Saturday, August 30, 2008

Alternative Investments What Are They

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you are looking at alternative investments the one we consider the best has an average gain of 920% over 20 years and has outperformed shares and property with less downside risk.



Alternative Investments What Are They? If you haven t guessed what it is, read on! The term alternative investments typically refers to hedge funds, high return mutual, private equity investing funds and a variety of non- traditional asset investments such as land, art, timber, precious metals and a variety of other collectables. The addition of alternative investments to a portfolio of traditional investments can not only enhance overall portfolio returns, but also help reduce downside swings and losses. Alternative Investments- Reduce Risk and Increase Long Term Performance! Portfolio Diversification. Low Correlation.


The concept of not putting all your eggs in one basket when investing, and spreading the risk is not a new concept- Harry Markowtiz reduced it to a mathematical formula in 195 Today, his work remains a major influence on both asset managers and investors when considering the overall make up of an investment portfolio. Markowitz worked on the assumption that all investors what to avoid risk if possible. The definition of this is" correlation, " and measures how much an investor can expect different investments or asset classes to change in price relative to each other. He considered how ALL the different investments in a portfolio can be expected to move relative to each other and how this affects the overall risk/ return of the portfolio. Attractive Rates of Return. A selection of shares for example, will probably all go down together in a bear market. If you choose the right alternative investment, then it will not only help reduce the risk of your portfolio, but can help provide better overall returns because some investments are correlated and move together.


However, other assets may actually rise. What is the Best Alternative Investment? An investor should therefore combine a number of non- correlated investments to balance the risk and reward of the portfolio. UK land is an ideal alternative investment to add to your portfolio- the reason for this is: Its historical performance, not only has shown good growth, but downside risk has been relatively low. Land Prices Rising Strongly Creates an Investment Opportunity UK land has on average risen in value by 920% over 20 years. Land has also produced solid long term gains regardless of whether stocks, equities and mutual have been rising or falling.


This represents the average, and investors who have been careful in their plot selection have made far greater gains. There is a need for new homes to be built and land developed. The UK is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe and has a rising population, combined with a severe housing shortage. You can make significant gains by buying land that could get planning permission in the future. You don t need to be wealthy to consider land as one of your alternative investments and even the smallest investor can take advantage of this opportunity. Alternative Investments are not Just for the Rich! Many specialist companies will help you select land that has a high potential to rise in value.


They will do the research and give you all the facts you need, to make an informed investment decision.

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With Such An Expansive Array Of Property Developments Being Undertaken, Several Key Ventures Stand Out Above The Rest - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

With so much development taking place in Dubai and so many freehold properties available, it s easy to get overwhelmed! Find all the necessary information on Dubai leasing property, buying Dubai property, selling Dubai property and Dubai property investment in general.

Even The Real Estate Agents Have Foreclosed Homes Offers In Plenty - Ester Sonntag about Finance and Real Estate:

Foreclosed houses are houses that have been closed by an individual or a group of individuals before another person owns them.

Friday, August 29, 2008

You Can T Do A Short Sale Without The Lender S Permission

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

In today s real estate market there are a tremendous amount of foreclosures taking place.



What does this mean? In Arizona alone the foreclosure rate is up 566% from this same time last year. Well, it means the, for some inevitable loss of their home. Unless they were properly advised, many home owners now find themselves in unenviable situations. Unfortunately, over the past 3- 4 years loan products that were available were not necessarily the right type of products for the average consumer. The big question is: What is Foreclosure? If your property is worth less than the total amount you owe on your mortgage loan, a deficiency judgment could be pursued.


The Answer: This is the legal means that your lender can use to repossess or take back your home. If that happens, you not only lose your home, you may owe an additional amount. So you should avoid foreclosure if possible. Both foreclosures and deficiency judgments could seriously affect your ability to qualify for credit in the future. The foreclosure downwind begins when your loan payment becomes 16 days overdue. If your first payment becomes 30 days delinquent the assumption is the next month s payment will be delinquent as well, collection attempts begin to be more aggressive. At that point, your mortgage lender will try to contact you to work out a repayment schedule to bring your loan current.


If your payments fall 90 days behind, the lender will likely refer your mortgage to an attorney or other entity that will initiate formal foreclosure proceedings. Effect of a foreclosure on your credit record: Devastating and long- lasting. With a foreclosure, the lender takes possession of the house, and puts the, evicts the tenants property up for sale. It remains on your credit record for at least seven years. Don t worry. Avoid foreclosure if possible.


There is help out there for those that are in foreclosure. During the process, be sure not to avoid the letters from your lender. There are many companies and individuals that will provide education and assistance at no cost. The more time you wait, the harder the situation will become and the more likely it is that you will lose your home. They are in the business of lending money, not owning homes. Believe it or not, lenders do NOT want to foreclose on your home. They will work with you and do everything they can in order to assist you in keeping your home.


Explain your situation. When you first become aware that you are having problems making your payments, call or write to your lender s Loss Mitigation Department without delay. Be prepared to provide them with financial information, such as your monthly income and expenses. Although it may be disheartening, be sure to open all of your mail from your lending company. Without this information, they may not be able to help. The initial mailings should provide information that will help you.


Contact your State Government Housing office. The latter mailings may be legal action that you must be aware. You must know your rights to be successful and each state is different. Gather your lending documents and read them thoroughly as they should explain the process to you as well. Be sure to ask questions. The main thing is to make sure you stay in your home.


During this stressful financial time, it is also very important that you prioritize your spending and look at what other assets you have that may assist you in keeping your family home. If not, you may not qualify for assistance if you abandon your property. Do you have extra cars, stocks or other, jewelry investments that you can sell in order to keep your home? Let s discuss some options that may be available to you. Research all options that will help you in keeping your home. Repayment Plan: You repay what is behind and promise to stay caught up. Forbearance: Forbearance isn t for an indefinite period.


This is usually when you are 16- 30 days late. It might be for one or three or six months, you, and after that ll be expected to make full payments on time. Loan Modification: A loan modification is similar to a refinance: The lender agrees to alter the loan, but with few or no fees. In most cases, you ll be expected to catch up within a year or 18 months. The lender might reduce the interest rate, change the loan from an ARM to a fixed- rate mortgage, or raise the monthly payment by a few dollars so you pay off the entire loan, including the past- due amount, by the loan s original end date. Shore Sale: In a short sale, you sell the house for less than you owe. Deed In Lieu Of Foreclosure: This option often is referred to as a" deed in lieu. " The borrower offers to hand over the deed to the property so the lender can take possession of the house and sell it.


You can t do a short sale without the lender s permission. Pay the real estate commission, taxes and government fees. With a short sale, you make necessary repairs to the house. And give the lender whatever money is left over- - a partial payment. Seek assistance so that you are able to explore all of your options. Again, remember to not procrastinate while going through this stressful time.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Villas With Home Cinemas Include, Villa Maco Lodge, Cove Spring House, Casa Loniceria, Villa Al Boschiglia And Son Salas

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Elegant Resorts latest Villas and Apartments brochure has just been released, introducing a whole host of new villas and, for the first time, apartments have also been included- to offer a much wider choice and even more flexibility.



Other facilities that can be enjoyed include: gourmet chefs or cooks on site, butler and maid service, private pools and, laundress jacuzzis, designer interiors, in- villa spas, tennis courts, games rooms, fully captained boats with water- sports, motor cruiser and captain, private cars and, water ski boats chauffeurs- the list goes on. This brochure offers a wide range of properties to suit all- couples, small or large groups, families and even groups who may be celebrating a special occasion and require their own island complete with home gym and private cinema. Villas with home cinemas include, Villa Maco Lodge, Cove Spring House, Casa Loniceria, Villa al Boschiglia and Son Salas. Flexibility and privacy come immediately to mind when selecting a villa or apartment, and the unique appeal of indulging in your own space is often a welcome alternative to the more traditional hotel experience. Tranquil gardens, magnificent views and sublime beaches complete the paradise. A choice of cooking favorite meals( or having them prepared for you by a private chef) is often part of a great holiday, and can also be a godsend to families with small children- alternatively why not use the opportunity to explore local restaurants.


It consists myriad styles and sizes from one bedroom such as Porto Zante Villas in Greece, Oceano in Portugal or Villa Atalante in St Barths- up to estates like Mount Hartman Bay in Grenada or Cove Spring House in Barbados, with the capacity to sleep 20- 22 people, or the total privacy of Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, a perfect hideaway for up to 28 people. The portfolio spans not only the Caribbean: Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, St Lucia, Mustique, St Barths, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, but also Orlando and the Gulf Coast of Florida in North America, and Europe: Portugal, Italy and Greece, Mallorca. Styles are also varied- the Tuscan- style Villa al Boschiglia in Italy, barefoot casual in Captiva or Naples in Florida, the traditional comfort of Royal Westmoreland in Barbados, the cutting edge contemporary feel of Cerulean Villa in Anguilla or Son Salas in Mallorca, a 17th century Mallorquin estate surrounded by 50 acres of olive, orange and lemon groves. Private Jets can also be easily arranged to make the very most of precious time and to create that effortlessly stylish holiday to each unique villa or apartment. Families and more active groups can enjoy the Orlando Luxury Villas, providing a refined experience, but with all the attractions of Disney and other theme parks nearby- as well as a choice of championship golf courses on the doorstep. Exclusive Special Offer.


Guests who book 7 nights will receive a further 7 nights free from �640 per person- save up to �435 per person. Elegant Resorts are also offering clients an exclusive special offer at The Old Sugar House in Barbados. Price is based on 10 adults sharing this 5 bedroom property and includes 14 nights accommodation and return private car transfers. This offer is valid from 1 August- 15 December 2007& 1 May- 30 September 2008 inclusive. Flights and all meals are extra.

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Home Equity Loan - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Maybe you ve been thinking about buying a second home or vacation home in Scottsdale, Arizona. It s a beautiful city with access to golf, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

If You Are Looking To Invest In A Property Abroad Then A Florida Holiday Home Will Provide You With The Perfect Opportunity - Kathleen Guglielmi's Finance and Real Estate blog:

If you are looking to invest in a property abroad then a Florida holiday home will provide you with the perfect opportunity.

The Key Factor That One Has To Remember When They Are Considering Investing In Residential Property Is The Location - Thelma Boll about Finance and Real Estate:

Many people say that what you know best, you are able to do best, but this is not always the case.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

It Is Always A Good Idea To Invest In Property

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

It is always a good idea to invest in property.



For instance, one can rent it out and earn a decent income from it without making too much effort. It may be a little expensive at first, but having a house of one s own can provide much peace of mind. A good rental plan can stand one in good stead during periods of financial crisis. At least, it won t disappear unless the tenant himself decides to take off. After all, here is a steady income that will not go away. When it comes to renting out one s house, one runs that risk. It is best to stay away from a candidate who has been known to have arrears on his rental payments.


That is why one should carry out extensive checks on the potential tenant. At the end of the day, one would not want to be landed with a tenant who lives on your property without paying the rent for a considerable amount of time. If he appears to be a high risk candidate, start to look out for someone who is steadier and less likely to bolt with the rent. Hence, it is a better idea to run a few checks on the tenant before drawing up the contract. Even apart from running checks on potential tenants, the property owner must do a lot of research. He should be specifically looking at property owners who own houses that are like his.


He has to find out the rates that other property owners are demanding for renting out their property. This would help him to decide what the ideal rent should be. Determining what the rental amount should be is a very vital aspect of renting out one s property. The area in which the property is located would also influence the amounts that are charged as rent. This is a great way to find possible tenants as well. People rent out property in the hope of having a steady and substantial side income.


Based on the amount of rent and the credit checks that are run on the applicants, one can easily decide whether or not choosing this applicant or the other shall be a good decision. There is no point in letting out one s property if one is unsure about the payment. Thus, one should definitely make space for credit checks and rent evaluation services prior to finalizing any deal with any tenant.

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Finding The Property - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

The real estate market today has never been better, but even in a healthy market, with new tools to find and evaluate potentially profitable properties, you can lose a lot of money.

The Florida Lot Sales - Ella Catania's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Real estate has become one of the most profitable forms of investment in the recent years.

Take The Time To View Several Homes - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Buying a new home can be an exciting time, whether it�s your first home or your fifth.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Life In Costa Del Sol

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The southern part of Spain boasts of a beautiful place, lying along the Mediterranean coastline from Gibralter in the west to Nerja in the east.



This place has enchanted many a heart and probably that is why Costa del Sol property is one of the hottest in property markets of the world. Costa del Sol is a group of coastal towns and communities belonging to the Malaga province and the eastern edge of the Cadiz province. The Weather in Costa del Sol. You would get a warm and friendly sunshine for more than 300 out of 365 days in a year. The average annual temperature in Costa del Sol is 18 degrees Celsius. Such affable weather conditions makes Costa del Sol property much sought after. Costa del Sol is well connected with the Malaga International airport.


Life in Costa del Sol. Besides, this place is well connected with the neighbouring villages. Plus, banks, you have supermarkets, shops that provide everything that you need to have a good life. If you plan to buy Costa del Sol property and stay here, get ready to have a wonderful life as Costa del Sol offers excellent restaurants and tapas bars in the nearby villages. For entertainment, you have night clubs, flamenco bars, bars, riding stables, tennis courts and, guided walks beauty spas. Fiestas in Costa del Sol is never without lots of music, eating and drinking, dancing.


Fiestas in Costa del Sol. People in this part of the country love to get drenched in fun and frolic. If you too want to get drenched in the life and lifestyle of Costa del Sol, then you can buy Costa del Sol property and stay here for as long as you want to filling yourself up with the essence of this region. There are carnivals, plays, fairs, pilgrimages, floats and processions.

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These Projects Have Been Built For Both Public And Private Clients - Sheree Viles about Finance and Real Estate:

Silver City has delivered the best value in Real Estate services by placing expert construction professionals on every project undertaken.

Costs Of Houses, Property For Sale In Bulgaria Are Growing Rapidly - Marsha Basey's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Realty out of the country might be a very attractive investment opportunity.

You Can Either Pay It Up Front, Or Have It Tacked On To Your Mortgage - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

When you do your number- crunching to figure out just how much of a home you can afford, make sure to budget for more than just the price of the home- a lot more.

Friday, August 22, 2008

A Large Amount Of Properties Are Sold At Auctions

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you are in search of purchasing your own house or wish to venture into real estate property, you could think about going to real estate auctions in your neighborhood. In these auctions you will generally come across properties that have been shut out.



You must thoroughly scan what is being offered. You might get a hold of these shut out properties at lower rates, as compared to the value in the market, but only if you happen to be the highest bidder. Therefore you might not really get a clear picture regarding the condition these properties. You should take into account that these properties have been owned in the past. This means that prior to involving yourself in real estate auctions that are open to public you should be aware of the pros and cons. You may have to be ready to carry out quite a lot of investment in renovating the property. Keep in mind that in case you have acquired the property at the auction, for lesser than the value in the market.


In addition you might run into legal issues. Once you have made it clear in your mind to involve yourself and buy from a real estate auction, the next step is to settle on what type of real estate auction you would like to look into. Therefore it is worthwhile to seek advice from a real estate attorney in these matters. The United States government, via its Treasury section generally arranges for quite a few real estate public auctions year after year on properties that have been shut out. There have been quite a few occasions where the properties at real estate auctions organized by the government are properties that have been confiscated because of criminal activities. These real estate properties have been owned in the past and for some or the other, the owners of these properties have not been able to go on with maintaining the property.


To have a look at the real estate auctions that are held by the United States government, you can go through listings from the General Services Administration( GSA) , or also the Department of Housing and Urban Development( HUD) , as well as the IRS foreclosed properties. Valuable unoccupied pieces of land, investment properties and, quiet residential properties commercial properties are a great hit at the auctions. A large amount of properties are sold at auctions. Properties which were in existence in the market since a long time get sold in the course of the auction process. To be entitled to bid, a probable buyer has got to put his/ her name down before the auction or else on the day of the auction. Exclusive and properties for particular use on the other hand, might not be well presented at such auctions. All the bidders are required to pen down the amount of money, which has been resolved earlier.


You must get in touch with the auction office to get to know the amount of the deposit because every auction sale is different. This amount of money has to be ready by filling in a certified check or a cashiers check. There is a possibility that personal checks might be acknowledged under particular circumstances. If by chance you place a high bid, that check turns out to be the money in your hands. If you have not won any bid then the auctioneer returns your check back to you without any further delay. Then you put down your signature on a contract of sale and take responsibility to meet all the terms and conditions of the auction specified.

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Meeting At The Property Is Much More Productive, And Professional - Alissa Favreau about Finance and Real Estate:

Contacting the homeowner in most cases is a challenge.

They Add The Additional Monies Owed As Additional Payments To Be Made, Lengthening The Time Of The Opriginal Mortgage By Several Months - Corina Eberle's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Across North America and the world, the market correction has caused the biggest increase in Foreclosures in Real Estate History, but is there any way for us, to profit, as Investors? But can we as Investors save these homes and their owners from Foreclosure and still be profitable?

This Property Can Have A Maximum Area Of 33 Acres - Finance and Real Estate:

Except for the language barrier, buying property in Cyprus can be a rather uncomplicated process- the entire process is backed by clear rules and regulations. These lawyers do not represent either the seller or the agent, but look solely after your interests throughout the property buying process.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Real Estate Purchase Offer Tip# 1

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

So, you ve found a home that you really like and are ready to make a serious offer. Before you do make a purchase offer, there are some, though things you should keep in mind.



What an exciting time in the home buying process this is! When coming up with an offer and approaching the seller, it is absolutely critical to have effective communication between you, your real estate Agent, and the seller. Although market conditions are different depending on where you live, these tactics are truly evergreen and can be used as guidelines to help you know where you should start. It s really the key to getting the best deal on the house that you want. However, you should obviously take into consideration your market conditions and make adjustments accordingly. Your real estate Agent should be able to review homes that have sold recently in your area of interest and let you know that" on average, homes are sold for 103% of asking price. " This will give you insight into what the fair market value is for the home you want to buy and where you should start your offer process if you are truly serious about acquiring this specific property. For example, you may be in a very hot seller s market where homes are often sold for prices higher than their initial asking price.


On the contrary, you may be in a buyer s market that dictates that" on average, homes are sold for 97% of asking price. " By knowing this information, you ll have a good idea of what price you will have to pay to acquire the home. When building an offer strategy, you ll have to do your best not to get your emotions involved. It will also help you set a high range for you offer strategy. When emotions enter the picture, the most emotional person usually doesn t win the game. Real Estate Purchase Offer Tip# 1. Your logical decision making process will get clouded and will be overcome by the feelings you ve developed for the home. Start low and come up later.


Real Estate Purchase Offer Tip# 2. Real estate sellers almost always counter- offer. Understand that: The seller can be insulted and fail to respond. The seller could get defensive or hostile. The other Agent s ego could get involved and convince the seller not to respond. The seller could be harder to negotiate with because of the initial offer. Real Estate Purchase Offer Tip# 3.


The seller may not care if they sell it to you at all. The key questions to ask when a home buyer expects that a counter offer will be too low compared to the seller s initial offer: What will it take to be the seller s best buyer? Keep these tips in mind when you reach the purchase offer stage of your real estate buying process. What will it take to avoid offending the seller? They could literally save you thousands of dollars on your home.

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A VA Loan May Be Possible - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

When I was in my early thirties I became interested in real estate again.

Buy A Vacation House For Love - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

In today s hectic world, the decision of buying a holiday or vacation home is very tempting indeed, but before one takes the plunge there are a few things that should definitely be kept in mind. Will it serve as your retirement or vacation house or a financial investment?

It S Home - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The large investment gains realized in the past few years in some housing markets have caused many people to lose sight of the real purpose of buying a house. The primary function that building serves is that it is a HOME, not a financial instrument or status symbol.