Real estate secrets? What they don’t understand is that there is no one, single secret of success in real estate investing. With the proper time, knowledge and effort, anyone can have a successful career in property investing.

Minimize Risk

The veteran investors have simply learned the ropes through the school of hard knocks. They have learned how to minimize risks by anticipating and working around them

The first way in which real estate investors succeed, is by having patience. They take the time required to learn about each potential investment. They want to completely understand anything that might affect the financial success of every investment.

Many elements go into choosing good investments and it may take a good amount of time to find property that has all the earmarks of a profitable deal. Acting in haste has been the downfall of many first time investors.

Yes, it’s true that you must act quickly when you find a truly good deal, but it take experience to recognize that type of an investment. You make your profit when you buy, so buy carefully.

Double P Power

Patience is also important because many deals just won’t go together on the first try. You need Double P Power. That stands for Patience mixed with Persistence. When you can automatically approach each deal with the Double P mind set you will greatly increase your chances of success.

If they give up on the first try or become impatient and walk away after an offer is rejected, you will greatly reduce your chances for success. Smart investors know to always keep the door open for delayed counter offers. Or better yet, they understand that making another offer after the passage of time may lead to a profitable transaction.

Real estate investors become successful by being organized. It is important that you keep track of everything that you are doing to find and make offers on property. After all, real estate is just like any other business and needs to be treated as such.

Money spent, money earned, business cards that are handed out as well as all phone calls made, need to be monitored in order to keep track of existing as well as potential clients.

Exit Strategies

Profit plans need to be formulated before any offer is made. And don’t overlook your exit strategies. That means your plan for getting to the profit. Is there more than one way to generate cash by holding or selling the property? Those things should be considered and planned before you formulate an offer.

One of the most important things a successful real estate investor has is knowledge. You must know when to buy, when to sell and what neighborhoods offer the most opportunity. You do this by continuing your education and joining local real estate investing clubs. Interacting with fellow investors can be a valuable tool in staying abreast of current market conditions in your area.

Can’t find a real estate investor’s club in your area? Participate in real estate forums you can find on the Internet. You will find plenty of information there about creative real estate investing.

You must plan on making an offer on a property a least once each week. Chances are, only a few of those offers will be accepted and that’s why you have to keep making them. It gives you a chance to meet home sellers and develop expert negotiating skills. You can only do that by getting out there and talking to people.

By staying in constant contact with motivated sellers, investors stay tuned to market conditions. Just because a home owner won’t sell to you today doesn’t mean his condition won’t dictate the need for a fast sale in two weeks. Stay in touch with those people, so you are foremost in their thoughts when the need for a fast sale occurs.

Sure real estate can be a risky business, but only for those that don’t plan and use their Double P Power.

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I do agree as I work with these deals all the time. However real estate investing can be a risky business and a very slippery slope. One thing that is indisputable, investing in Real Estate involves MATH.

Yes our favorite subject. But it is really quite easy and Here it is:

INVESTOR + REALTOR LOYALTY= SUCCESS

1. First, you must, not it would be nice if you did, but you must interview local real estate agents in the area you are thinking of investing, because they are in the trenches every day with buyers. Realtors know what buyers want, what neighborhoods are in transition, declining, revitalizing and which areas will likely bring investors the best return on their investment down the road.

2, Once you have interviewed several Realtors to see which ones are selling, not just listing the properties in your chosen area then commit to them. Let me say this again….commit to your Realtor because they will work hard to make the entire transaction smooth and bring it to its ultimate conclusion….closing. 

There are many, many steps along the way from contract to closing. If you are loyal to your Realtor, they will be loyal to you and will be a considerable asset in your investment plans. As a good investor you must realize the importance of having a good real estate agent in your corner. It can mean the difference between success and failure. Your TIME is money and your Realtor saves you an incredible amount of time, from negotiating the contract, to setting up the inspection, to working with the lender, appraiser and the closing attorney, the list goes on and on.

3. If you buy to renovate and resell, guess what? The Realtors are a wealth of information when it comes to contractors who they recommend for your project. They have had the opportunity to see how these contractors work, their fees, their reliability, etc. Bad contractors can eat away at your profits quickly, so you need good ones.

4. Okay, so now you are ready to resell the property. It is here where many investors think the hard part is over. They think they will just put a FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) sign in the yard and sell this thing on their own. BIG mistake in this market. Now more than ever you need a Realtor working hard to get the home sold. They have access to buyers that you do not, when a buyer does comes along, again the negotiation process starts and you do not have to deal with that buyer face to face. As an investor there are significant benefits in NOT having to deal with the buyers directly. Remember TIME is money and many investors mistakenly think, hey I can sell this home on my own and save thousands in commission, but forget to realize that they will likely hold onto that property for a longer period of time than if they had used a Realtor from the start. 

Here is what happens so many times. Investor puts the home on the market on their own, it sits there unsold for a few months or more and THEN they call upon the Realtor. Well they have just lost equity by having to pay their mortgage note for the months that the home sat unsold on the market. Realtors will tell you, the longer it sits, it becomes stale and you will most likely have to reduce your price to sell. 

Depending upon your margin, you may have lost most if not all of your profit/equity…not a good situation, but one in which many investors fall into.

5. If you use a knowledgeable Realtor to buy the home, use the same Realtor to sell the home (why not, they know all about it from start to finish). If you stay loyal to the Realtor, guess what? They will become a “bird dog” for you and start finding YOU the deals. Now that is what I call Success!

Investor + Realtor Loyalty= Success.  There is NO fuzzy math here….Agreed?

Now go out there and do good things! Invest in Real Estate Today but do not go it alone, get the training, coaching and mentoring you need to reap the rewards this business can bring to you.

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The most obvious risk when it comes to real estate investing is the direct risk of losing your investment. This risk can be a huge blow depending on how large your initial investment was. While I’m certainly not trying to talk you out of investing in real estate all together it is a good idea to have a realistic view of the risks and the potential rewards.

If you are flipping houses as your real estate investment, you have the possibility to loose a little more if you become injured during the course of your work. The sad truth is, many who make an effort to break into the business of flipping houses have neither adequate insurance coverage (this is true of themselves, the property in general, and others that may be working on the property), the money, nor the time that a serious injury might entail.

Another risk common to real estate investing is the fact that things happen. Market trends tumble, companies go out of business or leaving town, the local real estate market fall in a rut, accidents happen during the course of the work, natural disasters occur, and buyers change their minds and pull out at the last minute. Each of these things can have devastating consequences and are almost always events that are completely beyond your control as a real estate investor.

If that isn’t enough to ponder, many investors fail to have a proper inspection and find out when it is too late that there are serious structural problems or other serious things wrong with the property. These things cost money to mend and cut into profits, occasionally resulting in a loss. Once you find out something is wrong with the property you are honor-bound (and in some states, legally bound) to either reveal the problem to potential buyers or repair the problems before selling the house. In the case of a flip, many major problems will undo the work that has already been done. If this doesn’t remind you of the importance of a thorough inspection, nothing will. Property inspections are important for numerous reasons and can save a lot of time and money if you have one done ahead of time.

Do not let the risks of real estate investing prevent you from taking the plunge. They are spelled out here to remind you that prudence and caution are wise when investing in real estate, not to talk you out of this potentially lucrative field of investing. If you are interested in real estate investing, there is no reason you shouldn’t take the time and make the effort to know more about its huge potential. Copyright 2008 Promotions Unlimited – websitetrafficbuilders.com. All rights reserved

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Greece is now recognized to be one of the top improving property markets in Europe. This is in view of the fact that overseas investors are principally trying to acquire real estate properties in the country.

Greece currently has a large number of foreign nationals. Some are merely tourists while others are big time investors. The volume of these potential investors seems to be increasing day by day.

Business visionaries are fascinated with the notion of taking real-estate business one step further. They are buying property in Greece for business purposes. Holiday homes for rent are one of the hot investment opportunities in this country.

Holiday Homes

Holiday homes are viewed as a valuable investment assuring lucrative returns in the long term. For most travelers, renting a holiday home in Greece is cheaper than staying in a hotel over a period of time. Holiday homes also have better domestic ambiance than a hotel room.

Properties available

There are a lot of properties available in the Greece real estate market, and the average Greek property prices are:

- New 1 bedroom apartment from €50,000 to €150,000;
- New 2 bedroom apartment from €100,000 to €300,000; and
- renovated property from €50,000 to €300,000 plus.

All are for the convenience of enthusiastic travelers.

Greece has a lot more to offer aside from holiday homes. These include Commercial properties such as retail enterprises and office buildings. More so, Greece is likewise an assenting tourist haven. It is because of its fine climate, stunning sceneries and relaxed approach to life. Aside from this, its cuisine is highly regarded across the globe. Moussaka, feta cheese, and dolmades are best examples. More importantly, Greece’s cost of living is 40% lower than the UK.

The island of Crete in Greece has also evolved into a profitable place for resort development. Plenty of islands, which are ideal for resorts, can also be found predominantly in the western end around Chania. Vacation resorts or second homes in the islands of Greece such as Kos, Rhodes, Andros, and Samnos are available. The most renown is the island of Corfu On the western side of Greece in the Ionion Sea. For international travelers, This Island is one of Greece’s most visited locations. A number of resorts with units for sale and rent and plenty of individual homes are also offered. This makes Crete quite popular for holiday travelers. As a result, popular vacation spots have likewise become prime real estate investment locations in Crete. This is why several people aspire to take pleasure in the beauty of this country. In effect, they are purchasing holiday homes.

Word of Caution

However, real estate property investments in Greece have become a trend of sorts. This means buyers and investors must also bear in mind that investing in any overseas real estate property requires sufficient planning. The factors to consider include:

- the market situation;
- the best locations to invest in;
- when to buy; and
- what type of property to buy (low-priced single-family homes are harder to find in the well-developed city of Athens than in other cities especially like Larissa).

Buyers and investors must also find help or assistance from local real estate agents. In this manner, they will be accustomed to the realities of the property market. They better consult English-speaking lawyers specializing in property sales and overseas holiday homes.

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Residential units sold in Bellingham by month through 2007 and 2008 saw less bounce during the typical “selling season” and in November declined considerably below the level at which it began in the first quarter of the year.  This is not typical of the normal sales curve, which tends to end the year at about the same point where it began.  The next 2 months should tell us if this is an aberration or an indication that the 2009 sales curve will be lower still. 

Bellingham Average Prices

Average sale prices have been rather sticky, dropping just 3.8% year-to-date from 2007 to 2008.  October and November saw this trend change, at least in part due to softness in the upper end of the market.  While these numbers reflect Bellingham sales, they typically constitute approximately 50% of total Whatcom County sales, and the trend lines are very similar.

Inventory levels, particularly in Bellingham and Sudden Valley, are definitely lower than a year ago, at least in part due to little new construction.  Sudden Valley is seeing fairly strong sales due to the new construction inventory available there, and contractors have been discounting prices fairly heavily.

Another bright spot in the local real estate scene are current interest rates.  Most lenders have FHA programs and rates that are very attractive with as little as 3% down.  I received an e-mail notice from a local mortgage broker this week with 30-year fixed rate home loans available at 5% interest, no points, 20% down.  The key to that one was a credit score of at least 740.  That is the best I have seen, but there are a number of good loan opportunities out there and they are changing constantly, so stay in touch with your lender if you are planning to buy.

I was asked today if people are still moving here, and the answer is yes.  We are also seeing investors coming into the market, which is a good sign. So what is coming for Bellingham/Whatcom County real estate?  Probably more of the same for some time, although I think the contraction in inventory and lack of new construction will be with us for a while, which will serve to help hold the price point.

To review this information plotted on a chart, refer to our web site which is referenced below.

In any type of real estate market it is important to know what is going on before you jump in as either a buyer or a seller.  We track many segments of the market so that our clients have the knowledge they need to make good decisions.  It’s one of those services that we consider essential, so if you have a need to know, contact us at 360-527-8766. You can meet us on the web at Johnson Team Real Estate or view or Blog

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Lockboxes are called as such because that is what they are. Usually, these boxes are made out of metal and are attached to the doorknob in front of the house or any other secure area nearby. Inside this box is another smaller sized box. This is where the key of the house is located. This makes sure that no unauthorized strangers could freely come inside.

However, the lockboxes that are available now are more high-tech. Current lockboxes contain a small microprocessor and utilizes an electronic key for it to be opened. This key would only be available if one is a member of a listing service. Each key holds a specially marked identifier. The agent who is a member of the listing service in their local areas are also assigned a unique and specific code that is highly personalized.

Only they could have access to this code as they are not allowed to give it to other listing agents.

The purpose of this is so that whoever enters, the microprocessor sort of records or makes a log as to who went inside the house as well as what time and date. This is an effective security tool for the homeowner. But primarily, lockboxes are there in order to make it easier to sell a house.

In the absence of a lockbox, the seller of the house would then be required to be present when a prospective buyer comes by along with his or her agent. Because of the lockbox, the seller’s presence becomes voluntary and not a requirement. Also, there is the question of security.

There may be instances wherein the seller might leave the door open after giving buyers a tour around the house. Via the lockbox, there is no second guessing as to who did such and such. The questions of who let the cat out or who left the water running in the kitchen sink is no longer an issue since the identity of the agent who comes and goes is immediately known.

This feature proved to be a relevant necessity during an instance in Kirkland, Washington almost four years ago when a real estate professional was apprehended following a series of burglaries from FOR-SALE residential houses that the particular agent visited. This agent had access to lockbox keys and, fortunately or unfortunately, this is the same tool that enabled the agent’s arrest. This system of lockboxes enabled the arrest of Kathy Troxel, via the trail of records she left.

The pioneer in the creation of an electronic type of lockbox was made possible by Supra Products, Inc. This was eleven years ago. Their company has its headquarters in Salem, Oregon.

More importantly, lockboxes are great avenues for showing off property and houses one is intent to sell. Newer features of certain lockboxes limits the access of anyone to only a specified time, day and hours. This is in case the seller requires privacy once in a while. More complex lockboxes have a feature wherein agents are required to call first before showing up in front of the house they are intent on selling.

Real estate companies in the United States are also using the most recent lockbox from Supra. The new application makes use of a handheld device that is connected to a larger network of information, including the most recent ones, that are all related to real estate. This new palm-sized device is placed in a receptacle equipped with a modem. This new mobile device enables agents to have immediate access to updates on local real estate listings in their specific area. This new tool also provides maps and directions for driving and a roster of members to make it easy locating agents. This device is run by a battery made out of lithium. This device, while placed in the receptacle, is also being charged so there is no need to bring any back-up batteries.

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It’s important to realize that the national trends and local trends can differ dramatically depending on the economic influence such as interest rates. Right now the market is healthy and is going to continue to become even healthier throughout the year. Let’s have a look at each of the sectors.

Residential: What ever you’ve heard about the market slumping its dead wrong. There has been no real downslide in the price of housing. The residential market is going strong and if there is a bubble it sure hasn’t been deflated yet.

The strength of the market for residential housing is directly affected by the interest rates. If the interest rates climb the housing sales slump. The market also depends on unemployment rates. The lower the unemployment the higher house sales.

The housing market will decline as interest rates climb. The market also depends on unemployment rates. The lower the unemployment the higher house sales.

A market will also slump because of too many houses on the market. This will correct itself as people remove their homes from the market due to slumping prices which then brings the prices back up.

With unemployment and interest rates at an all time low the housing boom is going to continue through 2007 and most likely into 2008 so if you are in the market for a house don’t be waiting for lower prices. If you don’t get in now you may not be able to in just a few months.

Retail: Changing youth demographics and tends of leverage buyouts will both be factors in this sector. Private capital tends to consolidate across a single industry which results in a particular sector being very healthy. The demographic trend continues to be urbanized young households that are made up of two adults, no children, and at least one pet. As this market continues to demand more in the retail sector retail will continue to see a healthy 2007 just like 2006.

Industrial: This sector is motivated into moving sector of its company offshore to remain competitive. The higher wage demands and operating costs have resulted in these companies seeking alternatives. 2007 sees the industrial sector begin to stabilize as it finds is comfort zone from all the turmoil of 2006.

Commercial: This sector consists mostly of office buildings which have seen significant growth in the past few years. The trend for 2007 will be for increased urban growth but at a very steady pace.

Investment: The real estate investment market should follow the same path as the residential market because as long as interest rates are down investment in retail properties is a smart move. With the quickly increasing values you can buy, rent, and make a good return on your money within just a few years if you decide to sell.

There is no question that the real estate trends for 2007 are going to still see significant demand with housing prices continuing to rise. The game will be to beat the clock and buy in before prices take another significant jump upwards.

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There are a couple of answers to that question. Yes, the techniques they teach work and have worked for many investors. Yes, they are in it for themselves as well. Real estate investing is no new way of making money. It’s been around for many years, and as the years roll on and the market changes, there will continue to be new ways to profit off of the industry.

By selling these courses on TV, these companies are creating huge numbers of investors in their particular niche. Yes, the techniques work, but the market becomes oversaturated with these new investors using these same techniques. These companies know this. So to continue to generate income for themselves, they offer training and coaching programs that cost more money, of course.

When you need a tissue, you think of Kleenex. When you need to clean your ears out, you think of a Q-tip. There are other companies that sell those things, but these companies have the name recognition. These home study courses have great ideas and concepts, but they don’t do a great job in showing you how to market yourself and get your name out there.

Now that you have educated yourself in your new real estate investing income opportunity, how do you get your name out? You can go to all of the local real estate offices and let them know that you’re an investor. Register with your local chamber of commerce. Join or start a real estate investors club. Put ads up on the corners and in media materials. Those are all great ideas, and all of the successful investors are doing them, but what else can you do?

Wouldn’t you like home sellers calling you instead of you calling them? Isn’t the name of the game to have more properties to look at to have more to choose from? In order to do that, you need to have your own name recognition. You need to market your business on the internet. Duh, But how? Where do you start? What are the cost effective ways?

Here a few great ideas that the home study courses aren’t teaching you to get your name out.

- Advertise on free classified websites

- Create a blog on what your doing and how it’s working for you

- Type up press releases on what the market is doing and how you can profit

- Subscribe to an email blast to get your name out to millions.

These are just a few ways to help increase your name recognition and help make this income opportunity work for you. Getting your name out is all about the marketing. The more people that know you’re out there, the more sales you will see. It really is a numbers game.

As always, do your research to see if the company is reputable. Don’t always listen to the “nay sayers” because if a company is successful, there will always be “nay sayers.” Lastly, don”t look for any income opportunity to be a get rich quick venture. You have to put in your work and stay consistent. A great saying is to “Stick and Stay and you’ll Get Your Pay!”

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The recent negative investment climate for residential real estate investment property has provided investors with new reasons to explore investing in business opportunity and business finance options. We will offer some candid advice about commercial mortgage and business financing as well as an overview about the importance of evaluating business and commercial investment property purchase possibilities.

Business Finance – Investing in Unique Businesses and Special Purpose Properties

Commercial real estate and business opportunity choices include special purpose situations such as funeral homes and golf courses. The unique characteristics of such business investment options translate to enhanced possibilities to differentiate a commercial business and provide added value.

Of course specialized business real estate investing does require special purpose business finance solutions such as golf course financing and funeral home financing. A critical requirement for business investment success is the ability to acquire a business loan that is appropriate for both the business and business owner.

Buy a Business with an SBA Loan for a Commercial Mortgage and Business Opportunity Finance

The option to use SBA financing (Small Business Administration loan) provides a business loan choice not available for residential real estate investing. This form of business financing is available to new business owners and can prove to be instrumental in purchasing a business opportunity or commercial real estate investment.

Business Opportunity Financing Without Real Estate Investment Property

Purchasing a business opportunity does not involve commercial real estate. The lack of a commercial mortgage can be an advantage if real estate values are decreasing because business value is dictated primarily by the business income rather than the real estate.

Business Loan – Commercial Investment Value Driven Primarily by Income

In comparison to residential real estate investment property value depending primarily on location, commercial real estate and business value is primarily determined by business income. This results in less sensitivity to local real estate property value trends. A business loan will require an appraisal evaluating business income, usually over at least three years.

Commercial Loan Precautions – Business Financing Problems to Avoid

Just as there are unique and substantial positive benefits associated with buying a business or commercial real estate investment property, there are also a number of special business loan and commercial mortgage problems to avoid when arranging business financing. For those most familiar with investing in residential real estate, it is important to note that there are over 25 differences between commercial financing and residential investment property financing. There is a critical commercial loan difficulty to anticipate with each difference.

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Some say that the real estate market is in a depression.  Others call it a recession.  Others are in complete denial.   The latter are usually those in politics or real estate agents.  Anyone who is trying to sell a property knows it is tough in most markets today.  But the good news is that as bad as it is for sellers, it is a great market for buyers.

Anyone who has money to invest should invest part of it in real estate.  The reason for this is threefold:

  1.  Interest rates are still near historic lows and are not likely to get any lower.

  2.  Housing prices in many U.S. markets are at or near their cyclical lows and those markets will eventually rebound.

  3.  With the number of good deals available today, you should look at the property as a long term investment instead of the quick buck.

The days of flipping real estate investment properties in markets that were appreciating so fast in value that you couldn’t keep up with them are gone for now.  They will most likely return, but not for a while.  Now you have to work with what you have which is a real estate market in which there are a lot more sellers than buyers.  This puts the buyer in the driver’s seat.

In addition to the fact that it’s a buyer’s market, you can also benefit by the fact that the mortgage rates are lower than ever.  So you have an opportunity to buy low because the market is saturated with property for sale as well as an opportunity to get a good loan because the rates are low and lenders are dying to make good loans so that they can stay in business.

If you have money to invest on real estate then you are in a great situation today.  Look at the real estate investment as a long term investment instead of a short, get rich quick scheme.  You can make money when the bubble begins to grow again, and it will.  The real estate market goes up and down like the stock market.  It will rebound.

You can make money today in real estate but you have to make smart choices.  Purchase property in areas where the housing prices have remained stable or are appreciating.  Look at the business climate and population growth in the area.

Where is the next boom likely to hit?  Avoid speculation by tracking trends in local real estate markets and do a little due diligence.  This will help you identify some areas where developers will likely target.  This is likely to be a good place to buy real estate, even if it is just a vacant lot.

Real estate is always a good investment when you’ve done your homework and bought it properly.  However, you should look at it as a medium to long term investment and not a way to get rich quick.  Success and wealth will surely follow.

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