Real Estate Solution

EASY & SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME IN TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

We have all heard and read the stories about how the real estate market is, or will be, slowing to a snails pace. For those who have been involved with real estate for awhile know that this is normal (and cyclical) in the real estate markets across the country, and, is commonly referred to as ‘market normalization’. This is commonplace throughout the industry, and country.. This slowdown is not evident in all markets, in all states and communities however. There is no question that in many parts of the country, many houses are currently remaining on the market a little longer than they were a few weeks and months back. With this, competition for buyers takes a little more work, more ingenuity, patience and good customer service skills.

The following simple steps are just common sense rules to apply if you are planning to sell real estate property soon, either residential or commercial.

SIMPLE STEP # 1

INTERVIEW & HIRE A

‘REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL’

If you want to sell your home in the fastest and safest manner, hire a professional real estate broker. Put the solid foundation of his office and reputation solidly behind your listing.

By forming a relationship with a real estate professional, you are tapping into all of the resources available to real estate brokers and agents for both buying and selling real estate. You want to make sure that your home gets the absolute maximum exposure and the best marketing strategy, and, only a professional real estate broker, agent or realtor can do this.

No one knows the local real estate market like the local ‘real estate guy or gal’. They usually live in the area, know the market inside and out, know the schools, employment options, business environment, who’s doing what in the city, planned future developments for the community that will add or subtract ‘real value’ to the property you want to sell or buy.

When you work with a qualified real estate professional, your home will be listed on a MLS database that other real estate professionals can access and use. In addition, you get the benefit of an experienced marketer and negotiator who is familiar with all of the real estate issues in your community.

INTERVIEW THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

When selecting someone to represent you, interview at least 3 real estate professionals who are located in your area, and who are familiar with the real estate markets in your area. Before interviewing or hiring, visit their offices and talk to their staffs. Ask for references and then go visit them. Ask which escrow company and title company they use. Then go visit them and ask questions. This won’t take more that a couple of days and could mean the difference of selling your house period. Or, it could mean thousands of dollars in your pocket, or theirs, or someone else’s.

Be diligent!

When visiting the Real Estate office, bring a well thought out list of questions to ask them. Know in advance what you are going to discuss with them. You can base your questions on the interviews you did with their staffs, the escrow and title companies and any references they might have given to you to check out.

ASK QUESTIONS

• What is their plan on marketing your property?
• What will they do to get the marketing messages to the greatest number of buyers?
• Are they planning open house on certain weekends or? * Who will be showing the property?
• What price should the real estate property be listed for? * What is the margin for negotiation?
• What is the average time their listings have been on the market? (Verification of this can be found with a Comparative Marketing Analysis and will provide the names of 2 or 3 of their most recent sellers who you can then contact for references)

These are just some questions that should be asked. Don’t be afraid to dig into the background of the real estate brokers and agents you are interviewing. Visit their offices and probe around and ask questions of the other agents in the office.

And do find out about escrow (if applicable) and title companies and any other vendor services the broker uses.

Remember, You are the boss!

You are contracting with real estate professionals to market, sell,
and maybe arrange for the finance of your single most valuable investment in life.

SIMPLE STEP #2

IS YOUR PROPERTY PRICED RIGHT?

Interest in your property will be at the highest in the first 30 days or so.

If your property is over priced, potential buyers will not even be touring to look at the property and its hard to get them interested again if you drop the price later. A house priced at just below market value grabs the interest of real estate professionals and of buyers, while overpricing chases them away. Remember that you can always drop your price later on, but the longer a property remains on the market, the fewer the prospects and lookers as well as real estate professional lose interest in it as other and more competitive properties become available.

SIMPLE STEP #3

IS YOUR PROPERTY IN GOOD SHOWING CONDITION

* DOES IT HAVE GOOD ‘CURB APPEAL’

Get the property in Tip Top Shape and keep it that way. You only have one chance for a “good first impression” !

The important thing is to get rid of all trash, all clutter and any unsightly messes. When a potential buyer comes to view the property, it should be neat and clean as much as possible. Yards should be manicured and clean. Clean up the garage areas. Touch up paint or repaint if necessary. Have the carpets cleaned professionally. You should have your property inspected by a certified inspector to be able to answer any and all questions that might arise from a buyer and his possible inspector. Make all necessary repairs.

Don’t overlook the outside areas. The lawn should be trimmed and green. The plants well groomed, blooming and trimmed. Be sure the sidewalks and gutters along the street are clean. Put away bikes, skateboards, etc.

Check the little items; doe’s the mailbox look good? Or, is it rusty and worn out?

SIMPLE STEP #4

OFFER INCENTIVES

Offering an incentive may just be the thing that a potential buyer needs to close the deal. An incentive creates impetus with the right timing. An example of a small incentive is offering a carpet allowance or a painting allowance. This goes a long way if the potential buyer is hung up on a particular problem with the property like the paint color, or worn carpets. You might even pay for the home inspection or home warranty for the buyer if he wants the property.

Depending on your budget, etc., you might offer to help out with some of the closing costs. All of these things create impetus for the buyer to ‘take the worm’.

HANG IN THERE

Don’t be discouraged if there are competing homes for sale in your immediate neighborhood. Making the right moves before the property is put on the market and staying in close contact with the real estate brokers office and getting feedback on potential buyer comments are important so you can continue to be flexible during the marketing of your real estate property. Today’s real estate market is very competitive and will continue to be that way if you are to be successful with your property sale.

8 Big Mistakes Real Estate Investors Should Avoid

#1 Failing to get the best help (and education)
The first three members of your real estate team are the most critical. Lots of investors lose thousands of dollars because they don’t want to spend a few dollars on a good local mentor. A good mentor who really knows the ropes is not an expense but an asset. A good mentor will save many times their cost by helping avoid expensive errors. Second is a good real estate attorney to keep you in line with the law and you will need a good CPA to help structure your business. Leave out or choose the wrong one for any of these and it could cost you dearly.

#2 Impatience
Many intelligent offers are required in order to purchase one good deal. It takes time and patience to land one of those deals. Be patient because if you ever get in a hurry you are probably going to make the next big mistake…

#3 Paying too much
Anyone can purchase real estate anytime. The MLS is full of properties for sale but your goal should be to buy property at a substantial discount. A big enough discount to ensure that you make a good return on your time, effort and money.

#4 Believing the TV commercials(and quitting your job)
Does listening to those guys on T.V. talk about how easy it is to make a fortune in real estate with no money, no credit and little or no work really get your blood flowing? If it were really that easy–everyone would be quitting their jobs to start investing in real estate. Investing is a great business but to become successful you need money, credit, and or a great deal of hard work mixed with a good education. Cash flow might not be very good at first so keep your day job!

#5 Failing to do the proper research
There is a certain amount of research that every investor must do before placing an offer on a piece of real estate. For example—the true value of the property must be determined in advance and you must know what it will cost to hold and get the property ready to market. It is critical that you know all the important answers before you ever make an offer on any property.

#6 Not continually searching for money
The life blood in real estate investing is money. Investors must have access to a lot of money or all their efforts to find good deals will accomplish very little. It takes three things to start a fire, oxygen, fuel and ignition and it also takes three things to build a glowing real estate business, money, good deals, and energy. Remove any of these elements and your fire will go out.

#7 Not bidding consistently
The fuel of real estate investing is good deals and to get a really good deal you have to make many intelligent offers. In order to grow the business–consistent bidding is absolutely necessary.

#8 Doing your own rehab
Rehabbing a property yourself– is not the best use of your time. Successful investors spend their time finding good deals and not driving nails. Sure–it’s fun to fix up something that was in poor condition. The feeling of accomplishment is great but that feeling can be very expensive. That time could be spent finding other great deals and finding money to make the deals work. If you do the rehab yourself you will probably spend more money getting things just right. It is much cheaper to pay a professional to do the job and keep busy doing your job which is finding good deals.

OVERVIEW OF CONDO LIVING OPTIONS

Condos are attractive to many buyers because they offer them a chance to own their residence and build equity at what is usually a lower cost than a detached single family home. Of course, there are exceptions, such as the purchase of a luxurious condominium that many developers are building in downtown, affluent neighborhoods, beach sides, etc. For these buyers, the prices will seem almost comparable to buying a single family home, however size, area and amenities will determine the ultimate price on this type of purchase.

Security is also a preferred reason for purchasing a condominium as most modern complexes are located in private, gated and very secure developments. This is especially important to older residents and to single persons who live alone and want the added security to their lifestyle.

What’s mine and what’s yours When you own a condo, you own the title to the space within the walls of your living quarters only. The hallways, (outside your condo), the roofs, parking lots, attics, the common green areas, (including lawns, etc.) pools, gyms and recreation rooms, are called ‘common areas’ and are owned, and maintained by the entire condo association on a collective basis with maintenance costs covered by the condo association fees paid by each condo owner.

On some of the older condo units, or condos that have been converted from apartment buildings, you may have one or more condo units adjoining yours, to either side, on top, or below. On many newer complexes, the condos are designed more like town homes with single or multiple levels and there is a possibility that only one or two common walls will be shared with neighbors.

What’s the added costs One factor to consider when buying or investing in a condo is that condo owners generally must pay a condo association fee monthly. These fees defray the cost of most maintenance, repairs and upgrades to the common areas as well as for the overall management of the complex. They do not cover most everyday repairs, upgrades and maintenance for ‘fixes or replacements’ within your own condo unit, like electrical switches, plugs, most common plumbing problems, carpet cleaning, etc. Some, more major maintenance problems, like plumbing drains, etc., where the clog is in the ‘common plumbing’ within the walls, or ground which serves many units, may be covered, however.

In Summary If you would rather spend your free time doing something besides moving the lawn, painting the outside of your home, or waiting for the ‘pool guys’ to show up, then a condo might just be the thing for you. Of course, there are other advantages to owning a condo. Most condos offer many modern amenities as part of the complex such as pools, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, fitness centers, or clubhouses. These are part of the ‘perks’ that go along with owning a condo and paying your association fees. If you owned a traditional detached single family home, you might not be able to afford any of these amenities, let alone the upkeep and maintenance on them.

Condos, in today’s hot real estate market, are highly sought after for all of the reasons listed here.It certainly is worth looking into before investing your hard earned money.

Many condominium complexes today are very ‘family friendly’ and these complexes are ideal for raising children, especially if your family is security minded and want all of the modern amenities for the family that most condo complexes offer.

Many, of course, are adult only, or are for seniors only, and, offer amenities that other complexes don’t offer like golf courses, more traditional recreation rooms with billiards, libraries, card rooms, etc.

Condo in Las Vegas

With approximately 100 condo projects in different stages of development, ranging from plans on paper to maybe a dozen or more that are actually under construction, the Las Vegas Real Estate market looks even more competitive than does the booming U.S. market as a whole.

The builders and developers in Las Vegas aim to tap top investors and second-home buyers scrambling for a piece of the action in this prime southwest getaway location.

Las Vegas Condos, Townhouses, Lofts and Penthouses are the newest trend in urban Las Vegas living. Las Vegas is now setting the new ’standard of excellence’ for the finest available luxury & style for condos, townhomes, lofts and penthouses anywhere in the world. These new designs incorporate the most up to date and modern conveniences, amenities and ‘pure class’ ambiance that can be found anywhere. And, they are being designed, built and marketed by some of the biggest names in the industry. It’s all happening right here is the City of Las Vegas, and only minutes from the world famous Hotels and Casinos.

What’s with the new high-rise concept, you ask?
First of all this is not really brand new to Vegas.it has been happening slowly since the 1970s, but not on the scale of what is happening today and being planned for the future. With the many limitations on the amount of land that can now be developed in the Las Vegas Valley, many developers are beginning to build up instead of out. And the list consists of some very famous builders and developers that have been around the Las Vegas area for many decades.

There are approximately 100 or so, new Las Vegas high-rise condo projects in preconstruction, construction, or somewhere in the planning stages at the present time, with many more on the way. These projects will feature unbelievable and fabulous amenities like on-site gyms and work out facilities, complete conference centers, valet services, maid services, spas, gourmet dining, chic shops, pools, and other fabulous amenities and conveniences, and some will sport their own ‘in-house’ Casino.

There are two different kinds of high/mid rise condos in the process:

Residential Las Vegas Condos :
This Las Vegas condo is for long-term living, or used as a second home. The residential condo units in most of the projects will be designed for those who want to make Las Vegas their primary residence, or have for a second home.

The Las Vegas Condo-Hotels for short stays or short term rentals:
The Condo-Hotel type units can also be purchased for long or short-term living, however, they are being designed more to be used as rentals when the owner is not using the unit. The management will rent out the unit for you and will handle all management operations, including cleaning, etc. The usual management fee for this service is a percentage of the rental fee, or approximately 50% in most cases.
Projected prices will range anywhere from $400,000.00 for a smaller unit to the upper $$Millions for larger units (penthouses with over 6000 sq. ft. etc.). Most of the units will have fantastic views; however, many of the higher end units will have unbelievable views of the city and mountains.
Another concept that is taking place here in Las Vegas are the existing luxury apartment conversions which are providing many of the lower end home buyer, and the first time home buyers with affordable alternatives to the single family home, or to the higher priced new condos. Prices start at approximately $150,000.00 and up and go to over $300,000.00 for these beautiful conversions. The prices will mainly be based on age, size and location. It’s a great way to get a ‘piece of the action’ in the booming Las Vegas real estate market.

Keep in mind that many of these new High Rise Condo Projects will also feature their own ‘in house’ Casinos. The following are just some of the High Rise Condo Projects that are in the planning, or construction process in the City of Las Vegas:

• Turnberry Place is located in the heart of the city, minutes from the airport, near many of the must see attractions. Premier shopping, dining and entertainment is nearby.
• Park Avenue has a spectacular location and gives you the best of both worlds. You can choose: from breathtaking nature or ‘fast nightlife’. Conveniently located within five miles of McCarran International Airport and the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, this 24-hour guard-gated condo community consists of 20 residential buildings.
• Liberty Towers will be located on the Las Vegas strip. The single high-rise tower will be 20 stories with a 132 condominiums. These high-rise condos will come with gourmet kitchens and with your choice of finishes and the latest in appliances and modern amenities.
• MGM Residences at MGM Grand Las Vegas is located on over 22 acres on the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino site. The first 40 story tower will be completed first and will offer all the comforts of living at the MGM Grand. All the most modern and convenient amenities are yours in these high-rise condos.
• Newport Lofts will be 22 stories and will feature 168 units, all of which will be located above the 7th floor. Located downtown Las Vegas.
• The Platinum luxury condominium resort hotel offers fabulous views of the strip and neighboring mountains. Located on Flamingo Road just off the strip and just one block from Bellagio and Caesars Palace.
• Soho Lofts are located downtown (at the end of the Las Vegas Strip) The Soho Lofts will give you freeway access and is close to the airport. Great entertainment, shopping and dining are just minutes away, in any direction.
• Loft 5 residences range from multilevel lofts with high ceilings and private terraces, to luxury penthouse lofts with private sky decks. Very high end amenities and wonderful views.
• Park Towers are t wo incredible high-rise towers of prestige focused on easy living with the greatest security available. Park Towers is located in the Hughes Center overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.
• Metropolis is overlooking the Wynn Las Vegas Golf Course. These are the first high rise condos project that will have loft style floor plans. Turn of the Century Art Deco design, lots of stainless steel and neon lights for these lofts and flats. Presenting a contemporary luxury high-rise that reconsiders the very notion of what a residence can be. Combining sophisticated modern living environments with imaginative social and recreational spaces, world-class shopping and dining, as well as a host of superlative amenities and services, Sky Las VegasT is set to redefine the concept of modern urban living in America’s fastest growing metropolitan area.
• Vegas Grand is located at the corner of Flamingo and Swenson, just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip. These are mid rise condos featuring the most exquisite of amenities.
• Sky Las Vegas are luxury high rise condos and located on Las Vegas Blvd., otherwise known as the ’strip’. A great view in the middle of everything that Vegas has to offer. Centered by a magnificent 44-story tower sculpted in a striking blue glass, Sky Las VegasT offers discriminating buyers their own personal window to the stunning and spectacular views of Las Vegas; from the glittering neon lights of the Strip to the majesty of the surrounding mountains.
• Panorama Towers will be luxury high-rise condos and will be located just 1/4 mile from the Las Vegas strip with sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline and surrounding mountains.
• One Las Vegas will be located on at the south end of the Las Vegas strip, and among the finest restaurants and shopping in Las Vegas. Located within 10 minutes of McCarran airport. Resort style pools, a health and fitness club, valet, guard-gated.
• The Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino will create a whole new standard of living in Las Vegas. The complex will have 2,000 luxury condominium units. 75,000 square-foot full-service casino. 1,000 hotel rooms. Over 150,000 square feet of integrated business, convention and conference space available for meetings or special functions and much much more.
• Stanhiwill redefines downtown living with super luxurious accommodations including a full time concierge service. A world-renowned spa and health club, nothing will come closer to full-time hotel-style living.
• Boca Ratonis a seven-story building w/underground parking located at the South End of the Las Vegas Strip. 24 Hour Guard gated, fully equipped Clubhouse which includes Spa, Steam Room, fitness room, business center with computer access, theater with 15 person seating, meeting rooms, dining areas, warming kitchen, and a self-service coffee area. This place has it all and all in pure luxury too. Units range from 593 sf. to over 2,400 sf.
• Trump Tower Construction on Donald Trump’s first Las Vegas project a 64-Story tower located on Las Vegas Boulevard behind the New Frontier — across from the Fashion Show mall and Wynn Resorts is well underway. The tower will include 880 studio units, 352 one-bedroom models and 50 deluxe penthouse suites of one, two and three bedrooms on floors 60-64.
• Allure Las Vegas is an extraordinary community for living well. Two 40-story high-rise condominium towers of contemporary beauty overlooking the world famous Las Vegas Strip. It promises to set a new standard for upscale urban living in Las Vegas .
• Turnberry Towers will include two 45-story towers with one-, two- and three bedroom residences. Turnberry Towers is located just a few miles from McCarran International Airport and near the city’s best shopping and dining.
• Pinnacle is two 36-story towers rise more than 400 feet into the air. Unbelievable views of the city and mountains are right here. 1-3 bedroom units with multiple floor plans, also penthouses, poolside bungalows are available.
• Sullivan Square, Las Vegas is the newest urban type community. A 1.5 acre Central Park providing the residents serenity and calm in the center of the Most Happening City of Las Vegas.
• 17th and Vine Downtown Lifestyle. Uptown Amenities. A whole new concept of modern living in Vegas. Schools, libraries and all the other facilities Las Vegas has for families is close by. Freeway close, and close to downtown and the strip.
• Promenada at Rainbow is just ten minutes from the world famous Las Vegas Strip and McCarran International Airport. It offers upscale living at its best, restricted access and parking offers the ultimate in safety and security. Plans ranging from 828 to 1,478 square feet.
• VERGE , Downtown Uptown Living Downtown Vegas! VERGE’S location is walking distance to all the action. 296 residences built into a community that offers the latest in modern living, state-of-the-art architecture and design. There are 39 impressive floor plans starting at $149,900, including studios, one, two, three bedroom condominiums and spectacular lofts with 23-foot ceilings. Many residences have floor to ceiling views of Downtown Las Vegas, The Strip, the valley, surrounding mountains and atrium courtyards; affordable.
• Bella Venezia at Vegas Grand 11 Designer Home Plans from 650 sf to over 2100 sf. Ranging from the low $300k’s almost $1 Million. The famous Las Vegas Strip is just steps from your luxury condominium residence. At Vegas Grand.. Offering luxury residences with open floor plans, high voulted ceilings, oversized terraces and private balconies, where careful attention is paid to every detail. Luxury at its best.
• MGM City Center MGM Mirage’s $7 billion Project City Center is proceeding quickly. Pre sales are available now. This is going to be one of the finest, without a doubt.
• Streamline Tower Downtown Vegas at its best. Located in the middle of a $13 Million downtown renovation. 21 stories with 275 luxury condos that are one, two and three bedroom floor plans and all modern amenities.
• Queensridge Place Beautifully designed units of distinctive architecture and style. These units offer wonderful amenities. This project is close to everything, great shopping, entertainment, elegant dining, fast food too, golf and casinos.
• C2 Lofts Condominiums under construction in West Las Vegas. The loft’s will offer wonderful views of the strip and city. Residences will consist of 100 residential lofts configured in two, five-story buildings that offer eight different floor plans. Units will range from 1,400 to more than 2,800 square feet.

For assistance in selling or purchasing real estate in the Clark County Nevada, contact a realtor at RE/MAX Preferred in Las Vegas for all real estate needs, whether it be a single family home, condo, townhouse or land, there is a Las Vegas Realtor associate who specializes in Las Vegas Real Estate.

Dangers of Falling In Love… With Real Estate

Having never gone through the process before, first time home buyers are at greater risk of falling in love too soon with real estate.  But whether we’re first time buyers or we’ve done this before – it’s important to remember NOT to fall in love too quickly.

It may be the first house you’ve looked at. It’s perfect. You’re already imagining your new wall colors and figuring out where to place your couch and TV.  Your heart is already set on it. This is the one.

Woah! Back up for a minute! That’s dangerous thinking. You never want to jump in too fast.. it could lead to a hasty decision, you may end up paying more than the market value supports, making resale difficult, and down the road buyer’s remorse could set in. All of this just from falling in love too fast.

So what should you do?

You want to be aware of what’s out there.  In order to make a wise decision that you won’t regret later, make sure that you look at at least a handful of other properties to compare to the one you really love.  How do they compare? Maybe some have features that are actually better. You may find that the one you originally loved is priced quite a bit higher than the others without any discernible reason. You want to make your decision with confidence and not look back later wishing you hadn’t rushed in. Buying a house is a big commitment – so make the right decision!

Besides avoiding buyer’s remorse, you’ll also avoid blinding yourself to the negative aspects and potential problems with the property.  When we’re so excited, and our hearts have already jumped into the idea of this being “the one”, it’s very easy not to look at things realistically. How is the foundation? The plumbing? Are there any major issues that you may not see? Are there any minor issues that you may be overlooking? You should have a realistic view of the home you’re interested in, maintenance issues, and any problems that may need your attention and will require money to fix. How does all of this compare to the other properties? Will it be worth it? (If you put an offer on a house, it’s always a good idea to get it inspected.)

If after looking at more properties, you are confident that this is the home for you, than you can look forward to making the offer. This is another area that will need your caution. If you’re already attached to this house, be careful that you don’t make an offer based on how badly you want it – but rather, make sure you’ve studied up on what comparable properties have sold for and only be willing to offer what it’s worth in the current market. This will save you troubles down the road.

When you can finally call the house your home, congratulations! You can feel good knowing you made a wise decision.

Apartment to a Condo: Tips for Success

So you want to leave apartment life behind and move into a  condo? While this sounds like you, you have most likely done all of your homework. You know the  advantages of moving to a condo as well as what you will be leaving behind.

You may want to learn a bit more about condo living before you make the last leap. After all,  anytime that you change the way that you live it is a big decision. You require to make certain that  your move to a condo is the right one.

For those who want to move from an apartment to a condo, the  following are three tips for success.

1. The most significant thing that you can do is make certain  that you look at more than one condo before you buy. Condo developments are on the rise, and you will  want to make certain that you move into a complex that is going to suit your requirements. The best  way to assure yourself of this is to check out several units, and then decide on what is best from  there.

2. Determine a budget for your move, and then stick with it no matter what. Not only do you  want to have a budget for the actual cost of the condo, but you will want to do the same if you are  furnishing your unit. You should never spend more money than you have, and by setting a budget you  should be able to avoid this problem without any issues arising.

3. Not all condos are created  equally.
Make a list of what you would like to see in your new condo, and then search for units that  meet this criteria. This could consist of things such as parking spots, a swimming pool, or basic  comforts. As a matter of fact you should get what you want if you move into a condo. While you have a  checklist of features and comforts it will make it much easier on you.

The above three tips should  allow you to move from your apartment to a condo with a high level of success. The most important  thing to remember is that rushing is not going to get you anywhere. You should follow the three tips  above when taking your time all the while. This will allow you to get the most out of your condo  buying experience.

Should I Choose A Real Estate Agent Or A Realtor?

Whether you are buying or selling a property, many people employ the services of a real estate professional.  This person’s duty is to offer help, professional expertise and generally make the real estate experience easier for you by guiding you through the process. 

What Is The Difference Between An “Agent” and a “Realtor?”

The words ‘real estate agent’ and ‘realtor’ are used interchangeably but there is actually a difference between the two.  A real estate agent is salesperson licensed by the state, and given legal permission to represent consumers in the sale of, or purchase of homes on the open real estate market.

A Realtor is a real estate professional who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) – a key supporting real estate organization.  The NAR offers ongoing education, legal information, contractual updates, information on governmental regulations affecting the real estate industry, etc.  Realtors might consist of appraisers, property managers, loan officers, and brokers. Therefore, not all Realtors are real estate agents.

Is One Better Than The Other?

Some Realtors have lots of success in helping consumers, while some Agents struggle to satisfy their clients.  At the same time, many Agents can be extremely efficient, while some Realtors can find themselves unsuccessful.  Association with any national organization can’t guarantee anything.  Some people prefer Realtors because they have a preference due to the national accreditation of NAR.  Also, all Realtors must comply with the standard set by NAR, which in part gives the client some additional assurance of ethical conduct.

What Are The Qualities Of A Great Real Estate Professional?

It’s important that you select a qualified agent that you feel comfortable working with.  Choose a person who has worked with someone you know, or a person who has a positive reputation within the community.  A high quality real estate professional will make your transaction as smooth as possible and be forthcoming and honest about the details.  That person will ask you questions, listen to your answers and recognize what you’d like to accomplish.  Then will guide you towards obtaining your goal in a strategic, organized and successful way.

Common Real Estate Trends By Connie English

Over the years there have been several trends in the real estate market.
These can be nationwide trends, or can be focused in one area of the country. And remember, real estate trends are always on the change.
Though when a trend seems to be sticking around for a long time,as a matter of fact trends are meant to change.

There are several things that can cause real estate trends. This can be anything from changes in the economy to rising interest rates and much more. There is no way of saying for certain if real estate trends will come and go. Rather,it is something that you must simply deal with as it comes up. These trends affect everybody involved in this industry. This includes general house owners, buyers and sellers, mortgage companies, real estate agents, and many more.

For this reason, real estate trends are always watched closely. This way, those who are involved know how to deal with these trends and can in turn handle them in the right manner. Following are the three common real estate trends to look for in the upcoming months. 1. Keep an eye on how the internet changes the real estate market in the months to come. The internet has changed several industries over the years, and this is certain to continue to take place with real estate.

2. Agents and brokers are looking for new ways to deal with upcoming generations. This is the trend that is going to change the industry in many ways than one.Simply put, the younger buyers of today are not like they were in the past.

3. Multiple Listing Services are taking a new form, and have seen several changes. Keep this trend in mind and this is something that is going to affect real estate agents in specific. These are just three real estate trends that may rear their head in the upcoming months. There are certain to be several more as well as some that are generalized in nature.

The bottom line is that trends will always be observable in the real estate industry. This is not going to change anytime soon.Hence no matter who you are, getting used to these is very significant.

Are Apartment Reviews Helpful? Consider the Source!

1. There are the ones that seem to dominate every review I’ve ever seen on the apartment internet sites and presumably, they are current or past apartment tenants themselves. I have what I think is a pretty good explanation why this hasn’t taken off, so to speak, and why they seem to have little promotional punch totally opposite of reviews in say movies. Movie reviews are going to be subjective to the individual�s opinion as well but at least you get an educated third party critique that has their integrity to uphold.

   Some tenants can be great & some unruly. There are a couple of types that need to be addressed, (I) is the tenant that is just plain rowdy, they have parties that cause disturbances, are loud and obnoxious and are only concerned about themselves. There was a certain age that all of us went through and can relate to. (II) Then there is the tenant that is never satisfied. The constant complainer, the tenant that is always calling the office. Both of these can leave nasty reviews if they don�t get their way and of course if they are reprimanded for their unruly actions. Unfortunately, on the apartment review sites, there is no real rebuttal system in place like on EBAY, where the Apartment management can comment on a complaint.

   Two of the MOST IMPORTANT things you have to remember that there is always another side to the story and most people will go out of their way to complain but unfortunately will not go out of their way to praise.

2. Another type of reviewer is the media critic, and well, the apartment renting business is just not interesting enough to get positive media feedback.
3. The final and what I believe would be the most accurate source of information would be to talk with friends of who currently reside or resided at the property in the past.

Ok, so you are back to square one! – You cannot trust tenant reviews, there is no media coverage or third party critics to speak of, and you have no friends or family members who can give you a heads up.

New Style Sofia Real Estate Investment

The great number of investors, families, and foreign citizens interesting in real property in Sofia are often faced with many problems related to choosing to live in a big city – inadequate parking space and noise in the city centre, no transport connections and lacking sewerage system in some of the suburban areas. For people willing to avoid these problems and invest in a top quality apartment, Mladost IV residential area is a priority location.

Even though construction in the Mladost area in Sofia did not start until the late 1960s, the area is now a preferred location for apartments and business premises. 105 000 people live there, and the population is among the city’s youngest. Located on over 10% of Sofia’s territory and in close proximity to the Vitosha Mountain, it is a favorite choice for families, investors, and businesses. On the territory of Mladost IV, Sofia Business Park is located – a rapidly developing business centre where some of the biggest international companies represented in Bulgaria are seated, as well as Arena cinema complex, and many restaurants and hypermarkets. All this has easy transport connection to the city centre and the suburbs, and the Sofia metro construction plan will reach Mladost IV in the next few years.

While most of the over 400 existing residential buildings there are of the traditional type, the area is now boasting the development of a new Sofia apartment project, City of Fountains, which will remarkably change its appearance and lifestyle. City of Fountains is developed by the real estate investment company Karrat Group EOOD and is a premium-class elite residential complex to fully suit the needs of investors in this attractive area in Sofia.

The purpose of the project is to bring a fresh perspective to Sofia real estate. It will offer a well-balanced combination of office premises, high-quality residential property and varied retail and leisure activities related to modern lifestyle. Located only 400m away from Business Park Sofia and in the meantime conveniently close to the Vitosha Mountain, City of Fountains is a top quality project targeted at seekers of exclusive Sofia apartments to live or invest in, in what has already become Sofia’s high-end residential quarters.

The top quality Sofia apartment project features excellent construction materials, the development of a recreation park area around the complex, as well as the creation of a unique atmosphere rendered by the only residential complex with fountains in the city. The completed project will feature a great number of amenities, such as a modern spa and fitness centre, a swimming pool, various sports facilities, a kindergarten, an apart-hotel, and a big shopping centre – things regarded as essential by successful people who are looking for property perfectly suited to their way of life and demands.