January 2011

Rick Sharga: RealtyTrac’s VP Discusses the Foreclosure Crisis & Offers Foreclosure Investing Tips

by Ronald Sklar | January 31, 2011

The unpleasant business of foreclosure has become big business these days: big, scary business, and certainly not for the delicate of heart. Rick Sharga, Vice President of the foreclosure monitor called RealtyTrac, keeps an unblinking eye on the subject. In the process, he is uncovering data that is surprising him – and us – more [...]

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Housing

Sliding Home Prices, Higher Interest Rates, and Slow Mortgage Activity: The Week in Housing

by Ryan Hinricher | January 31, 2011

This week housing market news was largely bearish with declining home prices being the top story. Also are interest rates closing in on last year’s rates? Mortgage activity is reversing to the negative as well. But a sliver lining in new home sales keeps analysts optimistic. Case-Shiller: Home Prices Continue 2nd Slide Home prices continue [...]

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Real Estate Investing

Close More Real Estate Deals with a Contract Guarantee

by Jason Hanson | January 30, 2011

There are a lot of “secrets” about sales that most people don’t understand. For example, if you offer a strong guarantee – such as a 100% no-questions asked money-back guarantee – your business will make a lot more money than if you didn’t offer the guarantee. Far too many wimpy entrepreneurs are afraid of the [...]

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Real Estate

Manufactured Home High Wind Inspection Checklist

by John Fedro | January 29, 2011

Severe wind storms can be a manufactured home owner’s worst nightmare. Thankfully since 1976 there have been new safety standards created and modified to help regulate and protect the nearly 22 million manufactured home owners during natural disasters. Below is a visual inspection checklist to help keep your manufactured home safe in the event of [...]

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Real Estate

Top 10 Housing Appreciation Markets in 2011

by Douglas Lazovick | January 29, 2011

The new year is upon us and many are looking to expand their real estate investments to new markets. But where does one go? It’s probably not a bad strategy to invest in areas that are expected to appreciate. Clear Capital Home Data Index has recently released their forecasts for 2011 market valuations. I’ve decided [...]

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Real Estate

Super Bowl Green Real Estate Game Plan

by Jim Simcoe | January 28, 2011

The Super Bowl is finally almost here. As a die-hard New England Patriots fan, the past two weeks has been tough for me but I am still looking forward to a great game. Teams that win Super Bowls share two common traits: A great game plan A bit of luck It’s the same for green [...]

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Housing

Affordability: The Key to a Housing Recovery?

by Marty Boardman | January 27, 2011

Ever had to purchase a new cell phone before you were eligible for an upgrade? Maybe you spilled something on it or if you’re like my wife you dropped it about 300 times and the phone finally died? Last week I found myself in this vulnerable position. My options were very limited. I could buy [...]

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Real Estate Law

The IRS Has its Eye on “S” Corporations

by Clint Coons | January 27, 2011

I have gathered from several responses to my prior post on “C” corporations versus “S” corporations that many active real estate investors prefer the “S” status. The reasons cited for “S” status are flow through tax treatment, i.e., you do not have a separate taxable entity to contend with, and employment tax minimization. For many [...]

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Commercial Real Estate

Why Use A Commercial Real Estate Broker? 9 Tips To Help You Find The Right One.

by Duke Long | January 26, 2011

It is estimated or may be propaganda from the commercial real estate brokerage community that at least 90% of all transactions involve a commercial real estate broker. True or not if you want to invest, develop, buy or sell commercial real estate you will need or want to use a broker or a brokerage firm. [...]

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Real Estate Investing

Seller Financed Notes: Finding a Diamond in the Rough

by Kevin Kaczmarek | January 26, 2011

How do you know a diamond from a cubic zirconia? Ask yourself that same question the next time you consider a land contract for purchase. Are you buying a diamond or cubic zirconia? In the last week I have been invited to participate in several webinars, conference calls, and meetings about buying land contract notes. [...]

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Real Estate

Short Sales: Are You the Weakest Link?

by Melissa Zavala | January 25, 2011

Do you remember that game show that was on a few years back called The Weakest Link? Don’t quote me on this, but I believe it originated in the United Kingdom, and later was on television in the United States. In the program, the host(ess) would ask general knowledge questions and the ultimately eliminate those [...]

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Real Estate Tips

5 Key Steps In Hiring A Real Estate Agent

by Joe Manausa, MBA | January 25, 2011

I am always amazed when I see the typical real estate agent do their one deal of the year. Mostly, their customer is a family member who felt compelled to work with them because after all, “it’s family.” But what about all of the people who just work with the first agent that they find? [...]

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Economy

Housing Starts – Loan Limits – Prices – Common Sense

by Jeff Brown | January 25, 2011

Most of us here have been reading various reports the last several years showing housing starts, financing trends, underwriting restrictions, and home prices in general. The cold stats are one thing, but it’s the end game analysis that separates us, right? You conclude one thing, your neighbor goes a different way, with both of ya [...]

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Real Estate

Working with Homeowner Associations and Other Boards

by Bill & Jackie Patterson | January 24, 2011

Dealing with different personalities, points of view and agendas when working with any board or committee can be very challenging. People join the boards and committees of non profits, government, and other organizations for many reasons. Without these boards, the organizations would be in constant chaos; sometimes they are in constant chaos with the boards! [...]

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Housing

Housing Starts Slide, Existing Home Sale Gain, Interest Rates & More

by Ryan Hinricher | January 24, 2011

Are we seeing improvements in the housing market or is it just a dead-cat bounce? This week we discuss existing home sales, interest rates, housing starts, building permits, and builder confidence. Existing Home Sales: Month-Over-Month Improvement, Down on Year According to the National Association of Realtors, December existing home sales were up 12.3% over November [...]

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