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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Arizona is a still a hot home market

The southwest US is a hot place to live- especially for retirees and families fleeing the urban jungle. Housing costs are well below the national average and new homes are sprouting faster than ever. Tucson, Arizona is becoming a desert oasis for luxury homes.

The average price of new homes has climbed 18 percent in the past year. Resale homes have climbed 13 percent, according to the recent Tucson Housing Market Letter. In May 2004, the average price of a new home in the Tucson area was $242,582, an increase of $36,746 from the same month in 2003. The median price of a new home was $200,603- the level where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less. This is a $25,463 increase from last year.

Prices for existing home also increased. The average price of a resale home was $189,999, an increase of $21,981 since May 2003. The median price of an existing home was $155,000, an increase of $17,500 from last year.

The median price for an existing home in Phoenix in 2003 was $152,500. The national figure is $234,200, according to the National Association of Realtors. That alone is bringing a record number of new residents.

The average price of a new-constructed home was $147,336 in July 1999, and increase of $1,800 from last year. The average price of a resale home is $135,841 about $2,500 more than last July.

Luxury home sales, above $500,000 increased 37 percent over the first half of 1998 with 19 homes selling $1,000,000 or more. The north, northwest and northeast sides of the city, in the foothills, have the largest concentration of luxury homes.

Another increasingly popular location is among the dozen golf communities around the valley. While this is an increasing trend, the price of homes are likely to rise soon with interest rate increases. The declining rates in the past fueled the increase in building permits.

TUCSON, ARIZONA

Medium New Home Price

Medium Resale Price

May 2004

$200,582

$155,000

July 1999

$131,530

$110,000

July 1998

$130,314

$105,000

1997
$94,500
$94,000

Thursday, October 28, 2010

About Real Estate Alternatives

Real Estate Alternatives was established as an outlet to allow real estate investment minds to come together an learn the fundamentals about low cost real estate investment strategies. More About Our Program Our real estate E-Program comes equipped with a 120 page ebook with all the information you need to know about real estate investment. We include information on foreclosure purchasing, low interest loans, government programs that help people with bad credit or low income and a host of other creative real estate investing strategies. If you are new to real estate investing then this is definitely the program for you. While many real estate investment programs focus on one area of real estate investment our program outlines various real estate investing strategies. This way you can chose which strategy is best suited to your current financial situation. Real Estate Alternatives In A Global Context Real Estate Alternatives donates 5% of our sales to Amnesty International. Please take the time, to read through their site, learn about their initiatives and watch their videos. Real Estate Alternatives, with your help, strives to make this world a better place.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Real Estate a Safe Investment

As with any investment idea, you are going to have a lot of so called specialists who focus on the risk associated with such investments. Real estate investment is no exception to this rule. There are countless people who claim that real estate investment is a poor investment choice. However, we here at Real Estate Alternatives believe that the numbers should speak for themselves. Real Estate prices have continued to rise over the long run by substantial amounts and they continue to grow at a rate faster than inflation.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Whalen Real Estate

This elegant 1810 colonial is set on 11.28 park-like acres adorned with perfectly planted flower gardens, a spring-fed pond, custom built stone walls and rolling meadows fenced with paddocks.Within 3800 square feet of living space, your family and guests will bask in comfort. Three of the four bedrooms have fireplaces and the house features three and a half bathrooms. The kitchen is equipped with professional appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry and features a fireplace of its own. A formal living room and a den also have fireplaces. Attention to architectural design and details are showcased throughout with traditional moldings, chair rails and beautiful hardwood floors. A wrap-around stone terrace overlooks the pond and heated in-ground swimming pool.Additional amenities on the property include a six stall horse barn, pole barn, newly renovated heated studio and a heated, two-car detached garage.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Locate Homes for Sale and Real Estate in Atlanta, Georgia

It is not difficult to search for Atlanta homes for sale. There are many homes for sale in Atlanta at any given point of time. However, you need to keep three things in mind if you are searching for a home that meets your exact needs: the location where you want to reside, the home budget that you can afford, and detailed home features.

Brazil Real Estate


Perhaps arriving at a destination at 2am only to be told the hotel is full has become a hassle not worth dealing with. Maybe it’s the daily grind of a job at home that sets sail to dreams of living overseas in a new and exciting culture. Such things seem to drive people to seek out property further south and enjoy a lifestyle many only dream is possible. Brazil real estate is flourishing. The area is quickly becoming a popular place for international real estate investors because of its warm climate, relaxed and intriguing culture, low prices and some of the best beaches in the world. Many people foreign to Brazil are snatching up prime Brazil real estate in choice locations all around the country. In some of the world"s most desirable countries foreigners are not legally permitted to purchase land or houses. In Brazil, foreigners have the same legal foothold as Brazilians when it comes to Brazil real estate. Brazil has abundant land resources, the largest economy in Central and South America and a very large labor force. Brazil has almost anything any international investor might want from spectacular beach front property to acres of land inland for farming and ranching as well as andless things to do and see. The economy is on the upswing and is quite diversified. Some real estate Brazil offers investors can be found in the larger cities. Although Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have traditionally been favored in recent years, the trend has been to purchase northward along the coast. The bigger cities are not for the faint of heart as they are busy and can be dangerous to the unsuspecting person. Luxury apartments and villas can be purchased here, some for a very pretty penny. Real estate Brazil has made available to the savvy investor high-class penthouses, family homes, simple apartments and even commercial property for sale. Prices range immensely; depending on what type of Brazil real estate is being sought. It is also possible to purchase a piece of land and develop it as time and money allow. Real estate in Brazil can be found all over the country in the bigger, flourishing cities, small fishing villages and remote, tropical towns. Bahia is currently one of the hottest places for real estate in Brazil. Encompassing the longest coastline of any Brazilian state, its capital city of Salvador is a popular tourist destination for both international and local visitors. Other popular areas include the states of Sergipe, Rio Grande de Norte and Ceara. The cities in these states that are drawing property seekers and visitors are Aracaju, Natal and Fortaleza. In Fortaleza alone you can easily spend weeks looking at the different oceanfront homes, beachfront homes, countryside hotels, farms, ranches and other investment real estate. When looking for property in Brazil do keep in mind that the Brazilian government is encouraging foreign investment and welcomes foreigners with open arms. Many popular tourist destinations around the world have sky-high prices and massive crowds and not much chance for a profitable return on real estate. The lower prices, less frantic atmosphere and higher investment returns of alternative resort countries such as Brazil see international buyers starting to take advantage of all the possibilities available.

Calgary real estate

What's your Calgary Real Estate story?
Do you sell or buy often? Has it been a good market for you?

Is Calgary property a good deal, for anyone, or for anyone in particular?

Was your lawyer and other professional good for you, and would you recommend one?

Are the homes in Calgary a good value? Still?
Was financing easy to get?

What about renting? Maybe you have some experiences with that market to share.

We like good real estate stories.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

HOUSING AND REAL ESTATE

From the perspective of a current resident looking for a new home, or a new resident seeking a place to call home, housing options throughout Luzerne County are almost overwhelming. Practically, because of the options that are available, home buyers need to first identify the environment in which they want to live – country, city, valley, near a river or stream, in the mountains, or on a golf course – and then start to explore the streets, highways, and back roads to begin to get a clear sense of the numerous and exciting options available throughout beautiful Luzerne County.

New and Exciting Housing Options
During the past decade, housing options in Luzerne County have expanded rapidly. Significant new construction has occurred throughout the county. New construction has included planned residential developments, senior communities, groups of homes on one to three acre lots, and estate homes on properties as large as ten or twenty acres. Apartments and town houses – in ranges that make it possible for any family to find a new home that meets their personal and financial needs – are available, and more continue to be built to meet an ever-increasing demand. Luzerne County’s cities, larger townships, and boroughs, once presumed to be fully developed and land-locked, have experienced construction of numerous new housing options: upscale apartment complexes, condominium developments, innovative town homes, and numerous single family homes on city lots.

As you look at our community, we think you will agree that Luzerne County is truly livable, that our neighborhoods are distinct and different from others just blocks away, and that you will find a home that meets your family’s needs, and one that you can truly call home.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Taking the day off to celebrate my 50th Birthday with my family!Remember, showing Charlottesville Real Estate , one of my favorite things to do with clients.If you see me driving around the Charlottesville or Crozet area, give me a wave or honk!Call or email me if you need anything.

Laxman
pho 9851077029

Real Estate Value Foreclosures

It is possible to find properties selling for 50% of their potential fixed-up value, most people will find it easier, and more efficient, to focus on properties selling in the 65% to 80% of value range. Some of the value seasoned investors seek when buying these homes can come from the normal terms of the loan, such as very old loans that have been paid upon for many years. Some can come from price appreciation in a “seller’s market” where homes are appreciating rapidly in price. Some can come from the lender not wanting to deal with the property due to damage or necessary repairs, where the lender will accept less than they are owed on the property. So, how do you find these properties and what steps do you take.

Real Estate Terms
It can be very valuable if you are looking for distressed property and homes in loan default. Picking an agent is something you should spend some time thinking about though, rather than just walk into a Realty office and start talking to the first agent you find. Some agents and offices work closely with lenders and asset managers to sell properties the lenders have taken back. There is a page on this site with a list of free on-line Foreclosures. Spend some time going through the lenders, and write down the names and numbers of agents in your area that have properties listed. That should give you a decent start on finding an area real estate agent familiar with foreclosures.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

English country house

The English country house is generally accepted as a large house or mansion, once in the ownership of an individual who also usually owned another great house in town allowing one to spend time in the country and in the city.Country houses and stately homes are sometimes confused—while a country house is always in the country, a stately home can also be in a town. Apsley House, built for the Duke of Wellington at the corner of Hyde Park(No. 1, London it was called), is one example. Other country houses such as Ascott in Buckinghamshire were deliberately designed not to be stately, and to harmonise with the landscape, while some of the great houses such as Kedleston Hall and Holkham Hall were built as "power houses" to impress and dominate the landscape, and were certainly intended to be "stately homes". Today many former stately homes, while still country houses, are far from stately and most certainly not homes.The country house was not only a weekend retreat for aristocrats, but also often a full time residence for the minor gentry who were a central node in the so-called squirearchy that ruled Britain until the Reform Act 1832(as documented in The Purefoy Letters, 1735–53 by L G Mitchell). Even some of the formal business of the shire was transacted in the Hall.Contents [hide]1 Evolution2 Power houses and family homes3 Zenith4 Decline5 Today's English country house6 References7 See also8 External links[edit]EvolutionThe country houses of England have evolved over the last 500 years. Before this time larger houses were more often than not fortified, reflecting the position of their owners as feudal lords, de facto overlords of their manor. The Tudor period of stability in the country saw the first of the large unfortified mansions. Henry VIII's policy of the Dissolution of the Monasteriessaw many former ecclesiastical properties turned over to the King's favourites, who then converted them into private country houses. Woburn Abbey, Forde Abbey and many other mansions with Abbey or Priory in their name often date from this period as private houses. Other terms used in the name of houses to describe their origin or importance include Palace,Castle, Court, Hall, Mansion, Park, House, Manor, Place and Tower.It was during the later half of the reign of Elizabeth I and her successor James I that the first architect designed mansions, thought of today as epitomising the English country house, and began to make their appearance. Burghley House, Longleat House, and Hatfield House are perhaps amongst the most well known. Hatfield House was one of the first houses in England to show the Italianate influences of the renaissance, which was eventually to see the end of the hinting-at-castle-architecture "turrets and towers" Gothic style. By the reign of Charles I,Inigo Jones and his form of Palladianism had changed the face of British domestic architecture completely. While there were later various Gothic Revival styles, the Palladian style in various forms, interrupted briefly by baroque, was to predominate until the second half of the 18th century when, influenced by ancient Greek styles, it gradually evolved into theneoclassicism championed by such architects as Robert Adam.Some of the best known of England's country houses tend to have been built by one architect at one particular time: Montacute House, Chatsworth House, and Blenheim Palace are examples. It is interesting that while the latter two are ducal palaces, Montacute, although built by a Master of the Rolls to Queen Elizabeth I, spent the next 400 years in the occupation of his descendants who were Gentry without a London townhouse, rather than aristocracy. They finally ran out of funds in the early 20th century.However, the vast majority of the lesser-known English country houses, often owned by both gentry and aristocracy, are an evolution of one or more styles with facades and wings in various styles in a mixture of high architecture, often as interpreted by a local architect or surveyor and determined by practicality as much as the whims of architectural taste. An example might be Brympton d'Evercy in Somerset, a house of many periods that is unified architecturally by the continuing use of the same mellow local Ham Hill stone.The fashionable William Kent redesigned Rousham House only to have it quickly and drastically altered to accommodate space for the owner's twelve children. Canons Ashby, home topoet John Dryden's family, exemplifies this: a medieval farmhouse enlarged in the Tudor era around a courtyard, given grandiose plaster ceilings in the Stewart period and then givenGeorgian facades in the 18th century. The whole is a glorious mismatch of styles and fashions which seamlessly blend together—this could be called the true English country house.Wilton House, one of England's grandest houses, is in a remarkably similar vein; although, while the Drydens, mere squires, at Canons Ashby employed a local architect, at Wilton the mighty Earls of Pembroke employed the finest architects of the day: first Holbein, 150 years later Inigo Jones, and then Wyatt followed by Chambers. Each employed a different style of architecture, seemingly unaware of the design of the wing around the next corner. These varying "improvements", often criticised at the time, today are the qualities which make English country houses unique. Scarcely anywhere else in the world would an elite class have allowed, or indeed pursued, such an indifference to style.[edit]Power houses and family homes15th century: Compton Wynyates. Today the private residence of the family who built it, Compton Wynyates was one of the last houses in England to be laid siege in the 17th centuryThe inhabitants of the English country house have become collectively referred to as the Ruling class, because this is exactly what they did in varying degrees, whether by holding high political influence and power in national government or in the day-to-day running of their own localities in such offices as magistrates, or occasionally even clergy. Thesearistocrats continued, in diminishing degrees, to frequently hold the highest offices until well into the second half of the 20th century. Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Alec Douglas-Home were the last Prime Ministers to spring from this class. So necessary was the country house deemed to be that following the election of the first Labour Government in 1921,Viscount Lee of Fareham donated his country house Chequers to the nation for the use of a Prime Minister who might not possess one of his own. Chequers still fulfils that need today as do both Chevening House and Dorneywood country houses, donated for sole use of high-ranking ministers of the crown.[edit]ZenithHouse party, Hardwick House, Hawstead,Suffolk, 1887.During the 18th and 19th centuries to the highest echelons of British society the country house served as a place for relaxing, hunting and running the country with one's equals at the end of the week, with some houses having their own theatre where performances were held. However, there were many Squires who lived permanently on their country estates, seldom visiting London at all. The country house was the centre of its own world, providing employment to literally hundreds of people in the vicinity of its estate. In previous eras when state benefits were unheard of, those working on an estate were among the most fortunate, receiving secured employment and rent-free accommodation. At the summit of these fortunate people was the indoor staff of the country house. Until the 20th century, unlike many of their contemporaries, they slept in proper beds, wore well-made adequate clothes and received three proper meals a day, plus a small wage. In an era when many still died for lack of medicine or malnutrition, the long working hours were a small price to pay. The filmGosford Park, the reality series The Edwardian Country House and some episodes of the TV series Upstairs, Downstairs accurately recreated the stratified and repressed but secure atmosphere of the English country house just surviving into the age of the automobile.Many aristocrats owned more than one country house and would visit each according to the season: Grouse shooting in Scotland,pheasant shooting and fox hunting in England. The Earl of Rosebery, for instance, had Dalmeny House in Scotland, Mentmore Towers inBuckinghamshire and another near Epsom just for the racing season. The largest country house in England is Blenheim Palace, compared with Hopetoun House in Scotland, Castletown House in Ireland and possibly Penrhyn Castle, Chirk Castle, Erddig or Glynllifon in Wales. The largest in Derbyshire isChatsworth House, and in Cambridgeshire is Wimpole Hall.[edit]DeclineHardwick House, Hawstead, Suffolk. Built by the Drury family, the home was purchased by theCullums, who enlarged it. When the last Cullum heir died in the 20th century, the house was demolished, the ruins used for building materials.The slow decline of the English country house coincided with the rise of modern industry, which provided alternate means of employment for large numbers of people and contributed to upwardly mobile middle classes, but its ultimate demise began immediately followingWorld War I. The huge staff required to maintain them had either left to fight and never returned, departed to work in the munitions factories, or to fulfil the void left by the fighting men in other workplaces. Of those who returned with the cessation of war, many left the countryside for better-paid jobs in towns. The final blow for many country houses came following World War II; having been requisitioned during the war, they were returned to the owners in poor repair. Many of whom having lost their heirs, if not in the immediately preceding war then in World War I, were now paying far higher rates of tax, and agricultural incomes from the accompanying estates had dropped. Thus, the solution appeared to be to hold contents auctions and then demolish the house and sell its stone, fireplaces, and panelling. And this is exactly what happened to many of Britain's finest houses.Today in Britain, country houses provide for a variety of needs. Many are owned by public bodies such as Kedleston Hall, Knole House,Lyme Park, Montacute House, Petworth House, West Wycombe Park and Waddesdon Manor, owned by the National Trust, Brodsworth Hall, Kenwood House & Osborne House are owned by English Heritage and are open to the public as museums as part of the so-called "Stately home industry". Some, including Wilton House and Chatsworth House, and many smaller houses such as Pencarrow in Cornwalland Rousham House in Oxfordshire are still owned by the families who built them, retain their treasures and are open during summer months to the public. Fewer still are owned by the original families and are not open to the public: Compton Wynyates is one. Easton Neston in Northamptonshire, one of the last of the architecturally important country houses never to have been opened to public viewing, was sold in 2005 for £15 million by Lord Hesketh.[edit]Today's English country houseThe majority have become schools, hospitals, museums and prisons. Some, for example, Cliveden, Coworth House, Hartwell House, Peckforton Castle & Taymouth Castle, have become luxury hotels. Examples used as schools or other educational uses include Ashridge House, Bramshill House, Dartington Hall, Harlaxton Manor, Heslington Hall, Prior Park, Scarisbrick Hall, Stowe House, Tring Park & Westonbirt House. Hewell Grange is now an open prison. Compton Verney is now an art gallery, Cusworth Hall is now the museum of South Yorkshire Life, Duff House & Paxton House are outstations of the National Gallery of Scotland, Temple Newsam House is a museum of the decorative arts, St Fagans National History Museum is based in and around St Fagans Castle, Wollaton Hall is now a natural history museum. The National Portrait Gallery (London) has several outstations at country houses: Montacute House is partially used to display Elizabethan and Jacobean portraits; Beningbrough Hall is used to display 18th-century portraits and Bodrhyddan Hall displays 19th-century portraits.Alton Towers has become an amusement park. Knebworth House stages rock concerts in the park. Glyndebourne has an opera house attached. Port Lympne is now a zoo, several houses also have Safari parks in the grounds: Knowsley Hall (The house has never been open to the public), Longleat & Woburn Abbey. Clouds House is used as a centre for treating alcoholics and drug addicts. Moor Park is a golf club-house. Halton House is used by the Royal Air Force and Minley Manor is used by the army. Another common use of country houses is to convert them for multiple occupation Kinmel Hall, New Wardour Castle, Sheffield Park House & Stoneleigh Abbey whose former park Stoneleigh Park is used for exhibitions and agricultural shows. Culzean Castle, Margam Castle & Tatton Hall are at the centre of country parks. Goodwood House is a centre of both horse & motor racing. Ince Blundell Hall is now a nunnery. Toddington Manor is being convert into an art gallery and home by Damien Hirst. Many houses are now in the ownership of Local government and operated as country house museums including Ashton Court, Aston Hall being the first to be so owned from 1864, Cardiff Castle, Heaton Hall & Tredegar House. Ditchley is owned and used for conferences by the Ditchley Foundation. Some houses have survived as conserved ruins: Kirby Hall, Lowther Castle & Witley Court. These are among the fortunate few. In Britain during the 1920s to the early 1960s, thousands of country houses were demolished including East Cowes Castle, Hamilton Palace & Nuthall Temple.Today owning a "Country House" can be a mixed blessing. Usually listed as a building of historic interest, they can only be maintained under Government supervision, often interpreted by the owners as interference as the most faithful, most accurate, and most precise restoration and recreation is also usually the most expensive and the one Government inspectors insist upon. This system does, however, ensure that all work is correctly and authentically done. The negative side is that many owners cannot afford the work, so a roof remains leaking for the sake of a cheap roof tile. Although the ownership or management of some houses has been transferred to a private trust such as Blair Castle, Burghley House, Grimsthorpe Castleand Hopetoun House. Other houses have transferred art works and furnishings under the Acceptance in Lieu scheme to ownership by various national or local museums, but are retained for display in the building. This enables the former owners to offset tax, the payment of which would otherwise have necessitated the sale of the art works, for example tapestries and furniture at Houghton Hall are now owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum. Increasing numbers of country houses hold licenses for weddings and civil ceremonies. Another source of income is use as a film location, many of the houses listed on the page have been used for this purpose. Many of the larger houses are available for hire for Corporate entertainment. Another source of revenue is using houses for Murder mystery games.

house sela




Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Real estate

Real estate is a legal term (in some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, USA and The Bahamas) that encompasses land along with improvements to the land, such as buildings, fences, wells and other site improvements that are fixed in location—immovable.[1] Real estate law is the body of regulations and legal codes which pertain to such matters under a particular jurisdiction and include things such as commercial and residential real property transactions. Real estate is often considered synonymous with real property (sometimes called realty), in contrast with personal property (sometimes called chattel or personalty under chattel law or personal property law).However, in some situations the term "real estate" refers to the land and fixtures together, as distinguished from "real property," referring to ownership of land and appurtenances, including anything of a permanent nature such as structures, trees, minerals, and the interest, benefits, and inherent rights thereof. Real property is typically considered to be Immovable property[2] The terms real estate and real property are used primarily incommon law, while civil law jurisdictions refer instead to immovable property.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

House and Land Packages


roperty investment – House and Land Packages (NSW)
What to consider when buying house & land packages in NSW as an investment
NSW house and land packages continue to be a shrewd investment strategy for astute property investors who are looking for capital gains, high rental income and gross yields and more control over their investment.

Declining housing affordability in Sydney is prompting more people to look at alternatives to buying. Renting is seen as a more cost effective and viable option to be able to live in popular Sydney suburbs.

Here are the important factors to consider when buying a Sydney house and land deal for investment purposes in NSW.

Location of property
Traditionally, new Sydney house and land developments are located in areas that have a high rental demand. It is important to research your desired location and check:
whether there are any major developments or infrastructure planned for your desired location such as a new shopping complex, highway or schoolwhat is the capital growth of the region you wish to buy a house and land package inwhat is the average rent and yield of similar new houses in the area and the projected rate of population growth and demographics of the region.
Remember investing in property is a long term strategy and the property market is a cyclical market so make sure you check previous reports, current reports and projected planning reports for the area.

Potential rental income and yieldThe high number of immigrants who choose Sydney as their home, the rising population growth and low supply of houses in desirable areas has contributed to low vacancy rates in NSW.

Make sure you check rental reports in the region where the new house and land development is located and find out how other similar properties in the area are performing.

Tenant friendly houses in Sydney (NSW) share some of the following attributes:

within 10kms of the Sydney CBDnear a Sydney beach side suburbs like Bondi or Coogeeclose to one of Sydney’s main shopping centre access to nearby schools or one of Sydney’s many universities such as the University of Sydney near to public transport and highways such as the M2, M4, M5 or M7 a short distance from restaurants and cafes such as Leichhardt or Newtown and located in a region with a diverse industry and employer base.

Investing in a new house with in a highly desired location will result in low vacancy rates, higher gross rental yields and strong capital growth.

Capital growth of the area
It’s important to research the capital growth potential of the area that you are planning to buy in. Houses generally have a greater potential for capital growth than apartments because of the land content, scarcity of land and high demand for quality properties in highly desired suburbs.

The advantage of buying a house is also the potential to add value such as extending the property, installing a new bathroom or removing internal walls to create spacious, open plan living. You are not restricted by a Body Corporate as you would be if you owned an apartment or townhouse but you do have to comply with local planning laws.

There is also a bigger resale market for houses as they are attractive to both investors and owner occupiers. Capital growth in Sydney for houses may be affected by the following factors:

If the house is bought off the plan and there is a long settlement period, there may be potential for capital growth when the property is finally completed. The location of the property. Historically, the best performing houses in terms of capital growth have always been within 10km of Sydney. Population growth, lack of affordability in Sydney and scarcity of land. Demographic changes to the region increasing a demand for certain types of property. Whether there are any major developments or infrastructure planned for your Sydney location such as a shopping complex or a new highway.

It’s important to research the capital growth potential of the area that you are planning to buy in as capital growth is the one of the main reasons why people purchase new houses as investment properties.

Tax advantages
One of the major benefits for buying a NSW house and land deal is that there are considerable tax benefits and savings such as no stamp duty.

If you own an investment property, you may be able to deduct capital works deductions which apply to the period your property is rented or is available for rent and are generally spread over a period of 25 or 40 years.

Any legitimate expense incurred in running your investment property should also be tax deductible against your overall income. These can include:

capital works deductions such as adding a garage, painting your roof or building a fence;loan interest and related bank fees; repairs and maintenance of fixture and fittings; insurances; property management fees; any legitimate expense incurred in running your investment property; depreciation – the ability to claim the cost of replacing fixtures and fittings such as carpets, curtains and so forth in advance of actual replacement.

Consult your accountant before buying an investment property to find out all the possible tax deductions you may receive.

Expenses
As well as the usual costs of buying an investment property, a house owned for investment purposes is also subject to land tax and it is calculated annually as at midnight on 31 December of the year preceding the year of assessment (i.e. 2010 assessment is based on land holdings at 31 December 2009) in NSW.

The advantage of buying a house over an apartment, unit or townhouse is that it does not attract any strata fees or have the high maintenance costs of an apartment such as elevators, gymnasiums and pools. Other costs to factor into your budget are:

conveyancing loan application and valuation feesmortgage insurance (if applicable) and a tax depreciation report.

Other ongoing expenses include building and home contents insurance, council and water rates, property management fees and landlord’s insurance.

The scarcity of land, the increasing population rate and the demand for quality properties is driving capital growth and pushing vacancy rates to a historic low in NSW. Some houses in Sydney located in popular suburbs such as inner city or beachside suburbs have almost doubled or tripled their value over the last ten years.

Buying a NSW house and land package will always be a popular investment strategy because of the land component and scarcity of land in Sydney, the potential for capital growth, the ability to add value to the property and more control over your investment.

Find Investment Property has listings for some of the best Sydney house developments currently available so start searching to find your next property deal and add a Sydney off the plan property to your investment portfolio.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Real estate investment trust

   A Real Estate Investment Trust or REIT (pronounced /ˈriːt/) is a tax designation for a corporation investing in real estate that reduces or eliminates corporate income taxes. In return, REITs are required to distribute 90% of their income, which may be taxable, into the hands of the investors. The REIT structure was designed to provide a similar structure for investment in real estate as mutual funds provide for investment in stocks.[citation needed]

Like other corporations, REITs can be publicly or privately held. Public REITs may be listed on public stock exchanges like shares of common stock in other firms.

REITs can be classified as equity, mortgage or hybrid.

The key statistics to look at in a REIT are its net asset value (NAV), adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) and cash available for distribution (CAD). REITs face challenges from both a slowing economy and the global financial crisis, depressing share values by 40 to 70 percent in some cases.[1]Contents [hide]
1 Australia
2 Brazil
3 Bulgaria
4 Canada
5 Germany
5.1 Qualification
6 Hong Kong
7 India
8 Japan
9 Pakistan REITs
10 Singapore
11 United Kingdom
12 United States
12.1 Qualification
13 References
14 See also
15 External links

[edit]
Australia
Main article: Australian real estate investment trust

After originating in the United States in 1960, the REIT concept was launched in Australia in 1971. General Property Trust was the first Listed Property Trust (LPT) on the Australian stock exchanges (now the Australian Securities Exchange). REITs which are listed on an exchange were known as Listed Property Trusts (LPTs) until March 2008, distinguishing them from private REITs which are known in Australia as Unlisted Property Trusts. They have since been renamed Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs) in line with international practice.[citation needed]

There are now more than 70 A-REITs listed on the ASX, with market capitalisation in excess of A$100bn.[citation needed]

Australia is also receiving growing recognition as having the world’s largest REITs market outside the United States. More than 12 percent of global listed property trusts can be found on the ASX.[citation needed]
[edit]
Brazil

REITS were introduced in Brazil in 1993 by the law 8668/93 and initialy ruled by the instruction 205/94 and, nowadays, by instruction 472/08 from CVM (Comissao de Valores Mobiliários - which is the Brazilian equivalent of SEC). Locally they are denominated FIIs or "Fundos de Investimento Imobiliário". FII's dividends are free of taxes for personal investors (not companies) since 2006, but only for the funds which has at least 50 investors and that are publicly negotiated in the stock market. FIIs, referred to as “REIT” as the similar investment vehicle in the US, have been used either to own and operate independent property investments and associated with a single property or a portion thereof, or owning several real properties (multiple properties) and funding them through the public capital markets.[citation needed]
[edit]
Bulgaria

REITS were introduced in Bulgaria in 2004 with the so called "Special Purpose Investment Companies Act". They are pass-through entities for corporate income tax purposes (i.e. they are not subject to corporate income tax), but are subject to numerous restrictions.[citation needed]
[edit]
Canada

Canadian REITs were established in 1993. They are required to be configured as trusts and are not taxed if they distribute their net taxable income to shareholders. REITs have been excluded from the income trust tax legislation passed in the 2007 budget by the Conservative government. Many Canadian REITs have limited liability.[2]
[edit]
Germany

Germany is also planning to introduce German REITs (short, G-REITs) in order to create a new type of real estate investment vehicle. Government fears that failing to introduce REITs in Germany would result in a significant loss of investment capital to other countries. Nonetheless there still is political resistance to these plans, especially by the social democratic party ('SPD'). As of June 2006 the ministry of finance has announced that they still plan to introduce G-REITs in 2007. The legal details seem to adopt much of UK-REITs regulations (taxation, public listing, etc.), as far as it is possible to tell yet.[citation needed]

A law concerning G-REITs was enacted 1 June, 2007, and is retroactive to 1 January, 2007.[3]
[edit]
Qualification
REITs will have to be established as a corporation "REIT-AG" or "REIT-Aktiengesellschaft".
At least 75% of its assets have to be invested in real-estate.
At least 75% of the G-REIT's gross revenues must be real-estate related.
At least 90% of the REIT's taxable income has to be distributed to its shareholders through dividends.
The corporation is income-tax-exempt, but the shareholders will have to pay individual income tax on the dividends.
[edit]
Hong Kong

REITs have been in existence in Hong Kong since 2005, when The Link REIT was launched by the Hong Kong Housing Authority on behalf of the Government. Since 2005, there have been 7 REIT listings as at July 2007, most of which, including Sunlight REIT have not enjoyed success due to low yield. Except for The Link and Regal Real Estate Investment Trust, share prices of all but one are significantly below IPO price. Hong Kong issuers' use of financial engineering (interest rate swaps) to improve initial yields has also been cited as having deterred investors' interest[4]
[edit]
India

India is currently in the process of formulating definitive legislation for the introduction and smooth functioning of REITs in the Indian real estate market. Once introduced these Indian REITs (country specific/generic version I-REITs) will help individual investors enjoy the benefits of owning an interest in the securitised real estate market. The best benefit being that of fast and easy liquidation of investments in the real estate market unlike the traditional way of disposing real estate. The government and Securities and Exchange Board of India SEBI through various notifications is in the process of easing the norms of investing in real estate in India directly and indirectly through foreign direct investment, through listed real estate companies, mutual funds etc. With the current real estate boom and the market being flooded with Initial Public Offer of various listed real estate companies in India it will be the best time for investors to own a share of the profiting market economy. Legislative framework, revised investment norms, a favourable investment opportunity, and a clear taxation policy will provide the right kind of investing opportunity in India in the time to come.[citation needed]
[edit]
Japan

Japan is one of a handful of countries in Asia with REIT legislation (other countries/markets include Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea), which permitted their establishment in December 2001. J-REIT securities are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and most participants are Japanese conglomerates and foreign investment banks.[citation needed]

Since the burst of the real estate bubble in 1990, property prices in Japan have seen steady drops through 2004, with some signs of price stabilization and possibly price increase in 2005 and 2006. Some see J-REITs as a way to increase investment in the real estate market, although notable increases in asset values has not yet been realized.[citation needed]

A J-REIT may be structured as an independent corporation or as a contractual relationship through a trust bank.[citation needed]

In addition to REITs, Japanese law also provides for a parallel system of special purpose companies which can be used for the securitization of particular properties, but not for the maintenance of a real estate portfolio.[citation needed]
[edit]
Pakistan REITs

Pakistan's regulatory body Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan is in process of implementing REIT regulatory framework that will allow full foreign ownership, free movement of capital and unrestricted repatriation of profits. It will curb speculation in Pakistani real estate markets and gives access to small investors diversifying into real estate as well. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan following regulatory framework similar to Singapore and Hong Kong REITs.[citation needed]

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan expects that about six REITs will be licensed within the first year, mainly large assets management companies applying for it. Pakistan is recently seeing an outflux of investments by foreign real estate development mostly Malaysian and Dubai based companies.[5]
[edit]
Singapore

Commonly referred to as S-REITs. There are currently 20 REITs listed on the SGX, starting with CapitaMall Trust [6] in July 2002. They represent a range of property sectors including retail, office, industrial, hospitality and residential. S-REITs hold a variety of properties in countries including Japan, China, Indonesia and Hong Kong, in addition to local properties.[citation needed]

S-REITs are regulated as Collective Investment Schemes under the Monetary Authority of Singapore's Code on Collective Investment Schemes [7], or alternatively as Business Trusts [8].

S-REITs benefit from tax advantaged status.
[edit]
United Kingdom

The legislation laying out the rules for REITs in the United Kingdom was enacted in the Finance Act 2006 and came into effect in January 2007 when nine UK property companies converted to REIT status, including the five that were FTSE 100 members at that time: British Land, Hammerson, Land Securities, Liberty International and Slough Estates (now known as "SEGRO"). The other four were: Brixton, Great Portland Estates, Primary Health and Workspace Group.[citation needed]

British REITS have to distribute 90% of their income. They must be a close-ended investment trust and be UK resident and publicly listed on a stock exchange recognised by the Financial Services Authority.[citation needed]

To support the introduction of REITs in the UK, the REITs and Quoted Property Group was created by several commercial property and financial services companies. Other key bodies involved are the London Stock Exchange the British Property Federation and Reita. The Reita campaign was launched on 16 August 2006 by the REITs and Quoted Property Group, in order to provide a source of information on REITs, quoted property and related investments funds. Reita's aim is to raise awareness and understanding of REITs and investment in quoted property companies. It does this primarily through its portal www.reita.org, providing knowledge, education and tools for financial advisers and investors.[citation needed]

Doug Naismith, managing director of European Personal Investments for Fidelity International, said: "As existing markets expand and REIT like structures are introduced in more countries, we expect to see the overall market grow by some ten percent per annum over the next five years, taking the market to $1 trillion by 2010."[citation needed]
[edit]
United States
See also: List of public REITs in the United States

A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that owns, and in most cases, operates income-producing real estate. Some REITs finance real estate. To be a REIT, a company must distribute at least 90 percent of its taxable income to shareholders annually in the form of dividends.[citation needed]
[edit]
Qualification

In order to qualify for the advantages of being a pass-through entity for U.S. corporate income tax, a REIT must:
Be structured as corporation, trust, or association[9]
Be managed by a board of directors or trustees[10]
Have transferable shares or transferable certificates of interest[11]
Otherwise be taxable as a domestic corporation[12]
Not be a financial institution or an insurance company[13]
Be jointly owned by 100 persons or more[14]
Have 95 percent of its income derived from dividends, interest, and property income[15]
Pay dividends of at least 90% of the REIT's taxable income
No more than 50% of the shares can be held by five or fewer individuals during the last half of each taxable year (5/50 rule)
At least 75% of total investment assets must be in real estate
Derive at least 75% of gross income from rents or mortgage interest
No more than 20% of its assets may consist of stocks in taxable REIT subsidiaries.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Apartment



An apartment, or flat, is a self-contained housing unit that occupies only part of a building. Such a building may be called an apartment building, especially if it consists of many apartments for rent. Apartments may be owned by an owner/occupier or rented by tenants.

The term apartment is favored in North America, whereas the term flat is commonly, but not exclusively, used in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and most Commonwealth countries. In Malaysian English, flat often denotes a housing block of lesser quality meant for lower-income groups, while apartment is more generic and may also include luxury condominiums.

Tenement law refers to the feudal basis of permanent property such as land or rents. May be found combined as in "Messuage or Tenement" to encompass all the land, buildings and other assets of a property.

In the US, some apartment-dwellers own their own apartments, either as co-ops, in which the residents own shares of a corporation that owns the building or development; or in condominiums, whose residents own their apartments and share ownership of the public spaces. Most apartments are in buildings designed for the purpose, but large older houses are sometimes divided into apartments. The word apartment connotes a residential unit or section in a building. In some locations, particularly the United States, the word denotes a rental unit owned by the building owner, and is not typically used for a condominium.

In the UK, some flat owners own a share in the company that owns the freehold of the building. This is commonly known as a "share of freehold" flat. The freehold company has the right to collect annual ground rents from each of the flat owners in the building. The freeholder can also develop or sell the building, subject to the usual planning and restrictions that might apply.

In some countries the word unit is a more general term referring to both apartments and rental business suites. The word is generally used only in the context of a specific building; e.g., "This building has three units" or "I'm going to rent a unit in this building", but not "I'm going to rent a unit somewhere." In Australia, a unit refers to flats, apartments or even semi-detached houses. Some buildings can be characterized as mixed use buildings, meaning part of the building is for commercial, business, or office use, usually on the first floor or first couple floors, and there are one or more apartments in the rest of the building, usually on the upper floors.

When there is no tenant occupying an apartment, the apartment owner or landlord is said to have a vacancy. For apartment landlords, each vacancy represents a loss of income from rent-paying tenants for the time the apartment is vacant (i.e., unoccupied). Landlords' objectives are often to minimize the vacancy rate for their units. The owner of the apartment, typically when transferring possession to the occupant, gives him/her the key to the apartment entrance and any other keys needed, such as a common key to the building or any other common areas and a mailbox key. When the occupant(s) move out, these keys are typically returned to the owner.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Real Estate all over the world



       This website contains a lot of information about everything concerning real estate: brokers, home rental or searching to buy a home for example. Next to relevant information about the real estate market in Europe, you will also find information about other brokers for buying or renting a house or holiday cottage abroad, etc.

On this site you will find a lot of brokers who show their offers. The buying or renting of an appartement or home in- or outside the country has now become easier due to the internet. You may certainly find a broker in your region or if you think about a home in France, Spain or elsewhere in Europe, just click on the International Real Estate Marketplace.

Do you seek a commercial space to start your own business in Europe or elsewhere, you can always find the right brokers.
When you seek to rent or buy office space or a place to open a shop, we are there for you. Click on the specific info about the specialised sites.
We are pleased to welcome you on this site, which will grow until it becomes the biggest resource on the web about searching, building, renting, buying and selling cottages, villas, condos and appartments all over the world. You will also find information about different ways to invest. Please enjoy your stay...
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