Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Virtual Assistants Offer Support To Maryland Realtors

By Sarah Reiter



When a real estate transaction is made, it has to be noted, and the notation of the transaction stored somewhere. This makes the dealings legal and binding and the stored files are used for a variety of business purposes such as bookkeeping, preparing tax statements, and submission to the local recorders office where the transaction has taken place.


Making notations of transactions and storing them in organized files is known as transaction coordination. This has always been a part of conducting business, but the majority of this type of work is now done online because of advances in computer technology. Maryland real estate transaction coordinators can offer agents a wide array of transaction management services using the latest technology.


A transaction manager can also create detailed graphs highlighting areas in which the agent has experienced the highest revenues, information which the agent can use to manufacture similar revenue results in the future. Still other reports that the Maryland real estate virtual assistant OTC specialist is able to produce through online transaction coordination can showcase areas that have yet to be exploited for their revenue potential by the agent.


Transaction coordinators also referred to as closing coordinators or managers is highly regarded by real estate agents for their skill in conducting and managing online transaction coordination work. The service provided by virtual assistant OTC specialists raises the bar in the services that agents can in turn offer their clients. The bar is raised as well for the Maryland virtual assistant OTC specialist in the level of incomes they are earning by choosing to become specialists in the area of online transaction coordination.


Real estate clients are also beneficiaries of what OTC can do today. OTC reports produced by the virtual assistant OTC specialist can be used to show clients the prices that similar properties are fetching on the market, so that they can be assured that they are getting the best deal in buying or the best price in selling.


There are other areas of real estate virtual assisting from which the Maryland virtual assistant can choose to work in and offer to the scores of agents in need of them. But OTC specialists have found their specialty in online transaction coordination produces a constant flow of real estate agents needing to outsource this work to them. A constant flow of work and income that the virtual assistant OTC specialist can count on to meet their financial needs today, and for planning and saving for future financial needs.








Maryland Real Estate Virtual Assistant Directory Our Maryland Real Estate Virtual Assistants (REVA) support real estate professionals nationwide with all of their marketing, technical, and, administrative needs. Find your Real Estate Virtual Assistant Today!


Real Estate in the Bahamas - How to Sell Your Island Property in a Down Market

By Rachel Pinder



The scenery is better and the gentle breezes coming off the ocean are second to none, but trying to sell real estate in the Bahamas can be just as challenging as other parts of the world when the real estate market is in a slump.


During these slumps, researching to find a qualified Realtor and taking special steps to market your real estate effectively can mean the difference between property that sells at a fair price in short order, and real estate that languishes on the market, said Rachel Pinder, Principal Broker of Island Living Real Estate in Nassau.


Brenda Knowles, a broker with Island Living Real Estate, suggests property owners ask a potential Realtor these questions when considering the best person for the job:


• How are you going to market the property?
• What is the history of your company?
• What is the background/Realtor experience of your agents?
• How long have they been in the business?
• What is the current market trend?
• Do you co-broke with other real estate agencies?
• What changes do I need to make to my property to make it competitive in the current market?


In short, sellers should find out how the Realtor intends to market their property, Knowles said. There are several marketing standards most Realtors employ when listing properties, so getting to the options that set one Realtor apart from all the others is paramount. It is important to remember that the best marketing plan can only do so much; an owner should take the advice of their real estate agent to make their property look its best, Pinder said.


"It seems to go against common sense to put money into a home you're trying to sell, but as many TV shows on the subject prove, you really can get a better price for your home by putting a little bit of money into making it appealing to a broad spectrum of potential home buyers," she said.


Here are some easy and relatively inexpensive tips:


• Make sure the house is freshly painted in neutral colors.
• Remove personal items, such as family photos.
• Make minor repairs- patch holes in walls, fix cracked tiles, replace cracked windows, etc.
• Get rid of clutter, inside and outside
• Clean, clean, clean
• Give your front entrance curb appeal by adding colorful flowers.


Another tip to remember is to price the property right.


"Don't try to over-price your home in a down market," Pinder said. "It won't sell."


© 2007 Sinai Marketing and Island Living Real Estate. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.








If you would like more home selling tips or you would like additional information on marketing options and other services offered by Island Living Real Estate, please visit their Web site: http://www.islandlivingrealestate.com


Rachel Pinder is the principle broker of Island Living Real Estate. Along with her team of brokers, Hazel Wicky, Brenda Knowles and Anthony Wells, the company has more than 25 years of experience in real estate sales and development throughout the Bahamas.


Island Living has Realtors available to assist buyers and sellers with all their real estate needs. The value of undeveloped real estate in The Bahamas has increased more in one year than it has in the past 10 years, according to one prominent Nassau broker and agent.


Costa Tropical Property - A Great Real Estate Deal

By Brittney Jackeline



The lure of the Spanish islands is unmistakable. To count one as better over another would be repulsive, for each island has its own charm, each province its own hypnotic way of pulling customers in. While some islands may have an in-your-face beauty that simply cannot be passed off as just another beach town look, others have a more exotic, mysterious appeal to them. Costa Tropical falls in the latter category.


One can get myriad benefits by purchasing Costa Tropical property. The climate is among the best in Europe, ably assisted by the soft northerly African winds and the waters of the Mediterranean. The majestic mountains in Sierra Nevada create a wonderful feel. Nearly 4/5th of the year is bathed in bright sunlight, with the average temperature being around twenty.


Motril, Almuñécar and Salobreña are the most sought after tourist spots. The cleanliness of the shoreline has led to Costa Tropical being awarded the much-acclaimed Blue Flag. But Costa tropical is a thinly populated area; relatively, that is. When the tourism boom hit the country around the 1960s, Costa Tropical remained largely unaffected. The lack of urbanisation rendered Costa Tropical property the ideal destination; as the great wide spaces offer the tourist spaced to move about as well as the much desired calm.


Motril is the most celebrated town in Costa Tropical. There are several reasons for its popularity. Night clubs, parties, shops and sandy beaches make for a wonderful visit. There are several ways to avail Costa Tropical property. Firstly, there is no dearth of competent real estate agents in the place. If you do not have adequate trust in them (there is no reason for you to feel so) there is the option of the Internet. As with most things, the Internet provides the customer a lot of choice as well as convenience, as regards travel agents and other things.








About the Author:Brittney Jackeline is a well known professional writer. She has won appreciation especially for good writing about the Spanish Real Estate topic like properties in Spain.


Saturday, October 27, 2007

Realtor Selection - Successful Tips - How to do it!

By John Groth Platinum Quality Author



Finding and selecting a home will probably be the biggest financial decision you'll ever make. As a corollary, the importance of selecting the right realtor goes right along with the overall home buying decision. Here are some simple steps you can take to help you find a realtor that will help you make the correct home buying decision.


First you need to find at least three realtors. Talk to friends, co-workers, acquaintances or neighbors that recently bought or sold a home. What were they happy with, what problems did they have? What would they do differently next time? Did the realtor follow through on their promises? Now with your short list make appointments to interview the three or more of the best candidates.


Prepare you list of questions. Based on your conversations with others compare what they thought was important to your needs in buying a home. In the interview with the candidates approach the meeting the same way you would as if you were hiring someone. Of course that's exactly what you are doing. They will be working on the real estate buying or selling project for you.


What to look for in a realtor? They should have a reasonable level of experience. Find out what plans they have to market your home. It is advisable to find a someone with broad experience. Inquire about whether or not the realtor is a full time agent, or if he or she has limited hours to spend on the purchase or sale of your home. Ask them about plans for an open house or if you will be able to reach the realtor before or after normal business hours.


Recently in talking with a friend who told me his son had moved into a home about three years ago and used a local realtor to help him find the home. He was now being transferred and without going through a reasonable selection process elected to give the listing to the former realtor. It was a big mistake. Even in a relatively hot real estate market the home was not marketed properly. The realtor was "resting on his laurels" and did not have nearly the sense of urgency his son had. Consequently when the listing ran out the son properly researched and found another realtor who helped sell the house in three weeks at the asking price.


A part time agent and those who work less than full-time are going to be usually less familiar with the market and the secrets of the trade. Also, it is important to have an agent who is able to show the home on the schedule of potential buyers. Do not hire an agent that will make you and other buyers work on his or her schedule because there are agents who will work with your schedule? This can significantly improve the chances of a faster, more lucrative sale. Find a realtor who will work for you. You should also consider the fee that they will charge.


You are also not just hiring a realtor. You are also hiring an agency. You should ask certain questions about the agency to decide which one is ideal for you. The agency that you hire needs to have enough financial power to be able to properly market your home. Bigger agencies will be able to pay for bigger and better ads.


Overall, the selection of the realtor many times is critical in marketing and selling your house or in helping you find exactly the home you want at the right price. Do your homework and you'll get the best results.








John Groth is a Relocation Specialist. Go to Relocation and Moving Ideas and find valuable resources, a free money saving relocation guide and informative articles about business and individual moving and relocation. For a Smooth Move we have all the information to help you in planning your move.


Staying Safe - A Guide for Real Estate Agents

By Sanjog Gopal Platinum Quality Author



On the surface, the real estate industry is all about wheeling and dealing, and million dollar deals. Financial risk is a given, but physical risk can be part of the job as well. Not many people think of real estate as being a dangerous profession, but in reality, agents are put face to face with strangers on a daily basis. Hosting open houses, or showing homes to clients can put agents at risk for being robbed, carjacked, and assaulted.


Robbery is the most common risk that agents face. Agents typically dress in nice clothing, wear jewelry, and carry high tech devices such as PDA's. The house itself is also at risk because the homeowner is not usually present at the time of showing. Real estate agents should be cautious with what they carry on their person. Leave expensive jewelry at home, and don't carry more cash than is absolutely necessary. As for the house, have the homeowners remove anything that could be a potential target for theft.


Sexual assaults can occur when an agent is alone either in their office, or in a house with a client. The best defense is prevention. Avoid being alone at open houses as much as possible. Try to have a co-worker or friend accompany you. If that isn't feasible, call the office every hour to let them know that everything is okay. Set up a policy that if the office hasn't heard from you in one or two hours, they should call you immediately on your cell phone.


If you are alone at the office, keep windows and doors locked. Consider playing music to give the impression that multiple people are present. Some experts suggest that you should close curtains and blinds so that people can't see if you're alone, while others argue that by leaving curtains drawn, the public can have a clear view of anything that happens, thereby keeping you safe by exposure.


Having a safe word for your office is a very good idea, particularly for house viewings. This is a word or phrase that you can say on the phone to let your office know that something is wrong, without alerting the predator. You can have one general safe word, or have a few codes for varying degrees of danger.


Being alone at an open house is very risky. There are rooms that the predator can hide in, or drag you into. Let the client enter rooms first. This prevents you from being taken from behind, and also keeps you close to the exits. Don't go into isolated areas like basements and attics. Allow them to view those areas on their own.


Other precautions that you can take include having a new client meet you at the office, before going to a property. Photocopy their driver's license, or write down their license plate number. Introduce the person to a couple of co-workers. You not only want the office to have this information in the event of an emergency, but also, it decreases the chances that the client will try anything criminal. He knows that others have seen his face and have his information.


Give the office your itinerary for the day, including the addresses of all houses being shown and a time line for activities. The more information that you provide your co-workers or family with, the safer you will be. Although these actions cannot guarantee your wellbeing, you will have increased the chances of being rescued quickly, and returned to safety.


Open houses are where agents are most vulnerable. Often, they work alone, and spend the day opening the door to strangers. People with malicious intentions can easily put on the guise of being a potential buyer, and can gain the trust of an unsuspecting agent. Keep in mind is that both men and women can be victimized, and that both sexes can be predators, so do not let your guard down. Take a few simple precautions, listen to your instincts, and take care on the job.








Sanjog Gopal is a Phoenix real estate agent. Passionate about his job, Sanjog goes the extra mile for his clients. If you would like to invest in Scottsdale AZ real estate, see http://www.azresidence.com


Real Estate Ghaziabad - Promising High Property Returns

By Kumar Mangal



Real Estate Ghaziabad has become very visible with the right moves in all aspects of property development. Ghaziabad Properties is on the growth path. The boom in Delhi in consumer spending prompted a real estate and infrastructure conglomerate, to set up their first IMAX theatre in northern India at the Pacific Mall in Kaushambi, on the Delhi-Ghaziabad border, where it outperformed the average capacity utilization of most multiplexes in metros.


Properties in Ghaziabad are set against a backdrop of good infrastructure based on the concept of good living. So besides developing offices and residential apartments, there is a focus on providing social infrastructure, such as shopping malls, family entertainment centres, schools and hospitals, in a big way.


Property in Ghaziabad


Express Gardens opposite Noida Electronic City has all the 650 furnished luxury apartments that are Vaastu friendly. Another project from the same group is the Express Plus Mall, which is may be one of the biggest shopping malls in Vasundhra City.


Property in Ghaziabad


The advent of the Metro Rail and the Commonwealth Games are increasing the rates of rental property in Ghaziabad. It is leading to property development in these regions.


New property Ghaziabad


Innovative concept of service apartments with all the facilities of a five-star hotel at almost one-third its rate is the in-thing now. These service apartments, will have furnished living rooms, bedrooms and offices along with small pantries.


Retail Space in Ghaziabad


East Delhi Mall, Pacific Mall, Galaxi ,Kaushambi Mall, Wave Kaushambi, Shipra Mall have a recall rate. Every big brand today wants a presence in the region that includes Ghaziabad. Ghaziabad may fulfill the requirements for hotel rooms, and demand will rise manifold with the Commonwealth Games in 2010.


Some property developers have made good business, but some Groups have been waiting for necessary clearances from the government for their projects in and Ghaziabad.


Office Space in Ghaziabad are also preferred by Corporates cashing on the soaring economic potential of the people, due to reduced pollution levels, planned development of townships with educational institutions and hospitals, value-added services like ATMs, clubs, swimming pools and shopping centres.


Rates of both commercial and residential properties in these regions have skyrocketed in the last couple of years. property rates in Indirapuram whose infrastructure is supposed to be its biggest strength alone have registered a 70 percent appreciation in the last one and a half years.








The author is an associated editor to the website http://www.indianground.com Indianground is dedicated to explaining all your related queries on real estate Ghaziabad and Property in Ghaziabad, with the latest news updates. Your feedback and comments will be highly appreciated at krmangalam@gmail.com


Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Real Estate Agents & Property Buyers - What Is The Difference?

By Shaun Greer



There are many differences between real estate agents and property buyers. Both offer professional services relating to real estate, but the differences are clear. You should be aware of the differences between estate agents and property buyers. Use the right real estate professional for the right house selling situation.


Property Buyers:


Property buyers are people who actually buy homes. If you need to sell your house, property buyers are the real estate professionals who actually give you an offer to buy your house. Property buyers do not charge you any commissions or fees and can typically buy your house very quickly.


Property buyers are real estate professionals that purchase many houses in your local area. Property buyers are also real estate investors so they many not be able to pay as much for your house as an end home owner would. With that said, if you are selling your house you typically have to pay 6 percent in real estate agent commissions. For a $100,000 house that is $6,000 in real estate commissions. Given the large amount of commissions you would have to pay when using a real estate agent, property buyers may be able to give you the price you need for your house.


A property buyer will give you a free, confidential, no-obligation offer for your home. So if you are thinking about selling your house I would recommend getting a free offer from your local property buyer. You have nothing to lose because if you do not like the offer you receive you do not have to sell your house to them.


The best time to use a professional property buyer is if you need to sell your house fast. There are many reasons people need or want to sell their house fast. If you are in any of the following situations I would recommend getting a free offer for your home from a property buyer.


Going through a divorce, need to stop foreclosure, being relocated by your work, you re an investor who want to cash out of an investment property, you do not want to be landlord anymore, you just inherited a property and need to sell it, you do not want to deal with a real estate agent, your home is not in excellent condition, your home is 100 percent financed and you have no equity.


These are just a few of home selling situations where you would be better offer selling your house to a local property buyer. The best way to get in contact with a local property buyer is to complete a very short on-line form from a company that focuses on buying houses. You basically complete the very short form, and then a property buyer will contact you with their offer. You have no risk or obligation to accept.


Real Estate Agents:


Real estate agents are real estate professionals who help home owners buy and sell real estate. They do not buy and sell real estate themselves. Real estate agents typically charge a commission of 3 percent for their service. The 3percent is the percentage related to the price of the home you are selling or buying.


When you enter into an agreement with a real estate agent you are signing an agreement with them that you will allow them to help you sell or help you buy a home. You can not go anywhere else or use any other agent to help you in your home selling or home buying needs.


Many times home owners sign an agreement with a real estate agent and months later, after their house sitting on the market want to cancel their agreement. Because the real estate agent has expenses for marketing, time and effort they are reluctant to let you out of your contract.


The best time to use a real estate agent is when you buying a home. Home sellers typically pay real estate commissions, so when you buy a home it is free to use a real estate agent. Now if you have bad credit and you want to buy a home, real estate agents are not always your best option. Many times a professional property buyer has many homes they will sell to you on terms. You may have herd of the terms rent to own, lease option, or lease purchase. There are homes that property buyers are selling to people who have trouble getting traditional financing.


The best time to use a real estate agent is when you are buying a home. Home sellers typically pay real estate commissions, so when you buy a home it is free to use a real estate agent. Now if you have bad credit and you want to buy a home, real estate agents are not always your best option. Many times a professional property buyer has many homes they will sell to you on terms. You may have heard of the terms rent to own, lease option, or lease purchase. There are homes that property buyers are selling to people who have trouble getting traditional financing, which in our current real estate market can be very easy.








For a Free, Confidential, No-obligation Offer on your home visit http://www.ExpertHomeOffers.com


The Viability Of Miami Beach Real Estate

By Vanessa A. Doctor Platinum Quality Author



A lot of people have asked, what makes living in Miami Beach so special. Among many reasons, great property inventory, low interest rates, especially for those who need financing, and an assortment of very motivated seller's.


The city's current South Beach market is growing at a fast pace, and according to analysts, is a wonderful place to invest for the long-term. With very limited space, an exciting and eclectic nightlife scene, incredible outdoor restaurants, the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) in Downtown Miami, the American Airlines Arena, the Financial District of Brickell and the amazing stretch of world-famous beaches.


These are among a few of the reasons for living in Miami Beach, despite the backdrop of the US housing crunch looming in the horizon. The local housing market, in tandem with the city's local government, have been doing their part in easing property developers and buyers in their concerns about the direction of the city's real estate market.


New Development Plans Ensure Proper Planning And Zoning


The City of Miami , along with Miami Beach, has further made concrete its commitment to ensure the success of this recent development surge.


Outdated zoning ordinances are now being completely retooled and revamped, and a new citywide development plan, which is managed and overseen by the Miami Downtown Development Authority, is being implemented, that city officials vow "will balance new development with revitalization and preservation of the neighborhoods". These development districts are created and unified under the Biscayne Boulevard Special Area Plan to provide continuity and coherent zoning and land use regulations.


Miami Beach Cuts Home Property Taxes


Recently, the Miami Beach City Commission has unanimously given preliminary approval to the city's new $231 million budget, which would take effect on Oct. 1. The city's commission has set the tax rate at $5.897 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. This move represents a significant 23 percent drop from this year's rate of $7.67, according to City Manager Jorge Gonzalez.


Under the new tax rates, a homeowner whose house is valued at $295,000 , which is the the median price in Miami Beach - taking the standard homestead exemption will pay $1,636 in city taxes. However owners of commercial properties and non-homesteaded properties may not be able to receive the same kind of tax relief. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.


According to the 2007-08 budget, taxpayers throughout Miami Beach are likely to see increments in city service fees levied, such as water and sewer fees, to rise from a combined total of $7.04 a month to $12 a month. Miami Beach will also stop absorbing the cost increases for these services and will pass them directly onto taxpayers.


There would also be an increase in franchise fees for sanitation services for commercial properties, apartments and condominiums from $37.57 a month to $38.25 a month. Along with other increases, parking fees will also have to go up, from $60 to $70 a month for monthly parking passes and from $10 to $15 for special event parking.


Miami Beach has emerged as one of the most vibrant cities, and throughout the recent decade, the real estate markets have also been very vibrant and appealing. A lot of people from across the world have descended upon the city and have driven an unprecedented rebirth and revitalization of this once-neglected tropical paradise. This new revitalizing force has added to infuse an explosive boom in Miami's real estate market.


Miami Beach Real Estate - http://miamirealestateinc.org


Real Estate Banking Scenario in the Middle East

By Deepak Rodey



It can be marked as the best occasion for Ayman Adel Kamal who is presently the Vice President of the real estate and investment division of the Dubai Islamic bank, when his bank won the best investment bank award for their achievement over the past 12 months. This would not only increase the reputation and market credibility of the "Dubai Islamic bank", but also boost the moral real estate investors and builders who seek capital investment through the bank.


Incidentally the Dubai Islamic Bank which has funded many real estate investment propositions and neighboring areas is led deeply by the principles of Islam contributing another factor to being labeled as the "best real estate investment management bank". This award has been presented by the "liquid real Estate Magazine" which is also a part of the "Euromoney". The award ceremony was held in London and it covered real estate banks from over 50 countries.


Dubai has grown the size of its real estate industry by many times over the past few years. Therefore the contribution of real estate investment banks is indispensable for the sustenance of this outstanding growth. Real Estate investment banks have been providing the much need financial support to these banks especially in an inflatable industry like Dubai. This has earmarked the progress of the real estate builders as well as small investors who have capitalized on these investments. Moreover investment banks much like the Dubai Islamic bank have served as a resource which has fed the growing demand for commercial as well as the residential spaces in this fast developing economy of Dubai.


Awards such as these have aroused much competition in the investment banking sector promoting a more growth oriented environment in this segment. Banking industry is now increasingly concentrating on their strategies, visions, missions, execution capabilities as well as management aspects. Banks, for example have started recruiting extremely skilled staff inviting expertise from various countries of the world. As an example the newspapers in India and Pakistan and other neighboring countries are flooded with vacancies from banks in Dubai and other Emirates. These banks generally look for extremely skilled and experienced staffs who can help them capitalize on the growing real estate market of Dubai.


These days many private banks have established themselves well in the Middle East region. Some prominent names are like that of ABN AMBRO, Citigroup, HDFC, Dubai Islamic Bank, Standard Chartered and many other big names thriving to capture major chunks of the expanding real estate opportunities in Dubai along with the rest of the emirates. Now it depends on the services provided by these banks and the investment opportunities in real estate markets like that of Dubai that they can extract a handsome profit from.








Deepak Rodey works for Property Advice Dubai a real estate dubai company


Real Estate Leads Need to Be Worked On

By Shareen Aguilar Platinum Quality Author



Generating leads for real estate is one of the many stages needed before a real estate agent gets a sale; a successful client. But even for the moment of having all the leads in your hands, regardless if there are thousands of them; when reality starts to kick in that there could be a lot of rejected leads, those that are not just interested to get any service from any real estate agent just yet or it could simply become a lead that doesn't respond back to any of the contacts that you have made.


Setting your focus on what could happen in the real world is going to make the load lighter. Most real estate agents are already pleased by the number of leads that they get but the fact that these people have to be convinced and needs persuasion isn't an easy job at all. There could be instances when there are leads that will correspond with your inquiry but there is still a possibility for them not to contact you back in anyway or anymore. These instances do happen and after a while, you'll simply realize that out of the thousands of leads you have received, you can only count clients with your own fingers.


This is where filtering comes in. If you want to save on the money that you have paid lead generating companies, make sure that you do spend and check the leads you get. Chances are, these leads could be generated from other companies giving you duplicate leads which is not necessarily at all. This makes the lead generating companies that you trust a bad choice. But, of course, you have to assert and pro actively seek out the leads you get. If you are determined enough to reach these leads during their most comfortable time of the day, you will definitely get a good head start on lead marketing.








Shareen Aguilar is a writer for Real Estate Leads Generation which has information on generating Real Estate Leads.


Fort Lauderdale Real Estate - The Venice of America

By Hector Lesende



Located in Broward County in Florida in the United States of America, Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, is a metropolitan city that happens to be the most important city in the South Florida Metropolitan area. Fort Lauderdale is especially recognized as a tourist destination and accommodates more than 10 million tourists yearly. It has been given the tag of a metropolitan city mainly because of the diversity in culture. The city derived its name from a series of forts built by the US during the Second Seminole War. The forts, in turn, had taken their names from Major William Lauderdale, the commander of the troop of soldiers who built the first fort.


Situated at 26°08'09"N, 80°08'31"W, the city has an area of about 36 square miles. It has a long stretch of beaches as it lies adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Lauderdale is bordered by Wilton Manors and Pompano Beach in the north, Lauderhill and Cooper City to the west, Hollywood and Dania Beach to the south and Sea Ranch Lakes to the east. Climatically, too, the city is diverse since it is affected by two kinds of weather yearly. In the summers the weather is hot and wet and winters, on the other hand, are dry and cool. The place is also affected occasionally by hurricanes.


The city of Fort Lauderdale has a population of around 173,000 and the population density is about 4, 800 per square mile in an area totaling 36 square miles. English is the first language followed by Spanish, French Creole, French and finally Portuguese. Fort Lauderdale real estate has doubled in value in recent years. Median home value is close to $400,000. Median home age is 38 years.


Infrastructure is very good in the city of Fort Lauderdale, education and transport playing an instrumental role in the framework of the economy. Though the level of education is slightly lower than the national average, the city of Fort Lauderdale, falling under the Broward County Public Schools has more than 23 public schools within its working area. Apart from this, five institutions of great repute are situated in Fort Lauderdale-The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University and Broward Community College. Transportation facilities are ample considering that the Fort Lauderdale Airport is nearby and happens to be one of the fastest growing airports. Among the local transportation available, buses and rails rule the roost providing for the basic need of connectivity. Las Olas Boulevard is the key of the city.


Fort Lauderdale has an economy that is predominantly dependant on tourism. Though initially the city was just a vacationing spot for college students in spring break, through the years it has turned you to be more a destination for the rich and affluent. It is also a major yachting center and the boating industry is naturally thriving and contributes a lot to the gross product. With tourism being the most vital component in the economy, the real estate market has grown rapidly in Fort Lauderdale. In numerous hotels, homes and condominiums have come up to meet the rising demand for permanent or temporary shelter. It is viable to invest in real estate in the Venice of the Americas since there is ample employment in the nearby areas. Fort Lauderdale subdivisions include Lauderdale Shores, Seven Isles, Venice, Las Olas by the Sea. There are 1,814 single family homes, 3,659 townhouses and condos, and 1,673 rentals now available. Fort Lauderdale real estate is bouncing back and it will be thriving again by 2008.








Hector Lesende is Owner/Licensed Real Estate Broker in Miami South Florida. Please visit Miami Real Estate. Search Fort Lauderdale Real Estate. We will sell your home from only 1% commission.


We provide a free South Florida Foreclosure and MLS list


Sarasota Real Estate Tip - How To Buy A Home In Sarasota, Florida

By Vanessa A. Doctor 



Sarasota is the county seat of Sarasota County.


It has a total area of 25.9 square miles. The city has always been noted as Florida's cultural center because of the many cultural attractions it offers, such as the Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota Music Festival, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera, a wide array of educational museums, and many other musical, arts and theatrical venues.


It is a great place for recreation and sports as it has many golf courses as well as facilities for tennis, lawn bowling, water skiing and boating. Sarasota is part of the wider Sarasota/Manatee/Charlotte metro area, which is one of the fastest growing markets in the state.


Real Estate Properties Are In-Demand In This Area


The Sarasota Florida property market is currently very much in high demand. Home prices here, however momentarily attractive, have been going up steadily. It would seem that the homes you saw last year would probably no longer be available at the same price. Homebuyers should keep in mind that home prices here fluctuate from time to time, as the demand keeps on rolling for new homes and condo units.


Sarasota Home-Buying Tips


For prospective homebuyers, knowing how much to offer is one of the peskiest and trickiest aspects of buying a home in Sarasota. For starters, research for a list of recently sold properties of comparable size, location and amenities to enable buyers to compare the selling price of those with the price of the home you want.


By doing this, you will find out whether this property is realistically priced, or overpriced. If a home or estate has been on the selling block for some time, the owner may accept a below-market offer. However, if the property is very desirable and many other buyers are also interested in it, the seller may just reject your offer, wasting your precious home-search time.


Search For Suitable A Lender Before Buying A Home. The way to know how much you can afford is to get pre-qualified, or better pre-approved. Getting pre-approval acts as a helpful leverage during price negotiations. Buyers are also asked to try to "lock-in" an interest rate without a charge, because, if rates go down, you get the lower rate. If they go up, then you keep the "locked" rate.


In presenting and developing an offer, it is imperative for home buyers to know as much as possible about the seller. They need to know if they are in a bind and need to close quickly; or have they already purchased another home? It would be helpful if you buy a home that you can really afford. There are real tax advantages to owning a home.


However, there are also expenses such as moving in, decorating, lawn care, utility installation, trash pickup, and others that you may forget in the rush. A good advice would be to "Buy a bit less, rather than a bit more home than you can afford".


When trying to buy resale or previously-owned homes, it would be best to get the home first checked by a Professional Home Inspector to verify and uncover any major faults in the house. By doing so, the seller and not you, pays for the corrections or extra repairs. When deciding to buy new construction homes, decide on what you want and stick with it, since some salesmen will sell you upgrades which add little, or no value to your home when you resell it.


Sarasota Real Estate - http://siestakeyrealestate.com


Real Estate Lead Generation - Cracking the Code

By Shawn Meldrum Platinum Quality Author



For a gold miner finding an area that not only has rich reserves of gold but also a cost-effective process for extracting it is the key. Successfully accomplishing this is called "CRACKING THE CODE" by some in the industry. Once you have cracked the code you are set, because you know that it is only a matter of how much raw material you put in the front door that will determine how much gold comes out of the back.


Your real estate business is just the same. "Cracking the Code" should be your major focus. Once you have successfully cracked the code, or in other words, created a system that dependably brings in business regardless of what anyone else is doing you have effectively created your own little gold mine. It will simply be a matter of how much you put in the front door, so to speak, that will determine your income.


The important question then is: "How to crack the code?"


Just like gold mines different locations have unique dynamics. You may be in an area that is highly affluent and growing in population or you may be in a market that is mostly low-income and slowly contracting. You may have lots of renters in your area or mainly homeowners.


There are all kinds of variables that change from region to region and town to town. The fact is that each of us has a somewhat unique location we call our market. And certain techniques will work better in some areas than they will others.


Therefore, the only way to "crack the code" in your area is to do as the gold miners do. You must systematically test individual tactics and faithfully track your results. This is the only way to know which systems are working and which are not. If they are not working you must refine and improve them or change tactics all together. Even if they are working you should continue to test in order to continually improve your results.


That is the beauty of this business. In gold mining you have to put out hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars attempting to crack the code. In the real estate business the only risk you have to take is an inexpensive test. Each of these tests puts you that much closer to cracking the code for your area.








Learn more about getting free real estate leads by visiting http://www.gettingrealestateleads.com, a training and instructional website that offers information, tips and free real estate lead generation resources and advice.


Forfeited and Seized Real Estate Skyrockets with Minimal Public Enthusiasm

By Bob Monie



Latest figures show that the number of seized and forfeited properties have increased over the last quarter due to rising interest rates and reckless lending. Lenders have been warned to tighten the screws when it comes to approving loans for families on unstable incomes. Loans have be approved in the past with little or no credit checks, the people that acquire these loans can not afford repayment resulting in the new property being forfeited or seized by the government. All these families are looking for is the great American dream of buying and owning their own home. This dream can ultimately blind them from the fact that the financial demands of paying off a mortgage can be overwhelming and can ruin lives.


It is unfortunate but this is a time when a new home buyer can benefit enormously from the miss fortune of others. Since there are thousands of homes being forfeited and Seized every day, the government has to auction them off rapidly to recover debt. This rapid turnover results in many of these homes being sold for as much as 90% off the current market price.


You might say this is ridiculous but the truth is that the public interest is so low that there is barely any competition during auction time. Since the auctions are government run, there is no marketing involved. Mark Garner, who is based in Miami, is a Real Estate investor who has bought and sold more than 50 – 60 homes a year for the past 5 years across America. He is planning on buying more than 100 properties this coming year.


“I really must say government real estate auctions have been the source of my success for the past 5 years, I really started to think these auctions where my own little secret because nobody seems to know about them”


“I would do my homework and find out when and where the auctions where going to take place, I place my bid and I usually come away with another house. I seriously think that new home buyers don’t do enough homework before they run out and buy a house the old fashioned way. They need to open their eyes and see the massive potential in government auctions,” Mark said.


Most people don’t know where to start researching when buying a new home. The most common place to start is the local newspaper. Everything listed in the local newspaper is always at market value because of the huge amount of publicity the real estate receives. Little or no saving can be made when purchasing these properties.


You should always start your research on the internet. There are many websites on the internet today that claim to offer the best seized real estate products but they are simply bogus sites that take your money and don’t offer you any real value. Many will offer you a refund before purchase, but after you realize you would like a refund, the site owners cannot be contacted. You have to be wary about who you deal with. “I have tried every seized real estate website on the internet that I know of and have been ripped off by 80% of them. They just don’t provide what they claim in their sales copy. I would have to say Wukkas Seized Real Estate would have to be the best site I use for quality and assistance,” Mark said.


Now is defiantly the time for real estate investors and new home buyers to take advantage of the forfeited and seized real estate market. Save yourself thousands and take the stress and worry away from buying your new dream home








Bob Monie is the leading marketing manager for Wukkas Real Estate. Wukkas Real Estate provides the best Forfeited and Seized Real Estate on the internet. To visit the website, click on the following link - Wukkas Real Estate


Best Times to Buy & Sell Real Estate!

By Joeseph Samson



Properly timing the sale of your home could mean tens of thousands of extra dollars in your pockets. Real estate, like many industries has cyclical periods that could have serious effects on buyers and sellers. As strange as it may sound, you can approach the real estate market like a farmer would consider his activities.


We can very easily identify the 4 seasons of spring, summer fall and winter in real estate. Lets use an investment property as an example and assuming that you want to be in the game for a long period of time.


A farmer would typically plant in the spring and harvest in the fall. Plan in the winter and tend in the summer. So how does this relate to real estate?


Real estate cycles don’t necessarily reflect the temperature outside or a particular calendar month. It illustrates the fact that prices don’t go up in a linear motion and there are months or years when prices increase more or less.


Just like a farmer would read books and educate himself about different products in the winter a real estate investor’s job is to take courses, learn new strategies, etc. when prices aren’t increasing at all.


When real estate prices start to rise, investors need to start purchasing or planting their seeds as a farmer would do the same.


Summer is the best cycle to be in either as a farmer or as an investor. When prices are still continuing to grow we need to look after our real estate portfolios. Sometimes we have to complete smaller renovations at our properties, find new tenants etc. At the end of the day our whole purpose is to manage our investments and make sure that our investment will be in great shape for harvest when it’s time to sell.


Fall, this is the most exciting time out of all 4 seasons. Lets rake in the profits! If you are a wine lover, you know that the sweetest wine comes from a late harvest. However the people producing the wine are sometimes risking all year’s work in case of an early frost. To determine the best time to sell, you really need to be on top of your game. I always recommend selling before everyone else does. Never wait to get out at the very top, leave something on the table for someone else to be greedy. To determine when it is the right time to sell, you need to be able to do your own due diligence about what’s driving the real estate industry.


Far too often, we listen to daily news and we only base our decisions on the short term outlook. Not that long ago, I read a newspaper article about our former Premier, Ralph Klein. In that article I was surprised to find out that he never reads the newspaper because he doesn’t care much about the daily news. He rather do his own research from an independent source who has no interest in providing bios information.


What if you aren’t looking at real estate as an investment? Rather you just want to decide what is the best time to sell your principal residence?


July, August, December and early January are usually the best times to buy. The reasons have to do with prices softening during these months and less buyers to compete with as most have taken a break from the market to go on vacation or they have committed themselves to some family time with holidays or recently succeeded in buying their home in the spring or fall.


Another reason these months can be good for buying pertains to the cycle of price increases--often in September (the fall market) and early spring (the spring market) the prices go up in our appreciating market. Just waiting an extra few weeks at certain times such as mid-August or early January can cost one 5-10% on their home purchase. Paying tens of thousand of dollars extra is an insane amount of money for waiting a few weeks longer for what one was planning on doing anyway when it was more convenient just because you waited an extra month.


Usually the increase in the fall is less than the one in the spring but several percent on a $500,000 house is very significant. If one is going to buy... it's non-sense to do it several weeks late and spending $10,000s of extra for the same property. In the fall the buyers come back to the market again as they get into their routines--kids going to school, working, vacation planning and a whole new set of buyers that are just starting with the hopes of being in a new home by the end of the year.


For sellers, the worst time of the year to sell are the months listed above that are the best time for buyers to purchase. Sellers listing in July/August/late Nov/Dec/Jan/early February are not going to get the highest dollar for their house. List at the time the demand is highest and when inventory takes a dip.


It pays off to think ahead a little bit and plan your moves in advance. Remember, just like a farmer knows when to spend time to educate himself, plant the seed and bring in the harvest. If you do the same, chances are good that you will maximize your profit.


Posted by www.JoeSamson.com








Professionalism Joe Samson is an Alberta based real estate professional and licensed member of the Real Estate Council of Alberta - Proudly representing MaxWell Canyon Creek Realty. Joe began building his personal real estate career in 2000 and hasn't looked back since. Using unique real estate strategies he managed to help countless clients of his to become on route to be financially independent and happy home owners.


At that time, Joe worked as a Project Manager for a major International gas compression manufacturer. After regular business hours Joe managed to dedicate a large amount of his time to his passion - Real Estate. Joe spent countless hours educating himself of "how to buy, where to buy and what to buy" while minimizing risks and maximizing returns. Then he took that knowledge and began working with clients who were interested in purchasing revenue-producing real estate using his own unique strategies. Over the years, Joe has dramatically increased his personal net worth, along with that of many of his clients.


Costa Rica Real Estate - 8 Travel Tips for Buying

By Stacey Crevoiserat



When traveling to Costa Rica in search for real estate, there are a number of travel tips you’ll want to keep in mind before you leave home. Costa Rica is a beautiful place and can be the perfect location for your first or second home, so let’s make sure you’re ready and answer a few questions first time visitors usually have.


1. Be Prepared For the Weather! Costa Rica is definitely a tropical country; the average annual temperature for the majority of the country is between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The yearly climate is divided into two seasons: the dry season, which is from January through May, and the rainy season, which runs from May to November/December. Some areas receive as much as 18 feet of rain a year!


2. Do I Need A Visa? Costa Rica welcomes tourists and locals typically have a very friendly attitude towards visitors. But first we have to make sure you’ll get in! Most visitors are free to stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa (you will of course need your passport). Travelers from The United States, Spain, Canada, Germany and Austria are included. If you are not from one of the previously mentioned countries please check this completed list.


3. How Long Will It Take To Get There? Costa Rica is actually very close to the United States, making it a prime location for Americans to have a vacation home or to invest in real estate. A flight from Miami to San Jose is only two and a half hours. It’s actually even shorter then a flight from N.Y. to San Jose, Costa Rica, then from N.Y. to California!


4. What Airports Are In Costa Rica? Costa Rica currently has two international airports, San Jose’s Juan Santamaria in the Central Valley, and Liberia’s Daniel Odouber in the Northwest region.


5. Is it necessary to speak Spanish? The primary language in Costa Rica is of course Spanish, however it's not totally necessary that you speak the language. Although we do highly recommend it to be able to get the full experience of being in another culture, most tourist areas are generally English speaking and quite easy to communicate and get around in.


6. What Should I Bring? Packing for such an adventure is very important, you want to make sure you have all of the proper amenities to have a successful and enjoyable trip. Some of those things include:



    a. Passport, drivers license, cash and traveler’s checks
    b. Both beach sandals and hiking/walking shoes, Sunblock, bug repellent, and sunglasses
    c. T-Shirts, including a long sleep shirt to protect you from sunburn, both pants and shorts, jacket, baseball cap, and a bag of some kind to keep wet clothes.
    d. Extra batteries and film for your cameras, (these may be hard to find in Costa Rica)


7. Taking Photo’s In a Tropical Climate. Costa Rica is very humid, so even when it’s not raining there is plenty of moisture in the air. This often puts visitors camera equipment out of commission. Costa Rica is an absolutely beautiful place to visit and there will be countless photo opportunities on your trip regardless of what kind of visit you have planned, whether it be hiking, site seeing, or real estate shopping. So it’s not a bad idea to first make sure your camera can handle moist environments. Buying a waterproof case for your equipment isn’t a terrible idea.


8. The Costa Rican Property Market. More and more American, European and Canadian investors are being attracted to the real estate market of Costa Rica. It’s a very attractive alternative to the volatile, insecure, and expensive domestic property markets. Land and housing prices in Costa Rica are very affordable, even with the recent real estate boom the prices are yet to reach anywhere near that of the US, UK, or Canada.








For further information about buying real estate in Costa Rica, visit http://www.beachclubcostarica.com


The US Housing Slump And Its Repercussions On Miami Beach Real Estate

By Vanessa A. Doctor Platinum Quality Author



The sun, sand, vibrant lifestyle, dazzling nightlife: These are but a few words that perfectly fit the description of living in a diverse and thriving place like Miami Beach. Tourism is the main driving economic driving force, and along with the tourism boom comes a flurry of housing and property developments.


The city's economic fundamentals are sound, and majority of the real estate offered on Miami Beach are expensive single-family homes, spacious estates and seafront mansions, as well as upscale condominium units and apartments.


Current Mortgage Rates According To Freddie Mac


According the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or. "Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate on a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage was 6.25% in Q4, down from 6.56% in Q3; the rate was 6.22% in Q4'05.


Over the last five years, metropolitan areas with the largest single-family home price gains include California's Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario areas, up 155.3%, and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, up 142.3%, followed by the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach area of Florida, up 135.4%."


The US Credit Crunch And Its Effect On The Housing Industry


As the current US housing market slump is weighing heavily on property developers, pre-construction condominium and housing assets in Miami Beach are also feeling the pinch.


Local realtors, especially those who have experience selling property in Miami for decades, are concerned that present buyers are reluctant to borrow from lenders, which results in many people shying away from condominium and apartment auctions. At present, housing analysts note potential buyers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude, anticipating what happens next to the market, and on what the Federal Reserve's next move would be.


How Miami Beach Is Weathering The Slump


Amid the current slump in real estate markets and the effect it has made on global markets, there still appears to be a demand for affordable pre-constructed houses in a good location such as Miami Beach. This helps to explain why just last weekend, the downtown Miami real estate market had to extend their open house transactions beyond midnight.


One good thing to note is that, during first half of this decade, there was a record low set in mortgage rates, more growth in employment opportunities, burgeoning growth in Miami's population, and an ever-increasing interest from overseas visitors, immigrants, and investors. Despite the positive attributes, Miami real estate developers and brokers are still asking for government support. Industry observers here are thinking that perhaps the state legislature could help adjust taxes imposed on home developers.


Still, many developers are saying that real estate prices are comparatively exorbitant, and that that property developers couldn't manage to lower prices without government support. The real estate market in Miami Beach is projected to ease, which is a positive sign that the real estate market is stabilizing.


With housing projects created to target middle-income earners, sales are expected to rise significantly next year. Market analysts note that the housing market will continue to provide a strong foundation to the economy even as the market adjusts to the current slump.


Miami Real Estate - http://miamirealestateinc.com


Caesarea Real Estate

By Guy Roufe



Land and buildings in most societies serve as significant fractions of societies’ wealth. The same is true about Caesarea. Built more than 2000 years ago, today it is one of major tourist attractions and one of the most attractive places for living, increasingly popular among Israel elite.


Caesarea real estate includes many villas in a coastal community, located just midway between two major cities – Tel-Aviv and Haifa. Caesarea villas are conveniently set within walking distance of shopping area, restaurants, beaches, museums and picture galleries. Archeological sites, famous antiquities are the closest surrounding of Caesarea villas: magnificent views of Roman amphitheater, of double aqueduct that brought water at the foot of Mount Carmel, of beautiful port city build by Herod and other famous sites. Among other antiquities there are temple dedicated to Caesar, the ruins of beautiful Crusade cities and underwater trails of ancient harbor.


Caesarea is also well-known by its sports activities – tennis courts, golf courses, sports clubs, swimming pools, diving clubs and many other sports activities. The residents of Caesarea villas enjoy quality lifestyle. It is no wander that many people of Israeli elite wish to purchase Caesarea real estate - fulfilling the dream of living in a beautiful coastal community.


TPD Ltd. is here to provide complete solutions to our clients. Whether it is helping you find your dream estate here in Israel, project managing the construction of your home or business, the management of a pre-existing property or successfully marketing your property to an international market, we are the company for you.


Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Wholesaling Real Estate - Becoming A Real Estate Middleman

By Eric Medemar



How would you like to become a real estate middleman. You know, the middleman who takes all the profit without having to take on any of the risk. Real estate wholesaling will allow you to become a real estate middleman.


So what is a real estate middleman? A real estate middleman is the person who buyers come to for great deals, and sellers come to for quick sales. As a real estate wholesaler that is essentially how you make your money. You get paid the difference between the price that buyers are willing to pay and that sellers are willing to sell for.


So what kind of money can you make as a real estate middleman? I have had clients of mine make upwards of $150,000 doing middleman deals. Typical real estate middlemen can expect profits of $7,000-$20,000 per deal. I have had several deals where I have made close to $30,000. The amazing thing is that with those deals I paid under $30,000 for the homes. Where else but in real estate investing can you expect returns of over 100% in under 60 days. Using real estate middleman techniques I have made $9,000 in under 3 days and 20 minutes worth of work. That is why I love being in the middleman business.


In our current slow housing market becoming a real estate middleman is the perfect answer. Real estate middlemen do not have to worry about slow sales, because they do not buy what they have not already sold. Being a real estate middleman lets you buy with no risk, no cash, and no credit.








Eric Medemar is a Realtor/Real Estate Investor out of Grand Rapids, MI. Eric currently owns 35+ rental properties, and is the creator of the ultimate Real Estate Wholesaling system the programs that enables you to duplicate his exact real estate system. You can view Eric's Blog at Free Guide To Real Estate Wholesaling guide also, be sure to check out Erics Ultimate Real Estate Bird Dog System


Inland Gem Rancho Bernardo Real Estate

By J Harris Platinum Quality Author



If you want to find plush views, comfortable weather, and a calm city atmosphere, Rancho Bernardo real estate is a smart investment. Rancho Bernardo is a growing population, right now currently at approximately 20,000. The average per capita income is about $31,000 per household and the average household size is 3. Most of the population around Rancho Bernardo is composed of married couples. Given the fact that most families residing in "RB", as it is called by locals, are married, the family oriented atmosphere that has created can make anyone appreciate living here.


Rancho Bernardo real estate is composed land wise of many different combined business locations and employs over 50,000 RB residents. Sony, Siemens, and Hewlett-Packard are among companies offering great opportunities for Rancho Bernardo real estate owners. Rancho Bernardo is known for its majestic golf courses, four-star dining, lavish community centers and activities, and annual art, wine, and food festivals! Rancho Bernardo offers beautiful and wonderful investment opportunities and can generate future income if residents plan on selling and relocation. However, the average household income can make it difficult to find extremely lavish Rancho Bernardo real estate that will bring in a huge cash cow. Since the average is only about $30,000 per household and Rancho Bernardo is so lavish, it also means it’s quite pricey.


This does not mean it’s impossible to acquire Rancho Bernardo real estate. If employment opportunities are available in nearby cities, commuting could make living in one of many wonderful Rancho Bernardo properties a real possibility! More business opportunities are opening around Rancho Bernardo real estate and can be profitable, assisting families in purchasing a home in Rancho Bernardo. Time is the most important factor when considering Rancho Bernardo real estate. Do you have the time to wait for the cash cow to come home? Do you have time and patience to see your family relocate and live as average people to gain fortune from your property later? If so, real estate in Rancho Bernardo is a very great opportunity that should be considered for future gain.


Rancho Bernardo sits on approximately 3,800 acres of private living luxuries that are included in owning a piece of this area. Rancho Bernardo is like a separate mini-city all in its own. Nearby schools have been approved for $193 million dollars in improvement bonds. This means to future Rancho Bernardo residents that the area is only growing in strength and number. The value also increases daily by new residents coming in who will receive better educations and become greater contributions to society. Overall, Rancho Bernardo real estate is likely to bring profitable future gain as well as personal gain to anyone residing here!








John Harris is a researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more information please visit Rancho Bernardo Real Estate


Indiana Realtors Announce Property Tax Reform Agenda

By James Wells



The Indiana Association of Realtors announced their proposed property tax reform the other day citing


"The current property tax mess is the product of three decades of decisions by public officials in both political parties at both the state and local levels. When it comes to property tax reform, we, as Hoosiers, have resisted change for too long; we can not afford to do so any longer. Realtors are offering a plan that calls on everyone in Indiana to step out of their comfort zone, accept the needed changes, and demand reform." - Karl Berron, CEO of the Indiana Association of Realtors


Referencing high foreclosure rates, falling home prices, and general uncertainty among employers, he goes on to state that Realtors understand the property tax system and that reform is achievable. Her are the proposed changes:




  • Eliminate the township assessment system - Reducing the current number of 1008 assessors within the state and require that they be certified as real estate appraisers. In addition they should be appointed positions without political pressure to perform there responsibilities.

  • Consolidate local government - Voters should not tolerate local government's requests for new sources of revenue until they are willing to reform the current antiquated structure. Indiana has more than 2700 local government units with the authority to levy property taxes.

  • Cut property taxes - Examples cited: moving certain levies now supported by property taxes, such as court, school, and welfare costs to the State or restricting a property taxpayer's maximum tax bill to a specific percentage- such a 1%- of their assessed value each year.
The report goes on to say that we must acknowledge that property taxes can not be eliminated. Voters would not tolerate the offsetting taxes that would be required, it would also cause severe harm to the economy, and the fact that we cannot risk potential major cuts in critical services such as education.








A Purdue Graduate with over 15 years combined experience in Marketing, SEO, Website Design, Finance, and Real Estate. Married for 13 years with 1 son, James is an active community leader in youth sports organizations, Chamber of Commerce memberships (including Jaycees), and Real Estate Investment. Google also identifies him as the top listing for "Indiana's coolest guy".