Archive for the 'Finance' Category
Posted in Finance on March 20th, 2009

Joshua Geary asked:
The newest buzzword to hit the world of real estate investment is: Real Estate Notes. Now, real estate notes themselves aren’t new, they’ve been around. But the awareness of them as viable investment vehicles is a new trend that is a direct result of recent drops happening in the real estate market. Real Estate notes are a dose of ‘hot’ in recent ‘cool’ times.
Smart real estate investors always keep a close eye out for any changes in the real estate market and act quickly to make the wise investment decisions necessary to avoid disastrous financial losses. You too can now benefit from what these; investment-gurus have come to know about real estate backed notes.
Real Estate Notes Provide Passive Cash Flow:
Real estate backed notes can have a high rate of return if structured properly, and are more secure than most other well-known investment strategies. A real estate note can be used to earn what has been coined as passive-income or passive cash flow by marketers and investors. Simply put, this means you will earn dividends on your investments in real estate notes without having to do much else other than writing a check for your note and voila the money starts flowing in month after month like clockwork. Not a bad, but it gets better. Since the money is earned passively through a real estate investment, you benefit again at tax time. Gains earned by real estate note investments are taxed at low 15% capital gains tax rates. Do you know of any other investment strategy that allows you to make money passively and at a flat 15% tax rate? Nothing like real estate notes has hit the real estate world yet, so until or unless it does, real estate notes are the way to go if you want to put real cash and profit into your pocket: month after month, year after year.
If you’re not content with sitting idle and watching your investment grow without any help on your part, or you want to increase your dividend earnings even further, there are things you can do to achieve this. You can always make cosmetic and well as functional improvements to the real estate property listed on your real estate note and really pump the value of the property and your real estate notes to new heights. This will not only increase the dividend-earning potential of your real estate notes. This also works to your benefit should you want to sell off a portion of your real estate note, or sell the note off completely because its increased value will put more money in your pocket. You can use your windfall to re-invest in more real estate notes or use some of it to buy real estate notes and a portion of it to fund a college education for your child.
Real Estate Note Liquidity:
Unlike selling real property, real estate notes have built in liquidity. In most cases, you don’t have worry that if you hold a real estate note and wanted to sell it quickly, that it would be hard to find buyers for it. Wise real estate investors are always looking to buy more real estate notes because they know what valuable, income-earning vehicles they are.
Self Directed 401k/IRA Notes:
Did you know you can use your 401K or self directed IRA retirement accounts that you either implemented through an employee-employer plan, or opened up yourself, to fund the purchasing of real estate notes? Many people are dipping into their retirement accounts because they have learned that real estate notes offers them the ability to increase the dividends usually earned through such retirement accounts, securely and reliably.
Will you be among the wisest of real estate investors and look into the viability of real estate notes as an investment strategy to best increase the dividend-earning power of your retirement money? The internet provides you with access to all of the information you need to learn how real estate notes can help you to retire-in-style without the risks unlike so many of the other investment opportunities out there today.
Let’s recap the benefits of real estate backed notes:
1. Passive income
2. Secured by real estate
3. Taxed at low capital gains 15%
4. They can purchase with 401k or IRA funds.
Real Estate Notes: maybe your ‘hot’ ticket to financial success in ‘cool’ times.
Kenworth Accessories
Posted in Finance on March 6th, 2009

Clifton Waldrep asked:
In a nutshell, that is the basic question at the back of our collective subconscious when we talk about the real estate bubble. If you turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or even surf the internet, you’ll notice that there is a lot of people talking about the “Real Estate Bubble”, and asking the question, “when is it going to burst? With property prices seemingly on the rise and rising quickly in Tampa. There is a lot of talk about a real estate bubble in the US and dire predictions that the so-called bubble could burst, leading to a lack of confidence on the part of investors and people seeking a second home.
At the root of the Real Estate Bubble Myth is the fact that interest rates are on the rise and the inexplicable truth is that, all of a sudden, everybody is so worried and concerned about it. Contrary to the belief of many ‘bubbleologists’ and the uneducated guesses of ill-informed consumers, a rise in interest rates is actually a welcome variable for the economy and, moreover, it is specifically the tool needed to keep a bubble from bursting. In conclusion, the three reasons the real estate bubble is bursting are higher interest rates; first-time buyers being priced out of the market; and the psychology about the real estate market is changing.
You can profit in any real estate market, bubble or not, when you do your research, understand your location, buy smart, improve the property, and sell with Marketing Psychology strategies. These folks have been conditioned to believe what they believe most likely from the experience of the stock market bubble of 2000, and maybe the 1990′s when the real estate market was hit hard in many large metropolitan areas across the country. While diversity is always a good idea and placing all of your investment funds in one vehicle, such as real estate, is never a good idea; there is reason to believe that the real estate bubble in the US is not about to end any time soon.
So therefore, there is no valid reason to believe, under the circumstances, that consumer confidence applies to everything but real estate and that an economic bubble would affect only real estate markets and nothing else. Whitney says that while there is no national real estate bubble, we may see some changes in local markets ranging from a slow-down in the rate of valuation increases to some slight declines in value. Another part of the answer is in the fact that the real estate bubble is extremely localized – and it’s localized in some of the larger media centers around the country.
Among other things, it means that the dangers of a real estate ‘crash’ are as localized as the effects of the real estate bubble. It’s a fact that talk of a real estate bubble has the attention of consumers. Before you give any substance to warnings about a “real estate bubble,” look closely at the source.
After looking at the numbers, it’s clear that Phoenix AZ real estate bubble concerns are overstated. Given these facts, it’s no wonder so many people are jumping on the real estate investment bandwagon. In San Diego in particular and most other major metropolitan real estate markets, it’s quite acceptable to acknowledge and embrace the double-digit real estate appreciation of the past.
In conclusion, the three reasons the real estate bubble is bursting are higher interest rates; first-time buyers being priced out of the market; and the psychology about the real estate market is changing. You can profit in any real estate market, bubble or not, when you do your research, understand your location, buy smart, improve the property, and sell with Marketing Psychology strategies. These folks have been conditioned to believe what they believe most likely from the experience of the stock market bubble of 2000, and maybe the 1990′s when the real estate market was hit hard in many large metropolitan areas across the country.
There has been some speculation that the wild investment in the real estate market and they hype of outrageous investment returns has no where to go but crashing back down to Earth. Two of the strongest industry trade associations, banking and real estate, have been waging a battle over the right of banks to offer real estate brokerage to consumers in addition to other financial instruments such as mortgages, securities and insurance which they currently market to customers. The headlines threaten a correction in real estate prices, projectionist real estate trade associations, traditional versus Internet brokerage business models and a consumers right to a competitive marketplace for real estate services.
Before you give any substance to warnings about a “real estate bubble,” look closely at the source. Try to obtain at least 2 points of view before coming to a conclusion. Don’t let fears of a real estate bubble stop you from reaching your financial goals.
Oakland office space
Posted in Finance on February 19th, 2009

Brenda Cote asked:
When it comes to real estate, the topic of the day is the downturn in the market, the number of people losing their homes, and how much this is going to hurt the economy. In the seventeen years I have been in the real estate business, I have witnessed every fluctuation the market has to offer. While it is true that many property owners are enduring trying times, rarely does the same happen to knowledgeable real estate investors.
There are those individuals who remain emotionally unattached and invest wisely in real estate. As a result, they live a very comfortable, if not lavish, lifestyle. Investing in real estate, especially during a downturn, can widen an investor’s opportunities and bring about lucrative returns. This is a truth. If you are thinking about becoming a real estate investor or have already made the decision to start, the following information is priceless.
Wanting to secure a comfortable financial future, most of us go to work every day hoping to build a nest egg. Since, it is common knowledge that real estate investors have the capacity to not only build a nest egg but also create a fortune, why aren’t more people joining the ranks of real estate multimillionaires? Why aren’t there more people fighting for a seat on the real estate bandwagon?
Well, the truth behind real estate investing is that it is a business and therefore, must be treated like one for it to prosper. Just like any other promising venture, investing in real estate requires a well-defined vision, a strategic plan, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Even with the overwhelming evidence revealing success, only a microscopic segment of the population is willing to take the risk, do the work and follow through. The rest simply watch and call those of us doing the work “Lucky”.
When I began my career in real estate, I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t invest. I didn’t even see past my next commission check. What kept me hanging on was a desire to live like the people I worked for, most of whom were real estate investors. Years later, I committed to create serious wealth through real estate. As soon as I mindfully committed to my goal, I began to make deals and more money than ever before.
By choice, I am not one of those investors who vacations six months out of the year. I work all the time meeting with clients, looking at properties and refining my strategy. Add to that a growing number of mentoring/coaching clients and my schedule is officially full. Nevertheless, I am continuously increasing my net worth as I am doing something that never feels like work.
Besides creating amazing wealth, being your own boss and having a place or two to call home, owning a real estate investing business has many other advantages. The following five play a special role for the novice investor.
1. Safe Investment
When we use a timeline to compare the real estate market to other investments, such as the stock market, it is easy to see that real estate continues to increase in value over time without any serious instability. Although, there is currently a housing crisis in various parts across the country, every indicator points out that what we are actually experiencing is a readjustment of highly inflated real estate prices. Just as prices may be dropping, in time they will undoubtedly increase. In contrast, the stock market has put investors through a dizzying rollercoaster ride made up of swift highs and abrupt lows throughout history. Regardless of what type of market we are in, it is clear that an investment in real estate guarantees a profit over time.
2. No Cash Necessary
For beginning real estate investors, sometimes the only investment they can make is their time. For every real estate investor, finding a lucrative deal is as good as striking oil. There are plenty of seasoned investors with money in their pockets itching to buy a piece of discounted property. Wholesalers often utilize this method. Therefore, if you are new to the game, consider finding a deal, tying it up and connecting with an investor who can take it off your hands…for a price, of course.
3. Almost Anyone Can Do It
Real estate is such a lucrative field that it opens doors to countless amateur investors everyday. There are how-to books and seminars at every turn teaching would-be investors a myriad of ways to make huge profits in the real estate market. While it is true that overnight success is practically unheard of, anybody with the heart, mind and determination can make it big in real estate. The keys are to continue learning and to monitor market conditions.
4. Leveraging Power
While novice investors can turn a quick profit by wholesaling their deals, Buy-and-Hold investors can yield a profit by borrowing against (leveraging) their properties. Typically, lenders will allow holders of owner-occupied property to borrow up to ninety-five percent of their property’s value and up to eighty-percent of non-owner occupied units. This means that you can either purchase property with a minimal out-of-pocket investment or acquire financing that will allow you to pull cash out of your property’s equity to use for future ventures.
5. Tax Breaks
The popular 1031 exchange and depreciation are just two of them. The United States government has set up multiple tax breaks favoring real estate investors. Owning real estate with the goal of making a profit allows you to deduct interest payments, repairs, and vacancies among other expenses when preparing your tax return. It is important to note that purchasing real estate makes economic sense; it should not be purchased solely for the tax benefits.
Ultimately, owning a real estate business is the way to achieve financial freedom regardless of economic conditions. Whether you quit your job and dive right in or you work at it in your spare time, you can make it happen. Worthwhile benefits are waiting faithfully for the taking.
Sacramento office space
Posted in Finance on February 10th, 2009

James Kobzeff asked:
cle covers six dynamite real estate investing tips intended to help anyone just getting started in real estate investing to successfully launch and hit the ground running with real estate investment property.
1. Develop the Correct Attitude
To stand a chance of succeeding at real estate investing, foremost, you must understand that real estate investment is a business, and you will become the CEO of that business.
As your first order of business, then, it’s crucial to develop the correct mind-set about investment real estate and be able to make this distinction between buying a home and investing in real estate:
“You buy a home to live and raise a family; you buy real estate investment property to pay for the home, live comfortably, and raise your family in style”
As one very successful real estate investor said, “Only women are beautiful, what are the numbers?” In other words, you will not succeed at real estate investing until you acknowledge that it’s not curb appeal, amenities, floor plan, or neighborhood that should turn you on or off to the investment opportunity; what counts most is the property’s financial performance.
2. Develop Meaningful Objectives
A meaningful set of (realistic) objectives that frames your investment strategy is one of the most important elements of successful investing. Yes, we may all desire to make millions of dollars from real estate investing, but fantasy is not the same as expressing specific goals and a method on how to achieve it.
Here are some suggestions:
How much cash are you willing to invest comfortably? What rate of return are you hoping to achieve by making the investment in real estate? Are you expecting instant cash flow, looking to make your money when the property is resold, or merely looking to achieve tax shelter benefits? How long are you planning to hold the property before you dispose of it? What amount of your own effort can you afford to contribute to the day-to-day operation of running the property? What net worth are you hoping investing will help you to achieve, and by when would you like to achieve it? What type of income property do you feel most comfortable owning, residential or commercial, or does it matter?
3. Develop Market Research
If you’re new to real estate investing, you undoubtedly know little about investment real estate in your local market. So, do market research to learn as much as you can about income property values, rents, and occupancy rates in your area. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to recognize a good (or bad) deal when you see it.
Here are some good resources:
(a) The local newspaper, (b) A local appraiser, (c) The county tax assessor, (d) A qualified local real estate professional, (e) A local property management company
4. Run the Numbers
I can’t stress enough the importance of running the property’s cash flow, rates of return, and profitability numbers. Remember, real estate investing is a business, and as the CEO of your investment enterprise, you’ve got to know what you’re buying, especially if you’re trying to determine which of several investment opportunities would be the most profitable.
You have two options:
(a) Invest in real estate investment software. This will enable you to discover for yourself the investment property’s cash flow and rates of return, and create your own analysis reports. Plus, by running the numbers yourself, you gain a broader understanding of real estate investing nuances, and in turn might be less likely to fall victim to the wiles of someone with little concern about how you spend your money.
(b) At the very least, work with a real estate professional that has invested in real estate investment software and can calculate, present, and discuss the property’s financial data with you.
5. Develop a Relationship with a Qualified Real Estate Professional
Working with a qualified real estate professional is a great way for beginners to get started with rental property investing because an astute professional can acquaint you with local market conditions, recommend a property that meets your investing objectives, and discuss strengths and weaknesses about specific property performance.
Here’s a warning, however: Work with a real estate person who understands investment real estate.
Be sure the agent has a firm grip on key financial measures inherent to real estate investing, knows how to measure profitability and rate of return, has the ability to present the data you need to make wise investment decisions, and, most importantly, shows a genuine interest in how you spend your money. The last thing you want to do is to get involved with a real estate agent that would throw you under the bus just to make a commission.
Here’s a good way to interview for an agent. Ask them for the property’s cap rate and then request an APOD. If their response (even to these basics) is to stand there looking at you like a deer into the headlights of a car, find another agent.
6. Start Investing
Hopefully, this has given you some insight into real estate investing, highlighted a few things to make you a more prudent real estate investor, and perhaps alerted you to a couple of things that should be avoided.
Okay, that does it for us, now it’s time for you to get started. Here’s to your success.
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