Wednesday, March 10, 2010

How Foreclosure Houses for Sale Can Change Your Life

As an investor, you only want to make sure that all your investment decisions can change your life for the better. And when it comes to real estate properties, only foreclosure houses for sale can deliver on its promise. dallas homes for sale

Compared to other existing homes for sale, foreclosure homes have been attracting much buyer interest for a couple of reasons. If you too would like to discover how these repo homes can change your life, check these out:

The Promise of Affordability

Without any question, foreclosed homes are very much affordable. These distressed properties are sold at a discount, sometimes even by as much as 40 percent. If you are looking for affordable housing, then these repo houses are just perfect.

Of course, there is always the question of repair costs since they are sold as is. But if you do the math, you will see that even with such expenses, you still ended up saving more. dallas homes for sale

The Promise of Great Return Potential

When it comes to enjoying value for your money, foreclosures houses for sale can guarantee this. For starters, you enjoy instant equity the minute you close the deal. Secondly, these foreclosures are ideal if you are considering fixing them up and then selling them once again or renting them out. In any case, they will provide you with much profit.

Preparing Your Finances

Initially, you might want to make sure that your finances are in order to determine just how much you can afford. After you have come up with a number, the next step is searching the millions of foreclosure houses for sale nationwide. Using an online foreclosure listing might be helpful especially if you would like to enjoy the convenience it provides. Once you have found the home of your dreams, be sure to have it professionally inspected. This way, you can again estimate how much the repair cost will be and incorporate it in your total budget. Try to set aside money for unexpected costs in order to manage any surprises.
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Foreclosed Properties

If you read a newspaper, you will not be able to miss the news about the state of the housing industry, particularly the thousands of foreclosed properties flooding the market. Although, it may seem unlikely that you are unaware of what kind of real properties they are, you might want to know how certain people view them.
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For Homeowners

Owning a home is certainly among the many dreams that one would like to become a reality. And just like any dream, it could turn into a nightmare for some. In this case, homeowners would not want their houses to end up as foreclosure homes because of their failure to meet their mortgage obligations due to various reasons. Before the banks repossess the property, some homeowners enter into an agreement which will modify their loan while others try to sell the house as pre-foreclosures.

For Mortgage Lenders

As a financial institution, banks run the risk of incurring losses due to mortgage default. And with the collapse of the mortgage industry a couple of years back, it is not surprising that a lot of them have tightened their lending guidelines due to the rise in defaults. If possible, lenders try to avoid filing for foreclosure because of the extra costs and of course, the possibility of having the property's ownership reverted back to them. At present, most banks have an abundance of repossessed homes in their inventory, all for sale at below market value.
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For Home Buyers

If homeowners and mortgage lenders avoid foreclosed properties, home buyers seek them out because of their great return potential. Since they are cheaper than other existing homes for sale, even with the repair and renovation costs, it is not surprising in the least that investors flock foreclosure auctions. For those of you who have been thinking about where to put their money, you can always choose to buy these foreclosure homes and sell them again for a profit after sprucing them up. Or you might want to rent them out. Either way, you will enjoy a nice profit. dallas homes for sale

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Western Area Rugs | Top Reviews and Best Price

Western Area Rugs have the unique ability to add a little bit of the Wild West flavor to your home. It will accent your fireplace or cabin. The rugs are available in a wide-range of sizes, colors, textures, and designs to add that special flavor to the areas you choose. dallas homes for sale

You can generally find features such as a cowboy, horse, or a variety of other western themes to place in your home. These rugs are usually manufactured with a thick pile. This allows for the blending of beautiful colors. Western Area Rugs are available in a variety of sizes. If you need a doormat, a rug runner, or a large area rug you will be able to find the colors and style that will bring out the look you want in your home. dallas homes for sale

You will be able to select from traditional Spanish and Native American themes. These generally spotlight the themes of mountains, or the sun and rivers. They truly open the life to history while honoring the American West. You have the choice of selecting from soft tones. These usually come in the color of desert sand as well as the beautiful blue sky. Many of the Southwestern rugs are Navajo-inspired. These beautiful rugs are not only affordable they also add a richness to your home.

When you begin shopping for your Western Area Rugs you will want to keep some things in mind. First, what kind of material will be best in your home in the area where you plan to place it. Second, what style will fit best in the areas you plan to place your rugs. Third, you need to know how to care for and clean your new rug. When you begin shopping you will find the sales associates are knowledgeable about the products they sale. Be prepared to ask them the questions you want answered. For example, will you choose a natural or synthetic material? If you choose natural you will have a variety of choices. These include wool, cotton, jute, and sisal. Synthetic material include nylon and polypropylene. You will want to choose with care.

Choosing Western Area Rugs to place in your home will give you years of pleasure. They will also bring out the look you want in your home. When you begin shopping for your rugs you will find just the right rug to put down in your home. It will really add to your decor. dallas homes for sale

6 Work From Home Ideas To Help You Earn Extra Cash

If you want to work from home either full time or part time, then you will need to think of some ways to earn the required income. Some home business entrepreneurs derive their income from several sources rather than just replying on one income generator. It is a way of spreading the risk, because when one income source is quiet, another may be doing really well. However, if you come up with a really good work from home idea you may not have the time to do anything else.

Here are six work from home ideas to think about. They may not be right for you, but they could get you thinking about the numerous possibilities out there. Opportunities abound! dallas homes for sale

1. Rug Making

Hand crafted rugs are a wonderful addition to any room. Make rugs to order or provide a selection of standard designs for your clients needs. There are many rug making techniques that are easily explained in books. Visit your local library, or craft center, to see the range of techniques and materials that can be incorporated into your rugs to make them unique. However, be aware that rug making can be labor intensive and time consuming.

2. Direct Marketing Products

There are a number of companies set up to provide direct marketing businesses for their distributors. Organizations such as Amway provide high quality products for you to sell to your clients. The more people you sign up to also sell to their friends and family, the more direct financial benefits you receive. Do not get this type of business confused with pyramid selling schemes. Pyramid schemes are illegal in some countries and usually only benefits those people at the top of the organizational ladder. dallas homes for sale

3. Community Calendars

Visit businesses in your local area to seek their sponsorship of a community calendar. Photograph twelve scenes from around your town and on each page have advertorial (cross between advertising and editorial) space for a number of local businesses, or approach twelve businesses to each sponsor one month of the calendar. The money you receive from the sponsoring businesses should at least pay for the production of the calendars, with the sale price of the calendar being profit.

4. Car Auctions

If you are familiar with different makes and models of cars and their value, consider going to car auctions and buying these cars for resale. There are some really good buys, but be wary of purchasing a car at too high a cost. The cars you should be purchasing are those that are a really good buy. Because car auctions are 'as is, where is' deals, you may need to do some minor repair and maintenance work to get them looking great. Keep the cost of this in mind when selecting potential cars to buy. Check with local regulations to find out how many cars you can on-sell in any given year without needing to obtain car dealer certificates and licenses. Sell through advertisements in your local newspaper, or on the internet. If you have a number of vehicles, you may consider leasing a vacant lot and setting up a car yard. But remember to obey the law.

5. Artificial Flowers and Plants

Start a business providing artificial flowers and plants for hire. This work from home idea can be great for weddings, birthdays or any other occasion and party. As well as having a selection of plants in your showroom at home, provide a color catalogue and photograph album of the range of artificial plants available. Create a website to sell your artificial flowers and plants. dallas homes for sale

6. Textured Ceiling Removal

Many people move into a home and decide to remove the old textured ceilings when they renovate. Provide a service whereby you remove the textured plaster from ceilings. Be sure to get the plaster analyzed to ensure that it doesn't contain asbestos, as this was widely used in the plaster compound in the 1970's and early 1980's. You could also provide a plastering and painting service to complete the ceilings, if you have expertise in these fields.

Whatever home business idea you choose, make sure you thoroughly research the idea and market before investing any money. I wish you every success! dallas homes for sale

Friday, October 30, 2009

Real estate market review in tel-aviv

The first quarter of 2008 was opened with a storm. The dollar is losing its value more and more, the stock markets of the world are unstable, our inside politics is stile waiting for the final vinograd report and all of the above makes the real estate market grow strong and the real estate prices both the private and the commercial rise up. There is no doubt the market is growing strong and the financial crisis that happens all over the world's stock markets due to the mortgages crisis in the United States hasn't shook and turned over everything that has been going on in the market. From that we conclude that the economic and real estate strength and firmness relies on the "way of leadership" and not only on the leader. The real estate prices are still low and both the institutional bodies and the investors exploit the markets situation "before the rise" and equip themselves with " quality merchandise" which is chip that has obviously a chance of future high capital gain. The real estate that produces is traded today with returns of 8%.in the absence of solid channels for investments, and since the changing of the provident funds deposits law we predict the continuation of money withdrawal and the stopping of deposits and in favor of purchasing yielding real estate, on the base of provident funds.


General economy outlines

Macro conditions in Israel encourage wealth since deflation problems of mid 90's and early 2000 were fixed. Bank of Israel estimates a 4.2% growth in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) accompanied by a decrease unemployment rate to 6.4%. GDP's estimations for 2009 are 3.1%, unemployment rate 6.6%. IMF (International Monetary Fund) estimates GDP at 3.8% at 2008. Bank of Israel holds the opinion that realization of the declaration in the activity in USA, along with expectations of world declaration in the future, the acute realistic revaluation of the NIS (more than 20% the last year), worsening in commerce conditions, as well as poor industry and companies' survey financial results indicated further declaration in the near future. this declaration will not affect rent prices in Tel Aviv at all. As for purchasing prices for the next year- we hold the opinion that realistically the prices will stay stable.


General Trends:

Rent prices- continue to increase. In many areas population levels has stabled close to 100%. This stability indicates lack in properties for rent and not on a change in demands. Return rates- has not significantly changed** The Sub prime has not yet influenced demand for investments in properties. Currency- fluctuations of the USD have not effected, realistically, on real estate prices in Tel Aviv.


Predictions:

Moderate increase of 10%-15% in rent prices In Tel Aviv. Demand will expend to new, less populated areas such as Florentine, Montifyori and Yemenite Quarter as well as to Jaffa and Shapira neighborhood.


Trends of Investors:

Purchasing group- a raising number of investors prefer joining a group in order to save VAT and construction costs. Moderate increase in foreigner's investments in Tel Aviv. Preferred areas are located on the sea line between The Opera tower to Arlozorov (near Hilton), East toward Dezingoff Street, the area between Bograshof and Dizingof, as well as Neve Tzedek, Yemenite Quarter and Rothschild. New city project along with increased demand for properties in Montifyori neighborhood implies expectations for growing in demand for residential properties. Constructions and development works accompanied with launching new commerce stores all over Florentine, Shapira neighborhood and central station area are been made as a replay to the increasing demand in these areas. Demands of small apartments (1-2.5 rooms) are not being met by new projects. Rent prices are named in NIS and no longer linked to USD. We recommend linking to consumer's price index. For more information on return rates, please contact our office. This report does not replace professional individual consultation and should not be the only reference for taking business decisions. Thou the facts and data were carefully examined, we will not be held responsible for any damages and/ or losses caused by mistakes in this review.




Residential areas overview:


Neve Tzedek (Oasis of Justice)

The Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv was the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of Jaffa at the beginning of 1887, 22 years before the establishment of the city of Tel Aviv. With the passing of the years, Neve Tzedek has become a center of taste, culture and lifestyle and a desirable area to live in. Many intellectuals and artists chose to dwell and to create here. A tour of the narrow lanes and winding streets of the neighborhood is a fabulous experience. The area has been renovated and each corner is a gem. Amongst others, you can find here the house of the Hebrew Nobel Literature prizewinning author, Shai Agnon, who lived here from 1909 to 1912. Also in the neighborhood - the Gutman Museum the home of the artists Nachum Gutman, displaying his works, photographs and video films, and that of the Rokach family, pioneers of the area, which has become a museum and memorial, showing a variety of objects, as well as an exhibition of the artist Lea Majero- Mintz, who renovated the house. The Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theatre, located in the heart of Neve Tzedek and one of the most beautiful cultural centers in the city. Surrounded by lovely gardens and splendid piazza, this complex is a home to two of the best Israeli dance companies, and a host for the most unique performances in town. Above the neighborhood is the Shalom Tower, one of the high buildings in Tel Aviv, and its observation balcony, from which there is a fine view of Neve Tzedek, the hill of Jaffa and the Mediterranean Sea.

Sheinkin Street

Opposite to Nachalat Binyamin and Carmel Market is the trendiest street in the city, and the best place to experience the lives of typical Tel-Avivians. Shinkin street is especially known by the colorful quaint people strolling around, and by its unique shops, cafe' life and youthful ambiance. It is a favorite among hippies, as well as Israeli celebrities, and on Friday noon, when the street fills up with lively music and dancing, it is almost impossible to find a vacant seat at one of the stylish bars and restaurants. The street teem with fruit juice stands (where you pick up your favorite fruits and get a fresh cold mix made right in front of your eyes), fashionable clothing and footwear stores, handmade jewelry and craft, kiosks, hot corncobs stalls, music shops, tattoos and even a small piece of garden. Sheinkin has become a real concept in Tel-Aviv, so much that people are sometimes referred as "Sheinkinians" because of their trendy artistic lives.

Rothschild Boulevard

A long boulevard in central Tel Aviv, which was built in 1910. It carries traffic in both directions and runs from Neve Tzedek at its south-western end to Habima Theatre at its northern end.The boulevard is named after the baron Edmond James de Rothschild, and is the first boulevard built in the city. It is one of the most popular, busy and famous streets in Tel Aviv and in Israel because of its large number of cafés, restaurants, office buildings and different styles of architecture. Israel's Declaration of Independence was signed at the Independence Hall, which is situated on the boulevard. The boulevard plays a major part in the development of the White City of Tel Aviv, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. In recent years, a number of skyscrapers have been constructed among the Bauhaus-style buildings on Rothschild Boulevard. The First International Bank Tower and Bank Discount Tower are two examples of these which are completed, whilst the 1 Rothschild Tower is currently under construction.

Dizengoff Street

Dizengoff Street has always been the embodiment of Tel Aviv street culture. Dizengoff is home to fashion- both high street international brands- numerous coffee shops and local bars as well as restaurants of all kind. The northern part of Dizengoff is full of exclusive bespoke bridal wear boutiques and brides to be come from all over Israel to buy their dresses from this area of Tel Aviv. You can often see brides a few moments before their wedding being picked up by their grooms as they are prepared in the many bridal salons along the same part of Dizengoff.

Old Jaffa

Is one of the most attractive places to tour in Tel Aviv - Jaffa. The city which has always been the entry to the ancient land of Israel is succeeding, even today, its traditional aromas and fragrances which have always characterized it: beautiful stone, buildings, narrow, winding alleys fishermen's port artists' quarter, cafés, restaurants and shops. In Jaffa there are ancient churches, which are among the most beautiful in Israel, serving the city's Christian community, with open doors for visitors and the faithful. It is recommended walk to Jaffa along the Tel Aviv Promenade, which begins in North Tel Aviv and ends at the Jaffa Port. On the way, you pass the skyscrapers of the business center of south Tel Aviv and then you reach Old Jaffa. Like using a magic wand, moving from modern Israel to the magical Israel of bygone times, with city walls and stone buildings with arches. Instead of bustling, crowded streets there are narrow alleys and stone steps. In the center of activity is the Clock Square, where can be found the Clock Tower built by the Turkish Sultan Abed el Hamid II in 1906. This is the traditional starting point for tours of Jaffa. Not far east of the Clock Square is the Flea Market, another beauty spot of Tel Aviv - Jaffa. It is worthwhile to wander through the alleyways of the area, where there are historic buildings of archeological significance, many of which are today being renovated and rejuvenated. Now the time has come to continue westward and reach Old Jaffa itself. The area is situated on a high hill, overlooking the sea and Tel Aviv from the south, a beautiful, heartwarming sight. Kikar Kedumim is situated in the center of the area and the film on the history of Jaffa, at the visitor's center is worth seeing. The alleys of old Jaffa are named after the signs of the Zodiac and it is possible to find there artists galleries and Judaica shops, jewelry and art from to ranking artists.


Real estate market in jaffa

The real estate market in jaffa has never been better: various municipal plans, many projects in progress and wealthy population moving to town provide a invigorating gust of wind to the historical port town. The real estate investors, witch are frustrated with the lack of properties in tel-aviv, can look around the corner and discover that the southern sleepy neighbor has awakened two years ago. "in the last two years selling prices has risen in the new projects witch have been built in town in over 30%. A 2 bedroom apartment, that two years ago was sold in 600,000 sekels is now being sold in 1,000,000 sekels" delivers arik zevlodobiz manager of " neighborhood project" in town. According to arik, " out of 157 apartments that have been sold in the project, about 40% were sold on paper. The explanation is simple: the alternatives in tel-aviv are running low and the next preference is jaffa.in addition it seems that many project witch are done by the municipality are makig the city more beautiful, like the lite train project and the port building". At the moment in jaffa there are 10 projects in progress, each one consisting between 20 and 100 appartments. One of the oldest real estate investors in the market, Israel Lands Administration, has realized what was the new direction and found a way to incise there income." Over 3 years ago, entrepreneurs wouldn't dare taking the tenders of the Israel Lands Administration" says arik, "but recently the tenders where closed much higher than the price offered".
Option to execute an exit on the property
In spite of the rise of the prices in recent times, the prices of the ordinary apartments that are not included in the new projects stayed in reasonable prices range. The ordinary apartments prices are about 1300-1500 dollars per meter. The average prices in projects like the " neighborhood project" Andromeda and the courts of jaffa are 3000 dollars per meter."jaffa is very diverse and the prices chang from part to part. The more we look toward north-west the prices are higher as opposed to the east witch the prices there are lower.
High return on the investment
The rental prices in jaffa are about 550-600 dollars for a 2-3 bedroom apartment. Big demand arises as a result of the expansion of the "tel-aviv jaffa academy". Every person who wants to get high return in jaffa can purchase properties in northern jaffa, in yehuda hayamit street and the noga defined area, in these areas the average return is between 6%-8% a year. 9 years ago the mayor of tel-aviv jaffa has founded the "municipal authority for the development of jaffa". This authority handles many projects, among them there are housing and infrastructure projects. The head of this authority, gilad peled, says that " at the moment we are working on the "nes lagoiim" defined area and the maccabi jaffa stadium area, there we plan to build 2000 apartments. In jaffa there are many un exploited empty lots and structures as far as construction rights are concerned. this is a hugh advantage that hasn't be realized yet".

Cost Cutting For Businesses - 13 Tips For Trimming Expenses

Our parents and grandparents were a part of the reuse it, non disposable generations. When resources get scarce, we find ourselves reanalyzing how to cut costs and save money. There is a frugal movement taking place in our country now and it has been a long time coming.
13 Tips To Save Money During Tough Times
1. Refit your home and business premises for energy savings. Stop those air leaks, turn off the lights when leaving the room. In Europe many hotels have motion detectors in the hallway that turn on the lights only when someone enters the hallway and elevators that start running only when someone approaches them rather than all the time.
2. If you have a business that has a fleet of cars, when the time comes, switch to hybrids. We cut our gas bill in half with a new hybrid Camry that gets 36 mpg. There was also an attractive tax credit we received that offset a good portion of the sale price.
3. Shop at the wholesale clubs and share costs of office supplies, cleaning supplies and paper products with your business neighbors. dallas real estate
4. Barter. If your business offers a product or service appropriate for barter, ask a supplier if there are any trade possibilities. Or join a barter association where you offer your products or services and gain points to trade for other products or services.
5. Turn off all computers and copiers when not is use and shut off the power at the source. Some electronics use 25% of their power when in standby mode. This can be easily done by plugging the computers and copiers into a surge protector.
6. Need advertising? Craigslist.com is free. So is a Facebook Pay Per Click ad. You only pay when someone is interested enough to click on your ad and you can set a maximum daily budget.
7. Recycle, reuse. There is no longer any stigma attached to reusing printed paper and printing in house documents on the backside of the paper for cost savings.
8. Check Ebay for bulk items, office equipment and supplies.
9. Join an online forum in your industry to see what others in your niche are doing to cut costs.
10. Share advertising costs with a company in an associated industry. For example, a real estate company may share ad costs with a title company or appraiser. An accounting firm could line up with a law firm. A beauty shop could align an ad with a spa or clothing store. dallas real estate
11. Recycle used ink cartridges at your local office supply for credit on new cartridge purchases. We get $3.00 off on each new one.
12. Add more value to employee jobs. Can't give a raise? One company we know found a local gym that gave excellent discounts to employees. Some local restaurants or sandwich shops may give employee discounts.
13. If things really get tough, you may be forced to outsource some positions that used to be handled in house. Google Virtual Assistants in your town to find an independent contractor to provide administrative services as needed. A virtual assistant can type letters, do data entry, marketing campaigns, graphic design and some are capable with bookkeeping processes. Best of all, you only pay them for work performed and most will work off site. Contact the International Virtual Assistant Association (IVAA) for someone local with proper credentials.
When times are tough, we need our neighbors more. By working together we have a better chance of survival as business owners.
The good news is all downturns are temporary.
With the above tips, you can save needed capital, educate your employees about cost savings and get through the tough times. Best of all, these saving ideas can survive even when the economy improves and your business recovers.