, the list goes on... And, generally, banks will not fix any of this before putting the home in the market. What you see is usually what you get.

So, if you are looking for a great deal in the current real estate market, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. You will also want to make sure you hire a competent Realtor® to represent you in the purchase of your foreclosure or bank owned home. The banks will have heavy negotiators on their side (in both foreclosure and bank owned cases) and you should have the same support and representation. (And remember, in almost every case, your representation will be FREE.)

How a Foreign National Can Buy Real Estate in America

Opportunities for real estate investment for foreigners is wide and varied in the United States. It doesn't matter where you're from and what currency you'd be using to purchase a property, you have a property waiting for you.

There are generally three kinds of real estate investment available to foreigners. These investments include the commercial estate investment and residential property investment. Residential properties are further classified into single family properties, apartments or condominiums and recreational properties. Regardless of what kind of real estate you are interested in, there are all sorts of tax ramifications, financing options and legal requirements that you have to deal with.

Why Should You Invest in the U.S. Real Estate Market?

You've probably heard of the increasing number of foreign real estate investments in the United States. This is not surprising. With the troubles that the real estate investment market is facing in the United States, greater opportunities in real estate investment were opened to foreign investors.

With the dollar's value in its all time low, foreign investors are finding real estate bargains all over the United States. There are no shortages of deals in this market. More and more distressed properties are being sold everywhere and foreigners are pouring in millions buying these foreclosed or distressed properties. The United States real estate has become a fairly attractive long-term investment for foreign investors.

In November of 2006, the National Association of Realtors released a report entitled "Foreign Investments in U.S Real Estate: Current Trends and Historical Perspective". The report showed that there has been a steady increase in foreign real estate investment in the United States. This is especially after the euro and the loonie became stronger in the face of the continuous devaluation of the US dollar. Prime bargains were opened to foreigners. Many foreigners have now looked into the possibility of retiring or settling in the United States.

If you're a foreigner, you would find a lot of reasons why you should invest in the United States real estate market. Aside from the fact that the floating exchange rate has given you a lot of leverage over the bargaining table, the financial market is a pretty good reason why you should invest in the US real estate.

The financial market in the United States in relation to the real estate market is quite liberal and the restrictions against foreign investors are pretty reasonable. This is ideal for foreign companies that are seeking to invest in the real estate market in the United States in order to avoid tariff restrictions and are considering setting up an office or a company in the United States.

Furthermore, despite the devaluation of the US dollar and the wide foreclosures of a lot of property, the real estate market remains to be stable, though slightly shaky, due to foreign investors' capital appreciation. Domestic real estate buyers may not necessarily share the same opinion, but the market has remained to be strong for foreign real estate buyers. This may be largely credited to the fact that there is minimal risk for them.

Why are Foreign Real Estate Investments Safe and Profitable?

There are a lot of investments you can make, but the safest you can make right now is investing your money in real properties. This is another good reason aside from the fact that you can make a pretty nifty profit, if you like, particularly now with the widespread property foreclosures and seemingly continuous US dollar devaluation. This is especially true if you are going to use the euro or the loonie when making your investment.

But why is US real estate investment safe for foreigners?

It is undeniable that stock investments are not a safe avenue at this point. The recession has not only affected the US economy; the same recession has greatly affected worldwide stock investments. Stocks values are dropping. It is also a fact that even without the current economic situation, stock values fluctuates.

On the other hand, real estate investments are pretty stable if you would compare it to stock investments - or even bond or mutual fund investments. With real estate investment, you'd be putting your money in an investment that would grow in value as years go by.

What are the Benefits of Foreign Real Estate Investment?

US state government supports foreign investments and along this line has formulated various tax breaks to encourage foreign investment on real estate. Many of these tax breaks are not available in many countries. In fact, most countries would frown at foreigners owning real properties within their territory.

Foreign real estate investment in the United States is open to everyone. As long as you can afford to buy the property or at least comply with the mortgage requirements and payments, you can secure for yourself a pretty good property in the United States. Again, with the current economic situation of the United States, this is the perfect chance for you to make an investment.

Another great benefit that you can take advantage of is the availability of mortgage financing. Lenders have opened their doors to foreign investors who are looking into purchasing a property. So, you don't have to actually deplete your bank account. You can actually secure a mortgage loan and gradually pay it off.

I'm Canadian, What Are My Financing Options?

There is a steady increasing rate of Canadian real estate investors in the United States; and accordingly, the government has made certain that they have attractive financing options available to them.

If you're Canadian - or if you're a foreigner - you'd find a lot of reasons why you should buy a piece of real property in the United States. For Canadians, the parity of the currencies or the apparent devaluation of the US dollar is a pretty good reason itself. But how do you finance your purchase?

There are various financing options available to you depending on which state you are in. In Arizona, for instance, you'd get favorable financing terms if you are purchasing a property for recreational purposes, that is, you do not derive any income or benefit from your purchase or ownership. You will be required, however, to sign up a disclosure agreement and give a 30% down payment for your loan. To qualify though for a loan, you may be required to show availability of liquid reserves for a period of three to six months. You may also be required to present a minimum of 3-month bank statement.

If you are purchasing a property for investment, you'd probably meet stricter terms. Requirements may be more stringent. For instance, you could be required to give a down payment of more than 30% and you may be required to show one year worth of liquidity reserves.

Regardless of your reasons, if you feel like you can fulfill the requirements of a financing loan, you can then proceed to actually applying for a mortgage loan. Also, keeping yourself updated with the financing terms flux may be a wise idea.

Understanding the Tax Ramifications of Real Estate Investment

The first foreigner to have ever bought a real estate property in the United States was Peter Minuit. This opened the doors to foreign real estate investors. After a couple of centuries later, foreign real estate investment has grown into huge proportions, accounting for billion-of-dollar worth of industry.

The low risk attached to US real estate market, the availability of countless properties, and the steady market liquidity attract foreign investors in droves. The initial snag, however, is the process of understanding the legal ramifications of foreign real estate investment.

What you have to understand is that foreign investment in the United States can take a lot of forms. A foreigner has various options. He can acquire direct interest. He can acquire an interest in the real estate through a partnership, a corporation, or a limited liability company. The latter is the typical structure used by foreign investors.

Limited partnership or Limited Liability Company offers financial protection or indirect asset protection, especially in cases of bankruptcy, law suits and taxes. Foreign investors are generally taxed on the property as if they hold the property in direct interest.

Ideally, you should secure the services of a real estate accountant to help you out with the tax ramifications, but it would help if you, at least, know the basics before you actually talk to an accountant.

There are tax consequences that you have to deal with when you buy a real estate in the United States. You would need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number which you will use with all your tax transactions. Your investment in real estates can be treated as a portfolio investment and will be accounted for as an investment income which can either be fixed or a periodic income. This is typically taxed at 30% on gross revenues. This tax though does not apply though to all foreign investors. Tax rates would vary depending on the tax personality the foreign investor opted for. For instance, a corporation would be taxed differently.

Other things that you should take note of are availability and requirements of tax refunds and state tax laws on real estate properties as they may differ from federal laws, among other things.

By knowing all these things, you may save yourself from a lot of hassles when you finally approach a real estate accountant. You'd be in same wavelength when you finally get down to talking business. It is, however, very important that you secure the services of an accountant. You'd have an easier time dealing with the taxes ramifications. You'd also have assistance ensuring that you comply with all the accounting aspect of your investment. This is especially true if you are purchasing a real property for investment purposes.

Do You Need to Secure the Service of a Real Estate Lawyer?

If you are considering buying a property in the United States, you need to secure the services of a real estate attorney - someone who could help you with the legal issues concerning your purchase. It is tempting to forego securing the service of a lawyer to save money, but this could cost you a lot of money in the long run. Make sure that you have an experienced and trustworthy lawyer to help you out. Make sure that you have thoroughly checked out his credentials, profile, history of successful cases handled by him, and other factors that would influence your decision. You could check online and look for a lawyer working within the state where you are considering purchasing a property.

Functions of a Real Estate Lawyer

There is no actual distinctive function for a lawyer in a real estate case. However, you would really need the assistance of a lawyer for various tasks. A real estate lawyer would review the sales contract for you. He would also check on the title and other documents relating to the property. A lawyer would also review your mortgage contract and make the necessary adjustments or corrections. You could also get him to review with you the legal and tax issues concerning the purchase. A real estate attorney could also make the necessary adjustments relating to various expenses and costs involved in the purchase. He would assess your eligibility for tax refunds and draft the documents and statements relating to this.

Putting it simply, a real estate lawyer will be your watchdog. He would guide you through the whole process of purchasing a real estate in the United States in order to make sure that you will be legally protected. You will have a capable and trustworthy liaison to help you out with the contract. He will also face legal disputes if any arise.

Tips on How to Invest in Real Estate Successfully

Now, if you've fully bought into the idea of real estate investing in the United States, you might just want to know how to go about investing in real estate successfully. If you want to be successful in this venture, the first thing that you have to avoid is overanalyzing. Of course, it is a good idea to carefully think through your actions but it is a bad idea to overanalyze your investment to nonexistence. You might lose a great opportunity.

Before you purchase the property though, it might be wise to check the property value. If it sits well with you and you can reasonably afford the property, go ahead and make the purchase.

If you are considering the property for a quick flip, make sure that the property is in perfect condition and in good area. This is to ensure that you could double or actually triple your return of investment. If you can inspect the property yourself, do so. If not, a good and trustworthy agent can help you with this task.

Another important thing to remember when you're buying real estate is good financing. You should take your time to carefully consider all your financing options. Foreign investors can email in their queries to various lending institutions. It is a good idea to make sure that you've had their terms and rates on paper because they tend to change these terms and charge you with a lot of junk. Your real estate agent can help you with reviewing the escrow charges.

The bottom line, however, is that it is very important that you do your homework before you actually buy a real property. Investing in real properties in the United States can be profitable especially during these times. In fact, it may be the wisest and most perfect investment you can make right now.

7 Bar 11 Ranch

7 Bar 11 Ranch

Real Estate Teamwork - How Your Realtor Accomplishes Your Goals

You may not realize it, but helping you find a great home is often a joint venture between your Realtor and a number of other professionals. In fact, it is through your Realtor's willingness to work with other professionals that you can more quickly find a great place to live at a price you can afford.

Working Together in the Office

Although some Realtors work on their own, many have a few other people working in the office with them. Often, these offices will contain one broker and several real estate agents. The broker serves as the supervisor of the other agents, though they can all show you homes and help you close a deal with the buyer.

If you work with a Realtor that has other agents in the office, you will still spend most of your time working with just one agent. While that agent will serve as your main point of contact, you can rest assured that your agent will work with the other agent's in the office in order to search through the available listings and find the perfect home for you.

Looking Beyond the Office

Since every home on the market is not listed with your Realtor, he or she will also look beyond the office in order to try to find the home you are searching for. By contacting other agents in the area, your Realtor can find out about other homes that are not being actively marketed. Although your Realtor will still be your point of contact, he or she will use this professional relationship to help expand upon the number of homes you have to choose from - and all at no extra cost to you.

Remember, it is your Realtor's job to do the searching for you and to find the house that will best meet your needs. Therefore, doing this type of investigation and working cooperatively with other real estate agents is all a part of the job.

Working with Other Professionals

After working with other agents in order to find a great home that will suit your needs, your Realtor will work with other professionals in order to guarantee your home is perfect for you. For example, you Realtor can help you find a professional to conduct an inspection of your home. While you can obtain an inspector on your own, your agent can help recommend inspectors and point you in the direction of those that are available. By having your home inspected, you can make sure it is sound and that there are no problems that you will have to deal with down the road.

If there are issues with the home you are considering buying, your Realtor can help you to renegotiate a new price. In addition, he or she can help you find a contractor that can make the necessary repairs if you are still interested in moving forward with the purchase.

By working cooperatively with all of these professionals, you can be certain to find the home that is absolutely perfect for you!

Can I Sell My Own House Without Using An Estate Agent?

Can you sell your own house without using an estate agent? Many house sellers would like to sell their own house without the expense of using an estate agent but have YOU got what it takes? There are a whole series of steps that you need to master if you are going to sell your own house successfully and beat the professionals at their own game.

Do you feel confident that you can succeed? Consider all the elements that go into making a successful house sale and ask yourself if you can meet the challenge. If you can answer 'yes' to most of the following questions then you are definitely someone who has the knowledge and ability to sell your own house.

Do You Have The Time To Sell Your Own House?

Selling your own house can be a time-consuming affair. You need to prepare the property, prepare your marketing materials, show the house, deal with negotiations etc. It all takes time and effort - you have to do what the real estate agent would normally be doing if you were paying him. Can you devote the time and resources to it and can you take time off work if you need to?

Can You Make Your House Look Good?

The show home look is what sells houses. Are you willing and able to give your property a complete makeover both inside and out? If you want to make sure your house attracts the maximum number of potential house buyers you have got to make it look its best.

Can You Research The Local Housing Market?

You need to research the local housing market so you know who your likely buyers are and how much they are willing to pay. You need to find out the asking prices and selling prices of houses similar to yours in your local area. There is plenty of information available on property web sites but you have to find it and put it to use.

Can You Prepare A Marketing Plan?

There is a lot to consider when putting your property on the market. Drawing up property details, designing and booking advertising, putting up For Sale boards, organising viewings and keeping a record of all your potential buyers. You will need to study how the professionals do it then do it yourself.

Are You Able To Deal With People?

Dealing with a lot of potential house buyers looking at your home can be a challenge. Will you enjoy showing people around your home and not take any negative comments too seriously? You will have to deal with all sorts of people and sort the time-wasters from the real house-buyers.

Will You Be Able To Negotiate A Sale?

At some stage of the process you will receive offers that you need to respond to. You will need to work out a negotiating plan that will get you the best possible price as quickly as possible.

If you can answer most of these questions positively, then you can answer 'yes' to the question 'can I sell my own house?'

For Sale by Owner Tips From a Realtor - Article #1

Each year thousands of Americans will challenge the real estate community and save themselves thousands of dollars by selling their homes themselves.

No one can guarantee that selling your home on your own will be easy, or that it will be hassle-free -- it rarely is even when you enlist the help of a real estate professional. But the simple fact is that many people have successfully sold their home on their own and you can do it too.

This is the first of a series of articles that I will share with you for the purpose of giving you the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in today's lukewarm real estate market, and to give you the competitive edge you need to "out-market" not only the other "For Sale by Owners" in your neighborhood, but also the real estate agents who want you to list your home with them.

Please understand that other "For Sale by Owner" sellers and real estate agents are your competition, and in order to be successful on your own you need to have a detailed marketing plan in place to find the right buyer for your home.

If you have the knowledge, if you can learn the required marketing expertise, and if you understand the process of selling your home on your own, then you will have a better than average chance to do just that, and can literally save thousands of dollars in real estate commissions.

One thing you need to understand right from the beginning is that the only difference between you and a real estate agent, or another "For Sale by Owner", is knowledge; if you have it and they don't you'll attract all the buyers you'll ever need to sell your home for top dollar in a short period of time.

The second important thing for you to understand when you're trying to sell your own home is that you can do it. You can get your home sold inside of 90 days in a decent real estate market. It all comes down to understanding and implementing a few key procedures that I will discuss in upcoming articles.

One other simple thing you need to understand is that your home will almost sell itself, or not sell itself, based on it's own merits of price and condition. If you get both correct, and you are able to let enough people know about it, your home will sell. However, if the price or condition is not in line, or nobody know about your house, your home has no chance of selling (and that applies even if you have a real estate agent involved).

Another important thing you need to realize is that there is a buyer for your home out there. You bought the home yourself and that means that there are others who have similar tastes and similar housing requirements as you do.

These people will automatically be attracted to your property. If you are aware of this fact and you realize that, like anything in sales, that it's definitely a numbers game, then you're well on your way to selling your home yourself.

Stay tuned...

How to Prepare For Moving and Relocating Overseas

After making the decision to relocate overseas, and after setting the date, it is time to start preparing for your move.

Moving overseas requires much more than moving to another city or state, and can be quite daunting. Therefore the more you do in advance the better you adjust for living abroad.

Start by preparing a moving file with all required documents - Put inside the file receipts, notes, and important papers, such as: birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, medical and dental documents, school records, legal and financial documents, passports, etc. Place the file in a secure place to insure that it won't get lost.

Start doing this as early as possible as it will take a while to gather all documents.

Start spreading the news about your plans to move abroad:

Speak to your dentist and doctor. Ask them for referrals (they might know doctors and dentists in your destination country). Make sure you have current vaccination records, and an adequate supply of medications on hand to get you by until you find a doctor in your host country.
Notify your bank about your moving overseas, and make the appropriate financial arrangements with your bank. You might want to start searching for a new bank in the destination country.
Notify your kids school teachers about your relocation abroad; ask for their assistance with your kids, and for a full school record.

Contact the embassy of your destination country, and obtain all necessary legal information concerning your relocation, such as: visa requirement, custom laws, driving permit requirements, health insurance details, recommended vaccinations, etc'.

Check with the embassy if you need to present any formal documents from your home country like - birth certificate, or driving license, and if they need to be notarized by a public Notary.

Those of you who are relocating to a country with a different language might need to translate all legal documents. It will also be a good idea to start learning the new language - it can sure help you to feel less foreigner in your new surrounding.

Do you own a house? What would you do with it while you are living abroad? would you rent it or sell it? Make sure to contact a real-estate agent and get ready to put it on the market enough time in advance.

If visiting your destination country before relocating overseas is not an option then it is recommended to gather all possible information about the country from the Internet, co-workers, embassies, etc'. Do not forget to check what is the electricity volt. This will enable you to decide whether to ship your appliances to the destination country, or to sell, store or donate them.

This brings us to shipping your household -

First find out who will be responsible for shipping your household to the destination country. If the company you are working for will be paying for the shipping charges that's great. However make sure that your possessions are insured and what is exactly covered under the insurance policy.

If you are the one paying for all shipping charges then start checking moving cost with a few moving companies. Take your time, ask friends, colleagues and relatives for recommendations, and find the one that suits your needs and budget. You should also look for insurance programs that will cover your personal stuff during the transit.

Are you relocating overseas with kids?

Take the time to sit down with your kids, tell them about your relocation abroad, and describe the expatriate lifestyle. Give your kids as much information as you can, explain them honestly the reasons for your expatriation, and answer openly all their questions.

Are you planning on moving abroad with your pet?

If so, Make sure to check on possible quarantine and vaccination requirements at your destination country, and start searching for pet shipping services.

One last point - Do not forget to make the necessary travel plans for your expatriation - airline tickets, car rental and hotel reservations.

The most important thing - Although there are so many things to do, try to enjoy and have fun. This is a one in a life time adventure.

Are you interested in additional information about expats living? Would you like more tips and advice about moving with kids, overseas employment, and cultural differences? You can find this and much more at http://www.expats-moving-and-relocation-guide.com 

The Current State of Denver CO Real Estate

The Denver CO real estate market remains the 21st largest market in the nation with nearly 13,000 single family permits issued in 2006. But, even this impressive market can't shake the housing slump that has gripped the nation.

Denver CO real estate traffic remains depressed like it did in September, primarily due to tighter lending. Homes just aren't as affordable due to the lack of mortgages in the lending industry. Banks just aren't as willing to lend money as they were six months ago.

Even those real estate agents that had good traffic in their agencies had a difficult time qualifying buyers. Buyers also had difficult times coming up with the minimum down payments- again a sign of the tightening lending industry that just six months ago was handing out 90% and 100% loans like candy on Halloween. In fact, the self-employed no doc loans have entirely disappeared, removing entire sectors of real estate traffic from different agencies.

Denver has a high percentage of first-time home buyers as well as buyers with poor credit. This is one of the main reasons why Denver is nearly leading the country in foreclosures.

Denver did experience a decrease in new construction as home prices continued to fall in October. This helped reduce overall housing inventories. But the time to sell index continued to worsen because of the weak level of overall real estate traffic.

What does this mean for you? It depends on your perspective. If you currently are renting, have a stable job with steady income, and you can come up with a traditional 20% downpayment on a home, you are gold! Now is the time to go looking for that brand new home. Bargain with the seller. If they are a developer and have dozens of homes on the market, they are going to be willing to come down considerably on their prices.

If on the other hand you own your home and were hoping to buy something new, your picture isn't nearly as rosy. You won't be getting as much for your home as you were hoping. Which means you might not be able to come up with the necessary 20% down on that beautiful new home you've been dreaming about. And this is assuming you actually are able to sell your home.

And if you're a builder, perhaps it's time to reconsider starting that next home. Take this time to shore up your investments and refigure your bottom line. Perhaps dropping a bit more off the price isn't such a bad idea. Can you think of any alternative marketing measures you can take to sell your homes?

Just recently a couple, desperate to sell their home, added this to their offer: Buy our home and when we die we will give you your money back.

They had three offers that very day.

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Crush it! Workshop in home and LIVE!

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Christian Back Forty

Christian Back Forty

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