Things to Look For on the Second Showing For Your First Home

By Neil Walford

To be properly prepared for the challenge of buying your first home or another house, you will be able to get a better investment by first conducting intensive research without first seeking the aid real estate agent. One of the important steps involved in buying a house is the showing, and the ideal way to go about it is to have at least 3 showings per house to facilitate proper inspection and do detailed inquiry. Since you are already considering the house after the first showing, take notes while examining each area of the house for any physical defects during the second showing.

"100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask", book author, Ilyce Glick recommends that first time home buyers should use the time of the second showing to reconfirm what they had found appealing during the first showing and to identify any problems that it may have to be able to save time and money. Here is a list of things to do a closer inspection of during the second showing:

Check the roof. Ask the property owner or the agent how old the roof is, and if there have been any renovations or repairs made to it. The cost of having to place a new roof or repair an old one is quite expensive, so knowing what condition the roof is in can prepare you for any future expenses that you may have if you decide to continue with the purchase.

Inspect the wear and tear of the interior. The things that you can look out for are wall cracks, creaky floorboards, shaky stairs, peeling paint and other similar defects that may not cost too much to fix, but need to be planned for.

Check the mechanical systems. Are all the heaters and furnaces functioning well? Is there any sort of insulation that is installed? Get all the details you can about the mechanical system so you can make provisions for repairs or replacements.

Assessing the local neighborhood. Take the time to explore the back yard and gardens in front of the house. Do you like the views? What is the noise level like? These are details that can be hard to assess from online research and pictures alone, and will give you an idea of the overall experience of living here.

Check for pests. Do you see any tell-tale signs of rats or termites? Are there roaches or other bugs? Find out if the house is infested with pests and if the property owner has done any pest control so that you won't be walking in this kind of problem unprepared.

Visualizing your daily activities. Can you see yourself cooking in the kitchen or watching television in the living room? Will your furniture fit easily in each area? Try visualizing the things you do every day as if you are living in this home and see if it truly 'feels like home.'

Take full advantage of the second showing to conduct your preliminary inspections and to help you already decide if the house will suit you. Make a list of the positive and negative things about your investment so that when you sit down to make your final choice, it is ready for your review. - 31385

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Real Estate Investing For The Rest Of Us

By Marcus Myer

Location - don't jump in to buy a property because the market is bearish. Consider the location of the property very scrupulously. The truth is a property with a bad location won't fetch you a good price even if the market is bullish. If you have an interest in buying property then ensure that the property is suitably located.

It should be in the vicinity of shopping complexes, malls, hospitals, colleges parks and should be easily accessible by road and mass transit systems. It may be right that a property will cost you comparatively more if it is well found. Nevertheless, you will be ready to fetch a more acceptable price when the market picks up.

long-term - making an investment in property is a long-term proposition with convincing returns over a period. You may have a higher capital gains tax guilt. A property that can fetch good rental revenue is a gold mine.

Don't think of selling such a property. Lease it out instead. Always put aside a certain portion of the revenue for upkeep and maintenance. Many backers who flipped properties found themselves in the middle of a property market crash and were saddled with properties that they couldn't dispose off.

You need to sell or hire it straight out. A lease option goes against the interests of both buyer and seller. The tenant will ask for discounts on the rent with the debate that these be changed against the deposit and closing costs. In all chance, the tenant won't buy the property at the end of the lease and the owner would have lost a lot of money re refunds on the rent. The lease agreement should have a clause that stops the tenant-buyer from defaulting on the purchase by allowing you to forfeit the deposit.

Local - Buy local, think local. Concentrate on the idea of investing in buying local property ; at least at the beginning of your real estate investment career. Do not rush to buy property in another state or country, as you would not be so knowledgeable about the conditions. Making an investment in property in other states will boost your expenses vis commuting. Consider the incontrovertible fact that as a prospective owner you will have to inspect the property to determine if there is any damage every month. You'll also have to ensure that the property is not being misused in any way.

The outgoings add up in case you invest in another state. It makes for better business sense for you to think local and buy local. - 31385

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Your Credit Report and the Effects of Bankruptcy

By Casey Deanwater

How long will a Bankruptcy ruin a person's credit?

If bankruptcy is unavoidable, you can file either a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as a "liquidation bankruptcy," or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also known as a "reorganization bankruptcy." Chapter 7 will allow you to discharge your debt, while Chapter 13 provides a way to repay your debts using a negotiated repayment plan.

Will Bankruptcy Affect Your Credit History Adversely?

Filing for bankruptcy will stop creditors from trying to collect the debts you owe, but WILL NOT give you a clean financial slate. Bankruptcy will seriously affect your credit report and credit worthiness. Consequently, obtaining a loan or line of credit in the future will be extremely difficult.

When you file bankruptcy, your credit score will plunge by hundreds of points. This same bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for 10 years, unless you try to remove it. One option to consider is rebuilding your credit score. This, however, is difficult at best when no one is interested in offering credit to you.

A credit company will most likely deem a person with a bankruptcy on their credit report as a possible financial liability. In light of this, you might want to consider repairing your credit score.

Instead of waiting 10 years for the bankruptcy to clear from your credit report, you can take definitive action. Credit repair allows you to rebuild your credit score more quickly, become eligible for new loans in less time, and become credit worthy faster.

Rebuild Your Credit Legally

There is a legal route to challenging information on your credit report. If you believe any entry on your credit report is inaccurate, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows you to contest this information.

If you send a dispute letter to a creditor or credit bureau, the disputed entry must be investigated and verified within a specific timeframe. Subsequently, the negative entry must be deleted in its entirety if it cannot be verified.

If you are interested in pursuing this avenue of credit repair, expert advice and assistance can be invaluable. The legal professionals at Lexington Law can assist you with removing erroneous entries from your credit report and can guide you through the process. - 31385

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It's a Buyers' Market, but Does That Mean It's The Right Time to Buy?

By Stephen Daniels

Many potential home buyers are wondering whether or not this is the right time to step back into the housing market. Experts seem to be quite divided on this topic, as the real estate market has been one of the hardest hit sectors of the economy.

It could possibly be years before the economy and the housing market can make a full recovery. Nobody can call the housing bottom until values have stabilized and are increasing across the nation. Amidst all of this uncertainty, could now be the right time to invest in a home?

A quick Internet search will reveal many different opinions on whether to buy now or wait. It could very well be the right time for YOU to buy, based on lower property pricing and historically low mortgage rates. Educating yourself about the current market situation, and determining your needs and time frame is essential before you decide to invest in a home.

Many people believe that because property values have fallen so low, homes are now priced below their market value. While there are certainly some homes on the market now that ARE undervalued, or priced lower than what the market can bear, most homes are not underpriced. Even REO homes (those that are now bank owned due to foreclosure or deeds in lieu of foreclosure) are not always priced below fair market value.

Yet amidst all the uncertainty about when the housing market will fully recover, and whether or not housing values and prices will fall further, there are facts out there that support buying a home now. Mortgage rates are at almost historical low levels, and house prices are back at values not seen since 2003. This could be an excellent time to buy if you believe you will keep the property for several years and can wait for the housing market to stabilize.

It has been forecast that the low mortgage rates are not likely to last beyond the first quarter of 2010. The Feds have been subsidizing the low mortgage rates by purchasing mortgage backed securities, but that subsidy will end March 31, 2010. At that point, most analysts believe rates will rise.

Low mortgage rates can allow home buyers to qualify for more home at the same monthly payment. There is no way to know how high or how quickly mortgage rates might rise later, but rates are currently about 1% - 1.5% below where they were just a year ago. Many potential home buyers find this to be a substantial opportunity.

In addition to the low prices and low mortgage rates, the government is encouraging home purchases with the first time home buyers tax credit of up to $8,000, and the existing home buyers' tax credit of up to $6,500. Buyers must have accepted purchase offers no later than April 30, 2010, and must close on that purchase by June 30, 2010, in order to qualify for the tax credits. Some states are offering additional cash incentives.

Historically, the United States has experienced many recessions. In fact, boom and bust cycles are an economic norm. While this recession has been the most severe since the Great Depression, no one doubts that it will end and housing values will rise again. Historically, property has been a great investment. It is very likely that those who purchase now will reap the financial benefits in a few years. - 31385

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New Home Construction in Commack: Is New Right For You?

By Craig Axelrod

If you've ever thought about purchasing new construction on Long Island, then now is the time for you to be searching. With the real estate market where it is, it is more affordable than ever to buy new construction. On Long Island, your options are limited. The amount of free real estate available in this once farmland space, is virtuallycompletely developed. Many communities have instituted limitations on construction, preserving the remaining farmland and open areas.

However, new construction is still available and may be perfect for the new homeowner. If you've been searching at real estate, and have considered new construction, you should review this:

1. Older houses, while "charming" on the outside, are, in fact, old houses. Over time they age. Many houses in the40 to75-year-old range have become "knock downs"bought by builders to put up new construction. If you're buying an older home, it could cost you more in the long run with maintenance and repairs.

2. New construction gives you more freedom. Very little people ever locate the "ideal home" of their dreams. Generally, they need to paint, wallpaper, change carpeting, move walls, re-do bathrooms and kitchens and a list of various tasks that become very costly. That older home that looked like a deal becomes very expensive once you've done the repairs and alterations you want.

3. With new construction, you do not have to live through renovations. Kitchen remodeling, expansions and changes to your house can take months-even years. All the while, you are living in a construction zone.

4. You also have the additional costs of doing these upgrades, which must be purchased on top of the asking price of the house. Many families have to save for many months to have the available cash for improvements. Others may try to take 2nd mortgages or home-equity loans, but this can prove unsuccessful-especially with more rigid lending requirements.

You could look to borrow an additional $150,000, but your home is not worth an additional $200,000 today. Therefore, you lack the collateral to support that home equity loan. In contrast, new construction, even if slightly more costly, has the full cost in the home already, which is what mortgage companies want to see.

5. When choosing real estate, and evaluating existing homes, you have very few options. The real estate is "as is"-meaning the lawn is what it is, the plantings are what they are, and the yard is what it is. Usually, with new construction, it is either newly landscaped or in basic form so that you can landscape as you choose (generally, new construction without landscaping is less expensive than landscaped). With new construction, you are purchasing beautiful new property or freshly graded land that is set for landscaping.

When you're ready to choose new construction, be sure to keep all of these factors in mind. As you review the expense of the house, acknowledge the final expenses beyond the purchase price. Many families discover far better values with the newly built houses versus a less expensive existing house that needs upgrades. Even if you are handy, a updgrade are not free. You also need to come up with the money to pay for those improvements (whereas with new construction, those expenses are built into the asking price and are covered by the mortgage). - 31385

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Figure Out Your Debt to Gross Salary

By Darlene Strang

Before you begin looking at purchasing a home, it is important to consider your debt to income ratio. This is one of the first things a mortgage lender will look at when apply for a home loan along with your current credit rating (the ratio also has an impact on your credit rating).

The ratio is based between how much you owe each month on personal debt and how much you earn. The ratio gives you and your mortgage lender the percentage of debt you owe in relation to how much money you are making which gives the lender an idea of how much of a mortgage to give you that suites your financial state.

Doing the math: It is a simple calculation, add up your monthly expenses (such as your car payments, minimum credit card payments, loan payments etc, note: you don't include things like groceries or utilities). Add your expenses and payments (your mortgage payments plus, mortgage insurance, home insurance and property taxes) and divide the total by your gross monthly income.

Note: When shopping for a mortgage is that your debt-to-income ratio should be no higher than 36%. Anything above this could mean you'll be denied credit or charged a higher interest rate on your loan.

It should be noted that it is advisable to ensure that your total house hold expenses do not exceed 28 percent of your total take home salary (though there are exceptions). Remember that the lower your debt the better debt to income ratio you will have, making your chances of receiving a better interest rate on your mortgage much higher.

Debt to income formula: *Minimum monthly credit card payments: + Monthly car loan payments: + Other monthly debt payments: + Expected mortgage payments: *Total = *Your debt-to-income ratio is: *Your total by your monthly gross income = - 31385

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Fascinated With Plymouth Mi Homes For Sale And The Housing Inventory

By Daniel Davis

Learning something about Plymouth MI homes for sale will show one that a very large number of homes and condos in the Plymouth area help to give this very attractive region located in the metropolitan Detroit area a very nice character. Plymouth is very welcoming of new home buyers and the area itself is a pleasant mix of the urban and the rural wrapped up in an interesting history.

There are actually two Plymouths when it comes to discussing this community located near Detroit. One is the actual city of Plymouth which is located inside the borders of the charter Township of Plymouth. Both communities reside in the county of Wayne, one of three southeastern counties (along with Oakland and Macomb) that make up the Metro region.

Recent census figures place the Plymouth city population at around 10,000 residents. At only 2. 2 square miles it is relatively small though it contains within its borders approximately 4800 households. Homes up for sale at any given time frame are consistent with this housing inventory and will mainly be of single-family home or condominium-type homes. Prices run a lawyer to extremely expensive.

The township of Plymouth is considered to be affluent and has a population of around 30,000 people. It is approximately 16 square miles in size, with approximately-,000 housing units within the charter township itself. This means that there will be a nice, healthy housing inventory should one be interested in locating to this very nice community of condominiums and single-family homes.

Evidence of the affluence present in the city and the township are made readily apparent when one looks at median incomes in the area. Average median income comes in at more than $91,000 a year with average family median income topping $115,000. Plymouth boasts one of the better Ontario Hockey League teams; the Plymouth Whalers and excellent schools and recreational activities exist everywhere.

When it comes to homes up for sale within either the city or the township, they can be found generally by working with a real estate broker and by using the Internet. At the present time, the housing inventory picture looks very good and prices have recently adjusted in relation to the prevailing economic environment. Sellers are willing to work closely with buyers to arrive at a fair sale price.

Learning something about Plymouth homes is a generally stress-free activity and the quality of the area and relative affluence contained within Plymouth means that the kinds of homes up for purchase are generally of very good quality and in relatively good condition. Plymouth is a very nice area located in the Metro Detroit region in which to live, also. - 31385

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Credit Score Scale: Cleaning Up Your Credit Rating

By Marc Marseille

The state of the current economy has everyone suffering or taking a loss in some shape or fashion. The bad times has cause many individuals to lose their once perfect credit scores. What is most unfortunate is that right now is the best time to make an investment, the finance charges are lower, the houses are cheaper, and the banks are overloaded with homes.

If you have been bitten by the credit bug, then the time to get a fresh beginning is right now. The process of improving your credit may take several months, so getting a head start right now makes a lot of sense. By the time the market comes around, you will have a better chance to improve yourself.

When deciding to take control of your financial future by re-establishing your credit rating, there are few things that greatly enhance your chances. One way is to change your bad payment history by making your payments on time, even you have to make the minimum payment. The fact that your bills are current will look good on your bureau.

Another method that helps in increasing your credit score is the proper manangement of your account balances. Keeping your credit balances at right around the 30% level will help to improve your rating as well. You should also avoid making too many inquiries.

Foreclosure and Repossessions are the most damaging blows to a good credit history. The good news is that there are ways you can diminish the negative aspects of the bad credit blemishes. You can hire the services of a credit attorney for additional information on your options or to represent you. There are many reputable companies on the net that provide credit counseling services for a nominal fee monthly.

If you choose to save money, you might want to consider a do it yourself credit repair kit. Most credit repair kits will provide your with all the FCRA rules and regulations as well as resources needed to resolve your credit issues on your own.

During tough economic times comes various opportunities. The term "Success Is When Opportunity Meets Preparation" is more evident now than ever before. The ability to put yourself in position to grab a piece of this pie now while its on sale will yield large for your financial future.

Besides the opportunities that arise from a bad economic stretch, there is the inability for us to create new debt, because we don't have it to spend. The only thing left when you fall on your back, is to get up. If you can take the time now to improve your credit rating, you will not regret it in the near future. - 31385

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What To Know About Canton Mi Homes For Sale

By Daniel Davis

There are numerous ways of locating Canton MI homes for sale spread across this diverse and geographically large town (or city) that can be easily accessed from nearby freeways and surface roads. Canton, Michigan has grown over the decades from a sleepy, country-type town to a vibrant and dynamic city located in the metropolitan Detroit area. Canton MI homes, when for sale, are generally desirable.

The actual name of Canton is the Charter Township of Canton, Michigan. For those who don't know, township is originally formed in a 36 square mile block. Basically, it is 6 miles wide and 6 miles high and features 36 1 mile square plots. In this manner, the township's growth or reduction could be more logically managed in order to account for population increases or losses.

Nowadays, an actual township in Michigan is usually smaller in size than its original dimensions though this is not always the case. In the metropolitan Detroit area, there are a number of townships. Homes in Canton Township are extremely diverse and architecturally interesting in many areas while there are also other homes that are similar in like and kind to others in the township.

In 2006, the township of Canton contained almost 87,000 residents. And though the economy has slowed down in the metro Detroit area, Canton is still one of the most robust communities in the state in terms of population growth. So this is due to the rural nature of the township that combines with a very nice central city core. Plus, it is rated as being one of the safest areas in which to live.

There are a number of different and interesting neighborhoods or communities in which Canton MI homes for sale can be found. Two notable regions are the Sheldon's Corners area and the Cherry Hill area. Sheldon's Corners sits in the south of the township and can trace its history back to'42. As far as homes go, there are many older homes and also newer homes that are built to resemble these older homes.

When it comes to finding homes on sale in Canton, there are certainly more than enough ways to look them up and then check them out. Generally, the most recommended methods for doing so involves the Internet and the use of a real estate broker. Certainly, there are more than enough brokers in the area. Currently, prices for Canton homes are very attractive, owing to the current economy.

As far as communities in the metropolitan Detroit area, this particular township is rated as being one of the better places to live and finding Canton MI homes for sale is fairly easy and stress-free. The township of Canton benefits from being located near major freeways and surface streets and residents there boast of the quality of its schools and life in general. - 31385

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How to Get the Best Price for Your Home As A First Time Homebuyer

By Cody Fabry

Making the right offer is one of the most important part of the home buying process. Experts advise all homebuyers to find out home prices in an area and set their own reservation price, or the maximum price they are willing to pay for a home. A reservation price actually helps homebuyers in negotiating with the seller and stay within their budget when making an offer.

It is customary for homebuyers to discount their initial offering price to create some room for negotiations, according to Barron's 'Smart Consumer Guide to Home Buying'. There is however, no rule on how much a homebuyer can discount the offer. It largely depends on your level of desire for the home and on market conditions.

Here is a basic process for calculating your reservation price so you can negotiate the best price for your dream home:

1. Write down the amount you can afford to pay each month. This may be close to what you are paying now, or what you are comfortably willing to spend per month on housing costs.

2. Calculate tax and insurance costs. Barron's 'Smart Consumer Guide to Home Buying' offers the following suggestions for calculating tax and insurance rates. Use a factor of .68 for areas with high tax and insurance costs; .85 if tax and insurance is relatively inexpensive; or use the standard .75 for a rough estimate. Multiplying this rate by the amount in Step 1 will give you your affordable loan P&I payment.

3. Calculate your loan term and interest rate. Record your loan term and interest rate in years. Use the loan payment tables to locate the payment applicable to each loan term and interest rate.

4. Know your total loan amount. This information can also be found in the loan payment table, or you can simply ask your mortgage lender.

5. Add your cash on hand for the down payment. This will give you a final calculation of the total amount available to you for purchasing a home.

After completing the calculation in Step 5, you can compare it to Step 1 and see what the difference is. This will give you your negotiating range that you can use when making your offer. If the amount in Step 1 is higher than Step 5, you may be able to secure an offer by bidding a higher price than the seller is offering. If the amount in Step 1 is lower than Step 5, you'll need to focus on bringing the final price down to a more affordable range.

Calculating your reservation price is an important part of the homebuying process and can help you negotiate the best possible deal for your situation and get the home you want. Consider using the above calculations for each home you are considering so you have the confidence to overbid or negotiate for a lower price with your budget in mind. - 31385

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Think About Energy in Your New House

By Craig Axelrod

If you're searching to purchase a new home, you're looking at the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the size of the family room. The area, property and community are important to you. But how much time did you spend thinking about energy?

New construction homes, such as new real estate in Commack New York, tend to be far more energy efficient than older houses . Older homes simply were not planned to be energy efficient.

When you search for a new house, you should search for an Energy Star rated house . In general, Energy Star houses are 30% more efficient than older houses . This energy efficiency can keep you warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and save you money every month on your bills.

Many of the energy Star features are cultivated by the builder during the construction process. High quality insulation, for example, keeps out drafts and helps your house retain heat in the winter time. An attention to detail in avoiding gaps and cracks in the framing, walls and ceilings, will make a huge difference. A space of just 1/4 inch to the outside can cause your home to leak air like a balloon with a tiny hole. An airtight construction is extremely important.

In addition to the construction, appliance decisions can have a direct effect on your electric bills. You should choose energy Star rated appliances, including the refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, washer and dryer. If your house includes air-conditioning, you should only choose one with a high energy Star rating.

On the heating side, you'll want a system with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating of 90 or better. On the cooling side, your air conditioning system should have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 12+ to be Energy Star efficient.

Other choices can also aid the efficiency in your house include digital thermostats with timers, outdoor lighting with timers or light sensors, room switches with motion sensors and other features to help ensure that you are not wasting electricity. Of course, you should try to remember to turn off the lights, but having technology aid you in case you forget will save you money and decrease waste.

When it comes time to resell your home, energy-efficient homes are more alluring. One of the great bonuses of new construction, such as the Emmy homes project in Commack NY, is that if you resell in four or ten years, you will be offering an efficient home as opposed to an older house which is less efficient. This can not only increase the resale price but also the ease of selling your house . - 31385

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eBay Seller Tips: Save Money On Photo Listing Fees

By Todd Manter

Are you an eBay seller? Check out this Ebay Selling Tips Site. If you are, you likely already know the importance of having pictures in your eBay listings. There are a many eBay buyers who will not buy an item on eBay if they haven't seen a picture. In fact, many eBay buyers like to see more than one picture. The only problem with this is that posting a number of pictures on eBay can get expensive, especially overtime. However, there is a way that you can give your potential customers what they want, more pictures, without having to go broke while doing so.

If you are looking for a way to have multiple pictures appear in your eBay auction listings, but you are urged to examine websites that are known as photo sharing sites, if you haven't already done so. There are a large number of internet users who use photo sharing sites to upload and share pictures with friends and family members over the internet, but many internet users are also starting to use photo sharing websites to help combat their eBay seller fees, particularly the fees associated with having multiple pictures in an eBay auction.

If you are interested in giving photo sharing websites a try, to help you save money when selling on eBay, you will need to find a photo sharing website to use. To find a number of photo sharing websites, you may want to perform a standard internet search. Your standard internet search results will likely include PhotoBucket, which is a free, well-known photo sharing website. Of course, you can use just about any photo sharing website you want, but you are advised to look into PhotoBucket, as it is free and easy to use.

Speaking of using PhotoBucket and many other online photo sharing websites, you will need to create an account. You should be required to fill out a small form, which may request a little bit of information about yourself, like your full name or your email address. You will also need to create login information for yourself, including a screen name and a safe password. Once you have that finished, you should be able to use the photo sharing website in question, whether it be PhotoBucket or not, to help you start saving money.

When using a photo sharing site, you will see that different sites have different instructions that need to be followed, but the first step will be taking pictures of your eBay items. Then you will need to upload them to your computer and then follow the photo sharing website's instructions on how to upload your photos to their site. In most cases, this is a relatively simple process, which tends to involve selecting a few pictures from your computer's hard drive and then hitting an upload button.

Once your pictures have been uploaded, you should see thumbnails or smaller versions of them. With PhotoBucket there are little boxes underneath each thumbnail that can be used to select the picture or pictures of you choice. You will want to select all of the pictures that you want listed in a particular eBay listing. Then, you should be able to find a link that allows you to generate an HTML code. This will lead you to another page with a lot of information on it, particularly HTML links. Many photo sharing websites outright tell you which HTML code links you should use for eBay. Copy the code and paste it in the description of your eBay auction listings and you are good to go; your pictures should appear.

Using a photo sharing site is optional, but it is definitely something to look into. As an eBay seller, you want to profit as much as you can and this also involves eliminating unnecessary expenses. For more great eBay selling tips check out this Ebay Selling Tips Site - 31385

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eBay Sellers: How Photo Sharing Sites Save Money On Listing Photos

By Todd Manter

Are you as a eBay seller maximizing your listings? There are a many eBay buyers who will not buy an item on eBay if they haven't seen a picture. In fact, many eBay buyers like to see more than one picture. The only problem with this is that posting a number of pictures on eBay can get expensive, especially overtime. However, there is a way that you can give your potential customers what they want, more pictures, without having to go broke while doing so.

If you are looking for a way to have multiple pictures appear in your eBay auction listings, but you are urged to examine websites that are known as photo sharing sites, if you haven't already done so. There are a large number of internet users who use photo sharing sites to upload and share pictures with friends and family members over the internet, but many internet users are also starting to use photo sharing websites to help combat their eBay seller fees, particularly the fees associated with having multiple pictures in an eBay auction.

If you are interested in giving photo sharing websites a try, to help you save money when selling on eBay, you will need to find a photo sharing website to use. To find a number of photo sharing websites, you may want to perform a standard internet search. Your standard internet search results will likely include PhotoBucket, which is a free, well-known photo sharing website.

Speaking of using PhotoBucket and many other online photo sharing websites, you will need to create an account. You should be required to fill out a small form, which may request a little bit of information about yourself, like your full name or your email address. You will also need to create login information for yourself, including a screen name and a safe password. Once you have that finished, you should be able to use the photo sharing website in question, whether it be PhotoBucket or not, to help you start saving money.

When using a photo sharing site, you will see that different sites have different instructions that need to be followed, but the first step will be taking pictures of your eBay items. Then you will need to upload them to your computer and then follow the photo sharing website's instructions on how to upload your photos to their site.

Once your pictures have been uploaded, you should see thumbnails or smaller versions of them. With PhotoBucket there are little boxes underneath each thumbnail that can be used to select the picture or pictures of you choice. You will want to select all of the pictures that you want listed in a particular eBay listing. Then, you should be able to find a link that allows you to generate an HTML code. This will lead you to another page with a lot of information on it, particularly HTML links. Many photo sharing websites outright tell you which HTML code links you should use for eBay. Copy the code and paste it in the description of your eBay auction listings and you are good to go; your pictures should appear.

Using a photo sharing site is optional, but it is definitely something to look into. As an eBay seller, you want to profit as much as you can and this also involves eliminating unnecessary expenses. For more great eBay selling tips check out this Ebay Selling Tips Site - 31385

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Locating Northville Mi Homes For Sale Or Purchase And Their Prices

By Daniel Davis

Understanding Northville MI homes for sale will reveal to one of very nice metropolitan Detroit area community that is extremely vibrant and abounds with educational, recreational and shopping opportunities that rated as one of the best communities in the area in which to live. Housing inventory is very strong and prices are very diverse in keeping with its character.

Northville itself is distinctive for number of reasons, including that it is divided between two counties; Oakland County and Wayne County. There is also a Northville city and a Northville Township. The city is surrounded by the township and the township is surrounded by the city of Novi. Northville Township has about 23,000 residents and the city itself contains around 8000 residents.

Both the city and the township are of an extremely nice character, and both also can boast of a very nice selection of housing units within their respective boundaries. The township is approximately 16 1/2 square miles. The city itself is very small at less than 2 square miles though there are nearly 3000 housing units within its borders. The township has over 9000 housing units.

Given that there are around 12,000 separate housing units within both communities taken together there are sure to be a number of excellent quality homes for sale, with more than a few rated as luxury homes or very expensive homes. Where to live in Northville is a matter of deciding on which county to reside in, though anyone living in the metro area regards all of Northville extremely highly.

Home buying opportunities within the Northville area range from good all the way up to excellent, though property values are commensurately high in reflection of its quality and character. This is so even in the current economic downturn, and is partly due to the quality of the schools and the township and city services and its location. Additionally, it offers a wide variety of activities.

Finding homes in Northville that are on the market is as easy as heading to the Internet or contacting one of many real estate brokers who do business in the area. There is a high level of median income in the area and housing prices tend to reflect the income of residents living in either the city or the township. Currently, sellers are willing to work closely with buyers.

Once the decision has been made to look for Northville MI homes for sale, one will understand that he or she is searching for homes in a very highly regarded Metropolitan Detroit area that can boast of outstanding schools, city services and a vast number of recreation, shopping and dining experiences. Check listings out thoroughly and keep in mind that Northville exists in two separate counties. - 31385

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Top Ten Critical Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Home

By Jim Navary

To the great relief of many people, both inside and outside the real estate industry, it seems like the worst part of the sagging real estate market could be behind us. It's dangerous business attempting to foretell market movements (see below) but at least in some areas of the country it does look as if buyers are beginning to come out of their lengthy hibernation. If you are thinking about buying property, here are the top ten problems that you should steer clear of before taking the plunge.

1. Failing to Obtain Home Loan Pre-approval Documentation Getting pre-approval for a home loan is an important first step for potential buyers. Getting a mortgage pre-approval will give you a much better idea of the total loan amount you can readily borrow. Being pre-approved also indicates that you are serious about buying. Most sellers with worthwhile homes won't even bother considering a purchase offer unless it is accompanied by confirmation of loan pre-approval. Additionally, should any problems with your credit worthiness crop up it is much better to recognize them at the start of the process, while you still have time to take action to rectify them. Encountering a credit problem after you have already committed to a home purchase can be quite upsetting.

2. Failing to Hire a Buyer's Agent Unless other plans are made, with nearly all full service real estate firms, the buyer's agent works for you at no cost to you. His or her compensation is paid by the seller's representative after the sale is completed. Consequently, it is in your best interest to hire your own representative - a buyer's agent - instead of working with the seller's representative. The seller's agent is required by law to act in the seller's best interest, not yours. By engaging a buyer's agent you can level the playing field since a buyer's agent is obligated to serving in your best interest.

3. Selecting the Wrong Real Estate Agent Before choosing a buyer's agent, you should talk to a number of different agents. Request the names of earlier clients so you can check references. Don't limit yourself to agents with large brand name firms or so called "million-dollar" agents. Also, before hiring a friend or family member who is an agent, remember that if you are disappointed with the level of service provided, it's considerably easier to dismiss an agent who is a "stranger".

4. Not Understanding the Length of Time the Process Takes Buyers, and sellers, often believe that the process of buying property is shorter than it actually is. There are a wide variety of unforeseen issues that can cause delays. Sellers can delay formally accepting your offer, you may encounter difficulties selling your old house, financing may be delayed, repairs may have to be made, problems with getting a clear title to the property may arise, etc. Murphy's Law always seems to surface when trying to secure a deal quickly. Be sure to allow at least eight to twelve weeks to complete the transaction.

5. Presuming the Appraisal and/or the Tax Assessment Are the Same as the Actual Value. Appraisals and tax assessments are intended to be objective approximations of value. Yet, different appraisers can arrive at significantly different results. Buyers should request that their agent conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to get a better idea of the property's present market value before submitting an offer to purchase.

6. Trying to Time the Ups and Downs of the Real Estate Market Attempting to time a purchase with when the market has hit rock bottom is virtually impossible. I'd be an extremely wealthy man if I had that ability! Both buyers and sellers need to understand that a practical real estate investment is always a long-term proposition.

7. Ignoring Reality When Looking for Your Dream Home When buying a home, if you only follow your heart and not your head, you will most likely be in for some ugly surprises. That magnificent home may appear to be your dream home, but make sure you bear in mind everything involved. Take into account such unexciting issues as the effect a larger mortgage payment might have on your resources, commuting distances, the availability of local schools and shopping facilities, the effect of property taxes and homeowner association in addition to other quality-of-life aspects of home ownership. That extraordinary house may not be worth the headaches it causes for you and your family.

8. Forgetting That Timing Is Everything As you can probably imagine, paying double mortgage payments can be extremely tricky to deal with. When considering selling your present home and purchasing another, remember that the sale of your present home is the more essential of the two transactions. If you would be unable to make payments on two mortgages, If at all possible, try to arrange for the sale of your present home before committing to buy a new one.

9. Not Reviewing the Purchase Contract. Keep in mind that a purchase contract is a legally binding document. Failing to understand what you're agreeing to can be a painful mistake. Read the document thoroughly prior to signing and request clarification if there is something you are not sure about. Do not be afraid to run it by your attorney if you wish. Be certain that it contains everything you it should, including which party is paying for what. Verbal commitments should be included, in writing, in the contract. Ensure that your agent takes an active role in the writing and negotiation of the contract. Hurrying through this step may add delays and result in financial and emotional pain.

10. Not Conducting a Criminal Search for the New Location. Agents in most areas of the country are not required to advise buyers that there is a sex offender or other illegal activity in the neighborhood. Check with the local police department or sheriff's office to find out how to access local sex offender and related criminal databases. In addition, access to the internet has made this information much easier to obtain in recent years. There are a number online resources for locating this information. Visit the website .backgroundcheckpoint.com for a list of some of these investigative resources. - 31385

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7 Top Tips for Successfully Purchasing a Property in Toronto

By Brad Sage

I have an easy and highly successful 7-step plan designed to get you into the home of your dreams!

1. Get Pre-approved:
I can assist you with determining how much money you can afford and obtaining pre-approval for your mortgage. I can also help you facilitate any additional financing needed.

2. Do Your Homework:
Become educated about the process of buying a home, you will then be comfortable when it comes time to discuss the information. Do not hesitate to ask all the questions you need, a reputable real estate agent will be happy to help you through the home-buying process and address all of your concerns.

3. Find a Home to Suit Your Needs:
Keeping in mind your budget, shop in the best neighborhoods and find a home based upon what you want and need.

4. Start Shopping Around:
Now that you have set your goals, we can begin shopping. I promise to keep you abreast of all the most recent real estate activity in your area. I will also keep in daily email and phone contact and make arrangements to take you on as many home tours as you would like.

5. Do Not Settle on Less:
Never settle for less than what you want in terms of the right home for the right price and in the area you want to buy.

6. Purchase It:
When we have located your perfect dream home, I will draw up a Purchase Agreement and Sales Contract to perfectly suit your needs. I will then take the contract to the owners and negotiate a perfect deal on your behalf.

7. Closing the Deal:
After the successful purchase of the home, I will remain in daily contact with you to make sure everything goes according to plan and suits your needs. You will retain my professional services from the beginning to the very end. - 31385

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Commack Real Estate: It's More Than Just a Home

By Craig Axelrod

When looking at real estate in Commack New York, you want to find the perfect new home. New construction in Commack, such as new houses built by Emmy new homes, you the chance to have a brand-house with beautiful layout that no family has lived in before.

More than just a new house, when you live in Commack it is a community. Located in the suburbs of Long Island, homes in Commack give you and your family great schools and a strong sense of community. With extensive parks, golfing, restaurants and beautiful property, Commack New York should be one of the towns on your shortlist.

When you buy a new house in Commack, you have a tremendous number of choices. There are more than 100 restaurants, museums, a dozen parks, and many activities for the family. Whether you like sports, movies, bowling, shopping or outdoor activities, the choices are yours.

Within the town, there are many local communities. Manorwood Estates in Commack, a new development by Emmy houses, offers a range of choices from 3200 to 4000 sq.ft. with a variety of floor plans. Whether you're looking for a classic design, open layouts or traditional designs, you'll find many options available. On 1 acre parcels, these new houses were spacious inside and out.

As you look a Commack property, ask yourself these 5 things:

1. is this a house layout or an old new home? Many older new houses have smaller rooms lower ceilings, lacking that open house feel.

2. Does the kitchen need to be renovated? This can cost $50,000 or more; with new construction, you have the brand-house of your dreams built into the price of the house.

3. Does the new house have enough bedrooms? Most people want at least one extra room for future family growth, visitors or a house office. Make sure you don't limit yourself with your purchase.

4. How large is the basement? 30 years ago, people used the cellar for storage. Today, many people can pick up up to 2000 extra sq.ft. of living space by finishing their basement. Ideally, you have high ceilings (8 to 9 feet) with as little piping and low hanging duct work as possible. Some new houses designed twenty years ago had high ceilings but duct work and other items hung from the ceiling throughout the basement, creating a maze that people are required to duck through.

5. Do you like the people on the block? You will be living there, so be sure these are the people you want on your block.

As you choose your home, keep in mind-you're buying a new house, not just the new house. Make sure that you choose your house in Commack - or any other area - that is a house you will be happy in. - 31385

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Premium Toronto Homes for Sale - Investment Opportunities

By France Aloke

Monica Itiniant quotes that most people make the most expensive and nerve racking purchase when they are buying a home. Now conceive of on the different side of the coin, how nerve racking it can be seeking for Toronto homes for sale. For some individuals this is an strenuous exercise.

Buying a home should be a wonderful time in your life. Make it easy on yourself, save your valued personal time and work with a marvelous real estate agent specializing in Toronto Homes for sale. Monica Itiniant from Royal LePage Services is indeed that individual, let me explain why. After you purchase a home on your own, maybe without an agent, more times than not, there are fractures of the home that pop up later in time. No inspection, new zoning bylaws that were not told to you at time of purchase, the area is recognized for termites, beleive me the list can extend on.

Too many people get captured up in the commission an agent gets when buying or selling however they blank out one thing. A good agent knows their stuff - financing, looking after YOUR best interests, finding financing options available for you, assisting with inspectors, and so many more matters. It is experience that you realize by working with an agent, and experience cuts the amount of headaches that the average person finds when buying. Check out this info for Monica Itiniant Toronto Real Estate Market - Toronto Homes for sale

Whether you're surfing for previously owned or other, or if you're considering about purchasing a home, make sure you recognize the properties true condition earlier you produce an offer. An masterful real estate agent should be able to head you through each step to buying a home. Here are some easy steps when buying a home/condo. Verify what you NEED. Make Up One's Mind what you Need. Estimate how much you can AFFORD. Do all the numbers, all your outlays and all your incomes. Be precise. Get pre-financing, get a pre-approval. This pre-approval mortgage number is a specified dollar number that tells you what you can afford. Dont start searching until you have this all important $ number.

And now is a great time for first-time home buyers as they may be in line to obtain tax credits for buying a home in 2009, and 2010 (certain terms apply). I didnt even know that, so now I can see that functioning alongside Monica for a day how fiery she is about her business so she can help you obtain the home that matches your wants and purchase it on terms you can afford. Folks you desire a dream house, not a nightmare or a property you mature out of in 2 months. I cant stress how much a masterful real estate agent can help. Let them perform all the work folks, afterall they are getting paid to perform the task for you.

For all the Toronto Homes for sale out there you may be involved in, Monica also aims out that you should go and do some online inquiries. Enquire with your local alderman/politician if there are governmental/municipal incentives when purchasing a home, or if there are renovation rebates available as well.

To conclude, right now as I write this article with Monica, she aided one of her customers sell their condo in Toronto, and is now helping that same client buy a condo in Mississauga, she sure does get everywhere. But when you have the experience and knowledge of good neighbourhoods, purchasing a new home is so much better. When buying a home, take the time to get a premium real estate agent, they make your life so easy and less emotional with such a big purchase. Make it easy on yourself with so many Toronto Homes for sale at any given time.

Give Monica a call, because when you meet her, you will discover why people like her. She is the agent that individuals go to. - 31385

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Cheap Houses - Opportunity or Money Pit?

By Jim Navary

My wife and I had to go to our local grocery store on Saturday to pick up some basic items - bread, milk, tomatoes, etc. The store is closed on Sundays so Saturday afternoon they always reduce the price on selected perishable foods. It's very tempting to pick up some of these cheap items until one realizes that there's a good reason they are so heavily discounted.

That half-price loaf of bread has reached its "sell by" date. Before we can use the entire loaf it will probably become stale and we will have to discard least half of it. Likewise, that quart of milk is about to expire; before we get through half of it, the milk will most likely turn sour. And that shrink-wrapped package of a dozen tomatoes? They're already pretty soft - how will they be in a few days? Yuck!

Sometimes cheap is just cheap. The real estate market can be compared to the food market - there's always a reason that a discounted property is priced so low. Determining why an inexpensive property is priced so low is critical in order to determine if it is truly "worth it" to pursue. Obtaining the advice of a well qualified buyer's agent is very wise move to make before committing to purchase a cheap home.

The reasons that most cheap properties are discounted can usually be classified in a few categories:

1. The Handyman's Special

Often times properties that have fallen into disrepair can be bought at prices significantly below the local market price of similar but well maintained properties. If the property owner is unable or unwilling to make the necessary repairs, their only recourse would be to offer it for sale at a much lower price.

If the prospect of investing "sweat equity" (i.e. manual labor) is not your idea of home ownership, you may want to avoid this type of inexpensive home. Likewise, if hiring contractors to perform the necessary repairs is not a viable option - just walk away. However, If the idea of doing the work yourself doesn't send shivers up your spine, a fixer upper or handyman special can be an excellent investment

2. A Somewhat Questionable Neighborhood

We've all heard the saying that the three most important aspects of real estate are location, location, location. Well, it's really true. The value of a property will vary quite a bit depending upon the location. This can be something to rejoice for the homeowner in an upscale location. However, it can be financially devastating for a homeowner in a neighborhood that is falling on hard times. Contrary to some people's belief, property values do not always increase with time.

In many urban locations, certain neighborhoods that have declined are gradually being revitalized through renovation of individual homes. As these improvements spread the value of homes in the immediate area can begin to rise. Your buyer's agent should be able to give you an idea about the direction that prices are moving so that you can make an informed decision about the true value of cheap homes that are in this category.

3. "Priced for Quick Sale"

Circumstances may arise when a homeowner must sell their property very quickly. These can include a need to liquidate assets for cash in hand, a requirement to relocate for employment purposes, or pressure to get out from under double mortgage payments after committing to the purchase of another home.

Inexpensive homes in this category usually provide the best value. However, these bargains do not normally remain on the market very long since a fast sale is the very reason that the property was discounted. The best approach to finding these fleeting opportunities as they arise is to have your buyer's agent notify you when new property listings hit the market. Most real estate agents have access to automation tools that will automatically notify you via email the same day that a property that meets your requirements is put up for sale. Without that type of competitive edge, it's likely that you'll never hear bout these prime opportunities.

4. The Challenge of the Unknown

This is the "catch-all" category for properties that don't fit in any of the other three categories. These homes involve the most risk and should be considered with extreme caution. Remember, there is always a reason for a house being under priced. If that reason is not apparent at first glance you may have to do some serious research before even considering a purchase. Sellers are obligated by law to disclose any information that affects the home's value. Make sure that you ask the right questions. Your buyer's agent will prove to be very helpful with this research.

Obtaining the assistance of a buyer's agent and investigating the reasons that a home is priced lower than would normally be expected are the keys to determining the true value of a "cheap" home. These deals can look very attractive at first but, with further investigation they can end up being either a "money pit" or a fabulous opportunity. It all depends on performing your due diligence. - 31385

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Buyer's Vs. Seller's Market For Homebuyers - Tips For Understanding The Difference

By Max Erhart

The economy works in a cycle and each cycle has an effect in the prices of goods. Each industry has a unique 'market cycle' generally follows the whole economic trend and real estate is no exception. Most people consider the home and property industry to have two phases: the buyer's market and the seller's market. Knowing which market the industry is in can benefit you as a homebuyer.

In a buyer's market, housing prices are very attractive and interest rates may be lower than the average. You may even see more 'For Sale' signs in different neighborhoods and sellers may be willing to reduce their prices drastically just to sell the home.

In a seller's market, people might state that the home and property industry is in crisis. It would be hard to spot affordable deals and some sellers might organize exclusive lotteries wherein select buyers bid on exclusive homes.

If you're a first time homebuyer, catching the right market cycle can make a significant difference in the final price you pay and the value your receive from your purchase. Barron's 'Smart Consumer's Guide to Home Buying' explains that "cycle phases are much easier to pinpoint long after the fact." However, "if you know what to look for, it's easier to figure out the state of the market." Consider these additional key indicators to make the best possible decision when considering buying a home:

As mentioned, 'For Sale' signs are everywhere in a buyer's market. At this time, sellers are giving incentives, such as concessions and discounts, to sell their properties quickly. There would also be an increase in the number of foreclosures and high-priced, quality homes will be sold for lower-than-average prices.

When you hear news about how unaffordable homes are, that is an indication that the industry is in a seller's market. There are very few 'For Sale' signs put up and prices of homes are relatively high. Old homes are 'flipped', or renovated, and sold for a quick profit. You may also see a lot of rental complexes converted into condominiums.

The best time to buy a home is during the buyer's market when sellers are more eager to sell their properties and give out discounts. A good indicator to buy a home is when ads of homes with price cuts, discounts and other extra incentives start to circulate. You might be tempted to buy the first home you see or the lowest priced home but it is still important to work with a professional agent. Get a professional agent, especially if this is your first home purchase, to guide you in choosing the best home that would fit your needs.

Homebuyers must have a strategy to help them out in the entire homebuying process. Homebuyers are advised to look for market indicators, work with a professional and do their own research to come up with a plan and choose their best option. - 31385

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Jewelry Wholesale And eBay Auctions

By Jacques Lemierre

EBay is a great place to find almost any item that
you can imagine. Jewelry wholesale auctions are
quite common on eBay, and in many cases, you
cannot beat the deals that are offered here.
However, there are also many con artists that
operate through eBay, and you have to use caution.

Start by reading all of the details about the
jewelry wholesale auctions that you are interested in purchasing. If
you still have questions, send those questions to
the seller through eBay's website. Make sure that
you keep all of your contact with the seller through
the website so that there is proof.

Check out the person that is offering
the jewelry wholesale. Look at their ratings and their positive
feedback. Has there been any negative feedback?
If so, you may want to reconsider your options and
look into other jewelry wholesale auctions. If the feedback is all
positive, and the seller's rating is high, doing
business with them should not be a problem for you.

Make sure that you are clear about shipment fees
and the shipment times, as well as the
payment options offered. Usually, the buyer is
responsible for the shipment costs, and this is
added to the total and paid before the item ships.
In the case of expensive ticket items, insurance may
be required on the item as well. The seller seldom
pays for the shipping costs. I recommend insurance.

If the jewelry wholesale is a very high priced item, such
as jewelry that is bought in bulk or rare pieces of
expensive jewelry, you should strongly consider
using the escrow service that is recommended by
eBay.

Beware of sniper's on eBay! Sniping is against the
rules at eBay, but a large group of people do it
anyway. Sniping is automatic bidding, which is not
against the rules, but the software or service is
instructed to place the highest bid in the last
possible minute of the auction - leaving no time for
anyone else to place a higher bid. Again, this is
against eBay's rules.

Instead of sniping, place your first bid at the
maximum amount that you are willing to pay for
the jewelry wholesale lot. Each time the bid is
raised, your bid will automatically be raised until
your limit is reached. This is not sniping, and it is
a perfectly legal way to bid on auctions at eBay. This way you still have a chance to win the auction at a price you decide beforehand. - 31385

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How To Sell Jewelry Wholesale

By Todd Goldman

Welcome to my jewelry wholesale selling tips blog. You can order wholesale supplies from hundreds of companies around the globe online at really low prices. It is important to keep up with how much each part of each piece of jewelry costs you, and to get a total cost of each piece, including any expenses that you had for having supplies shipped to you. With the total cost figured, you can easily set your prices by adding 15% to the cost.

If you are a fairly creative person, with a sense of style and flair, you may be able to start your own business selling jewelry wholesale. Because people are so very unique, they want jewelry pieces that are one-of-a-kind pieces that nobody else in the world owns! Make money by starting your very own jewelry wholesale home business.

You can sell your pieces in a variety of ways. You can open your own online wholesale jewelry store, sell to local jewelry stores, rent booths at local flea markets and fairs, or advertise your jewelry making skills and take orders for unique pieces. You can also sell your pieces on consignment at boutiques.

You want to be known for your quality of work. Always select the top quality gems and stones for your pieces, and make sure that the craftsmanship is outstanding. Become exclusive, and more people will want to purchase your pieces.

However, you can also go the other route and make hundreds of identical pieces, as they are ordered. You do this by making one very unique, high quality piece, and showing it to your local jewelry stores. Ask them if they would like to order in bulk, then fill the order.

Another excellent option is to do catalog sales. Make enough pieces to fill a small catalog, and take pictures of each piece. Write a description for each piece and then put together your own catalog using software and a good photo quality printer. You can send these catalogs out to a list that you obtain from a direct mailing list company.

This type of business does require creativity and skill, but it also requires the ability to market yourself and your jewelry. You need to have business cards printed, and also have catalogs and brochures printed as well to market your jewelry wholesale business.

Selling jewelry wholesale can be fun and financially rewarding if you can make your own jewelry pieces at home. If you are not creative or don't have the time to make your own pieces try SaleHoo Wholesale Products. They can simplify the wholesaling suppliers process for you by giving you access to thousands of wholesale suppliers. - 31385

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Understanding Your Mortgage

By Wayne Truter

When applying for a mortgage, the lender you have chosen will take many factors into account. These factors not only influence what type of loans you can qualify for but also what your monthly payments will be and how many years you will take to pay the loan off completely. A fixed rate mortgage is one of the most common types of home loan in the USA. It's very easy to understand and set up and helps people know exactly what type of commitment they are making financially.

The interest rate changes so the lender of the loan gets a proper margin. That's due to the fact that the indexes influence the cost of funding that loan in the first place.

Basically, your lender lets you take on a little bit of the interest risk instead of just the lender like in a fixed rate loan. This type of loan can be great if the interest on your home loan consistently falls for a long time.

Some people are very meticulous when it comes to bills and don?t want to feel like they are gambling on the real estate market.

This is what helps make a fixed rate mortgage so appealing. The payments don?t change so you have a much better chance of being able to save up money for home repairs, vacations, and new purchases.

This loan is also good for people who have to travel a lot. Knowing your payment will be the same when you get back from a far away place can really help your state of mind.

Most lenders who will give you a fixed rate mortgage will give you the option to pay off some of the principal early without any penalties.

This can be a great way to lower your overall amount of payments or decrease the monthly payments. The interest you pay all depends on the real estate market when you get that loan.

Local newspapers usually include interest rates and predictions so that is a great place to go to keep an eye on things. Ask always the agent you use to let you know of thebest remortgage plans they offer! - 31385

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Buying a New Home in the Fall

By Craig Axelrod

As the summertime ends and fall approaches, many families wonder whether it's the right time to buy a house. This can actually be the best time to purchase since most purchasers focus on the spring. You can locate many opportunities on great houses. This is especially true with new construction, such as with Emmy Homes in Commack New York.

If you go to EmmyHomes.com, you will see a range of new construction houses available. Even in this season, you may be able to buy a new construction house that had not sold over the summer. Similarly, if you want to choose your house and have construction begun, now is the time to speak to the builders. If they can get a foundation in the ground before the frost sets in (more of an issue in the North) construction can run through the winter. If you're looking for a new house to occupy at the end of this new school year, start the process now.

As you look for a new house, what questions should you ask?

First, is this a one-off builder or is this a builder who builds full developments? You want to work with a larger scale contractor because they are more likely able to complete the task in the timetable that you've allotted. While we do not oppose small builders, if this is the only home that a contractor is working on, what will happen if he runs out of money? What if his electrician gets sick? What if his roofer walks off the job - you could be delayed for weeks or months.

When you're working with a more substantial builder, they have multiple people in each trade. If they are understaffed, they can promptly find replacement workers. In the end, you are far better off with an established reputable builder who will complete the task, as opposed to a small builder who, unfortunately, can bring a great amount of doubt.

Second, look at homes that the construction company has already finished. Do you like them? The artist drawing may be beautiful, but the home may be something else. A construction company who is consistently delivered high quality construction is worth their weight in gold. A shoddy construction company who under delivers is not worth the savings he may bring.

Lastly, consider the long-term cost of the home. Not only does it carry a buy price, but it must be maintained. A well built house may have lower maintenance costs. Also, is it energy efficient? An "energy star" house meet certain government requirements on energy efficiency. Not only is this great for the environment, but can yield substantial savings on your energy costs. An energy Star rated house is also desirable on resale. You may plan on living here for 20 years, but unexpected issues happen and you want to choose a home that, if you need to, will be very marketable for resale. So yes, the summer of 2009 has passed. Nonetheless, there are vast options to buy new construction as we go into the fall season. Websites, such as www.EmmyHomes.com can show you many choices of homes that are available in your market. - 31385

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How to use "Owner Financing" for Real Estate investing

By Doc Schmyz

Owner financing often produces a winning situation for both the homeowner who is selling the property and for the buyer who is purchasing the property. Owner financing may be defined as the situation when a seller is willing to help finance a real estate transaction by creating a loan for the entire purchase if they own the home outright or by creating a loan for part of the purchase price when there is already an existing loan on the property.

There are numerous benefits when an owner financed transaction is used. For one, the transaction can proceed more quickly and easily than when conventional financing is used because there are fewer steps involved. For another, the seller is more apt to receive a higher sales price, and the seller will receive payments and interest over a long period of time. There are tax savings realized by selling under this installment plan. Additionally, the buyer will realize savings by avoiding loan fees and lender charges, and the negotiated interest rate will generally be lower than the available interest rates from a commercial lender. Also when you factor in that 20% of home buyers cannot qualify for a traditional funding; this type of financing offers home ownership to a group of buyers that may not have the chance otherwise.

There are a few disadvantages to owner financing to consider. For one, if the buyer defaults on the loan the seller will have to initiate foreclosure proceedings. This can be costly. Of course, after the foreclosure the property can be sold again, an advantage for some owners and a disadvantage for other owners. Also, the interest income generated by the loan will be subject to taxes, which could be a disadvantage to a seller who is in a higher tax bracket. Additionally, the seller does not receive cash for their equity immediately, but rather will receive their equity in installment payments over time. This is a disadvantage if the seller has need for a large sum to be used in the near future.

TIPS: For the seller and the buyer to consider when negotiating an owner financed transaction. The seller should research the buyer's creditworthiness and ask numerous questions to become confident that the buyer can fulfill their obligation. The buyer should provide a written explanation of any problems that appear on their credit report, as well as give a list or personal references. The buyer should research the local housing market and get a home inspection done to identify any major problems. Also, a proof of payment provision should be included in the sales contract so the seller can verify that the new owner is making all insurance and property tax payments.

Owner financing home sales can be a winning situation for both sellers and buyers. It is important however, that both parties do their due diligence in order to reduce possible risks. - 31385

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Buying A Foreclosed Home

By Silace Zyllion

Investing in real estate has made more millionaires than any other industry. More recently, fortunes have been made by investing in foreclosed dwellings.. Purchasing a house in foreclosure can be a complicated process, and to make riches investing in foreclosed properties, you should appreciate the process completely. Getting into this form of real estate investing while uninformed can be a very risky proposition

As you start to learn about the foreclosure process, you should to take a look at your community and state laws that oversee the buying and selling of foreclosed dwellings. Depending on the state in which you live, there may be restriction on the length of time you you need to live in the home after purchasing it at auction. Depending on your investment goals, these laws may place noteworthy barriers to your investment goals.

If you have determined that buying a foreclosed home and fixing it for a quick sales is your best opportunity for profit, and if the local laws will let you, the next step is merely to find a home that is in foreclosure. Your local county posts a list each day, and if you don't want to go down to the recorder's office, there are a number of online services that do present a daily list of public sale foreclosures. Access as many of these resources as possible in order to stay informed on what homes may be coming up for auction that meet your investment profile.

Financing is a big part of buying real estate and this is especially true when buying foreclosed homes. Purchasing a foreclosed home from a court auction requires a extensive down payment, or more often, the full cash amount on purchase. As a result, you have to have your financing in place before you buy the home.

Finally, if you have your financing in place, and have found a home that will meet your investment goals, the next steps are just to bid and subsequently buy the foreclosed home. Throughout the buying process be sure not to overbid for the home; at auction you may be contending with extra investors and it is very easy to bid yourself right out of your profit.

Subsequent to you have closed on the house and it is yours to keep and direct or rehab and fix, it is just a matter of getting to work. In conclusion, purchasing a foreclosed home is an uncomplicated procedure; you just need to know what you are doing. - 31385

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Home Foreclosure: A Pre-Foreclosure?(The Good and Bad Of Buying It)

By Doc Schmyz

When looking for a place to call home, it is always best to buy the property you like than to look for a great foreclosure deal. However, it is even better if you can find a good mix of both.

There are many ways to buy a foreclosed property, all of which have their own good and bad points. Some give you the highest financial gain but with the highest investment risks while others could place you on a safe playing ground but with the lowest financial gain.

First let's talk about buying a pre-foreclosed property. This method gives you the least amount of money output with the highest available information on the property. Pre-foreclosure happens during the first few months of foreclosure ( 2 to 3 months after the first default). Usually, the bank or the lender will allow the homeowner to sell the property to help him come up with money to pay off the mortgage default. The "sale by owner" is a medium for the homeowners to prevent their properties from being foreclosed. In most cases, this is done by owners who see sale as their last option and by those who have some equity on the property.

This method, unlike the other two methods, gives you the least risk. You are free to inspect the house and to make your search for the title deeds. You could also uncover all liens if you like and know the underlying problems. Usually, a real estate broker or the owner of the property will show you the house. If you are interested and you have the money to buy the property, the owner will sign you a deed and will handover the property. You would then own the property.

In exchange though, you will get hold of the mortgage that will come with the house. In short, you will have to make the mortgage payments current along with all the fees and charges that come with the property. You will also be left with upgrading and repairing the house.

However some states give the original homeowners a redemption period though. This allows the previous homeowners to get back the property during a certain period of time, usually several months up to a few years, to buy back the property. Thus, all the investments of the current homebuyer will be invalidated.

Buying a pre-foreclosed property is actually safe if you are talking about checking the entire condition of the house but if you don't want the financial responsibilities that go along with it, this method of buying is not really an option for you. - 31385

About the Author:

Home Foreclosure: A Pre-Foreclosure?(The Good and Bad Of Buying It)

By Doc Schmyz

When looking for a place to call home, it is always best to buy the property you like than to look for a great foreclosure deal. However, it is even better if you can find a good mix of both.

There are many ways to buy a foreclosed property, all of which have their own good and bad points. Some give you the highest financial gain but with the highest investment risks while others could place you on a safe playing ground but with the lowest financial gain.

First let's talk about buying a pre-foreclosed property. This method gives you the least amount of money output with the highest available information on the property. Pre-foreclosure normally happens during the first few months of foreclosure ( 2 to 3 months after the first default). Usually it works like this, the bank or the lender will allow the homeowner to sell the property to help him come up with money to pay off the mortgage default. The "sale by owner" is a medium for the homeowners to prevent their properties from being foreclosed. In most cases, this is done by owners who see sale as their last option and by those who have some equity on the property.

This method gives you the least risk. You are free to inspect the house and to make your search for the title deeds. You could also uncover all liens if you like and know the underlying problems. Usually, a real estate broker or the owner of the property will show you the house. If you are interested and you have the money to buy the property, the owner will sign you a deed and will handover the property. You would then own the property, and it is yours to do with as you please.

In exchange though, you will get hold of the mortgage that will come with the house. In short, you will have to make the mortgage payments current along with all the fees and charges that come with the property. You will also be left with upgrading and repairing the house.

However some states give the original homeowners a redemption period though. This allows the previous homeowners to get back the property during a certain period of time, usually several months up to a few years, to buy back the property. Thus, all the investments of the current homebuyer will be invalidated.

Buying a pre-foreclosed property is actually safe if you are talking about checking the entire condition of the house but if you don't want the financial responsibilities that go along with it, this method of buying is not really an option for you. - 31385

About the Author:

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