February 12th, 2010
Commercial investment property investors look for successful investment opportunity to build wealth. Commercial real estate investors are no different than other types of investors. Finding the potential for successful acquisitions keeps an investor searching for additional ways to create passive income. The keys to becoming a successful investor in commercial investment property are FOCUS (education) . . . and finding a property in the right market phase of opportunity. Where does an investor begin a professional education in commercial investment property? Make your decision to begin where you are right now. FOCUS on the type of investor role fits your goals , . . active, passive or a combination of the two . . . then FOCUS on an investment time frame that meets your goals: long term, short term or a combination. What are the three types of Commercial Property Investors: find properties, secure the right to the purchase and sale agreement and can syndicate the deal by bringing in partners for equity capital when using OPM (other peoples money) or do the deal on their own to complete the acquisition.Active investors: provide equity capital to active investors, an Investment Company, or Institutional Fund once an accurate Pro Forma is provided that satisfies the passive investor about the properties potential for return on investment (The Pro Forma will match the investment criteria the passive investor has decided is their investment strategy.) Passive investors: provide equity capital to active investors, an Investment Company, or Institutional Fund once a current Pro Forma is provided that satisfies the passive investor about the properties potential for return on investment (The Pro Forma will match the investment criteria the passive investor has decided is their investment strategy.) The combination of both passive and active roles . . . is the third way to invest in commercial investment property and can take the legal form of a Joint Venture Partnership (JVP). This entity may provide deal analysis, contracting, acquisition, asset and physical property management and funding for the commercial property by an active investor, or entity with a single passive investor or group of investors.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Tags: Commercial, Property
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 12th, 2010
The main value indicator of commercial real estate is based on how much net income it produces. The key word in this statement is ‘net income.’ An investor is not looking for revenue of $25,000 in rent each month only to find that the expenses amount to $30,000 – this is just a money-losing property. A buyer is looking for a property with a solid income and a good rate of return. Increasing the net income of a commercial property can be achieved in two main ways. The most obvious way to increase the value of a commercial property is to increase the base rent of each unit. Of course, this does not make a landlord a well-liked individual; however, one does not need to add sharp increases to add significant value to the property. Take for example a 10 unit apartment building with rent set at $800 per unit per month. With a total rent of approximately $8,000 per month or $96,000 per year and expenses at $65,000 per year, the net income would be approximately $31,000 per year. Based on a 9% expected return on investment (ROI) this property would be worth $344,444 to a buyer. If the rent on each unit can be raised by only 2.5% ($20) the net income would rise to $33,400 and the building would now be worth $371,111. That’s a $26,666 increase in value for only $20 per month! While the rents are the easiest place to add both cash flow and value to a building, this is not always the best option. By raising rents a landlord will run the risk of having people leave the building, thus creating vacancies in the process – a key consideration in any rental market. Another great way to increase property value, and does not directly affect the tenants, is to decrease monthly expenses. This is an often-overlooked item because it is much harder to accomplish than simply writing a rent adjustment letter and distributing it throughout the building. Decreasing costs should be an ongoing duty of the property manager and building owner. To begin this option, utilize the help of a Certified Professional Accountant. A professional accountant can usually uncover additional ways to successful cut costs, taxes and fees in your operation. They will also help you look at all outgoing expenses and determine which could be reduced or eliminated.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Tags: Commercial
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 12th, 2010
Are you considering buying your first home? Are you looking for a house to flip? Maybe you are looking for an investment property that you can rent out. No matter what kind of property you are looking for, you are about to enter the mysterious and complicated real estate market! Because this journey usually involves a substantial financial investment, has a big effect on your credit, and because it may be the permanent residence of you and your family, it is important to do you research and be properly prepared. If followed, the following seven tips should make buying real estate an easier and smoother process Do the calculations properly. Check your credit score, calculate your debt to income ratio, and figure out what you can afford even before you start looking. This will prevent you from falling in love with a property that you won’t be able to pay for. If possible, get a mortgage already approved. Just because you think you can afford a home, doesn’t mean that a bank agrees. Research different types of mortgages, to find one that best fits your situation and beware of risky types such as adjustable rate mortgages. Then make sure you shop around for the best interest rates. It is wise to talk to at least five different vendors. Research neighbor hoods. You can find loads of information about a neighborhood on the internet such as the crime rate, school ratings, proximity to stores and parks, etc. Even better than the internet, is a personal referral. A person that lives there can give most of the information you are looking for. When searching for homes in that area try to picture yourself in that neighborhood. Also, if you are just planning to flip a home or rent out an investment property, you do not need to focus on the neighborhood. Find a real estate agent. Get referrals from friends who have had good experiences and interview at least three agents. Pick one with experience and one with a personality that meshes with yours.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Tags: Buying, Property, Tips
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 12th, 2010
If you have been pounding the pavement on the ‘home open’ circuit for a while and think you have finally found your dream home, here are a few questions to ask yourself before you submit an offer:
-How long has it been on the market?
If the property has been on the market for a very long time – is it overpriced? Is there a catch? Do your homework!
-How does it compare with similar properties that have sold in the area?
Compare your property with others that have recently sold in the same area. Are they comparable in size, quality and price? Are you getting value for money?
-Is the property located in a well performing suburb?
Check out the median house price of that suburb for the past five to ten years. Has it increased steadily? If not, why not?
-Does it need much maintenance or renovations?
Factor any renovations or maintenance that needs to be carried out into the purchase price of your property – don’t leave yourself short if you haven’t budgeted for renovations and repairs.
-It is structurally sound?
It is always wise to make the sale subject to a favourable building condition report and pest inspection if you have any concerns about the state of the property.
-What are the strata levies or additional costs associated with the property?
If the property is part of an apartment building or complex, be sure to factor in strata fees and any additional costs. Don’t leave yourself out of pocket by budgeting incorrectly.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 12th, 2010
A house is the place where a person spends his entire life enjoying, laughing, crying, dancing and merrymaking. It is the place which stores his memories of moments spent with family and friends. It is said, a house is a mirror of thoughts, culture, background that a family has and the oneness and integrity it withholds in itself. The apartment one is living in should fulfill all of his needs and essentials. It should act as a peace of source of contentment in the person, as it is usually said, home is the place where one can feel his original self and can relax to the most. Like the person’s living in the house define the spirit of the house, same ways a house should have all the qualities to provide a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure to his residents. Following are the factors; one should keep in mind while buying an apartment:
-Space
A house is a place to relax, so the space required for the apartment should be calculated according to the number of family members. Every inch of extra space would cost money, so the utilization of the money should be a wise decision.
-Property rate
A proper survey should be done about the current property rates as in what are the standards of the market and the future predictions for the real state market. A budget should be set for the required property type according to the market standards, as each property dealer has his own set rates and one needs to bargain and bring him down to his standard rates.
-Survey
Survey should not only be done in terms of property rates, but also about the future of the respective property in the real estate market. Factors like being one of the most posh colonies in the city situated in the metros, neighboring the most happening places of the city, also helps in deciding the cost of the property. So these should be traced keeping the present and future developments in mind.
-Distance from work
The distance from home to workplace, is an important factor to be considered while buying apartment. This is because of the fact if the office will be far from one’s home, then he will have to bare the cost of traveling, which would up in bringing him in state of loosing money for extra expenses. If the distance from home to office is less then one can save the amount of money to be spent in travel.
-Area or location
The area or the locality, in which the apartment is bought, plays an important role in defining the family background of the person. The place of living showcases the standards a person can afford, it helps in structuring his social circle accordingly.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 11th, 2010
Whether you own a commercial property, or are looking to invest in one, now is a great time to shop. The economy may be down, but exciting new prospects are one way that it is going to recover, and with commercial property costs at an all-time low, there has never been a better opportunity to invest. The idea of buying a commercial property is to turn a profit from it. Therefore, you want to invest, not collect. Don’t buy something that you don’t have a plan for, as it will just sit around unused, costing you money. However, if you see a good deal on a commercial property and think you can make something of it, now is a great time to purchase that building. Some things to keep in mind if you have a plan for a business is to scope out the area for how similar business are faring, set aside money for any problems that might arise, and have a back-up plan for the future. Decide what you will do if, in a year, the investment is just not making any profitable returns. Shop online. There are literally hundreds of websites available at your disposal. Compile all of the listings that interest you, and being researching them. Try to find as much information as you can about the buildings, including what they were used for and what the area is like. Then, you can contact their listing agents for a showing. While it is true that lots of commercial properties and buildings are sitting empty and unused all across the United States, that does not mean that your listing has no chance of selling. In fact, there are lots of things you can do to boost interest in your commercial property and not feel like a dead duck. The first thing to do is to gather up all of the available information about your property. Know all there is to know about the building including its age, whether repairs or updates have been made, and any problems with it. Include any relevant information that you think will help sell the property. Get a good agent to help you sell your commercial property. You don’t have to settle on the first one you find. Read online reviews and choose the agent who has the best track record of selling properties that are similar to yours.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Tags: Commercial, Property
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 11th, 2010
Is it possible to go out and buy a home on your own without the assistance of a professional realtor? Sure. But it’s not a good idea. Using a realtor to help in buying your home will make the entire process easier and will help to make sure that you get the best deal on your own and that all of the legal issues involved in home buying are taken care. Still not convinced? Just take a look at some of the basic benefits of using a realtor to help you buy your home: A realtor can significantly narrow down the home buying process by helping you to determine exactly what your needs and desires are for the new home. A realtor is more capable than you are of negotiating on the price of the home. Home buyers rarely pay out-of-pocket fees for the help of a realtor. Therefore you’re getting professional advice and a better deal on your new home without any costs. If you are going to be purchasing a new home in a city that you are unfamiliar with or in a neighborhood that you don’t know a lot about, a realtor can provide you with important information about neighborhood demographics and things like schools in the area. Realtors are able to access the right people for making a good value assessment of your home so that you know if you’re paying a fair price. Realtors have access to online listings of homes that you yourself may not have ready access to, making it possible for the realtor to find a home for you to buy that you wouldn’t have found on your own. There are a lot of details to buying a home and you probably aren’t familiar with them, especially if this is your first time as a home buyer. The realtor can help you through every step of the process so that you understand what is going on and don’t get cheated anywhere along the way. Your realtor will remain calm even when you aren’t. Many good home deals have gotten bungled because of the heat of emotions that can rise up during this important purchase. Realtors help make sure that these emotions stay in their office and don’t cause problems with your buying deal.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 11th, 2010
It’s always fun when you’re shopping for a house or condo, but it has the ability to be a little stressful. There are plenty of things that you have to check into to make sure you’re moving into the house you truly want. Today we’re discussing how you can utilize a property background search to help in your house hunting. Let’s quickly talk about a few of the things you need to think about when buying a home. You have to decide the amount of money you can afford to spend. Obviously you also have to find a location that you want to reside in. Do you need a swimming pool. Heaps of things to debate! The home hunt starts once you have picked out the crucial points. And eventually, you are going to locate a couple spots that you are pleased with. Now it starts getting exciting, however you can’t just jump in and make the purchase. It’s crucial to double check the property and ensure that the house you are considering is actually a good one. It’s important to use a property background check to find out the inside scoop on the property you are looking at. Using this type of search is one of the easiest ways to get find additional details about any property you’re curious about. It’s impressive to see the amount of info you’ll discover with a property background check. This includes information on ownership history, property tax amounts, neighborhood info and a great deal more.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 11th, 2010
The last 18 months have been some of the most tumultuous in the history of our great nation. To many, these months have meant misery, stress and financial ruin. To others, they have meant an incredible opportunity to prosper through the purchases of heavily discounted stocks and real estate. Then there are those in the middle, those afraid to get their toes wet or otherwise take a leap and get into the home of their dreams at a price they might never see again. For those in the middle, torn on what will likely be the largest financial decision of their life here are a few basic points to help you decide:
-Interest Rates at Historical Lows – With interest rates consistently hovering around 5%, the interest costs associated with purchasing a home are greatly mitigated. Over the life of a loan the ability to lock in at 5% for 30 years can save tens of thousands of dollars on a standard loan and hundreds of thousand on a jumbo.
-Rates Adjusting – In the early 2000s, many consumers purchased homes that were well beyond their means via interest only loans or loans with very low variable rates for a short duration. With many of these loans ending their variable term and moving into fixed rates, many homeowners will see their mortgages increase by up to 50%. The net result will be a buyer’s market depicted by more sales, more inventory and more foreclosures.
-Starved Home Builders – With new construction starts just below 500,000 homes nationally in 2009, builders are trimming their margins in an effort to stay afloat. While many construction costs are variable and decline as construction slows many fixed costs such as land remain until units are sold off.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »
February 11th, 2010
The last thing you want when you’re selling your home is to discover problems that could jeopardize the sale. While a home inspection will reveal the condition of your home, you won’t have to be afraid of issues that come up if you’ve kept your home well maintained. With good home maintenance you can avoid some of the most common imperfections and problems found by home inspectors. Home maintenance tasks are often put off for various reasons, such as lack of time, lack of money, or simply lack of interest. However, when it comes time to sell your home and you know buyers are looking, it’s time to take care of business. The little things that nag you may be major issues to a prospective home buyer, and they could cost you the sale. You can eliminate the vast majority of problems and stress by checking on five important areas.
-Dirty filter and coils in the furnace, air conditioning or heat pump system. Having your heating and cooling system serviced by a professional once a year should take care of this problem. You should also clean or replace filters every one to three months, depending on the requirements of your system. This is important for long life of your unit, efficiency, fuel savings, and the assurance you’ll have proper heating and cooling in your home.
-Poor Caulking of Ceramic Tile in the Tub and Shower Area. It can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace a rotted shower wall. You can avoid this by caulking tiled areas for a few dollars. If you can see a crack in the calk or grout, you know it’s large enough for water to get in.
-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) not Functioning properly. Those electrical outlets with the “Press” and “Test” buttons are GFCI’s. They’re very important in reducing or preventing the chance of electrocution. Push the “Test” button to see if the GFCI’s are working as they should. If not, they’re inexpensive to replace and should only take about fifteen minutes to install. If you have questions or concerns, call a professional electrician.
Full Article
For More Information Visit: http://www.findpropertymiami.com
Posted in Real Estate | No Comments »