What is Real Estate

Writen by Lou Castillo

If everyone always did everything they said they'd do, we'd all be a lot richer. Unfortunately, tasks are overlooked, and the ball is often dropped. If you want to have successful closings, you must have strong "follow-up" skills to catch problems early in the process. Follow-up on everyone and everything.

We can't begin to tell you the number of closings that almost fell apart, or would have fallen apart had we not kept a watchful eye on the entire process to make sure that everything was completed when it needed to be. Here's a typical scenario: you're wholesaling a house and you have just 30 days to get it closed before the contract with the Seller expires. You find a buyer who can get a loan and close before the expiration. Then a few days before closing you find out that the loan isn't ready and closing must be delayed two weeks, but the Seller already has another Buyer ready to pay more than your price, so they refuse to extend your contract. You just lost the deal.

So what is follow-up? We used to think it meant staying in touch with the buyer to make sure that everything was completed for the loan. Then we learned that the buyer is often a newbie and clueless of what needs to be done. Mortgage brokers just usually respond "Everything looks great" until they can't close the loan. So the real trick to following-up is to speak to the final decision maker for each step. This works whether you're selling a retail house or a wholesale house, or even if you are the buyer/borrower. The goal is to close without delays.

Assuming that you have already received a pre-qualification letter from the lender, and ensured that the lender will loan on the deal (i.e. no issues with title seasoning, assignment fees, inhabitability of the property), the first step is to follow-up with the broker/lender that all of the application paperwork was submitted, and have they forwarded it to the lender? If not, what is still required? Determine if the lender requires a termite letter, appraisal, and a survey (most lenders do). If so, have they all been ordered? When is each to be completed? Keep following-up until you verify that each has been delivered. You also want to verify that the appraisal was sufficient for the loan.

If we don't already own the house, we order a title report as soon as we go under contract with the Seller to discover any defects early in the process, and begin resolving them. Closing attorneys usually do not order the title report until just before closing to receive as current information as possible. But if they find problems, it could delay your closing. It is well worth the $125 to run title ahead of time, and eliminate delays.

Once the broker has forwarded the paperwork to the lender, the next step is to verify the loan has gone to underwriting. If not, what is the delay? If so, was the loan approved? Do any conditions need to be met? What are they and who is handling them? Make sure that once the conditions are met, the loan is returned to underwriting and approved.

Verify that the closing has been scheduled with the attorney, and that they have cleared title. Find out if and when the loan package will be forwarded to the attorney. Then remind all of the players of the date and time of closing, to bring a picture ID to closing, and to bring any funds required in a certified check.

This seems like a lot of work that should be handled by other people, but the reality is that often times something is overlooked. Through your diligent follow-up efforts, problems will be detected early and corrected, allowing your closing to occur flawlessly and on schedule.

Best of success & abundance,

Lou Castillo

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Real Estate Financing

Writen by Marc Seligman

In today's mobile society, many of us are in one location at the very time that we need to be somewhere else. Normally this is not a problem, but when it comes to important events such as selling a house we have to find ways to cope.

Overnight delivery services and document delivery through e-mail have eliminated much of the need to be physically present in a distant location. Unfortunately, though, in order to authenticate the proper execution of these legal documents, you must find a notary public who is willing and able to handle your situation. In many cases, especially involving mortgages and re-financing opportunities, the financial companies will send a signing agent (aka mobile notary) to your location.

This does not always work, though. If you are vacationing at a clothing-optional or nudist resort, do you really think that a mobile notary will come to your location? Are you too private to let a strait-laced notary or your banker know that you are a nudist? If this sounds familiar to you, you will probably decide to get dressed, hop in the car, and drive to a notary who will do the work for you.

Now there is an option. A growing number of notaries public are proud members of the American Association for Nude Recreation, the Naturist Society, or the International Naturist Federation. They are willing to serve the needs of nudists and naturists as mobile notaries. They will travel to your location. They have no problem with your reviewing and signing documents no matter what you are or are not wearing. They will, as true professionals, preserve your privacy while making sure that everything is done properly.

The next time that you need a notary, request a NudeNotary. Tell your real estate broker and lender that you do not need their signing agent to process your paperwork. Select a notary public of your own who will do the work for you. Notary fees are set by the state, whereas signing agencies are allowed to impose surcharges. You will save time and money, while not having to compromise your lifestyle.

copyright 2006 by Marc Seligman, Ed.D.

Marc Seligman, Ed.D., is a notary public in Florida who serves the many nudists and naturists living in and visiting the state. From weddings to real estate transactions, the Nude Notary will handle any situation requiring the services of a notary public.

Visitors to http://www.NudeNotary.com will be able to locate notaries public who are members of AANR, TNS, or INF.

Writen by Eric J. Pfeifer

The following principles apply to all successful real estate transactions. Be informed and your next sale will go smoothly often resulting in the price you were seeking.

Know Why You Are Selling Your Property, and Commit to the Process!

Have a clear reason for selling your property. You may not want to share you motivations completely with anyone, but it will help you when setting your asking price, and negotiating offers and contingencies. In any market some homes that are listed for sale just don't sell. These expired listings as they are called in the trade can be numerous. Why? The reason is often simple the seller didn't have a clear reason for selling and therefore didn't commit to the process. Often times these owners offer their property for sale to "test the market" to see if they can get an unrealistic price. Unfortunately this usually backfires into a downward spiral. As a property remains on the market for a long period of time, a stigma can occur in the mind of a potential buyer. Buyers wonder what is wrong with that house or condo. Why has it been on the market so long? Each market and property type is different with respect to the average length of time a listing remains on the market before closing. If you are serious about selling, go about it the right way first.

Hire the Right Agent to Sell your Property!

Roughly 90% of all real estate transactions nationwide involve a professional real estate agent. Unless you are an expert in marketing real estate, it is in your best interest to hire a licensed professional realtor. There are many different types of realtors. Some only dabble in real estate from time to time as needed, while others have a license to benefit their own transactions. Most people wouldn't hire a surgeon that dabbles in surgery from time to time, yet when they're ready to sell one of their most valuable possessions, they don't give it much thought. Find a full time realtor, one who knows the market because they see it and work with it every day. When looking for a realtor, ask friends and neighbors for referrals, make appointments to meet several top real estate agents in your area. Don't be afraid to ask a realtor what they are going to do to sell your property. Any real estate professional welcomes this question. While interviewing a potential realtor, carefully listen to what they say. Are they being objective, or are they telling you everything you want to hear based on what you've told them? A realtor should be a source of information and advice, not an echo.

Embrace Technology!

This part is easy. No mater how comfortable you are with technology, make sure your realtor is, and that they will utilize this powerful tool to sell your property. Today marketing real estate is more than a 'for sale" sign, newspaper ads, mailings and the local Multiple Listing Service. Many buyers are shopping for properties on the internet long before they arrive in your neighborhood or even your state. Find an agent willing to place virtual tours and multiple photos of your property on several different websites. In addition to my personal website, you will find all of my listings on nine different websites. At any time a visitor to MySanibelRealEstate.com can view all available properties for sale in Sanibel & Captiva, or Ft. Myers. Many realtors won't make virtual tours of a property, or go to the added expense of multiple websites. The reason is simple, it's expensive. Worried about their out of pocket expenses from the start, doubts prevent them from going the extra mile. If a realtor is worried about spending a lot of money marketing a property that might not sell, then they have the wrong attitude, and possible the wrong listing.

Price it Right from the Start!

While location is the most important feature to consider when buying a property! Price is the most important consideration when selling a property. Location is the most important feature to consider when buying a property! When you are ready to sell your property, you obviously can't change the location. Hopefully when you purchased it you remained aware of the top ten tips when buying any property. Price is now extremely important. If you have an unrealistic view and set your price too high for the market, you will have trouble selling. Buyers look at "comps", this is the trade term for any similar property with many of the same features. If you are working with a good realtor, they will be armed with knowledge of the sale prices for all properties that closely match yours. They will also have all the listings of properties currently offered for sale in the price range you are considering. Listen to a professional when setting your asking price. Below are the damages that occur when your initial price is too high.

- The Property Isn't Seen By The Right Buyers! Good realtors are aware of new listings immediately when they come on the market! They have many buyers that they are working with. If the seller knowingly overprices their property, it will not be exposed to the right buyers. For example: A homeowner has been informed that the homes like his, when listed around $479,000 are selling for $450,000. Instead of listening to the "comps" the owner decides to ask for $539,000. The owner may be thinking "I'll just test the market. I can always lower my price". Now this new listing sets all the aggressive realtors in motion. Eager to bring the buyer, realtors consult in their contacts lists. Continuing with above example, assume a realtor has buyers in the following price ranges: $400,000 - $450,000, $450,000 -$500,000 and then $500,000- 550,000. The following things happen. Buyers in the lowest price range probably won't see or be contacted about this home. They and their realtor have no way of knowing that seller will consider or possibly expects a substantially lower offer. Only the sellers listing agent knows that the list price is wishful thinking. Buyers in the $450,000 – $500,000 price range will have mixed reactions, if they are shown this house at all. Now for the buyers that will see this house the most. They are looking in the $500,000 - $550,000 price range … right where this home is priced. This overpriced home will now pale in comparison to all the realistically priced homes in this price range. This only makes the seller and the seller's agent look uninformed and foolish.

- Don't Drop The Price Too Late!

After on overpriced listing has had several showings, and no offers, the seller decides to reduce the price. Hopefully they aren't too late. Now the home is priced right. Here come some new buyers. Their reaction if the price reduction is too late will be "Wow, this is a nice home, but why has it been on the market so long? I wonder what's wrong with it. I'm going to keep looking." This is a hard position to be in as a seller. A good realtor will help a seller avoid this costly mistake. Be cautious when interviewing several realtors, of the one that suggests an unrealistic asking price that isn't supported by the market with recent "comps". They might have a hidden agenda. Some realtors, once they've listed a property by gaining the owners trust and confidence, will then badger the owner to lower their asking price. They will also tell the owner all the reasons why the price is too high. Something they should have addressed before they took the listing.

Get Your Home in Show Shape!

This can be overwhelming for some people, but shouldn't be. Look at your home or condo through the eyes of a buyer. If you have a hard time doing this ask a friend to help you, or more importantly ask your realtor what needs to be done. Buyers want to come into your home and picture themselves in it. Keep that one thought in mind as you go through each room. It's human nature to remember negative things. Avoid giving the buyer any bad features to remember about your property. Here are some helpful guidelines and tips to assure that a home shows well and is attractive to a buyer.

- Clean The Property Inside and Out! If you have a yard, keep it tidy, weeded and trimmed. Try to avoid unusual yard ornaments, cluttered potted plants, and things hiding under brightly colored tarps. Focus on the entry into your property. Make it the best it can be. For the exterior, power wash stained decks, siding, patios, eves, and windows. Repainting is costly. You may be able to retouch the existing paint as needed. Inside you should also focus on all the major surfaces. Retouch paint, clean baseboards, stair treads, clean carpets, windows, and polish all wood surfaces from floors to cabinets.

- Fix or Replace Things that are Broken! Unless you are selling your house AS IS, fix the things you know are broken. If you don't fix them now, chances are you will have to fix them later. Why risk having a small detail send a red flag to a potential buyer. For example: If your front door won't open without forcing it, a buyer might think there are several other things wrong with the maintenance of your home. The same goes for leaking faucets, running toilets, locks that won't lock, cracked plug plates…..you know what should fixed or replaced.

- Store the Clutter! It's important to understand that I didn't say get rid of the clutter, just store it. When faced with a potential move, having to sort through accumulated possessions can become a time sink. Often the "paralysis of analysis" sets in, resulting in little progress. Invest in some durable plastic containers and labels. Fill the containers and store them. If the home doesn't have room, place them in a storage facility. Buyers when faced with a property that is visually cluttered will have a hard time seeing past all your things.

- Organize Closets, Cabinets, Cupboards, and Shelves! After storing the clutter, tidy the rest. If your closets are overstuffed with clothes, or linens clean them up. A buyer will assume there isn't enough space in your home for their stuff if there isn't enough space in your own home for your stuff. Don't assume a buyer won't look somewhere because they will. Buyers will open cupboards, look under the sink, go in you closets, open shower curtains, draw the blinds on the windows, and more. Show off the storage space your home has.

Remove Excess Personal Items and Toiletries!

A home should be a reflection of the homeowner, unless the home is for sale. This is a tricky and important area to address. Buyers are trying hard to picture their belongings in your home and themselves living there. If they can't see your home because everywhere they look they see you, your family, your children's art work, your friends, your awards, and your trophies, they will have a more difficult time envisioning their dream. Less is more. All of the above items are great to have and show but in moderation. Pick and choose then store the rest. The last thing to mention is toiletries. Store them. This is simple to do. Be ready for a showing each day. For each person in your household assign a small plastic storage box. When they leave for the day all their personal items go into the box and placed under the sink or somewhere out of the way. Nobody wants to look at your toothbrushes, razors, deodorants or other personal items!

Stage Your Property for Sale!

What does it mean to stage a home or condominium for sale? Staging is simply the process of preparing a property for sale so that it is visually pleasing to a buyer. In fact there several businesses that do nothing else but help owners stage their homes for sale. Cleaning, storing, organizing, and fixing broken items are the first phase of staging. The last phase of staging is simply the art of placing items and arranging furniture to make each room more inviting and appealing. Often overlooked, this last step is the easiest and most fun to accomplish. Think of a home as a product on the store shelf. Once it is priced right, the packaging must be appealing so that the buyer will choose it over other similar homes. Here are some tips for staging each room in your home.

Foyer or Entryway: Fresh flowers or a plant make a nice welcoming impression. If the home is vacant place a tasteful silk arrangement in the entry.

Kitchen: The kitchen is the heart of the home. To help buyers envision enjoying and using your kitchen, have a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter or table. Try placing a cookbook open on a stand to a cookie recipe next to a wooden spoon and mixing bowl.

Bathrooms: Place large attractive towels rolled or stacked near the tub or shower. If you have room arrange lightly scented candles on a tray near the tub, on the counter or window sill. Remember the rule of three when decorating. It's best to use three different sized similar candles. Try to avoid heavily scented candles or potpourri. A potential buyer may think that you are trying to hide something.

Living Room or Family Room: Music is wonderful if played softly in the background and the selection is pleasing. Arrange a cozy afghan on a comfortable chair or sofa along with an open book or a book arranged on top. It will create a warm comfortable feel to the room. Be sure that your furniture is arranged in an inviting manor. Try to avoid placing the backs of furniture to the main entrance into the room. Mirrors should be hung to reflect attractive views, not blank walls. Fireplaces, if wood burning, should be clean and look ready to light. Unused fireplaces look warm when filled with candles.

Dining Areas: Many buyers love to entertain. Help them visualize their friends and family gathered in the home by setting the dining table with attractive place settings, utilizing chargers and goblets. Place a large bowl of fruit or fresh flowers on the table. For more casual dining areas, such as breakfast bars, kitchen tables, and patio tables, set attractive place mats and centerpieces.

Bedrooms: Beds should not be visible from the entertaining rooms of a home. The buyer wants to feel that each bedroom in a home is not only cozy and inviting but private. The challenge comes when a home has bedroom doors that open into entertaining spaces. Try to arrange the bedroom so that dressers or end tables are viewed when the bedroom door is left open, and not the bed. If this can't be done consider a tall well placed plant, or screen. Several final touches can transform a bedroom from a place to sleep to a cozy retreat for lounging, reading, or napping. An attractive breakfast tray with a small bud vase and napkin can be placed on top of the bed. Afghans can be draped loosely over the foot of the bed or armrest of a comfortable chair with a book. A small writing desk with stationary and pen is always a nice touch in a guest room or master bedroom.

Garage or Storage Areas: It's tempting to throw all the excess clutter in the garage. Sometimes it can't be avoided. If you can't store the stuff, organize it and make the garage look larger. A fresh clean coat of paint can do wonders in this often neglected area of the home. If space allows, create work areas such as garden supplies, household tools, outdoor toys, etc.

Be Flexible and Ready to Show your Property!

Many showings of a property can occur with little advanced notice. A good realtor will be ready to accommodate a last minute showing, and the owner must be equally prepared for their property to be seen. The best way to accomplish this when living in the home is to create an exit plan. Checklists can be helpful to verify that rooms are tidy, and toiletries are stored before leaving. Discuss with your realtor which lights should be on, music that can be played, and how to address any pets.

Be a Smart Negotiator!

Everything so far has been done correctly, and now there is a written offer for the property. There is no proven formula to follow when responding to an offer but some general principles usually apply. Try to gain as much knowledge about the buyer's needs and motivations as possible. For instance if they are doing a 1031 tax exchange they may be under tight time constraints, and need to buy a property quickly. Did they make a low offer because they feel a lot of work needs to be done to the property? If at all possible it's best to try to negotiate a Win/Win agreement. Unless the seller is in no hurry or it's a hot seller's market, it is always wise to try to negotiate a reasonable contract once it arrives. A professional real estate agent will help their seller determine the correct course of action to accomplish their goal which is to sell their property and be satisfied with the outcome.

Eric Pfeifer; http://www.MySanibelRealEstate.com Realtor, Broker-Associate, CRS, GRI

Writen by Tracey Aldous

Buying a property is an important part in most of our lives. There are several things that we must consider, like do we have the money to buy our own house, what area will we live in, how many bedrooms, or is there off road parking.

Firstly a buyer must decide what features they want, what area they want to live in, and, most importantly, what price range are you willing to pay. Usually at this point the buyer would seek advice from a mortgage lender to get an agreement on a loan.

Now for the fun bit, viewing your potential home. There are many ways to search for a property. Estate agents will be more than happy to provide you with details on the types of property you want within your price range. Some vendors choose not to use an estate agent to cut down on fees, therefore advertising their house in a newspaper or property magazine. The newest and quickest way to search for your dream home is through estate agents who advertise online. This way is the easiest if you are looking to move long distance. Most sites will provide several pictures that you can view in the comfort of your own home.

So, you have found several houses that you would like to view, now you need to arrange a viewing. You may want to view the property several times, or do a bit of research on the area before you make your mind up to put an offer in.

Once your offer has been made and accepted you will need to instruct a lawyer or conveyancer on your behalf to liase with the vendors solicitor or conveyancer. At the same time as the legal paperwork is taking place, your mortgage lender will send a surveyor to the property to check that the it is worth the price that you have agreed to pay. Your solicitor may recommend that you ay to have a structural survey done on the property to give you an idea on it's general condition.

Once the legal work, survey results are satisfactory and finances are in place, you may progress to exchanging contracts. Usually at this point a deposit of a minimum of 5% of the purchase is paid to the vendors conveyancer via your conveyancer. At this point, neither party can withdraw from the sale without incurring penalties.

A completion date is agreed on, and the balance of the purchase price is paid to the vendor and they have to vacate the premises. Contracts are signed and the solicitor draws up a deed of transfer. Stamp duty and any legal fees are expected to be paid on the day of completion too.

Day of completion arrives. The outstanding balance is paid and the conveyancer is sent the properties deeds. Estate agents and conveyancers fees are paid. The keys are handed over and the property is yours!

Happy moving

Tracey Aldous
http://www.informationatyourfingertips.co.uk/
Tracey Aldous is a trainee accountant who is a freelance writer in her spare time. Tracey is currently working, in partnership, on her own information website, alongside a small team of like-minded professional people.

Writen by Mark Nash

The ying of finding the right home needs to be balanced by the yang of locating the appropriate neighborhood for your needs. Home buyers can determine if the neighborhood fits their parameters by following these simple tips by Mark Nash author of four books including his latest 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home and as a regular columnist for RealtyTimes.com.

-Drive through a neighborhood or community at different times of the day and night. In the morning when residents are going to school or work. During the day to see whether properties are maintained, including alleys. At night to check on traffic noise, parking availability, and lighting.

-Walk or bicycle through areas to get a slow look, include schools, playgrounds, and parks.

-Talk to local store and shop owners. They might offer a different perspective from home owners and could give you insight into future plans for commercial development.

-Determine if stores, shops, and restaurants are open late at night and first thing in the morning if you need to run out for a gallon of milk, fill a prescription or pick up a cup of coffee.

-Make a trial run between different establishments that you will use for services. Can you easily group errands or are providers spread out over a wide area?

-Attend school and village board meetings to understand what the local issues are.

-Visit the library to see whether their collection is thorough enough for your families needs. Read some issues of the local newspaper.

-Stop by the village hall and inquire about garbage and water rates, watering bans, street cleaning and snow emergencies. Will your car need a village sticker?

-Check out the hospital and emergency room, it's better to know before you have a need what kind of facilities and services are offered.

-Community funded park district and sports leagues can make a big difference. Locate the locate facility and see if offers programs and amenities your looking for.

-Inquire about public transportation. You might think you won't use it, but the day you're late for work and the car won't start you be looking for automobile alternatives. Pick up bus and train schedules and locate taxi stands, just in case you'll need them.

-Surf the Internet for community-related sites.

-Visit the police station and inquire about crime statistics and neighborhood watch groups. In some states, you may search online to learn whether a sex offender lives in a neighborhood or community.

-Don't ask local realty agents if a neighborhood is safe. It is a violation of Fair Housing Laws for real estate agents to make a judgment on the characteristics or demographics of a community, block, or neighborhood. This practice is steering and is considered discrimination.

Mark Nash's fourth real estate book, "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home" (2005), and working as a real estate broker in Chicago are the foundation for his consumer-centric real estate perspective which has been featured on ABC-TV, Associated Press,CBS The Early Show, Bloomberg TV, Bottom Line Magazine.CNN-TV, Chicago Sun Times & Tribune, Fidelity Investor's Weekly, MarketWatch, HGTVpro.com, MSNBC.com, Smart Money Magazine,The New York Times, Realty Times, Universal Press Syndicate and USA Today.

Mark is regular columnist for www.RealtyTimes.com, a contributing writer to www.BrokerAgentNews.com, www.PrincipalBroker.com and Realtor Magazine Online. His concise tip articles are syndicated on many real estate blogs including L..A.'s Best Real Estate Web log. He is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Editors, National Association of Realtors(R) and frequently speaks on residential real estate issues and trends through ExecutiveSpeakers.com.

Writen by Martin Lukac

You may have been looking at the real estate market for some indication as to whether you should buy or sell a home. What should you be looking for?

Recent reports are pretty gloomy. Sales are dropping, rates are rising and the market is slowing down. What does that mean to you?

If you are a seller, it could be that you will have a harder time selling your home. If you are a buyer, you could have more to choose from, but a higher interest rate on your mortgage. If you are in the industry, you could be looking at a potential loss of income due to fewer sales.

If you are smart, you'll forget the market and look at the area you are looking to purchase or sell in.

Many parts of the U.S. are cooling off. Others are still experiencing booming sales. The market is a never-ending up and down. Your area could be a seller's market or a buyer's market.

If you are looking to sell, you can be sure that things aren't the same as they were when you bought your house. Real estate values have gone up, hopefully. Your neighbors could also have their homes on sale, which means that you aren't a rare find in housing.

Or you could be in an area where your house will be the most desirable property in town. You never know.

That's how real estate is. The conditions that make a market good for one party can change overnight. All it takes is a few more houses on the market or less sellers to change a market.

Watch for what is going on in your neighborhood, or the area you want to buy in. Are new families moving in? Are homes selling quickly? Are there only a couple of homes for sale? Are improvements being made? Do you see many people looking at the homes for sale?

If so, then you could have a good chance at selling your home.

No matter what the market is like, there will be a buyer for a home. It just depends on time and price. If you are in a depressed market, you can find that by making your home attractive, you have better chances of selling it. In a hot market, you house sells itself.

If you are looking to buy, you should look at your own finances before you look at the market. Determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. Look at what your budget allows, not to what you can stretch into. In a hot market, you won't have much bargaining room on the prime homes. In a slow market, you may find that you have increased negotiating power.

No matter what interest rates are, there will be a point in which you can not afford to buy a home. Yes, they are up now, but not so much that buying a home right now is unreasonable. They are still very low when compared to rates from a decade or more ago. They are expected to go up, so don't think that they will necessarily come back down soon.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, there are many factors to consider. The overall market is interesting, but really won't impact your home as much as the neighborhood and area market.

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

Writen by Wayne Walter

Industry experience shows 83% of people who buy real estate investing courses never use the information. This article discusses some very common reasons why. It also shows how other people make so much money with the very same courses.

Most courses really do make money for some part of the people who buy them. Of course, scams don't work for anybody. But why do some people make money and even get wealthy using the same courses that the majority never even start using?

Many reasons exist. However, it seems that one far outweighs the rest. We lead busy lives. But most real estate courses involve buying houses from distressed sellers. That requires work that most of us can never find time to do.

What exactly do these courses ask you to do? Many of them tell you to be available round the clock to answer the phone. They explain it's because distressed sellers feel the need to talk to a real person and never leave voice mail.

Here's how it happens. When a homeowner receives bad news like divorce or lay off from a job, they realize they can't afford the payments. If they decide to sell, they usually call a real estate agent first. They may find out there's not enough equity, too little time till foreclosure, or repairs they can't afford to do. In some cases, they actually list the house with an agent but without success.

Suddenly, the distressed seller becomes scared and desperate to sell as fast as possible. They have a deadline. They furiously call any and all ads until someone reassures them. They keep calling till a live person talks with them and offers a solution.

When people hit that emotional state of desperation, your ad has to be where they can find it and you must be available to answer the phone. In one seminar, someone asked the expert what to do if he had a job or activities that didn't allow him to answer the phone. The educator frankly explained success becomes almost impossible.

Someone else asked about paying somebody to answer the phone. Again, the educator said that's been tried. The person answering the phone must be knowledgeable and well trained. It's possible but extremely difficult and may cost money.

A further problem with finding distressed sellers comes from the work and cost to advertise. Some advertising like direct mail, telemarketing, newspaper ads, radio, and TV cost more money than most people want to risk. Other ways of advertising like bandit signs, cold calling, or posting notices require enormous work and time.

So how do some people do so well finding distressed sellers? Obviously, they have the time to do what it takes. They may have recently been laid off from a job themselves! If so, they become very motivated to find deals and committed to carry a cell phone everywhere they go. Some couples do real estate as a team and arrange their schedules so at least one of can answer the phone at any time.

What if you lack the time or circumstances to commit to answering the phone? Of course, you can find other real estate investing strategies. But there's trade-offs. Courses that take very little work probably require you to have good credit or some other requirement.

So before you spend money on any course that involves buying from distressed sellers, consider whether your circumstances allow it. Otherwise you may waste your hard earned money on a real estate investing course that becomes an expensive dust collector.

Please send comments to the author with ideas on how you solved this problem or other reasons why you couldn't use your real estate investing course.

Written by Wayne Walter, author and inventor of the OAR Loan. If you have good credit, discover the OAR Loan, a hassle-free way to make quick cash and long-term income in real estate without using your money. To learn more, visit http://www.waynewalter.com to register for your FREE 30 minute online course.

Writen by John Appleseed

Unlike real estate listing web sites, which listings are offered free on a number of real estate listing sites, foreclosure listings are generally sold to the first-time home buyer or real estate investor. The question is why do sites charge for foreclosure listing information?

Locating Foreclosure Properties Starts with the Default Process
Understanding the foreclosure default process and how the information is generated provides a clue as to where the data is derived from. Since a foreclosure signifies the start of a legal process, notification (Notice of default) must be made and recorded publicly therein lies how the listing is created. Foreclosure listings are public information and generally available at the local recorders' office. Finding foreclosure properties can be done by visiting the local recorder's office and making photocopies, since listings are added on a daily basis, this can be daunting.

Using the internet, a number of web sites allow searches by state, county, city, and zipcode. All the sites listed below offer listings for a fee. Take advantage of the free trial period offered evaluate their listings. The sites should offer the latest listings with daily/monthly updates.

Finding Quality Foreclosure Listings
As a real estate investor, you can find foreclosure list for free or at a price. Although both will provide you with information on available house, the difference between the two is of significant importance. A free listing service will only give you scanty information about which homes are going for foreclosure but a paid service will give you much detailed information needed to proceed with the sale or investment of the property. Therefore, in evaluating foreclosure-listing services, the quality of the listing or "freshness" is important. Since most foreclosure listing sites offer a free trial period, take advantage to determine if the quality of data and services meet your needs.

Summary
Like with any product, an extensive search for and comparison for available foreclosure list will give you the best price and value for money. If you are buying foreclosure, it is advisable to rely on reputable companies only for foreclosure listings. Try to read from companies who have been in the business of foreclosure listings and who offer a trial period. Try a number of foreclosure listings sites and evaluate which offers the best most current listings.

Responding to the lack accurate foreclosure knowledge, John Appleseed has spent the last 15 years practicing the art of real estate foreclosure investing. John Appleseed is contributor to http://www.bankforclosurelistings.com, where is insider knowledge of bank foreclosure listings are freely shared.

Writen by Charles Warnock

It seems that everyone loves a good real estate story. The media is filled with reports about soaring property values and home owners of modest means becoming instant millionaires when they sell. As a result, many first time home buyers, afraid of missing out, will rush into buying decisions and achieve less-than-spectacular results. As a first time buyer, your biggest challenge is to balance livability and profitability in a way that makes sense for you and your family. Remember, you are buying a home first and an investment second. Of course, there's no foolproof formula for buyer success, but there are steps you can take to stack the odds in your favor:

Tip 1: Don't bet on market timing

If you're waiting for prices to drop in places like Southern California, Washington D.C. or Miami, you may be waiting a very long time. In regions that are built out with limited room to expand, it's not realistic to assume property values will fall dramatically. Of course, prices in the nation's super-heated residential markets (much of California, Nassau-Suffolk Counties in New York, South Florida) should cool down at some point, but there's no guarantee that higher interest rates won't eat up any savings from a price correction. If your personal circumstances say it's time to buy, high prices alone shouldn't keep you on the sidelines. Current interest rates are still historically low, so you may consider locking in a mortgage before rates head north. Even in booming markets, there are good deals for those willing to devote some time and energy to finding them.

Tip 2: Leverage free and low-cost resources

There's an abundance of free and low-cost resources for homebuyers on the Web. A Web search can turn up helpful articles, buyer guides, online tools and purchase/ refinance calculators. Keep an eye out for helpful tools like step-by-step guides and checklists to help organize your search. Some Web sites now offer online tools to help you estimate home prices and search for undervalued properties. Many offers on the Web for free property valuations actually are come-ons from real estate brokers looking for seller listings, so check first to see what strings are attached.

Tip 3: Check out the new models

Real estate's old guard seems to be under assault at every turn today as traditional brokers battle competition from discount and Web-based brokers. Today, buyers have more options than ever before. You can use a full-service broker, discount broker or buy without a broker. To make buying more affordable, consider the homebuyer rebate programs that are becoming more popular. Rebates can help offset closing costs, which are a real obstacle for many first-time buyers. Be aware that some states currently ban real estate rebates all together, and others limit rebates to credits applied to closing costs. Rebate fans around the nation are keeping a close eye on Kentucky, as the Justice Department recently sued the Kentucky Real Estate Commission for violating antitrust laws. Kentucky is one of 15 states that ban or limit real estate rebates.

Tip 4: Lock in a realistic budget

To save time and trouble, first time buyers should have a realistic budget in mind before they shop for homes. One way to determine how much house you can afford is to get "pre-approved" by a lender. Pre-approval means you know exactly how much of a loan you'll qualify for, so you can limit your search to homes in the right price range. Pre-approval also boosts your credibility and negotiation position with sellers. Most lenders will offer pre-approval as a no-obligation free service, in hopes of winning your business.

Tip 5: Buying — personal decision, business transaction

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) advises home buyers to create a wish list to help focus priorities. That way, you'll remember that a spectacular foyer is nice-to-have, but safety and services are essential. Having clear goals will help keep you from getting carried away with emotional factors. Sellers who love their homes tend to ask too much, and buyers who fall in love can end up overpaying. With a little research, you can get can get an objective estimate of property value to make sure the seller has set a fair asking price. There are tools and resources on the Web to help you better understand home valuations.

Tip 6: Don't let closing costs surprise you

Once you understand the buying process, you should understand and budget for transaction costs. In addition to your down payment, buyers pay most of the closing costs when purchasing a home, including things like inspection fees, title insurance, taxes and more. Closing fees can add up to 5-7 percent of purchase price, and must be paid before you get the keys. Your lender can provide what's called a "good faith" estimate of your closing costs. Most closing costs are not negotiable but some are. When you're comparing lenders, don't be shy…ask which fees are negotiable, then ask if any discounts are available. Finally, be cautious about "no-cost" closing promotions because the lender may be simply passing on the costs in the form of a higher interest rate.

Tip 7: Build a support team

Buying a home is a big investment and a big decision, but you don't have to go it alone. Remember, at each step of the way, there are people and resources to help you. Use the Internet and ask friends for referrals. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call real estate professionals, mortgage providers, title companies and insurers to ask questions. These professionals should be good resources to help you learn more about home buying, because they want to earn your business. If they are not helpful, then you have also learned something important…that they don't deserve your business.

Tip 8: Clean up your credit

Low credit ratings mean that buyers won't qualify for the best available interest rates and fees, which could mean considerable extra expense each month for the life of the loan. Most financial institutions today offer risk-based lending – lower credit risk for lenders means better mortgage deals for customers. Credit reports frequently contain inaccurate information, which can hurt a buyer's purchasing power. First-time buyers should check their credit scores and fix any problems before applying for financing.

Tip 9: Begin with the end in mind

Author Stephen Covey's advice for effective living also applies to effective home buying. Resale may not your primary consideration, but it's an important factor. Can you buy in an up-and-coming neighborhood or region? How is the "commutability" from your new home to local employers? How good are the local schools? A few queries to your favorite search engine will turn up free or inexpensive school rating services. Also be on the lookout for outdated features when you buy. If the those small closets and harvest gold appliances seem out of step now, you can bet that they won't look any better to prospective buyers in a few years.

Charles Warnock is Marketing Communications Manager at Homekeys, a South-Florida based provider of real estate technology and services. He writes often on real estate, finance, interactive marketing and business development. For more information, visit http://www.homekeys.net

Writen by Steven Gillman

Below are ten categories of real estate, and different ways to invest in them. The best one for you is something only you can decide, according to your particular needs. To help you do that, I list a couple good points and bad points for each type.

1. Renting single family homes. Good points: An easier way to get started, and good long term return on investment. Bad points: Being a landlord isn't much fun, and you typically wait a long time for the big pay-off. You also lose all your income when a house is vacant.

2. Fixer-uppers. Good points: Fast return on your investment, and it can be more creative work. Bad points: More risk (many unpredictables), and you get taxed heavily on the gain.

3. Low income housing. Good points: Similar to any other rentals, but with higher cash flow. Bad points: Similar to any other rentals, but with more repairs and tenant problems.

4. Selling rent-to-own houses. Good points: If you buy, then sell on a rent-to-own arrangement, you get higher rent, and the buyer is usually responsible for maintenance. Bad points: Bookkeeping can be tricky, and most tenants don't complete the purchase (this can be an advantage too, but it does mean more work for you).

5. Commercial properties. Good points: Multi-year triple-net leases mean little management and high returns. Bad points: A tough market to break into, and you can lose income on vacant storefronts for a year at a time.

6. Land, split and resold. Good points: Simpler than some real estate investments, with the possibility of great profits. Bad points: It can be a slow process, and you have expenses, but no cash flow while you wait.

7. Boarding houses. Good points: You'll generate more cash flow renting a house by the room, especially in a college town. Bad points: You'll generate more headaches renting a house by the room, especially in a college town.

8. Invest cash, sell with terms. Good points: A high rate of return is possible by paying cash to get a good price, and selling on easy terms to get a high price AND high interest. Bad points: You need a lot of cash, and you tie up your capital for a long time.

9. Invest, live in it, sell it. Good points: The tax law lets you fix it up, and sell it for a big tax-free profit after two years (if you live in it), then start the process again. Bad points: You may become attached to your investment, and you'll have to move a lot.

10. Pure speculation. Good points: You can make large profits buying in the path of growth and holding until values rise, and it is a low-management investment. Bad points: Growth in value isn't always predictable, you have expenses with no income while you're waiting, and transaction costs can eat much of the profits.

There are many ways to invest in real estate. These ten are just to get you thinking about what is possible, and what type of investing suits your personality. Once you figure that out, you may want to look into other categories of real estate investment.

Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. To learn more, get a free real estate investing course, and see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com