The problem with this pervasive pessimism is that it does not tell the whole story. The real estate market is actually many, many markets, not just one. There are regional markets such as the Northeast or the Midwest. Markets within cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Seattle. And local markets within each of the cities. In any of these markets, conditions vary widely. Some real estate markets in the U.S. have already begun rebounding, or in some cases have experienced newly rising prices. Factors such as the state of the local economy, net in-migration of people to the market, and the existing supply of homes all play a part in how a given market performs. You can’t look at broad-brush national statistics and draw conclusions about whether it is a good time to buy or not. You have to research the local market where you are thinking of buying and evaluate market conditions there.

The second thing to keep in mind is that the news media are reporting past results; they have no more insight into what may happen in the future than anyone else. There have been many times when the stock market is overwhelmed with pessimism and the result is irrational selling of shares. Then, something sparks a rally and investor confidence returns. The point is, the stock market does not send every investor an e-mail saying: Hurry! Now’s the Time to Buy! Most equity investors do not recognize when the market is turning and so miss out on opportunities. Similarly, by the time it is commonly recognized that the real estate market has rebounded, the best buying opportunities will already be gone.

It is really impossible to predict when the real estate market will rebound on a national level. For individuals with a long-term perspective, five years or more, a home will continue to be one of the foundations of a wealth-building strategy. In an economy as strong as the American economy, where home ownership has for generations been encouraged by Federal government policy, there is no reason to believe that real estate values will not resume their upward climb in the near future. Will it be in six months? A year? Two years? That’s hard to say. What’s important to remember is that this down period in the real estate market will end. Smart investors know that and aren’t forced into unwise real estate investment decisions based on the whim of the media.

Real Estate Investing: Peering Through the Gloom…And Finding Value is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

Oregon law recently changed however and agents are now called Brokers and Principle Brokers. Brokers are men and women who sell real estate for a Principle Broker who is responsible for their activities. The Principle Broker can also sell and list properties. For the purposes of this article we will call Brokers and Principal Brokers who actively sell and list homes “Agents.”

When searching for an agent to assist you in buying or selling a home it is a good idea to choose one that is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). There are over one million Realtors in business today. So if you want to find that one-in-a-million Realtor start with the over 37,000 that hold the Certified Residential Specialist Designation. CRS is the symbol of excellence in residential real estate.

You should also make sure your agent is a Realtor. Not all agents are Realtors. A Realtor is pledged to adhere to a strict code of ethics. Whether you are buying or selling a home, you can count on your Realtor to be honest with all parties in the transaction, not just you, as his or here client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients.

For example, if Realtors represent a buyer with a spotty credit history, they can’t be dishonest with seller about this fact. At the same time, Realtors can help their buyer clients collect and assemble information, such as credit reports and audited tax returns, to demonstrate that the buyer has addressed the problem and improved their situation.

He or she will put your interests ahead of his or her interest at all times. He understand the needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inventory and shares all relevant information with the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision. This service is provided regardless of the compensation available.

She or He will disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller. If a Realtor believes information provided by a seller is questionable, the Realtor is obligated to investigate. Realtors should recommend that buyers consult their own experts, such as home inspectors, to address concerns.

For example, if a home seller asks his or her Realtor to conceal the fact that the roof leaks, the Realtor cannot comply. If the seller insists, the Realtor should end the business relationship with that seller.

He or she will be truthful in all communications with the public. When Realtors distribute newsletters, create Web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals’ work product as their own. If recently sold or listed properties in the community are publicized, it must be clear whether the Realtor was actually involved in the transaction or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the Realtor’s experience and they can make an informed decision when choosing real estate representation.

All Certified Residential Specialists are Realtors. So if you are looking for an agent in Bend Oregon or any place in the United States for that matter, you can search the internet with any browser for Certified Residential Specialist. Go to “Find a CRS” and fill in the city and state where you want to buy a home and need an agent.

You will then have a list with pictures, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of some of the best agents available. At this point it is good to contact the agent and ask him or here how long he or she has lived in the area you are going to be buying a home. You will be better served if you choose someone that has lived in the area for more than twenty years.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the agent you want to work with. Take your time and be sure the broker you choose is some you like and trust.

It is a buyer’s market in Bend Oregon today. It is a good time to buy a home. If you follow the steps outlined in this article you should find an ethical, experienced profession to help you find you new home and negotiate a good price.

How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent in Bend Oregon is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

And for a while it was working. As a whole, our country experienced several years of exceptional appreciation in real estate values, making many investors wealthy. Most were accomplishing this by “flipping” real estate. People from all walks of life were buying house on Sunday and quickly selling them for a profit on Monday, with very little downside. There was a time when almost everybody thought real estate investing meant buying and “flipping” properties.

But then things changed. Virtually overnight the real estate fairytale ended. The subprime market crashed. Interest rates on ARMs started to climb. Foreclosures hit record highs. Values started to plummeted. Really plummet.

In fact, as I write this, it is estimated that the current real state crash will be the second largest since the Depression. Some analysts are projecting drops in value of 10 to 20%, maybe more. Foreclosure rates may again double. (Currently, one of every 200 homes is said to be in foreclosure). Some lending institutions are closing their doors. Others are barely hanging on.

But even though this may be an extremely large crash, there are a few factors that separate it from previous down markets. For one, the economy is still pretty strong in most areas of the country. This means, as of yet, we are holding our own against a recession, or worse, a depression. Also, interest rates are still very affordable and should be in the near future. These are two important factors real estate investors look for as they invest in property.

What does this all mean? To sum it up, it means the real estate market is flooded. It means people and banks are willing to deal. It means anyone wishing to dispose of real estate are selling real estate gold at silver prices. It means it’s is time to buy! Only now the investor will not profit by flipping or selling their property, they will have to hold their property and wait for values to resurface. The new strategy for real estate wealth will be simple, buy at the fire sale, and sell after recovery. This wealth will come to those who can successfully accomplish two important during this time:

1. Purchase solid homes in stable neighborhoods at steep discounted prices,

2. Rent those homes to quality tenants who will pay the rent and maintain the property until the recovery occurs.

The average investor thinks wealth is accumulated by purchasing real estate. Successful investors know wealth is created by having quality tenants pay for that real estate under your name. If you really want to invest in real estate, now is the time, fire sales don’t last forever.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go. I have gold to purchase.

Today’s Real Estate Market: Gold at Silver Prices is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

What to Know About Investing in a Down Real Estate Market is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

According to different Austin real estate agents, bad economic news from other parts of the country are causing prospective buyers to hold off as they wait and see what the economy might do. Some of them may be hoping that prices will fall even more before they buy, even though buying prospects are strong right now. Current mortgage rates are the lowest they have been in 35 years. The last time rates were this low during a buyer’s market was in 1973.

This wait-and-see approach has caused a slight drop in prices in some areas, but most area properties are holding steady in value. The market is slow right now, but is not depressed like it is in some other areas of the country.

Statistics from the U.S. Census bureau and compiled by the Texas A&M Real Estate Center and published on July 3 this year in the Texas Real Estate Market Reports show that the population in the Austin/Round Rock metropolitan area has increased by about 43% since 1997. Almost 1,600,000 people now live in the area. The city of Austin expects this growth trend to continue as far ahead as 2020, according to the report.

Experts also expect an increase in jobs and a low unemployment rate to continue during the next ten years. Austin and the Texas Hill Country will continue to be one of the fastest growing areas of the nation and is expected to enjoy one of the healthiest economies as well.

Some experts have pointed out that the rise in real estate values in Austin has remained steady over the years. The area has not seen increases in property value of 200% to 2000% as has been seen in some areas of California and Florida, for example. This, coupled with an equally consistent growth in jobs and a high rate of population increase, has worked to protect real estate from attaining overly inflated values which make it vulnerable to bubble bursting in times of economic difficulty.

The Texas Real Estate Market Report shows that Austin/Round Rock led the state in population growth between 1997 and 2007. The area consistently ranks in national top 10 lists for growth. For example, from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007, Austin was the 5th fastest growing metropolitan area in the US, according to Census Bureau population estimates.

All these new people moving into the city and its outlying areas(more than 65,000 of them from 2006 to 2007) need a place to live. Many will buy homes. It is this kind of growth that is helping to keep Austin real estate values from falling as much as they are in other parts of the country.

However, ironically, it may be that Austin’s tech recession in the early 2000’s that is helping to bolster the market today. According to a report published by the demographics department of the city of Austin, “We never had a housing bubble here because of the lingering effects of the tech recession, and ironically it was the depth of our local recession that then gave us protection from the ruinous fallout from a bursting bubble in residential real estate that has dramatically altered the economic landscapes of Florida, California, Arizona, New England and the Midwest.”

One thing seems certain; the Austin real estate market remains one of the surest and safest in any of the metropolitan areas in the country. That coupled with the nationally recognized quality of life that the city offers makes Austin one of the “sexiest” urban areas in the country.

Austin Real Estate Market Steady is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

There are several Cyprus real estate tips that you need to know before you can purchase a property or investment in this beautiful country. There are  many Realtors available in this country.  However you should find the one that will be compatible with your needs. The most important thing is to find a Realtor who is experienced and honest, and one who is interested in safeguarding your rights and own interests. You must bear in mind some important tips for you to be able to avail choice Cyprus real estate locations and of course the best property in Cyprus.

First, you should understand everything about mortgages and home buying before signing any pertinent documents. Second, you should also get the Cyprus real estate appraised to make sure you are not overpaying for it. Third, talk or negotiate with some buyers so that you can get the best price possible. Lastly, you need to invest time to research and study Cyprus real estate because it is not easy to jump into the water if you are unprepared for it. It is similar when buying certain properties especially in foreign land. Buying real estate anywhere is complicated and confusing especially if you have no prior experience and knowledge.

Cyprus is definitely a destination not only for residing, retirement and vacation place but also the best place for investment and a business hub. That is the very reason why the race to invest in choice properties and real estate are evident in this island-country. It is best advised that avail services of  Cyprus real estate Realtor in order to have a hassle-free process. They will be able to advice you on the right investments that are able to yield good returns in the near future.

Cyprus real estate is growing and increasingly becoming popular. It is essential that you plan ahead for you to get the best rate of the properties as the demand grows, the price of these properties grows in tandem. This has become especially more evident now that Cyprus has become a member of European Union (since 2004). Since then, Cyprus has grown to become one of the top choices of investors and vacationers due to its countless attractions and beauty as well as the endless possibilities in investment returns.

Cyprus Real Estate is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

One thing you need to keep in check when you are making any kind of an investment is your emotions. When you let sentiment mar your judgment on the value of a piece of land or a building, it leaves one vulnerable to loss. It is well known that emotions need to be left out of any kind of good business judgment or decision. And then, the hottest properties are sold the quickest, so you need to be able to spot a good buy as soon as you hear of it, and you should also be quickly able to make the purchase for a timely investment. Many have learnt the hard way, that sitting on the fence has never done anyone any good. So get in there and make a few mistakes if you have to – there is no better way to learn, provided you can afford this luxury.

Remember when investing in land, you are the only one who has to keep an eye out for your own mistakes. Brokers who show you around are only interested in making their own margins on the deal, and the future value of your investment is not their primary concern, so it should be yours. Just make sure you do enough research about the locality before you invest in it, and you are on your way to becoming a better investor.
Do not take it lightly though, real estate investments need planning and foresight as well as a good budget. It can at times be tricky to invest in a place that you do not feel is developed, so you have to imagine what it would be like five years ahead. And then you always have the risk of the land value not moving up over the next few years. However, unlike other investments real estate values generally do go up, if only marginally in a short time. It is a good idea to start small, and invest in a small property to see how things go for you. There is very little chance that the value of property will ever go down, and if it moves up satisfactorily as you expected, maybe there is truly a future in real estate investing for you.

One thing you need to keep in check when you are making any kind of an investment is your emotions. When you let sentiment mar your judgment on the value of a piece of land or a building, it leaves one vulnerable to loss. It is well known that emotions need to be left out of any kind of good business judgment or decision. And then, the hottest properties are sold the quickest, so you need to be able to spot a good buy as soon as you hear of it, and you should also be quickly able to make the purchase for a timely investment. Many have learnt the hard way, that sitting on the fence has never done anyone any good. So get in there and make a few mistakes if you have to – there is no better way to learn, provided you can afford this luxury.

Remember when investing in land, you are the only one who has to keep an eye out for your own mistakes. Brokers who show you around are only interested in making their own margins on the deal, and the future value of your investment is not their primary concern, so it should be yours. Just make sure you do enough research about the locality before you invest in it, and you are on your way to becoming a better investor.

Real Estate Investment – Learn The Basics is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

As a new investor, you may not be aware of the essential requirements to handle in the real estate market. It is necessary that you understand the finance, laws, practices, principles, terms etc that have to be followed, when you invest in real estate. Depending on your interest, you may venture to specialize in a certain area of real estate. You have the opportunity to select a course or classes, which are offered, in order to help you to invest in the International Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Appraisal and even Residential Real Estate. These classes are the best bet for you to start with your real estate career. There are different rules and regulations in various states that govern these planned classes. There are different schools and colleges, which impart such training to students of all ages. Even if you have selected real estate investment as a retirement option, the need for such classes may be required.

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The classes that are conducted, mostly will train you, what to look for in properties that you plan to invest in, to find the right opportunity and how to invest. They may also cover as to how to make an offer to the seller, what all documents may be required from your end, what documents should be taken from the seller and other relevant documentation necessary to invest. Sometimes, they may even train you, how to invest with a small amount in hand or even without it. The financing needs and options that you have and the benefits that you would gain are also a matter of discussion in such classes. Such classes may even assist you to spot the weak or even phony or fraudulent deals. The trainers or coaches are experienced in the real estate field, and they share their good and bad experiences in real estate. Sharing such real life experiences can help you to understand the actual scenario and become alert, when investment matters most to you. You can put to good use these shared tips and tricks, when you invest. 

There are some online courses, which are offered by some schools. They are beneficial for those investors, who are unable to squeeze in some time for classes in their daily schedule. The flexibility to learn at any time of the day, at any location over the Internet is a very good option for such investors. For those planning to sit for the real estate exam, such online courses could be the perfect option. Such online courses can be beneficial to comply with the licensing requirements of the state, where you plan to relocate. 

Real estate investment should be taken seriously as a business, if you want to make good money. To observe the market trends and learning from your classes and experiences could make you a successful real estate investor. Real estate investment classes could boost your career and reward you with fruitful gains. 

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Date Written: 07/09/08 
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Real Estate Investment Classes is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

Real estate values are very unpredictable, especially now with the decrease in the real estate bubble. Prices are falling in some cities and flattening in others. It will take some planning to get the most from selling your real estate to supplement your retirement.

Be Realistic. To plan effectively, you must be realistic about the price you may get for your home. Real estate is an up and down market, so you should assume a traditional real estate market for valuating your home, with gains in value equal to the inflation rate. At retirement, you will have the same purchasing power you currently have. If gains in real estate values are better than the inflation rate, then you will have more. Just don’t count on it.

Get the Most from Your Real Estate. People used to work hard to pay off their mortgages for homes they planned to raise their children in and retire. Since 1989, the number of people 65 and older with mortgage debt has nearly tripled, adjusting for inflation. Making payments on real estate in retirement years will deplete your savings and retirement income faster than any other expenditure.

There are three reasons to pay off your real estate mortgage (1) decrease expenditures in your retirement years, (2) use the mortgage interest rate that you will save to increase your retirement savings, and (3) build more equity, in case you need it as income on which to live later. Paying off your mortgage is a good thing to do, regardless of what the real estate market is doing.

Downsize Your Home. If you are living in a home that is larger than what you need, do not hold on to it for sentimental reasons. Selling the larger home for a smaller one can: (1) give you a smaller mortgage payment than you currently have, or (2) purchase a smaller home outright with no mortgage. It also means less physical upkeep by you, as well as less maintenance and repair costs in the future during retirement. Please keep in mind that there will be selling, moving and new home renovation costs that must be deducted from the sale proceeds.

Sell the Extra Real Estate. If you have a second home or vacation real estate that will not be your retirement residence, you may wish to sell this extra real estate now, putting the sale proceeds into your retirement savings. You can put the mortgage and annual upkeep payments for this property into your retirement savings, too.

Reverse Mortgages. Though these products have been around for some time, we are hearing a lot about them lately. Such mortgages give you 50 percent or more of your home’s value with no mortgage payments, which are collected by the lender at your death or if you sell the real estate.

Beware! Reverse mortgages should be used only as a last-ditch effort at survival. The interest and fees added to your mortgage debt can be very costly. If you must consider a reverse mortgage, here are a few smart tips:

There are only a few reverse mortgage products now on the market, but others are coming soon. So, wait two or three years to garner more options and possibly better products.

You must be 62 to qualify for a reverse mortgage loan, but wait as long as possible to take such a loan. The younger you are, the smaller the loan and higher the cost over time.

Check out all of the products on the market and get independent financial counseling on the best one for you. They may look the same upfront, but the number of years and the loan value differ greatly between products, as well as the costs over time.

Do not buy into the hype! Mortgage brokers receive a large commission on these products. If you feel you are being pushed in this direction, check out other lenders.

Plan ahead. If you move and sell your real estate, the lender receives all that is due on the reverse mortgage from the sale proceeds. This could actually leave you in a worse financial state.

Real Estate and your Retirement is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org

At present we are seeing the biggest investment in housing decline in 50 years and an increase in foreclosures and the outlook for real estate values is uncertain we are likely to see further declines will occur.

First let’s look at the background to the fall in real estate prices in the USA and why they will continue to fall further.

The Worst Decline for 50 Years

US pending home sales fell by 2.6% to 87.6, down from a revised 89.9 reading for October. Boston Fed President Rosengren has stated that the current decline in investment decline is the longest in 50-years. He highlighted that previous housing declines have led to economic downturns, and speculated that housing prices would fall more rapidly this year as the economy struggles. Rosengren also said that the continued housing investment decline has heightened risk of “significant” downturn in the economy as a whole.

Foreclosures Rise

The evidence of the downturn can be seen in the increasing number of foreclosures – almost 500,000 mortgages nationwide were foreclosed in the third quarter of 2007, which was double the number in the same period for the previous year. Some real estate experts estimate that as many as 2 million homes could be foreclosed in 2007 and 2008.

The economy is experiencing difficulties in terms of growth and this is being reflected in falling real estate values as the credit crunch bites.

How to Protect Your Properties Value

In these uncertain times there are solutions available to protect the value of your property by Locking in its value at current market prices – so that you are guaranteed at least the value you locked your property value in at. Let’s take a look at how these schemes work and the advantages they offer home owners.

Guaranteeing the Value of Your Home

Some companies are responding to the concerns surrounding the property market by offering an innovative option contract which provides you with a specific value for your property ( should you decide to sell) which can be exercised at your discretion after a period of two years and gives you protection for up to 10 years.

The advantage of this is – you will be able to sell your property at an agreed price, whether or not, there is a buyer for your property, as the company granting the option will buy it from you at the locked in value.

This of course gives property owners peace of mind – for a small affordable fee they have guaranteed the minimum price they will receive for their property, regardless of how far property prices decline.

While the real estate market looks weak at the moment and further declines are expected, we don’t know the future and prices will rise at some stage. An additional advantage the option provides is if the market should rise, then all the gains are yours.

An Affordable Solution for ALL Homeowners

In conclusion this service offers you a cost effective solution to volatile and falling real estate values:

If prices FALL, for a small fee, you are protected should you have to sell your property. On the other hand, if prices rise, all the gains are yours. This really is an option that all property owners should consider. The option is highly affordable and you can protect your property’s value for a period up to 10 years.

Today we protect a lot of our assets but not the value of our homes yet, it’s the biggest asset most people have. The companies offering these schemes allow people at affordable cost, to protect their home and their hard earned savings that have gone into it.

These schemes are affordable and can give homeowners peace of mind, if the property market turns down and also allows them to keep any increase in the value of their home should the market rise.

For a low affordable premium any home owner can now protect themselves and gain peace of mind.

US Real Estate Price Outlook – Protecting yourself From Falling Prices is a post from: elpasoappraisal.org