(Selling investment properties) Apartment Investing Mistakes - 3 to Avoid

February 8th, 2010 admin Posted in realestate | No Comments »

By Darin Garman

  How you can spot and avoid the three mistakes that can literally ruin your apartment investment - making sure you make money when you buy an investment project… Avoiding the surprises that can cost thousands of dollars.

One of the things that is very important is knowing how to analyze an apartment property financial statement. I could go into a 5 day seminar on this alone and maybe at some point in time I will.

For now and for this article though let me give you the top three mistakes people make when they analyze an apartment property financial statement:

1. Taking the numbers at face value.

This is a big NO NO. Remember, it is in the owner’s best interest to have his numbers look as good as possible. Make sure that you do not put your faith in the numbers provided by the owner or the broker. Do some investigation. Is the insurance REALLY $1,500 per year? Are the property taxes REALLY $4,000? Is the rental income ACTUAL rent or POTENTIAL rent? Make sure you ask.

2. What is the current vacancy?

Verify this too. Most owners will put down 0% or 5% vacancy. Make sure this is accurate for the property and for the area. Many owners are overly optimistic and think that the new person can and will have a lower vacancy than they are currently experiencing. Check the CURRENT RENT ROLL to verify this. Then inspect the units.

3. Not looking under the surface.

In reality, this is the biggest mistake. Make sure that you ask yourself… “Can the rents be higher than they are now?” or “Can I reduce some of the expenses?” Remember that you need to be REALISTIC here. We all tend to be optimistic when it comes to how WE can change things. This is where the big money is really made: finding realistic increases in value and cash flow from thin air without having to do a bunch of work to the property.

I make sure that I go through these three processes every time I look at an apartment property to purchase. This is a good habit to get into.

Do you want to learn more about investing in apartment buildings? Click the link below for my FREE 7-Part Investment e-Course, and I’ll also send you my FREE special report and teleseminar access, “How to Buy Apartments and Commercial Real Estate With No Or Low Money Down.”

Download it free here: Apartment Investing.


Things to See In Prescott Arizona

By Peter Gooding

  If you are planning to visit Arizona, or even escape the heat of the nearby Phoenix summers, be sure to make plenty of time for a stay in the mountain town of Prescott, Arizona. With gorgeous scenery and optimal weather, the opportunities for outdoor activities are endless. The city itself is full of annual festivals and celebrations, interesting history, and top quality accommodations. From a nature hike or relaxed game of golf, to a street dance on Whiskey Row, there is fun for anyone.

As for holiday and annual traditions and celebrations, Prescott has something planned year round. Perhaps a few of the most well-known and popular events include The Worlds Oldest Rodeo, and The Fourth of July on Whiskey Row. The Frontier Days rodeos, beginning in late June made their debut in 1888, and have only grown in excitement and fortitude. Cowboys from around the country gather to compete for huge prizes and thrill crowds of people every summer. You will see fireworks, horses, clowns, and giant bulls creating an energetic week. By July 4th, the party peaks with thousands heading to famous and historical Whiskey Row for a lively party. The streets are closed to traffic and opened to visitors checking out the century old saloons. The shops and restaurants are all open and in full swing as street dances fill the area with music and fireworks displays light up the sky. It is one celebration you will not want to miss.

If you love beauty and the outdoors, the list of activities around Prescott is long and attractive. You will without a doubt want to consider a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The passenger train is an attraction in itself with the rarity of locomotives still running, but the nature show you will see is wonderful. Passengers ride over a river and through the wilderness preservation and Indian ruins, making the entire trip full of sights. on the Prescott area also offers unique hiking trails, golf courses, rivers, and vineyards to visit while adventuring through northern Arizona. To add a little excitement check out horseback riding, rafting, or a ranch that provides a chuck wagon dinner and live western show.

For some city sights, you have plenty of options as well. Visit one of several history, art, or childrens museums or head to the mall for shopping. For night life, head to Whiskey Row or the nearby huge casinos for lights, drinks, and entertainment.

Year-round entertainment is no issue in Prescott, Arizona. Whatever you are looking for in a vacation, you will be sure to find it.

Peter Gooding is a developer of ranch land in Prescott, AZ. He has been developing northern Arizona ranch land for several years and is excited to bring the idea of sustainable living in Arizona to the forefront of property owners minds.

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Things to See In Prescott Arizona (investment residential properties)

February 6th, 2010 admin Posted in realestate | No Comments »

By Peter Gooding

  If you are planning to visit Arizona, or even escape the heat of the nearby Phoenix summers, be sure to make plenty of time for a stay in the mountain town of Prescott, Arizona. With gorgeous scenery and optimal weather, the opportunities for outdoor activities are endless. The city itself is full of annual festivals and celebrations, interesting history, and top quality accommodations. From a nature hike or relaxed game of golf, to a street dance on Whiskey Row, there is fun for anyone.

As for holiday and annual traditions and celebrations, Prescott has something planned year round. Perhaps a few of the most well-known and popular events include The Worlds Oldest Rodeo, and The Fourth of July on Whiskey Row. The Frontier Days rodeos, beginning in late June made their debut in 1888, and have only grown in excitement and fortitude. Cowboys from around the country gather to compete for huge prizes and thrill crowds of people every summer. You will see fireworks, horses, clowns, and giant bulls creating an energetic week. By July 4th, the party peaks with thousands heading to famous and historical Whiskey Row for a lively party. The streets are closed to traffic and opened to visitors checking out the century old saloons. The shops and restaurants are all open and in full swing as street dances fill the area with music and fireworks displays light up the sky. It is one celebration you will not want to miss.

If you love beauty and the outdoors, the list of activities around Prescott is long and attractive. You will without a doubt want to consider a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The passenger train is an attraction in itself with the rarity of locomotives still running, but the nature show you will see is wonderful. Passengers ride over a river and through the wilderness preservation and Indian ruins, making the entire trip full of sights. on the Prescott area also offers unique hiking trails, golf courses, rivers, and vineyards to visit while adventuring through northern Arizona. To add a little excitement check out horseback riding, rafting, or a ranch that provides a chuck wagon dinner and live western show.

For some city sights, you have plenty of options as well. Visit one of several history, art, or childrens museums or head to the mall for shopping. For night life, head to Whiskey Row or the nearby huge casinos for lights, drinks, and entertainment.

Year-round entertainment is no issue in Prescott, Arizona. Whatever you are looking for in a vacation, you will be sure to find it.

Peter Gooding is a developer of ranch land in Prescott, AZ. He has been developing northern Arizona ranch land for several years and is excited to bring the idea of sustainable living in Arizona to the forefront of property owners minds.


Prescott Geologically Created to For Excellent Living

By Peter Gooding

  There is no question that several factors make the Prescott region an excellent place to live and build homes. The higher altitude brings wonderful, clear weather, the Desert Mountains give amazing panoramic views, and the natural resources provide all the necessities to sustain life. The geology of Northern Arizona has combined to create a prime location for living.

Living in the desert brings to mind dry, arid heat, but in the case of the Prescott National Forest region, that is not the case. Of course, the sun does shine most days and humidity is low, but heat and sparse cactus are not the case at a 5,000 foot elevation. When plates pushed the Bradshaw Mountains to such heights, a new, friendly environment was formed. Temperatures drop rapidly about 15 or more degrees as you make the short trip north and climb out of the valley, making Prescott an ideal area for living year round.

Naturally, the change in elevation impacts the vegetation, wildlife, and minerals as well. Ponderosa pines dominate the landscape with some juniper and plenty of green bushes and grass filling in the remaining space. There are many types of wildlife throughout the area including larger animals such as elk or even the occasional cougar. The minerals of the area are rich and varied due to past geologic upheaval. Many of the Prescott areas rivers were mined for gold years ago as well as other metals and minerals. Much of the land is now protected to retain its natural beauty.

Since the formation of the mountains is steep and fast, the views created keep the land a prime place for homes, vacations, and site seeing. There are so many panoramic scenes, they could never be counted. When you wander out of the trees, you will be awed by the miles of rocks, canyons, and peaks that appear.

The issue of water in the desert is another area in which geology has impacted Prescott. Years ago, shifts and upheaval led to a huge water basin reserve just beneath the land. The Big Chino basin makes fresh, clear water readily available for the community. Rarely will you discover a place in the arid regions that drilling a private well for a home is so easy and sure to work. The supply is just one more reason that people are checking out a move to the Prescott Mountains.

Peter Gooding is the owner of LV Ranch Estates, a developer of property in northern Arizona. Peters goal of turning Arizona ranch land into a sustainable real estate development has come to life with LV Ranch Estates.

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Build a New Home in Lewiston Idaho (investment properties for sale)

February 5th, 2010 admin Posted in realestate | No Comments »

By Jay Loudermilk

  Why take into account Clarkston, WA real estate? If youre looking to relocate, the Lewis-Clark Valley offers multiple benefits. Whether or not its cheap realty, sensible hospitals, instructional opportunities, lower cost of living, gentle weather, culture and entertainment, or out of doors activities, the Lewis-Clark Valley has one thing for everyone.

Located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Lewiston, Idaho could be a water playground. The LC Valley boasts six boat launches, four swimming beaches, 2 public pools, and an aquatic center to accommodate your boating, swimming, water skiing, or fishing needs. Ranked for its world-category fishing, anglers enjoy hours of fun catching bass, rainbow trout, steelhead, and Sturgeon. Whether or not you select to fish from the bank, your boat, or take a guided tour from one in every of over a dozen river guides, you’re sure to possess a nice time, probably spot wildlife, and get pleasure from the steep canyon landscape.

Two hospitals provide state-of-the-art health care to residents and those in surrounding counties. Tri-State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston, Washington may be a community owned, not-for-profit acute care facility with sixty two beds and offers a variety of services as well as: 24 Hour Emergency, Radiology, and Physical Therapy. Saint Josephs Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho is the biggest hospital in the region. A one hundred forty five-bed, Catholic, not-for-profit acute care medical-surgical hospital, SJRMC offers a big variety of patient services as well as an inpatient adult mental health treatment facility, pathologist lab, and adjacent oncology facility.

A short drive north, up the Lewiston Hill, and you may see miles of rolling Palouse farm land. This fertile farmland is an ever-changing patchwork quilt of colors. Because the seasons change the crops of wheat, peas, and lentils turn from shades of inexperienced to gold with an occasional bright burst of rape seed yellow.

Considered the Gateway to Hells Canyon - Americas deepest river gorge, the LC Valley offers an assortment of guided Jet Boat tours that take you deep into the canyons heart. These tours vary from enclosed boats to those who can leave you tasting the water. Besides the adventure these tours provide, participants find out about native history and read ancient petroglyphs. For those with a style for adrenalin, a pair hours drive will take you to class II, III, and IV rapids to fancy Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking. Helicopter, tours will be procured for those that wish a birds eye view.

Learn more about Lewiston Idaho real estate today.


Estate Agents Docklands - Selling Your house Fast

By Richardo Butler Butler

  1. Estate Agents Docklands -Instruct Your Estate Agents Docklands

You should get at least 3 Estate Agents Docklands to give you a estimation for your property. The Estate Agents Docklands that you choose to represent you should be one that you can relate to on a personal level, that is on the go in the local market and knows the local marketplace very well. They should also be very eager to take your property to the market place.

2. Estate Agents Docklands - Clean Up

Make sure that your home has been cleaned up as best as you can in the situation. It is a good plan in some circumstances to employ industrial cleaners to come in and clean your house from top to bottom making sure that they hit the spaces that you might shy away from. Make sure that you concentrate on cleaning the kitchen and bathroom; these rooms have to be particularly hygienic and appealing for someone viewing the house. You can even go as far as to put on a fresh toilet seat and clean white towels to make it appear as new. Do not forget that the garden is seen as an extra space for the property. Make sure the garden has been well looked after and is also pleasing for relaxing in and entertaining.

3. Estate Agents Docklands - Your Target Market

When you are selling any home one of the key things you can do is to form a written account of the type of person that you think would purchase your house. This will help you when you are creating the right selling space in your home. In some cases it may be suitable for you to change your home around and add some new features like a shower that will appeal to the right buyer. Your Estate Agents Docklands will be able to point you in the right direction for this.

4. Estate Agents Docklands - Word Of Mouth Marketing

Make sure that you let your neighbors know that you are selling your property, it is likely that someone will know someone that is looking to buy in the area.

5. Estate Agents Docklands - Costs

Given the general Estate Agents Docklands fees, you will be able to get a cheaper fee from selling your house via a sole Estate Agents Docklands rather than from multiple Estate Agents Docklands. I would urge that you focus on the one Estate Agents Docklands proposal that you like the best and giving them a contract for 4-6 weeks to give them a good opportunity to sell your home promptly and keep them motivated. Make sure that the details of the fee and the time available for the contract is confirmed in writing.

For quick and professional results when selling your property check out The Right Estate Agents Docklands


Real Estate Investing
6 Things that Add Value to Investment Property

By jamesrk

  Real estate investors who succeed at real estate investing understand that the real money is made when value can be added to the property. If you are new to real estate investing, you may be unaware of six things that can add value to an investment property. So you are encouraged to consider them whenever you purchase or own rental property.

1) Inflation

Inflation increases rental property value simply because of the increased cost to replace the property. The increased cost of land, building permits and fees, materials, or actual construction adds value to properties already in operation.

2) Improved infrastructure

This is the effect due to development around the property. Roads, electricity, water, and sewer systems, police and fire protection, parks, hospitals, and so on have a major effect on the value of property.

3) Economic conversion

When the use of a property changes, like when new zoning laws allow you to convert a small apartment building to offices or a single-family home into a four apartments it can add value.

4) Increased cash flow

It is understood that real estate investors buy the cash flow in rental property. An investor who is able to increase the cash flow (assuming other factors do not change) will increase the resale value of income property.

5) Capital improvements

Unless the value of the land makes capital improvements superfluous, adding extra apartments to a building, or an extra bedroom or bathroom when the market demands it, can increase property value.

6) Supply and demand

The shortage of available rental property at a time when the demand for rental income property is high drives rental property values up. This makes it important to pay close attention to the local market, because when your town or region has room to absorb more, and investors are there to buy, your rental property value will increase.

Most of these factors are not in the hands of a real estate investor. You cannot (for example) control improved surrounding development or prevent the construction of additional units that may flood the market and thereby drive your rents down. But you can research it.

Meet with your local planning and building department. Ask them about their comprehensive plans for the area. Learn whether zoning can be changed that would permit a more profitable use for the property. Discover how many permits have been issued to builders for the construction of comparable rental properties in the area.

Always keep in mind that successful real estate investing is not accidental. Real estate investing is a business, and it is incumbent upon you (as CEO) to diligently research ways to make that business profitable.

James Kobzeff is the developer of ProAPOD - leading real estate investment software since 2000. Create rental property cash flow, rate of return, and profitability analysis presentations in minutes! Easy and affordable. Go to => www.proapod.com

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