Government real estate auctions - tips for buyers

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Government real estate auctions sell off real property that has been seized, abandoned, or forfeited. The Department of Treasury has been designated as the state department to handle such auctions. Typically, they conduct 100 auctions a year.

The funds obtained at state real estate auctions help support local and state police and other areas of the city. The placement of a successful bid at a Department of the Treasury auction establishes a legally binding contract between the successful bidder and the Government.

Here are some basic rules and policies:
1. To be eligible to bid you must be 18 years of age and not an employee of the state.
2. You cannot be the contractor, subcontractor or vendor or their agent who has access to information about the property.
3. A bidder registration form must be submitted for approval. If bidding for someone else, the form must be notarized.
4. Buyer is to inspect property prior to placing a bid.
5. Changes may be made on the day of the sale.
6. The Government reserves the right to withdraw from sale any of the property listed.
7. The buyer understands the property is sold on the “AS IS” basis.

A lot of rules and regulations govern government real estate auctions, and it is wise if you take the time to research them prior to attempting to attend. Each registered bidder will be issued a bidding number. This is your lifeline to what is important on that day. Don't loose it.

Most importantly enjoy yourself at government real estate auctions. The properties auctioned off are very valuable and should bring you a good return.

Please visit some of my other site at Real Estate Actions and State Real Estate Auctions

Hawaii real estate in the current housing market

Paradise Deferred - S. Elliott

If you’ve ever thought about getting away from it all and moving to paradise, you’re not alone. The dream of perfect weather and carefree living has inspired many of us to toss out our ice scrappers and head for the islands, but living in paradise these days may require some patience, adjustment, and sacrifice. Honolulu is the seventh most expensive American city in which to live.

The median value of single-family owned and occupied housing in Hawaii is more than twice the national average.

Buying a home in Hawaii is an expensive proposition, but never more expensive than in the current lending market. Beautiful beaches, glorious weather and the laidback lifestyle make living in the islands a dream come true. But that dream is becoming a reality for fewer and fewer people who apply for loans, particularly in markets like Oahu where the median home price is over $400,000.

As a result of Wall Street’s current cautious approach to real estate, Hawaii is suffering a disproportionate share of the fallout. Current reluctance to buy even well rated loans in the AAA range has had a profound short-term impact on the jumbo loan market. Jumbo loans, those exceeding $400,000, have skyrocketed by more than a full point, leaving many buyers unable or unwilling to take the plunge.

Hawaii, with its highly valued real estate, is in the middle of this quagmire. Lenders hoping that the higher premiums will jump start Wall Street, are concerned that the failure of this strategy will result in more than just a brief financial hiccup. Disturbing new trends are reflected in lenders escalating rates on jumbo loans to a point and a half above conforming loans. Historically, the premium spread is about a half to three-quarters of a point.

This new disparity is setting off alarm bells across the country, but nowhere more than in Hawaii, where it is fueling fears that a large number of motivated buyers and sellers will be crippled by the inflated price of these loans.

The current turmoil in financial markets can be attributed to the failure of two elements of the lending equation: One revolves around the criteria that lenders use to determine which borrowers are most likely to repay their mortgages. The second encompasses the pool of money available to lend.

Because of many recent loan defaults, banks are stockpiling cash as a precaution against further losses from bad investments; they have become much more cautious about how and to whom they lend. Traditionally this has been called a "credit squeeze", but the fear is that, without an end in sight, we are headed toward a shortage of liquidity, a situation in which consumers have inadequate access to loans.

The prospect of a shortage of liquidity has far-reaching, global ramifications, potentially slowing economic growth on a global scale. For Hawaii, this could be devastating.

Investing in bulgarian property - the fast track to huge capital gains

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There are amazing profits to be made in the Bulgarian property market. Careful research can even uncover properties that offer instant equity and guaranteed returns.

Bulgaria is currently the EU investment hotspot. The prospect of capital gains of 30% per annum, and the cheapest property in Europe is attracting investors from across the globe.

Millions of euros are being spent each and every month by investors eager to cash in and this is set to continue unabated, with the prospect of full EU accession in 2007. Entry into the European Community always prompts massive price increases, with 100% capital gains in a single year, quite commonplace.

All property types in Bulgaria offer incredible value for money and are experiencing good capital gains across the board. However, with careful research, unbelievable opportunities are to be found in this booming market.

The sheer volume of properties can offer a bewildering choice and in any region or resort the asking price of the properties on sale can vary massively. It is vital to accurately gauge the market value of each particular area.

In the off plan market especially, developers will launch their new projects with introductory discounts to stimulate sales. Properties are available with discounts of up to 20%.

The property for sale in Bulgaria is primarily designed for the holiday trade and corporate letting market. Forward thinking developers, have already begun to sign agreements with major holiday companies and corporations for letting the properties they are building. The income generated is then passed to the purchaser, as a further inducement to stimulate sales.

There are currently deals available which will offer anything between 2% to 15% as a guaranteed rental.

Bulgaria offers the best investment opportunity around today. The low cost of entry, consistent prices rises and the expected capital gains surge from EU accession next year, provide an irresistible mix for the property novice and seasoned investor alike.

investmentpropertybg. com/"> investmentpropertybg. com offer a free service to locate either resale or off plan properties, with prices that range from under Ј10,000. With offices both in the UK and Bulgaria they have a wealth of local knowledge and a massive portfolio to choose from.

Preparing your home for sale the first impression

By John Tatman, Retired Real Estate Appraiser

Let us try to see your home through the buyer’s eyes. You have lived there for years and you see your home everyday. Is it appealing from the street? Would YOU buy it? Be honest.

In addition to all the common sense preparations such as picking up the toys and cleaning the yard…let’s spend a little money and really make your home inviting.

The lawn: Common sense tells you to keep your lawn mowed and edged, but does it look like a green desert…with no pizzazz? Let’s go shopping and add some. Visit your local nursery and bring your checkbook. We are after greenery, concrete and other things.

Consider your entryway… Assuming your lawn is not already landscaped; consider putting 2 to 4 – 18 inch to 24 inch pot plants along the entryway. This will give a welcoming atmosphere. Also, consider an attractive concrete birdbath “close to the front entry”.

The driveway: Plant 2 – 18 inch to 24 inch shrubs on the entry to your driveway. The Mail Box: Whether it is located near the entrance or on the curb, if it is not new…replace it. The preferable color is black with gold trim.

The Entryway/Porch: In addition to removing the cobwebs, consider new paint, preferably a light and inviting color.

The Front Door: Common sense says paint it…but l’ll go a bit further, replace it. This is the most important decision you will make. A bland looking front door gives the impression that the interior will also be bland

and set the tone for the home tour. It is human nature.

I suggest a top half, leaded glass door beautifully stained and varnished.

You will be surprised at the difference this will make in the mental tone this will set, even in yourself.

Some of these suggestions may seem a little extreme, but with years of experience in the Real Estate industry, I have seen these tips work with much success. When you can look at your home and objectively say…Yes, I would buy it! You are ready to place your For Sale sign in your yard.

John Tatman is a retired Certified Real Estate Appraiser

Texas Showcase Homes

Dubai apartments for rent on self-catering basis part 1 tips for tenants

With over 5.8 million visitors in 2005 and occupancy rate in excess of 83% Dubai is fast becoming one of the world's premier tourist destinations in the world with tourism business reaching unprecedented levels.

It is clear that the travel industry hence the local accommodation providers are riding the biggest wave of their life as the request for holiday accommodation has clearly overtaken the supply.

Quality wise, there is a wide choice of accommodation available in Dubai ranging from hotels or hotel apartments to self-catering villas and apartments with this latest option being much sought after in recent days.

Renting a furnished apartment or villa on self-catering basis proves to be a cheaper option then staying in many hotels especially if you intend staying in Dubai for longer then the usual package holiday or if you are a large group or simply wish to have greater flexibility and privacy.

One of the most popular areas of Dubai is the Dubai Marina that delights residents and visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique refreshing lifestyle, challenging the most exclusive waterfront developments in the world's leading cities.

Booking a Hotel in Dubai Marina is out of reach for many travelers who would rather spend their budget on shopping, for this reason renting a self–catering apartment or villa can be a smart option, more affordable, more comfortable and also more exciting…. There are many villas and apartments available for short-term rental on self-catering basis and can cater from a minimum of 1 guest to as much as 15 guests according to the design of the individual property.

When planning to book a holiday apartment or villa in Dubai on self-catering basis it is necessary to carefully select the right agent to deal with. The most recommended would certainly be those actually based in Dubai that can guarantee you full assistance on a 24 hrs basis.

It’s really the quality that matters when you choose your holiday home in Dubai, yes you could be spending a little extra but in the end is your accommodation on the line. Some properties are equipped with every amenity you could think of, from the bread toaster to the kettle, from the coffee maker to the microwave some even offer a complimentary twice weekly house keeping service, fresh towels, fresh bed sheets and extra amenities such as shampoo, shower gel etc… some other properties that come across as a good bargain could end up being a bad surprise to say the least and you might experience issues such as faulty air conditioning, lack of water pressure, rusted cutlery items, lack of glassware or cooking items, poor hygiene level and the list can go on to a point where your vacation could get badly compromised. Professional agencies maintain and check on the properties on regular basis in addition to supply amenities, accessories and services to a level that can meet and in some cases go beyond the standard of a 5 stars hotel.

Probably the best way to go about it, when possible, would be to actually inspect the premises before making any payment, in this way you will have a direct understanding of the quality of property you are about to reserve and you will also be able to check the consistency with the information (photos or descriptions) that were displayed on the agent website or catalogue.

When booking a self-catering apartment or villa there are few questions that you might want to ask such as:

How far and where is the nearest hospital? Does the property have a telephone line to make at least emergency calls? Will you be awaited at your arrival in the early ours of the morning and will you be escorted to your apartment by professional and English speaking staff? Will you find first hand groceries in the fridge at your arrival? How far is the closest pharmacy? How far is the closest supermarket? How far is the closest restaurant or coffee shop? Are the utility bills included in the rent? Is there a house keeping service provided? Is there an emergency assistance number that you could call in case it was required? Is there an Internet connection in the apartment? Is there a cable TV in the apartment? How far is the beach? How far is the closest mall? Is the area fully developed or is it still under construction? How noisy or quite is it and does the apartment/villa have double-glazed windows to serve this purpose? Are taxis easily available? Etc etc…. In the end it all comes to experience and professionalism… There are many companies offering holiday villas and apartments in Dubai and around the world, which is a great advantage as it keeps the competition alive and the rates affordable, however be always careful and do your homework before making your final choice, at the end of the day it’s your holiday on the line and you don’t want to jeopardize it just to save a few bucks.