Property Investment Information News Ka1: Tips For Those Considering Luxury Property Investment
While the world struggles with the economic downturn, it might be thought that the market for luxury property investment is somewhat slower than it once was. But with recent news that Germany and France are out of recession, things are beginning to look up. And many people involved in this industry would also say that the market for luxury property investment is one that remains buoyant because the kind of people who invest in this do not simply disappear overnight, even in a recession.
But if you do have the kind of capital required to invest in this kind of field, where do you begin? Well, you'll be well advised to pool your resources with other like-minded investors. In many cases, the best advice might be to find a company that specialises in sourcing and organising luxury property investments.
These companies focus their efforts on compiling a wide range of properties, so that there is something for a wide range of investors; both in terms of cash available as well the type of investments. As one of the most popular destinations in the world, it will be unsurprising to learn that a great deal of luxury property investment takes place in France. There are also a substantial number of properties available in Spain too. Due to their climates perhaps the UK and Germany have fewer of these sorts of properties.
In more specific terms, you may well find that a lot of these developments take place in the French Alps, or on the French Rivera. These kinds of places have always been extremely popular among the very, very rich. Having access to beautiful mountains and of course skiing or snowboard runs, makes for a very attractive activity centred property investment.
Similarly, the French Rivera is the place to be seen, where millionaires can spend some quality time with other millionaires - perhaps enjoying the coastline of this area via the use of luxury yachts or doing other water sports.
There are a great many aspects of luxury property investment that can seem somewhat daunting for this reason many people considering making an investment of this nature decide to go to a company that organises the entire process. There are a range of firms that make it their business to find out about suitable investment opportunities in this sector. As European economies begin to come out of recession, it seems that many high net worth investors.
Gino Hitshopi is highly experienced in the realm of real estate investments, having worked in the luxury property investment sector for many years. For more information please visit: http://www.millionaire-investments.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gino_Hitshopi
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Bulk REO Investor Profit Strategies
It's not going to be news to any of you reading this article that we're currently seeing an unprecedented number of property foreclosures in the US. Obviously the foreclosure crisis and the credit crunch which has followed on its heels are tragic situations for many and definitely deserve the title of crisis. However, this is also a time with an incredible number of opportunities for real estate investors who have the resources needed to take advantage of the situation and making investments now when real estate prices are at the lowest levels seen in many years.
One thing which is attracting a particularly large number of property investors at the moment is bulk REO investing, a real estate investment strategy which offers excellent prospects for profits and given the price of many of the properties currently on the market, these investments also provide the investor with an excellent profit margin.
Unless you've been doing a lot of research on your own or have some experience in the real estate market, you probably aren't quite sure how to make profitable investments in bulk REO properties. In fact, you may not even be sure exactly what these properties are, other than they're something a lot of people in the real estate business are talking about.
First, you need to know a little more about the process of property foreclosure, which is how bulk REO properties become available in the first place. We'll assume you know the basics of how a home goes into foreclosure and avoid covering ground that's been covered more thoroughly elsewhere. We all know that foreclosures are the ultimate result of a homeowner being unable to pay their mortgage. Eventually the property goes into the foreclosure process and unless the owner manages to bring their payments up to date before a defined grace period has elapsed, the home is sold, most often at a public auction.
When a home goes up for auction and is not sold, the property reverts to the lender. The property is then considered a REO property, Short for Real Estate Owned, the term originates in the record keeping systems used by banks and other financial institutions who provide mortgages and other financing for the purchase of homes. Since banks: 1) are not in the real estate business - and - 2) these properties represent a poor investment on the part of the lender, these institutions are eager to be write off these properties, even if this means selling the property at a loss.
Lenders often list these REO properties with real estate agents in an attempt to sell them, but in many cases the bank will package several properties at one very low price, often only pennies on the dollar; but anyone interested in buying these properties must buy them all as a single bulk purchase. However, for the experienced investor or savvy newcomer who has access to funding, these bulk REO properties can be a very profitable investment indeed.
The approach which many take in pursuing bulk REO investments is to work together with a partner who has access to funding sufficient to make these larger purchases. This is where things can get a little tricky for those who are new to the world of real estate investments, since creative funding strategies are sometimes called for to secure the liquid assets necessary. Investors who are interested in the possibilities and the enormous profit potential represented by bulk REO investments would do well to get in touch with real estate investment professionals who have the experience, the industry contacts and the financing know-how to make these unconventional but very lucrative investments a done deal.
There has never been a better time to get involved in real estate investment than the present - and with the opportunities offered by bulk REO property investments, there has rarely, if ever been more money to be made by investors. If you're even the slightest bit interested in making profitable investments in foreclosed properties, investing in bulk REO properties is something that you owe it to yourself to look into.
Duncan Wierman is the founding members of "Bank REO Property Deals, his company is connecting sellers of verifiable" product with qualified buyers. If you are interested in learning more about Bulk REO investing, his site also contains great information about how to started, interviews with other experts, along with sample sanitized tapes to review. Visit: http://www.bankreopropertydeals.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duncan_Wierman
One thing which is attracting a particularly large number of property investors at the moment is bulk REO investing, a real estate investment strategy which offers excellent prospects for profits and given the price of many of the properties currently on the market, these investments also provide the investor with an excellent profit margin.
Unless you've been doing a lot of research on your own or have some experience in the real estate market, you probably aren't quite sure how to make profitable investments in bulk REO properties. In fact, you may not even be sure exactly what these properties are, other than they're something a lot of people in the real estate business are talking about.
First, you need to know a little more about the process of property foreclosure, which is how bulk REO properties become available in the first place. We'll assume you know the basics of how a home goes into foreclosure and avoid covering ground that's been covered more thoroughly elsewhere. We all know that foreclosures are the ultimate result of a homeowner being unable to pay their mortgage. Eventually the property goes into the foreclosure process and unless the owner manages to bring their payments up to date before a defined grace period has elapsed, the home is sold, most often at a public auction.
When a home goes up for auction and is not sold, the property reverts to the lender. The property is then considered a REO property, Short for Real Estate Owned, the term originates in the record keeping systems used by banks and other financial institutions who provide mortgages and other financing for the purchase of homes. Since banks: 1) are not in the real estate business - and - 2) these properties represent a poor investment on the part of the lender, these institutions are eager to be write off these properties, even if this means selling the property at a loss.
Lenders often list these REO properties with real estate agents in an attempt to sell them, but in many cases the bank will package several properties at one very low price, often only pennies on the dollar; but anyone interested in buying these properties must buy them all as a single bulk purchase. However, for the experienced investor or savvy newcomer who has access to funding, these bulk REO properties can be a very profitable investment indeed.
The approach which many take in pursuing bulk REO investments is to work together with a partner who has access to funding sufficient to make these larger purchases. This is where things can get a little tricky for those who are new to the world of real estate investments, since creative funding strategies are sometimes called for to secure the liquid assets necessary. Investors who are interested in the possibilities and the enormous profit potential represented by bulk REO investments would do well to get in touch with real estate investment professionals who have the experience, the industry contacts and the financing know-how to make these unconventional but very lucrative investments a done deal.
There has never been a better time to get involved in real estate investment than the present - and with the opportunities offered by bulk REO property investments, there has rarely, if ever been more money to be made by investors. If you're even the slightest bit interested in making profitable investments in foreclosed properties, investing in bulk REO properties is something that you owe it to yourself to look into.
Duncan Wierman is the founding members of "Bank REO Property Deals, his company is connecting sellers of verifiable" product with qualified buyers. If you are interested in learning more about Bulk REO investing, his site also contains great information about how to started, interviews with other experts, along with sample sanitized tapes to review. Visit: http://www.bankreopropertydeals.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duncan_Wierman
Property Funds - A Beginners Guide to Investing in Property Funds
Investing in Property Funds provides investors with the opportunity to invest in property non-directly, removing some of the associated risks of direct property ownership. Fund investment offers investors the opportunity to pool together their capital with others, under the management of an experienced professional. This generally affords access to better and more lucrative opportunities.
For example, in times like these, and by that I mean times of global financial distress, there are opportunities, as real estate owners struggle to re-finance debt, some are forced to sell their assets well below market value to inject liquidity and stay afloat. Whilst this is indeed great news for investors holding cash, at the same time, these opportunities tend to occur in the higher echelons of the value scale, preventing anyone with less than £1,000,000 from getting involved in the real bargains.
The answer is investing in Funds, effectively putting your chips on the table along with others, and giving them to someone with the contacts, expertise and experience to transact on the best deals very quickly.
There are Property Funds available for just about everything; there are Vulture or Opportunity Funds, that use their huge and instant liquidity to buy up distressed housing or commercial stock. There are specific market Funds that concentrate on acquiring property in certain areas, there are commercial property funds, residential property funds, industrial, office space, hotel and every other imaginable form of real estate fund.
Most Funds have specific rules about the type of transaction they will get involved in, for example some may have a limit on single item expenditure, some invest for income through renting out their assets, and others simply buy to re-sell. Property Funds can either be regulated or un-regulated and my advice would be to stick with regulated funds as you then have the option of appealing losses to the relevant regulating authority if your money is mismanaged.
Investment returns from Property Funds vary wildly, for example I have worked with Property Funds that have broken even, and I have worked with Property Funds that have provided consistent long-term returns around the 14% per annum mark. At present I am working with a Property fund that has a targeted return of 7% per annum which, in today's market, is an excellent opportunity.
The benefit of ifund investing is that you achieve exposure to the most stable long-term asset class - Real Estate - and at the same time avoid the cost and hassle of direct property ownership and you remain more liquid than direct property investment as you can usually sell on your share in the fund at short notice for full value, whereas a property takes time to re-sell.
In all, provided you are comfortable with the advice being given, investing in Property Funds offers diversity, real estate exposure, and managed risk, and I for one, am a fan.
If you would like advice on Property Investments or other real estate related investment solutions such as structured fixed return property syndicates and agri-land investments, please contact me with your requirements or questions at davidgarnerconsulting@gmail.com
CLICK BELOW to download your FREE GUIDE to the Property Investing
http://www.davidgarnerconsulting.mfbiz.com/investingguide
About the Author:
David Garner in Managing Partner at David Garner Consulting and Senior Portfolio Manager with BRIC Group. He has been successfully advising private clients and syndicates on various real estate investment strategies for 8 years
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_D_Garner
For example, in times like these, and by that I mean times of global financial distress, there are opportunities, as real estate owners struggle to re-finance debt, some are forced to sell their assets well below market value to inject liquidity and stay afloat. Whilst this is indeed great news for investors holding cash, at the same time, these opportunities tend to occur in the higher echelons of the value scale, preventing anyone with less than £1,000,000 from getting involved in the real bargains.
The answer is investing in Funds, effectively putting your chips on the table along with others, and giving them to someone with the contacts, expertise and experience to transact on the best deals very quickly.
There are Property Funds available for just about everything; there are Vulture or Opportunity Funds, that use their huge and instant liquidity to buy up distressed housing or commercial stock. There are specific market Funds that concentrate on acquiring property in certain areas, there are commercial property funds, residential property funds, industrial, office space, hotel and every other imaginable form of real estate fund.
Most Funds have specific rules about the type of transaction they will get involved in, for example some may have a limit on single item expenditure, some invest for income through renting out their assets, and others simply buy to re-sell. Property Funds can either be regulated or un-regulated and my advice would be to stick with regulated funds as you then have the option of appealing losses to the relevant regulating authority if your money is mismanaged.
Investment returns from Property Funds vary wildly, for example I have worked with Property Funds that have broken even, and I have worked with Property Funds that have provided consistent long-term returns around the 14% per annum mark. At present I am working with a Property fund that has a targeted return of 7% per annum which, in today's market, is an excellent opportunity.
The benefit of ifund investing is that you achieve exposure to the most stable long-term asset class - Real Estate - and at the same time avoid the cost and hassle of direct property ownership and you remain more liquid than direct property investment as you can usually sell on your share in the fund at short notice for full value, whereas a property takes time to re-sell.
In all, provided you are comfortable with the advice being given, investing in Property Funds offers diversity, real estate exposure, and managed risk, and I for one, am a fan.
If you would like advice on Property Investments or other real estate related investment solutions such as structured fixed return property syndicates and agri-land investments, please contact me with your requirements or questions at davidgarnerconsulting@gmail.com
CLICK BELOW to download your FREE GUIDE to the Property Investing
http://www.davidgarnerconsulting.mfbiz.com/investingguide
About the Author:
David Garner in Managing Partner at David Garner Consulting and Senior Portfolio Manager with BRIC Group. He has been successfully advising private clients and syndicates on various real estate investment strategies for 8 years
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_D_Garner
It's Shiny and Green in Turkey's Real Estate Picture
With the real estate and financial problems in the U.S., and similar troublesome economic news around the world, it's a refreshing change of pace to read upbeat news from Turkey. Particularly now, with the residential market problems beginning to rear their heads in the U.S. Commercial real estate picture, Turkey's commercial news is stunning, with a green tint.
Gordon Shopping Center - On Thursday, September 17th, Gordon Shopping Center opened its doors in Ankara. With around 50,000 square meters and 165 stores, there's no shortage of shopping opportunity, as well as dining in a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. Key tenants include Carrefour, Electroworld, Zara, C&A and Marks & Spencer. Among brands represented are Cinebonus, Zara Home, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Bershka, Oysho, Pull and Bear, Network, Fabrika, Benetton, Teknosa, Koton, LC Waikiki and Nike. Gordon Shopping Center is the first BREEAM-certified building and green shopping center in Ankara. The unique design and attention to leisure space make this shopping center a welcome addition to the city.
Massive Green Project in Istanbul - RMJM, an international architecture practice, and real estate development company VARYAP have announced a $1 billion USD project in Istanbul's Atasehir district. On more than 372,000 square meters, the plan is to place 1500 residential units, a 60 story tower, five star hotel, offices and conference facilities.
This green project combines wind turbine technology, rainwater collection, cooling water pools, and a co-generation plant. With project completion expected in 2011, the new occupants will enjoy decreased energy consumption, but also dramatic views of the Bosphorus Strait in the west, and the Princes' Islands and the Sea of Marmara to the south.
Italy Planning Expanded Investments in Turkey - With current investments in Turkey concentrated in the west, Italy is planning to expand their investments throughout Turkey in the near future. About 714 Italian companies currently do business in Turkey, including Pirelli, Fiat Italcementi and UniCredit. Italy's USD 5 billion in direct investments in Turkey account for about 3% of overall foreign investment in the country, and current trade between the two countries is around USD 20 billion.
Italy follows only Russia and Germany as Italy's third largest trade partner. Visits are scheduled for Italian business to explore the development of technoparks in various areas of Turkey.
Whether green construction or technoparks, Turkey's future is looking very bright when it comes to major development and increased foreign investment.
Tony Osust, director: Holprop.com Search through our large international portfolio of properties for sale and rent. Holprop.com now showcases over 30,000 properties, from single family homes, commercial and recreational properties including hotels, bars-restaurants, new build or off-plan developments for sale.
See our latest Turkey Properties For Sale
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Osust
Gordon Shopping Center - On Thursday, September 17th, Gordon Shopping Center opened its doors in Ankara. With around 50,000 square meters and 165 stores, there's no shortage of shopping opportunity, as well as dining in a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. Key tenants include Carrefour, Electroworld, Zara, C&A and Marks & Spencer. Among brands represented are Cinebonus, Zara Home, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Bershka, Oysho, Pull and Bear, Network, Fabrika, Benetton, Teknosa, Koton, LC Waikiki and Nike. Gordon Shopping Center is the first BREEAM-certified building and green shopping center in Ankara. The unique design and attention to leisure space make this shopping center a welcome addition to the city.
Massive Green Project in Istanbul - RMJM, an international architecture practice, and real estate development company VARYAP have announced a $1 billion USD project in Istanbul's Atasehir district. On more than 372,000 square meters, the plan is to place 1500 residential units, a 60 story tower, five star hotel, offices and conference facilities.
This green project combines wind turbine technology, rainwater collection, cooling water pools, and a co-generation plant. With project completion expected in 2011, the new occupants will enjoy decreased energy consumption, but also dramatic views of the Bosphorus Strait in the west, and the Princes' Islands and the Sea of Marmara to the south.
Italy Planning Expanded Investments in Turkey - With current investments in Turkey concentrated in the west, Italy is planning to expand their investments throughout Turkey in the near future. About 714 Italian companies currently do business in Turkey, including Pirelli, Fiat Italcementi and UniCredit. Italy's USD 5 billion in direct investments in Turkey account for about 3% of overall foreign investment in the country, and current trade between the two countries is around USD 20 billion.
Italy follows only Russia and Germany as Italy's third largest trade partner. Visits are scheduled for Italian business to explore the development of technoparks in various areas of Turkey.
Whether green construction or technoparks, Turkey's future is looking very bright when it comes to major development and increased foreign investment.
Tony Osust, director: Holprop.com Search through our large international portfolio of properties for sale and rent. Holprop.com now showcases over 30,000 properties, from single family homes, commercial and recreational properties including hotels, bars-restaurants, new build or off-plan developments for sale.
See our latest Turkey Properties For Sale
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Osust
Costa Rica Real Estate + the Current Economy
Real Estate is BIG business down here in Costa Rica. The recent economic crisis the world is feeling, has not been as much of an issue here as elsewhere. The tourism markets have been hit pretty hard and although Real Estate sales have slowed down, land prices and property values, have remained very stable.
What this means is that if you have already invested in Costa Rica Real Estate, no worries, your investment is secure. If you are looking to get into the market here, than it is your lucky day, there are many deals to be made with foreigners, needing to liquidate, due to the crisis going on in their home countries. This creates an atmosphere of selling property well below the market value. If you are one of the few, unaffected by the global turmoil, now is a good time to buy. Most likely, the property you just bought has appreciated, instantly, from day one.
Condo sales have been hit by the global money crisis the most in Costa Rica. Before the financial markets crashed, condo development had been going through the roof. With less people buying right now it has driven some condo developers to desperate measures. This is good news for you, the consumer. Many condos at many price points are available. Try getting a condo on the beach in Florida for 150k or less. Not likely. Between Florida or Costa Rica, I'll take Costa Rica.
There can be a downside to trying to purchase Real Estate in Costa Rica. There are many scammers here, as can be found the world over. A common practice is for someone to sell the same piece of property, over and over, to as many people as possible, and bolt. Buyer Beware, if the deal really seems to good to be true, it's probably is. Use common sense. You may have also heard of squatters in Costa Rica.
While it is true squatting has been a problem in the past, it should be noted that squatters only have rights on very specific types of land. They cannot move into your beach house while you're out of the country and claim it for themselves. Farm land, is the only land in Costa Rica, that squatters have a chance of causing you problems. In addition, tougher enforcement of existing laws have made it harder and harder for these folks to squat.
The bottom line is this, now is a great time to invest. If you would like further information you can find it here free.
http://www.crreferrals.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isham_Collier
What this means is that if you have already invested in Costa Rica Real Estate, no worries, your investment is secure. If you are looking to get into the market here, than it is your lucky day, there are many deals to be made with foreigners, needing to liquidate, due to the crisis going on in their home countries. This creates an atmosphere of selling property well below the market value. If you are one of the few, unaffected by the global turmoil, now is a good time to buy. Most likely, the property you just bought has appreciated, instantly, from day one.
Condo sales have been hit by the global money crisis the most in Costa Rica. Before the financial markets crashed, condo development had been going through the roof. With less people buying right now it has driven some condo developers to desperate measures. This is good news for you, the consumer. Many condos at many price points are available. Try getting a condo on the beach in Florida for 150k or less. Not likely. Between Florida or Costa Rica, I'll take Costa Rica.
There can be a downside to trying to purchase Real Estate in Costa Rica. There are many scammers here, as can be found the world over. A common practice is for someone to sell the same piece of property, over and over, to as many people as possible, and bolt. Buyer Beware, if the deal really seems to good to be true, it's probably is. Use common sense. You may have also heard of squatters in Costa Rica.
While it is true squatting has been a problem in the past, it should be noted that squatters only have rights on very specific types of land. They cannot move into your beach house while you're out of the country and claim it for themselves. Farm land, is the only land in Costa Rica, that squatters have a chance of causing you problems. In addition, tougher enforcement of existing laws have made it harder and harder for these folks to squat.
The bottom line is this, now is a great time to invest. If you would like further information you can find it here free.
http://www.crreferrals.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isham_Collier
Green Real Estate Education Presents a New Era Coming to the Industry
Real Estate Investors can see a new era coming in the green revolution. It is no longer business as usual. Years ago, all professions in real estate were forced to become part of the information age, a new information revolution. Fifteen or so years ago, in many areas hard copy paper descriptions of homes for sale and lease and commercial properties were hand delivered. When the information highway came about, computers delivered property information and allowed people to access public records and tax information, providing up-to-date statistical property reports.
We now look to the next 20 or so years from a real estate investment standpoint. In an age where values are declining, it is time to know why green can cause a major shift in a buyer's decision. A selling price is and always has been what a buyer is willing to pay. Well, thanks to the media -- through newspapers, websites and TV, especially HGTV and other stations -- education for consumers is being offered. The days of accepting a piece of real estate with the the risks of unhealthy indoor air quality are becoming fewer as consumers become educated.
Through our company, Green Real Estate Education, those in the industry have a green certification program that close to 5,000 now see as an excellent first step to understanding why green building is growing so quickly. Green Real Estate Education is educating those professions such as Real Estate Agents, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Professionals and even government professionals who are planning infrastructure for the future to spread the news that going green while considering renovations and upgrades can save money. If I think back to when I was practicing real estate, if you could give me a property to market that had special beauty, or an attribute to stand out in the marketplace, I was glad. If I showed a property that had "more to offer" than others in the neighborhood, it was exciting. A home that showed lower utility bills would not have stood out as it would today.
When we teach our certification classes, we hear agents say over and over that buyers are asking about more energy-efficient product and systems in properties. Energy Star from EPA and the Department of Energy initiatives are helping consumers realize the tax incentives available to them. Those in the industry are embracing our courses for many reasons. They want to know their part so they can become leaders in the Green Revolution.
The Realtor must understand what a green certification is. Agents and home inspectors must allow energy raters into their circle of influence. All in the real estate arena must begin to help building code officials offer fast-track permitting for those who want to renovate to become more energy efficient. Mortgage professionals, underwriters and loan processors must get in the game to understand green underwriting standards coming down the pike. Appraisers are scurrying to substantiate these green renovations and upgrades for higher value. Taking the actual direct savings in utility bills is a great start for the mortgage industry. There are special forms for energy-efficient mortgage loans for consumers.
We'll keep training so those responsible for your real estate investment can offer suggestions that can only add to its value. Make sure you look for an agent, mortgage professionals or home inspector who displays our GREEN HOUSE LOGO as a Green Certified Real Estate Professional with our Green Leadership title to lead you in the right direction. Go green save money!
Kerry Mitchell is the founder and course developer of Green Real Estate Education, which is on target to educate more than 20,000 real estate professionals in going green by 2010. Mitchell established the recognized certification for the real estate industry, the GCREP.GL. She worked for 14 years as a licensed real estate broker in Maryland and Florida, where she now resides.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_R._Mitchell
We now look to the next 20 or so years from a real estate investment standpoint. In an age where values are declining, it is time to know why green can cause a major shift in a buyer's decision. A selling price is and always has been what a buyer is willing to pay. Well, thanks to the media -- through newspapers, websites and TV, especially HGTV and other stations -- education for consumers is being offered. The days of accepting a piece of real estate with the the risks of unhealthy indoor air quality are becoming fewer as consumers become educated.
Through our company, Green Real Estate Education, those in the industry have a green certification program that close to 5,000 now see as an excellent first step to understanding why green building is growing so quickly. Green Real Estate Education is educating those professions such as Real Estate Agents, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Professionals and even government professionals who are planning infrastructure for the future to spread the news that going green while considering renovations and upgrades can save money. If I think back to when I was practicing real estate, if you could give me a property to market that had special beauty, or an attribute to stand out in the marketplace, I was glad. If I showed a property that had "more to offer" than others in the neighborhood, it was exciting. A home that showed lower utility bills would not have stood out as it would today.
When we teach our certification classes, we hear agents say over and over that buyers are asking about more energy-efficient product and systems in properties. Energy Star from EPA and the Department of Energy initiatives are helping consumers realize the tax incentives available to them. Those in the industry are embracing our courses for many reasons. They want to know their part so they can become leaders in the Green Revolution.
The Realtor must understand what a green certification is. Agents and home inspectors must allow energy raters into their circle of influence. All in the real estate arena must begin to help building code officials offer fast-track permitting for those who want to renovate to become more energy efficient. Mortgage professionals, underwriters and loan processors must get in the game to understand green underwriting standards coming down the pike. Appraisers are scurrying to substantiate these green renovations and upgrades for higher value. Taking the actual direct savings in utility bills is a great start for the mortgage industry. There are special forms for energy-efficient mortgage loans for consumers.
We'll keep training so those responsible for your real estate investment can offer suggestions that can only add to its value. Make sure you look for an agent, mortgage professionals or home inspector who displays our GREEN HOUSE LOGO as a Green Certified Real Estate Professional with our Green Leadership title to lead you in the right direction. Go green save money!
Kerry Mitchell is the founder and course developer of Green Real Estate Education, which is on target to educate more than 20,000 real estate professionals in going green by 2010. Mitchell established the recognized certification for the real estate industry, the GCREP.GL. She worked for 14 years as a licensed real estate broker in Maryland and Florida, where she now resides.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_R._Mitchell
How to Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal in a Single Weekend
Whether you are planning to sell your house or just want to create a nicer living environment for your family, improving your front yard curb appeal will yield long-term value to you as a homeowner. The great news is you can create dramatic and lasting results for a minimal investment of both time and money.
Before you start, look at your landscape as an objective observer. Stand at the curb and critically evaluate what you see. Namely, what stands out or detracts from the overall look and feel of your home?
A couple of fixes are really easy. For example, if the trim paint is cracked, faded or peeling, sand down the rough spots and apply a fresh coat of paint. This will add a fresh, crisp look that will make your home look well maintained. Also, remember that clutter kills curb appeal. Be sure to remove all clutter around the exterior of your home, including toys, small out-of-scale flower pots, and other items that can easily be cleared away.
Next, survey your landscaping with a critical eye. Is it outdated or overgrown? Do overgrown shrubs obscure the front of your home and hide its full potential? Are weeds overrunning your flower beds? If this part intimidates you, don't let it. In some cases, minimal intervention is necessary. Simply trimming existing shrubs and bushes for a neat appearance and creating a clear, sharp border around the edge of your planting beds might do the trick. Also, adding a layer of fresh mulch and removing any weeds you might find will add a more finished and polished look to your yard.
Don't panic, however, if a more major overhaul is in order. This doesn't have to mean an expensive and time-intensive undertaking. In fact, a little pre-planning, a trip to your local home improvement store or nursery and a weekend of work should suffice.
Before buying any new plant material, consider the following:
1.) What type of sun exposure (i.e., Mostly sunny? Shady? A combination of both?) does your yard get?
2.) What type of soil do you have? Does it need amended?
3.) What plants do you already have that can be saved and used to create the backbone of your new landscape? Obviously, reusing what you already have is a great way to save money.
4.) What is the overall scale of your property? (Small city lot or expansive country setting?)
5.) If you live in an area with changing seasons, plan for all of them. Evergreens add life to the dead of winter and colorful mums add excitement when summer's brilliant display has faded.
6.) When adding color, go for strong visual impact. You can achieve this by grouping plants in odd-numbered multiples (3, 5, etc...). If your lot is bigger, use more plants - a single plant or a small grouping will get lost in a larger space.
7.) Choose one or two special accents plants, such as a Japanese maple or the stunning Limelight hydrangea, to create eye-catching focal points around your property. Add accent lighting to transform your specimen plants into an evening focal point, as well.
8.) Consider vertical space when landscaping for curb appeal. A bunch of short little plants will appear lost next to a standard two-story home. Plant for staggering heights with taller plants in the back closer to the house and shorter plants toward the front of your beds.
Evaluating these factors in advance will help you develop a concise list of what planting materials you need to purchase. This will help minimize impulse buys and help you avoid plants that won't survive or thrive in your yard.
Once you've selected your plants and get them home, the fun part of transforming your yard and your home can begin. A couple of days of work in your yard should translate into years of added value to your property.
Trish Lindemood is a professional freelance SEO copywriter and entrepreneur who recently launched the 90-Day Content Marketing Challenge to encourage other online entrepreneurs to grow their business through content creation and distribution.
She also writes extensively about Alternative Financial Solutions to help you raise, make, and save money in your business - and your life. Check out the Real Estate Guide and blog for creative ways to sell your house fast!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trish_Lindemood
Before you start, look at your landscape as an objective observer. Stand at the curb and critically evaluate what you see. Namely, what stands out or detracts from the overall look and feel of your home?
A couple of fixes are really easy. For example, if the trim paint is cracked, faded or peeling, sand down the rough spots and apply a fresh coat of paint. This will add a fresh, crisp look that will make your home look well maintained. Also, remember that clutter kills curb appeal. Be sure to remove all clutter around the exterior of your home, including toys, small out-of-scale flower pots, and other items that can easily be cleared away.
Next, survey your landscaping with a critical eye. Is it outdated or overgrown? Do overgrown shrubs obscure the front of your home and hide its full potential? Are weeds overrunning your flower beds? If this part intimidates you, don't let it. In some cases, minimal intervention is necessary. Simply trimming existing shrubs and bushes for a neat appearance and creating a clear, sharp border around the edge of your planting beds might do the trick. Also, adding a layer of fresh mulch and removing any weeds you might find will add a more finished and polished look to your yard.
Don't panic, however, if a more major overhaul is in order. This doesn't have to mean an expensive and time-intensive undertaking. In fact, a little pre-planning, a trip to your local home improvement store or nursery and a weekend of work should suffice.
Before buying any new plant material, consider the following:
1.) What type of sun exposure (i.e., Mostly sunny? Shady? A combination of both?) does your yard get?
2.) What type of soil do you have? Does it need amended?
3.) What plants do you already have that can be saved and used to create the backbone of your new landscape? Obviously, reusing what you already have is a great way to save money.
4.) What is the overall scale of your property? (Small city lot or expansive country setting?)
5.) If you live in an area with changing seasons, plan for all of them. Evergreens add life to the dead of winter and colorful mums add excitement when summer's brilliant display has faded.
6.) When adding color, go for strong visual impact. You can achieve this by grouping plants in odd-numbered multiples (3, 5, etc...). If your lot is bigger, use more plants - a single plant or a small grouping will get lost in a larger space.
7.) Choose one or two special accents plants, such as a Japanese maple or the stunning Limelight hydrangea, to create eye-catching focal points around your property. Add accent lighting to transform your specimen plants into an evening focal point, as well.
8.) Consider vertical space when landscaping for curb appeal. A bunch of short little plants will appear lost next to a standard two-story home. Plant for staggering heights with taller plants in the back closer to the house and shorter plants toward the front of your beds.
Evaluating these factors in advance will help you develop a concise list of what planting materials you need to purchase. This will help minimize impulse buys and help you avoid plants that won't survive or thrive in your yard.
Once you've selected your plants and get them home, the fun part of transforming your yard and your home can begin. A couple of days of work in your yard should translate into years of added value to your property.
Trish Lindemood is a professional freelance SEO copywriter and entrepreneur who recently launched the 90-Day Content Marketing Challenge to encourage other online entrepreneurs to grow their business through content creation and distribution.
She also writes extensively about Alternative Financial Solutions to help you raise, make, and save money in your business - and your life. Check out the Real Estate Guide and blog for creative ways to sell your house fast!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trish_Lindemood
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