Buying real estate can start with a look in the newspaper, a visit to a broker, or a search online. These are all good ways to find your next investment property. You're looking at the same properties as every other investor, of course, so it's not always easy to beat the competition to a great buy.
A better way to find good real estate investments is to look for properties that aren't yet for sale, and make an offer. I bought my first home this way. I put an ad in the paper stating what I was looking for, and soon had a call from an old couple that had been thinking about selling. I bought their place at a good price, and they saved a broker's commission.
Buying investment real estate that isn't for sale starts with a three step search process. First decide what you are looking for. Single family rentals or apartment buildings? Then start looking for properties that fit your criteria. Then contact the owners.
Buying Real Estate From Non-Sellers
Don't limit yourself to "fixer-uppers" or other "problem" properties that seem more likely to have owners willing to sell. Many owners of investment real estate have thought of selling, so you can start with almost any building you like. You never know beforehand if or why a landlord is ready to call it quits. You find out by asking.
Tact is necessary here. Call the owner and tell him you're an investor, not a broker. Let him know that you like what you see. Tell him you can have an offer ready in a week if he's interested. NEVER EVER MENTION THE PRICE VERBALLY AND IF YOU WANT TO RAISE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING THE PROPERTY, "DO NOT" GO ANY FURTHER IN THE CONVERSATION AT THIS POINT....The seller will do all he can to find out what you had in mind, and tell him first, you wanted to find out if the seller was even interested in selling....and every time there is a question about price or about what your offer will look like, say, "ya know what, since you sound interested, I'll take a day or two, have an offer in writing for you, and let's go from there...."
At this point, this is where you call a BUYERS AGENT (If you are in WA State, call Beryl Gosney at 425-344-2222, a leading buyers agent on Internet and serves Western Washington).....
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES start negotitating with the seller yourself...I don't care how many homes you've owned, or if you are a seasoned sales person or not, selling homes is unique. Home selling experience specifically, truely makes a difference in the outcome of your deal ---- especially when the buyers agent representing you, is paid by the seller! You see, it most all cases, the buyers agent commision has already been pre-determined in the sellers listing contract, that a commission would be going to the seller agents broker, from the sellers proceeds.
If the seller is not interested, thank him politely when you made the initial call and hang up, an d share the contact info with your buyers agent and ask them to send the homeowner a card or a letter on your behalf. Many investors have bought from owners that changed their minds.
Naturally if you are buying a rental unit, we'll need to see the books. Specifically, you'll need to see the rent roll, listing the units and what they rent for, plus current occupancy, and operating expenses for the last year.
The buyers agent needs to have a confidentiality agreement ready for you to sign and attach with your offer. Your agent should let the owner know that you'll sign it and the agent will deliver it to him before you see the books. He may not want to let the tenants know he's thinking of selling, so inspecting the units may have to wait until you make an offer. Just make an acceptable inspection a contingency in the offer.
Why buy investment properties this way? No competition means you may get a better price. Also, instead of waiting for that perfect property to be listed for sale, you just find it now. Why wait until it's for sale before buying real estate?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
How to Create Your Dream Home
(ARA) - Among the clipped lawns and traditional style homes of Green Bay, a cozy log home nestled in the woods is a rarity indeed. Equally rare are the steps the owners have taken to protect their original retreat.
On a hot summer morning, David and Kathy Janczak opened their Green Bay home to visitors who share their passion for log home living. “This is the first time we’ve hosted an open house since renovating our log home,” said Kathy, in the lodge-like great room where the family of five shared meals, celebrated holidays and created hand-made Christmas ornaments.
Nearly 30 years ago, the young couple dreamt of a log home of their own. David, an avid woodworker who had been studying log home construction for some time, promised his new bride Kathy that he would build her a dream home as a wedding gift.
On a 20-acre parcel of land, David diligently set out to fulfill his promise, with Kathy working beside him every step of the way. Completed in 1976, the full log home was an intimate 1,547 square feet. The great room, which was the heart of the home, remains intact today.
Local excitement over their home and many requests prompted David to craft similar log homes for other enthusiasts. This, in turn, created Wisconsin Log Homes Inc., which David continues to oversee today. Both the home and company has grown significantly over the years, a testament to America’s love affair with rustic homes and the simple, comfortable feeling they generate.
While the 60-plus people toured and explored their recently remodeled home, David and Kathy eagerly shared their experiences with both full log and half log construction. As the visitors marveled over the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, David educated them on the basics of log homes and energy efficiency, including explaining why he developed the Thermal-Log insulated half-log building system 30 years ago.
David says the spacious, yet unpretentious 5,600-square-foot hybrid home “Is a result of 30 years of ideas and experience in log home design and construction.” Designed for entertaining as well as day-to-day living, the home showcases many progressive design elements, all while exuding traditional log home comfort and warmth.
The Janczak home was designed to be one with nature, both indoors and out. Strategically placed doors, windows and bump-outs maximize the surrounding view which includes a pond, wooded area and front water garden. A screen porch and wrap-around architecturally lit stamped concrete patio is the perfect place to relax during sunset at the end of a long day.
Indoors, the couple’s love for natural materials is evident, incorporated into almost every design element. From the chocolate glazed ceramic tile on the floor to the handcrafted antler chandeliers, the space is saturated with various textures. David’s trademark wormy wavy edge trim and custom gnarly railings give the log home a personal artistic touch not readily seen in the industry today.
The custom kitchen designed by Kathy and the company’s in-house interior designer shows how a modern working kitchen can flow effortlessly into an open floor plan typical of log home design. Character cherry cabinets topped with custom crown molding, state-of-the-art appliances cleverly tucked behind cabinet panels and a hand-scraped engineered hickory floor warmed with radiant floor heat are some of the few places where technology meets style in the Janczak home. The raised cabinet at the end of the island has a painted furniture look to it, complete with authentic antler pulls.
As the visitors split up and meandered from room to room, they began to share their ideas and own design inspirations with one another. Some were focused on the architectural elements while others eagerly discussed envisioned floor plans. “The trip to Green Bay was well worth it,” one attendee noted. “This home gives us lots of ideas. The finished product shows much more than any catalog pictures.”
Several visitors were fascinated with the Janczak’s master bath which does not utilize a door. A strategically placed corner whirlpool tub with a mini-chandelier hanging above provides a spa-like view from the master bedroom. A partial wall separates the commode without closing in the space and a glass and tile walk-in shower is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. “This space was actually inspired by the Janczak’s favorite Mexican retreat,” Wisconsin Log Homes resident interior designer Stephanie Gauthier explained. “Beautiful design usually originates from things that we love. These are the elements that make your house a home and uniquely yours.”
The groups were well rounded; some empty nesters, families, newlyweds and even a couple excited about planning a log-inspired bed and breakfast. “I love color and my husband loves structure,” one wife commented in a boldly painted bedroom combined with a knotty pine ceiling and log accented walls. “I am so pleased to see that we can have both.”
The Janczak’s open house was a huge success and an inspiration to many. “We are planning another in the future for those who were unable to attend due to a limited number of reservations available,” Kathy noted. “In the past we held design/build seminars at our headquarters’, but seeing a completed home helps people better visualize what they can actually have.”
For more information about designing and building log homes or to order Wisconsin Log Homes’ comprehensive 156-page planning guide and DVD, log on to www.wisconsinloghomes.com, or call (800) 678-9107.
Courtesy of ARA Content
On a hot summer morning, David and Kathy Janczak opened their Green Bay home to visitors who share their passion for log home living. “This is the first time we’ve hosted an open house since renovating our log home,” said Kathy, in the lodge-like great room where the family of five shared meals, celebrated holidays and created hand-made Christmas ornaments.
Nearly 30 years ago, the young couple dreamt of a log home of their own. David, an avid woodworker who had been studying log home construction for some time, promised his new bride Kathy that he would build her a dream home as a wedding gift.
On a 20-acre parcel of land, David diligently set out to fulfill his promise, with Kathy working beside him every step of the way. Completed in 1976, the full log home was an intimate 1,547 square feet. The great room, which was the heart of the home, remains intact today.
Local excitement over their home and many requests prompted David to craft similar log homes for other enthusiasts. This, in turn, created Wisconsin Log Homes Inc., which David continues to oversee today. Both the home and company has grown significantly over the years, a testament to America’s love affair with rustic homes and the simple, comfortable feeling they generate.
While the 60-plus people toured and explored their recently remodeled home, David and Kathy eagerly shared their experiences with both full log and half log construction. As the visitors marveled over the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, David educated them on the basics of log homes and energy efficiency, including explaining why he developed the Thermal-Log insulated half-log building system 30 years ago.
David says the spacious, yet unpretentious 5,600-square-foot hybrid home “Is a result of 30 years of ideas and experience in log home design and construction.” Designed for entertaining as well as day-to-day living, the home showcases many progressive design elements, all while exuding traditional log home comfort and warmth.
The Janczak home was designed to be one with nature, both indoors and out. Strategically placed doors, windows and bump-outs maximize the surrounding view which includes a pond, wooded area and front water garden. A screen porch and wrap-around architecturally lit stamped concrete patio is the perfect place to relax during sunset at the end of a long day.
Indoors, the couple’s love for natural materials is evident, incorporated into almost every design element. From the chocolate glazed ceramic tile on the floor to the handcrafted antler chandeliers, the space is saturated with various textures. David’s trademark wormy wavy edge trim and custom gnarly railings give the log home a personal artistic touch not readily seen in the industry today.
The custom kitchen designed by Kathy and the company’s in-house interior designer shows how a modern working kitchen can flow effortlessly into an open floor plan typical of log home design. Character cherry cabinets topped with custom crown molding, state-of-the-art appliances cleverly tucked behind cabinet panels and a hand-scraped engineered hickory floor warmed with radiant floor heat are some of the few places where technology meets style in the Janczak home. The raised cabinet at the end of the island has a painted furniture look to it, complete with authentic antler pulls.
As the visitors split up and meandered from room to room, they began to share their ideas and own design inspirations with one another. Some were focused on the architectural elements while others eagerly discussed envisioned floor plans. “The trip to Green Bay was well worth it,” one attendee noted. “This home gives us lots of ideas. The finished product shows much more than any catalog pictures.”
Several visitors were fascinated with the Janczak’s master bath which does not utilize a door. A strategically placed corner whirlpool tub with a mini-chandelier hanging above provides a spa-like view from the master bedroom. A partial wall separates the commode without closing in the space and a glass and tile walk-in shower is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. “This space was actually inspired by the Janczak’s favorite Mexican retreat,” Wisconsin Log Homes resident interior designer Stephanie Gauthier explained. “Beautiful design usually originates from things that we love. These are the elements that make your house a home and uniquely yours.”
The groups were well rounded; some empty nesters, families, newlyweds and even a couple excited about planning a log-inspired bed and breakfast. “I love color and my husband loves structure,” one wife commented in a boldly painted bedroom combined with a knotty pine ceiling and log accented walls. “I am so pleased to see that we can have both.”
The Janczak’s open house was a huge success and an inspiration to many. “We are planning another in the future for those who were unable to attend due to a limited number of reservations available,” Kathy noted. “In the past we held design/build seminars at our headquarters’, but seeing a completed home helps people better visualize what they can actually have.”
For more information about designing and building log homes or to order Wisconsin Log Homes’ comprehensive 156-page planning guide and DVD, log on to www.wisconsinloghomes.com, or call (800) 678-9107.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Facelift for the Middle-Aged Door
How to Recognize and Reverse Signs of Aging at the Front Entry
(ARA) – These days, baby boomers aren’t the only ones worried about showing their age. When it comes to the middle-aged home, the front door is often the first to go.
That’s because exterior doors -- one of the larger openings on the home -- often take the brunt of UV exposure, wind and rain over a period of decades. A Harvard University study shows the average age of a home in the United States is 32 years old and rising, so doors definitely develop their share of “age spots.”
“It’s important to understand the causes and effects of wear and tear on exterior doors because they provide security and energy efficiency benefits, not to mention curb appeal, for the home,” says Shane Meisel, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN doors. “Proper maintenance -- just a little attention over time -- can help extend the life of exterior doors for many years.”
To maintain their youthful appearance, it’s important to regularly inspect exterior doors and repair problem spots, such as fading and the ill effects of water penetration. So with both performance and curb appeal in mind, here is a guide to recognizing and reversing signs of aging on exterior doors.
Anti-Aging Regimen for Exterior Doors
Proper finishing. The first defense against premature aging of doors is proper finishing. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and be sure to finish all six sides of the door. Even though you may not see the top and bottom, they can be conduits for doors to absorb moisture from the environment, causing swelling and cracking over time.
Correct exposure ratio. The placement of an exterior door plays a major role in its maintenance and longevity. It’s important to determine the amount of overhang that protects the door from sun and rain and understand the UV exposure generated by the direction the door faces. In mild climates, the overhang should equal at least one-half of the door’s height. More severe climates require larger overhangs. The industry term for the correct exposure ratio is “coefficient.”
High-performance materials. New advances in manufacturing technology have taken the worry out of wood doors. JELD-WEN now offers AuraLast wood for U.S.-produced pine wood doors and frames. Thanks to a revolutionary penetrating treatment process, AuraLast wood is guaranteed to resist termites and decay for 20 years, and AuraLast wood frames carry a lifetime warranty.
Periodic inspection and maintenance. Just like any other exterior surface, doors need cleaning and care each year. Homeowners should expect to refinish wood doors every two to five years. For solid wood doors, lightly sand, then wipe away dust with a clean cloth, slightly dampened with mineral spirits. For doors made of other materials, follow the manufacturer’s refinishing recommendations. Apply at least two coats of a fade-resistant exterior polyurethane with an ultraviolet inhibitor, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sand lightly between coats and be sure to finish all six sides of the door in the same manner.
Top Tips for Sprucing up the Front Entry
Once the entry door is properly finished and protected, homeowners may want to consider these inexpensive cosmetic upgrades.
1. Consider a new paint color. A touch of color for the front door gives the whole front of the home a lift. JELD-WEN’s new front door selector tool, offered at www.jeld-wen.com, allows homeowners to experiment with different looks online.
2. Install new hardware. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up the front entry on your own. Be sure to consider how the color and finish of the hardware coordinates or contrasts with the color and texture of the front door, and select a low-maintenance finish. Examples of new hardware to consider are brass kick plates, door handles, door knockers, locks and even mail slots.
3. Incorporate house numbers and lighting at the entryway. House numbers are a huge trend in “exterior design.” With more stylish options available than ever before, this little weekend project makes a big impact at the front entry. Likewise, a matching exterior light adds a warm and welcoming ambience.
For more door care and maintenance tips from JELD-WEN or to browse new styles for replacement doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
(ARA) – These days, baby boomers aren’t the only ones worried about showing their age. When it comes to the middle-aged home, the front door is often the first to go.
That’s because exterior doors -- one of the larger openings on the home -- often take the brunt of UV exposure, wind and rain over a period of decades. A Harvard University study shows the average age of a home in the United States is 32 years old and rising, so doors definitely develop their share of “age spots.”
“It’s important to understand the causes and effects of wear and tear on exterior doors because they provide security and energy efficiency benefits, not to mention curb appeal, for the home,” says Shane Meisel, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN doors. “Proper maintenance -- just a little attention over time -- can help extend the life of exterior doors for many years.”
To maintain their youthful appearance, it’s important to regularly inspect exterior doors and repair problem spots, such as fading and the ill effects of water penetration. So with both performance and curb appeal in mind, here is a guide to recognizing and reversing signs of aging on exterior doors.
Anti-Aging Regimen for Exterior Doors
Proper finishing. The first defense against premature aging of doors is proper finishing. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and be sure to finish all six sides of the door. Even though you may not see the top and bottom, they can be conduits for doors to absorb moisture from the environment, causing swelling and cracking over time.
Correct exposure ratio. The placement of an exterior door plays a major role in its maintenance and longevity. It’s important to determine the amount of overhang that protects the door from sun and rain and understand the UV exposure generated by the direction the door faces. In mild climates, the overhang should equal at least one-half of the door’s height. More severe climates require larger overhangs. The industry term for the correct exposure ratio is “coefficient.”
High-performance materials. New advances in manufacturing technology have taken the worry out of wood doors. JELD-WEN now offers AuraLast wood for U.S.-produced pine wood doors and frames. Thanks to a revolutionary penetrating treatment process, AuraLast wood is guaranteed to resist termites and decay for 20 years, and AuraLast wood frames carry a lifetime warranty.
Periodic inspection and maintenance. Just like any other exterior surface, doors need cleaning and care each year. Homeowners should expect to refinish wood doors every two to five years. For solid wood doors, lightly sand, then wipe away dust with a clean cloth, slightly dampened with mineral spirits. For doors made of other materials, follow the manufacturer’s refinishing recommendations. Apply at least two coats of a fade-resistant exterior polyurethane with an ultraviolet inhibitor, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sand lightly between coats and be sure to finish all six sides of the door in the same manner.
Top Tips for Sprucing up the Front Entry
Once the entry door is properly finished and protected, homeowners may want to consider these inexpensive cosmetic upgrades.
1. Consider a new paint color. A touch of color for the front door gives the whole front of the home a lift. JELD-WEN’s new front door selector tool, offered at www.jeld-wen.com, allows homeowners to experiment with different looks online.
2. Install new hardware. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up the front entry on your own. Be sure to consider how the color and finish of the hardware coordinates or contrasts with the color and texture of the front door, and select a low-maintenance finish. Examples of new hardware to consider are brass kick plates, door handles, door knockers, locks and even mail slots.
3. Incorporate house numbers and lighting at the entryway. House numbers are a huge trend in “exterior design.” With more stylish options available than ever before, this little weekend project makes a big impact at the front entry. Likewise, a matching exterior light adds a warm and welcoming ambience.
For more door care and maintenance tips from JELD-WEN or to browse new styles for replacement doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
It's Time For A Gas War!
by Beryl Gosney, Real Estate Professional
It's time folks! Baby boomers will remember for sure --- the gas rationing and gas lines of the 70's? Remember wage and price controls of the 60's. Remember the California Tax Revolt --- long live Proposition 13!
Well citizens of America, it should be obvious by now, that our country's leadership, (Nancy, Hillary, Harry, George, Dick, or their appointed no-names, are not about to do anything to challenge the billion dollar bonuses to oil industry fat cats, nor lead a fight to curtail our use of that inefficient liquid gold we call petrol.....
It's time for citizens to unite and revolt. Take matters in their own hands, despite government irresponsibility. Citizens need to self police and discipline ourselves ---- we need a GAS Diet!
Today is May 15th and the GAS tank in both my gas guzzlers are less than 1/4 tank. And, as a real estate agent, I need to fill up before the next showing of homes. But loyal me, I'm trying to honor my commitment made earlier in the week.
I got an email that said there would be a nationwide boycott on gas purchased on May 15th so the gas giants would feel the pinch all of a sudden, as they watch their daily revenue come to an abrupt halt.
Stop The GAS Money Rip-Off!
I did my duty, despite running on fumes because I want this boycott to be recognized..... The sad truth is, it didn't even make the local, let alone the national news. That's how divided and out of touch we've become. We can't even assemble a simple one day initiative and stick to it.
If we unite and pursue this GAS thing, it will show the terrorist an American show of strength and we can prove we are in fact, a country of and by the people.
Are you with me on this....are you going to start writing letters to the editors and to members of congress about the gas rip off?
Or, are you just going to continue to dip into the wallet, fill your tank only half full in denial, so you don't have to ever pay $50 to fill your compact, or $70 to fill your mid size and lucky cars tank?
Stand up and be counter folks ---- your single letter can spread like a cancer if you share it with your friends and neighbors. I'm trying to do my part --- are you ready to do yours?
Citizens, we have the "power" to send prices back into the $1.50-$1.60's ---- but it is going to take a collective effort.
Are you up to the task? --- I am!
It's time folks! Baby boomers will remember for sure --- the gas rationing and gas lines of the 70's? Remember wage and price controls of the 60's. Remember the California Tax Revolt --- long live Proposition 13!
Well citizens of America, it should be obvious by now, that our country's leadership, (Nancy, Hillary, Harry, George, Dick, or their appointed no-names, are not about to do anything to challenge the billion dollar bonuses to oil industry fat cats, nor lead a fight to curtail our use of that inefficient liquid gold we call petrol.....It's time for citizens to unite and revolt. Take matters in their own hands, despite government irresponsibility. Citizens need to self police and discipline ourselves ---- we need a GAS Diet!
Today is May 15th and the GAS tank in both my gas guzzlers are less than 1/4 tank. And, as a real estate agent, I need to fill up before the next showing of homes. But loyal me, I'm trying to honor my commitment made earlier in the week.
I got an email that said there would be a nationwide boycott on gas purchased on May 15th so the gas giants would feel the pinch all of a sudden, as they watch their daily revenue come to an abrupt halt.
Stop The GAS Money Rip-Off!
I did my duty, despite running on fumes because I want this boycott to be recognized..... The sad truth is, it didn't even make the local, let alone the national news. That's how divided and out of touch we've become. We can't even assemble a simple one day initiative and stick to it.
If we unite and pursue this GAS thing, it will show the terrorist an American show of strength and we can prove we are in fact, a country of and by the people.
Are you with me on this....are you going to start writing letters to the editors and to members of congress about the gas rip off?
Or, are you just going to continue to dip into the wallet, fill your tank only half full in denial, so you don't have to ever pay $50 to fill your compact, or $70 to fill your mid size and lucky cars tank?
Stand up and be counter folks ---- your single letter can spread like a cancer if you share it with your friends and neighbors. I'm trying to do my part --- are you ready to do yours?
Citizens, we have the "power" to send prices back into the $1.50-$1.60's ---- but it is going to take a collective effort.
Are you up to the task? --- I am!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
(ARA) – Does your home have curb appeal? Better make sure the answer is “YES” before you put it on the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it just may make the difference between selling your property quickly, or having it linger on the market for months.
Just a few short years ago, when mortgage rates were low and the economy was booming, homes were selling almost as quickly as they hit the market. NAR statistics show it is now taking an average of four weeks to sell a home.
If it’s taking longer than that in your case, there may be a good reason. Perhaps your asking price is too high, or there’s too much competition in the surrounding neighborhood. Both are problems you can easily deal with.
Ask your realtor to run a report on comparables to see if your price is indeed too high, and in the meantime, drive up to your home and pretend you’re a potential buyer. What is the first thing you notice?
If your attention is focused on cracks in the driveway, paint on the shutters that’s peeling and dead branches hanging from the trees, it won’t take long before you come to the realization that your home isn’t selling because it lacks curb appeal. So what can you do about it? Make a list of the projects you need to complete right away, then run out to the closest home improvement store and buy your supplies.
* The driveway
Often the first step a perspective buyer takes on your property is on the driveway, so make sure it makes the right impression. If your driveway is gray and weathered, or worse, cracked and crumbling, this may scare off buyers. The good news is that repairing and beautifying your driveway can be done quickly and easily, and wow, what a difference it makes.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with a spray on driveway cleaner and letting it dry completely. Once the surface is clean, you can apply your sealer using an applicator that has a squeegee on one side and a brush on the other to spread and smooth the mixture.
There are a lot of asphalt sealers on the market, but do you and your eventual buyer a favor by investing in a product that beautifies and protects. Black Jack Drive-Maxx 700 is a better quality blacktop filler and sealer that contains sand particles to help fill in the small cracks in the surface and it is enhanced with latex which helps with durability. It is a gel based sealer that applies faster, easier and with less mess, what a combination!
It would also be a good idea to have a bottle of Black Jack Blacktop Crack Filler on hand in case cracks should form after the driveway has been resurfaced. You can find both the crack filler and blacktop sealer at Lowe’s and other home improvement stores nationwide. Log on to www.gardner-gibson.com for access to a store locator.
Paint
If the paint on the shutters is peeling away, but the rest of the house looks okay, take the shutters down and repaint them. You may want to repaint the front door to match as well. It would also be a good idea to pressure wash the house and sidewalks, particularly if there are water or dirt marks from the sprinklers.
Landscaping
As far as the landscaping goes, start by removing all the dead branches and leaves from your trees and shrubs, and making sure they have shape to them. Overgrown plants are a big turn off.
You should also be sure the lawn is well maintained. If you don’t have time to cut it every week, and remove the weeds, hire someone to do it for you. And if there’s no color in the yard right now, add some. Pansies, petunias, marigolds and daisies look great whether they’re planted in flower beds or in pots by the front door. Either way, be sure to cover the dirt with mulch, which holds moisture and prevents weed growth.
Other tricks you can try to improve your home’s curb appeal, get a new front door, wash the siding and front windows and replace the weathered mailbox and house numbers. In the grand scheme of things, these small investments will pay huge dividends. They’ll set your home apart from the competition!
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Just a few short years ago, when mortgage rates were low and the economy was booming, homes were selling almost as quickly as they hit the market. NAR statistics show it is now taking an average of four weeks to sell a home.
If it’s taking longer than that in your case, there may be a good reason. Perhaps your asking price is too high, or there’s too much competition in the surrounding neighborhood. Both are problems you can easily deal with.
Ask your realtor to run a report on comparables to see if your price is indeed too high, and in the meantime, drive up to your home and pretend you’re a potential buyer. What is the first thing you notice?
If your attention is focused on cracks in the driveway, paint on the shutters that’s peeling and dead branches hanging from the trees, it won’t take long before you come to the realization that your home isn’t selling because it lacks curb appeal. So what can you do about it? Make a list of the projects you need to complete right away, then run out to the closest home improvement store and buy your supplies.
* The driveway
Often the first step a perspective buyer takes on your property is on the driveway, so make sure it makes the right impression. If your driveway is gray and weathered, or worse, cracked and crumbling, this may scare off buyers. The good news is that repairing and beautifying your driveway can be done quickly and easily, and wow, what a difference it makes.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with a spray on driveway cleaner and letting it dry completely. Once the surface is clean, you can apply your sealer using an applicator that has a squeegee on one side and a brush on the other to spread and smooth the mixture.
There are a lot of asphalt sealers on the market, but do you and your eventual buyer a favor by investing in a product that beautifies and protects. Black Jack Drive-Maxx 700 is a better quality blacktop filler and sealer that contains sand particles to help fill in the small cracks in the surface and it is enhanced with latex which helps with durability. It is a gel based sealer that applies faster, easier and with less mess, what a combination!
It would also be a good idea to have a bottle of Black Jack Blacktop Crack Filler on hand in case cracks should form after the driveway has been resurfaced. You can find both the crack filler and blacktop sealer at Lowe’s and other home improvement stores nationwide. Log on to www.gardner-gibson.com for access to a store locator.
Paint
If the paint on the shutters is peeling away, but the rest of the house looks okay, take the shutters down and repaint them. You may want to repaint the front door to match as well. It would also be a good idea to pressure wash the house and sidewalks, particularly if there are water or dirt marks from the sprinklers.
Landscaping
As far as the landscaping goes, start by removing all the dead branches and leaves from your trees and shrubs, and making sure they have shape to them. Overgrown plants are a big turn off.
You should also be sure the lawn is well maintained. If you don’t have time to cut it every week, and remove the weeds, hire someone to do it for you. And if there’s no color in the yard right now, add some. Pansies, petunias, marigolds and daisies look great whether they’re planted in flower beds or in pots by the front door. Either way, be sure to cover the dirt with mulch, which holds moisture and prevents weed growth.
Other tricks you can try to improve your home’s curb appeal, get a new front door, wash the siding and front windows and replace the weathered mailbox and house numbers. In the grand scheme of things, these small investments will pay huge dividends. They’ll set your home apart from the competition!
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Saturday, April 21, 2007
6 Slezy Home Improvement Scams
By Alana Klein • Bankrate.com
It's time for less talk and more action.
Like most homeowners, you probably spent the winter months talking about the various home improvements you'd like to make. Now that's spring is here, it's time to act on those remodeling impulses. After all, spring is a time of renewal, change, and new beginnings.
Unfortunately, it's also a time when crooked contractors come out of the woodwork to prey on innocent homeowners. "Some are actual scam artists, while others are just incompetent or unethical," says Ellis Levinson, a consumer reporter and author of the book "Hiring Contractors Without Going Through Hell."
The good news is that you can protect yourself against these scams. In fact, many scams are easy to detect if you take the time to become an educated, savvy consumer. "Compare prices, call references, and research the project you're undertaking in advance," says Bruce Johnson, author of "50 Simple Ways to Save your House." It seems simple but many people find this process overwhelming.
Levinson calls it emotional laziness. "It's amazing to me how much time people will put it into buying a TV because it's fun. But when it comes to remodeling a kitchen, people have no time. They see it as drudgery," Levinson says. Ultimately, he says, doing the research to protect yourself is much easier than paying for the consequences.
To help you differentiate a scam from the real deal, Bankrate has compiled a list of the most common remodeling scams. Beware of the following key phrases, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't.
Key phrases to beware of:
• "I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."
• "I have materials left over from another job."
• "I need the cash up front."
• "I have a special offer that's good for today only."
• "I can help you finance the project."
• "I want to use your home as a model."
"I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."This happens when contractors appear at your home unsolicited to inform you that they noticed some problems with your home's (insert: chimney, driveway, windows, plumbing, etc.) while working on a neighboring home.
For example, the contractor might say he or she was on the roof of your neighbor's home and noticed missing shingles on your roof. This may be the case -- but often no repair is needed.
Page 1 2 3 4
It's time for less talk and more action.
Like most homeowners, you probably spent the winter months talking about the various home improvements you'd like to make. Now that's spring is here, it's time to act on those remodeling impulses. After all, spring is a time of renewal, change, and new beginnings.
Unfortunately, it's also a time when crooked contractors come out of the woodwork to prey on innocent homeowners. "Some are actual scam artists, while others are just incompetent or unethical," says Ellis Levinson, a consumer reporter and author of the book "Hiring Contractors Without Going Through Hell."
The good news is that you can protect yourself against these scams. In fact, many scams are easy to detect if you take the time to become an educated, savvy consumer. "Compare prices, call references, and research the project you're undertaking in advance," says Bruce Johnson, author of "50 Simple Ways to Save your House." It seems simple but many people find this process overwhelming.
Levinson calls it emotional laziness. "It's amazing to me how much time people will put it into buying a TV because it's fun. But when it comes to remodeling a kitchen, people have no time. They see it as drudgery," Levinson says. Ultimately, he says, doing the research to protect yourself is much easier than paying for the consequences.
To help you differentiate a scam from the real deal, Bankrate has compiled a list of the most common remodeling scams. Beware of the following key phrases, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't.
Key phrases to beware of:
• "I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."
• "I have materials left over from another job."
• "I need the cash up front."
• "I have a special offer that's good for today only."
• "I can help you finance the project."
• "I want to use your home as a model."
"I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."This happens when contractors appear at your home unsolicited to inform you that they noticed some problems with your home's (insert: chimney, driveway, windows, plumbing, etc.) while working on a neighboring home.
For example, the contractor might say he or she was on the roof of your neighbor's home and noticed missing shingles on your roof. This may be the case -- but often no repair is needed.
Page 1 2 3 4
Monday, April 16, 2007
Money Does Talk!
When buying something, you can buy in one of two markets. The first is buying on terms in the retail market and the second is buying in the wholesale cash market. This can be illustrated by referring to the biggest purchase we all make in our lifetime - Real Estate.
In recent years, when you are buying a house it is easy to get financing of the first mortgage, so the seller is not forced to finance the whole sale. What I mean is the seller doesn’t become your first mortgage holder, the bank lends the money and the seller get the cash. Moreover, he will most likely make some concessions if he doesn’t have to carry back a second trust deed.
Therefore giving the seller all cash, will usually get you a better deal than asking the seller to let you buy the house with a very low down payment, with him carrying back a sizable trust deed. The big savings come when you are buying real estate that doesn’t have easy institutional financing available. The purchase of vacant land can be the best example. My father was interested in buying industrial lots in the city of Montebello, just east of downtown Los Angeles. This was during the 1960’s.
In those days it was common for a buyer to put down 20% and the seller to finance the remaining 80% for 10 years at 8% interest. For example: a $10,000 lot would cost you $2,000 down with $97.06 payments every month. After 10 years the total of the principal and interest payments would be $13,647.45. If you wanted to build on the property you had to pay off the land loan, first. The sellers then would not have to wait the whole 10 years before getting all their money.
Many property owners sold their property because they wanted money and getting the $2,000 wasn’t much money to them. So, my father would offer $5,000 all cash to the sellers. More than 1 out of 5 would take the cash up front instead of waiting for payments over 10 years. By offering the extra $3,000 cash down, my father saved $8,647.45 on the sale ($5,000 on the price reduction, plus the interest on the note). Now that is buying wholesale!!
Buying cars can be done the same way. When you pay retail, the dealer talks monthly payments. If he lowers the price, he’ll raise the interest rate. When you are buying for cash, he can only talk price. When you are leasing an automobile, they don’t even tell you the price!
The major consideration in leasing a car or not, is made by the leasing company to be all about what the monthly payment is going to be and how much extra it is going to cost you when you drive over 12,000 miles per year. Ever financed a used car from a “no credit check” dealer? He gets you for 36% interest on the balance you borrow, after getting a 50% down payment from you. Then if you miss a payment he takes the car and sues you for the difference. Buy what you can afford in cash and save making the lenders rich.
I read a report once that said that the average man makes $1,500,000 over his lifetime. Of that amount, he uses $600,000 to pay the interest on his purchases. Let’s look at the purchase of a home, from a slightly different point of view. A man who makes $1,500,000 in a lifetime will be earning on average about $30,000 a year or $2,500 per month.
He can afford to spend 40% of his income on rent or a mortgage payment. This means that he can afford a $150,000 house. If he can qualify for a 90% loan he would owe $135,000 at 8% amortized over 30 years. That means he pays $221,609.58 interest plus the $150,000 principal to buy this one house and pay it off over 30 years. The interest alone is almost 15% of his lifetime earnings! Buying anything on credit can cost you more than the retail price because you must add the interest to the cost of the item.
My suggestion. Buy for cash and negotiate for the best price you can get. If you must borrow, pay it off in as short a time possible. Also, never borrow for personal consumption. Postpone the purchase long enough to pay cash. If you can’t afford to wait until you save the money, you shouldn’t buy the item. It is just too expensive. To buy on payments raises the cost even higher than the cash price, so it becomes even more expensive. So if you cannot afford the cash price, you definitely cannot afford the financed price. My suggestion is to pay cash and buy wholesale. BUY THE BEST, PAY CASH
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About the Author: Willard Michlin is an Investor, Business Broker, California Real Estate Broker, Accountant, Financial Distress Consultant, Well known Public speaker and Administrative/Business Consultant. He can be contacted at his Ventura, California office by calling 805-529-9854 or by e-mail at kismetrei@earthlink.net. See other articles by Willard at http://www.kismetgroup.com
In recent years, when you are buying a house it is easy to get financing of the first mortgage, so the seller is not forced to finance the whole sale. What I mean is the seller doesn’t become your first mortgage holder, the bank lends the money and the seller get the cash. Moreover, he will most likely make some concessions if he doesn’t have to carry back a second trust deed.
Therefore giving the seller all cash, will usually get you a better deal than asking the seller to let you buy the house with a very low down payment, with him carrying back a sizable trust deed. The big savings come when you are buying real estate that doesn’t have easy institutional financing available. The purchase of vacant land can be the best example. My father was interested in buying industrial lots in the city of Montebello, just east of downtown Los Angeles. This was during the 1960’s.
In those days it was common for a buyer to put down 20% and the seller to finance the remaining 80% for 10 years at 8% interest. For example: a $10,000 lot would cost you $2,000 down with $97.06 payments every month. After 10 years the total of the principal and interest payments would be $13,647.45. If you wanted to build on the property you had to pay off the land loan, first. The sellers then would not have to wait the whole 10 years before getting all their money.
Many property owners sold their property because they wanted money and getting the $2,000 wasn’t much money to them. So, my father would offer $5,000 all cash to the sellers. More than 1 out of 5 would take the cash up front instead of waiting for payments over 10 years. By offering the extra $3,000 cash down, my father saved $8,647.45 on the sale ($5,000 on the price reduction, plus the interest on the note). Now that is buying wholesale!!
Buying cars can be done the same way. When you pay retail, the dealer talks monthly payments. If he lowers the price, he’ll raise the interest rate. When you are buying for cash, he can only talk price. When you are leasing an automobile, they don’t even tell you the price!
The major consideration in leasing a car or not, is made by the leasing company to be all about what the monthly payment is going to be and how much extra it is going to cost you when you drive over 12,000 miles per year. Ever financed a used car from a “no credit check” dealer? He gets you for 36% interest on the balance you borrow, after getting a 50% down payment from you. Then if you miss a payment he takes the car and sues you for the difference. Buy what you can afford in cash and save making the lenders rich.
I read a report once that said that the average man makes $1,500,000 over his lifetime. Of that amount, he uses $600,000 to pay the interest on his purchases. Let’s look at the purchase of a home, from a slightly different point of view. A man who makes $1,500,000 in a lifetime will be earning on average about $30,000 a year or $2,500 per month.
He can afford to spend 40% of his income on rent or a mortgage payment. This means that he can afford a $150,000 house. If he can qualify for a 90% loan he would owe $135,000 at 8% amortized over 30 years. That means he pays $221,609.58 interest plus the $150,000 principal to buy this one house and pay it off over 30 years. The interest alone is almost 15% of his lifetime earnings! Buying anything on credit can cost you more than the retail price because you must add the interest to the cost of the item.
My suggestion. Buy for cash and negotiate for the best price you can get. If you must borrow, pay it off in as short a time possible. Also, never borrow for personal consumption. Postpone the purchase long enough to pay cash. If you can’t afford to wait until you save the money, you shouldn’t buy the item. It is just too expensive. To buy on payments raises the cost even higher than the cash price, so it becomes even more expensive. So if you cannot afford the cash price, you definitely cannot afford the financed price. My suggestion is to pay cash and buy wholesale. BUY THE BEST, PAY CASH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: Willard Michlin is an Investor, Business Broker, California Real Estate Broker, Accountant, Financial Distress Consultant, Well known Public speaker and Administrative/Business Consultant. He can be contacted at his Ventura, California office by calling 805-529-9854 or by e-mail at kismetrei@earthlink.net. See other articles by Willard at http://www.kismetgroup.com
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Death & Taxes
Have you ever owned a stock, or piece of real estate that you wanted to sell? You felt the time was right to take your profit and run. Did you then not follow through with the sale because “the taxes would kill you?” This is what I call “making a decision based on taxes.” It is not “Good Horse Sense.” What is horse sense? This is where the horse knows that a certain spot is dangerous and it will not step there. The rider, not seeing the danger, sometimes pushes the horse to move forward, but the horse refuses. People quite often will not trust their “sense.” Women are known for their “instincts” about people. Men are not always as “sensitive” of their instincts as women are. Lets get back to business instincts.
In the stock market the smart money always says, “Bulls make money. Bears make money. Pigs lose money.” What does this mean? It means, “Never be afraid to take a profit.” If it is time to sell, sell! Take your profit and wait until the time is right to get back in. Taxes sometimes make this very difficult. If you sell, the taxes may eat up 30-50% of the profit.
Then again, if you do not sell, when you think the timing is right, you may lose 100% of the profit and some of the principal. It is always smarter to make your business decision first. It is also very important to not consider the tax consequences while making this sound business decision. After you have decided what you want to do based on sound business strategies, then you see your tax accountant and figure out how to do the deal, so as to pay the lowest possible taxes. Do not do it the other way around. Which means, selling when you have a tax loss or a real loss because there would be no taxes to pay.
Many an investor, because of the fear of taxes, held an investment all the way up and then all the way down. The economy runs in 7 to 10 year cycles of boom and bust. Sell in the booms and buy in the busts. If you do not sell at the top, there is no money to buy at the bottom. If your accountant is worth his fee, he will figure out how to shelter the sale. Do call him before making the sale, so he can tell you how to structure the deal. If he can’t help you, get a new accountant. An accountant’s job is not to do your tax return. It is to advise you how to pay the least taxes using all of the legal tax avoidance techniques, allowed by the IRS.
I have a friend who owned millions of shares of Microsoft. He was worth millions of dollars. Microsoft was the only thing he owned. He was an employee of the company and received stock options. He came to me worried about the company and asked me what to do. I suggested that he sell some of the stock and buy real estate. He was afraid to change horses and paying income taxes worried him. He decided to stick with Microsoft. Two months later Microsoft lost a court case and the stock price crashed. He now tells me “After it goes back up I might diversify.” How much do you want to bet on him doing anything? “After the horse is out of the barn, it is too late to close the gate.”
I met a man who owned an apartment building in the worst part of San Bernardino. In 1991 he was offered $600,000 for his building, but he refused it because of his concerns for capital gains taxes that he would have to pay. Over the next 8 years, the San Bernardino economy went down hill along with the real estate prices. His building became so vandalized that it was eventually boarded up. He sold the building to one person who thought he could repair the building. He couldn’t and our man foreclosed and took the building back. Again he sold the building, for $280,000 this time.
This second buyer also couldn’t make it work and today the second buyer stopped making the payments. He is also going to give the building back. Our man has had lower cash offers but he keeps trying to get as close as he can to that old $600,000 price. Therefore he keeps selling and financing that property so as to get a better price. He hasn’t learned that sometimes it is better to take the money and run.
Never bet the farm on a sure thing. The only sure thing is death and taxes. Also remember that the bank is not going to be nice if you get in trouble. Always have enough cash reserves, and keep your expenses down so you can always have money for food, insurance, gas, etc, and the low house payment. Accountants may give good tax advice but it may not be good business advice. So, NEVER MAKE A BUSINESS DECISION BASED ON TAXES.
About the Author: Willard Michlin is a Business Broker, California Real Estate Broker, Accountant, Well known Public speaker and Administrative/Business Consultant. He can be contacted at his Ventura, California office by calling 805-529-9854 or by e-mail at kismetrei@earthlink.net. See other articles by Willard Michlin at http://www.kismetbusinessbrokers.com
Best long-term investment in today’s market?
The stock market is very unstable. At this time it is going up and down while interest rates are so low that you want to be a borrower and not a lender. Would you like some suggestions on how can you get the most out of low interest rates while being assured your principal will not disappear while you are trying to make some money? Of course, there is always the danger of borrowing the money and then spending it just because it is there.
So, would you also like to know what is the best way to borrow money at today’s low rates without spending it? Ok, here goes, buy real estate. Not any real estate but real estate that will hold its value, even if single family houses go down. It is apartment buildings. Because apartment rents are still going up, the value of apartment buildings have the best chance of appreciating while everything else goes down.
Low interest rates mean that you can have a positive cash flow at real estate purchase prices you would have lost your shirt on, even two years ago. Rates are currently 4.5% to 6.5% interest rates when we used to pay 9% for apartment loans just a few years ago. Apartments have become a better investment for two main reasons. First, carrying costs (interest costs) have been going down. Second, income has been going up, substantially. Can things be better than this? YES IT CAN.
I have developed two programs. One is to take people with a small net worth and build an estate or self directed IRA (tax free retirement plan) that is worth up to $800,000 in 15 years and that generates an income of $60,000 per year with both still going up after that.
For those that can put together $100,000 to start I have developed a second program where the numbers come in at $1,300,000 net worth, with a $100,000 annual net profit and in only 10 years. Unbelievable? Yes, and with low risk as well! This comes out to be a 25% annual return with no roller coaster stock market ride. I figured out how to do it and it really works. I have done it before and I know many now retired senior citizens that have done it in the past.
The problem today with most 50+-year-old baby boomers is that they never got started on building a retirement fund. So now, instead of having the normal 30 years to build a retirement fund, they need to be there in 10-15 years. It might take one year of financial hell to come up with some cash. (That means no money for anything except accumulating cash) But after that, it can be a sweet painless ride to wealth. The best part is the possibility of failure is less than 10%, if my steps are followed
First: The money is not touched for 10 years. That is why a trust fund, IRA or a self directed retirement plan is a great place to put this.
Second: I have taken my 30 years of real estate experience to develop exactly which properties will give the biggest appreciation and cash flow and also be the best risks. Interestingly, almost everyone I talk to picks the wrong locations to buy until they hear the whole list of criteria.
Now that I have told you the lazy man’s way to riches, let me tell you the downside. You have to have the correct timing on your purchase. In Dec 2001, everything was in place to do these two programs, in Los Angeles County. Unfortunately, by July 2002, the numbers didn’t work any more. They did still work in Florida, for example, but not in Los Angeles. What happens is that prices go up after the rates go down. The seller sees how good a deal the buyer can get and raises the asking prices. So! Your timing to start these programs is very important. Do not be discouraged, though. If the numbers do not work today, it will work sometime tomorrow. The system is sound, and since we are talking long-term wealth accumulation, a little patience can go a long way.
About the Author: Willard Michlin is an Investor, Business Broker, California Real Estate Broker, Accountant, Financial Distress Consultant, Well known Public speaker and Administrative/Business Consultant. He can be contacted at his Ventura, California office by calling 805-529-9854 or by e-mail at kismetrei@earthlink.net. See other article by Willard at http://www.kismetbusinessbrokers.com
Golf Course & Waterfront Living: Live, Play, Relax
With today’s planned lifestyle communities, golf and boating enthusiasts have an opportunity to purchase the home of their dreams just a chip shot away from the green or stone’s throw from the marina. In addition to an ideal home setting, golf and waterfront community residents enjoy an active and diversified lifestyle experience complete with first-class golf courses, marinas, beaches, spas, clubhouses, recreation areas, fine dining and countless other amenities.
Out of the 10,000 master planned communities across the United States, over 2,500 are built around golf courses and pristine waterfront property. Making sense of all the options can be mind boggling. If you are thinking about relocating to one of these golf and waterfront communities, it is imperative to be able to distinguish one community from the next and more importantly, know what to look for before you buy.
Community Types
In the past, golf and waterfront master planned communities catered to distinct segments of the housing market, namely middle to upper income empty nesters and retirees. Things have changed. Today, golf course and waterfront developments are designed to accommodate budgets of all levels and generally fall into one of two categories: multi-generational and age restricted.
The construction of multi-generational communities represents a recent trend in planned community home building. The underlying idea is to attract a diverse population of families including retirees and young professionals of varying income levels and backgrounds in order to establish a robust and vibrant community. After decades of building age restricted communities, builders and developers have recognized that the traditional elements of planned community living such as security, on-site amenities and low maintenance housing appeal to home buyers of all ages.
Most new communities are multi-generational developments. Vistancia situated in the beautiful Sonoran desert outside of Peoria, Arizona is a recently opened golf community attracting individuals and families of all ages. Since home sales began in March 2004, almost 500 families have moved into this scenic development with 1,700 total acres of open space and a 900-acre mountain preserve.
Conversely, age restricted planned communities are developed for the +55 home owner with amenities and facilities for today’s discerning empty nester and retiree. Typically, the age restriction requires one household resident to be at least 55 in order to qualify for home ownership. Over the last decade, an evolution has occurred with the age restricted community model of yesteryear making way for contemporary activity based developments complete with lavish amenities and world-class recreation areas, not to mention the conventional facilities required by the +55 demographic.
The undisputed leader in age restricted master planned community development is Del Webb. Since the 1960s, Del Webb has constructed numerous age restricted golf and waterfront communities across the United States. Del Webb’s Sun City developments are arguably the most recognizable line of age restricted communities stretching from coast to coast with Sun City Hilton Head in North Carolina and Sun City Lincoln Hill in California.
Location
The most important criterion in selecting a traditional home is location and the same is true when deciding on a golf and waterfront community. The old adage “location, location, location” aside, one has to consider whether the new property will serve as a primary residence, second home getaway or retirement abode. The final location decision is generally based on three primary factors: home use, surrounding area and local weather.
For most of us working folk, our primary residence is located within an hour or so of a major metropolitan center. Don’t fret, there are hundreds of golf and waterfront communities centrally located within driving distance from most major metropolitan areas. If by chance you live near Dallas, you have several options to choose from including Stonebridge Ranch in north Dallas and Black Horse Ranch which is only 25 minutes from downtown. Washington D.C. commuters are also in luck with conveniently located golf and waterfront communities in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Belmont Country Club, a Toll Brothers property, is a mere 40 minutes from Washington D.C. in Ashburn, Virginia. These examples represent only a fraction of the actual number of suburban golf and waterfront developments.
The location decision is a bit more complicated and not as clear cut when one considers purchasing a second home retreat or retirement residence. In this situation, other factors come in to play such as the activity and cultural richness of the immediate area and of course, local weather. If you are looking for a second home, would you like to be nestled in the woods away from the hustle and bustle of the city, located in a more suburban area or some in between?
Climate is also an integral factor to take into consideration when purchasing a home particularly if you are feeling abused by recent harsh winters. This may clearly point to a direction that takes you out of your home state or even to another part of the country. Conversely, the summer’s never ending heat may drive you to consider the cooler climates up north. Fortunately, there are 2,500 golf and waterfront communities spread out across the United States from Minnesota to Texas and California to Massachusetts.
What is clear in the case of retirement homes is that good local health care and transportation facilities are a must. For most retirees, living over 60 miles away from the closest hospital or airport is just not an option. In the end, it comes down to striking a balance between modern necessities and the beauty of the great outdoors.
Amenities
Once you have settled on a geographic location, the next area to focus on is amenities. These can vary greatly from one golf and waterfront development to the next. Typically, these expanded ‘goodies’ fall into two categories: conveniences and lifestyle enhancements. Conveniences include such things as security services, home maintenance, gardening services, concierge service, on-site retail and office space, cable television and high-speed internet.
Lifestyle enhancements relate to recreation activities and rest and relaxation befitting an enhanced life of leisure. One can find a mix of facilities at planned communities which support numerous activities like tennis, hunting, boating, skiing, and hiking. To balance the rigors of recreation, planned communities provide residents with rest and relaxation amenities such as spas, clubhouses, wilderness preserves, pools, beaches and fine dining.
With real estate opportunities for every budget, isn’t it about time you looked into moving to a golf and waterfront community that offers unbelievable vistas, year round activities, low maintenance living and first-class amenities?
About the Author: Robert Flournoy is a staff writer for Golf Home Connect. For additional information on golf and waterfront vacation and retirement homes visit Golf Home Connect© 2005 Home Connect LLC
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