Thursday, August 28, 2008

Costa Blanca Or The White Coast Is One Of The Most Attractive Places In Spain

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Costa Blanca or the white coast is one of the most attractive places in Spain.



Not that every one of these visitors enjoys the place just for a few days and then forgets in to sweet oblivion. By virtue of the clement climate, designer golf courses, luxurious villas, beautiful beaches and so many other facilities for fun and relax, this intriguing region in Spain arrests the attention of thousands of visitors each year. Rather, some people find the coast so attractive that they want to live there permanently. In order to cater to the demand of this rising need, new developments are coming into existence. In this regard, they need accommodation to stay there. This makes it necessary to explore the virgin territories in Costa Blanca property and give them new shape and look. This process of revamping and renovating new properties has given birth to a full- grown property market.


So, all the hitherto unexplored territories are being reconstructed and new developments are getting ready for living. Property developers, agents and investors are making big money just by taking part in the change that is going on in Costa Blanca. And investing in Costa Blanca property is sure to generate high profit because of the popularity it already has and it is likely to have in future. In fact, it has become a well- established fact that if you want to gain large profit within short time, investing in property is the ideal choice. It is mainly because of the climate that Costa Blanca tickles the fancy of so many people. So, there will never be any dearth of visitors, renters or buyers.


And to enjoy in the pleasant weather, the place offers so many amusement facilities including parks, golf courses, pubs, etc. Thus, Costa Blanca property will be always in demand and a source of huge profit for investors.

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Every Home Is Unique - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

You ve probably heard that real estate professionals establish home prices based on the sales prices of comparable properties in the immediate area.

Buying Property In Turkey - Luisa Chadwell's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Buying Property in Turkey.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Dubai Has Always Been Known For Extraordinary Architectural Developments And Breathtaking Designs

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Dubai has always been known for extraordinary architectural developments and breathtaking designs. You must now be thinking about the reason behind this sudden surge in property investments in Dubai.



Dubai has become an international hotspot for property and the demand for real estate is so intense that property prices have increased considerably over last two or three years. The main factor behind this appreciation in demand for real estate in Dubai is the fact that property laws in Dubai allow freehold ownership of land by any foreigner, allowing property owners to sell or rent out the property whenever they want. The other reason that can be seen as a driving force behind the real estate market in Dubai is billion dollar investments by some of the biggest multinational companies in the world. Not only this, ownership of freehold property in certain designated areas in Dubai also comes with a 3 year renewable residence visa for the owner of the property. Since most of these companies have started running their operations from their offices in Dubai, this has created a lot of jobs in Dubai, which in turn has increased the population in and around Dubai. Adding to this is the fact that property and real estate laws in Dubai are very simple and requires minimal paperwork in form of a sales agreement.


This increase in population resulted in an increase in demand for real estate( both owned and rented properties) in Dubai. And the last but by no means the least factor favoring real estate investments in Dubai is the relaxation in taxes. Taking in account all the above cited factors there is no doubt why Dubai has become the dream destination for real estate. You might be surprised to know that no taxes are applied on income or property transactions in Dubai. Dubai is also famous for it s man made marvels which are undoubtedly the best in the world, and some have even been named as the eighth wonder of the world. Damac Properties are the largest private master developers in the Middle East offering the most luxurious and exclusive residential and commercial Dubai Real Estate, Dubai Freehold Property and Dubai Investment Property for sale.


Dubai continues to set new records for building and growth, taking Dubai far ahead of the most favored real estate destinations in the whole world.

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In Fact I Would Prefer That They Had A Buyers Agent - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

More times than I can remember I had a buyer interested in a property think that I would be thrilled when I found out they didn t have a buyers agents.

They Add The Additional Monies Owed As Additional Payments To Be Made, Lengthening The Time Of The Opriginal Mortgage By Several Months - Finance and Real Estate:

Across North America and the world, the market correction has caused the biggest increase in Foreclosures in Real Estate History, but is there any way for us, to profit, as Investors? But can we as Investors save these homes and their owners from Foreclosure and still be profitable?

As We Have Discussed, There Are Many Factors To Consider When Finding The Right Neighborhood - Tamika Clink about Finance and Real Estate:

As the old saying goes, the three most important facts for selecting the right neighborhood are location, location, location. It is indeed a very important fact in the selection of your new home because a really nice, affordable home in, attractive the wrong neighborhood can be an expensive formula for disaster for you.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Availing One Of The Many Splendid Offers Of A Golf Resort In Polaris World Is Not A Hard Task After All

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Whenever you think of siesta, you have one name that strikes you the most- Spain.



Now, if a dash of recreation for the golf loving tourists was added to the menu, imagine the trick it would pull for them. The surreal and beautiful land of the most exotic beaches and an undying spirit of cultural extravaganza is undoubtedly a Mecca for most tourists of the world. The creation of Polaris World is the very reason why golf lovers should make their way to the Spanish shores to be holed up in a place that s as good as paradise itself. With such a positive boost in the nation s tourism, the real estate scenario has won some brownies for itself too. As it is quite evident that tourism is a very lucrative industry in the present age, Spain has all the more reason to be a strong contender in this field with all its contributions. The result took shape in the form of Polaris World, which is an impressive collection of golf resorts of absolute delight.


If you are an avid golfer, you can now get your hands on a string of golf resorts ranging through villas, apartments and penthouses and enjoy the thrill of teeing off in heaven itself. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the nine splendidly set gold courses of Polaris World form the largest Nicklaus Golf trail of 153 holes outside the United States. What s more, there is access to all the necessary amenities like shops and supermarkets, airport, beach, restaurants, bars and fitness centers. All you need to do is make an online survey for various options, compare between them and take your pick for the one that suits you the most. Availing one of the many splendid offers of a golf resort in Polaris World is not a hard task after all.

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Are You Tired Of Paying Rent And Want To Own Your Own Home - Latisha Hilbun's Finance and Real Estate blog:

Are you tired of paying rent and want to own your own home?

At Polaris World, You Can Just Sit Back And Relax - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a warm and relaxed way of life then Polaris World is the place to go.

There Are Several Ways To Learn More About Foreclosures - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

The number of foreclosures rose 50 percent between February and March this year, and this seems to be the current trend that is continuing to grow this year. With the flood of houses on the market, prices are falling- especially foreclosures.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Upscale Luxury Community Is Only About Ten Percent Completed, With New Homes Being Built And Planned In Several Riverstone Subdivisions

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

For the past two decades, Houston has led the nation in population growth. Houston and its surrounding metro area has worked hard to channel the growth of residential and commercial property through smart communities- master planned communities that offer all the amenities residents want and need within easy reach of their front doors.



The growing communities are supported by some of the best new home builders in Houston, Texas- a wide cross section of quality home builders who offer housing in styles to suit just about any family imaginable. In many areas of the country, planned communities end up looking like cookie cutter communities, with one or two styles predominating and most homes looking just like their neighbors houses. Instead, community planners have worked with local builders to create a menu of new home styles, each with flexible options that allow new residents to vary production homes or choose custom homes with many flexible options. Thanks to careful planning and the participation of the top new home builders in Houston, Texas and its metro area, this isn t the case in Houston subdivisions like Riverstone and Telfair. This means that in Riverstone, the luxury gated, for example subdivision The Manors offers eight different architectural styles and floor plans for new residents to choose from. The architectural styles vary and include Country French, Traditional and Texas, Mediterranean Hill Country. The production homes in other Riverstone subdivisions like Creekstone Village( I and II) , Crossing Cove and The Terrace feature homes built by top new home builders in Houston, Newmark, Texas including Perry, Wilshire, Ashton Woods, Highlands, Coventry and Trendmaker.


There are one and two level home plans available and many homes offer customizable options in materials and floor plans. Riverstone, one of Houston s newest subdivisions, 700 acre master, is a 3 planned subdivision that is currently under development in Sugar Land. For those who want a higher level of customization, Riverstone also features several upscale gated neighborhoods of custom built homes by such noted new home builders in Houston, Texas as Bayou Bend, Sterling Classics and Westport Homes. The community life will center around over 250 acres of lake and 500 acres of open park land. The new homes in Riverstone include such sought after amenities as media game rooms, second level decks, luxury bathrooms and outdoor entertaining space. The upscale luxury community is only about ten percent completed, with new homes being built and planned in several Riverstone subdivisions. Residents of Riverstone will also enjoy the outdoors fully with over 28 miles of hiking paths through the forested park lands, as well as lake access for fishing, boating and other, swimming water sports.


Riverstone offers upscale, but it is, luxury living typical in many ways of the advantages and amenities of living in master planned communities. One of several planned recreation complexes is already open, offering tennis courts and swimming pools, when complete, and the community, will also feature a full golf course with country club and pro shop. The lifestyle is family centered, with community activities taking center stage in most community centers. Some are focused on resort style activities, and include regattas and Concerts in the Park. Community calendars include such favorite activities as Father- Daughter dances, Mother, potluck suppers- Son Dances and Family Day at local parks. Recreational facilities offer family swim times in addition to swimming lessons and swim team practices. In addition to the other amenities of living in a master planned community in the Houston metro area, children who live in Riverstone attend the award winning schools of the Fort Bend Independent School District.


Master planned communities like Riverstone offer a comfortable, luxurious lifestyle in, affordable a community that believes in preserving all of its resources. Education and family involvement are very high on the list of priorities for continued development in and around Houston, Fort Bend and Sugar Land. Master planned communities protect property values, and offer high property value appreciation as the development grows and is completed. New homes in master planned communities like Riverstone are affordably priced, with prices starting in the mid- $230s and ranging up to over$ 1 million for custom built luxury homes in the more exclusive, gated areas. Property values are expected to remain strong in the Houston area as the community becomes one of the most sought after residential and business locations in the country.

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Real Estate Investment Depends Heavily On Location - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

You ve heard the old real estate adage, location, location, location, and the fact of the matter, this still holds true. Pick an area that is going downhill and you ll end up having to sell at a loss, but if you get the right location, the property you invest in could eventually be worth millions.

We Have Gorgeous Apartments In Cannes For Over �2 Million - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Everyone loves a sea view, blue on blue and white on white especially on a summer s day.

You Can Also Ask Your Realtor To Provide You With Zoning Information - Dionne Isabel's Finance and Real Estate blog:

As you begin your house hunting process, you will probably already have a good idea of what type of home you are looking for. Of course, it is important for you to share this information with your Realtor so you can be certain to find the home of your dreams.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Obtaining A New Home Rebate Is So Easy That You Can Do It With Minimal Effort And Get Thousands Of Dollars Cash Back For Your New Home Purchase

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you re planning to build a new home in Orlando, don, Florida t miss out on a unique benefit called the" new home rebate. " Florida buyers rebates are often left in the pockets of homebuilders because the buyers don t understand how they work or know that the rebates even exist.



But first, you must understand what types of properties come with this offer. Obtaining a new home rebate is so easy that you can do it with minimal effort and get thousands of dollars cash back for your new home purchase. Florida New Homes. This means you choose the blueprints for your home and a contracted builder builds the home from the ground up. New home constructions in Florida, such as in Orlando, qualify for the new home rebate. To take advantage of this rebate, you must go through a real estate agency as your referring Realtor.


The Realtor receives a referral commission from the builder, and then you receive a portion of those commissions. You ll contact a Realtor that offers the new home rebate before contacting a builder, and the Realtor will refer you to the builder. Just make sure the Realtor does actually offer the rebate before getting started. First, you ll receive your rebate( an amount ranging from$ 2, 000 to$ 30, 000) . Having a referring Realtor can help you in two ways. Second, you ll receive assistance from the Realtor, someone experienced in realty, to guide you through the home building process. Included in new home construction properties could be new homes in golf course communities, home sites or, vacant land lots, luxury homes, resort properties, and waterfront homes in Florida.


There are many details you could miss if you re new to the whole thing! Preconstruction Realty. This benefits you as the buyer and the builder. Preconstruction means you pay for the condo, or single, town home- family home fully or partially before they are actually built. The builder is able to secure financial stability throughout the project because he has money up front to work with. These types of properties also qualify for the new home rebate.


You are able to secure your home or apartment up front and sometimes even enjoy tremendous savings by paying in advance. Florida Income Properties. This gives you a steady cash flow while preparing the homes or condos for renters to move in. If you re planning to invest in properties for income purposes in Orlando or other cities in Florida, you can build new income properties and qualify for the Florida buyers rebate. Also, you can use your new home rebate to invest in your next building project. Other properties that qualify for the new home rebate include new second vacation homes, and new executive, new retirement homes homes. It s your choice.


Keep in mind that the new home rebate does not affect other buyer incentives, specials, discounts, upgrade packages, or competitive financing offers that the new homebuilder might offer. So, you can enjoy your new home rebate without making any trade- offs.

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The Florida Economy Is Booming - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Is the Real Estate bubble going to burst? While there are definitely going to be strong corrections in some overly priced markets there are other markets that will tolerate it differently.

Head Of Dubai Real Estate Company, Ajman Investment And Dubai Real Estate - Marylou Czaja's Finance and Real Estate blog:

The project will fill has been left with the development of so many super Dubai Luxury Apartments.

If You Are In The Market, You Actually Can Take Advantage Of The Foreclosure Situation That Exists - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

A great deal has been written about the Florida real estate market and the Tampa real estate market over the course of the past year.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Dallas Is Vibrant And Alive

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you are considering living in Dallas Texas, you have made a great choice.



Including the metropolitan area there are almost 6 million people making for a very diverse cultural and economic basis. This is a city that is bustling with life and home to over a million people. Dallas can only be described as a world- class city and it has been recognized as such by several organizations. The cityscape is like nothing else in the country offering eclectic communities that were vibrant and alive. It is the inland economic hub, banking, which includes transportation, telecommunications, and computer technology. Make sure you check out the farmers market downtown and the Good Latimer tunnel.


Whether you want some great shopping with a little urban flare, or an exciting, some great food nightlife Dallas can provide it all. Dallas is vibrant and alive. Just in downtown Dallas there are several different neighborhoods including the Arts District, Farmers Market, Historic District, Convention Center District, Victory park, Main Street, and the Reunion District. Now this might be a city with millions of people but the one thing it is not lacking is green space. Therefore, no matter what it is you are looking for Dallas has it. There are all kinds of great parks for residents and tourists to enjoy.


Dallas is a subtropical climate that is definitely humid. So when the urge arises to get away from the urban sprawl you can head on out to some green space and enjoy a walk in the park, play a game of catch with the kids, or take the dog for a walk. During the summer, the warm dry winds blow from the north- west. You might be surprised to discover that housing prices in Dallas are by far some of the most reasonable in the country with an average price of$ 150, 000 for a single- family dwelling. In the winter, those northern winds are bitterly cold with an average annual snowfall of around 5 inches and during the spring an average of 37 inches. You might also find it interesting to know that about 25% of all the homes in Dallas are actually rentals so if you don t want to buy right away why not consider a rental. You can find an average single family dwelling for around$ 900 and you can get an awfully luxurious home for around$ 130That is pretty impressive.


Most of the property owners are receptive to long term arrangements or maybe you just want to take it month by month until you decide what you are going to do. With a city as large and as vibrant as Dallas there are all kinds of employment opportunities. Dallas Texas has been a popular destination for tourists for years and many of those tourists find themselves falling in love with Dallas and moving there to become citizens and enjoy what Dallas has to offer. Whether you are hoping to bartend in one of the trendy clubs, looking for an executive assistant for the banking industry, or planning to open up your law firm Dallas can deliver for you. If you want affordable housing, lots of job opportunities, and plenty of things to do Dallas Texas might be just what you want. What a great opportunity!

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These Projects Have Been Built For Both Public And Private Clients - Finance and Real Estate Blog:

Silver City has delivered the best value in Real Estate services by placing expert construction professionals on every project undertaken.

Locate And Purchase One Great Investment Property - Finance and Real Estate:

This ideal wealth builder concept is very simple, and can be summed up in one sentence!

Knock On Doors Of People Who Have Already Bought Homes In The Subdivision - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

Purchasers scared by stories of spiraling prices- which often change from week to week- are snapping up new homes with an almost indecent haste. Purchasers scared by stories of spiraling prices- which often change from week to week- are snapping up new homes with an almost indecent haste.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Each Home Has Its Own Supply Of Buyers

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

If you could control the demand for your home, wouldn t you want to? What many home sellers don t realize is that they truly can control demand for their home with one simple factor.



Well, that is somewhat of a rhetorical question because any homeowner who could would want to turn on a buying frenzy for their home. This one simple factor is price. How you price your home is the most important factor in how much demand you ll have for it. This is probably not a surprise to you because basic economics dictates that there is one thing that affects demand more than anything else- and that one thing is price. For example, some folks take the tactic that they should always start their price high knowing full well that the home is overpriced. They think to themselves, "We can always come down on price later. " The problem with the high- price, maybe- we ll- get- lucky scheme is that the amount of time to sell the home can be several times longer than it would be with a home that was priced right in the first place. They think that it s fine to start high.


The main reason for this is the supply and demand of your home. Another way to look at it is that the demand for your home is directly proportional to how closely you price it to its Fair Market Value. Each home has its own supply of buyers. You can effectively control the demand for your home and how quickly it sells with the right asking price. On the contrary, if you price it above fair market value, you ll reduce the number of buyers for your home to 10% or less of the available pool. If you price the home at fair market value, you ll be attractive to 60% of the available buyers for a home in your range.


Over pricing your property shrinks the prospective buyer pool by more than 50% . So, is a high price more important to you than selling your home quickly( or at least in a reasonable amount of time) ? A property priced just 15% over the market value appeals to no one in your property pool. You ll have to be the judge of that. This strategy will almost guarantee that you ll sell your home for the highest price in the least amount of time. It is absolutely imperative that you price your home at Fair Market Value from the beginning of the listing.


What most home sellers don t know is that, often, 80% of the effectiveness of marketing a home is linked to what you price your home from the very beginning. The true Fair Market Value of your home is subjective and determined by what a buyer is willing to pay and you( the seller) are willing to sell for in today s market conditions. You set a precedent to an extent. That s the true Fair Market Value of your home, and it is based on the needs and wants of both parties involved in the transaction. They will base their offer on a comparison of your property to other sold( or available) properties in your area. With the Internet available to most people, today s buyers have all the information that you have.


They will evaluate your home against the others, comparing the cost verses the value, based on their needs.

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The Region Has Over 30 Golf Courses, With The Closest Minutes Away - Jackie Leleux's Finance and Real Estate blog:

There are those who will live on the mountain and those who can only look up at them.

Make Sure There S No Pre- Payment Penalty - April Fennelly's Finance and Real Estate blog:

A Bi- Weekly Mortgage can save big money!

Many Individuals Choose To Rent Out Their Property In Cyprus Instead Of Selling - Finance and Real Estate Articles:

While Cyprus is a very popular location the value of the property there seems to fluctuate quite often. When the prices dip pounce on them because you may not get such a good deal in the future.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Finding The Property

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The real estate market today has never been better, but even in a healthy market, with new tools to find and evaluate potentially profitable properties, you can lose a lot of money.



Photos, and even full, prices 3- D video tours are available but you still have to be careful when selecting an investment property. Finding a diamond in the rough has been revolutionized by online real estate listings. Finding The Property. You can look online, you can get your real estate agent to find properties for you, you can try to find foreclosed properties etc. There are many ways to find investment properties to buy. The important thing to remember is that the property you find must meet certain criteria for it to be a profitable investment.


When selecting a property, you will want to consider not only the property itself but its neighbours. Consider The Neighbourhood. Be prepared to make more than one visit, in different kinds of weather and at different times of day, if possible. Check For Leaks. This is where a knowledgeable real estate agent can come in handy who has good insights into the neighbourhood. One of the most expensive problems with a home are leaks!


Information is power, and if you do find something wrong with the property you can certainly use that as a bargaining chip to lower the price. If you can try to visit the house when it is raining and always make sure to get an inspector to evaluate the property for possible water damage. Strike Your Deal. Find an agent that is experienced and reliable. After you have the inspection completed, if you feel the house is a winner, strike a deal. Even if you have to pay more for their services, the money they can potentially save you by negotiating a price will be worth it. It s almost impossible to find a house that has everything working 100% .


Review The Report Carefully. Most minor flaws should be recorded. If there are pools of water in the basement or near foundations that can substantially lower the price. The most important being leaky plumbing, leaky roofs, stained carpets, damaged walls or floors, or inoperative air conditioning systems. Everything Is Negotiable. It is likely higher than the actual value of the home.


There s no point in offering the asking price because the asking price is always just that- the price that the sellers would like to get. Very few properties, even newly constructed ones, are perfect.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

My Husband Spent Much Time On The Golf Courses Around Acapulco

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

I have long desired to visit the famous Acapulco, the city that never sleeps , where the rich and famous have been visiting or residing since the 1950 s when Hollywood stars such as Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and the Kennedy s would come to visit and mingle amongst the glitzy atmosphere that seems to be automatic along the Pacific coastline of Acapulco Bay.



The holiday was one I and my family will never forget! The perfect tropical warm weather year round, blue clear skies almost every day, the stunning sands of Acapulco Bay, and the endless choice of top class hotels, shopping and entertainment, restaurants was what I finally got to experience when I vacationed here with my family. It was both relaxing and exhilarating all at the same time. The second hotel was the oh- so elegant and stylish Fiesta Americana Hotel, which once again surpassed every expectation I had of how one should vacation in Acapulco. We stayed in two hotels, one being Las Brisas Hotel, one of Acapulco s more luxurious hotels which made me feel like a millionaire for the week, took care of every possible desire I may have had, and was the perfect Acapulco vacation Rental and destination experience. There is so much to do in Acapulco, that it is virtually impossible to get bored, even with children. Diving displays are usually daily at 1pm, 8pm, 7pm, 9pm, & 10pm( but check with your hotel for any variation to these times) .


One of the highlights of our vacation in Acapulco was the La Quebrada cliff divers, which put on an amazing show of bravery and skill when they perform their daring dives off the natural cliffs into the waters below. Usually at least 3 divers will perform at each set performance time. But I would suggest that, if you don t have children with you, then take advantage of watching this amazing performance from the comfort of the Plaza Las Glorias Mirador Hotel. There is a well placed public viewing deck where you can get a great view of the La Quebrada cliff divers. Mix the performance, then a lunch, a few cocktails or dinner on the hotel s outdoor terrace, and it all makes for one very romantic outing. Here you will find very calm, with much shade, more shallow waters, perfect for the younger ones. For the children, there is an endless array of water sports for children of various ages along the beaches, and there are two beaches, Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla, which are smaller and located away from the tourist hustle and bustle that the main Acapulco beaches seem to have.


A water park, called Centro Infantil CiCi, located on the main street Avenida Costera Miguel Aleman, or known locally as" The Costera" features water slides and toboggans, roller coaster, a wave pool, and dolphin and seal enclosures with shows as set times during the day. Also along The Costera, you will find a park with an array of carnival rides, skateboard ramps, roller skating rinks, and go karting tracks, to name but a few. There is also Mundo Marina, located between Playa, an aquarium Caleta and Playa Caletilla, which has a variety of water slides, restaurants and gift, marine animal exhibits shops, which kept the children amused for some time. But if you would like to get away from the beach and water based activities, then I would suggest to visit the Fuerte de San Diego, which is an impressively restored 17 th Century fort built to protect the city against pirate attacks. It is easy to reach, keeps the children entertained and interested, and is a good place to escape the hot afternoon Acapulco weather. Within the fort is the Museo de Acapulco, which offers an interesting look into the area s historical significance, and Mexico s rich cultural and traditional past. Some of my personal highlights, apart from the stunning beaches to relax at with a good book, or the shopping along The Costera at the Centro Acapulco Real Estate, would have to be the extensive variety of water sports, and the restaurant and nightlife.


I had always considered myself to be an active outdoors person, but didn t realise the variety of water activities available. Firstly the water sports available all along Acapulco Bay is impressive. I had a go at the usual beach water activities such as banana boat rides, a trip on a glass bottom boat, a cruise around the Bay on a chartered sail boat, and snorkelling, peddle boats. I also hired a wave runner, which I didn t expect to be as enjoyable as it actually was, which explains why I went back the following day for another go. But I decided to venture out and try parasailing, which was very exhilarating and the quality and professionalism of the staff gave me all the confidence I needed to attempt this. The hire place gave me excellent initial instructions and the equipment for hire was of very good quality.


Although my husband went scuba diving and obviously had a wonderful time, as he went back a few days later with our eldest child. Two things I didn t try were hiring a small sail boat, and scuba diving. The nightlife is truly what Acapulco is about from sunset to sunrise! The nightclubs, mostly located along The Costera, range from the norm to the sublime. Whether you are after a quiet romantic dinner, lively cultural meal experience, or would prefer to spend a few hours in a bar with live music, or dance the entire night away in one of the many impressive nightclubs. Such as Fantasy, which is popular with the thirty- something crowd which offers a great Spanish feel in music and food, with some great views over the town and Bay, to Alebrije which is a huge nightclub which seats around 1, where a typical, 200 people Friday or Saturday night begins with a slower pace and quickly builds into a disco display of music, and a dance, lights floor full of people covered in foam!


Two other popular nightclubs are Andromeda, a techno club popular with the 18- 25 crown where the theme is set on what feels like a submarine with the entrance over a dramatic torch- lit moat. Alebrije opens at 130pm and goes all night long till dawn. And Enigma gives an Egyptian feel, where the music is predominantly Spanish but does vary, and it also offers a great view of Acapulco Bay from the glass- walled dance floor. Keep in mind that the restaurants vary greatly in price, although you don t need to spend a fortune to get great tasting food and great service! For some great bar and restaurant experiences to make your Acapulco vacation more memorable, The Costera offers bars with varied atmospheres, and restaurants with specialised cuisine menus. For the males who may not be so interested in spending the majority of a 2 week vacation in Acapulco either in the shops or lazing on the sandy beaches, there is always golf, fishing or tennis to keep you occupied.


There are 4 championship golf courses, near the airport, all located south and easily accessible to from the main tourist area. My husband spent much time on the golf courses around Acapulco. The courses at the Tres Vidas and the Mayan Palace were what impressed my husband the most. The other 2 courses are the Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marques which adjoin each other. Their challenging fairways, impressive scenic views over the Pacific Ocean, and the quality of the clubhouse, hire equipment and amenities kept my husband busy for several days on the greens. And a game or two, of tennis in, or three Acapulco is a great way to spend some time away from the typical attractions of Acapulco. Within the tourist district, the Park Hotel offers very reasonable rates for those non- guests who would like a game of tennis.


The modern facilities at the Mayan Palace complex( within the same complex as the golf course) offers 13 courts open to the public, and shower facilities, with lessons available. The Club de Tenis Panoramic is a small tennis club which offers players 2 neatly kept clay courts, but book in advance for this tennis club as it is quite popular. There was something for everyone, there was no boredom over the two weeks and the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. All in all, our family vacation in Acapulco was a once in a lifetime experience. Everything mentioned above and much, much more went in to creating some lasting memories for each and every family member. I had fantasised about taking such a holiday as this, and I was not disappointed!


I can see why Acapulco attracts millions of tourists each year. Author: Jason Keiller.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Once Your Price Point Is Defined You Are Almost Ready To Make An Offer

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

Establishing a good price to offer on the home you have selected is a big step in reaching the goal of actually buying the right home for you. Now you need to begin to put all this together to craft a price point to use in your negotiations with the Seller.



Your Realtor has helped you select the right Lender for your portfolio and has also worked with you to select a good neighborhood and to understand the current dynamics of your real estate market. Selecting a good price to submit as your offer is a key point to your success in securing a contract and in closing the transaction. The price point is the maximum price you are both willing and able to pay for the home selected. In addition to the price, there are other important factors to consider at this time, such as amount of down payment, contingencies, options, a feasibility period, etc. but first let's consider the price point. How much are you willing to pay for right house? These numbers may vary depending on the transaction at hand. How much are you able to pay?


For example, for a multitude of great reasons, you may absolutely want the house. But in reality you are only able to afford a finite amount. So, you are willing to pay" what- ever- it- takes" to close the sale. Or, you have a letter of credit that ensures you are able to afford any house you want but how much are you willing to pay for this size house, in this neighborhood at this time in the market cycle? It should reflect current and expected market conditions and be reasonable. The" Right" price brings your willingness and ability in sync and is a price that will keep the Seller at the table to agree to a Contract for the Sale.


You do not want to insult the Seller who listed the house at their( hopefully realistic) price point and you do want to open the door to negotiation. At this point you need to look for a seller with more reasonable expectations. At the same time some sellers are unrealistic about price or don' t accept that they might be in a poor market. Once your price point is defined you are almost ready to make an offer. With a large down payment, the amount to be financed will be less. You should now review you financing strategy and determine how much of a down payment you want to make.


Your willingness to select the right down payment amount will impact your ability to hit your price point. If you have great cash reserves to put at- risk, a 0% down payment may be available. Unless you are going to pay cash for the house you will need to make a down payment of 0- 25% of the sale price and finance the remainder. A 20% down payment may be required in order to avoid mortgage insurance payments. Discuss this with your Realtor, and then move forward with a clear understanding of your financing plan. In other instances, the down payment is a fixed percentage of the Sales price, perhaps 5% or 10% and has been pre- determined by the Seller or the Seller's Agent or perhaps the Lender. In addition to price and down payment, you may want your offer to include a contingency on finalizing your financing, or on your ability to sell you current residence, or in consideration of other factors.


It is very important to have selected a Good Realtor early in the process. The sale may also require an appraisal, an inspection, a survey, definitely a title search and possibly a feasibility period. (The feasibility period is a defined period of time in which you verify certain factors and information to determine the impact all this new information has upon you decision to purchase. ) Your Realtor will be able to help you with all of these considerations. Armed with this information, you are now ready to make an offer. The seller will respond with acceptance or a counter. Remember, the offer will include a sales price and any option or feasibility period, general financing or other contingencies. Should the seller counter, then you do a bit of back and forth negotiations until you come to agreement on your contract to purchase. With the negotiated agreement all parties will sign and initial, a closing date, contingencies excepting will be set.

Monday, August 11, 2008

People Are Often Intimated From The Myths They Hear In Regard To Purchasing Property In Foreign Countries

So you have searched all the listing sites for Costa Rica on the web.



Well, by now you are probably more confused than when you started. Read everything you could on how to invest, what pitfalls to, where to invest watch out for, and how to get a good return on your investment. The following steps will help to simplify the process and ensure your buying experience will prove fruitful and enjoyable at the same time. It is important to decide what area you are most interested in. Narrow your search down to a particular region. The Northern Pacific has seen the most growth and development, but the prices reflect that. The Central Pacific is a juvenile in regard to investment opportunity, and the South Pacific still a baby.


The Central Valley remains a steady market with good access to San Jose. So depending on your investment goals, whether it is a" quick flip" , an extensive development, a long term hold, or simply a retirement place. Determine your budget. The particular region you choose can weigh heavily towards the end result. In order to best utilize the time you are going to have while property hunting in Costa Rica, you should have a ballpark idea of how much money you are willing to spend. Stick to your budget, which narrows your search to the properties that are most important to see. There are so many amazing pieces of property on the market in Costa Rica, that you can get bogged down trying to see everything.


Schedule your trip. You should allow yourself at least 15- 30 days in the country to be able to acclimate yourself and view enough properties to feel comfortable buying. This is a big step that too many people take for granted. Also you have to consider the weather conditions could play a vital role in how much property viewing you are actually able to do. The primary goal here is to allow yourself adequate time so that you do not feel pressured or hurried. For example, if you planned a two- week trip in October to view property in the Southern Pacific Region, you could get rained out every day, as October is the peak of the rainy season. Set up appointments.


I would even recommend setting up more than you think necessary because there is a high possibility that either you or the agent will not be able to make the appointment. Before leaving for your trip, take the time from the comfort of your home to set up several appointments. Business is very laid- back in Costa Rica and schedules are often not adhered to, so be prepared for that scenario going in. Start the hunt. Costa Rica has a way of changing schedules, which is not always a bad thing. Now the fun part begins. While searching, be sure to check the area for previous sales so you can establish an idea of what properties have been selling for.


You have picked the area or areas you are most interested in, scheduled appointments to see properties within your budget, and you are on your way to locating that perfect piece for your needs. Even if you fall in love with the first place you see( which happens often here) keep on looking because it is liable to get even better. The first is the title, this document, or escritura. Buying property in Costa Rica is a very safe process with only two primary pieces of documentation you must ensure are present and valid. Similar to a deed in the states guarantees ownership without liens or encumbrances. If both of these things are in order, you are well on your way to buying. (Insider tip- --talk to waiters at restaurants about property they might know is for sale. The second is a valid survey, this document shows, or plano the physical boundaries of the property and often any improvements.


Nearly all will know of something, and often you can find great deals. This part can be a little tricky in Costa Rica as there is no rhyme or reason to what is an acceptable offer. Just be sure to verify the aforementioned documentation if you get that far along) Make an offer. Most developments are fairly set in the prices they are asking for their land, but sometimes early in you can catch a development in need of cash flow and get a great deal. You really have to get a feel for who you are dealing with to make the right offer. When buying off a local, or Tico as they are known, I have seen offers as low as 50% accepted and other locals who were tremendously insulted by anything other than the asking price. Close the Deal.


Both parties can choose a separate lawyer or decide to use the same lawyer, which is often more cost effective. This process is very similar to the one we have here in the states. If you desire, you can choose an attorney that speaks fluent English so he can explain the entire process to you. Your attorney will do a title search and verify the survey in a manner that is equivalent to the process here. These attorneys are generally more expensive, but the peace of mind is often worth the cost. Most people choose to form a Costa Rican corporation to buy the property with, which helps to limit certain aspects of liability.


All property is then registered in the National Registry which is accessible online to check ownership status. Once everyone has signed and the funds are transferred, you are now the proud owner of your own piece of paradise. People are often intimated from the myths they hear in regard to purchasing property in foreign countries. The truth is, by simply following, from personal experience these easy steps you can ensure your experience will be a profitable and pleasant one