Effective real estate marketing technique is the foundation of a good real estate marketing system. And the real estate marketing system contains a list of specific actions required to successfully implement a specific real estate marketing technique.

Here’s an example of a real estate marketing technique that every agent and his and her uncle uses: “Offer a No Cost Obligation Competitive Marketing Analysis (CMA) to attract consumers.

Once you’ve established a relationship with the prospect you can then segue into your pitch to sell additional, higher-margin products and services that enhance the consumer’s interaction with the low-cost product or service.”

Specifically, you are angling for a “listing agreement”, and if you get it you can then add on “seller” giveaways to make the listing more appealing to buyers and therefore easier to sell (seller agrees to pay discount points, offer home warranty plans, agree to sell-lease backs, etc.)

No, I’m not talking about under pricing it to sell it quickly, or anything else unethical. Instead, I am talking about having open and honest dialogue with your seller to determine what kinds of concessions he or she is willing to make to get their properties sold. It could be a new paint job, a new roof, the installation of new carpet and anything else imaginable.

It’s important to realize that a real estate marketing technique is different than a tactic. While it is possible to have a tactical real estate marketing system without a sound, well-considered real estate marketing technique, it is rare to be able to develop one that withstands the test of time.

Some real estate marketing techniques are based on market dominance. In this scheme, agents are ranked based on their market share or dominance within their communities.

Still, other real estate marketing techniques are outright aggressive. They beg the questions whether you should grow your business or not, and if so, how fast.

Finally, other real estate marketing techniques are warfare based strategies. Ever hear of Guerilla Marketing? Well, that’s where the term comes from.

Using technique that you are comfortable with, that is more in keeping with your personality is recommended, because when the going gets tough you are so likely to abandon it. I’m starting to use the term more frequently these days, but only because it’s true; slow and steady wins a lot of races, and when you implement your real estate marketing techniques and strategies know that although the going may be slow initially, while you’ll eventually reap the benefits of your efforts.

Summarily, effective real estate marketing technique is the foundation of a good real estate marketing system, which is key to your short, intermediate and long term success.

May your real estate career be long and rewarding.

Although portable appliance electrical safety testing, commonly known as PAT Testing is not strictly speaking compulsory, it is commonly accepted that it is the most effective way to demonstrate, that you have done everything humanly possible to comply with the rules, and that you are taking the regulations seriously.

So what are the rules? If you rent out residential property for profit, then YOU are responsible for the safe condition of all the electrical appliances that are supplied within that property under the terms of the tenancy agreement. So it would be wise to organise this task to be carried out prior to the start of each new let, as well as at regular periods during each let.

As I said in the opening paragraph PAT Testing is not, strictly speaking, compulsory. However, you do have to be able to produce, on demand, evidence that you have in place, a system of preventative maintenance which is effective in ensuring that no appliance shall become a danger to any person using that appliance. PAT Testing, together with organised record keeping can supply suitable documentation for that purpose admirably.

So who can carry out this PAT Testing? It may be carried out by anybody who is suitably trained and therefore considered competent. It does not have to be done by a qualified electrician. Provided that the student has a modicum of common sense, and a reasonable grasp of basic electricity there are many half or one day courses available at technical colleges that would be adequate for the purpose. Therefore many landlords could carry out this task themselves, or if a regular handyman is employed, perhaps it could be added to his responsibilities.

So we now know who can do it, but what is it exactly that they have to do, and what equipment do they need?

The main checks on each appliance are:

1/ The formal visual inspection (This is the most important!)

2/ The earth bonding test

3/ The insulation test

4/ The leakage test

And, in addition for mains leads and extensions

5/ The continuity test

6/ The polarity test

Looks daunting doesn’t it! Don’t worry. Simply plug in the appliance to the test set, select the required test and go!

PAT Testing machines abound. They range from very basic machines where the operator simply plugs in the appliance, selects the required test on a switch, presses the start switch then reads the result on a display or scale and makes a note for the records. Or at the other end of the scale test sets exist where the operator has much more control over the each test, and the result can be downloaded to a PC. Then with suitable software a very comprehensive database may be built up which will prompt when each appliance is due for retest.

For a free e-book which covers all the above and gives details of each test and much more visit

http://www.cyberlinepublisher.com/pattestinfo/patnotes.exe

It might help you decide whether you should be doing this activity “in house” or if you should outsource to a specialist. (Another expense!)

You can’t be responsible for electrical items brought in by your tenants, but you must protect yourself against unjustifiable claims if one of your supplied appliances fails and causes harm or damage. Regular PAT Testing together with comprehensive records can offer you that protection.

If you are looking at a home for sale in Timaru, located in the Southern Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island, it is likely you have been attracted to the area by the friendly community and superb location. Timaru is a quaint seaside town that has maintained its historic heritage and Edwardian character. Many residents enjoy fantastic views overlooking Caroline Bay and the backdrop of snow clad mountain ranges of Mt Cook. There are an array of beautiful parks and gardens including the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, safe swimming beaches during summer and the Waitaki Lakes to explore – perfect for a family day out any time of the year.

There are several things you need to consider before making that all important decision. So often we are swayed by emotion, buying on our gut feeling about whether we love a place or not, instead of thinking of it as one of the biggest investments and purchases we’ll ever make. Your place needs to be a good mix of somewhere you love, and something that makes a good business decision for you, your family and your money.

The old adage location, location, location is never more true than when purchasing a place you plan to live in. There are several areas where you can look for property in Timaru: Gleniti, Grantlea, Marchwiel and South End. While the whole town is close to more amenities and it’s easy to manoeuvre around, you do want to be able to be within walking distance or easy driving distance to schools, work and supermarkets, especially if you have a young family. You may be an avid swimmer, and want to be close to the pool, or need a place close to a park, river or close to the edge of town for an easy escape at the end of a hard day.

Once you’ve sorted out the basic area you want to live in, consider which home for sale in Timaru suits your lifestyle and living requirements best? What is the smallest or largest size of house you will go? What about the section surrounding it? If you are an avid gardener, then a large section will be a plus, but for those who feel more comfortable with less to work with outside will prefer a smaller outside space.

You may love to have a place that has had all the hard work done, or you could be an avid DIYer who can think of nothing nicer than having a series of projects all within your own house. Of course for many just an opportunity to apply a new paint job or add new carpet may be enough. Areas that can be pricey to change are the kitchen and bathroom, plus any major structural changes. It’s a good idea to plan these into your buying budget if you do spot a likely DIY investment.

The most important thing in the end is whether the home for sale in Timaru is a place you could happily settle and enjoy living in for some time. Unlike renting it’s a long term commitment to a place, and you need to be happy with your decision, whatever it is in the end.

The term ‘home ownership’ can sound scary in this day of the big ‘R’ word – Recession – particularly for those who are first home buyers. For many just thinking about buying real estate is as far as the dream goes.

Whenever you mention to anyone that you are looking to buy your first house, investment property or section they are bound to give you their advice and there is nothing wrong with that, however at the end of the day you need to feel as though you have made the right decision for you and not for those around you. To enable you to do so you need to know as much as you can about the real estate process in New Zealand, so that you can feel confident in your decision.

First home ownership in New Zealand has become somewhat easier with the likes of Government subsidies and programmes and it is because of this that many more younger people have been able to buy their first home without as many restrictions around lending. For anyone looking at buying real estate for the first time it’s always important to make sure you know what you are getting yourself in for, otherwise you can swiftly be put off the idea.

To fully understand the real estate process you need to firstly understand the costs involved. Not only do you need to be able to afford the mortgage itself, but when you are purchasing your house you will need to employ the services of a solicitor to ensure that all of the legalities of the Sale & Purchase Agreement, Land Transfer and mortgage terms are tended to. This comes at a price, but one which is far more worth doing than not. Further to this you need to understand the ongoing costs involved in the property you are looking at; the likes of Council rates are often overlooked by first home buyers along with insurances – both house and contents. So it’s fair to say that budgeting is one of the first steps you need to consider.

Secondly you need to consider what you want in your home i.e. 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom or bathroom and ensuite, single garage or double, all of these things count. When you buy a home it’s usually not as easy to move as it is when you are renting, so you need to make sure that you find a real estate property in the area of New Zealand you want, that meets your needs. Make a list of the things which you need and want before you begin your search, it will make it so much easier, but bear in mind when you are searching, how much you have available to spend and stick to it.

Thirdly, get a LIM report done or at the very least get someone who you know and trust and that knows what to look for, to go over the house with a unbiased eye. You could do this yourself, but chances are if you have ‘fallen in love’ with the house then you will ignore or push aside those things which are ‘wrong’ with the property, not to mention that you probably don’t know what you are looking at.

Lastly, and again something which many first home buyers overlook is home maintenance. Whilst flatting or renting it’s easy to forget that houses do need work done on them from time to time. At some point things will go ‘wrong’ a tap might need fixing or your roof might leak for example. Along with this is maintenance such as repainting the exterior of your house (if it’s painted now) and replacing things like carpets, floorboards etc etc. This is all part of owning your own home and everyone has to do these things at some point in time.

During the process of purchasing real estate in New Zealand, your key contacts will most likely be the real estate agent you are dealing through, your solicitor and your lending consultant. Further contacts will be insurance agents and council contacts. All of these people can help you with any questions you have, all you have to do is ask.

There has been a lot of money made in real estate during the past 10 years when investors used their IRA to fund their deals. There also has been a bit of discussion about using your IRA to fund your real estate transactions.

There are 2 main types of IRAs. The traditional IRA where the contribution to your IRA is not taxed but when you take the money out after retirement the money is taxed at that time. The taxes are just deferred to a later date.

The 2nd type of IRA is the ROTH IRA. Your contribution to the ROTH is taxable before you put it into the IRA but there is no tax when you take it out. Thus you do not pay any tax on the growth of the IRA money. It amounts to a tax-free investment.

There are a lot of pros and cons about investing in this manner. First of all you have to know some basics about the restrictions on the use of IRA investments. This strategy may or may not be right for you.

Some of the restrictions include selling your own real estate or personal property to your IRA, buying anything from your IRA, your company buying something from your IRA, using the IRA as security for a loan, buying from or selling to or working with a disqualified person (anyone who can influence or benefit from the deal) and certain family members and many more restrictions.

With every transaction you have to be very careful to follow the rules. Some of those rules can be found in the IRS code section 4975. Other government agencies, including the department of labor also have rules relating to retirement accounts. Consult with your real estate and tax attorney before you invest your IRA.

Some of the transactions that IRA money may be used for are;
Purchase self-storage business
Loan to other REI deals
Purchase loans, notes, mortgages
Buy property using a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT)
Use a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust
Buy Tax Liens on property
Lease commercial or residential property
Purchase single family homes, condo
Buy mobile home park business
Invest in a shopping center
Be part investor in a building complex
Own and rent billboards
Use funds for factoring
Buy land with timber rights, land having a good timber stand already established
Purchase bad debt from places like Visa, MC, banks
Purchase oil, gas or water rights
Invest in options on commercial business, commercial property, residential property
Own an LLC in your IRA

There are stiff fines when you use your own IRA money for personal use. There are not a lot of restrictions about what type of investment you can use your IRA money.
But the restrictions come into place in the “who, what, when” and how they are connected with the transactions.

Example; you may not invest with your parents but you may invest with your sister except, if she has any influence over your decisions, or if you may get any other personal benefit from because of the investment, or if she works with you any other business, and on and on. It is important that you know who is a “disqualified person” as defined in the IRS code 4975.

In 2010 you can convert other retirement accounts to a ROTH IRA. The income tax may be able to be paid over 2 years (2010 – 2011 tax years).

When you get all the prohibited transaction and disqualified persons straight in your head, then investing with your Roth or Traditional IRA can be very lucrative. You may be able to live a tax-free life style.

As with any government related regulation, there will be changes in the laws. You need to get all the information you can even before you go to your real estate and tax attorney.

It would also be a very good idea for you to read the actual law. I am not trying to make you an attorney but it is up to you to abide by the law.

You need some understanding of the restrictions about making money in real estate using your IRA. Be prepared so you can ask the right questions.

There are numerous situations which could get you looking for information on how to get rid of a house quickly, from a situation where you are pressed by a creditor for fast repayment of a debt (with the threat of having the house auctioned for a song to service the debt hanging over you) to a situation where you have gotten into some sort of financial emergency requiring a huge sum of money, which you feel that you can only get by liquidating your house (or at least one of your houses) quickly.

There are a number of ways to get rid of a house fast – but the problem tends to come in when you add the catch that you are looking to not only get rid of your house quickly, but also to get a fair price for it.

Depending on where in the world you house is (and the state of the house in question), a number of websites affiliated to various companies with strong interests in real estate have sprung specifically targeting the needs of people looking to get rid of their houses quickly. Many of these will help you get rid your house quickly, but then require a hefty commission out of what you get from the house, since they are typically not charities.

Seeking the services of a top notch realtor in the area the house happens to be is yet another path you can take towards getting rid of a house quickly. This is because realtors (and other major actors in the real estate sector) tend to be people with strong contacts in the sector who can help you in getting rid of your house quickly. Of course, the downside here is the considerably high fees that realtors charge for their services, which combined with the fact that they tend to be tough brokers given to driving hard bargains (possibly at your expense) might make the option unappealing to you.

Of course, while you are trying all the other avenues, you should not forget to put a ‘for sale’ sign over the house, because depending on the location of the house (and the traffic around there) as well as your luck, you could find a good instant buyer for it through this simple strategy. The number of people who have managed to get rid of their houses quickly through this surprisingly simple method might amaze you, and this is something you should consider too. Of course, the downside here is the fact that in the worst case scenario, your ‘for sale’ sign might not catch anybody’s attention, or it might only catch the attention of the kind of people who cannot really help you in your endeavor to get rid of your house fast, making it fool-hardy to rely on such a sign only.

Newspaper and online ads are other tools you might consider making use of when considering getting rid of your house quickly. If you can get your house’s advertisement to appear on one of the high-traffic websites frequented by people from your locality, then you might be able to have it move surprising fast – and at a rather satisfactory price to boot. The downside to this, of course, is that these advertising channels can be expensive, and in spite of this hefty investment, you have no way of ensuring that your house gets sold quickly.

All of us have a list of worries when looking to move into a new home but if it hasn’t occurred to you before, you should have possible meth contamination on your list. If you are considering moving into a location that’s in or neighboring a drug abuse area or a foreclosed property, count environmental testing for street drugs as first on your list.

Do I Really Need Professional Meth Lab Testing? You May Be Surprised at the Answer! is a post from: REAL ESTATE

]]> http://mutinyeng.com/do-i-really-need-professional-meth-lab-testing-you-may-be-surprised-at-the-answer/feed 0 http://mutinyeng.com/commercial-real-estate-lease-or-buy http://mutinyeng.com/commercial-real-estate-lease-or-buy#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:30:42 +0000 admin ]]> http://mutinyeng.com/commercial-real-estate-lease-or-buy Commercial Real Estate – Lease Or Buy? is a post from: REAL ESTATE

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If you are in the market for Jacksonville commercial real estate, you should do some research before you make any commitments. If you are shopping for bargain priced property to purchase, be sure to check into the condition of the property and to make sure there are no legal obligations connected. If a deal seems too good to be true, you need to find out the reason behind the offer. It is a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney that specializes in this area so you will have someone to guide you when questions arise regarding your purchase.

A bargain isn’t a bargain if it doesn’t fit your present and ongoing needs. If you do not foresee owning the property for at least five years you may want to see if you can set up a lease agreement instead of purchasing. My best advice is to find a real estate agent who is experienced in dealing with Jacksonville commercial real estate. Jacksonville commercial real estate agents will have knowledge of office space, retail locations and investment properties that are on the market in the area.

This can be a great investment opportunity for the future. It is possible to find premium properties at rock bottom prices due to the recession. If you have the cash to invest, the property should appreciate in value as the economy recovers. Although it can be risky, the profit potential is great if you purchase or lease premium properties in Jacksonville. This is another situation where a good real estate attorney can be your best friend.

Buying foreclosed properties can be risky but it is worth taking a look at. Do your research before buying any foreclosed property since there may be tax obligations that are connected to the property. This is especially true of Jacksonville commercial real estate that is in foreclosure. It may still be a good investment but as with any purchase you should know what the cost to you will be. You should also have a professional inspector look at the property to see what repairs if any need to be made.

The condition is a very important consideration. Major repairs can be costly so you want to make sure the structure is sound. The wiring and plumbing should be checked by a professional to make sure that it is in compliance with the codes. It will cost a little to hire a professional to inspect the structure but it is something you shouldn’t neglect doing. The cost of the inspection is little compared to the price of major repairs. It can also prevent a lot of headaches in the future.

Before purchasing or leasing, you should visit the area several times at different times of the day. This will help give you an idea if the area will be right for your needs. Planning your purchase can help you find Jacksonville commercial real estate that will appreciate in the future.

Before the real estate market crash of 2008, there were the prophets. They spoke of a real estate balloon that was bound to burst and take down the real estate market as well as the economy. Even with all of this prophesying, many were taken by surprise when the once lucrative real estate market began to crumble.

So, what caused the collapse? The main culprit was the subprime lending market. When this market crashed, a large amount of companies faced foreclosure. Even the companies that did not foreclose suffered losses that amounted to billions of dollars.

You may have already heard news reports about the subprime market crash. If you are like most, however, you may not know what the crash meant to individual property owners. You may even have questions regarding how we got in this situation to begin with.

Over the past few years, subprime mortgages were the biggest trend in real estate lending. Buyers who were unable to qualify for conventional mortgages could obtain financing via a subprime mortgage. People who obtained these loans often had to pay high interest rates.

Lenders obtained the money to pay for these mortgages from a variety of sources. Many companies secured loans at low interest rates and then loaned that money out to buyers at a higher rate. Some of the money was borrowed from central banks.

While the housing market remained relatively stable, the ill consequences of these loans could not be seen clearly. In fact, the market was experiencing a surge in value that was unprecedented. This surge resulted in an unrealistic expectation of the future real estate market which in turn caused lenders to put even more money into funding mortgages that new homeowners could ill afford.

In 2005 and 2006, the last real boom was occurring in the real estate market. During this time, it was extremely easy to get a loan. Lenders thought that they would be able to make money from buyers even if they did not pay for the mortgage through the high interest rates they were charging and the ever-increasing value of real estate. But when interest rates started to rise, people stopped buying homes. Additionally, homeowners started failing to make payments due to the interest rate spike.

It became harder and harder for lenders to obtain funds to invest into mortgages. Buyers, now unable to qualify for a loan easily, began to stop looking for a home to purchase. Investors became wary, and underwriters started increasing the requirements to qualify for a loan. People who had adjustable rate mortgages sought desperately to decrease their skyrocketing monthly payments. But they could not qualify for a new, fixed loan under the strict guidelines. This only caused the number of foreclosures to rise dramatically resulting in the real estate market crash of 2008