Assistance for Home Buyers

Each year, a large number of families make the decision to move. This move often results in the purchase of a new home. If you are moving in or around the Los Angeles area, you may be wondering what type of assistance is available for home buyers.

In and around the Los Angeles area, there are numerous individuals who are able to assist an individual or a family with buying a new home. Out of all of those individuals, the most popular is a buyer real estate agent. Los Angeles is full of homes that are for sale. Choosing a specific home can be a difficult decision, especially if you and your family are not originally from the Los Angeles area.

If you are interested in obtaining the services of buyer real estate agent, you will need to find an agent to do business with. If you are from out-of-town, you can easily found an agent online. You are urged to find the contact information of a number of real estate agents or real estate companies. Before deciding on a particular buyer agent, you will want to speak to them directly over the phone.

When you are speaking to a real estate buyer agent, it is important to inform them that you are from out-of-town. Not all agents are setup to handle out-of-town clients. If a particular agent is unable to assist you, it is likely that they would provide you with the contact information of other individuals that may be able to offer assistance. When speaking to a buyer real estate agent it is important to determine how they obtain their fees and what services they offer.

Similar to all other real estate agents, a buyer real estate agent will obtain their fees in different ways. This is important when finding a buyer real estate agent. Los Angeles has a large number of agents; therefore, it is important to find one that offers low fees. Most will receive a commission percentage from the purchase of your home, but it is still important to check first.

It is also important to determine the features or services provided by each buyer real estate agent. Los Angeles, as previously mentioned, has a large number of agents. If you are interested in getting the best value for your money, you are encouraged to the compare services offered, as well as the fees they are being offered for. Popular services include video conferencing, video home tours, and much more.

If you are interested in using a buyer agent, you have a number of ways to find the perfect buyer real estate agent. Los Angeles phone books or online business directories are free and easy ways to find a number of real estate buyer agents. Selecting the perfect real estate buyer agent is important. Without the perfect agent, you could be paying too much for your new home.

Brad Horn is a writer for 1 percent realtor where you can find a great Los Angeles Buyer Real Estate Agent

Arizona Real Estate Taxes

Owning a home is a good investment ? stereotyped phrase nowadays. It?s also a place to live, place to be with our family. It gives freedom, stability and security to our life. There are some financial expenses ? like upkeep, insurance, real estate taxes - which must be paid. If someone plans to move to Arizona, it is indispensable to look after Arizona taxes. Some taxes are lower, some taxes are higher, compared to other states. For example Arizona charges a property tax for automobiles. It is paid along with the vehicle registration. But real estate taxes might be lower.

Owner-occupied residential properties are checked by local assessors in Arizona. They use computerized systems to value residential property for property tax purposes. Besides they use replacement cost new less depreciation or sales analysis method. They choose one of these methods, it depends on technical considerations such as the accuracy of each method for that area and the number of sales available for analysis.

Owner-occupied residential properties and residential rental property are assessed at 10% of full cash value. The average tax rate on homes in Arizona before exemptions and rebates is approximately 1.3% of market value or 13% of assessed value.

It is important to note that Arizona property taxes on owner-occupied residences are levied based on the Assessed Value, not current market value, because people usually get confused about that. The assessed value is always lower than market price, and it is important to use this number when we calculate taxes.

Fruzsina Csery, http://www.arizonaatoz.com

Real Estate Market Reaches Equilibrium between Buyers and Sellers

The latest quarterly survey shows that equilibrium has been achieved -- 41% of real estate agents said more buyers than sellers; 40% said there were more sellers than buyers, and 19% reported a 50-50 balance.

Most notable exceptions are in the Northeast, Chicago metro area, and in the Western states. (See Second Quarter chart.) Home buyers outnumber sellers by considerable margins in Chicago and the West, while sellers outnumber buyers in the Northeast. Additional proof of a balanced nationwide housing market between buyers and sellers was reported by the National Association of Realtors, which estimated a 6.5 month supply of unsold homes in its May report. An inventory supply of 5.5 to 6.0 months is considered balanced. The second quarter national survey also found:

? Fifty-six percent of real estate agents said it is now on average, taking more than 60 days from listing to contract to sell a house. This is up from 55% in the first quarter and 35% a year ago. Twenty- eight percent said it is taking more than 90 days to contract. Only 15% of existing homes for sale are selling in 30 days or less.

? Housing inventories are continuing to increase: 86% now report a good supply of homes in virtually all price ranges. This is up from 81% in the first quarter and 38% a year ago.

? Sixty-six percent of member agents reported that annual home price appreciation is now five percent or less. This is down from 8-10% a year ago. Home price appreciation of more than 10% is now 16%, on average.

? The percentage of home sellers getting 95% or more of asking prices is currently 68%, compared to 90% a year ago. Three months ago it was 75%.

? Multiple offers from home buyers are also down substantially. Currently, the estimate is 32%. It was 39% in the first quarter and 70% a year ago.

? First-time buyers still account for one of three sales of homes nationally. Repeat and move-up buyers are most active in higher priced markets. Recent home price appreciation and rising mortgage rates & interest rates have had only a minimal negative effect on first-time buyers, on average. Exceptions are marginal qualifiers.

?We welcome a balanced, more orderly marketplace for both the consumer and real estate professionals,? said Michael Bearden, president and CEO ?Double-digit price appreciation is simply not sustainable for a multi-year period and will eventually drive away entry level buyers.?

Second Quarter Current Market Conditions Survey: Regional Results

U.S. South Midwest Northeast West California* Chicago*

More Buyers

41% 40% 49% 30% 47% 39% 50%

More Sellers

40% 44% 30% 50% 34% 41%

19% 50-50

19% 16% 21% 20% 19% 20% 31%

Time on Market:

0-60 days

44% 35% 31% 48% 49% 49% 35%

More than 60 days

56% 65% 69% 51% 51% 51% 65%

Sale vs. Ask Price:

90-95%

35% 35% 29% 37% 26% 29% 34%

95% -100% Plus

65% 65% 71% 63% 74% 71% 66%

Annual Apprec.:

5% or less

66% 57% 70% 73% 65% 75% 61%

5-10%

18% 30% 20% 19% 15% 11% 31%

More than 10%

16% 13% 10% 8% 20% 14% 8%

Inventory:

Good Supply

86% 86% 90% 96% 83%90% 92%

Limited Supply

14% 14% 10% 4% 17% 10% 8%

Multiple offers:

Yes

32% 35% 33% 34% 32%18% 55%

No

68% 65% 67% 66% 68%82% 45%

Activity:

First Time Buyers

33% 34% 41% 47% 42%44% 35%

Move-Up & Repeat

67% 66% 59% 53% 58%56% 65%

*California survey percentages are included in both U.S. and West results. **Chicago Metro survey percentages are included in both .U.S. and Midwest results.

Monte Helme is a national public relations consultant with HouseHunt, Inc. Visit real estate listings and search MLS to find homes for sale or search current home prices in your area.

Real Estate Websites The Center of Your Marketing Campaign

Studies indicate that 70 percent of home buyers begin their search for homes online, so by not having a real estate website to promote yourself, you are missing out on valuable leads! Those buyers are choosing someone, so why shouldn't it be you? Getting a website started is easier than ever, so don't wait!

How Will a Website Help My Business?

Print advertising can be very expensive, and direct mailings are time consuming in addition to the cost. Once you set up your website, it will be working for you each and every day, getting you business. Many potential customers will start with a search on their favorite search engine. Making your website rich in keywords will help buyers see your site first. If you specialize in rental properties in Oak Park, use the phrase Oak Park rental as many times as you can. This ensures that a buyer who searches for that phrase will see you first. You can also set up banner ads that run at the top of the screen and advertise specific properties, open houses or events. It's a great way to keep current clients and potential clients in the know.

Using Email With Your Website

Email is a great resource for Realtors. It allows you to maintain casual contact with many clients, and to keep them in the loop about updates and new listings. There are many programs that allow you to set up automatic email responses. This means that clients can fill out a quick form detailing what they are looking for in a property, and emails will be sent out to them every time a new property meets their criteria. It saves them search time, and they feel they're receiving quality service. This also helps you build a database of email addresses for you to send marketing materials to.

With just a little time to set up, your website will bring you business all day, every day!

Brett Miller is the founder of HoopJumper.com and has created the best lead generating real estate websites in the industry and helped hundreds of real estate professionals make the most of their Internet presence. Call 888-Hoop-Jumper for a complimentary web analysis today or visit http://www.HoopJumper.com to see how HoopJumper can help you grow your business.

Costa Rica Real Estate Investment ? Unique Financing Technique

Costa Rica real estate investment has become a hot topic in the last couple of years, as investors look to diversify their holdings and place money in appreciating markets outside of the U.S. Costa Rica has blossomed as an investment haven due to its minimal taxes, fee simple ownership, stable democratic government, and consistent high appreciation rates.

One of the challenges facing investors in Costa Rica real estate is financing. In general, U.S. banks will not loan money secured by foreign real estate as a matter of banking policy. Banks in Costa Rica have made an attempt in recent years to offer loans to foreign residents, but have failed miserably because their terms and fees make no sense to U.S. borrowers.

Most investors who want to borrow money and thereby take advantage of leverage with their investment, are left with pulling equity out of property they own back home. It?s not a bad alternative because this source of funds is still relatively cheap and can typically be quickly arranged.

However, a unique and little known financing technique that is available to U.S. investors wanting to purchase Costa Rica real estate, is tapping into the funds accumulating in an IRA account. Industry studies show that 80%-90% of the U.S. investing public do not know that they can invest in real estate with their IRA accounts, in full compliance with IRS regulations. And even fewer realize that they can use these funds for foreign real estate, like in Costa Rica.

Once people realize that this source of funding is available, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities and alternatives. No longer are you limited to stocks, bonds and mutual funds! Instead, you can consider a beach front condo, an ocean view lot in a gated community or a boutique hotel? use your imagination!

The trick in using this technique is to move some or all of your IRA funds to an administrator company that allows self-directed real estate purchases. Certainly, the big Wall Street oriented companies like Fidelity and Schwab do not allow you to directly purchase real estate, local or foreign. You have to use an IRS approved company that specializes in truly self-directed accounts.

For more information on this exciting source of funding for Costa Rica real estate investment, visit our website =>http://www.ira4costarica.com

Kevin C. Myers is the author of the best-selling real estate investment book, Buy It, Fix It, Sell It: Profit! (Dearborn Publishing, Chicago). He is currently a developer and broker of Costa Rica properties on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Tamarindo ? Flamingo area of Guanacaste. Visit his website at http://www.catalinacove.net for more information on investment opportunities in Costa Rica.

A Prelisting Package to Ensure You Acquire that Listing

In today?s competitive world, real estate agents have to continually think of unique ideas to score listings, to build clientele, to retain them etc. The sky is the limit when it comes to strategies to impress prospects without resorting to illegal or unethical methods. A Pre-listing package is the marketing tool that holds the potential to get you that listing even before you meet the prospective client.

A Pre-listing package can include just about anything ? documents, photographs, charts, figures, videos etc. It aims at preparing the seller for the upcoming event (sale of his home) and to prove that you are the agent he should list with. Remember that the seller probably has several other similar packages from competitors; so you have to prove yourself better and more capable than the rest.

A pre-listing package should ideally be sent immediately after you get a lead. Once the date, time and place are set for the appointment with your prospect, customize a pre-ready package and send it out immediately. You have to give the seller the chance to go through all its contents.

When composing your pre-listing package, think: simple, easy to understand yet professional. You don?t have to overspend, make it elaborate or exaggerate about your services. It should not be complicated and too time-consuming. The key to a fantastic pre-listing package is to cater to your client?s needs. Think of what your client may require at this point and put a package that hits the nail on its head.

Generally pre-listing packages contain the following information. A confirmation letter detailing the date, time and place of the appointment. Information on pricing, home staging and an outline of the home selling process. Copies of documents that the seller will have to deal with during the selling process, such as listing agreement, property disclosure forms etc. A comparative market analysis. An overview of your marketing plan ? include what you generally do as well as how you are going to tailor your strategy for this particular home.

Next you must tackle with seller involvement. To show your professionalism and to make the seller a part of the process, provide a seller?s checklist. Ask him to keep certain documents ready for your appointment. This can include utility bills, surveys, mortgage papers, any declarations etc.

Include information about yourself and your agency. This means your mission statement, information on your past performance and homes you have sold, the team who will help work with you in the process, other partners or individuals whose services may be required during the process etc. Try not to brag too much about yourself and keep this short. Let testimonials or referrals from past clients do this for you. Provide their contact numbers and addresses for the seller?s information.

A whole load of other items may also be included in your pre-listing package. It all boils down to how you want to sell yourself effectively. Make sure that the package is attractive and well-organized. Every bit of information does not have to be put down in words. Use different techniques appropriately ? for instance, use a simple graph to indicate your past performance, a video on your team or how to sell a home, a flowchart of the home selling process etc.

You can spiral bind the entire contents or use single sheets in a file or employ any other design strategy that looks good and is organized well. If you do not already have a pre-listing package, create a template right away. Keep it handy so you can just customize and send it out when required. It is a great way to let your prospect know that you are the right listing agent for him!

Sadiya Anjum - ChoiceOfHomes.com - Offering free real estate leads to real estate agents. ChoiceOfHomes.com also has a searchable database of the latest real estate listings of Homes for Sale and Homes for Rent in the United States.

Panama Real Estate Market

Panama has been the center of attention of late for not only its growing tourism sector and international banking hub, but most notably its real estate boom. Panama is in the midst of a real estate gold rush right now, and it seems like everyone and their cousin is out panning.

Today?s Panamanian economy is growing more than 6% annually with the possibility of exceeding 7% in 2006 according to The Latin Business Chronicle (9-19-2006). Additionally, the IMF has said that Panama is set to grow more than any other country in Latin America next year. With speculations like these, it becomes clear why people, the world over, are migrating to Panama to invest their money.

Arrive today in Panama and you?ll see masses of cranes in use, building projects in the heart of Panama City as well as along the coast. Donald Trump recently decided to get in on the action by stamping his name on a project that?s now being touted as the finest luxury condo building in the continent. Located near the high-end Multiplaza mall and Johns Hopkins hospital (the first outside of the USA), Trump?s neighborhood appears to be getting all the attention it deserves.

The development isn?t limited to the city though. Just one hour outside the city sits Coronado and its surrounding towns, where beach condominiums, residential communities and all-inclusive resorts nudge right up against the quiet beaches of the Pacific. Further West sits Boquete, and their northern neighbor Bocas del Toro where real estate has taken off like a bottle rocket.

Certain celebrities are getting in on the action as well: The Robb Report?s Joan Tapper reports that Mick Jagger, Bruce Willis, and Tommy Lee Jones are among Hollywood?s elite investing in their own little piece of heaven. The Azuero Peninsula seems to have grasped Panama?s dark horse status, as an area with so much to offer yet so little development?yet, that is.

The government has invented a bunch of friendly investment laws encouraging foreigners to invest and with its northern neighbor, Costa Rica now making so much noise, Panama is getting more and more attention. Investors are impressed with its stable economy, sturdy political system, and first-rate infrastructure, and while many just come down for vacation, they often don?t want to leave.

Matt works on Land for sale in Panama as well as Panama properties.