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