Category Archive : Real Estate

The recent slowdown in the housing market is causing many homeowners to fall behind on their home payments. if you can not sell your house fast and you’re losing your home to foreclosure, you have one last option. Have a professional homebuyer complete a short sale.

A short sale is a process that will allow you to sell your home and become debt free. There are many reasons why I suggest having a professional real estate investor go through the short sale process.

1. The most important reason, this is your last chance to stop foreclosure and a short sale can do it

2. You need someone who is an expert in short selling, not just someone who knows the process. A successful short sale will be a combination of factors, including negotiation with credit loss mitigation staff and filing many documents.

3. Lenders won’t even look at the short sale package until you have a signed and accepted offer on your home.

4. Realtors don’t buy houses and therefore waste valuable time listing your property when that time is critical to the short sale process.

5. Real estate investors buy houses, you get your offer accepted, lenders accept and process your short sale paperwork

6. You must know the benefits and consequences of completing a short sale

7. It’s free for a professional homebuyer to do a short sale, it costs you nothing

In Idaho, your mortgage company will generally allow you 90 days in arrears before filing a notice of delinquency in the Idaho Business Review Magazine or the Idaho Statesman newspaper. This notice of delinquency makes it public record that your house is going into foreclosure.

The foreclosure rate has increased significantly in Ada and Canyon County, Idaho. Most foreclosures in Idaho occur in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, and Star. Many boise idaho Residents losing their homes to foreclosure wonder how they can stop foreclosure quickly and move on with their lives. Well, if you need to sell your house fast, contact your local homebuyer and see how they can help. If you don’t have equity in your home, a short sale may be your best option.

Applying plaster to cover cracks, chips or blemishes in walls and ceilings is not a piece of cake and requires professional expertise. Improper plaster application techniques, improper removal of old plaster, and unpatched backfill can cause more extensive damage and wreak havoc on your building’s structural integrity. Damaged plaster also indicates major structural flaws in a property’s foundation and calls for immediate repair.

This article will shed light on the top 3 plastering mistakes you should always avoid in order to minimize property damage and do a flawless job on your property.

Most homeowners make the common mistake of patching up materials that are likely to be removed without scraping damaged plaster from surrounding areas and failing to examine their building’s substrate for hidden causes of cracks and leaks. If your home has plastered ceilings, moldings or decorative cornices, do-it-yourself grouting mistakes can result in costly structural damage and a lifetime of regret.

Here are some of them.

Adequate non-patching fill

There is a basic difference between filling cracks and patching. Pressing plaster with novice hands onto a damaged surface or ceiling and sanding the material down does not necessarily indicate plaster repairs and the method is limited to filling in small cracks and chips only. Plastering services in London on walls and ceilings refers to replacing the missing pieces with new plaster. Improper drywall services often result in severe cracking, sinking, chipping, and even discoloration and destruction of a property’s foundation.

Improper removal of old plaster

If the extent of the plaster damage is more than just cracks, you should remove some of the stucco around the original plaster by hiring professional plasterers in London before applying the final patch. Once the plaster softens or becomes brittle, cracking or sinking can further weaken the adjoining stucco and this, in turn, will force you to go to extra effort to remove the original plaster. However, novice homeowners forget to scrape away the old plaster to create enough repair space and end up with a subpar quality of work.

Ignoring structural plaster repairs

Plaster is a strong, durable compound that is less likely to damage or crack, as long as your walls are structurally strong and free of blemishes. Before applying new plaster to the walls, it is essential to identify structural defects such as cracks, dents, holes and sand the walls to obtain a flawless plaster. The durability of plaster will depend on the structural integrity of your walls and homeowners who neglect plaster repairs or scrape off damaged plaster end up with inferior quality of work and wasted time, effort and money.

I hope you have a clear idea of ​​the costly casting mistakes to avoid in order to make your casting services last longer. If you find this post useful, please share it with your friends and family and leave your valuable feedback. We would love to hear from you!

A modern city, Nairobi increases 64 high-rise buildings such as Nyayo House and I&M Bank Tower etc, 35 low-rise buildings including Roast House and Pioneer House among others 5 skyscrapers such as Times Tower and Kenyatta. International Conference Center. There is also a monument, a bell tower and an airport tower.

Building types and styles have the ability to enhance and change your lifestyle, improve your outlook, and most importantly, make you productive. Similarly, poor building designs can be repressive and make you miserable. This implies that the types and styles of construction can determine the investment potential of a building.

What are the prevailing building types and styles in Nairobi?

Mainly, Nairobi has modern buildings. You will rarely find traditional building designs except for very old buildings such as the Macmillan Library.

  • Since Nairobi was the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate, most building types and styles here have European elements.

Due to the fact that building types and styles impact our lives, from work and school to communities, in Nairobi they often represent our social status and are clearly different between upper, middle and lower class. neighborhoods There is significant diversity between buildings within and outside the CBD.

Types and styles of buildings within the CBD

Both residential and commercial properties in the Nairobi CBD are mostly high-rise buildings with multiple floors, lifts and emergency exits, and some have built-in parking areas.

  • The buildings are constructed with blocks and mortar.

  • Most of them contain basement, ground and mezzanine floors.

  • The floors and ceilings are tile.

  • More recently, buildings are using glass, arches, pillars, modified metal grills, and custom architectural designs to enhance building types and styles.

  • Arched masonry is performed to improve building designs.

Types and styles of buildings outside the CBD

Commercial and residential properties located here are no more than 5 stories above the ground.

  • The buildings for industries are made of block and mortar or a combination of these with bars and iron sheets with cemented floors and iron sheet roofs.

  • The office buildings are similar to those in the CBD, except they have fewer floors.

  • Properties are attached or detached with block walls separating them

  • Most of them have individual enclosures and parking areas.

Types and styles of construction in low-income neighborhoods

Building types in these areas are often intended to meet the housing needs of the occupants, and therefore less attention and effort is devoted to improving building design.

  • They often involve 4-5 storey flats or semi-detached houses made of blocks and mortar and divided accordingly into single, double, dormitory, 1 and 2-bedroom rooms.

  • Sheet iron is the preferred material for the roof and the floors are cemented.

  • In the slums or squatter settlements within Nairobi, the houses are made of mud or iron sheets for the walls, simple dirt floor and iron sheets are used for the roof.

  • Most of the buildings are built in rows and columns with limited space left for enclosures and parking lots.

Types and styles of construction in upper-middle-class neighborhoods

In these neighborhoods, the sophisticated designs and style of the buildings are taken into account when building.

  • Most of the middle-class buildings are high-end duplexes or apartments located in gated communities called housing estates with a single common entry point. A farm can have 25-30 housing units.

  • Most of the high-end buildings are single-unit houses or older buildings that are equipped with 6-10 bedrooms, guest wings, utility rooms, large complexes with adjacent farms/gardens.

  • Most of the buildings are installed with a concrete slab floor and a clay tile roof.

  • There is a great application of architectural creativity in the style and design of houses.

  • Block and mortar are often used, although wood and brick are often integrated to enhance the appearance and designs of the buildings.

goes green

As global awareness of the need to conserve the environment increases, newer buildings in Nairobi are going green by using renewable building materials, installing solar panels and using translucent iron sheets for lighting. , among other things.

Furthermore, technology and innovation are being used to develop futuristic buildings that meet present and future housing needs, as seen in Tetu City and Konza City.

Different shades of kitchen cabinets go in and out of style over the years. A popular color can be in style for five to 10 years and then out of style for the next decade. A kitchen, like other rooms in a house, has its own feel and attitude. You want your kitchen to feel warm and inviting, but at the same time you want it to convey a sense of modern appeal. Much of this “attitude adjustment” can be accomplished with new kitchen cabinets.

Changing your cabinets is one thing, but with rising costs, it’s usually been budget prohibitive—until now. With recent developments in the cabinet industry, ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets have become affordable and very stylish. Now you can turn your old, outdated kitchen into the modern kitchen you see in home improvement magazines. And coupled with the help of RTA kitchen cabinets, this new look will also be affordable.

We compare prices for assembled kitchen cabinets and RTA kitchen cabinets. The price difference was twenty percent less for the assembled cabinets. Then we went a step further and compared RTA kitchen cabinets online to retail RTA kitchen cabinets. Online prices were about thirty percent lower than retail! Next we compare the quality. Most retail stores sold kitchen cabinets built from particle board. These cabinets looked great, but they are made of inferior material that will eventually fall apart or warp from normal use. By comparison, RTA’s best kitchen cabinet websites were selling sturdy cabinets with solid wood veneers and wood side panels.

Remember that the best RTA websites will advertise that they don’t sell particle board and it should be easy to spot. Finally we look at the variety. It was about the same when comparing the two types of cabinets. We found about seven to ten different shades of cabinets. These styles ranged from a light white color to a deep chestnut color. Both the assembled and RTA kitchen cabinets had a pretty good variety of colors, but because of the savings with the RTA cabinet style, we chose to assemble the cabinets ourselves and literally save thousands of dollars.

With the savings we found, we decided to jump right into our project. We chose a cabinet in a lighter shade, because we had a smaller kitchen. We thought a lighter shade would reflect light and give the feeling of a larger kitchen. We found several RTA kitchen cabinet websites and double-checked each site to compare prices. After doing enough research and choosing the cabinets, we placed an order online and the cabinets arrived about two weeks later.

Assembling the kitchen cabinets was easy (once we figured out the first one) and then it was just a matter of installation. We had a friend (who is a contractor) help us install the cabinets and then we were on the countertops. After that, the new kitchen had a light feel, a welcoming attitude, and a modern new look. We save enough money to move on to another project; the bathroom. And to our surprise we found out that there are now RTA bathroom vanities!

Antique jewelry is often very valuable and costs a considerable amount of money to buy. On the other hand, you can buy antique jewelry, also wholesale, knowing where to look.

Most people think that online auctions, like eBay, are the way to go. While this is true, you will often find that the vendor knows the value of what they are selling, and it is sometimes expensive. There are other methods to obtain antique jewelry at wholesale prices or less.

Be on the lookout for advertised estate sales and garage sales. Usually, in these sales, the people making the sale do not know the real value of what they are selling. It is virtually possible to buy hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of antique jewelry for just a few dollars on a typical Sunday morning.

It is crucial that you do not look too closely at the jewelry when buying. If it’s valuable, you don’t want the owner to know how valuable it really is! It’s not their fault they didn’t get you evaluated, as they often will when you leave! Keep a straight face and save the satisfaction to yourself, and pay the fifty cents or two dollars they want for the item, hop in your vehicle and go to a trusted jeweler for an appraisal!

There’s a chance the piece might be worth nothing, but sometimes you’ll stumble upon some real finds! Even if the piece is worth nothing, you will still be able to take it apart for parts if you make jewelry.

Searching for wholesale antique jewelry is a nice thing to do. Spending your mornings at garage sales and real estate can sometimes get very addicting! Garage and estate sales, especially estate sales where the grandkids aren’t interested in their grandmother’s ugly old-fashioned jewelry, are the best places to buy antique jewelry at wholesale prices—or less.

This is by no means to say that there aren’t any real finds on eBay, so don’t dismiss it. Search the jewelry categories as well as the antique or vintage categories. Once you find something you want to bid on, make sure the seller is reputable. If an item is very expensive, use eBay’s recommended escrow option. Also, start a conversation with the seller to understand exactly what is being sold.

Economists and investors have been discussing the inflation vs. deflation of the last year. Most Americans support inflationists like the legendary Marc Faber and Kiyosaki with a rising tide of creepy deflationists like Mish Shedlock and Henry Dent driving people to bury what little money they have in their backyards.

Take a deep breath, step back, and objectively assess inflation vs. deflation scenarios. First, real estate is a hard asset that does well during rising inflation. Unlike gold, however, real estate requires maintenance to maintain its value. If purchased correctly and in the best location, location, location, real estate can provide a return on every dollar invested.

Few investors, or economists, would argue that asset prices have fallen dramatically, especially California real estate, which is down 30.7 percent from 2006 sales peaks, bringing to a halt deflationary concerns. If you’ve already written off foreclosure and real estate short-sale investments as unstable investments, it’s a good idea to consider how long any “deflationary” period might last before discounting these properties entirely.

For starters, dollars are not very safe right now. Hey! Foreign investors are already expressing public concern about buying our dollars. As demand for dollars continues to evaporate, expect a safe flight into hard assets, other currencies, or alternative investments. Weak dollars translate into higher prices for all commodities and tangible assets over the long term.

A truly frightening thought… The United States has printed more dollars in the last year than at any time in our national history. Supply and demand concepts have been thrown under the bus and little restraint is anticipated in the near future. Spending your way out of financial trouble seems to be Obama’s mantra. The situation is so dire that Marc Faber recently suggested that “the American economic system could collapse within 5 to 10 years.” In the New York Times (09/28/09), the World Bank President said: “The days of the United States as the undisputed economic superpower may be numbered and the dollar is likely to lose its privileged position as the euro.” Do any of us need to remember that this also applies to the renminbi, the Chinese currency, or that China’s investments in the United States are currently on shaky ground?

Lending standards have changed drastically…ask anyone in real estate or those currently applying for a mortgage. It’s like asking Attila the Hun for compassion. Billions of dollars are being sequestered by the Obama administration. My cynical assumption is that a significant portion of that $700 billion won’t be spent until the summer of 2010…just in time to stimulate the economy before the next election.

Combined with rising unemployment and reduced consumer spending, the pressure on small business owners is having a big impact. Most experts agree that this trend will be with us for the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is anticipated that manufacturers will reduce their capacity and inventory, eventually leading to shortages that will drive prices up rather than a continuous decline.

What does this mean for the average investor or short sale buyer? Tighter credit standards will make it difficult or nearly impossible for households to obtain a mortgage in the future. Adding to this unpleasant thought will be the expected increase in the cost of materials. No doubt the “green” movement will increase government regulations and increase the cost of building new homes.

My parting shot here is, this is the time to buy…people are in a “back to the good old days” mentality where home, family and safety were more important than a new Mercedes Benz, cruise ship worldwide or a luxury vacation. spa destinations in foreign countries.

Consumers should return to tried and tested real estate investments that can generate the best results over an extended period of time. The days of changing ownership are over. REOs (bank repossessions) and short sales make it possible to start with a smaller investment. This can be good for many first time buyers.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to define your sweet spot. By answering these questions, you’ll learn and understand the best cities and communities in your area to buy and sell real estate.

has. What are the parts of town where the houses we buy sell fast?

b. If we get a good discount, can we resell it quickly?

against Do the buyers want to live there? Are people shopping there?

d. Is it a desirable area?

me. Is it an empty house?

F. Do we already have a potential buyer?

gram. Has Chapter 7 bankruptcy been ruled out?

H. Are there any above average or excellent school districts?

Yo. Is it a single family home, duplex, triplex or quadruple?

d. Are you in a “War Zone” (dangerous neighborhood)?

k. Has the inland BPO (for short sales) already been completed?

I. Is there a reluctant seller or real estate agent?

Mister. Are there many other investors in the area who can pay cash?

not. Any apparent fraud?

You will also want to consider what escape strategy you are implementing.

Here’s a perfect example:

I have a good friend in the Cleveland area who has closed over 1,300 real estate transactions. His name is Brian Stark and he is invested with his brother, Paul. They make a lot of purchases and keep almost everything they buy for long-term rental income. They own a construction company, a hard money loan business, and a management company.

They get a ton of leads every day and operate on the near east side of Cleveland. What they mainly do is get leads, buy houses that need work, rehab them, and maintain them to generate cash flow and long-term rental income. The reason they hold onto most properties is because their sweet spot where they invest is great for low-priced properties ($10,000-$50,000), which have incredible cash flow. They know your sweet spot and your exit strategy.

I also do rehab with my brother, Mark. At any given time, we have between 3 and 5 rehabilitation projects underway. We have chosen to invest in a completely different part of town than Brian and Paul; a different “sweet spot”. We are looking for properties that we can buy low cost, rehab and sell directly to FHA buyers. We do not want to keep the properties we rehabilitate. Our exit strategy is the exact opposite of Brian and Paul Stark.

Here’s the thing: Both strategies work because we know our “sweet spots.” My exit strategy of selling direct would never work in Brian’s sweet spot because properties don’t sell quickly there.

Brian’s ideal point of keeping the houses for cash flow would not work in my ideal point because the properties are more expensive and the rental list will not cover the PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance), as they do in the Brian’s area.

Therefore, you need to know your sweet spot for the type of investment strategy you are running.

Hint: Wholesale sales and cash flow work best in the inner city, low-income areas, owner financing areas, and upscale suburbs, where properties are less expensive. Short sales and rehab with a direct sale as an exit strategy that works best in second- and third-tier suburbs, where properties are mid to upper income with many FHA buyers, primary borrowers, and buyers who can afford 20% and get a full rent, documentation loan.

REmax Belize

When it comes to investing in Belize, there are many reasons to consider purchasing property. This country offers a number of benefits including political stability and a stable economy. The country is also considered a safe place to invest, offering opportunities for asset protection. Its real estate sector continues to gain momentum and is considered to be one of the best in the world.

Purchasing a Remax Belize property is a great way to protect your assets. If you plan to use your investment as a rental, you will not have to pay capital gains taxes. Moreover, you will be able to enjoy tax-free living as long as you are a qualified retiree. Investing in Belize real estate is an attractive option for individuals relocating or those planning to retire.

Belize is a tropical island paradise with abundant wildlife. The country has the second largest coral barrier reef in the world. In addition, it is home to over 600 species of plants and animals. Aside from the natural beauty of the island, Belize also offers exceptional deep-water fishing and a range of other activities for the whole family.

Is REmax Belize Real Estate a Good Investment?

The island of Ambergris Caye is one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Properties on the island are popular with vacationers, and they are also a good investment. There are various properties available for investment, ranging from small beachfront condos to multi-unit residential and commercial buildings. For those looking for a luxury vacation, there are also high-end homes and condos on the island.

With the increase in tourism, there is a high demand for real estate in Belize. Belize is a beautiful place to live, and the opportunity to own an oceanfront property is not unheard of. However, with so many options, you may have questions about which property to buy and how to go about making a real estate purchase. Fortunately, you will find that real estate transactions in Belize are affordable and straightforward.

A great real estate agent is key to a successful transaction. RE/MAX agents are known for their professionalism, and they are also some of the most experienced in the industry. They have a network of over 100 agents in Belize, and they work throughout the country. Remax’s agents have a proven track record, and they know their way around the Belize real estate market.

If you’re considering a Belize real estate purchase, you will be happy to know that the government has made the process of buying property in Belize easier. There are a number of incentives that are available, and the government has been transparent with regard to its laws. These include the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Act of 1999, which allows retirees to own property tax-free.

The country is also one of the few countries in the world that has a fixed exchange rate, which ensures that the currency remains stable. Additionally, there are no capital gains or estate taxes for foreign buyers. Buying property in Belize is a safe investment, and you will be rewarded with a substantial return on your investment.

Whether you are buying or selling a property, choosing a real estate agent may be the most important decision you make. Good real estate agents can save you a substantial amount of time and money. They can also ensure that the buying or selling process is an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are some tips for choosing a real estate agent:

1. Ask friends/family for referrals

Ask family and friends for advice on local agents. This way, you will ensure that you find a reputable agent.

2. Consider more than one agency

There are a number of agents that will kill for your business. That is why you should interview as many agents as you can. Compare agents with respect to their knowledge of the area, experience and qualifications. Also, ask for references from past clients.

3. Choose an agent who knows the importance of customer service

By interviewing different agents, you will be able to establish their level of customer service or how far they will go to satisfy the customer. Look at things like their attitude towards returning phone calls and their willingness to meet with you.

4. Choose an agent who handles homes in your price range

When you choose an agent who handles homes in your price range, you’ll be sure to end up with an agent who will put their best effort into it. Some agents deal only with high end properties and are used to high commissions. They are more likely to pay attention to these properties first.

5. Choose an agent who respects your schedule

If you won’t be able to view properties during office hours, you should find an agent who is willing to work after hours or on weekends.

6. Find an agent you can contact

Communication is vital when buying or selling real estate. Be sure to choose an agent who understands your needs and communicates them well. You’ll be better off choosing an agent who registers a high level of comfort with you or whoever you’re compatible with.

7. Choose an agent that provides multiple services

It will be to your advantage if you can find an agent who can handle the buying/selling process, as well as other additional services like arranging property inspections or who can refer you to a trusted real estate attorney.

8. Choose an agent who can negotiate

The ability to negotiate is an essential quality of a good real estate agent. Make sure you choose an agent with impeccable and proven negotiation skills.

9. Choose a resourceful agent

Ask the agents where your property will be listed. Make sure the agency uses print advertising (newspapers/magazines) as well as other promotional material such as brochures. Also check if the agency makes use of the internet to advertise their listings.

10. Follow your gut

Choose an agent with whom you feel comfortable and trust. Your level of comfort and satisfaction will let you know if you’ve met the right agent.

That’s all. You have found the location of your dreams. Maybe you’re still searching for your vacation home plans, the plans to bring your vision to life. Picture long weekends, coffee on the porch, water skiing on the lake, snow skiing down the hill, walks on the beach, your own kitchen for breakfast. Whatever your goals for this home are, little by little it is about to become a reality.

Oh my God. You are going to build a house. That is a great company! It is exciting and terrifying. Don’t worry, you can do this. She takes a deep breath and follows some ‘been there, did it’ advice.

Tip #1 Find out if there are any special reports that need to be done before you hire someone, preferably before you buy the land. Do you need an environmental report? Is there some kind of dark bug residing in the area that could slow or ban your build process? Even if there are houses next to your lot, check. The county or city where you are building will have all the data. This is a very critical part of the build process. I have friends who have had to spend thousands of dollars and several years just to certify that a moth breeding there will not be harmed. Any vacation home huh?

Tip #2 Know your employees. The permit process can be tedious. It is very important that you never yell at or berate anyone in your building permit approval system. Don’t go to battle. Play it nice and you might be better able to get away with it. Most employees are not paid enough to worry if their deck is denied. But an employee who likes you might be more inclined to approve faster. Building a home is all about building a strong network of fans willing to help you on your way.

Tip #3 Buy a home plan that is designed for your specific topography. If the land is flat as far as the eye can see, don’t build a Colorado-style home with a walk-out basement. It won’t work no matter how much you love the floor plan. There are many sites that will allow you to enter your lot specifications so you can choose the right style for your lot.

Tip #4 Find a good budget and then add around $25,000 or more for overages depending on the size of your project. Problems invariably arise that cost extra money, so it’s good to be prepared. And if they don’t, you’ve just come in under budget. Kudos to you as the minority of home builders.

Tip #5 Find a contractor who likes technology. Little things, like being able to email you a digital photo of your daily build progress, go a long way when you’re not around. See if they can text you questions instead of calling or emailing (and then adding texts to your phone). It’s not just for teens and it’s the least stressful way to communicate available.

Tip #6 Examine your contractor. Most cities also have some type of Chamber of Commerce that will give you recommendations for good local contractors. It’s also important to check negative reports from the Better Business Bureau, but don’t assume you’re a good contractor just because it’s listed there as good; most people don’t know that those listings are paid. Just look for negative marks and avoid that contractor.

Tip #7 Schedule time to work on household issues. You have to make decisions along the way. Emergencies will most likely arise. Do not automatically rush to the site. Do as much as you can from home by phone or internet. Find blocks of time each week or, as the build progresses, each day, so you can manage yesterday’s to-do list. If you need to make a decision, put it on the daily list and address it during the allotted time slot; otherwise, you’ll be going around in circles.

Now take a deep breath and start shopping for your vacation home plans. You can get through this process if you understand that the vacation won’t start until the job is done. Then you’ll have a lifetime of memories to create in your new vacation home.