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What Is The Difference Between A Recurring and Non-Recurring Closing Cost

Basics

Some of the closing costs you pay are just the beginning of costs that you will pay as long as you own the property.

These costs can include property taxes and hazard insurance policies. Year in and out you will need to pay property taxes and maintain a hazard insurance policy. These costs usually cannot be avoided.

Non-Recurring Costs

These costs are one time charges you will not need to pay again with this loan. Of course if you refinance again or buy another property you will have to pay these charges again. You just don’t need to pay them otherwise.

Non-recurring costs may include:

escrow feestitle insurance policynotary feegovernment filing feescourier feeslender feeswiring feesThese types of fees are usually one time charges. You don’t need to worry about paying them again and again. They can still add up to several thousand dollars.

You can compare offers from different lenders by applying for a loan and receiving a “Good Faith Estimate” from each of them.

A good faith estimate is a written estimate of the closing costs of a loan. This may include recurring and non-recurring costs. This is only an estimate and not a guarantee of fees. Many of the fees are third party fees that can only be estimated because the lender or mortgage broker doesn’t control the third parties.

When you receive these good faith estimates from different parties compare the recurring and non-recurring costs properly. If one good faith estimate appears too low it is probably because the estimate is lowballed by not including all of the real charges. This is a temptation when brokers or lenders are competing for your business. They know many borrowers will just go with the lowest estimate, not realizing that the actual costs will be different.

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How To Stage Your Home For A Quick Sale

Do it yourself Staging. Staging will help you sell your home!

Staging your home can be a confusing subject. Not because the act of staging is a complex art but simply because so many people are unaware of what this action can provide. Do we all need to stage our properties before placing them on the market? Do we all want top dollar, a quick sale and less stress? The answer is obviously yes. Fortune magazine recently came out with an article stating that staging is an absolute must due to the changes we are seeing in different real estate markets across the country. The points that we need to address are very easy to understand. Always stay neutral, get organized packing away thing you don’t use everyday, be sure to keep your home clean, and finally how to make some subtle changes. These four things must be addressed when offering your home to buyers. The tools need to achieve these goals are easy to master and for the most part free. If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next few months, now is as good a time as any to get prepared. These are things that are mandatory to a successful campaign. A race to get the best monetary gain possible, less time on the market equaling less stress and an outcome that you will be satisfied with.

The key to staging your home is making everything neutral. A neutral home is an organized home. Both go hand in hand. Plastic bins and toys boxes are a great way to help your kids learn that items they are not using need to be kept out of sight.

Another issue that must be addressed deals with holiday decor. Please do not leave your Merry Christmas mat on display after New Years. Knocking on your door in July to find Santa greeting me is not an option (this actually happened just last week).

Keeping items in storage can help keep your home tidy. Pack away the items you never use. Appliances that are not used daily can be stored in cabinets or closets. If you have too many items on display this can create clutter in the buyers mind. Once you have boxed up items in the home put them into your garage or storage areas. Running short on storage? Consider (keeping in mind your budget) renting a small storage area until the move .You should never to show a home that has boxes just lying around. Look at this task by realizing the extra benefits. You can use this time to get things packed for your pending move. A garage sale is a great way to get rid of some items you no longer need. You can use the profit for any staging expense.

Please remember if you do nothing else this next issue is simple and a MUST when selling your home. Your home needs to be clean and remain this way the entire time you have it listed. Research shows that 83% of the information we take in is through our sense of sight. Also keep in mind that smells can be an issue for many buyers. Make sure the home smells inviting and not overpowering. If you are a smoker, please keep in mind that some people are not and this could be an issue. Just a little bit of smell prevention goes a long way.

I want to mention one last aspect of staging that can be fun. We all love to add a little something new to our home from time to time. Now is your chance to pamper yourself and your home. Show your love for fresh flowers by visiting your local grocer for a nice bouquet. The smell can also be very inviting. You may also want to add some decorative touches to the home. Something you feel will give it that extra appeal. Keep in mind that these items should stay NEUTRAL. Many of us are working with a budget. You never know what treasures you can find at a resale shop, the dollar store, or an area garage sale.

As a Realtor, it is my job to let you know what my training and experience has taught me. A good agent should speak up and recommend changes that will help you achieve your home selling goals. The levels of home staging vary.. Some homes may require a bit of cosmetic work or advanced staging to help improve the value of your home. The information I have talked about is very basic, inexpensive, yet they are some of the MOST IMPORTANT issues that are mandatory when selling your home.

Christina Stevens
REALTOR Licensed in Texas and Nevada.

Galveston4sale.com Galveston4sale.com

LasVegas4sale.net LasVegas4sale.net

Thanks for Fortune Magazine Visit

North Shore Real Estate is an Oasis for Homeowners

One of the most basic human needs is a shelter. We all want to fulfill this need and take it a step further by desiring our dream home. Buying a home is a major decision in anyone’s life, emotionally as well as financially. The real estate market can be very tricky for those who are new to it. Finding the right place and getting it for the right price is definitely what we all strive for. For that to happen it is wise to get some expert help once you decide where you want to settle.

If you are planning to buy a property around New Orleans, the North Shore is the favored spot these days. New Orleans or “The Big Easy”, in itself is a great American city. It’s well known as a tourist attraction; great sceneries, lakes and rivers, museums, theatres, famous Mardi Gras, but for people thinking about living in the region, an added incentive of a well sustained economy and a great community are always welcome.

The North Shore, which includes cities like Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond and areas north of lake Pontchartrain & Lake Maurepas, is full of natural beauty. With lakes and rivers as well as proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the largest wetlands area on the continent, the area has a lot to offer the nature lovers.

The life on the north shore of New Orleans definitely comes with a lot of extras. Living in one of the most visited destination in America, your weekends will never be empty. Theaters, museums, parks, outdoor activities, golf and water sports, kayaking and boating, and nature trails, you choose what you want, and most probably you will find something to catch your fancy.

Apart from natural beauty, the Mandeville real estate and Covington real estate markets are considered to be the best in the area. Not only are the locales very peaceful and pristine but will also provide value for money. Comparatively speaking, Hammond real estate is a preferred option for people on a budget. For families considering moving to the New Orleans North Shore, the two most important factors would probably be the economic stability which translates into job availability and good schooling for the children.

New Orleans has a robust economy. Tourism, port and ship building, the oil industry and aerospace manufacturing are the mains pillars of the economy. Even then, small businesses provide around 75% of jobs in the city. During the last few years, the film industry has started to establish the city as a new base, which has earned the city the name “Southern Hollywood”.

With a diversified economic base, a booming economy and low unemployment rate the city is a magnet for people looking to venture new waters. The North Shore region is about 45 minutes of commute from the New Orleans and most people from those cities travel to the Crescent City for work. You can enjoy life in North Shore, about which it is aptly said, where New Orleans comes to Play, and work in the city, thus get the best of both worlds.

The North Shore region is serviced by many well reputed private as well as public schools, colleges and universities. Tulane University is amongst the top 50 research universities of the country, naming one of many renowned higher education institutes. As a prospective buyer you will have an enviable choice on your hand. The Mandeville Louisiana real estate market and the Covington Louisiana real estate options are worth checking, offering the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of a small town and the facilities of modern metropolises.

It is only the informed buyer who is able to find the real estate that is right and suitable for him but also gets it for the right price. Whenever you are ready to make such big investment, it is always wise to get some expert and professional help. Finding a good real estate agent, who will understand your budget and needs and then find the best possible options, should be the way to go. Look around, find the right agent and then enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling life in your beautiful home. Good Luck!

** About the author text:
When you are ready to buy your dream home on the New Orleans North Shore in Mandeville or Covington look to the local experts for advice. Gregg Tepper, Prudential Gardner understands the new homeowners’ budgets and needs. Visit greggtepper.com/ to start the search for your new home!

When you are ready to buy your dream home on the greggtepper.com/ New Orleans North Shore in Mandeville or Covington look to the local experts for advice. Gregg Tepper, Prudential Gardner understands the new homeowners’ budgets and needs. Visit greggtepper.com/ greggtepper.com/ to start the search for your new home!

Buying Overseas Property – 8 Tips to Help You Find Your Dream Home

Buying a property overseas can be exciting and can also make you money. There is a vast amount of destinations to choose from.

Here we will outline 8 basic tips for buying overseas property that will help you find the property of your dreams.

1. Why are you buying?

Be clear of your major objective before buying your overseas property.

You need to decide exactly what you want the property to do for you.

Is it purely for a capital gain to a profit? Or is it for your use mainly as a vacation home?

2. Don’t rush

Don’t hurry or act on impulse.

If you miss one property there will always be another one later. Make sure you stay cool calm and collected and don’t rush into anything.

3. Get professional help

A good realtor and lawyer may cost you extra, but they can save you money in the long term and its money well spent.

They know the local market and the know the local laws and these are areas you will need guidance in.

The laws in many countries are very different from what you’re used to and you need to check all the facts and make sure you’re clear on what your rights are.

4. Do Your own Research

While you should have a good realtor and lawyer to help you, the final say in buying the overseas property of your dreams is with you.

So take advice but don’t take it blindly, make your own mind up and take your time to ensure the property is right for your needs - only you know them.

5. Select your location to suit your needs

Are you buying to get away from it all and immerse your self in the local culture or are you buying to be in a country and still have a large expert community around you?

The type of property you buy will reflect your personality and what you want to get from your investment.

6. Buying a property for investment

If you are buying a property and want it to appreciate in value, don’t go for cheap properties just for the sake of it.

This means avoiding countries where the market is yet to take off and buying one that has taken off and has room for further growth i.e. there is steady investment coming into the market.

New property hot spots come all the time and the sales patter sounds convincing but, most of these markets never take off and a loss.

If you want to make money with the lowest risk you should buy an established market that’s expanding and has good potential for more growth.

7. Buy a property in a place that is popular with locals

If you are buying overseas property as investment property it should be in an attractive area for investors of all different nationalities as well as locals.

This means when buying your overseas property you can sell quickly and at a good price, should you wish to do so.

These areas also tend to hold value well and appreciate over time.

Check out the shops, restaurants, and entertainment in an area. Most people who want to use a property as a holiday home will want to be near shops, restaurants, and other facilities.

Also check the transport how close you are to major airports etc

This is critical not only for re selling, but also if you want a rental income. Most people like easy communications especially in the rental market so check access carefully.

8. Check other developments!

Check other developments that are planned in the area around where you are buying your overseas property.

One day you may have a stunning beach view and the next year this could suddenly be a little different, with a huge apartment block in the way!

Think this doesn’t happen?

Well it happens to more people than you may think, so don’t take the risk check the planning in building that could go on near your property purchase and play safe.

When buying an overseas property, take your time and use the tips above and you are well on the way to buying the overseas property of your dreams - good luck!

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For more info on all aspects of net-planet.org/real-estate.html investing in overseas real estate visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at net-planet.org/index.html net-planet.org/index.html

Affordable Mortgage Loans

There are a lot of options these days when it comes to finding an affordable mortgage loan. Lenders literally compete for potential new homeowner business. Now lenders have another tool, the internet.

Lenders can now reach out to those looking for affordable mortgage loans through saturation e-mails, e-mails that go out to a blanket buyer list, and online websites offering the best possible rates. The lenders today include savings and loans, commercial banks, mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, and credit unions. Individual home owners have even gotten into the act with websites that showcase the terms they are willing to offer. These secondary websites are growing every year allowing homeowners to cut out the middle man all together. All of these things make it easier for the person looking to purchase a home find that perfect mortgage.

So how do you find the perfect lender online? The first thing to keep in mind is that there are hundreds and it will take some research to do it. Just typing in “mortgage loans” will bring up everything from actual mortgage loans to mortgage brokers to sites that don’t have anything at all to do mortgages but have the word mortgage in them somewhere. Because there are so many it is important to begin with laying out exactly what you want in a mortgage and then narrowing down your search as much as possible. If you are looking for a specific interest rate, enter that into your search, for example “mortgage loans 9.3 interest rate. The key is to narrow it down so that you are looking at the choices that will suit your needs.

There are many different types of home loans and depending on what you are looking for the loan you choose will determine your interest rate, term of loan, and loan options. Your financial situation will also play into what type of loan you qualify for; being able to put money down, or make high payments can make all the difference. The nice thing about figuring this entire process out by doing it online is that you are in control. You are doing the research, you are making the decisions and you are doing all of this in private. You won’t have to be concerned about what the mortgage guy is thinking because for this part of the process, you are the mortgage guy.

Connie Barker is the owner of several financial websites including those which deal with smartloandirect.com/affordable-mortgage-loans.html Affordable Mortgage Loans

Different Types of First Home Mortgages

First home mortgages are available to help you achieve your long-time dream of having your first home. But, you must know all the essentials of first home mortgages. Most experts believe that the more you know about the different types and essence of mortgages, the better they will serve you.

There are different types of first home mortgages that differ in one-way or another. They may have different payment modes, fees, interest rates, etc. If you want to obtain information about these mortgages, you may conduct some research over the Internet. There are online sites that offer valuable information about a mortgage, and how you may utilize it. Some business and corporate magazines may also offer ideas. Another good way to gain information is to consult bank mortgage personnel or a real estate agent.

If you’re done your homework, you may find out that each of these mortgages offers their own pros and cons. In a fixed-rate mortgage, for example, you’ll know how much your payment will be, and so you can plan how you will pay it. On the other hand, in an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM, you may be able to afford an expensive home, since you’ll have lower initial interests. You can also avail of an FHA or a VA mortgage loan. FHA is open to all of those who want to buy a home and pass qualification requirements, while the VA guarantees loans to those qualified veterans of the military.

These are just some types of mortgages available. You can speak with your real estate agent about other available types. Remember to be cautious in trusting the people you’re dealing with, since you may lose quite a sum with hoaxes.

e-FirstHomeMortgage.com First Home Mortgage provides detailed information on First Home Mortgages, First Home Buyer Mortgages, First Home Equity Mortgages, Different Types of First Home Mortgages and more. First Home Mortgage is affiliated with e-firstmortgage.com First Residential Mortgage.

Apartmnets in the Luxurious Districts in the Capital of Bulgaria with Record-breaking Rise of 33%

The studio and one-bedroom apartments have raised their prices with a record–breaking increase of over 33% in the prestigious quarters in the capital during 2006, the data of the last investigations has pointed to the fact. The biggest increase of property prices of above 52% is indicated in “Borovo” district. At present the prices of the one-bedroom brick apartments vary between 682 and 1174 EUR per sq .m.

According to statistics during the last year small residences in the central Sofia streets has raised their price with nearly 15%, as in the beginning of 2007 the average offer prices reach 1050 EUR/sq. m. The property searching in this part of the capital is quite big at the moment. One -bedroom properties are purchased for offices but recently most of the owners have turned them into residences, which they rent as hotel premises acquiring better return income, brokers shared.
Big rise of over 46 % of the studio and one-bedroom apartments for the last 12 months record the statistics also for the prestigious quarter of Iztok. The offering there is low .At the moment only three one-bedroom apartments of 50 sq. m. total area each are offered for sale, situated in the new building against “Interpred” building, for them a price of 63 000 EUR, 1260 EUR / sq. m is announced.

In the neighboring quarter of “Dianabad” prices of the small apartments are traded between 875 – 1250 EUR per sq. m. The cheapest offer is for an estate of 40 sq .m. area at the price of 35 000 EUR .The most expensive one – at the price of 75 000 EUR is offered a residence of 50 sq. m. with expensive design furniture.

Despite the central part of the capital, prices of one-bedroom apartments are above 1000 EUR per sq .m. One of them is “Geo Milev ” district, where this type of properties has raised in price during the last year with mostly 38 %. Presently prices range between 852 –1174 EUR per sq .m. For the most expensive estate the price is 59 500 EUR while for the cheapest 34 930 EUR.

On all aspects of investing in properties in Bulgaria visit our website for a huge resource of articles and the largest and most diverse selection of quality Bulgarian property at icbproperties.com icbproperties.com

Michelle Tabakova

Should I Get a Home Equity Mortgage With a Fixed or Adjustable Rate?

Deciding to get a home equity loan is easy. Deciding what kind of loan can look a lot more complicated. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think – once you know the basics.

Home equity loans are a way of borrowing against the equity in your home. And, because the loans are secured by your home, lower interest rates are often available.

Sure, the choices of how to use the money are unlimited (and can be exciting). Home equity loans are attractive for those that want to do home improvements, use the money for investments or pay off those irritating higher-interest credit card balances or consumer loans. Also, ask your lender about the tax benefits of a home equity loan.

But the choices of which kind of loan are more limited. It really comes down to two options: a fixed rate loan or an adjustable rate loan.

Which one is right for you?

“At the beginning, lots of consumers are excited about getting a home equity loan or line of credit,” says Thor George, a Southern California loan consultant who has successfully walked hundreds of applicants through the process. “But first, do some homework so you will understand the basic differences between the two loan products, and be aware of the variables that can affect the loan’s approval.”

Some consumers like the stability of the more traditional FIXED RATE LOAN. It’s the most plain and simple loan product available – and it’s considered the “conservative” choice. As its name implies, a fixed rate loan has an interest rate that is fixed for the term of the loan. The payments on the loan are also fixed at one amount. For example, if you take out a 30-year fixed mortgage and the payments are $900 a month, then you are going to pay that $900 per month for the life of the loan.

Other consumers like the flexibility of an ADJUSTABLE RATE LOAN (also known as an adjustable rate mortgage or “ARM”). This is an “aggressive” loan in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index. The time between the interest changes can vary, but it is usually annually.

Adjustable rate loans are attractive because the flexible interest rates can allow borrowers to qualify for loan amounts usually beyond their current financial reach. The interest rate on the amount borrowed can be much lower during the first year (or years) of the loan. That’s what makes it more affordable. But in the following years, the interest rate can fluxuate upward or downward, depending on the index you and your lender have agreed upon. That’s what makes it more risky.

Normally, adjustable rate loans fluxuate within a margin comfortable to most consumers — perhaps one or two percentage points – and include a “cap” which keeps the rate from going any higher than a predetermined level. But consumers need to keep in mind that any interruption in their income, such as a death, divorce or loss of a job, can push cash-strapped households into troubled waters.

One option for consumers is to use the home equity loan as a line of credit – taking out just what they need, when they need it.

“A home equity credit line can be great in an emergency or to use as an investment vehicle,” George says. “And best of all, you only pay on what you borrow. Later on, consumers also have the option of converting their adjustable rate loan into a fixed loan.”

George also advises consumers to look before they leap. The variables are very important. Potential loan applicants need to make themselves familiar with the loan application process, how their credit history affects whether the loan will be approved, and be prepared to provide the necessary information in a timely manner. If you think a home equity loan is in your future, be aware that everything you do now that involves credit will affect the loan process later. Be careful about changing jobs (particularly changing professions), and think twice about taking out other consumer loans or using existing or new credit cards. All of these could significantly affect your debt-to-income ratio.

Remember, consumers (that’s you) carry the ultimate responsibility for making sure they get the loan that is right for them and understand the financial obligation they are taking on. How do they do that?

1. Do your homework: Know the terms and lender products that are available. The variety is extensive. But don’t let that intimidate you, take advantage of it. Choose the right product so that it works for you and your family’s future.

2. Shop around. Contact different lenders, compare options and choose the home equity loan that best fits your income and needs.

3. Check and re-check. Review all paperwork and contracts thoroughly before you sign or agree to anything.

4. There are no stupid questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the terms and conditions of your financing agreement.

5. If you are considering an adjustable rate loan, it pays to check with several lenders for the lowest rate. Compare the annual percentage rates – and don’t forget about the other charges like points and closing costs.

6. Check out the Federal Trade Commission’s handy web site: www.ftc.gov. The FTC works for you to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices, especially in the lending marketplace.

David W. Johnson is a free lance writer and media consultant based in Southern California. He currently writes real estate finance related articles, you can read more of his articles at bdnationwidemortgage.com BD Nationwide Second Mortgage and get the latest updated rates and information about home equity loans. For a complete look at loan programs please go to bdnationwidemortgage.com/equity-mortgage-loan.html Equity Mortgage Loans. “When Your Home is on the Line.” Accessed online bdnationwidemortgage.com/second_mortgage.html second mortgages

Copyright BD Nationwide Mortgage Company 2006 ©

What Is the Perfect Bank Foreclosure Property?

Do you want a fun way to make money? If so, you are urged to examine real estate investing. Although real estate investing may not sound like fun at first, it actually can be quite a bit of fun, not to mention very profitable.

When it comes to making money as a real estate investor, it is important that you make a profit. To do this, you need to purchase properties that are considered low-cost properties. Those properties should then be fixed up, repaired, or updated, and then either resold or turned into rental properties. For the best chance of success, you are advised to examine bank foreclosure properties. Bank foreclosure properties are often sold for a fraction of their actual value. This is why they are highly sought after, but to make money with bank foreclosure properties, you need to find the perfect properties.

When it comes to defining the perfect bank foreclosure property, there are a number of factors that need to be examined. For starters, as it was mentioned above, there are many real estate investors who choose to repair or remodel their properties and then resell them for a profit. Of course, all different types of bank foreclosure properties, including commercial buildings, apartment complexes, single family homes, multi-family homes, and land, can be resold, but many try and focus on single family homes. In the United States, single family homes are often considered the most purchased piece of property. However, that number does vary from location to location, so you may want to think about doing a little bit of local researching first.

In addition to reselling a property, many real estate investors turn their bank foreclosure properties into rental properties. As with reselling, just about any type of property, including land, can be used for rentals, but it is best if you focus on multi-family homes and apartment complexes, as they are often easier to market to hopeful tenants. Should you also wish, you may be able to make money by purchasing commercial buildings; however, these commercial building are less likely to enter into foreclosure in the first place.

Price also needs to be taken into consideration, when finding the perfect bank foreclosure property. When examining price, you need to keep repairs or updates in mind, as they will have an impact on the overall cost of a foreclosure property. There are also additional foreclosure fees that you may be charged, such as back property taxes. In all honesty, it depends on the state in question. Before agreeing to buy any bank foreclosure properties, especially if you are a beginner, you are advised to take time to familiarize yourself with bank foreclosure properties. This can be done by taking a local or online real estate investing course.

The above mentioned factors are few of the many that need to be taken into consideration, when looking for the perfect bank foreclosure property. As a reminder, if you would like to learn more, you are advised to consider taking a real estate investing course, particularly one that has a focus on bank foreclosure properties and how to profit from them.

Amon Minor is a writer for Fastcashinrealestateforeclosures.com where you can find accurate information about fastcashinrealestateforeclosures.com/bank-foreclosure-2.htm Bank Foreclosure Resources and other related information.

Cutting Edge Real Estate, Is the Bubble Ready To Burst?

Of course, this is the big question in real estate now. . .

Will the so-called real estate bubble burst like the dot-com
bubble did a few years back?

There are some good arguments
on both sides of the issue. Whatever happens in the next few
years, it will affect millions of Americans, and therefore
also millions of people worldwide. If the bubble does
“burst” as some say, it is all but certain we could, or more
like would, go into a recession. A deep one. Right now the
real estate business has been a prime reason that the
economy has been decent the last few years. It has been one
of the few consistently bright areas of our economy.

First of all, to compare the real estate industry with the
dot-com industry is unreasonable. It’s comparing apples with
oranges. The real estate industry has been and will always
be a central part of the US economy. It will never disappear
and there will always be a need and demand for it. Investing
in real estate makes sense for the long term. On the other
hand, the dot-com bubble was not based on anything more than
speculation. Many businesses were trading on the stock
market for unreal amounts of money and never made a dime in
profit and ultimately never would.

So for me, some of this thinking is this: “Well, the stock
market had the dot-com boom and then it collapsed, so now we
have this real estate boom so surely it will collapse also.”
I just don’t go along with that comparison. Again, these are
totally different industries and markets. Heck, if we can
pay $20,000, $50,000 and even up to and over $100,000 on
automobiles, then spending $300,000, $1,000,000 and more on
homes seems very reasonable. Property will always be there
as long as the mortgage is paid and the taxes are paid, too.
That brings us to a good argument for believing the real
estate market will slow down and possibly have a downturn.

The reason there is a good argument for the belief that the
real estate industry will have a major downturn is because
some people, perhaps a good amount of people, won’t be able
to keep up with their mortgage payments if they start losing
their jobs and the economy slows down. The rise in gas
prices could have a major effect on the economy and if these
homeowners start defaulting on their mortgages then this
could turn the industry around.

Many home owners and speculative real estate investors are
using what some would call risky home mortgages, the
interest-only and no-income verification loans. These allow
more people to buy more homes and are part of the reason the
real estate industry has enjoyed such a boom the last
several years. Creative financing started decades ago and
has kept increasing more and more different ways for the
home buyer and speculator to get what they want. This is a
good thing overall in my opinion. However I can see the
dangers of this trend also. I don’t feel a burst is
inevitable but it is certainly very possible. Perhaps more
likely, unless a major event such as another war or
terrorist attack, is a slow down and evening off of the
growth of the real estate industry.

There are those on the side of the inevitable downturn
philosophy, who are preparing for the worst. Just as some
people can make money on the stock market even when it goes
down, there are those who are preparing for a possible –
inevitable in their minds – downturn in the real estate
market.

Here is one such way to capitalize on a real estate bubble
burst or at least a downturn: pre- foreclosure deals. There
are some investment clubs that are based solely on waiting
for this to happen and then buying into this market. People
will be foreclosing in record numbers if this downturn
comes. Perhaps it is more accurate to say when, because as
history shows there are always downturns in the market; and
with all the creative financing, no interest loans and no
income verification loans the probability of a downturn is
likely. However, this is different than a “burst.”

So here is what can happen:

1. The market will keep going the way it has the last few
years, which is up, up and up. Quickly is some areas. Not
likely.

2. The market will slow down and level off soon. Very
possible.

3. The market will have a slight downturn and many will lose
their homes and many will benefit from this. Very possible.

4. The market will “burst” the “bubble” and there will be a
major catastrophe in the industry. Possible, but not as
likely as 2 and 3.

Whatever happens, there will be some who are ready for it.

Tim Phelan makes his living now online and has been involved
in real estate as an investment for several years.
timphelansblog.blogspot.com/ Tim Phelan’s Blog
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