American property options

Can’t afford your mortgage payment? We provide a lease-back option to homeowners in default who have lost equity

2011-11-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Can’t afford your mortgage payment? We provide a lease-back option to homeowners in default who have lost equity Click Here!

Bella Homes, LLC is the result of a collaboration of some of the best legal minds in the nation and is founded upon the fundamental principle that families, not banks, should own homes. We proudly stand out as an ethical and legitimate alternative to those less credible companies whose predatory tactics do nothing but exploit the homeowner’s financial predicament.

We are committed to helping troubled homeowners remain in their homes and secure them for long time use. Our program, which addresses a number of financial crises, is compliant with both state and federal law, is endorsed by the legal community and is highlighted by the following:

•We purchase homes from troubled homeowners whose homes are upside down with little to no equity
•For qualified homeowners, we will purchase their home from them for the amount of the first mortgage and second mortgage and other liens and then lease their home back to them for a period of three to seven years.
•This lease will include an Option Memorandum, granting the homeowners an exclusive option to repurchase their home.
•Our goal, after we purchase a home or commercial property, is to purchase the underlying first mortgage on said property from the mortgage company or bank at a discount. If we are unsuccessful in doing so, we will conduct a forensic audit of the mortgage to determine if the mortgage is illegal. If that is, indeed, the case, we will then file a lawsuit against the lender to prevent them from proceeding with foreclosure.
•Once we successfully purchase the mortgage from the lender, we will, at the end of their lease, sell the home back to them at 90% of the fair market value at that time and credit them at closing for 60% of the rent paid. If they are unable to obtain a mortgage, we will also provide them with owner financing through one of our subsidiaries or affiliates at the time they exercise their exclusive option to repurchase the home. Based on the foregoing, the homeowners’ new monthly payment and mortgage balance will ultimately be 40% to 60% lower than their current monthly payment and principal balance.
•By the end of the lease, if we are unsuccessful in purchasing the mortgage from the lender, we will then deed the property back to the party that we purchased the home from.
The transition from homeowner to tenant is but a temporary one and our leases are designed to afford you every right and protection available under law. By participating in our program, you can enjoy every benefit and safeguard that our program has to offer, all at no cost to you, including the following:

•In general, if there is a foreclosure of any dwelling or residential real property, any bank or entity taking over the property must do so subject to any existing lease that involves a "bona fide tenant" operating under a "bona fide lease". This means that a lease meeting the qualifications of the ACT will survive foreclosure and be enforceable for the remainder of the lease term.
•Protection from personal liability for any financial deficits due your lender after foreclosure or short sale, also known as a court-mandated deficiency judgment (which can be used by your lender to garnish your wages up to twenty years);
•A new, lower monthly payment, typically 40% - 60% of your current monthly payment;
•A new principal balance, typically 40% - 60% lower than your current principal balance;
•A contractual obligation to limit increased payments. This is in stark contrast to the aforementioned predatory agencies whose contracts do not legally bind them to protect you and who will offer you a low rate at the beginning and thereafter raise it far beyond your ability to pay;
•Owner financing, even if you have difficulty qualifying for a new mortgage at the time you exercise your exclusive option to purchase the home back from Bella.
•Peace of mind, perhaps the most important benefit of all.

Purchasing a home is one of the most valuable investments you will make. Bella Homes, LLC is dedicated to ensuring that it will also be one of the most successful investments you will make.

The Great American Real Estate Giveaway

2008-08-21T03:56:00.001-07:00

As the media reminds us on an almost daily basis, many sectors of the real estate market are in the midst of one of worst adjustments since the Great Depression. This is evidenced by the most recent California Association of Realtors (CAR) publication on existing home sales which reported a price decline in the median selling price of 35.3% from a year earlier. During the worst 12 month period during the Great Depression U.S. housing prices fell by a less dramatic 10.5%. For investors with high tolerance for risk, it may now be time to embrace the timeless proverb "buy low - sell high" and start sifting through the wreckage for bargains. And while bargains exist, they are not available universally across all locations or property types. Investors must know where to look, have proper guidance and understand the proper methods for valuation. The sectors with the most opportunity are single family residential properties (SFRs) in class B or B-minus locations of suburbs outside major metropolitan areas. Properties in many metropolitan markets have adjusted very little, while towns in extended metropolitan areas (MSAs) have deteriorated acutely.
Using the San Francisco MSA as an example, CAR statistics released for June 2008 indicate a year over year decline of 4.3% for San Francisco proper. Comparatively, the median selling price in Vallejo, California, a suburb about 30 miles outside of San Francisco, has decreased a much more dramatic 37.3% year over year. Vallejo is still accessible to San Francisco via public transportation including frequent commuter bus routes, Ferry access, casual car-pool access and BART access from the Richmond, California station. Furthermore the statistics do not fully reflect the willingness of banks and distressed sellers to negotiate on a case by case basis in these markets. As an example, one of our investors is currently purchasing a SFR in Vallejo for $104,500. In this instance the property is being acquired for a 65% discount relative to the implied valuation on June of 2007 (based on comparable sales from First American Title Company). Although this 65% discount is tantalizing it should not be a deciding factor in the decision to purchase the property.
Using a discount to market value approach is a fools approach to valuation at this point in the current environment, because it assumes that historical prices were rational. A discount to market value won't pay the mortgage and it does not ensure that the home will be affordable to prospective buyers when an investor is ready to sell. Investors should alternatively use an income approach or an affordability approach to valuation.
For example, consider the Vallejo property discussed previously. From an income approach (assuming a 30% down-payment), the cash on cash return is about 11.6% per year and the cap rate is 9.54%. From an income standpoint this is an attractive cash yield. It handily exceeds the national average money market rate of 2.99% annual percentage rate and the 2.90% average dividend yield for S&P 500 non-zero dividend stocks. This additional return offers substantial compensation for the additional risk and management responsibilities required for this investment.
From an affordability standpoint the medium household income in the zip code is $50,030 per year. Most lender underwriting guidelines consider that 28-33% of household income is an allowable limit for housing related expenses (rent or mortgage plus taxes and insurance). Using this guideline as a benchmark, the average household in this zip code can afford $15,000 per year ($1,250 per month) toward housing related expenses. The mortgage payment for the Vallejo property will be approximately $550 plus monthly expenses of $200 (taxes, insurance, and repairs/maintenance) which is comfortably below the affordability implied limit of $1,250 per month. Assuming a 90% loan to purchase price and a 7.0% fixed rate mortgage, this property could be purchase by the median household for up to $182,000. This represents a 70% premium to the purchase price of $104,500. As a cautionary note, valuation based on affordability won't guide market values until the mortgage market returns historical underwriting guidelines. Further details of this transaction are posted on our website http://www.unitedinvestors.com >> education center >> sample property.
About United Investors
Brian Topley, CCIM is Chief Investment Officer of United Investors real estate investment advisors based in San Francisco, CA. United Investors advises individual and institutional investors in the purchase, leasing, management and disposition of bank owned/foreclosure properties. He may be reached at http://www.unitedinvestors.com or (415) 274-2521.
This information is intended merely to be a general discussion, not deemed to be investment or legal advice. Real estate investments are not suitable for all investors and involve significant risks. Individual investors should consult their tax advisor, CPA, and financial advisors prior to making any investment decisions.
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Florida Real Estate - Now is the Time to Invest in USA Property

2008-03-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Now may be the perfect time to invest in American property as the pound surged to a 26-year high against the US dollar in the first week of July.

At $2.05 to the British pound, investors can pick up American property at bargain prices! Normality is said to resume in a couple of years, so now is the ideal time to invest.

This is great news not only for buyers in the US but also for British investors, with the USA being their 3rd favourite overseas property destination, (A Place in the Sun).

Central Florida real estate remains a hub for British buyers, namely in the Orlando/Disney areas such as Kissimmee, Davenport and south Clermont. Florida is a year round holiday destination and has become a hot spot for those looking for investment property or a second home.

Over 1.5 million people from the UK visit Florida every year and over 18,500 made the State their home in 2005. Florida is not only a property hotspot for Britons, but for many Germans and North and South Americans too. The cost of living is low and housing is cheap, and Florida is increasingly popular with buy-to-let investors.

Florida is still among the world's top tourist destinations, ensuring a strong rental market and making a great place for a holiday home. 'The Sunshine State' with its sub-tropical climate and averaging 300 days of sunshine a year has the ideal climate and when it comes to tourist attractions there really is something for everyone all year round.

The popularity of attractions such as Disney World, Universal Studios, MGM Studios, water sports and white-knuckle rides, sporting leisure facilities, theme parks, natural beauty such as winding waterways, freshwater lakes, forests, hills and over 13,500km of coast for beach lovers. You will also find countless golf courses and sporting facilities, attracting visitors from all over the world and boosting a healthy demand for Orlando Florida real estate.

Real estate in the USA is on offer at all prices to suit all budgets. Currently Florida and Las Vegas are high demand locations, especially for the buy-to-let market owing to the shorter flight times to Europe. Property prices are being held steady and give new investors the opportunity to buy into the market.

Properties should be chosen in optimum rental locations in and around main tourist attractions to maximise rental returns year long. Worldwide Dreams specialise in property for sale in Florida, and concentrate largely on new and re-sale homes. Re-sale homes offer great value as they're ready to rent immediately. As demand is high, Florida real estate is a fast moving market and Worldwide Dreams have a great collection of property currently on offer, within a range of prices, so you'll find the ideal property for sale in Florida to suit you.

Real estate in Florida makes for the perfect holiday home and outstanding investment opportunity. Get in now to secure your ideal piece of property at a bargain price. Browse a wide range of Orlando Florida real estate on offer from Worldwide Dreams today.

Becky Hillard works with a team of professional overseas property agents, developers and marketers with many years of experience and has provided this article to highlight the excellent investment opportunity offered in America by Worldwide Dreams Florida Real Estate boasting a huge range of property in this desirable location.

View a wide selection of real estate in Florida here http://www.orlando-florida-real-estate.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Hillard

How to Purchase a House in the State of Louisiana

2008-03-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

When a purchaser decides to purchase a home in Louisiana, a good realtor with a large database of available homes to fit the purchaser's budget should be located. The Purchaser has a choice of homes if the realtor is a member of the National association of Realtors or the Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors or the Southwest Louisiana Association of Realtors. This is because the realtor will have access to the MLS or Multi Listing Service, which is an inter realtor service that has a data base of every type of home in different residential areas of Louisiana. The purchaser has a greater choice of the type of house and the location.

Once the property is located the purchaser makes an offer in the form of a purchase and sale agreement stating the price offered, the down payment, the financing plans, the legal description of the house, good and marketable title, inspections required under law, the time frame in which each stage of the transaction is to be completed the liens and who bears the costs if the house is damaged before the settlement. The offer is sent with a check to be kept by the realtor in escrow and to be paid to the seller.

The seller, on receipt of the offer is required under the Laws of the State of Louisiana to make a complete disclosure of the present and potential defects of the property both structural and environmental if the property is residential. The seller's disclosure form has 22 disclosures to be made by the seller. If the seller does not know of any defect it should be stated in the form. The disclosure is not a warranty by the seller and the purchaser must carry out inspections. Once these tasks are completed the seller and the purchaser will sign the agreement and make it a binding contract.

The purchaser will now make inspection and title search arrangements. The purchaser should engage a certified inspector to assess structural defects, pest control, plumbing, , heating, ventilation and insulation.

The purchaser should hire an attorney, a real estate title company or a trust and title company to scrutinize the title of the property and to check public and court records for possible encumbrances of the title of the property. The American Land Title association has a list of title search professionals the for the purchaser's reference. Encumbrances that affect the title of property in the State of Louisiana are, implied easements of necessity which is recognized by law. Other encumbrances are liens on the property arising out of non payment of amounts due under judgments, unpaid taxes assessments unpaid mechanics. Any encumbrance that can be remedied is communicated to the seller. The purchaser should buy a title insurance to avoid the litigation costs in defending possible title claims. that were not discovered by the title search.

The purchaser can then raise the loan from the lender company and make the down payment. When the lender company is satisfied that all the paperwork is complete, the purchase is ready for closure. Under the Authentication Act in the state of Louisiana the closing should take place in a Notary Public's office. The website of the American association of Notaries has a notary locator directory to help the purchaser find a notary in Louisiana. The Notary Public is usually an attorney who has experience in examining titles.

The purchaser is required to show proof of a one year home owners insurance premium payment and a proof of identity at the closure when the deed is signed by both parties. The deed should be signed and authentication by the Notary public and two witnesses otherwise the document is deemed invalid in the State of Louisiana. When the Notary Public records the sale, the seller passes possession and title to the purchaser and the purchaser finishes the process of purchasing a home in the State of Louisiana.

http://www.nearbytitle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Dubinsky

Costa Rica Real Estate FAQ

2008-01-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

I can easily state that whenever I meet someone and we get to talking about Costa Rica real estate for the first time, I hear the same questions that I’ve heard before. So, I put together this brief FAQ so that you can get quick answers to the most commonly asked questions and concerns about owning real estate in Costa Rica.

1. Can a US or Canadian citizen (or other foreigner) own property in Costa Rica? Yes. In fact foreigners have the same property ownership rights as Costa Rican nationals.

2. How much are property taxes? Property taxes are currently 0.25% of the recorded value. There are no capital gains taxes on appreciation when property is sold.

3. Is financing available? Yes, although because of higher interest rates and additional paperwork, Compass Properties recommends a cash purchase, and if additional funds are necessary, the first choice would be to refinance in the US. For those who choose to use an international bank for financing, Compass Properties can refer you to banks that specialize in providing financing to foreigners. Generally, the interest rates are prime +2-3% as well as additional points up front.

4. Is title insurance available? Yes. There are many title agencies including Stewart Title, based out of Texas, who handles Escrow services and title insurance.

5. Is it true that beachfront land in Costa Rica is considered “concession land”? Yes, concession land is located along the coast and is the area within 200m of the median tide level. Concession rights may be acquired via a lease with the Costa Rican government. The lease periods range from 20 to 40 years, and buyers may acquire multiple lease terms. Contact one of our sales professionals for more information.

6. Are there American corporations with offices in Costa Rica? Yes. Because of Costa Rica’s political stability, low taxes, and high literacy rate (96%, 2nd highest per capita in the world), Costa Rica is attracting many US corporations. Over a hundred companies from around the world, such as Pfizer, Firestone, and Glaxo Smith Kline, have operations based out of Costa Rica. Intel’s largest plant for the manufacturing of microprocessor chips is based out of Costa Rica, and the company is expanding their in-country operations. And Wal-Mart is expanding its retail network in the region.

7. What is healthcare like in Costa Rica? In a recent survey of health systems around the world, Costa Rica ranked just above the United States! New hospitals such as the Cima-San Jose Medical Complex in Escazu (an extension of Baylor University and funded by Glaxo Smith Kline) are equipped with state of the art medical equipment and world-class specialists. Many North Americans come here for dental care, plastic surgery, and even heart surgery, as the quality is comparable to North American health care, but prices are 50%-70% less.

8. Are there schools that meet American standards with transferable credits? Yes. Contact us for a list of schools in your area.

9. Is the process for purchasing property similar to that in the US? Yes, and the following are key steps to purchasing property in Costa Rica:

· Sign an option to purchase with the seller.

· Deposit funds into escrow (if applicable)

· Title company, notary public or attorney performs title search to ensure that property is free and clear of any defects

· Execution or transfer of deed and funds disbursement

· Register property with the Costa Rican National Public Registry

· The first step, however, is to find a knowledgeable and reputable realtor who can help you locate your dream home.

10. How do I insure my home in Costa Rica There are American and international companies that carry hazard, fire, and earthquake insurance policies for homes in Costa Rica. You may also choose to insure your property through the Costa Rican government’s national insurance agency at approximately 0.3% of the appraised value of the home.

Tiffany Wilson is a real estate investor and an International Real Estate Consultant for Compass Properties, located in US and Costa Rica locations. She is passionate about Costa Rica and loves telling people all about it! She can be reached at twilson@compasscostarica.net. Check out Compass Properties website at http://www.compassproperties.net

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Anybody Can Own Property in Brazil

2008-01-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

Foreigners (non-Brazilians) are permitted to own property outright in Brazil. Also, foreigners have the same property rights as Brazilians and will obtain a free & clear title to the property. It is no different than owning real estate in Europe or the U.S. Brazil is quickly becoming the world-leader in attracting foreign investment and immigration. There are literally millions of foreign nationals in Brazil who own property and businesses. There is no risk since property ownership is guaranteed by the Constitution for Brazilians and foreigners. Land ownership is in perpetuity and always includes full mineral and water rights, since these cannot be separated from the land in Brazil. Title insurance is available from a USA based title company.

OK, so you can own property in Brazil. Why would you want to?

Brazil is home to the largest rain forest on earth, the largest river on earth, and to "Carnival" which is like a super version of Mardi Gras.

Brazil has the sixth largest population in the world. Because of its size, there are only 15 people per sq. km, concentrated mainly along the coast and in the major cities, where two-thirds of the people now live: over 19 million in greater Sao Paulo and 10 million in greater Rio. Sao Paulo is arguably the most populous city on earth, having more than twice the population of New York City.

Few countries offer as great a variety of environments. Brazil has more land mass than any other country in South America. In terms of area, the nation is fifth in the world, exceeded only by Russia, Canada, the USA and China, occupying almost half of South America. Brazil has contrasting ecosystems such as the Amazon Forest and the Atlantic Forest with their incredibly luxuriant woodlands, the Cerrado (scrublands) and the Caatinga (arid lands), the Pantanal (marshland) with its flood plains teeming with an amazingly rich chain of animal reproduction.

Still not impressed? OK, would you be impressed if you could buy 50 acres of Brazilian Highlands for $15,000? Owner financing is available with no credit check and 10% down-payment.

Area Description

Unlike nearby Western Bahia state, SE Tocantins has seen little development. W. Bahia, with similar climatic and agronomic conditions as SE Tocantins, today (along with Matto Grosso) is the most developed agricultural area of frontier states, with highly productive farms, fertile soils (after correction) and conducive economic environment for agriculture. City of Louis Eduardo Manghales, center of farming activity of W. Bahia, is only about 120 km away from this farm. Farmers from south of Brazil, and American/Europeans discovered the area, and run very profitable farms, growing soybeans, beans, corn, rice, cotton, coffee. While climatic and agronomic prerequisites in SE Tocantins are similar with W. Bahia, uncleared land in W. Bahia is very expensive, while uncleared land in SE Tocantins is cheap and overlooked by prospective investors. Today SE Tocantins remains largely undeveloped. Ninety percent of land in my estimation is uncleared/unused. The rivers here are of exceptional natural beauty, and largely overlooked by Brazilians. Its only a matter of time before farmers and tourists discover the area and pave the way for a land boom of Matto Grosso and W. Bahia.

Description of town.....20km (12 miles) away, Rio do Conseicao (Conseption River), pop. 2000. Brand new highway was built to connect this town at the end of the line. There is very little traffic. Town has all the basic necessities: two schools, medical clinic,- school and clinic are free (Brazil has free national health care available to all residents regardless of income level); supermarket, a couple of restaurants and bars, land phone line, cell phone coverage; no landline internet though, nor is there a gas station. Satellite internet service is available in even the most remote locations in Brazil, but it is expensive. Satellite internet service costs about $100 a month. A simple home can be bought for about US$10,000. In center of town, there is a river, Manuel Alves, with a rock beach; water is shallow, clean, and fast; beautiful waterfalls are just behind the bridge. On Sundays the whole town comes to this riverfront plaza.

Dianopolis, a town of 20,000, is 40km (25 miles) from this farm. This town has everything, including modem and DSL internet access.

Farm description.....Brazilian owner made available this 7500 acre farm to be sold in smaller parcels, 50, 100, 200 acre interior parcels. Scenery is of gently undulating grassland/scrubland, with view of mesas, and of a distant W. Bahia escarpment. Scenery is not unlike that of Arizona, but with 1500mm annual precipitation. Vegetation, shrubs and sparse grasses. It seems as though, to clear this land, one would only need a pass with a disc.

Access.....A 12km wide sand road leads to this farm from a paved highway. To get to the farm you will need: 4x4, or...pick-up, high suspension FWD, motorbike, or horse/burro. Access to lots within the farm, a tractor or other farm vehicle will easily override the terrain/vegetation. All lots have passage easements. Riverfront lots have 8 meter passage easement, for all to enjoy. Unfortunately, you will not be able to drive or ship any of your cars, motorcycles, trucks, or farm tractors from the USA to Brazil. Brazil is a major manufacturer of motor vehicles. The world's largest Volkswagen production facility is located in Brazil, plus many other car, truck, and tractor companies are also located in Brazil. Brazil has strict import quotas and restrictive tariffs to discourage imported motor vehicles. If you buy property in Brazil and move here, you are allowed one household move, duty free and tariff free. It would be financially beneficial for you to take advantage of this generous allowance because normally all imported goods are subject to stiff import taxes. However, you may not include any motor vehicles in the household move. It would be best to just sell your motor vehicles where they are, and buy new ones in Brazil. The importation of your new or used motor vehicles into Brazil would be prohibitively expensive and problematic.

Soil, is acid, low PH, quartzenic; sandy soil requires much less lime application than clay soil; white color on top, then several inches of gray sand with some organic matter, undersoil has a peach color. To correct fertility of this soil, two tons of limestone added to a hectare, and 800kg of fertilizer. I have observed local ranchers growing in their gardens: bananas, cassava/manioc, lemons, oranges, papayas, coconuts, cashews, mango, -without any soil correction. A wide variety of tropical fruits, nuts, spices, and other crops can be grown in this tropical area.

This soil, as is, would be well suited for rice. Rice has a high domestic price. This soil is well suited to grow castor beans (mamona) with no soil correction. Mamona have 40% oil content and are used in Brazil for oil extraction to produce commercial grade bio-diesel fuel. These beans will grow in any soil, as is!

Reforestation. Eucalyptus trees, southern pine, teak, and bamboo, - will grow in this soil as is, and are fast growing, can be cut in as little as 5 years, an acre will yield about 500 trees, can be used locally for fence posts, and beams.

Grasses/cattle. Existing natural grasses are sparse and not liked much by cows. Seeded grass, one variety I saw in Tocantins, 'brachiaria', grows over 6 feet tall. Otherwise, land as is, can be grazed by sheep and goats.

By state law, 35% of this land needs to be left in native state. This rule though, seems to be widely disregarded.

Property taxes - Fortunately property taxes are very low in this area. Annual property taxes on a rural property here valued at $50,000 USD would be in the vicinity of $50 USD.

Altitude, about 750 meters at higher elevation of farm, allowing for coffee plantation.

Rivers in SE Tocantins, like I never seen before, are of exceptional natural beauty. River on this farm, Manuel Alvinho. About 10m wide, 1.5m deep; current, 5km/hour; small fish. One waterfall, several rapids. Water clarity, excellent. The river banks are of pink sand, and pink sandbars with palms, making for exceptionally attractive scenery. This farm has a waterfall, about 30 feet high, and several small rapids. You have to see the pictures, or visit, to believe. There are several springs along riverfront. Some riverfront spots are of waterlogged, but firm sand. Water from higher elevations percolates slowly down into the valley, feeding the river year-round. These perpetually wet sands would make for a unique irrigated field, making for unusual plantations. Well water, depending distance from the river, from 5m to 60m deep. Highest vs. lowest elevation on farm, I estimate about 150 feet difference.

There is a 'pion', farm worker, who lives nearby, and he keeps an eye on this farm.

Climate. Rains a lot for 5-6 months, October to April. Rains hard for about an hour every, every other day. Then sunny. Annual precipitation about 1500mm, which about the same amount of rainfall as Florida usually receives. Dry period, May to October, rains little or not at all. Temperature, no difference winter to summer. Daytime average highs, 29C (84F); nighttime average lows, 19C (66F). This land is located in the tropics, but is in the Brazilian Highlands so it is not so terribly hot and humid here. The year round temperature in SE Tocantins is similar to the temperature in Hawaii.

You may be asking “What is the catch?” This is good potential farm land. This land is natural grasslands but can easily be developed into productive farmland. Only 20% of the arable land in Brazil is being cultivated at present and less than 10% in the State of Tocantins. The soil and growing conditions are very similar to Southern Florida. Local farmers currently use nearby land for grazing, growing citrus fruit and row crops including soybeans, castor beans, corn and cotton. Local people grow many of the same vegetables in their gardens that we are familiar with in the USA. There is plenty of rainfall and a long growing season.

It is a simple matter to obtain permanent resident status in Brazil. You can keep your USA citizenship and U.S. passport and still obtain permanent resident status in Brazil. Permanent residents of Brazil are allowed to hold both USA and Brazilian passports. This bonus could come in handy some day. USA passport holders are sometimes targeted by terrorists, but Brazilians are not.

Finally, if you were to buy land in Brazil and become a permanent resident in Brazil you can ship your entire household to Brazil duty free. This would make the transition more comfortable and practical.

The author, Arthur Wyss is a resident of Beijing, China. He specializes in immigration assistance for those who wish to live in Brazil. He also operates Brazil Land Sales, which primarily sells land in the State of Tocantins, Brazil. He is the former President of Adventure Spa Cruise. His website is: http://www.brazil-land-sales.com/index.htm

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Cheap Property For Sale – How To Make Huge Gains

2008-01-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Buying cheap property for sale and selling it at a profit is the aim of many real estate investors.

Follow one rule and you will make huge gains quickly and it can be several hundred percent in profit per annum so here it is.

Buy Cheaply but don’t buy the cheapest!

Many real estate investors just like to buy cheap property because it’s cheap, but keep in mind it’s cheap for a reason.

The cheapest property never tends to make much money!

What you need is the cheapest property you can find in relation to its upside potential.

You may pay a bit more but your upside is considerably increased. Let’s look at this in more detail.

Location

Does the location you want to buy in have potential or might it have potential in the future?

Forget the “might have” that’s your view look for solid facts to buy upon.

A good example of this is to look for property near transport improvements. Is there a fast train link or new road coming to the area in the near future?

Keep in mind how important transport is.

Many properties are judged by how long and how easy it is to get to work from them.

When new transport links come people will move in – This is a simple economic fact you can see in any country in the world.

Keep an eye on communications network, as soon as its public knowledge get in early and wait - when the changes come watch the area come up in value.

There must always be a reason to buy!

Never buy cheap property for sale unless there is a specific reason that you can see in motion that will increase future value of the property you want to buy.

Don’t buy just because it’s cheap and that itmay rise see a concrete reason first if you don’t the property could remain cheap or get even cheaper!

The rule is don’t buy the cheapest, buy cheaply with a solid reason in motion for value to increase in the near future. Buy on facts, not on hopes maybe's or your view.

Of course, if you are in major industrialized country property is expensive, but you can buy cheap property for sale overseas and apply the same rule.

For example, a favourite of many North American and European investors is Costa Rica. Cheap property for sale is up to 70% cheaper than the US so you get get in cheaper and your upside is far more.

Savvy investors are doubling and even tripling their money in just one or two years, by buying in the right location here and you can to.

There are major communications changes being built and being planned.

Buy in advance and you can buy cheap property for sale with triple digit potential gains!

Take a look at the changes and see the potential for yourself.

FREE REAL ESTATE ADVICE NEWSLETTERS, PDF, DVD's AND MORE

For more info on all aspects of investing in overseas real estate visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html

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Purchasing Property With No Money Down: My Personal Experience

2008-01-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen those infomercials about buying houses with “No Money Down?” They are really well done. They have all kinds of people offering great testimonials about how they have gotten rich, buying rental properties, with absolutely no money out of their pocket. You see this guy, standing on a street corner, talking to someone, and he says, “I own that one,” pointing to a beautiful colonial. “I also own that one next to it, and the one two doors down, and I’ll be closing on the one directly across the street from it, next week.” He then assures us that he has purchased 17 homes in the last eight or ten months, with zero money down on the properties. Plus, in many cases he’s also paid no closing costs.

And, let’s not forget, this same guy is grossing tens of thousands of dollars monthly, and his net worth is nearly one million dollars. So, he says.

Now, all of this looks wonderful, so when the person selling the course that will teach you how to do this, at a nifty price of just $297.00, speaks, you are glued to his every word. “Real estate is the safest and fastest way to make money, today,” the expert will tell you.

So, can this really be done? Can you purchase houses with no money down? Can you become a landlord in as little as one month’s time and start raking in the cash from those rent payments? The answer is an absolute “Yes.” It can be done, and I am proof positive, because I’ve done it. The question you should be asking yourself is not can I buy real estate with no money down, but should I?

You see, this is a question that the guy selling the No Money Down course, with all of his people and their great testimonials hopes you never ask. His advertising and marketing strategy would collapse, if he gave anyone a chance to ask this question, because he would be forced to lie if he answered it.

Rarely is the whole truth anywhere to be found in infomercials, especially when the advertising is about No Money Down real estate programs. The infomercial makes the idea and the program look so easy that any child could handle it. It makes it seem like every American should be doing it, and we’d all be millionaires. But every American is not doing it, and many of the ones who are doing it not only are not getting rich, they are actually going broke. The infomercial won’t tell you this. That’s why I’m here.

The Truth

Now, let’s get started with the truth about buying real estate with no money down and the truth about being a landlord. The first thing you need to know is that they are both very bad ideas. Let me illustrate by using my own experience in these areas. I started buying rental property nearly 10 years ago. The first property I bought was a deal orchestrated by some real estate con artist, who told me I needed just $2,000 to take ownership of this home and, in the process, help out a woman who was about to be foreclosed upon.

In two years, she would clean up her credit, refinance the loan on the house, and I would make $10,000. Sounded good to someone who was quick to buy into anything that returned big dollars in a short time.

This worked for the first year, as the woman paid on time, and I pocketed an extra $100 monthly. Later, though, things began to collapse, as the house began to need repairs, all of which the woman couldn’t afford, so I had to pay for them. I put nearly $5,000 into the house in a four-year period. When I was finally able to sell it, I didn’t quite make back what I had put into it.

Meanwhile, I was eager to overcome this problem by adding many more. A slick mortgage broker got hooked up with an even slicker real estate prospector, and the two of them convinced me that they had a way I could buy houses rapidly, with absolutely no money out of my pocket. Although my experience will probably be enough to enlighten you to the pitfalls of this model and of being a landlord, let me say that I can’t emphasize enough how dangerous buying property with no money down is.

In six months time, I had purchased eight houses – many with loans from the same wholesale lender. These lenders should have been concerned with all of the debt I was building, but they kept approving loans, based on my good credit and rents covering the mortgage payments. One of the biggest problems, which I was not experienced enough to detect, was that most of the rents were just $50 to $100 above the mortgage payment.

“Don’t worry,” the investor/ hustler would say. “You’ll make all your money on volume. We’ll get you into 30 or 40 houses, and you’ll be pocketing $4,000 to $5,000 every month.”

As you might imagine, my mind raced. I was making the huge deposits at that very moment. My bank account was fattening up at breakneck speed.

The Illusion

This is what people who buy houses, using the No Money Down plan envision happening. After all, if you can buy one house with no money down, why not five or ten or fifty? For some reason – the vision of the dollar sign, most likely – I failed to seriously consider the maintenance of these houses, the possibility of missed rent payments, and the chance that renters might actually stop paying, altogether, forcing me to evict them – a time-consuming and extremely costly undertaking.

As you may have already guessed, all of these things happened to me, after I had amassed 26 rental properties. In fact, oftentimes, all of these problems happened in the same month. Now, for awhile (when I had about 10 houses), if one person failed to pay rent, I could cover it with the nine other payments. But when two, three and sometimes even five tenants didn’t pay in the same month, it was devastating to my business. I had to go to my business account and pay up to $3,000 at a time in mortgage payments, with no income to cover it. Plus, I had to pay a property management company to get my tenants to pay or to evict them.

Soon, this became the norm, not the exception. There were constant problems at my houses. Unhappy tenants led to poor upkeep of the property and even more maintenance problems. About one year, after I had amassed 26 houses, I was having problems with roughly 10-15 houses and/or tenants each week. I was evicting at least two tenants each month, and approximately four to seven tenants were either behind on rent or not paying at all. Promises were made, payment plans arranged and few, if any, ever followed through.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was no way to make money in real estate. Consequently, I got rid of these houses as fast as I possibly could. There were plenty of buyers, willing to take over my headaches, because they had the ability to make it work, they believed.

In 10 years of being a landlord, I lost thousands of dollars and likely took some years away from my life with all the stress I had endured. So, whatever you do, avoid the No Money Down Trap. There are much better, still inexpensive ways to make money in real estate.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Barnes

Housing Prices And North-American Wealth

2008-01-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

Housing prices fundamentals depend a great deal on the wider economy, especially income and borrowing rates. More specifically, housing prices bear chiefly fret over two important measures: 1) the ratio of house prices to median income and 2) the ratio of rental income to house prices.

House prices to median income now equals 3.8 pretty much in both the United States and Canada, which means that the median price of an interest in land is now getting out of reach of the average North-American household. This measure is the primary catalyst to what economists refer to as ‘The Affordability Crisis', and is becoming more and more a concern. The Affordability Crisis is a very serious matter indeed. It has economic, political, social and demographic reverberations and repercussions.

The hot local real estate markets of recent times have driven prices literally through the roof and since home-ownership is the single most important element in the democratization of prosperity, un-affordability becomes a social problem just as much as an economic one. It impacts the very essence of North American wealth reserves and distribution, because home-ownership is the element of social stability and cohesion and, therefore, an important pillar of a sustainable modern economic capitalistic growth.

The second measure, the ratio of rental income to house prices is too low to offer property owners and investors a decent return, suggesting again that houses are badly overpriced. At 0.5 percent, rental income over house prices indicates that investors will think twice before purchasing rental properties, since they have investment alternatives. For instance, here in Downtown Vancouver it used to be, only a couple of years ago, that purchasing an apartment unit and then rent it out would net a yearly return of over 8 percent. But since rental rates have not followed at par with real capital appreciation, taking into account increased property tax the yield is nowadays less than 5 percent.

Nearly everyone now expects prices to level off for a bit and slow the economy down, but in ultimate analysis the foregoing valuation measures are less worrisome than one might think at first.

The high ratio of house prices to income is less alarming because low mortgage rates in both the United States and Canada have held down the real, effective cost of owning a home. This cost has not changed much despite an upward shift in interest rates, which in turn has increased volatility in real estate markets. North-American homeowners, especially in the United States, remain exposed to a sharp rise in long-term interest rates if, say, foreign investors in the American Treasury were to start selling bonds and put their money elsewhere. But this does not seem to be the case for the time being, as confidence in American financial stability is at an all-time high.

Furthermore, although it is true that rents have failed to keep pace with the rising prices of interests in land, that comparison partly reflects a failure to adjust for the growing quality of the homes Americans and Canadians have been buying. This, coupled by the fact that demand for rents is now beginning to move up, would suggest that rising rents could raise the threshold and set the ratio on a more balanced footing - so long as incomes keep growing.

An additional reason for optimism is that prices of real estate in Britain and Australia, two other countries that bubble-watchers have been fingering as examples of the impending and devastating real estate bubbles in North America, have proven much less damaging than many expected. Their respective economies have performed so well after real estate markets peaked, that their central banks found it necessary to raise interest rates again afterwards.

For all the foregoing reasons many economic forecaster and analysts here do not believe that a recession is around the corner merely because of the slowdown in real estate. And I am one of them.

Luigi Frascati

Luigi Frascati is a Real Estate Agent based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and maintains a weblog entitled the Real Estate Chronicle at http://wwwrealestatechronicle.blogspot.com where you can find the full collection of his articles on Real Estate Economics and Finance. Luigi is associated with the Sutton Group, the largest real estate organization in Canada, and is based with Sutton-Centre Realty in Burnaby, BC.

Luigi is very proud to be an EzineArticles Platinum Expert Author. Your rating at the footer of this Article is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luigi_Frascati

Tax Implications of Owning a Property Overseas

2008-01-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Buying property overseas is something that many people want to do for their entire lives. When they are finally able, they often rush into the purchase without consider the tax implications of buying and owning a property in that specific jurisdiction. While taxes are not a favorite subject of anyone, one of the best tax tips that you will ever receive is to research the tax laws in the jurisdiction in which you plan to buy. Researching and taxing the time to understand the tax laws will allow you to budget these things into your plan. There’s nothing worse than to be surprised by the taxes on a new home, so be sure to arm yourself with knowledge so you can truly enjoy your new home.

There are several things that you should consider when buying Bocas real estate, or real estate in any area. You can’t just focus on what you would claim on your tax return, you have to consider more than that. First, you should consider the taxes that are payable when you purchase a property. Such taxes may include stamp duty, title transfer tax, or even inheritance tax. You will also want to inquire about taxes that are payable for the ongoing ownership of the home or property. These taxes may include land tax and other local taxes. You will also want to consider the tax implications if you rent your property when you are not enjoying it yourself. These taxes may include income tax as well as extra non-resident landlord taxes. Lastly, you may want to research the taxes that you will need to pay when you dispose of the property. These taxes may include capital gains or estate tax.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when it comes to purchasing Panama real estate, or real estate in any overseas jurisdiction. You need to research all of the tax implications before you buy so that you are not taken off guard by all of the tax payments. Many people reduce their offshore tax liability by going through certain offshore services that will minimize their liability. The effectiveness of doing this will vary from location to location, just as the taxes from jurisdiction to jurisdiction vary greatly. This is where your research will come in, allowing you to determine how you can safeguard yourself against extreme taxation. It’s important to not only look at the negative parts of being taxed abroad, but also consider some of the tax benefits that exist, as they often balance one another nicely.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. There is a lot to think about when it comes to purchasing Panama real estate, or real estate in any overseas jurisdiction. You need to research all of the tax implications before you buy so that you are not taken off guard by all of the tax payments.

There are several things that you should consider when buying Bocas real estate, or real estate in any area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller

Retiring to Panama – 10 Reasons you Should Consider It

2008-01-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

More people than ever are considering retiring to Panama - and it’s already one of the top destinations for adventure and eco-tourism - and it’s now becoming a top retirement destination.

In the USA 78 million Baby Boomers will reach retirement age in the next 10 years – and they’ll be looking to maintain their standard of living by retiring abroad, where their pensions will go much further. Many of these future retirees are already considering retiring to Panama to get more for their money.

Panama comes of Age

Panama’s status as a retirement destination has come of age - as a recent poll on Modern Maturity Magazine shows. The magazine concluded that retiring in Panama was the fourth best retirement destination in the world - and International Living rates put Panama at number 1.

Should you consider retiring in Panama? Let’s look at the advantages:

1. Panama has a stable democratic government, and a strong economy.

2. Residents and people retiring to Panama pay no tax on income from overseas.

3. Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama, with the same rights as Panamanian citizens.

4. An incentive program for retiring to panama is available – and it’s one of the best in the world.

5. Property tax exemptions apply to all new construction on a reducing scale - according to the value of the property.

6. The US presence In Panama has always been strong, due to the canal - and this has led to the availability of a lot of products and services that make Americans feel at home.

7. The Panamanians are some of the friendliest people in the world - and the expat community is growing - so the social life is lively.

8. Panama has excellent communications and it also a good infrastructure that reflects the growing prosperity of the country.

9. Property is affordable - less than half the price of similar properties in Florida or Arizona. Panama also has easy access, being just a few hours flying time from the southern states of the USA.

10. Panama is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with something for everyone.

There’s much more to Panama than the canal bounded by the Caribbean and by the Pacific – it’s one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. Panama has everything from stunning beaches to mountains, as well as rainforest and an abundance of wildlife.

When you retire to Panama you get a whole host of discounts promoted by the Government (Pensionado or Retiree) including:

. Tax exemption to import a new car every two years

. 25% discounts on utility bills

. 25% discount on airline tickets, and 30% on other transportation

. 15% discount on loans made in your name

. 20% discount on doctor's bills, and 15% on hospital services, if no insurance applies

. 10% discount on medicines

. 20% discount on bills for professional and technical services

. 50% discount on entrance to movie theatres, cultural and sporting events

Is Panama the best place to retire to in Central America?

In terms of living standards and stability, the only real rival to Panama is Costa Rica. While Panama was cheap like Mexico it’s no longer an undiscovered location – in fact there’s keen interest in retiring to Panama due to the many benefits – and this has pushed up prices.

Panama has the same problems as many of the new emerging Central American property hot spots - namely, the government has budget problems - and a need to expand employment, and improve social services.

Panama is still a relatively young nation, and it’s still in transition - but great strides are being made - and the expat community is largely unaffected by these problems.

However, as an alternative to retiring in Panama, you should also consider Costa Rica - you get a great standard of living, as costs are low. While property prices in Costa Rica are not cheap, they’re very affordable - and there are bargains available in the right locations.

If you’re considering retiring to Panama, then there’s many plus points that are hard to ignore.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Todd

Florida Real Estate - Now is the Time to Invest in USA Property

2008-01-02T16:43:00.000-08:00