Saturday, January 22, 2011

Agents Vs Professional

The showdown continues!

For those looking to buy a house, sell a house, go to court with an accurate value of their house or tell a government agency how much their house is worth, a professional opinion is an absolute necessity. Property valuation is quite a complex science... and if you have already gotten a few quotes from property valuers, you may be wondering if you need a professional, or if you can get away with the 'free' version from a real estate agent. Today we pit the two teams against each other in the ring... who will be knocked out first?!

Professional Property Valuers - Their Strengths

Here's why you can only use a professional property valuer's opinion in court, in a bank and for government purposes.

Property valuers must be qualified: Before valuing any property, all valuers must have completed tertiary qualifications.

Certification and industry standards:Property valuers must have undergone a certification process, and their valuing techniques must adhere to industry standards - there is simply no way to get a highly unreliable valuation.

Predetermined factors, not opinion: Values for given properties are based on a set of predetermined factors applied to a time-tested valuing method. Real estate agents' 'valuations' is based on experience and opinion.

Professional Property Valuers - Their Weaknesses

They're the undisputed heavyweight in the property valuation-accuracy challenge... but they do have some minor drawbacks!

Cost: As with any professional service, there is a cost involved in having a qualified expert appraise the value of your property.

Real Estate Agents - Their Strengths

Real estate agents put up a reasonable fight in this challenge... but do they come out on top?

They're free: This is the determining factor in many people's decisions. Unfortunately, the allure of getting a service for free often costs home owners and buyers more in the long term. Undervalued properties will sell quickly, but the owners could have had so much more. Overvalued properties will sit on the market accumulating agent marketing fees and potentially tens of thousands of dollars worth of extra loan interest.

They're on the front lines in a particular area: Real estate agents may have 'qualitative' knowledge that can complement the factual knowledge that dominates professional valuers' opinions. For example, they may be able to give opinions on how long the property will stay on the market for at a particular value, the percentage of investors versus owner occupiers looking for property currently, etc.

Real Estate Agents: The Weaknesses

Unfortunately, in the accuracy stakes real estate agents simply don't measure up to professional valuers.

Only salesperson qualifications needed: The minimum qualification for real estate agents consists of a two-week course, compared to tertiary qualifications for valuers.

The vested interest question: Real estate agents have a significant vested interest in the value of your property. If they estimate higher than market value, they get a bigger commission. If they estimate lower than market value, the property may sell more quickly and reduce their workload.

With the noted exception of the qualitative knowledge that real estate agents can provide, it's clear that professional valuers provide a far more accurate representation of your property's value. After all, if the banks, the courts and the taxation department all ask for professionals...

Bobcat Trail Golf Club

A golf community with so much to offer to real estate property buyers-this is Bobcat Trail Golf Club in North Port, Florida, a city midway between Fort Myers and Sarasota. This property is just three miles away from Interstate 75 and it will take less than an hour's drive for its residents to gain access to the many of the attractions in its suburbs around Sarasota County. As befitting its name, the community was meticulously developed into a pristine enclave presenting the natural beauty that southwest Florida is noted for.

The Golf Club recently underwent an extensive renovation recently including the expansion of its clubhouse now equipped with flat screen television monitors among many other improvements. This enhancement of the amenities at the clubhouse further boosted its credentials as a venue for banquets, receptions, and parties, entrees to which are prepared by the club's world-class chefs. The culinary team of the club can easily create the menu tailor-fit for any occasion, be it a cocktail party, wedding reception, social gathering, business meeting, or a simple family get-together.

Even ordinary dining occasions are special treats at the Bobcat Café which serves delicious salads and sandwiches, in addition to a daily fare of fun recipes and homemade dishes. The fully stocked 19th Hole at Bobcat Trail is another delightful stop for drinks and where its "Bar Dog" is reputed to be the best in town.

The awesome scenery at Bobcat Trail provides an inspiring backdrop for the club's other facilities. These include a heated swimming pool, perfectly maintained tennis courts, a fully-equipped fitness center. Moreover, there are extensive, scenic walking trails. Joggers will be delighted too with its palm-lined parkways and winding sidewalks offering the superb natural views so soothing for early-morning runs.

Bobcat Trail Golf Course

These delights are even more pronounced at the Bobcat Trail's 18-hole championship golf course. The club's links has been rated as a four-and-a-half star "must-play" by Golf Digest magazine which also ranked the layout as among the top thirty public courses in the entire golf-crazy Florida state.

The course provides a par 71 play at 6,748 yards, and is a creation of Canadian Open Champion and former PGA title holder, Bob Tway, and noted course architect Lee Singletary. Their layout, nicknamed "The Cat," is of a unique "risk-reward" design wherein any of its eighteen holes could come out as the layout's signature. Golfers of all skill levels will surely relish the rewarding challenge that this course provides.

As part of the club's endeavor to continuously provide excellent member privileges, "The Cat" course which opened in 1998 was renovated recently. Its enhancements included the renovation of its bunkers and its greens which now have brand new Champion grass surface. As an addendum, the club also purchased new Precedent golf carts with GPS instrumentation.

More delights can be found at the golf pro shop of Bobcat Trail which not only carries fashionable gear, accessories, and equipment from major sports and fashion houses. It also offers collectibles and novelties including golf-themed watches and jewelry, unique golf art and posters, commemoratives, awards, and personalized gifts.

Partaking of the club privileges at Bobcat Trail involves a choice from among several membership packages. Among the member categories are Single Golf for $3,300 and Couples Golf for $4,000. Trail memberships are also available for Single, $1,650, and Couples, $1,950. There's a $5,000 membership initiation fee, payable in three years.

Bobcat Trail Real Estate

The finest of Sarasota County residential real estate options are likewise represented in Bobcat Trail's 450-home community. Real estate listings for sale can have entries for one-story or two-story single family homes or villas of Mediterranean design. These residences were built by top-caliber construction companies like Medallion, FERO, and Arthur Rutenberg. Finding a custom-designed Medallion home with over 3,300 square feet of floor space can cost over a $575,000. Smaller Bobcat Trail homes for sale listed around $200,000 will average 1,800 square feet of living area.

All of these Bobcat Trail homes for sale are located in neighborhoods with fabulous landscaping and refreshing vistas of the Bobcat Trail golf course. Moms and dads will be particularly pleased of the club's social and sports offerings and that that there are many excellent schools at North Port. More so, many more urban amenities can be found in the suburban Sarasota cities that truly make for a wise choice for a Bobcat Trail residence.

Residential Conveyancing

Residential conveyancing specialist solicitors are used when people decide to sell and/or buy a property. Here are 10 of the most common reasons why people decide to move.

1. One of the most common reasons people look to move is when they are getting married and want a new home.

2. Young adults who live with their parents often do so because of the cost of moving out, however, when they can afford it, the switch can bring them greater independence.

3. People often look to move when they are in rented accommodation and want to get on the property ladder for the first time.

4. It can be tricky taking that first step on the property ladder, so it can take a long time to save up the deposit required to buy. When they have reached a useful sum, they will usually start looking for a new home.

5. In a relationship, the couple may decide that they are ready to live to together but don't want to spend money on renting.

6. Many people decide to move in order to downsize their property and save money after their children have flown the nest.

7. By the same token, when a couple decides to have more children or their children start to need more space, they may look to upsize by relocating to a bigger home.

8. Another popular reason for moving is to be closer to the best schools, especially ahead of their children reaching the age they'll be joining.

9. However, many a move is simply because the property buyers want to better themselves and move to a nicer neighbourhood or town.

10. They may also decide to move if they come into some money or start earning a bigger salary that affords them the opportunity to upgrade.

In all these scenarios, they'll need to speak to residential conveyancing specialists. These solicitors are experts in everything relating to residential conveyancing and help make sure the move goes smoothly.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Quality List to Target

Those who know how to invest in real estate realize having a quality lead list is very important when you are on the search for good investment properties. In fact coming up with this list will be your job. You can't expect to just find a list and start making contact with owners. Even if you buy a list, it isn't always guaranteed to result in quality leads. You need to know what it takes to build a quality list to target.

Know the Market Segments

As you discover more of the details about how to invest in real estate you will find there are certain segments of the real estate market that will provide you with the best leads. Those who know how to invest in real estate recognize it is important to understand which segments so you can focus your time on them. You can't afford to waste time on market segments that are unlikely to offer you quality leads.

Some great examples of market segments that are good for investors include foreclosures, city code violations and probate real estate. Foreclosures and code violation properties make great options if you are willing to put in a little work. Many of these homes require some fixing up before you can sell them. Probate real estate is a great market for some high profits. With probate real estate, people are ready to sell since the property was left to them and not something they necessarily wanted.

List Building Tips

Here are tips for those who want to know how to invest in real estate. You should start working on your list by looking at the specific market segments where the very best leads will come from. You may want to work through specific areas one at a time. For example, start in the south and work your way north. You can create several location specific lists.

When working on your list it is important that you try to gather additional information. Instead of just gathering names and contact information, you can make your list even better by including specific information about the property and the situation the owner is in with the property. The more information that you have once you start making contact, the better off you will be.

How to Use a List

Once you have a quality leads list, you can use it in many different ways. You can use your list to make telemarketing calls. You can go knocking on doors and meet face to face with owners. You can also send out mailings or emails. No matter how you use the list, be careful. You do not want to come across as too pushy. At the same time you also want to grab their attention and make them see why you are the only person that they should consider selling their property to.

No matter how you use a list, just make sure you use it in a timely manner. Your list won't be useful for too long. Once other investors start moving in, your list will shrink. Owners will start making deals with others and your chances of making a great deal will diminish. Once you create a list you have to start working that list right away. Letting your list sit around, collecting dust is no good. After spending the time putting together a quality list, you need to use it so you efforts weren't a waste.

City Centre Living

Rent flats in Leeds are being boosted by the revival of the city centre. The effect of urban regeneration in Leeks city centre is bringing in businesses and jobs. Real Estate prices have stabilized. So now is the time to rent flats in Leeds.

A new world class state of the art arena will be built in Leeds. The arena will have the super theatre design. It is designed so every seat in the arena enjoys perfect sightlines. This arena will have a 13,500 capacity and it will be the first of its kind in the UK.

There will be live music, family entertainment and sports. The design will be the first of its kind. This will definitely put Leeds in the news worldwide and strengthen their economy. This project alone should create about 500 new jobs once it opens plus the 500 construction jobs.

The time to rent flats in Leeds is now. With all the new businesses and jobs coming in, you don't want to wait to long to rent flats in Leeds. Tourism and the growing population will have a long lasting impact on the economy. The arena is just one of the projects that is coming to Leeds. The city's waterside has been transformed by the 260 million development, Clarence Dock. Eight anchor restaurants and cafes are to open at the prestigious Clarence Dock.

There will be a wonderful mix of tasty food that will tantalize your taste buds. London Clubs International will also be opening a 65,000 square foot leisure complex. The lesiure complex will be fully equipped with the latest slots, electronic gaming, bankers games and of course cards. London Clubs International will also be opening two more restaurants, 5 feature bars and a members' cinema. They will have local and national tournaments. Their conference facilities will be state of the art. Here is evidence of more jobs to come, so it is definitely time to rent flats in Leeds.

Clarence Dock also includes 100,000 square feet of office space. So you know what that means. It all goes hand in hand. The time to rent flats in Leeds is now. The KW Linfoot skyscraper has begun construction and when it is completed it will be the tallest residential building in Europe. Here again are more jobs and an economy that is just going to keep on climbing up. Now is the time to rent flats in Leeds for the best locations and selections.

Real Estate Broker

It is essential to make sure you get the best real estate broker, no matter if you are looking to buy or sell, it will pay off. Look around and talk to as many potential brokers as possible before deciding on one, as this is critical.

You need to ensure that the one you hire is qualified. Also, ask them how long they have been in the business and what kind of record they have.

Another thing you will want to think about is how well you get along with them and whether you trust them. Make sure to hire one that you can talk to easily and who is reliable with regard to returning any calls or communication.

They should have a reasonable knowledge of the neighborhood that you want them to help you with. You can check to see if they have made sales or purchases in your area, as this will ensure you know they are telling the truth.

The thing is brokers have a lot more resources than a normal person, like M.S.L. This is the advantage of having a broker on side so make sure you make the most of it.

Also, ensure that your broker is listening to your requests and is good at getting along with people. Most real estate deals include some bartering and you want to get one who has shown some reasonable skill at this type of interaction.

Keep in constant communication with your broker and talk to them as often as possible so they know what you want. Even if they cannot always answer your call, your broker should be good at getting in touch.

Make sure you look closely at any contracts before you sign. Ask any questions you have before going through with it, it pays to ask.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Without a Checklist!

The task of moving can sometimes seem like an impossible undertaking. A checklist of "things to do" can help alleviate that stress by being organized and planning ahead.

First, book a Brisbane removal company as soon as you know when you going to move, where you are moving and what you want moved. If you are renting notify your landlord of the moving date. If you think you may need temporary storage for your belongings, shop around for a facility.

Two months before the move, begin to sort out items you don't want or need. Plan a yard sale to dispose of unwanted items or donate them to a charitable organization. Now is also a good time to order boxes and supplies like bubble wrap, tape, and markers. You may need some specialty containers such as wardrobe boxes. Brisbane removalists will have these available.

One month before the move, confirm with your mover on the dates, times and any other details for the removal. Now is also a good time to begin packing. Pack only the things you use infrequently like holiday decor, sports equipment, kitchen appliances that are not used often, etc.
Be sure to label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs.

Two weeks before the move, contact Brisbane removals and reconfirm the moving arrangements. Settle any bills with utility companies and check with your child's school to arrange a transfer of records.

A few days before the move clean out the freezer. Fill out a change of address form and schedule to have the telephone, internet, pay t.v. and electricity disconnected and re-connected at the new home. Pack up any loose items so when the removalists come they can be more efficient.

On the day of the move, lock all the doors and windows and do a final check of all cupboards and closets. Be sure to sign the inventory form provided by the movers. Leave your contact information with the moving truck drivers so they can reach you if needed. Finally, make sure the movers know their destination.

Moving is hard work and very tiring. However, having a checklist will make the task less stressful and more organized. Brisbane removalists can save you time and effort with their professional experience.