When meeting other investors, one of the most frequent questions I am asked is how is it that I manage to buy up to 5 properties a month when they are struggling to find one.

It only takes me a few questions to get to the problem. Their marketing doesn't make the grade. It's either haphazard, inconsistent, or nonexistent, and instead of facing that they want to tell me that it's the economy, or it's different where they live.

Here is what I counsel all the people who want to make wheel barrels full of money: "Don't ever forget that above all else you are in the marketing business. The extent to which you embrace this fact will ultimately determine your success or failure in this or any business!"

If you are in the market for a new home, but do not want to spend a lot of money, you may want to look into buying a fixer upper. By purchasing a fixer upper, you have the ability to save yourself a significant amount of money. If this sounds like something you are interested in, you are in luck. There thousands of fixer uppers available all over the country. All you need to know is where to look.

Listed below are the three most common ways that you can find a fixer upper in your area.

1. The most traditional way of finding a fixer upper is by simply getting in your car and scouring the neighborhoods that interest you. By doing this, you may not come across a lot of properties, but you may find the one that really catches your eye.  Complete Article

Making money in real estate is an endless topic that includes all the various types of real estate investments. There is land, apartment buildings, homes, commercial buildings and more. Whatever the type however, you'll make your profits in some of the basic ways listed below. Use this list to get yourself thinking of the possibilities.

1. Appreciation. Making money in real estate can be as simple as holding on and waiting. To really get the most appreciation in value, however, you should buy in an area where demand is growing faster than the supply.

2. Depreciation. Remember that after all the tax law changes, you still get to declare a loss for depreciation that doesn't really exist. That can save you a lot at tax time, meaning more after-tax profit. To maximize this, buy property that has its value primarily in the buildings, because you can't depreciate the value of land.  Complete Article

Negative amortization loans, also known as deferred interest loans, payment option ARMs (adjustable rate mortgages), neg am loans and other titles, are loans with interest rates based on MTA, COFI and other indices that have payment adjustment caps in addition to interest rate adjustment caps.

With interest rates rapidly rising, these have been an item of controversy because of how they can result in loss of equity and an increased mortgage balance. However, neg am purchase loans and refinances can be good for self-employed people with cash flow issues, business owners with unpredictable incomes and for people whose income is mainly from commissions or bonuses, as well as experienced investors who know how to make money from the lower initial mortgage payments.  Complete Article

Proximity to transportation corridors, urban centers, and local attractions draw land-loving young professionals to high-density loft-style condominiums. If your looking for a Condo with a twist, a loft may be just the home to You.

Lofts vary in price depending on what city you are in, units in the Chicago area start around A $200, 800 square feet and top $1 million for 2,500 square feet.

A true loft for is a conversion of a vintage factory or warehouse, having a harder edge of either concrete construction, or "mill" construction of exposed brick and original wood posts, beams and floors. Ceilings should be over ten feet high at least. Complete Article

What started in strictly resort areas is now branching out into all major metropolitan areas. Most of the larger worldwide hotel chains now sell condo hotel residence.

Much of the condo hotel market in the U. S. started in Florida. The residences there command 600,000-800,000 for a studio. I bedrooms start around $750,000. $1,000,000. 2 Bedrooms Start over the 1,000,000 price range.

These permanent residences feature all the furnishings and amenities of a luxury hotel — such as world-class restaurants, 24-hour concierge, security, valet, housekeeping, and room service. Complete Article

Real estate agents would say that the more you tell them, the better they can negotiate on your behalf. However, the degree of trust you have with an agent may depend upon their legal obligation. Agents working for buyers have three possible choices: They can represent the buyer exclusively, called single agency, or represent the seller exclusively, called sub-agency, or represent both the buyer and seller in a dual-agency situation.

Some states require agents to disclose all possible agency relationships before they enter into a residential real estate transaction. Here is a summary of the three basic types: Complete Article

Have you ever seen those infomercials about buying houses with “No Money Down?” They are really well done. They have all kinds of people offering great testimonials about how they have gotten rich, buying rental properties, with absolutely no money out of their pocket. You see this guy, standing on a street corner, talking to someone, and he says, “I own that one,” pointing to a beautiful colonial. “I also own that one next to it, and the one two doors down, and I’ll be closing on the one directly across the street from it, next week.” He then assures us that he has purchased 17 homes in the last eight or ten months, with zero money down on the properties. Plus, in many cases he’s also paid no closing costs.  Complete Article

For the first time in years, renters are finding that rents are on the rise and good deals don’t last long.

For the past six years, the booming housing market and low interest rates kept apartment vacancies high and depressed their prices.  But as the housing market has cooled due to higher interest rates, the population of renters has grown.  According to MP/F Yieldstar, average vacancy rates nationally have dropped 40% since 2003.

Fewer vacant apartments means higher rents and more pressure to sign leases quickly.  ApartmentRatings.com, the nation’s leading website where renters can share opinions about apartment nationwide, today published a list of strategies to help renters cope with the tight rental market.  Complete Article

If you are anticipating purchasing your first home, you will want to make sure that you can qualify for a home loan before you even begin to look at real estate.  Most of the time, a real estate agent will get you pre-qualified through a mortgage broker, however, this is loosely based and you should still be aware that it does not guarantee that you will get a loan or the type of loan that you desire.

By knowing what your finances should look like you will be in charge of deciding the type of loan, be it a fixed rate or interest only loan you make the final decision.  If you are not prepared with knowing how to qualify for a home loan, you will be left very little options and you may be left with only a very undesirable adjustable rate loan with closing points for the loan.  You can end up being put in a position that will cost you considerably more to repay the loan.  Qualifying for a Home Loan – Steps for being approved on a Mortgage Loan

The summer months are usually the most popular time to buy and sell a home.  The kids are out of school, and many people have a little extra time to make the move.  But how do you know if you are getting a good deal either selling or buying a home?

The most accurate method of determining the value of a house is to hire an appraiser.  The appraiser can determine the value of the house using a few methods including comparing the house to others that have sold in the area.  This is called the comparable method. 

Appraisers may also determine how much it would cost to rebuild the house, and then subtract the depreciation and add the value of the land.  This can be accurate, especially if the house has special features and upgrades.  For instance, if the house has ceramic tile, it will be worth more than a house with linoleum.  How to Determine House Values Online – Internet Offers Zestimate Zillow.com and Other Free Appraisal Services For Homes Worth

Outdoor stand alone buildings can be constructed by yourself to allow extra storage for farm equipment and animals, RV’s, and even to have your own workshop.  Whatever your idea is, you can customize a pole barn kit to fit your needs.  Pole barn kits offer a discounted way to build a structure with straightforward assembly which is completed on the location.  It will save you a bunch of time as the roof trusses are already pre-built.

You can expect to pay $6399 for a pole barn starter kit 30ft. x 40ft. x 10ft.  The prices can go up with the more features that you want in the pole barn.  If you want extra windows, more doors, these are extra costs to the kit.  A large pole barn 40ft. x 84ft. x 14ft. you can expect to pay around $14,499 for a basic kit.  Prices can vary depending on were you live.  Pole Barn Kit – How to Shop for a Do-it-Yourself Wood Frame Building Kits

With the summer season getting underway, outdoor grills and kitchens are becoming more popular.  There are dozens of natural gas and propane grills to choose from.  But what should you look for when choosing a grill?

Typically charcoal grills are less expensive, but require refills of charcoal and lighter fluid to use.  Although natural gas is cheaper, liquid propane (LP) burns cleaner and can produce more heat; but you will need to refill your propane bottles.

There is a big debate between charcoal and gas grilling, but it all comes down to flavor. Charcoal does provide a distinctive flavor that is not easily reproduced.  It is a tough decision for grilling enthusiasts, and that decision is whether the gas grill is worth the convenience.  Outdoor Gas Grills and Kitchens - Propane Compared to Natural Gas and Charcoal - Features Affect Cost

Summer time again and it is time to get outdoors again to enjoy the swimming pool and a barbeque.  Have you been looking to upgrade or update your patio furniture?  The chaise lounge chair is a very popular outdoor patio furniture choice.  When looking for a chaise lounge or a set of patio furniture you should consider the benefits to each type of material used to build the furniture.

Depending on your location and your climate and your budget you will be shopping for different types of patio furniture.  You might have high winds that may exclude lightweight plastic patio furniture no matter how much you want to go with plastic.  If you have to winterize your patio furniture you will want easy to remove patio cushions.  If you plan to store or need portable furniture for a day at the beach lightweight and foldable is the goal.  Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chairs – Patio Furniture offers many Choices – Wood, Aluminum, Cast Iron and Plastic

It is an unfortunate event that the previous home owners were unable to keep their homes, however the benefits to a foreclosed home is that you can often buy it at less than market value.  This is especially true when homes are not selling as fast as they could.  If the real estate market slows down the prices on the foreclosures will also drop.

You can search foreclosures that are bank owned, HUD Foreclosures and VA foreclosures.  A foreclosure is usually owned by a financial or government institution.  If the home sits around long enough the price will often go down.

Finding both bank and government foreclosures are straight forward.  You would have to find a real estate agent that would be willing to work with you to help you find the listings.  Lists are also available online which you can sign up with that will cover your area.  HUD lists the properties at no charge.  Real estate agents don’t always want to show all the homes as it could take more time than it is worth on the commission.  If you do some of the foot work and bring the agent in when needed to finalize you choices it would be good for both you and the agent.  Foreclosure Homes – Buying a REO Foreclosed Property might save you Money

You decided to fix up the house, remodel the kitchen, put a new floor down and maybe even get your house painted.  You really would like to get the job done as it is way over due and you don’t have enough funds set aside to pay for the improvements.  What you can do is get a home improvement loan which is a 2^nd mortgage that will fund the project.

You will find there are many different lenders available that offer different terms and interest rates.  You need to know how much the improvements are going to cost.  You will need to get some estimates by the contractors that you anticipate hiring.  A written quote is the most valuable as this number will be valid for the time specified.  Knowing how much the improvements will cost will be the first step to getting the loan.  You probably will want to add a little bit extra to the quote price, as construction costs can go over the quote price sometimes.  Home Improvement Loans – Benefits to a Home Equity Loan 2^nd Mortgage

In the world of home buying, the process of finding a house and neighborhood suitable to your family’s needs can become laborious even with the assistance of a realtor.  However, if you truly understand your desires and needs, a competent realtor will locate your prospective home through diligence and determination.  Once identified, the real journey of this process begins. 

This is when you must secure funding and obtain that desired rate you so desperately long for.  The industry of mortgage rates is less complicated than portrayed but more sensitive than perceived.  In this article, we’ll try to better understand the concept and not just the numbers.  Create A Home Loan Rate - Repair Your Credit and How to Qualify For A Mortgage

Uri Geller along with two business partners were the winning bidders of the eBay auction for Elvis Presley’s old home.  The auction closed with a winning bid for $905,100.  This was Elvis’s home he lived in before Graceland.

Geller’s goal would be to turn the home into a museum one day.  The property is located at 1034 Audubon Drive, Memphis, TN.  The 2,916 square feet house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.  Elvis purchased the home originally in 1956 with a $500 down payment.  The house which was built in 1955 has 9 rooms and a swimming pool.  Elvis Presley home Sold on eBay to Psychic Uri Geller

Homebuyers and sellers have a new tool that will help them determine the value of their home or homes they are considering buying. Zillow.com is a new website that allows visitors to quickly get a zestimate of a property’s value.  What’s more, you can get a birds-eye (low altitude) view of the house and estimates for homes in the area. 

Not only can you see the house from the front, but you can also see it from the back and sides using a 45 degree-angle view from the sky.  Zillow worked out a deal with Microsoft to use their Virtual Earth platform. They supplement these images with ones taken by Pictometry (these are the 45 degree angle views), a supplier of low flying photographs from planes.  Zillow.com Free Home Evaluation Online - How Does it Work Using Aerial Images and Comparables - Real Estate Appraisals More Accurate

According to ABC’s 20/20 there are a lot of people that investing in real estate to turn around and sell it to make a quick buck.  They discussed a popular “flipping” of real estate which is a real estate term that means to quickly buy and sell a property for a profit.

Flipping real estate for investing is popular among the new home housing tracts.   People line up the night before to get their chance at buying a property for a new housing development.  It is unlikely that they will ever live in the property and they usually don’t even rent the property to keep it in mint condition.  As the property prices go up in value in a short period of time they make a profit on the sale of the property.  Flipping Real Estate Property for a Profit – Is it a Safe Investment?

As the sun starts to heat up for the summer months you may have thought about installing a shade structure on your home.  There are many different types of patio covers and sun structures that can offer you outdoor shade in the hot summer months.  Depending on the location of your home, you may have certain building requirements that will help in making your decision.

You can have the patio structure installed by a professional or a small contractor that is willing to build a cover.  The benefits to having the professionals handle the work, is that they will have to get the permits to build the structure and may also have knowledge about adequate reinforcement for withstanding weather and wind.  One downfall of having a professional install a patio cover is it can be expensive.  Patio Covers – Which type to install Fabric, Metal, Vinyl, or Wood Patio Covers?