All you need to know about Real Estate http://www.seltrading.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:12:51 -0700 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:30:50 -0700 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com http://www.seltrading.com/articles/templates/Real%20Estate/img/stlogo.png http://www.seltrading.com 180 80 As most people know, the latest trend in construction is 'GREEN' or environmentally friendly buildings. As energy prices continue to soar and global warming attracts more attention, the GREEN construction trend is likely to escalate. The goal of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the benefits of GREEN construction and illustrate how Off-Site Construction & modular buildings complement GREEN construction.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/how-to-build-green-364.htmFri, 26 Sep 2008 11:30:50 -0700What are the different types of commercial property?http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/commercial-property-362.htmFri, 26 Sep 2008 11:30:15 -0700In a day and age where foreclosure signs are dotting the neighborhoods in the same way that sold signs used to be seen up and down the streets just a few short years ago, lenders are struggling to keep investors interested in them with a mountain of bad debts on the books.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/lenders-mitigate-losses-with-loan-modifications-344.htmSat, 20 Sep 2008 12:02:28 -0700Thousands of homeowners worldwide choose to sell their homes without the services of a real estate agent or broker - as much as 20 percent of home sales annually are accomplished on a "For Sale By Owner" basis (also known as FSBO, or "fizz-bo").http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles//real-estate-articles//should-you-sell-quot-for-sale-by-owner-quot-339.htmThu, 18 Sep 2008 12:12:01 -0700Repossessions are a huge worry to everyone who has to pay back a large mortgage over many years. There are many possibilities that could occur during the time you are repaying your mortgage and any of these could stop you from being able to continue repaying.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles//real-estate-articles//a-sale-and-rent-back-is-possible-as-a-way-of-avoiding-eviction-338.htmThu, 18 Sep 2008 11:11:23 -0700There is a hot topic in the real estate investor circles that makes up a badge of honor. And that is Working on Short Sales. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/short-sales-basics-of-avoiding-foreclosure-333.htmTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:54:38 -0700One of the most thriving industries in the world is the Real Estate industry. It opens new avenues of success as it caters more opportunities for would-be real estate investors. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/short-sale-a-win-win-win-real-estate-investing-strategy-318.htmTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:52:03 -0700It seems as though everyone with a property to sell is being asked to drop prices by their agents whilst no-one is looking to buy and yet sellers are still getting hammered for fees. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/what-on-earth-has-happened-to-the-housing-market-of-late-319.htmTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:51:25 -0700In a stagnant housing market, it's important to be creative when it comes to preparing your home for a speedy sale. That's why some homeowners looking for an edge on the competition are turning to the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui to increase their home's appeal.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/create-good-vibrations-to-sell-your-home-309.htmSat, 13 Sep 2008 14:20:58 -0700Adding a water element to your backyard can alter the entire experience of your outdoor family time. Not only can fountains, ponds and waterfalls generate a dramatic and soothing mood, they can raise your property value. The entire family can join in on the fun of creating and maintaining them too. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/water-feature-produce-fantastic-ambience-307.htmSat, 13 Sep 2008 09:23:49 -0700Are you looking to stop foreclosure on your home? It is not always easy finding the right information when it comes to foreclosure and often people do not know where to turn when problems do occur. Here you will find everything that you need to know about the options that you have to stop the foreclosure procedure. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/tips-you-can-use-to-stop-foreclosure-306.htmSat, 13 Sep 2008 09:23:22 -0700For landlords and property managers, the biggest headache associated with owning and managing real estate is excessive vacancies. Vacancies are by far the costliest expense landlords and property managers will face. Thus, vacancies will eat away at a property’s bottom line, and when excessive, will change an investment property from an asset to a liability.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles//real-estate-articles//showing-vacant-apartments-and-finding-a-new-tenant-296.htmThu, 11 Sep 2008 09:58:46 -0700Before starting a new life to a new location, of course, you need to sell your current property. Selling a property is not that simple, there are factors to be considered that are important in making a sale. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/selling-miami-beach-condo-with-pride-294.htmThu, 11 Sep 2008 00:03:00 -0700Who knew apartments required good credit before giving you a lease? Many unsuspecting bad-credit-applicants have realized this fact the hard way. I know I did.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/4-tips-to-find-no-credit-check-apartments-293.htmWed, 10 Sep 2008 23:21:24 -0700Loan modifications are becoming a big deal now that the subprime mortgage industry has caused a nationwide shakeup of the mortgage industry. Little more than a change of an existing mortgage's terms without the need for a complete refinance, bottom line information on loan mod shows that it is considered the best way for borrowers to work with an existing loan to avoid foreclosure and remain in their home. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/what-is-a-loan-modification-and-how-can-it-help-you-save-your-home-by-krista-scruggs-278.htmTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:19:21 -0700When you are a Tax Delinquent Investor, search for a good piece of land rather then trying to find that single family house with at front yard and a white picket fence. Land is for the most part the neglected child of real estate; however there are thousands of highly profitable deals on land each day right in your County. I strongly suggest finding an area in the outskirts of a metropolitan city to focus on. There are thousands of people that want to buy a property that is surrounded by greeneries and fresh air away from the hustle and bustle.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/land-focus-by-jack-bosch-279.htmTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:17:42 -0700One of the most common, traditional building styles is greatly misunderstood. Stucco, a material that is similar to plastering, has become an efficient, durable process that is prevalent in the United States. Because stucco looks similar to adobe, it tends to be most popular in states that are highly-influenced by Spanish and Mexican architecture. This includes Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Floridahttp://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/stucco-homes-efficient-durable-and-beautiful-by-kimberly-carrillo-280.htmTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:16:51 -0700Now that we're into September, while the weather may be cooling down, the fall real estate market is heating up! There couldn't be a better time to take a good look at your home staging business and make sure your image is polished to perfection for the (potentially) busy months ahead. Have you been in the business long enough that you don't feel you need to do anything different? What a shame! All home stagers should do a bit of maintenance on their businesses regularly no matter how long they've been in the industry.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/the-fall-real-estate-market-is-kicking-off-home-stagers-are-you-ready-by-debra-gould-281.htmTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:15:22 -0700Foreclosure properties in Costa Rica might just be the lucrative investment deal you’ve been waiting for in today’s waning real estate market. Property foreclosures are just as common in Costa Rica as are anywhere else, and as always, they are an excellent option for a serious investor. The depressed real estate market which is currently taking its toll on the USA and UK is also finding its way to Costa Rica, increasing the number and variety of foreclosures on the market. This ideal buyers market creates the perfect opportunity to find excellent deals on foreclosed properties in Costa Rica. Why pay normal market value when there is such a great selection of foreclosures to choose from?http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles//real-estate-articles//buying-foreclosures-in-costa-rica-257.htmThu, 04 Sep 2008 17:46:28 -0700Small companies that are confronted with the possibility of a merger or acquisition may not have the luxury of an investment banker at their disposal. As a result, a small company's controller may need to wear many hats during this complicated process. As the controller, you will need not only to provide the critical financial information required during the courting process, but you may be asked also to lead discussions with a potential buyer, provide strategic advice to your management, or even help employees transition to the merged company. Follow these guidelines to meet the challenges that accompany the sale of a small company.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/prepare-to-sell-a-business-234.htmFri, 29 Aug 2008 05:16:40 -0700A Russian oligarch (Mikhail Prokhorov) is the brand new owner of Villa Léopolda on the coast of France’s Côte d’Azur. The monumental sale of the Villa Léopolda has made headline news when the estate was sold last week for a total of $750 million after being on the market for some time.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles//real-estate-articles//is-villa-leopolda-the-most-expensive-home-ever-221.htmMon, 25 Aug 2008 23:41:32 -0700As the real estate market in the US takes a nose dive, alternative investments like Costa Rica real estate could keep you afloat and in the sun! In times like this it’s good to have an alternative to futures, options, and hedge funds. The real estate market in Costa Rica is said to be one of the most stable in the world. It has been quietly booming for a few years and is expected to continue on its path. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/costa-rica-real-estate-baby-boom-208.htmSat, 23 Aug 2008 12:36:07 -0700Are you starting to plan your retirement and worrying about how the state of the economy will effect your life style after you turn 65? Are you watching your friends make plans to cash in their paper assets, move to a smaller home, and cut down on spending? This is what many people are doing in the face of a recession in the United States right now. But you imagined having a little money to travel, visit Paris maybe, or go on a cruise. Is all of that just a fantasy now? http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/the-costa-rica-retirement-plan-209.htmSat, 23 Aug 2008 12:34:10 -0700The housing market in most parts of the country is convincing people that now is the time to buy. While that may be the case for some, others are finding that rental apartments and condominiums are turning out to be a better deal.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/4-reasons-living-in-rental-apartments-are-better-than-buying-a-house-by-christine-o-kelly-204.htmFri, 22 Aug 2008 11:20:50 -0700Chances are your home is your most valuable asset. You don't want to make a mistake that may cost you thousands of dollars or potentially put your family's home at risk. Close Your Own Loan.com has compiled five of the most common mistakes homeowners make while shopping for a new home loan.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/the-5-most-common-mistakes-homeowners-make-when-shopping-for-a-mortgage-by-dan-mason-202.htmFri, 22 Aug 2008 07:59:06 -0700The basic laws of supply and demand can teach us many things when it comes to investing our money. For years, real estate has been one of the best markets in which to invest money and to realize a solid profit in a reasonably short period of time. Real estate though, much like any other market, will realize increases and decreases in both the supply and demand of properties. In this article, we will examine the life cycle of real estate booms and busts. We will also look at how real estate bubbles occur, and how to prevent yourself from being caught in one. And finally, we will look at how to profit from real estate in times of both boom and bust.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/understanding-real-estate-booms-busts-and-bubbles-and-how-to-profit-from-them-189.htmWed, 20 Aug 2008 10:59:52 -0700Buying a home can be very exciting and scary at the same time. Most first time home buyers will experience a full range of emotions as they go through the buying process. This is a completely normal reaction. Homeownership is at an all-time high in America, not just because of low interest rates, but also because more and more people are realizing the benefits, such as: * Credit - having a mortgage that you pay on time every month improves your credit. * Investment - home values are constantly appreciating which helps you build equity. That makes real estate a good investment. * Pride - there's nothing like the feeling of buying and owning your own home. * Tax Advantages - interest on your home is tax deductible. http://www.seltrading.com/buyers_guide/Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:17:31 -0700Homeowners face a double quandary when faced with the prospect of selling their homes: how does one make sure the decision to sell is the right one; and once the choice is made, when is the right time to sell? Traditionally, there have been four major reasons why and when people sell their homes: financial and market conditions, employment changes, family matters and lifestyle changes. In today's economy, one additional issue has emerged which has great bearing: low interest rates. http://www.seltrading.com/seller_guide/Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:12:31 -0700 Have you ever walked into a beautifully decorated model home and been captivated by it? Did you find yourself dreaming of bathing in that spa-like bathroom, cooking meals in the gourmet kitchen or curling up with a book in that luxurious reading nook? If so, then you have been the successful target of the secret weapon called staging. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/sellers-advice/the-value-of-successful-home-staging-73.htm Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 In the world of real estate there are many, many types of properties that you can buy. The majority of the time people hire a real estate agent to help them buy a property that is listed on the MLS (multiple listing services) of the area that they are looking for. Whilst most people go through this route, other, perhaps more astute, or bargain hunting people, look at houses that are either in foreclosure of REO (Real estate owned) by a bank or Loan Company.http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/buyers-advice/buying-bank-owned-properties-reo-161.htmWed, 13 Aug 2008 00:10:22 -0700 A common question that Buyers ask is how long a house is on the market. If it is too long, interest is lost quickly. It is a natural reaction to not be interested in something that no one else is interested in. The natural assumption is that there must be something wrong with the home. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/why-some-houses-take-so-long-on-the-market-27.htm Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Keep reading, we have posted some tips & tools you may use to have everything done the way it should be, but first, it's important for you to understand what factors contribute to a home's value. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/do-you-own-a-property-for-sale-but-don-t-know-how-to-determine-it-s-value-in-today-s-marketplace-53.htm Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:45:00 -0700 Be an informed consumer; buying a house is one of the most complicated and expensive purchases you will ever make. As with most other things, you get what you pay for. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/how-do-i-buy-a-house-28.htm Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:22:17 -0700 For almost all people the sale of a house can be the single largest and consequently most nerve-racking event in their lives. Naturally, they want to receive the highest possible price. Here are some ways to optimize the sale price of a house. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/seltrading-realty-online-property-listings-10.htm Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:19:52 -0700 Through this site, you can be able to find the house you are looking for. You can always contact the owner for more detailed information about the propriety you are interested in. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/do-i-need-a-real-estate-agent-or-an-attorney-47.htm Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:15:30 -0700 It may be cheaper -- and safer -- to keep a home for sale occupied, especially if it doesn't sell soon enough. With swelling inventories of vacant homes on the market, more and more home sellers are learning the hard way -- your homeowner's insurance policy can expire if the home is vacant for more than 30 days. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/homeowners-advice/the-va-jumbo-mortgage-77.htm Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Whether you are new to real estate investing, or you have just reached a "plateau" and need some ideas, these reminders will help "jump-start" your real estate investing career and get you back on track. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/getting-started-as-a-real-estate-investor-139.htm Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:06:34 -0700 You can't expect to reduce your risk of getting sued to zero, but you can take steps to reduce your risk as much as possible. In any situation where your money is at risk, ask yourself, "Is there a better way?" http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/common-legal-mistakes-of-real-estate-investors-138.htm Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:06:34 -0700 Most home loans are made by financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions. Other sources of loans are insurance companies, mortgage bankers, finance lenders, mortgage loan brokers, pension funds and investment trusts. Lenders charge different fees and offer different interest rates so it pays to shop around. Your agent will be able to recommend lenders in your area. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/how-can-i-get-a-loan-46.htm Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 In exchange for cash from the lender, you agree to pay interest and to make payments over a period of time. In most instances, the property you purchase will be security for repayment of the loan. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/what-types-of-home-loans-are-available-29.htm Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 More home buyers have a better chance now than at any other time in nearly a half decade to negotiate a home-buying deal that costs less and comes with some concessions thrown in. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/buyers-advice/buyer-s-market-also-buyers-beware-market-72.htm Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Not everyone is cut out to invest in foreclosures. Some people would rather watch TV, invest in stocks and bonds, spend time with family members, or hang out with their friends. Others have a low risk tolerance and can't convince themselves to borrow money. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/buyers-advice/assessing-your-readiness-to-invest-in-foreclosures-71.htm Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Every seller is looking for the perfect sale and every buyer is looking for the perfect opportunity to seize a new home or investment property. Getting your home ready to close the deal for the most money, starts with knowing where to begin and, often, that means, quite literally, you need to paint the perfect sale. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/sellers-advice/paint-the-perfect-sale-74.htm Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 At high school graduation ceremonies across the country, proud parents are mentally saying fond farewells to their hands-on parenting days and looking forward to long-distance love from children who will be moving away to attend university this fall. What too many parents don't realize, as they help their children make the transition into adulthood, is that the parents should be making a transition, too -- into investment property owners and landlords. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/rental-advice/real-estate-investment-finances-education-75.htm Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700 For years, the Veterans Administration has allowed "Jumbo" VA loans; it's just that hardly anyone knew about them. The current VA loan limit with zero down, is $417,000, matching the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But the VA does make allowances for VA loans above that amount … way above. Say around $700,000. http://www.seltrading.com/articles/pub/articles/real-estate-articles/advice-for-borrowers/the-va-jumbo-mortgage-76.htm Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700