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 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacey_Crevoiserat

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

By Vanessa A. Doctor 

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

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_A._Doctor

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.

Guy Roufe, Content Manager Inter-Dev, internet marketing company Caesarea real estate Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guy_Roufe

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 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Medemar

Inland Gem Rancho Bernardo Real Estate

By J Harris 

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 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Harris

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". Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Wells

Generating Real Estate Leads Through the Internet

By Reg Gustin Platinum Quality Author

Generating leads through the Internet is an excellent tool for expanding your business, eliminating geographical barriers and increasing sales.

But how do we create leads from cyber space? After all, the information highway is infinite with no boundaries. How can a small business owner, you the real estate agent, create qualified traffic?

Imagine your web site is a small store on a busy street and you are surrounded by large corporate department stores. Outside your store window are pedestrians, bicyclists and automobiles passing by. This is traffic. And, in this traffic are people interested in your product. These are prospects. Of these prospects, some will come in the store and make inquiries. These are contacts. Some of these contacts will start to shop. These are leads. Some of these shoppers will make a purchase. These are clients.

Your web site is no different. The keys to successful Internet marketing are the THREE C’s:

* Create - create traffic
* Capture - capture prospects, thus creating contacts
* Cultivate - cultivate contacts into leads, then into clients

Create - the first step in generating leads through your web site is to CREATE traffic. Creating traffic for your web site is done using three primary approaches:

* Search Engine Site Rankings - the search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN etc.) rank your web site based on a number of factors including age, popularity, content, link-ins, etc., and list your site accordingly in the directory. This can be a long process, as a couple of major contributing factors are age and traffic. Thus, if you have a new site or a rarely used site, your ranking remains low, and because your ranking remains low, your traffic remains low. Because your traffic remains low, your ranking remains low, and so on. You can see the cycle.

* Keywords Pay-Per-Clicks - you, the web site owner, bid on keywords with the search engines, and the search engines list your site in the Sponsored Links section of the directory. This can be an efficient way to drive traffic to your site, but it does come with a cost.

* Owner Driven Traffic - you, the web site owner, drive traffic to your web site via electronic articles, emails, signs, print media etc. This can be very costly, as it is difficult to generate enough traffic to capture leads.

So how do you Create enough traffic to generate quality prospects? Well it's not as difficult as it seems. First create a quality keyword driven web site, and then use all three methods until your site is ranked high enough to maintain an adequate stream of prospects through the search engine directories.

Capture - the second step in generating leads through your web site is to CAPTURE the traffic. Capturing traffic for your web site is done using tools such as guest books or registration forms with bait. Capture the user's information; do not give away free information.

* Example: a user is searching the Internet for the MESA MLS. Now, the user has found our site, so do not give the information away for free. Searching the MLS is our bait, and a registration form is our capture tool. More often than not, an agent will allow the user to use the MLS without registering, and the rationalization is that users do not want to provide the info or the info is faulty. No problem, this is the first filter. We are trying to find out who is serious and who isn't. Utilize the registration form as a filter. If you don't, they won't be back... what do you have to lose?

Cultivate - the final step in generating prospects through your web site is to Cultivate the leads. Cultivate leads with DRIP CAMPAIGNS. A Drip Campaign is a series of content driven messages sent over time. Preferably this system is automated:

* In our example: the keyword was Mesa MLS, and a user found our site and signed up on our registration form. Now what? Implement “The Drip Campaign” - an automated series of messages delivering content that differentiates you the agent. Cultivate the prospect and convert them into a lead, then into a sale.

A great drip campaign is the MLS search provided by ARMLS. On your registration form, request information relating to their home search, then set up an automated search on the MLS that sends them listings.

Be careful, don’t send the user into information overload, and only send a couple of listings at a time.

Many real estate agents have decided to concentrate their efforts on cultivation. Therefore, a quality lead generating company may be an effective way of advertising.

Reg Gustin is owner operator of the website http://www.pro-online-agent.com and http://www.proonlineagent.com

Go to Pro Online Agent to find out if internet real estate leads can enhance your business http://www.pro-online-agent.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reg_Gustin