More Cash From Your Real Estate

Real estate. . . No matter what kind you own or want to buy it?s still an investment. In fact, many people buy and sell real estate as a business and I?m not talking brokers or agents here. You know who they are. They?re the ones who tell you about a deal they just did and boy did they ever make a bundle on it! How?d they do that? They made the property look good. It?s what buyers interested in. How a property looks. So you see curb appeal really IS important.

Curb appeal takes a lot into consideration: Paint, siding, windows, doors, roofing, driveways, and yes, landscaping. How many times have you driven past a property for sale and said to yourself: ?That landscaping is really ugly. Why doesn?t somebody do something about it?? I know I have. If you?ve bought real estate as an investment, did you concentrate on improving the landscaping or somewhere else first? Most leave the landscaping ?till last or just don?t do anything to it at all. Rumor has it, though, between 20 and 30% of the value of a property is in the landscaping. And it doesn?t matter if it?s income, industrial, commercial, or residential property either. Landscaping plays a big part in curb appeal and value of your investment. It can even draw customers to your business.

Let?s say that there were two homes for sale right next to each other. One looked great and the other looked lousy. It doesn?t matter what shape the inside is in, people still look at the outside and determine the value. Guaranteed, the one with the better landscaping will command a higher price and probably sell faster. What would you do if you bought the one with the lousy landscaping? Leave it for the next guy or make it look nice. If you were going to turn it and get your price, rent it out, or keep it as an investment you?d be putting something into the landscaping if you were smart. Admittedly, I?ve bought on potential and just sat on the property, but, sooner or later I had to pay to get the landscaping done. You better believe that landscaping looked great before it went on the market. And I got my price!

When I was going to list one of my properties my broker told me: ?You?ll never sell it for that much? and I proved him wrong. I didn?t understand why he was so reluctant to list at my price. I figured he was just going to make more on the sale if he did. Besides, I thought, we could have dropped the price if it didn?t sell, right? Well, he didn?t see what this place was going to look like like I could in my mind. Anyway, the landscaping wasn?t going to be done until after I listed it. Now if I could have shown him what it was GOING to look like, maybe he would have agreed with me on the listing price. And if I just could have shown him in 3-D what the place was going to look like he, and the landscaper, would?ve had a better idea where I was going with it. They probably would have helped me with a few suggestions to increase the value while saving some money on the landscaping, so, I probably would have made a little more on it than I did.

People know what?s goin? on. It?s better to start with the outside. Shows pride of ownership, care for the neighborhood, for them, smart thinking, and being serious. Improves comps and re-finance values, too! So, at the very least, get a 3-D landscape plan either before you close the deal or right after you do so you can show your broker, landscaper, appraiser, and re-financing specialist what your real estate deal will look like when you?re done with it. Did you know that if you?re planning on re-financing, your appraiser will include the landscaping as part of the value of your property? It?s a win-win situation. You get more cash because you up?d the value of your investment by improving the landscaping. And more for you is always good, right?

About the author: John Schmidt is a recognized authority on the subject of landscaping. His web site, www.Landscape-Montana.com, a wealth of information, info on 3-D landscape plans, and links on everything you?ll ever need to know about landscaping your real estate.

The Investment Real Estate Corner: Like Cats And Dogs!

When you?re ready to sell your home, your agent will inform you how to successfully price, present and market your property; but some ?family members? may be left out of the loop, completely unaware of the process and feeling the attendant anxiety. No, it?s not your kids, but your pets.

Unfortunately, there is no way to communicate to your pets what to expect during a showing, and sometimes their barking or jumping or hissing or scratching can be a real turn-off to otherwise enthusiastic and qualified buyers.

We know that our animal companions are creatures of habit, and strangers visiting your home can be very stressful. How do you successfully show your home and protect your pets at the same time?

The ideal solution, especially early in the listing when you can expect multiple showings, is to board your pet (there?s even daycare!), or have a trusted friend or family member baby-sit your pet at their home. This can involve effort and cost, but it?s ultimately safer and less stressful for your pet, while insuring your home is shown under the best circumstances. If this is just not possible, consider a large comfortable crate in a room with a television or radio.

Finally, keep pets, bedding, furniture and carpeting clean. Take a few steps and plan to make buyers and pets more comfortable during showings.

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Are Property Prices In India About To Fall?

Prices for land for sale in India could come down sharply according to many experts.

Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC for one feels property prices are due to correct by upto 20% in the next 6 months.

He told CNBC TV 18, ?Prices have peaked and now prices logically have to come down and interest rates will go up marginally.?

RBI is trying to curb speculative activity in land for sale in India by rising interest rates on home loans(there has been an increase of about 1-1.25% during last year itself) to slow down the speculative interest in real estate but still keeping actual users interested in property market. Industry players confirm demand for loans from high net worth individuals has seen a decline, they feel taking a home loan will still benefit an end user. On the other hand it will put a much-needed spanner in loan backed speculative buying of property

Rajiv Sabharwal, Head - Retail Assets Group, ICICI says, ?If you look at people who are buying homes and getting tax benefits, even with an interest rate of 9% to 9.5% their post tax benefit cost would be 6% to 6.5%. Compare that with the rental he will have to pay and here you have not factored in the capital appreciation, which may come to him even at the rate of 10% to 15% per annum. It still goes in the favor of customers buying an own home rather than renting.?

All this has led to a dip in demand for land for sale in India and instead there is a rising trend among enterprising investors towards investing in safer and more regulated overseas land investment markets. This trend has got further boost by a decision of Indian Government allowing Indian Nationals to invest in overseas properties upto a limit of 25000$ per year.

Thus there is an increasing chance that prices of land for sale will see a correction in Indian market.

Stephen Brewood
Land For Sale

Running Up The Down Escalator

It is over, August, the most frustrating month of the year, with most people either on holiday or in holiday mood. Yes, the weather is glorious if you are on holiday, but not for viewing properties when you start the day in a cool air conditioned office then car, then properties, then car, then properties! If you don?t look like a wet rag you certainly feel like one. Then you have the client who continuously mentions swimming pools often dragging their disgruntle children away from one to view houses. On the other side, the owners are also in holiday mood either using their holiday homes that they wish to sell, but after August please! Or they are just not in the mood to move away from their pool to entertain visitors.

The first thoughts of owning a home in Spain are often driven by a holiday experience, so leaving the beach towels at the hotel they trundle into estate agents. Half of these clients go home and never pursue the idea other than watching ?A Place in the Sun?. The other half return later in the year, when they have the time and a better idea of what they want. So each client is not judged, but given time to explore their dream. I increase my freckles lose a few kilos and look forward to September.

On the plus side, parking is easier in Tortosa, as most of the sane locals have also left for the coast. The number of traffic wardens has diminished as they too take their holidays so I get less parking tickets. We don?t open the office in the afternoon just working through from the morning with clients until one of us drops! Oh and the town halls, notaries, and lawyers are also on half days or closed, so any business outstanding has to wait until September! Strangely, I have come to accept this practise but it is difficult to explain to outsiders, they think I am joking. In Spain there are eleven working months and August!

With pensions funds looking bleaker by the year there is a growing trend in buying property for investment. These purchases are normally village or town houses to restore over the years or to rent out until needed. The low maintenance, by not having land to worry about, plus the security factor of locking it up when not in use makes these an increasing option for people. So village houses are nearly as popular as the rustic properties with acres of land.

Most locals have always lived in villages or towns often with their separate parcel of land, which they tend with loving care to grow vegetables and fruit for the family. Of course the olive and almond trees are essential, so they go and harvest these in the autumn and winter. The small houses ?caseta? were a must to shelter both themselves and the poor beast that carried them and fruits of their labours before the car. They think it strange that foreigners want to ?live on the land? as that was never an option for them. Things change, now many of the locals are converting these once humble dwellings into holiday homes for their families to decamp for the summer. The water tank (bassa) gets a lick of paint and turns into a swimming pool for the summer, reverting back in the winter to collecting the valuable rain water for irrigation.

Buying Cyprus Property

Buying a vacation property has become more than just trendy ? it has become an important part of anyone's financial portfolio. People from Western countries are increasingly snapping up vacation properties in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and other choice locations in warmer climates.

One island that is seeing renewed interest is Cyprus. Being a relatively new member of the European Community, Cyprus property are also seen a surge in demand because English is widely spoken as a second language.

Being part of the EEC is expected to be a precursor to increased property prices, making Cyprus an excellent long-term investment for real estate. The stable economy is expected to continue to grow as a result.

Investment properties in Cyprus are like tax havens

The exciting news for any property investor is that Cyprus is almost like a tax haven within the European Community. There is no inheritance tax or gift tax, pensions from abroad are taxed at a flat rate of just 5%, interest earned on foreign capital imported into Cyprus is tax exempt, and investment income remitted to Cyprus by foreign nations is taxed at a flat rate of 5%. Even the corporate tax rate is a flat 10%. Cyprus also has signed double taxation agreements with many countries, including the United Kingdom. A Capital Gains Tax of 20% is payable on the sale of immovable property in Cyprus, but no capital gains tax is payable on gains from investments. Personal income tax rates range form 0 - 30%.

Interestingly, there is increasing demand for Cyprus properties from non-traditional sources, including the Middle East, Russia and its former states and United States, as well.

According to Glen Young of SunSeaker Properties, the island has the dual benefits of being popular for both retirees and vacationers. Retirees buy property in Cyprus for their own use, largely to bask in the warm Mediterranean sun and escape the snow and cold winds of winter. The attraction of Cyprus as a second home (or a new first home) is helped by a skilled work force, relatively affordable prices and a friendly, welcoming population.

But Cyprus is also a popular travel and leisure destination, with regular affordable flights from major European cities. Visitors look for quality accommodation, such as villas and apartments can offer. This makes Cyprus property a good investment, earning an income until the owner wants to sell and cash in...or until the owner decides to retire and use the property for his own purposes.

Of course, over 320 days of sunshine certainly don't hurt land values on this Mediterranean island.

Unlike in many other sunshine destinations, the legal system in Cyprus is mostly based on the British legal system and is designed to safeguard the property purchaser. This makes it particularly attractive to UK investors. Once the contract of sale is signed and a deposit is paid, the contract is registered at the land registry office. This procedure protects the purchaser's ownership rights until the title deeds are issued and transferred to his or her name. The contract in the hands of the Land Registry cannot be withdrawn by anyone, and therefore the property cannot be leased, sold, transferred or mortgaged. Only the purchaser himself can alter this status.

Cyprus investment properties might require some patience

With so much going for it, even Cyprus is not perfect. Sometimes it does take patience to buy property in Cyprus. As with many sunny locations, the bureaucrats don't always see the need to rush and paperwork can take longer than an eager buyer would sometimes like.

In the case of buying property off-plan, it can often take a couple years for the development to be completed...meaning that the buyer might need some bridge financing until the property can be let and income starts rolling in. Mortgages, usually up to 75%, are readily available, and the wise investor will look for one that requires only 30% to be paid down over the period of construction, making financing affordable to average investors.

With a little planning and patience, Cyprus properties are easy to obtain and promise to carry a positive return on investment. Sooner or later, everyone retires; it's never too early to stake out an investment property on your favorite Cyprus beach.

David Leonhardt operates a freelance writers service. Read more about at Sunseaker Properties or more specifically about Cyprus properties for sale.

7 Tips to Real Estate Agent's Success: Tip #4 Establish Sales Goals

Sales goals are just as important in real estate as they are in any other business. Successful goal achievement begins with using valid criteria and understanding the linkage between sales goals and strategic planning.

Within your strategic plan for your real estate business, there should be a sales plan. This plan centers around specific sales goals to secure the result of converting those who have received your marketing message to an actual selling or listing client.

After establishing specific goals, then your challenge is to monitor these goals to ensure achievement. If you are new to this industry, it may take 6 months before the first sale. HINT: Use the W.H.Y. S.M.A.R.T. criteria for goal setting.

Many real estate agents have goals, but very few have integrated specific goal setting criteria into their goal planning, goal setting and goal achievement process. The S.M.A.R.T. criteria:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistically Set High
• Target Date/Time Driven

are not new, but unfortunately, still not utilized as much as they should be.

One of the reasons for this is because the What?s In It For Me (WIIFM) or the W.H.Y. has not been included. All goals should be committed to Writing. When sales goals are written down, the intangible thought now has some substance and becomes more real. The paper can be not only actually seen, but also touched. Suddenly, the sales goal appears to be more concrete than just a wish or a dream.

Additionally, goal planning, setting and achievement is a process that should become a Habit of behavior. Weekly written grocery lists or the daily to do lists are habits that improve performance. Planning, setting and executing sales goals should become a habit that is consistently demonstrated on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

Finally, goals need to be Yours. Achieving goals for someone else usually are not successful because of the WIIFM. When the business sales goals can be translated into your specific goals, then you have greater ownership of the goals.

When the W.H.Y. S.M.A.R.T. criteria are infused into sales goals, successful goal achievement has been greatly increased. For example, using the industry average of 6% commission rate with 3% going to the listing broker and 3% going to the selling broker, the typical real estate agent averages 1.5% commission unless she or he listed and sold the property. If the sales goal is to earn $20,000 the first year, this means that the agent must achieve listings or sales of over $1.3 million. By the second year, the goal may have been increased to an income of $30,000 which translates into listings or sales of $2.0 million. By having the marketing research, the sales plan is data and market driven. Consequently, the agent can determine how many homes he or she needs to list or sell based upon the $1.3 or $2.0 million.

Sales goals are directly tied to the market plan within the strategic plan. Without goals, the real estate agent is embracing what I call the spray and praysales technique.

Spray your sales efforts on the wall and pray that they will stick giving you a sale.

P.S. Read 7 Tips to Real Estate Agent's Success: Tip #3 - Research Your Market Plan

Leanne Hoagland-Smith quickly doubles results for her clients from individuals (small businesses owners, entrepreneurs and young people) to large organizations by creating executable strategic action plans along with the necessary business skills to pull it off. By closing the gap between today's unsatisfactory performance to tomorrow's goals, limited resources are maximized with waste including time being reduced. Please feel free to contact Leanne at 219.759.5601 or visit http://www.processspecialist.com/ and explore how she can help you.

One quick question,if you could secure one new client or breakthrough that one roadbloack holding you back from success, what would that mean to you? Then, take a risk and give a call at 219.759.5601 to experience incredible results.

Mention that you read this article and receive a complimentary 45 minute coaching session.

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Various Ways to Offer Your Property

There are a number of different ways to offer your place so that you can get it filled not only quickly, but with good people.

For Rent

Well, this one is pretty obvious. However, how do you quickly and easily get this done? First, I am a huge believer in Internet marketing. www.craigslist.org is my favorite. The ads are free, you can put pictures in there, and there are a ton of people that look on Craigslist. My other fav is www.rentclicks.com. It?s a pay-for site, but really popular. Others that you can try (but not my favorites) are Yahoo, flatster.com & any local internet listing sites you might have.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is the type of neighborhood your place is in. If it?s in a part of town that have somewhat computer savvy type people this will work well. Otherwise, stick to more ?base? advertising. Also, make sure you have NICE pictures on the sites. If you can?t put pictures up, don?t bother advertising. It won?t work.

If your target renters aren?t computer types, For Rent signs, handmade, around the neighborhood work wonders. I use the neon green posterboard I get at WalMart. Then take a HUGE black marker and write:

?FOR RENT 2 bd / 3 ba 555-123-4567?

Depending on your area, hang anywhere from 25 ? 50 each and every week around the busy intersections. Remember to put yourself in the place of the drivers. If the sign is 100? up in the air in the middle of a busy street, it?s unlikely they?ll see it much less write the phone number down. Put it where people stop.

Did I mention the newspaper? I didn?t? Well, that?s because they?re expensive and I don?t especially like paying money to extortionists. I?ll let the RICH landlords advertise in the paper.

Rent To Own

This is my favorite. I won?t go into all the details here, but this is really the all-time best way to get great people into your place. They have an ownership mentality, so pay on-time better and keep your place neater. Advertise basically the same, but ?RENT TO OWN?.

One note ? I?d be more than happy if my people actually bought the house, but in over 50 homes, I?ve had a total of ONE (count ?em ONE) couple actually buy. The rest of the time, they change their minds, can?t get their credit straightened out, etc. The nice thing is they keep the house better, and renew the leases and options year after year after year. All the while, the place is getting paid down more and more, and their price goes up an up.

Owner Carry

This is what I use when I really DO want to sell a house. Generally I?ve got someone in a house for a number of years that I really trust and like and really do want them to own the house themselves. You lose on the tax credits, but they really get a good opportunity to buy the place. It looks better on their credit (especially if you use a reporting company like National Assoc. of Independent Landlords) to report on-time payments.

Be sure you do this one right, or there could be some legal consequences. Get a title company or attorney to help you do a proper closing.

Scott Taylor is a successful Real Estate Investor, trainer and Web Entrepreneur. He has taught hundreds of students to become wealthy through Real Estate. Mr. Taylor also runs successful website businesses, and reviews Internet businesses. www.mentor4re.com www.honestyreviews.com