Everyone's Blog Posts - Real Estate Investing - Investment Articles Forum Tips Clubs2024-03-19T03:33:00Zhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?xn_auth=noWhy Choose an Apartment in Biloxi?tag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-08-28:2284452:BlogPost:687182013-08-28T16:00:00.000ZHarvy Yeehttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/HarvyYee
<p>Anyone that is looking for an apartment in Biloxi will find quite a few choices. There are a few things that people can do to find the best properties here and get a good result from their search. Taking things step-by-step in the search process can be the smart way to find a new home.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What are the most important things to think about?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some people think that the price of a unit is the most important thing to consider and will use this as a…</p>
<p>Anyone that is looking for an apartment in Biloxi will find quite a few choices. There are a few things that people can do to find the best properties here and get a good result from their search. Taking things step-by-step in the search process can be the smart way to find a new home.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What are the most important things to think about?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some people think that the price of a unit is the most important thing to consider and will use this as a basis for their search. This only tells part of the story. A unit that is farther away from things that people use on a regular basis or from work costs more money in the long run. Units that have useful features may also be better deals for one reason or another. An example of this might be finding a place with advanced features in the fitness room. This could potentially save the tenant money instead of an outside gym membership.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The unit should also be a good fit aesthetically. People should find the units attractive, with the right colors and features so that they feel it is truly like a home. Attractive, well-landscaped complexes are something else to consider.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What should the unit include?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A good floor plan is the most important item to consider as this lays the groundwork for everything else. People may need a specific kind of floor plan such as a split bedroom plan if their household requires it. Space, storage and modern styling are probably at the tops of most people’s lists. People will want to find good-sized closets, ample kitchen storage and counter space when looking for a unit. Many units have the extra details that people want such as laminate floors, dual sinks in the master bathroom or laundry machines in the unit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What about amenities?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The right amenities can be the frosting on the cake. People may want a community room that hosts a lot of parties or gatherings. Pet owners may want a pet park. Families are often looking for kid-friendly features like sports courts, a swimming pool or a playground.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some units have the benefit of offering easy beach access. Others may have a park-like setting. Some will have added features that are not commonly found such as a fitness instructor that comes on site regularly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>People may also be looking for specific security features. Controlled access is a common one and should also extend to parking areas. Another feature to look for is video surveillance.</p>
<p></p>
<p>For more information visit us on our website <a href="http://arborproperties.com/arbor-view-ms">http://arborproperties.com/arbor-view-ms</a></p>Your Best Guide For How To Get The Most Out.tag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-07-25:2284452:BlogPost:672232013-07-25T20:36:20.000ZSolomon Broganhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/SolomonBrogan
Focus on your strengths, and hire SEO professionals who can help you with the rest. The advice contained in the following article will help you move forward in the right way.<br></br><br></br>Take your keywords and research all the different variations and misspellings of them and include them in the meta-tag section of your webpage. Search engine bots will find analyze these meta tags and including this information will increase your visibility.<img alt="seo companies" src="http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/seoreview/seoreview_zpse5eea84b.jpg" title="How to Choose the Best SEO Firm for Your Business (c) seoreview"></img> While you should include topical keywords in…
Focus on your strengths, and hire SEO professionals who can help you with the rest. The advice contained in the following article will help you move forward in the right way.<br/><br/>Take your keywords and research all the different variations and misspellings of them and include them in the meta-tag section of your webpage. Search engine bots will find analyze these meta tags and including this information will increase your visibility.<img src="http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b570/seoreview/seoreview_zpse5eea84b.jpg" alt="seo companies" title="How to Choose the Best SEO Firm for Your Business (c) seoreview"/> While you should include topical keywords in these meta tags, you can also consider <a href="http://Www.Worldatlas.com/">including</a> misspellings, like "ipone" if your content is about an iPhone.<br/><br/>Think about adding a podcast to your website. Podcasts can be either video or audio content, and they are sometimes streamed live. Make sure you provide relevant <a href="http://www.Franceculture.fr/rubrique/information">information</a> for your audience. This popular approach requires little more than locating and operating an audio recorder or webcam. This way, descriptions of the podcasts you have will appear in search results.<br/><br/>"Alt" tags are crucial when adding image links to your site. Use these tags to replace pictures if a site visitor disables his or her image display. Search engine spiders can't read images, only alt tags, which means they'll be seeing those keywords. And this can improve your search ranking.<br/><br/>Before starting, research your keywords. Focus on the keywords you need when creating your titles and site.<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3185/2586669081_7533ae2683.jpg" alt="search engine optimization firm" title="Ensure Website Visibility With Search Engine Optimization Slide6 (c) hongxing128"/> By researching certain keywords, you will be able to find out <a href="http://wikipedia.org/wiki/exactly">exactly</a> what people search for in your category. Raise your SEO ranking by focusing on these subjects throughout your webpage.<br/><br/>Search Engine Optimization requires a lot of patience. Sometimes it will seem like all your efforts are being done in vain. Rome wasn't built in a day, and it'll take time for you to build up a strong presence on the web. Stay consistent even if early results aren't always promising. It takes time to build a brand and to build a base of visitors. Over time, if you have dedication, you will see your site rise in the search engine rankings.<br/><br/>Don't make pages that have nothing but links on them. The links you place in your copy should flow naturally. Readers don't really like contextless links, and search engines penalize pages with a high link-to-text ratio. Maintaining a sound connection between your text and content gives a much better impression of relevance to search engines.<br/><br/>Take advantage of the companies that provide SEO services. This will help you market your site effectively and increase your search engine rankings substantially. You may get a discount on this kind of service.<br/><br/>Spiders sent out by search engines are constantly on the lookout for fresh content. A blog is an excellent way to attract these spiders because you can update it constantly. Furthermore, truly good-quality content will often be passed around. As a result, anyone who shares your articles is more likely to visit your site again and again; their friends will too!<br/><br/>Consider hiring a company that can do the SEO work for you, but make sure they specialize in this type of work. This marketing plan will ensure that your site will be near the top of all relevant search results. Many different companies offer reasonable prices and promotions on these services.<br/><br/>Search engines will help increase visitors to your website. Make your site spider friendly, and it will get excellent search engine results. Tag all images on your website, since spiders only read text. Try to embed a lot of keywords in these tags where possible.<br/><br/>Make use of the SEO, or search engine optimization, services that are offered by many companies. These firms can help you design your site so that it is at the top of the results page in a search engine. Today there are many companies that sell the service of search engine optimization. Depending on what they provide and various promotions available, these tools and services can represent an affordable option for many businesses.<br/><br/>Search engines are always modifying their algorithms, so you need to remember that the SEO tips that work today may not be as successful tomorrow. To maintain a high-ranking website you should keep current with advancements in the SEO industry.<br/><br/>Here's more info on <a href="http://www.goldmedalseo.com/twitter-domination.html">increase twitter followers</a> stop by <a href="http://www.goldmedalseo.com/twitter-domination.html">http://www.goldmedalseo.com/twitter-domination.html</a>Punjab Government plans to sell Mullanpur as New Chandigarhtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-07-24:2284452:BlogPost:668492013-07-24T04:40:31.000ZMohit Sharmahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/MohitSharma
<p>The recent brouhaha about renaming the rural stretch Mullanpur to New Chandigarh has everyone talking about. The decision of Punjab government to rename the area hasn’t gone down too well with the Haryana Chief Minister, who thinks it an unethical ploy to sell the place using false advertising.</p>
<p>Unethical or not, the renaming can be best viewed as an attempt of the government to cash in on the popularity of Chandigarh. One look at the place and you are sure that it is going to go down…</p>
<p>The recent brouhaha about renaming the rural stretch Mullanpur to New Chandigarh has everyone talking about. The decision of Punjab government to rename the area hasn’t gone down too well with the Haryana Chief Minister, who thinks it an unethical ploy to sell the place using false advertising.</p>
<p>Unethical or not, the renaming can be best viewed as an attempt of the government to cash in on the popularity of Chandigarh. One look at the place and you are sure that it is going to go down in the history as an urban legend. In the midst of vast expanse of barren agricultural land, a high-rise commercial tower rises like sore thumb. Not a pretty sight, but this is soon going to become a more prevalent realty of this place.</p>
<p>According to estimates of the government, around 3 lakh inhabitants will call the <a href="http://www.99acres.com/Chandigarh-Real-Estate.htm" target="_blank">New Chandigarh</a> their home in the next 17 years. The Chandigarh-Mullanpur road is being projected as the ticket to the development of New Chandigarh. Often referred to as the unwanted child of Chandigarh, Mullanpur, now New Chandigarh is spread across 15,000 acres and if the Punjab government has its way, the place will have at least 17 high-rises.</p>
<p>According to the Mullanpur Local Planning Area Master Plan, the place will be divided in 20 sectors. It will be developed as waterfront urban area with three main rivulets the Jayanti Devi ki Rao, Siswan and Patiala ki Rao, flowing through the LPA. As Chandigarh spoon feeds its new neighbor, the question rises that will things improve for better or all the efforts will go down in drain. Everyone knows that despite tall claims of Bhiwadi being the next Gurgaon, there is hardly any similarity between the two. Other than the industrial belt that it is known for, Bhiwadi hasn’t really attracted the end buyer to invest here and the vacancy rates are quite high.</p>
<p>Currently, people looking for alternatives to Chandigarh find Mohali as the best place to invest in. A <a href="http://www.99acres.com/flats-in-mohali-ffid" target="_blank">flat in Mohali</a> costs half the price of a flat in Chandigarh and that too without compromising on too much quality and facilities. Whether New Chandigarh’s development is going to change the buyer sentiment is something that is best left to time to answer.</p>The Five Must-haves of Every Multi-family Investmenttag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-05-02:2284452:BlogPost:658612013-05-02T17:46:50.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>Are you looking for a multifamily investment property? If so, what is included on your list of criteria when shopping available options? If the five must-have features listed here are not on it, then it’s time to make some adjustments in your search if you want a property that will perform for years to come.</p>
<ol>
<li>Location. Yes, it’s true that not every property can have the most appealing location in town; but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. In addition to lower maintenance,…</li>
</ol>
<p>Are you looking for a multifamily investment property? If so, what is included on your list of criteria when shopping available options? If the five must-have features listed here are not on it, then it’s time to make some adjustments in your search if you want a property that will perform for years to come.</p>
<ol>
<li>Location. Yes, it’s true that not every property can have the most appealing location in town; but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. In addition to lower maintenance, most tenants rent out of convenience. And, because of this, the property they choose should be centrally located to restaurants, shopping, markets, and public service buildings (library).</li>
<li>Safety. Going hand-in-hand with location, tenants are going to want to live somewhere that is safe. With the ability to choose in which property you will invest, doing your research about neighborhoods, their crime rates, and available safety measures will go a long way in marketability, especially when it comes to marketing to families.</li>
<li>Structural stability. Just like with a primary residence, you want to seek out properties without foundation issues, significant roof damage, or other structural issues that may sink your budget or worse. While purchasing a like-new property may be out of your price range, purchasing one that is too much of a fixer-upper may prove even more costly if you’re not careful. So, get a thorough inspection before making any decisions, and plan to spend a bit more money on a good structure, while saving on aesthetic issues that you can improve.</li>
<li>Working guts. Yes, guts. These are the inner workings of any building and can prove extremely costly in repairs as well. Ask questions. Look into electrical, plumbing and HVAC situations and have licensed professionals verify any information. It may be an added up-front, out-of-pocket cost, but it will save you big time in the long-run.</li>
<li>Property Management. Even before you get out there and begin your search, it’s necessary to have a property management company working with you to help ensure your decisions are informed. Some investors make the mistake of deciding which provider to work with only after the purchase decision has been made; but it is these investors who are missing out on all the added value PMs can bring to property analysis.</li>
</ol>
<p>Find out how we can help you make the best multi-family property investment decision today. Call us at 817-908-1460 or email us at info@classamanagement.com.</p>How to Raise the Renttag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:661152013-04-04T21:50:55.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>Rental rate. It’s a critical factor. It’s the reason you’ve picked this asset class as your investment, and ensuring it provides the greatest return is your highest priority. But raising the rent can be a challenge. People are sensitive about money and no one wants to pay a higher price for exactly what they currently have.</p>
<p>The truth is, inflation happens. Just like property taxes and other associated costs with houses rise each year, so too does the cost of living in an apartment,…</p>
<p>Rental rate. It’s a critical factor. It’s the reason you’ve picked this asset class as your investment, and ensuring it provides the greatest return is your highest priority. But raising the rent can be a challenge. People are sensitive about money and no one wants to pay a higher price for exactly what they currently have.</p>
<p>The truth is, inflation happens. Just like property taxes and other associated costs with houses rise each year, so too does the cost of living in an apartment, and tenants should expect this within a reasonable range. So, when it comes time for lease renewals and you’re facing the need to adjust rental rates to correspond with demand, the market, and the economy, these helpful tips should help ensure tenants respond positively by continuing to pledge their loyalty to your property.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>1. Be strategic.</b></p>
<p>Don’t just say “It’s time for the annual rent raising event,” and send out notice. Do your research. What is the current rate of economic inflation? What are comparable properties charging for their units? What separates your properties from others that warrants additional rent? Do you have additional costs? Are there amenities that have been added that must be shared?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>2. Talk it out.</b></p>
<p>Once you’ve done your homework, make sure you communicate what you’ve found directly to your tenants in a well thought out letter that tells them not only about the rental rate increase, but also the specifics about why it’s occurring. No one wants to hear “your rent is increasing” with absolutely no mention of why. Justifying the hike will help tenants to be more receptive, especially if you’re able to successfully show them all the benefits they are getting for the rate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>3. Give time.</b></p>
<p>Don’t spring a rate increase on a tenant the day a lease is to be renewed. Be thoughtful and provide at least 30 days’ notice, in writing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>4. Sweeten the pot.</b></p>
<p>Want to entice a great tenant to stay despite the hike? Consider sweetening the pot. Raising the rent less than it is raised for incoming tenants, providing complimentary access to amenities or parking, and offering aesthetic upgrades in their current unit are just a few examples.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You will most often find that when you approach people rationally and strategically, it’s easier to accomplish your goals.</p>Want to Know What Renters Want?tag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:658152013-04-04T21:39:07.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>Whether you’re a multi-family property owner or thinking about becoming one, it’s imperative you understand what renters are currently looking for in a rental property. While it’s fairly safe to assume most want safety, community, and good management, there are additional line items that could make or break the decision for a prospective tenant.</p>
<p>According to the latest survey from Apartments.com, it is apparent that more and more Americans are choosing to rent. Their reasons why and…</p>
<p>Whether you’re a multi-family property owner or thinking about becoming one, it’s imperative you understand what renters are currently looking for in a rental property. While it’s fairly safe to assume most want safety, community, and good management, there are additional line items that could make or break the decision for a prospective tenant.</p>
<p>According to the latest survey from Apartments.com, it is apparent that more and more Americans are choosing to rent. Their reasons why and what they are looking for are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tenant’s choices of where to rent are most heavily influenced by three factors: employment relocation, cost savings, and apartment size.</li>
<li>When going through the search process, tenants are turning more and more to the opinions of trusted sources.</li>
<li>More than 35% of current renters are previous homeowners who have decided to rent primarily because of affordability and flexibility. Other reasons include:<ul>
<li>Cannot afford home ownership expenses = 14.2%</li>
<li>Employment relocation = 13.3%</li>
<li>Foreclosure or divorce = 11.2%</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When asked about move intentions in 2013, tenants report their decisions are based on: family/family situation (16%) and education/graduation (11.3%)</li>
<li>Tenants are using a number of methods to locate their next rental property. More than half rely on website searches while 31.5% rely on word of mouth from trusted sources.</li>
<li>And, if you’re wondering about living arrangements, here’s what you can expect from the average renter:<ul>
<li>49.6% live with husband, wife, significant other, and/or kids</li>
<li>40.3% live alone</li>
<li>10.1% live with roommate(s)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/blog/2013/02/06/survey-reveals-what-renters-want-in-2013/">http://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/blog/2013/02/06/survey-reveals-what-renters-want-in-2013/</a></i></p>Want to Know What Renters Want?tag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:658142013-04-04T21:38:44.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>Whether you’re a multi-family property owner or thinking about becoming one, it’s imperative you understand what renters are currently looking for in a rental property. While it’s fairly safe to assume most want safety, community, and good management, there are additional line items that could make or break the decision for a prospective tenant.</p>
<p>According to the latest survey from Apartments.com, it is apparent that more and more Americans are choosing to rent. Their reasons why and…</p>
<p>Whether you’re a multi-family property owner or thinking about becoming one, it’s imperative you understand what renters are currently looking for in a rental property. While it’s fairly safe to assume most want safety, community, and good management, there are additional line items that could make or break the decision for a prospective tenant.</p>
<p>According to the latest survey from Apartments.com, it is apparent that more and more Americans are choosing to rent. Their reasons why and what they are looking for are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tenant’s choices of where to rent are most heavily influenced by three factors: employment relocation, cost savings, and apartment size.</li>
<li>When going through the search process, tenants are turning more and more to the opinions of trusted sources.</li>
<li>More than 35% of current renters are previous homeowners who have decided to rent primarily because of affordability and flexibility. Other reasons include:<ul>
<li>Cannot afford home ownership expenses = 14.2%</li>
<li>Employment relocation = 13.3%</li>
<li>Foreclosure or divorce = 11.2%</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When asked about move intentions in 2013, tenants report their decisions are based on: family/family situation (16%) and education/graduation (11.3%)</li>
<li>Tenants are using a number of methods to locate their next rental property. More than half rely on website searches while 31.5% rely on word of mouth from trusted sources.</li>
<li>And, if you’re wondering about living arrangements, here’s what you can expect from the average renter:<ul>
<li>49.6% live with husband, wife, significant other, and/or kids</li>
<li>40.3% live alone</li>
<li>10.1% live with roommate(s)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/blog/2013/02/06/survey-reveals-what-renters-want-in-2013/">http://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/blog/2013/02/06/survey-reveals-what-renters-want-in-2013/</a></i></p>A Glimpse Into the U.S. Multifamily Property Markettag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:660142013-04-04T21:36:12.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>If you’re a property owner, then you probably have a nagging desire for information about the market as well as tenant behavior. Let us help quench that thirst with a brief summary of the results of the National Survey of Renters survey, conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation.</p>
<ul>
<li>The total number of apartment buildings in the U.S. account for 48% of available rental space options</li>
<li>Seventy-three percent of renters live in apartments, as opposed to the 27% that live in…</li>
</ul>
<p>If you’re a property owner, then you probably have a nagging desire for information about the market as well as tenant behavior. Let us help quench that thirst with a brief summary of the results of the National Survey of Renters survey, conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation.</p>
<ul>
<li>The total number of apartment buildings in the U.S. account for 48% of available rental space options</li>
<li>Seventy-three percent of renters live in apartments, as opposed to the 27% that live in single-family properties</li>
<li>Strong demand in 2013 is expected to drive up rental rates 4.6% across the nation (National Association of Realtors)</li>
<li>Continued demand is expected to push rates up more than 4% each year in 2014 and 2015 (REIS)</li>
<li>There is the potential for the creation of five to six million new renter households over the next ten years</li>
<li>With a still-high number of foreclosures needing new owners, there is the potential for increased competitive pressure from investors who will use the opportunity to turn them into single-family rental properties</li>
<li>When asked how long they expected to live in their current apartment, 56% of respondents said less than two years; 20% said three to five years; and 22% said more than 5 years</li>
<li>Respondents were also asked their opinion of the management at their current property, to which 7% said poor; 24% said adequate; 37% said good; and 32% said exceptional</li>
<li>While the common misconception is that financing is what is keeping renters from becoming homebuyers, the survey results actually show that the considerable factor is actually the rental lifestyle (40% enjoy being renters while 39% simply don’t want to be homeowners)</li>
<li>And, when asked about the factors most important in determining whether to rent at a particular property, respondents said:<ul>
<li>71% = Good schools</li>
<li>98% = Safe neighborhood </li>
<li>61% = Parks and playgrounds</li>
<li>57% = Community center</li>
<li>49% = Friendly neighborhood </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.memphisinvest.com/national-renter-survey-2013/">http://www.memphisinvest.com/national-renter-survey-2013/</a></i></p>How Online Videos Can Decrease Your Vacancy Ratetag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:662152013-04-04T21:34:20.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>How many videos do you have scattered around the Internet working for you to promote your property at all hours of the day and night? If you said “none,” we need to have a serious talk. Videos are highly beneficial, and they are especially so for real estate for the following reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li><b><i>Visual</i></b>. Video allows you to show the property, its amenities, the desirable attributes prospective tenants will love, and more, rather than just explaining them in ads, articles or…</li>
</ol>
<p>How many videos do you have scattered around the Internet working for you to promote your property at all hours of the day and night? If you said “none,” we need to have a serious talk. Videos are highly beneficial, and they are especially so for real estate for the following reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li><b><i>Visual</i></b>. Video allows you to show the property, its amenities, the desirable attributes prospective tenants will love, and more, rather than just explaining them in ads, articles or blogs. They always say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a video adds incalculable value.</li>
<li><b><i>Informational</i></b>. While there are plenty of ways to provide information to a prospective tenant, doing it through video is quicker and often more appealing than reading through a narrative. Because of this, you can also provide even greater detail and information than you might otherwise be able.</li>
<li><b><i>Exposure</i></b>. Videos often show up in a different area of search engines than articles and other links, providing the companies that post them with heightened and unique exposure. For this reason, it’s important to maximize SEO to ensure optimal placement.</li>
</ol>
<p>If you think about it, when you’re searching for a real estate investment or home buying opportunity, isn’t a video tour a highly desirable sales tool? Why should it be any different when searching for an apartment home? Tenants are just as likely to desire as much information and inside views of the properties they’re considering as you yourself would.</p>
<p>A whopping 90% of tenants search multiple websites to find rental information. And, following this trend, is an increase in the popularity of online promotional videos. According to RentShout.com: “It's no secret that renters like to see what a property looks like before making a decision, and many times before they ever contact the property manager or owner. With video also becoming increasingly popular in online search, <strong>rental video marketing</strong> is a great way to bring extra exposure to your rental listings.” And, as we all know, exposure brings prospective tenants, and tenants bring down the vacancy rate.</p>
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.rentshout.com/rental-video-marketing_149.htm">http://www.rentshout.com/rental-video-marketing_149.htm</a></i></p>What Homebuilder Confidence Declines Mean for Multi-family Property Ownerstag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:660132013-04-04T21:32:37.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>For the second straight month, national homebuilder confidence fell during the month of May. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo, confidence slipped 2 points to 44. This was unexpected, as a Bloomberg survey earlier in the month had revealed an expected increase in confidence to 47.</p>
<p>What does this say to us about the rental market? According to the report, anything below 50 means survey respondents consider homebuilding conditions to be poor.…</p>
<p>For the second straight month, national homebuilder confidence fell during the month of May. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo, confidence slipped 2 points to 44. This was unexpected, as a Bloomberg survey earlier in the month had revealed an expected increase in confidence to 47.</p>
<p>What does this say to us about the rental market? According to the report, anything below 50 means survey respondents consider homebuilding conditions to be poor. When consumers feel it’s poor, they are a lot less likely to build. This potentially signals either that rental demand will stay the same or increase as consumers opt to stay put or gravitate toward renting.</p>
<p>What it means for you as a property owner is that it’s a good opportunity to ensure your marketing is in working order and effectively promoting your property to prospective renters. In the event prospective tenants, who were faced with the opportunity to build a home, are now not doing so for whatever reason, you want to ensure they are fully aware of your property as a viable alternative. You also want to ensure your current tenants and happy and well taken care of. The process of losing a tenant and having to source a new one is a lot more expensive and easy than some of the simple and effective methods that can be employed to ensure your current tenants stay put.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for some ideas on how to achieve this, check out some of our other blogs at <a href="http://www.classamanagement.com/blog">www.classamanagement.com/blog</a>.</p>
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-18/homebuilder-confidence-in-u-s-unexpectedly-fell-in-march.html">http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-18/homebuilder-confidence-in-u-s-unexpectedly-fell-in-march.html</a></i></p>Why Multi-family Properties are Better than Single-family Investmentstag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:662142013-04-04T21:28:50.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>If you’re considering a rental income property for purchase, but you’re not sure whether to go for the traditional, single-family investment (i.e., homes, duplexes, condos) or to opt for the larger, multi-family complex, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five reasons why the larger investment may be worth more to you in the long-run:</p>
<ol>
<li>Multi-family properties allow for more tenants, hence the name: multi-family. This, naturally yields itself to greater income…</li>
</ol>
<p>If you’re considering a rental income property for purchase, but you’re not sure whether to go for the traditional, single-family investment (i.e., homes, duplexes, condos) or to opt for the larger, multi-family complex, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five reasons why the larger investment may be worth more to you in the long-run:</p>
<ol>
<li>Multi-family properties allow for more tenants, hence the name: multi-family. This, naturally yields itself to greater income potential. While there is also greater potential for issues, proper property maintenance and management can reduce this risk.</li>
<li>Apartment complexes are where young tenants are moving. The younger generations desire apartment living. They want to rent, not own; they want to be managed, not manage; and they want ease of access and use. In fact, Generation Y has become affectionately known as <i>Generation Rent</i> in many parts of the world.</li>
<li>Baby Boomers, now the second largest generation, are also moving into smaller living communities, downgrading their living desires in response to having an empty house. A wonderful turn of preference for multi-family owners is the fact that a considerable amount of Boomers are shunning retirement communities in favor of properties that offer convenience and community, according to a recent report in the <i>Business Insider</i>.</li>
<li>While a single-family home can definitely be managed by a third-party, a multi-family property lends itself more easily to on-site management of trained professionals.</li>
<li>On a per-unit basis, the multi-family investment is typically less expensive than a single-family investment. You are purchasing more units, that will almost always individually equal less than the total of an investment on just one single-family property. The investment, therefore, lends itself to greater cash flow potential.</li>
</ol>Why Multi-family Properties are Better than Single-family Investmentstag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-04:2284452:BlogPost:662132013-04-04T21:28:48.000ZCathy Fontanahttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/CathyFontana
<p>If you’re considering a rental income property for purchase, but you’re not sure whether to go for the traditional, single-family investment (i.e., homes, duplexes, condos) or to opt for the larger, multi-family complex, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five reasons why the larger investment may be worth more to you in the long-run:</p>
<ol>
<li>Multi-family properties allow for more tenants, hence the name: multi-family. This, naturally yields itself to greater income…</li>
</ol>
<p>If you’re considering a rental income property for purchase, but you’re not sure whether to go for the traditional, single-family investment (i.e., homes, duplexes, condos) or to opt for the larger, multi-family complex, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five reasons why the larger investment may be worth more to you in the long-run:</p>
<ol>
<li>Multi-family properties allow for more tenants, hence the name: multi-family. This, naturally yields itself to greater income potential. While there is also greater potential for issues, proper property maintenance and management can reduce this risk.</li>
<li>Apartment complexes are where young tenants are moving. The younger generations desire apartment living. They want to rent, not own; they want to be managed, not manage; and they want ease of access and use. In fact, Generation Y has become affectionately known as <i>Generation Rent</i> in many parts of the world.</li>
<li>Baby Boomers, now the second largest generation, are also moving into smaller living communities, downgrading their living desires in response to having an empty house. A wonderful turn of preference for multi-family owners is the fact that a considerable amount of Boomers are shunning retirement communities in favor of properties that offer convenience and community, according to a recent report in the <i>Business Insider</i>.</li>
<li>While a single-family home can definitely be managed by a third-party, a multi-family property lends itself more easily to on-site management of trained professionals.</li>
<li>On a per-unit basis, the multi-family investment is typically less expensive than a single-family investment. You are purchasing more units, that will almost always individually equal less than the total of an investment on just one single-family property. The investment, therefore, lends itself to greater cash flow potential.</li>
</ol>Five (5) Social Media Tips To Grow Your Connection As A Real Estate Agenttag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-04-03:2284452:BlogPost:658132013-04-03T03:14:35.000Z63RealEstatehttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/63RealEstate
<p>One of the characteristics of an effective <a href="http://www.alveoland.com.ph/Philippine-properties.php" target="_blank">Philippine real estate</a> agent is to have a wide network of contacts. A great way to do this is through the use of social media. Here are five (5) quick tips to grow your connection.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="1">
<li><b>Facebook.</b> Establish a profile on Facebook that will reflect your passion in the real estate field – show it on your Cover Photo, Profile Image, Info…</li>
</ol>
<p>One of the characteristics of an effective <a href="http://www.alveoland.com.ph/Philippine-properties.php" target="_blank">Philippine real estate</a> agent is to have a wide network of contacts. A great way to do this is through the use of social media. Here are five (5) quick tips to grow your connection.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="1">
<li><b>Facebook.</b> Establish a profile on Facebook that will reflect your passion in the real estate field – show it on your Cover Photo, Profile Image, Info and Likes Tab. Join niche groups – public, private and secret groups that will allow you to meet a wide variety of professionals having the same interest. Like industry-known Facebook pages to be up to date, then comment, comment, comment.</li>
</ol>
<p><b> </b></p>
<ol start="2">
<li><b>Twitter.</b> Setup an account and follow the leaders in the business. Converse. The most effective technique to gain followers on Twitter is to connect through conversations. Have yourself listed in real estate listings. Post only major informative links. Do not use this as a means to promote your site. Keep in mind that your goal is to increase your fanbase, not to be another spam bot.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ol start="3">
<li><b>Linkedin.</b> Craft an impressive portfolio on LinkedIn. Remember, this is the world’s most professional network so your portfolio should depict you as an expert. Add a niche group and participate in the discussions.</li>
</ol>
<p><b> </b></p>
<ol start="4">
<li><b>Google Plus.</b> With Google putting big weight on authorship, to be active on Google Plus is now a must. Grow your circles. Contribute in the community and share your insights. Be present in popular hangouts.</li>
</ol>
<p><b> </b></p>
<ol start="5">
<li><b>Blog.</b> Create a weblog. Let this be a hub for both people and search engines to find you. Publish unique and valuable content. Do it regularly. Link to breaking news posts. Apply SEO on your blog. If part of your job is to sell <a href="http://www.alveoland.com.ph/" target="_blank">houses for sale in the Philippines</a>, give advice on the usual what-nots.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>Thomas Napiontek: The Argument for Networkingtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:647292013-03-07T18:59:14.000ZTom Napiontekhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TomNapiontek
<p>Real estate investors have a competitive nature that is completely understandable. “Winning” a bid on the ideal investment property sometimes puts us at odds with each other, but there are three ways that real estate professionals can help each other – and themselves – by collaborating with others.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="1">
<li><a href="http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2011/09/08/find-real-estate-mentor/">Find a mentor</a>. Novice investors who are looking to learn everything they…</li>
</ol>
<p>Real estate investors have a competitive nature that is completely understandable. “Winning” a bid on the ideal investment property sometimes puts us at odds with each other, but there are three ways that real estate professionals can help each other – and themselves – by collaborating with others.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="1">
<li><a href="http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2011/09/08/find-real-estate-mentor/">Find a mentor</a>. Novice investors who are looking to learn everything they can about the market before they invest need look no further than a seasoned veteran in their local market. Or, if competition is just too intense locally, a partnership could be forged between people in different markets. Networking across some distance is not as difficult to achieve as it once was, and with conventions and social media in the mix, there is no excuse for not brainstorming with a like-minded investor. It will keep you both sharp, whether you're the mentor or the novice.</li>
<li>Join like-minded <a href="http://www.canadareic.com/who-we-are.html">groups of investors</a>. Formal or informal groups, clubs or professional associations are great places to continue your investing education and expand your network of knowledgeable contacts.</li>
<li>Conference networking. Connect with others who are actively invested in the market through events like the <a href="http://www.bcrealestateconvention.com/bcrec/main/home.php">BC International Real Estate Convention</a> March 13. Big gatherings are a great place to keep up with the latest market news and tax laws. They're also a perfect place to further your education and – you guessed it – expand your network of experienced professionals who can answer just about any question you have about real estate investing.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>However you choose to structure your partnerships, seek out opportunities to reciprocate so that you're adding value to the relationship. A mentor who invests commercially might be interested in property listing tips, and social groups and organizations are always ready to hear your success story.</p>How to Protect Yourself and Your Money from Fraudtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:646322013-03-07T18:55:25.000ZTom Napiontekhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TomNapiontek
<p>Property investors are financially astute and generally prepared to make the best decisions about where to put their money for optimal growth that fits their goals. But, there are unsavory people in every walk of life just waiting to part you and your money. Avoid being a target by following three simple rules of smart investing that will <a href="http://www.securities-administrators.ca/fraud.aspx">safeguard your investment against fraud</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Get a Second…</b></p>
<p>Property investors are financially astute and generally prepared to make the best decisions about where to put their money for optimal growth that fits their goals. But, there are unsavory people in every walk of life just waiting to part you and your money. Avoid being a target by following three simple rules of smart investing that will <a href="http://www.securities-administrators.ca/fraud.aspx">safeguard your investment against fraud</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Get a Second Opinion</b></p>
<p>An independent advisor is the most important ally to have in your corner. A property investment opportunity requires that you perform <a href="http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2008/04/18/five-additional-steps-of-due-diligence-when-buying-a-rental-property/">due diligence</a> to verify that the property is for sale and that the deal on the table is legitimate and viable in the current market. You know the old adage, “If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” Put it to work for you with real estate deals that sound too good to be true. Have a team in place – preferably a property management and investment advisory team – before you begin looking at properties, and certainly before you part with any of your money.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Do Your Homework</b></p>
<p>Investment groups and brokers should be very forthcoming with their success records and credentials. Research <a href="https://www.securities-administrators.ca/nrs/nrsearch.aspx?id=850">company background</a> and contact information, and speak with actual investors who have had experience with the broker in question.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Don't Fold Under Pressure</b></p>
<p>High-pressure sales tactics have no place in responsible investing. Granted, buying properties can sometimes be a deadline-driven endeavor, but if the immediacy of the “deal of a lifetime” would prevent you completing your due diligence, walk away. It's better to miss out on the occasional deal than to jump into a scam unwittingly and lose your nest egg.</p>The BMO Housing Panel for 2013: in Reviewtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:647282013-03-07T18:54:20.000ZTom Napiontekhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TomNapiontek
<p>With real estate continuing to stay on the forefront of minds and conversations across Canada, it’s most interesting to hear how very different the opinions of experts, pundits, investors, homeowners, and homebuyers are when it comes to the fate and future of the markets. In fact, doing a simple Google search for “Canada real estate news” yields hundreds of thousands of resulting opinion pieces, blogs and articles, running the gamut from “certain death by boom” to “status quo”, with many…</p>
<p>With real estate continuing to stay on the forefront of minds and conversations across Canada, it’s most interesting to hear how very different the opinions of experts, pundits, investors, homeowners, and homebuyers are when it comes to the fate and future of the markets. In fact, doing a simple Google search for “Canada real estate news” yields hundreds of thousands of resulting opinion pieces, blogs and articles, running the gamut from “certain death by boom” to “status quo”, with many sitting right in the middle on “steady slowdown.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Experts recently came together from the BMO Financial Group to participate in the inaugural BMO Housing Panel for the 2013 investor outlook. The conversation was open to discussing anything related to Canadian real estate over the past year as well as providing forecasts for the next 12 months. In a somewhat surprising conclusion, the panel didn’t have strong disagreements when it came to the future of the markets. In fact, all agreed that Canada was experiencing a slow-down in most regions that should be expected to continue through 2013.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>According to Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets, Sal Guatieri: "In the year ahead, the housing market will be supported by moderate job growth, steady immigration, growing demand from echo boomers entering their prime first-time home buying years, and a gradual shift toward more single-person households."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yet, while the market overview was generally focused around a “soft landing,” there was also unsurprising talk of the markets that seem to be balking this trend. Namely, Alberta. Thanks to its location in the rich Canadian oilfields, Alberta is leading the country in economic growth and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, while also maintaining a good degree of affordability. This is something that has real estate investors taking note, and for good reason.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What does Alberta teach us as investors? The primary lesson, in my opinion, is not to let your decisions be led by “experts” who are averaging out the real estate market across an entire country. Real estate is local and should be treated as such. You need to perform due diligence, looking closely at the market in which you’re interested in investing. You need to consider the four critical factors: GDP, unemployment, infrastructure investments, and population growth. When you do this, it won’t matter what all the different sides of the argument are saying, because you’ll have all the information you need to make a wise investment decision.</p>Why Edmonton is the Place to Investtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:645202013-03-07T18:53:24.000ZTom Napiontekhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TomNapiontek
<p>Have you given Edmonton consideration as an investment opportunity lately? If not, and you’re a serious investor on the look-out for outstanding opportunities, then Edmonton deserves a good look.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>All it has to Offer</b></p>
<p>Edmonton is located in Alberta, Canada, one of the richest oil lands in the country, where oil and gas are fueling the economy and driving population and infrastructure growth. Investors are becoming increasingly interested in this area for many…</p>
<p>Have you given Edmonton consideration as an investment opportunity lately? If not, and you’re a serious investor on the look-out for outstanding opportunities, then Edmonton deserves a good look.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>All it has to Offer</b></p>
<p>Edmonton is located in Alberta, Canada, one of the richest oil lands in the country, where oil and gas are fueling the economy and driving population and infrastructure growth. Investors are becoming increasingly interested in this area for many reasons, but especially for the amazing opportunities to take residential units and transform them into income-producing rental properties.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>According to a recent report from the REALTORS Association of Edmonton, there were about 920 residential units sold in January 2013 alone. Because of this, inventory is on the decline, and is currently sitting around 3,743, compared with 4,265 at this time last year. Prices of course, have also been affected, rising from $320k last year to nearly $329k now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Considerations</b></p>
<p>As I always preach, there are four things that must be considered in every real estate investment. You must consider:</p>
<ol>
<li>Local GDP</li>
<li>Population growth over the last five years,</li>
<li>Local infrastructure investments, and</li>
<li>The unemployment rate</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>When these four considerations produce favorable results, the investment is worth your time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In Edmonton, the economy is driving job growth, and increasing the population while driving down unemployment. The local government is making significant investments to infrastructure as well, and the local GDP is simply booming. All indications are there that this is a great time and place to invest. And, because it is such a highly desirable place where the inventory of housing is depleting, investors are able to charge more for their rental properties, therein getting more on their investment. And, these numbers are only expected to rise in the coming months.</p>The Benefits of Leveraging in Investingtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:645192013-03-07T18:52:16.000ZTom Napiontekhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TomNapiontek
<p>Did you know that investing in real estate is the single investment where you can use someone else’s money to earn a return for yourself? It’s one of the many reasons investors flock to this reliable asset class. Leverage, is one such tactic. It allows an investor to utilize the value in his or her principle residence to increase the potential for ROI. But there’s more to it, and that’s what we’ll discuss here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Guidelines</b></p>
<p>By using the leveraging technique,…</p>
<p>Did you know that investing in real estate is the single investment where you can use someone else’s money to earn a return for yourself? It’s one of the many reasons investors flock to this reliable asset class. Leverage, is one such tactic. It allows an investor to utilize the value in his or her principle residence to increase the potential for ROI. But there’s more to it, and that’s what we’ll discuss here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Guidelines</b></p>
<p>By using the leveraging technique, investors are able to gain up to 65-80% of the value in their primary residence. It’s important to note, however, that every lender’s guidelines are different and where you live will determine the amount that can be leveraged. It also depends on the type of lending you need. If, for instance, you want to refinance your home, the amount will be different than if you are wanting to secure a line of credit for another purchase.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Increasing the Earnings</b></p>
<p>The benefits of using this approach are multi-fold, but the biggest is likely the freedom a refinancing option provides to a potential investor to then take that money and put it toward the purchase of a rental property. More seasoned real estate investors have been using this tactic for quite some time. But to get started as a beginner, you must first understand the equity you have in your primary residence and appreciate the truths about whether there is enough there to make a good investment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Not Always Right</b></p>
<p>While leveraging works in many cases, there are some in which it should be avoided. It, quite simply, can be dangerous and work against you instead of for you if your home is in an area where values have declined. Here’s a scenario:</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>You made a down payment of $100,000 on your $500,000 primary residence five years ago. In that time, the value of homes in your area has depreciated year-over-year and left your home at a current value of $475,000. That is an equity loss of $48,750. In this instance, refinancing would not be a wise move as the total purchase price of the home could not be recouped.</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The great news about real estate as an investment option, however, is that you can always hold onto it until values improve again. And, the likelihood is that they will.</p>The Top 10 Features that Attract Young Families to Your Rentaltag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:647272013-03-07T18:48:20.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p>The best tenants are those who stay a while and pay into an investor's equity, but the million-dollar question in the rental market is: How do you find them? Canadian Family magazine rated <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/articles/canadas-top-10-coolest-cities-for-families/">Canada's top 10 cities</a> in which to raise a family, using specific criteria to rank the cities. What we can glean from their research is that young families want some things you might expect, and some that you…</p>
<p>The best tenants are those who stay a while and pay into an investor's equity, but the million-dollar question in the rental market is: How do you find them? Canadian Family magazine rated <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/articles/canadas-top-10-coolest-cities-for-families/">Canada's top 10 cities</a> in which to raise a family, using specific criteria to rank the cities. What we can glean from their research is that young families want some things you might expect, and some that you wouldn't.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Active Families Demand the Best</b></p>
<p>When Canadians are looking to relocate, they look for family-friendly city features (in random order) such as:</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="1">
<li>Kid-friendly entertainment. This includes museums and destinations that children would enjoy.</li>
<li>Low crime rates.</li>
<li>Pollution-free cities.</li>
<li>Cultural offerings.</li>
<li>Public transportation.</li>
<li>Great schools.</li>
<li>Diversity within the population.</li>
</ol>
<p><i>Parents also want to plan some date nights, which is why proximity to the following are important to them, but may be a surprise to anyone looking to attract young families as renters:</i></p>
<ol start="8">
<li>Bars and restaurants.</li>
<li>Performing arts centers.</li>
<li>Fitness and recreational sports centers.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Lesson: Buy Properties That Fit the Renters You Want</strong></p>
<p>If you're wanting to attract long-term tenants who enjoy living in your property and appreciate the local schools and neighborhood ambiance, location and proximity are important factors to consider before you invest. Take the guesswork out of the decision to buy and contact Vision today. We have a staff that is dedicated to customizing your turnkey property investment portfolio to meet your personal financial goals, and we know how to attract the tenants you want to the property they'll love. Visit VIProperties.com today for more information.</p>5 Essential Tools For Smart Property Investingtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:649102013-03-07T18:46:33.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p>Wading through property investment advice, tips and tricks can be tiring, but it doesn't have to be. Simplify your property investment strategy by going straight to the best sources for the latest Canadian rental property news and information. Your growing portfolio will thank you.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="1">
<li><a href="http://www.crea.ca/news">The Canadian Real Estate Association</a> posts current news items and statistics, updated within monthly, quarterly and annual reports right on the…</li>
</ol>
<p>Wading through property investment advice, tips and tricks can be tiring, but it doesn't have to be. Simplify your property investment strategy by going straight to the best sources for the latest Canadian rental property news and information. Your growing portfolio will thank you.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol start="1">
<li><a href="http://www.crea.ca/news">The Canadian Real Estate Association</a> posts current news items and statistics, updated within monthly, quarterly and annual reports right on the website. Consume news reports with a grain of salt; they are simply a tool to confirm or call into question the trends you're seeing in local and national markets.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/">The Canada Mortgage and Housing Council</a> reports interest rate and regulation changes in real time online. Press releases take top billing as they are disseminated, but again are only a tool to consider when setting goals or thinking about whether to invest, sell or hold onto current properties.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.reiacanada.com/become-a-member/">Investor groups</a> and coalitions often offer free training and networking sessions that can help new investors learn the market and find allies. Beware any high-pressure sales tactics, and don't part with any money on impulse. Learn, network and take away what you can use.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mustknowinvesting.com/2010/04/20/how-to-find-a-real-estate-investing-mentor/">Mentors</a> are an invaluable resource. Consider yourself an apprentice, and find someone who has succeeded in property investing and ask them if they will be a resource when you have questions.</li>
<li>Expert partners in real estate transactions can also be great resources, and they can help you find the right mentor. Realtors, <a href="http://realestateinvestingfacts.com/blog/855/investor-financing-mortgage-brokers-role/">mortgage brokers</a> and even turnkey property investing specialists are valuable relationships to cultivate and nurture on a regular basis. When it's time to buy or sell, you'll have resources in the industry who can guide you through it and help you make the right decisions for your investment goals.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>Get started today by contacting a turnkey property investing specialist with Vision Investment Properties. We have a staff that is dedicated to customizing your property investment portfolio to meet your personal financial goals, and we'll be with you every step of the way. Visit VIProperties.com today for more information.</p>Softening Canadian Real Estate Market Good News for Private Investorstag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-03-07:2284452:BlogPost:649092013-03-07T18:43:32.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p>While the Canadian economy has been generally stable, showing <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2012/10/15/crea-september-housing.html">slow but reliable growth</a> even since the worldwide economic crisis began in 2008, experts agree that it is becoming a little stagnant in the area of corporate reinvestment. That “softening” in the economy may be a good thing for private investors looking to get ahead of the curve and buy commercial office space before the projected energy…</p>
<p>While the Canadian economy has been generally stable, showing <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2012/10/15/crea-september-housing.html">slow but reliable growth</a> even since the worldwide economic crisis began in 2008, experts agree that it is becoming a little stagnant in the area of corporate reinvestment. That “softening” in the economy may be a good thing for private investors looking to get ahead of the curve and buy commercial office space before the projected energy boom of 2014 and beyond gets into full swing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Buy Low(er)</b></p>
<p>Property values continue to rise, albeit slowly, throughout the country. Those prices are rising faster in <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/International+investment+activity+Calgary+commercial+real+estate+market+strong/7832833/story.html">Western Canada</a>, where the majority of business growth is taking place. As businesses grow and hire more people, they will need office space. Increased demand will send prices even higher, so now is the ideal time to buy to beat the rush and find a deal that will quickly reflect portfolio growth as prices increase.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Short or Long-Term Investors Needed</b></p>
<p>As the <a href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/940233/alberta-s-economic-boom-to-continue-through-2013-rbc-economics">commercial property market</a> tightens and prices begin to rise in earnest, a desirable commercial investment could be a profitable property for resale. Also, buy-and-hold strategies are lucrative options as rental rates increase to meet demand and office space becomes harder to find. A recent study revealed that more than half of Canadian investors plan to expand their portfolios in 2013, and competition from those and foreign investors can only serve to further bolster sales prices of both residential and commercial rental properties.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Buy low, sell high or hold and watch your investment grow. Now is the time, so contact Vision today. We have a staff that is dedicated to customizing your turnkey property investment portfolio to meet your personal financial goals. Visit VIProperties.com today for more information.</p>The Rules of Canadian Real Estate Investingtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-02-20:2284452:BlogPost:645082013-02-20T03:04:05.000ZTom Napiontekhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TomNapiontek
<p>With so many naysayers preaching “the end is near” in Canadian real estate, it can be hard to see past the noise. But there is good reason to try. If you have any experience in real estate, you know that it’s a cyclical being. It is based on supply and demand, and because of that, it fluctuates just as demand does.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In some of the larger Canadian markets, over-inflation is a plague that is forcing the downside of that cycle to become a reality. However, just as there is sure…</p>
<p>With so many naysayers preaching “the end is near” in Canadian real estate, it can be hard to see past the noise. But there is good reason to try. If you have any experience in real estate, you know that it’s a cyclical being. It is based on supply and demand, and because of that, it fluctuates just as demand does.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In some of the larger Canadian markets, over-inflation is a plague that is forcing the downside of that cycle to become a reality. However, just as there is sure to be a downside, there is also an upward swing that inevitably comes right after, which always happens once prices become reasonable again. Unfortunately, when it’s big markets such as Vancouver and Toronto, a dip in sales or prices looks bad on the country as a whole, especially when you have “experts” that are averaging the market across the entire country.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Rule #1:</b> Don’t average real estate—Real estate is local. Smart investors know it’s what’s happening in the local market that matters and not nationwide.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Rule #2:</b> Do your homework—Look at the local market that peaks your interest. Consider its GDP, unemployment rate, infrastructure, and population growth. If these are favorable, it tells you a lot about the ROI you can expect.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Rule #3:</b> Consider West Canada—Areas throughout west Canada are really “testing” the theory of a real estate bubble, only in that they’re proving it wrong. When you look at areas like Calgary and other parts of the Alberta market, you’ll see growth, a strong market, increasing immigration, vanishing vacancy rates, and many other factors that real estate investors beg for in an investment opportunity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The key to investing in any market, in any country, is smart research. I’m sure that if you do the same with West Canada you’ll find something worth considering.</p>Three Reasons to Own Affordable Rentals in Vancouvertag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-02-20:2284452:BlogPost:645072013-02-20T03:02:29.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p class="Default">Population growth in itself may not bode well for property investors looking for great rental locations. But, growth in three specific demographic groups is what makes Vancouver's <a href="http://www.bcnpha.ca/pages/research/rental-housing-demand-core-housing.php">projected affordable housing demand through 2036</a> look very promising.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Group 1: Urbanites</b></p>
<p class="Default">According to studies by the…</p>
<p class="Default">Population growth in itself may not bode well for property investors looking for great rental locations. But, growth in three specific demographic groups is what makes Vancouver's <a href="http://www.bcnpha.ca/pages/research/rental-housing-demand-core-housing.php">projected affordable housing demand through 2036</a> look very promising.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Group 1: Urbanites</b></p>
<p class="Default">According to studies by the <a href="http://www.bcnpha.ca/">BC Non-Profit Housing Association</a>, as reported by the <a href="http://www.rentalcoalition.ca/2012/09/24/rental-housing-demand-core-housing-need-projections/">Canadian Rental Housing Coalition</a>, nationwide rental housing demand will increase as much as 36 percent in the next 25 years. Nearly three-fourths of that demand will be centered in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. That statistic alone tells us that Vancouver is the place to be, but that's not the only reason to invest in the city's affordable rental market.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Group 2: Low-Income Workers</b></p>
<p class="Default">Great cities are built by people whose pay doesn't necessarily keep up with average rents, and that trend is expected to continue. Rental housing demand by workers who struggle to pay market rents will rise 43 percent by 2036. And, working-age renters aren't the only ones who will be looking for homes at an increasing rate.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Group 3: Seniors</b></p>
<p class="Default">Elderly Canadians may be the ones who represent the most need for housing below average rents. The demand for affordable senior housing is projected to increase by 120 percent over the next 25 years. That's a number that investors just can't ignore.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default">As many as 200,000 more rental households will be needed in BC by 2036, more than 135, 000 in Vancouver alone. Investors should look seriously into the Vancouver market and, specifically, into providing affordable housing for tenants whose income has been outpaced by market rents.</p>
<p class="Default"></p>
<p class="Default">Vision Investment Properties knows Vancouver, and we know that it can be one of the most difficult and expensive real estate markets to break into. Investors need advisors and partners they can trust, and at Vision, we have the experience and the knowledge to help your portfolio grow just as quickly as you want it to. Visit <a href="http://www.viproperties.com/">Viproperties.com</a> to learn more.</p>1,500 Reasons to Subscribe to BOOM Magazinetag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-02-20:2284452:BlogPost:646112013-02-20T03:00:38.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p>Canadians haven't let hard times keep them from giving to charitable organizations, <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/canadians-continue-to-give-to-charity-despite-rocky-economy-statscan/article535010/">donating more than $10.6 billion to charity in 2010</a>. The publication recently gave investors another great opportunity to contribute to those in need. <a href="http://bestofourmarket.com/about-us/">Best of Our Market</a>, or BOOM, Magazine is the newest premiere source…</p>
<p>Canadians haven't let hard times keep them from giving to charitable organizations, <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/canadians-continue-to-give-to-charity-despite-rocky-economy-statscan/article535010/">donating more than $10.6 billion to charity in 2010</a>. The publication recently gave investors another great opportunity to contribute to those in need. <a href="http://bestofourmarket.com/about-us/">Best of Our Market</a>, or BOOM, Magazine is the newest premiere source of real estate information for the Canadian market, and a must-have tool in the investor's arsenal. Subscriptions to the monthly magazine are free, and during the months of December and January, <a href="http://bestofourmarket.com/2012/12/boom-magazine-christmas-campaign-to-raise-funds-for-the-convenant-house-vancouver/">BOOM was donating $1 for each new subscriber</a> to <a href="http://www.covenanthousebc.org/">Covenant House</a>, one of the largest charitable organizations in North America.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Covenant House is Valuable Real Estate</b></p>
<p>More than 1,500 at-risk youth each year depend on Covenant House for food, shelter and guidance. In Vancouver alone, the charity provides 54 beds for teens and young adults facing a life crisis. These young people know that they can depend on Covenant House to help them get on their feet and learn how to care for themselves. But, Covenant House can't provide this help without the help of its donors.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>BOOM Subscribers Make a Difference</b></p>
<p>A dollar may not seem like much to give, but it's a dollar that goes to an organization that has <a href="http://www.covenanthousebc.org/about/statistics">proven to help 95 percent of the youth it serves</a>. And it costs you nothing. What's more, by subscribing to BOOM you'll have access to all the current housing and real estate investing news you need to stay informed as a smart investor. That helps you make more money and keep up your charitable giving: a win-win.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>It’s Not Too Late</b></p>
<p>While the generous promotion ended on January 31, there is still plenty of opportunity to sign up for this informative and cutting edge publication. It's a simple and no-cost way to access all the information you need to know about the Canadian real estate market. For more information and to subscribe, visit <a href="http://bestofourmarket.com">http://bestofourmarket.com</a>.</p>Alberta Homeowners Own Major Share of Rental Markettag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-02-20:2284452:BlogPost:648962013-02-20T02:55:36.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p class="Default">A <a href="http://www.troymedia.com/2012/10/24/albertas-rental-market-stable/">recent survey</a> revealed that 13 percent of Alberta homeowners own more than one home, which means that nearly 150,000 rental homes in the province are owned by private investors. Rental units that were built strictly for the rental market only account for 112,500, significantly less than second-home investment properties.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Stability Despite…</b></p>
<p class="Default">A <a href="http://www.troymedia.com/2012/10/24/albertas-rental-market-stable/">recent survey</a> revealed that 13 percent of Alberta homeowners own more than one home, which means that nearly 150,000 rental homes in the province are owned by private investors. Rental units that were built strictly for the rental market only account for 112,500, significantly less than second-home investment properties.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Stability Despite Sluggish Building Starts</b></p>
<p class="Default">Homeowners who are hanging onto second properties as investments and putting them on the rental market is a good thing for Alberta residents. What this means is that apartment buildings sold as condominiums in recent years are still for rent. This helps stabilize a market that, without private investor properties, would be tightening to the point of pricing some renters out of the market, thanks to slowing multifamily building starts. In fact, <a href="http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64483/64483_2012_B02.pdf?lang=en">rents have still risen more than 4 percent</a> due to migrant demand, while apartment vacancy rates were below 2 percent and falling in October 2012.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>A Growing Alberta Opportunity</b></p>
<p class="Default">Builders aren't exactly disinterested in building new multifamily housing in Alberta, but workers are hard to find. One <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/productiveconversations/hungry+Alberta+scours+globe+workers/6910583/story.html?__lsa=1cea-b9b8">builder went as far as Romania</a> to bring back skilled carpenters, cement finishers and general laborers. But, as an influx of foreign workers answer the call for skilled labor and oilfield work, they still need places to live. This is where investor-owned properties can fill the bill.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default">Investors who are looking for a second home or investment opportunity can answer the demand for more housing in Alberta by contacting Vision Investment Properties today. We have a staff that is dedicated to customizing your turnkey property investment portfolio to meet your personal financial goals. Visit VIProperties.com today for more information.</p>Irrefutable Proof That Calgary is the Place to Investtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-02-20:2284452:BlogPost:648952013-02-20T02:53:58.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p>Canada's neighbor to the south has seen a real estate bubble burst in devastating style, affecting both American and Canadian economies, especially where property investors are concerned. There's been hesitancy on the part of Canadian investors who wonder if the same thing could happen here, but recent numbers are encouraging. While nationwide home sales are falling slightly and prices are moderating, there is one shining star in Canada's investment market: Calgary.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>It's…</b></p>
<p>Canada's neighbor to the south has seen a real estate bubble burst in devastating style, affecting both American and Canadian economies, especially where property investors are concerned. There's been hesitancy on the part of Canadian investors who wonder if the same thing could happen here, but recent numbers are encouraging. While nationwide home sales are falling slightly and prices are moderating, there is one shining star in Canada's investment market: Calgary.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>It's About Demand...</b></p>
<p>The secret to Calgary's success can be found in the numbers: Canada admits an average of a quarter million immigrants into the country each year, and has since 2006. What will change this year is that 10,000 of those immigrants in the <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/alberta/immigration+rules+could+ease+Alberta+labour+crunch/7479316/story.html">Canada Experience Class</a> will be offered a fast-track to Canadian citizenship, based on what they have to offer in the way of skill and expertise. That's a nearly 30 percent increase since 2012, a government effort to build the skill level of Canada's future generations.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>...And Supply...</b></p>
<p>Slow building starts in recent years mean there hasn't been an influx of properties on the market to bring prices down in Calgary. The <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/real-estate/Calgary+best+performing+real+estate+market+Canada/7821400/story.html">resale market has remained strong</a> even while the rest of the country struggled last year, seeing a drop in MLS sales of around 1.1 percent. Calgary has bucked the trend. Sales of existing homes in 2012 rose an astounding 18.6 percent, while average sales prices rose 2.3 percent (versus a paltry 0.3 percent nationally).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>...And Growth</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Continued+growth+forecast+sales+prices+Calgary+housing+market/7827438/story.html">Calgary's future</a> continues to look bright, outpacing economic growth in the rest of the country as industry giants take up residence and find ways to import workers to solve a personnel shortage. Incomes are high, housing prices are not overly built-up, and borrowing costs remain low. All of that means growth and a strong real estate market in 2013 and beyond.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Investors who are looking for properties in Alberta can rest easy with Vision Investment Properties on their side. We have a staff that is dedicated to customizing your turnkey property investment portfolio to meet your personal financial goals. Visit VIProperties.com today for more information.</p>Alberta Homeowners Own Major Share of Rental Markettag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-02-20:2284452:BlogPost:647142013-02-20T02:50:27.000ZVision Investment Propertieshttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/VisionInvestmentProperties
<p class="Default">A <a href="http://www.troymedia.com/2012/10/24/albertas-rental-market-stable/">recent survey</a> revealed that 13 percent of Alberta homeowners own more than one home, which means that nearly 150,000 rental homes in the province are owned by private investors. Rental units that were built strictly for the rental market only account for 112,500, significantly less than second-home investment properties.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Stability Despite…</b></p>
<p class="Default">A <a href="http://www.troymedia.com/2012/10/24/albertas-rental-market-stable/">recent survey</a> revealed that 13 percent of Alberta homeowners own more than one home, which means that nearly 150,000 rental homes in the province are owned by private investors. Rental units that were built strictly for the rental market only account for 112,500, significantly less than second-home investment properties.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>Stability Despite Sluggish Building Starts</b></p>
<p class="Default">Homeowners who are hanging onto second properties as investments and putting them on the rental market is a good thing for Alberta residents. What this means is that apartment buildings sold as condominiums in recent years are still for rent. This helps stabilize a market that, without private investor properties, would be tightening to the point of pricing some renters out of the market, thanks to slowing multifamily building starts. In fact, <a href="http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64483/64483_2012_B02.pdf?lang=en">rents have still risen more than 4 percent</a> due to migrant demand, while apartment vacancy rates were below 2 percent and falling in October 2012.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default"><b>A Growing Alberta Opportunity</b></p>
<p class="Default">Builders aren't exactly disinterested in building new multifamily housing in Alberta, but workers are hard to find. One <a href="http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/productiveconversations/hungry+Alberta+scours+globe+workers/6910583/story.html?__lsa=1cea-b9b8">builder went as far as Romania</a> to bring back skilled carpenters, cement finishers and general laborers. But, as an influx of foreign workers answer the call for skilled labor and oilfield work, they still need places to live. This is where investor-owned properties can fill the bill.</p>
<p class="Default"> </p>
<p class="Default">Investors who are looking for a second home or investment opportunity can answer the demand for more housing in Alberta by contacting Vision Investment Properties today. We have a staff that is dedicated to customizing your turnkey property investment portfolio to meet your personal financial goals. Visit VIProperties.com today for more information.</p>Canadian Real Estate Investing in 2013, According to Thomas Napiontektag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-01-16:2284452:BlogPost:643062013-01-16T19:08:50.000ZTom Napiontekhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TomNapiontek
<p>What is to happen to real estate investing in 2013? That’s the question many investors and investor-hopefuls are asking as we start this somewhat uncertain year. After all, real estate has been a big enigma with many opinions surfacing over its fate for the last six months of 2012. There, however, has been a recent increase in consumer confidence, as reported by Bloomberg News, and the market seems to be making some repairs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, based on research and experience, I now provide…</p>
<p>What is to happen to real estate investing in 2013? That’s the question many investors and investor-hopefuls are asking as we start this somewhat uncertain year. After all, real estate has been a big enigma with many opinions surfacing over its fate for the last six months of 2012. There, however, has been a recent increase in consumer confidence, as reported by Bloomberg News, and the market seems to be making some repairs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, based on research and experience, I now provide you with some of my own predictions for the Canadian real estate market in 2013:</p>
<ul>
<li>The areas that have been most affected by the downturn, such as those areas that were in need of an inflation check (i.e. Vancouver and Toronto) will continue to see corrections, with declines in sales as well as housing values. But nothing too serious will result other than the normal cyclical rise and fall that can always be expected of real estate.</li>
<li>The west will be the area of increased attractiveness to investors for many reasons, including:<ul>
<li>Population increases</li>
<li>A rise in local GDP</li>
<li>Increased investments in local and regional infrastructure</li>
<li>A low unemployment rate</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Alberta in particular will become of great interest to investors.</li>
<li><ul>
<li>The area is expected to see the highest amount of sales in resale housing across the country (Calgary Herald)</li>
<li>Prices in Calgary have continued to be the strongest in terms of performance, even throughout the downturn in 2012 (Calgary Real Estate Review)</li>
<li>Calgary was named the second best place to invest in real estate as we go into 2013 (Huffington Post Canada)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Canadian real estate investments overall will rise in 2013. This is based on my own intuition, but also on the research performed by CBRE, which says that the commercial real estate market in Canada is expected to see a significant increase in investment volume through end of the year.</li>
</ul>Real Estate Power Team Basicstag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-01-14:2284452:BlogPost:643982013-01-14T20:53:24.000ZChris Goffhttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/ChrisGoff
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Your Power Team is a team of people that will assist you in finding deals, setting up your business, marketing, repairing properties, financial planning and solving problems that may arise in your business. As your portfolio begins to grow, you will need more people on "your team". Your power team is a team of people that will help you get the ending result, MONEY! The bottom line is that you are in a business of making money and helping people. No one can do it…</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Your Power Team is a team of people that will assist you in finding deals, setting up your business, marketing, repairing properties, financial planning and solving problems that may arise in your business. As your portfolio begins to grow, you will need more people on "your team". Your power team is a team of people that will help you get the ending result, MONEY! The bottom line is that you are in a business of making money and helping people. No one can do it on their own. Begin wrapping yourself around the best people to help you accomplish your goals. Your power team will be different depending on the investment method you choose. </span></p>
<p class="p2"></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>Locating your Power Team</b></span></p>
<p class="p2"></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">It can sometimes take a while to put this team together and yes you are probably going to go through a few not so great ones to get to the ones you like, know and trust. The very BEST place to find these people is by a referral. That referral can come from another investor, a local real estate investment group member, a member of a local landlord association, a Realtor®, a friend or anyone else that you trust. Just be sure that they are "In the Business" and understand what it is that we do as investors. Always remember, the due diligence end of things is always your responsibility. Just because an investor recommends you use a certain agent, appraiser, lender or contractor does not mean they are the best person for the job. You should always get references from anyone you are even thinking of using.</span></p>
<p class="p4"></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">You can also look in the yellow pages and newspapers to begin developing your power team. Never call on the big display ads, as they will most likely charge more for their services. Simply call two or three ads and do a basic interview. You questions will depend on the power team member you are calling. You can ask questions like:</span></p>
<p class="p4"></p>
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li5"><span class="s1">Have you done work like this before?</span></li>
</ol>
<p class="p6"></p>
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li5"><span class="s1">How long have you been in the business?</span></li>
</ol>
<p class="p7"></p>
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li5"><span class="s1">Do you have any references I can call?</span></li>
</ol>
<p class="p8"></p>
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li5"><span class="s1">Do you know of any potential properties for sale?</span></li>
</ol>
<p class="p7"></p>
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li5"><span class="s1">If you cannot assist me, do you know of someone who can?</span></li>
</ol>
<p class="p9"></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">Be sure to write down all of their contact information. You should always meet your potential new team members in person. Meet for lunch or at their office to discuss your new business. Meeting face to face is the beginning of building a relationship with them. You will soon learn that the more relationships you build, the more likely you will succeed in your business. Once you have established a working relationship with them, utilize them! You have put them in place to help you. Always stay in communication with them so they don’t forget about you.</span></p>
<p class="p10"></p>
<p class="p11"><span class="s1"><b>Your First Power Team Member Should Be a Mentor</b></span></p>
<p class="p12"></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">A mentor is a combination of many different people-part cheerleader, part coach, part teacher, part student, part guide, and part listener. A mentor guides, inspires, encourages, counsels, advises, questions, and answers. No matter how diverse the roles or how varied the responsibilities; the mentor's primary job is to support you in achieving your ultimate goal. Successful individuals have a mentor that helps teach, guide and support them. If you don’t have one yet, there’s no better time than now.</span></p>
<p class="p13"></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">To learn more about building your Power Team, Finding the Right Mentor or other Real Estate Investing Tips, go to: <a href="http://www.reiandme.com">www.reiandme.com</a></span></p>PROPERTY MAINTENANCE TIPS -AN OVERVIEWtag:real-estate-investing.ning.com,2013-01-09:2284452:BlogPost:643002013-01-09T07:01:28.000ZTexas Rentershttp://real-estate-investing.ning.com/profile/TexasRenters
<p><i>Having a property maintained for years is not fun and it involves lot of details that every property manager should know. In addition, they are expensive, time-consuming and monotonous but, planning it wisely will be of great use to property owners and to the tenants. There may be several reasons for tenants vacating the place but this issue should not be the top reasons for people vacating the place which has quite a few implications.</i></p>
<p><i>Initially property managers should know…</i></p>
<p><i>Having a property maintained for years is not fun and it involves lot of details that every property manager should know. In addition, they are expensive, time-consuming and monotonous but, planning it wisely will be of great use to property owners and to the tenants. There may be several reasons for tenants vacating the place but this issue should not be the top reasons for people vacating the place which has quite a few implications.</i></p>
<p><i>Initially property managers should know the importance of maintenance issues quickly and effectively. Secondly, this represents a market opportunity for property managers to make a distinction themselves from weak competition. </i></p>
<p><i>Proper maintenance of property will be a great form of customer service ultimately it results in serving two purposes i.e.</i></p>
<ul>
<li><i>Protection of the property against further damage and</i></li>
<li><i>Satisfaction levels of tenants</i></li>
</ul>
<p class="articletext"><i>A swift, decisive and effective response to maintenance problems in the rental unit will have the inclination of satisfied tenants or new people approaching your place.</i></p>
<p class="articletext"><i>The following points will help the property managers to perk up with the effectiveness and maintenance issue which in turn improves retention of both owner contracts and tenants.</i></p>
<ul>
<li><strong> </strong><strong><i>Find a top-notch maintenance supervisor</i></strong></li>
<li><strong> </strong><strong><i>Organize and coordinate all maintenance tickets</i></strong></li>
<li><strong> </strong><strong><i>Remain in communication with your tenants</i></strong></li>
<li><strong> </strong><strong><i>Accommodate the tenants as best you can</i></strong></li>
<li><strong> </strong><strong><i>Remain in communication with the landlord</i></strong></li>
<li><strong> </strong><strong><i>Meet the tenant at the rental unit</i></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><i>Depending upon the rental unit a maintenance supervisor has to be selected and he/she will be the first phone call when issues crop up. Selecting a top-notch maintenance supervisor will help match up and</i></strong> <i>prioritize the work that needs to be done.</i> <i>By lingering in contact with all parties and doing all you can to make their lives easier, you drive a strong message to them that you are a piece of the solution, and an invaluable part at that. There are several property managers who will help you with this course of action and be a best in the maintenance part; it is a must to make such a wise selection.</i></p>
<p><i>Striving to provide the best tools for both, owners and tenants TexasRenters.com is one such property management company that aims to make the best to its clients</i>. </p>