Home Buying Choices - New Or Resale? By Shauna Arthurs

From downtown to uptown, from small town to urban center, most areas offer a wide variety of neighbourhoods and homes. The choices can be overwhelming, but with a little help and careful thought, the options best suited to you can be narrowed down until you find your perfect home.

Although pricing and lifestyle issues (do you have or want kids? pets? what home and community amenities will you require?) will be major factors affecting your decisions, there is also the consideration of newly built homes vs. resale houses. Each option presents some distinct advantages, and each has unique issues. Some considerations include:

• Resale homes tend to be in more established neighbourhoods. This may mean existing roadways, schools and local amenities, and mature landscaping with larger trees. You may find, on average, bigger and more private back yards.

• In a new subdivision, you can make choices according to your budget and taste. You may choose various options from builders' plans - home size, layout, style and front elevation, lot size and location, street location.

• With a builder, you may have to wait many months for your new home to be complete; timing will need to be a large consideration if your existing home has to be sold or rental notice needs to be given, and/or your furniture and household items need to be stored. Delays in the approval or construction process can affect the timing of completion.

• Ongoing construction in new subdivisions can mean unfinished roads and dusty surroundings until everything is completed.

• In a new home, of course everything is new! You will have your choice of finishes in your newly built house - choices may include flooring, cupboards and counter tops, and sometimes fixtures and paint colours as well. This can be an exciting way to personalize your home; it is often possible to negotiate or purchase upgrades as well.

• With a resale home, if you are handy and have an eye for value, you can often find a great home that is suitable to your needs, and renovate, remodel or re-decorate to your personal specifications.

• Building companies have their own contracts for the purchase. They will usually work with Realtors, and outside advice is highly recommended (the builders will not tell you this!), as there can be provisions within the contract that will affect your purchase and subsequent use of the property, as well as what monies will or will not be returned should the builder not fulfill the contract. Protect yourself!

• While with resale homes your money is due in full at closing, many builders have a payment schedule which allows you to pay your deposit in stages, as the construction progresses. While the balance will still be due on closing, the wait for your new home to be completed could allow you to save a little more money during the process.

• When purchasing in an established neighbourhood, you will usually enjoy mature trees and landscaping, as well as pre-existing resources such as schools, libraries and transport.

• Taxes and closing costs may differ between new and resale homes; often, for instance, sales tax is payable on new homes, while it is usually included in a resale purchase. Check with your attorney (you MUST use an attorney for your purchase) for specifics.

Shauna Arthurs is a writer, business owner and investor from Toronto, Canada. Her background includes real estate and home staging.

Visit her website - HomeResource.ca - for more great tips, and save time and money on your next move!

Dubai - The Most Important Business Destination By Chris Borthwick

Recent reports from a private real estate analyst called Real Capital Analytics indicate that region of South Florida actually ranks number 15 worldwide when it comes to the level of commercial real estate deals with regard to global property market transactions. This report is actually one of the first ones that have been done with regards to transactions around major metropolitan areas not just in the United States but also in the whole world.

The report has actually tracked global statistics and figures that totals to 1.04 billion US dollars in the field of office, industrial, retail, hotel, apartment and land sales in the year of 2007 alone. Furthermore, there are also information that indicates that more than 1 billion US dollars worth of transactions have been done for commercial property in 114 metropolitan areas in the same year.

With such good reports and astonishing figures, anyone can rightly assume that the Florida commercial real estate is something that countless numbers of investors are setting sights on because of its undeniable profitability. As a proof of this, the reports likewise indicate that foreign investments continue to grow in the most part of the state. Some observers in the Florida commercial real estate market even concludes that as time passes, it will become more and more profitable for people to invest in it. The favorable reports that the state continues to get and enjoy is a good indication that whatever place around the state you choose, you would still be getting back your investment in no time at all, as long as you know how to handle your business well since there is always a ready market for you if the business is really something hat people in Florida will either want or need.

If you are someone who is thinking about purchasing a Florida commercial real estate then be assured that the strategic location and the large number of residents and tourists in the place can expose your business in the local and international market. As more and more people get drawn to the many sights and attractions that the state has, they will then notice your business and you will have a ready market for those products or services that you hope to sell. Needless to say, there really is a big chance for you to earn big and earn quick if you will purchase a Florida commercial real estate because a lot of other business owners have already done that in the past.

On the other hand, if you are someone who is interested to be a Florida commercial real estate professional, then that could help you gain profits well too. Just get in touch with other people who are also involved in the same industry so you could get ideas what are the things that you should know and do so you could succeed in the market as well. In most cases, these professionals are very willing and eager to assist those who are only starting out in the filed.

Eliza Maledevic writes for http://Jump2Top.com - SEO Company

How to Use Private Money to Make Big Money in Commercial Real Estate By Brice Sheppard

An experienced commercial real estate investor knows a good deal when it presents itself. Sometimes these deals pop up unexpectedly, and sometimes an investor may find a proverbial diamond in the rough. When a good commercial deal with the potential for excellent financial returns is high and an investor is in need of quick or hard-to-get funds, then private money may be the answer to bridge the financial gap.

Understanding the premise of private money

Private money lenders, also known as "hard money" lenders, provide loans to borrowers with tarnished credit who may not otherwise qualify for traditional commercial mortgages. Money is also provided for properties that, due to distress or needed repair, may be considered too risky and not be touched by a traditional money lender.

Primarily, private money lenders depend on the commercial property as the collateral for the loan. In order to protect their interest and to reward them for the extra risk, private money lenders will usually only lend up to 65% of the value of the property, and charge a much higher interest rate to the borrower.

Ideal situations for private money funding

Due to the steeper terms of private money funds, these loans are typically short term, usually only up to one year, but sometimes up to three or even 15 years. Private money funds can be a good source of funding for an investor who finds a distressed property and needs capital to purchase and renovate the property with the intention of selling or refinancing within a short time. Or perhaps an investor needs quick funds to close a deal. Private money lenders can usually close and fund more quickly than traditional mortgages and can provide a temporary financing option, or bridge, until a traditional commercial mortgage with reasonable interest can be obtained.

How to negotiate an optimal private money loan

When negotiating for a short term private money loan, an investor should always ask for the option to prepay the full balance of the loan before the due date without penalty. Some private money lenders will tack on huge charges for paying in full early. But if private money funds are meant to be a short term or bridge loan, then an investor will want to option to pay in full early.

Sometimes more time is needed to complete a refinance or obtain traditional funding. Private money lenders will often add a provision for extra fees and additional interest if the balloon payment is not met on time. A good investor should anticipate how long it will take to secure other financing and request to waive extra fees if more time is needed.

A usual option for repayment of private money funds is monthly interest only payments, with a balloon payment of the principal balance due at maturity. With short term loans of up to a year, the interest only payment option is a good deal to keep monthly payments lower.

Private money is ideal for certain investment situations

Private money or hard money lenders are in great demand and offer a beneficial service in providing funds to finance commercial and even residential property. Though it is easier to obtain private money for an investment, an investor must remember the limitations of private money funds, and the potential extra costs. But with the right plan and property, private money may be the answer to get a deal going and reap the financial rewards for a great commercial property investment.

Brice Sheppard is an author, teacher, investor and owner of one of the leading mortgage/real estate brokerages that specializes in investment real estate. Brice and his team helps investors make informed decisions when buying, refinancing, or selling their investment property. He can be reached at brice@sheppardfinancial.com or visit http://www.SheppardGroupLLC.com for tons of FREE articles, tips and investment tools.

How to Determine the Value of Commercial Property and Increase Your Net Worth By Brice Sheppard

Investing in commercial real estate is quite lucrative if you are an intelligent investor, who has a property purchase plan from the beginning. Before you ever make a move to begin the purchase process, it is wise to take a look at the property to project the potential value of your investment.

Not all valuation methods are created equal

Before discussing the actual valuation of commercial property, it is prudent to know the different methods of real estate valuation. The first is the market valuation, or sales comparison method. Residential homes are usually valued using the sales comparison method since the value of a home is directly related to the price a buyer is willing to pay compared to the sales price of similar homes.

Another method is the Cost Valuation Method, which is simply land value plus an estimate of what a building or other improvements would cost to reproduce in today's dollars.

And the last method, which is used most widely in commercial and investment real estate valuation, is the income capitalization method, or cap rate method. Using this method, commercial property is valued by determining the rate of return on an investment, or capitalization rate, divided by the average net operating income (NOI) for the property. NOI is the gross income for the property less expenses, but not including debt service or mortgage payments.

For instance, you as an investor find a nice retail strip center for sale. The current owner provides details of the previous 12 months net operating income, and you find that the average yearly NOI is $75,000. The capitalization rate for the area you are looking is about 10%. Therefore, by dividing $75,000 by 10%, you can figure that $750,000 is a good estimation of the value of the property.

Enlisting professional sidekicks for your commercial portfolio

Remember that this type of quick estimate is a ball park figure only. A true and accurate valuation can be performed by a licensed commercial real estate appraiser. Also, if you use a commercial mortgage broker to help finance an investment, the broker can provide a clearer estimated cap rate valuation because he has access to databases that provide critical information, such as accurate cap rates in the area of your potential investment, typical vacancy rates, and average rent per square foot for an area.

Keep in mind that the seller may provide financial statements and data that are overstated or exaggerated. For instance, he may indicate no vacancy contingency in his expenses. Or gross rents may be higher than the average for the area. It is wise to carefully analyze the income statement and use the experience and knowledge of a broker or appraiser to figure accurate numbers when calculating the potential NOI for a property.
Befriending the PPU for valuation

Another type of commercial real estate valuation is the price per unit or PPU. The PPU may be used on commercial property, such as apartment buildings, where excessive vacancies may skew the financial data and the final NOI cap rate. By using the sales comparable method mentioned above, a commercial real estate appraiser can more accurately determine the value of an apartment building by comparing the recent sales of similar apartments, and determining an average price per unit. Simply multiplying the PPU by the number of units in a potential investment can provide an accurate valuation.

It is helpful for an investor of commercial real estate to know the methods of valuation for a property. By knowing the methods and working with a team of experts, an investor can intelligently determine whether a commercial property will be a profitable investment.

Brice Sheppard is an author, teacher, investor, and owner of a leading mortgage/ real estate brokerage that specializes in investment real estate located in Long Island NY. Brice and his team helps investors make informed decisions when buying, refinancing, or selling their investment property. He can be reached at 631-650-7660 Ext 14 or visit http://www.SheppardGroupLLC.com for tons of FREE articles, money saving tips and investment tools.

Chinking Questions-Answers & Money Saving Application Tips by Michael Carey

Chinking is very common on western log homes but can be found in the east as well. The most common color is mortar white because it resembles the look of old time cement. Chinking may be required to seal the joints in your logs or you may choose to use it for aesthetic purposes. Chinking is designed to stand out from your wood which is why it has a heavy texture. Finally, it is typically installed in 1''- 4'' joints.

Professional applicators prefer to purchase the product in 5 gallon buckets while homeowners are more likely to purchase the material in 29oz tubes. Both will work well as long as you have the right product. Some chinking materials can be difficult to apply which is why I would recommend a product called Chinker' Edge. It is a little heavier than most other chinking materials which is nice because it stays in place when you are working with the material. Also, it does not collect on your brush or trowel when you are working with the material which will save you time, energy and probably a headache.

If you are looking to restore your existing chinking it isn't necessary to replace the old chinking with brand new chinking. Most "new" chinking materials are latex based products and will bond with each other. If you choose to go this route, it is important to get a good bond to the top and bottom of the joint. If you are installing chinking to a new structure then I would highly recommend installing some form of backer rod before applying any chinking material. You can use an open or closed cell backer rod that will be D-shaped, trapezoidal or full round. Backer rod installation will save you money on chinking materials and will allow the sealant to expand and contract at a more proficient rate.

Check with the chinking and stain manufacturers to ensure that your finishing products are compatible with each other. It is always a good idea to use a stain and chinking from the same manufacturer in order to avoid any unnecessary problems down the road.

In conclusion, follow the following application tips below in order to achieve a successful job.

1. Use backer rod.
2. Apply at least a 1/4''- 1/2'' of material.
3. Use a compatible stain.
4. The larger your logs the larger the width of your chinking joint should be.
5. Apply the material between 45-90 degrees and do not install it in direct sunlight.
6. Purchase Chinker's Edge by Sashco.
7. Have fun.

Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of log home chinking, cabin caulking, log stains, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting. Our diverse array of products makes us one of the most complete suppliers anywhere, and one of the most successful log home products distributors in the world. We are dedicated to bringing customers the finest quality products combined with the best customer service in the log home industry.

Please contact us at (800) 490-3695 or visit us at http://www.MountainHomeBuildingProducts.com for further assistance.