Answer Upon
#1 in Business Subscribe Email Print

You are here: Home > Real Estate > Real Estate > Real Estate Trends- The Pros and Cons of Jumping into the Housing Market

Tags

  • effective
  • flippingcons
  • doesnt appreciate
  • ownership therefore
  • typically larger

  • Links

  • Paperless Payday Loan - Points To Consider With a No Fax Payday Loan
  • Diet Success - Is it All in the Mind?
  • Secrets to Free Internet Advertising And Online Marketing
  • Answer Upon - Real Estate Trends- The Pros and Cons of Jumping into the Housing Market

    Residual Income through Affiliate Programs and Smart Marketing
    You can make residual income through the effective use of Affiliate programs. An Affiliate program allows you to take part in a tested, established system. All you need is to is to take control and build a down line. The formula to make residual income = affiliate program + smart marketing.Affiliate programs are different from the pyramid schemes. A pyramid scheme also builds on the idea of building a down line and making a residual income off recruiting people. However, it did not work out because a pyramid scheme relied solely on recruiting and not at all on selling. Affiliate programs are created to bridge the gap. It works on building a down line of people, and it is also based on selling real and useful products. Affiliate programs work because you earn money through your down line, and also through product sales.It is easy to start on an Affiliate program and in most cases, it comes free with no costs. Most programs offer a website and an abundance of help and advice on how to get the business going.The challenge is - MARKETING !You still need to master marketing on your own.So, how to do effective marketing?Marketing involves learning how to use the tools provided by the Affiliate program in order to get customers and sign up some prospects. The affiliate program will provide you with written ads, your own website, and many other things.The website is the central
  • The homeowner retains full ownership of the property and can stay in the home as long as they want. No one will try to kick them out or acquire the house.

  • The money from the house can be used to help pay for medical bills, prescriptions or property taxes. These are all necessities to the elderly, but difficult to maintain on a fixed income.

  • If the reverse mortgage is taken out late enough in life, the equity may help pay for in-home nursing care.

    Cons

    • This option is only available to the elderly.

    • As the equity in the home decreases the debt increases.

    • The loan must be paid in full when the last borrower dies, sells the home or moves.

    • If you have to go into a long term care facility, the home would need to be sold, the loan would have to be paid back first, and whatever is left would then go to your care. Sometimes, this amount may not be enough to provide for the highest standard of living.

    • Receiving money from the home may have tax consequences and may affect eligibility for federal or state programs.

    • When the resident dies the loan must be repaid by the remaining family as a payable debt.
    While none of these ideas are new, many are gaining momentum and becoming more popular with first time buyers, young couples and the elderly. The trick is to be careful what you wish for, because the genie’s fine print may trap you in the bottle in the end.

    Resources

    AARP. (2000). Be a Wise Consumer, Driver Safety, Managing Money, Home Modification - AARP. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/

    Barta , P. (2005). RealEstateJournal | 'Flipping' Property Can Be Risky Business. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.realestatejournal.com/columnists/housetalk/20030228-barta.html

    eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow. (2000). How to Buy a Foreclosed Home - eHow.com . Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.ehow.com/how_111013_buy-foreclosed-home.html

    flippinghousetips. (2006). Flipping House Tips, Ideas and Secrets. Retrieved March

    Blogging Is The Ultimate Marketing Tool For The 21st Century
    Blogging has become quite the popular sport. People blog the news, sports, politics, their personal lives, and even business. But should you?As a marketing tool, there’s no question that blogging is a powerful tool. But is it right for everyone? Probably not. However, it is a great way to add valuable content to most web sites.The popular search engines – Google, Yahoo, MSN, Ask – expect webmasters to update their web sites frequently. In fact, one of the best ways to climb in search engine rankings is to keep those sites updated with fresh content. Blogs provide that content so naturally and effectively.Blogs don’t have to be huge tomes to be successful. In fact, some of the best and most successful blogs are short and sweet. A well-written short blog is actually better than a long, boring Moby Dick-like piece that no one wants to read. Fifty words with two or three dashes of a useful keyword phrase will score big points with the search engines, and if it is useful information for your target audience then you’ll also gain ground with those human visitors you want to turn into customers. Do that three to seven times a week for a year and you’ll have a web site that search engines can’t say “No” to.It won’t even take a full year. You can build a successful and useful web site in three to six months with valuable blogging that inspires, entertains and enlightens your readers into being valuable, paying custom
    It is still the American dream to have our own little chunk of land. It is estimated that more than 70 million Americans own their own home. With the growing interest in real estate, it is becoming easier than ever to be approved for a loan and move into your dream house. However, real estate isn’t just about carving out your piece of the world anymore, it is a booming business and game with advantages and disadvantages left and right. Some growing trends in the housing industry include buying foreclosures, flipping homes, investing in new construction, taking out interest only loans and using reverse mortgages; all are increasing in popularity. The market has shifted from working for your home, to learning how your home can work for you. But, just like every genie in a bottle, there is often a catch to making your wishes come true.

    These are a few pros and cons to these growing housing trends:

    Foreclosures

    A foreclosure is a home or property that has been repossessed by the bank or mortgage company because the previous owners could not make their payments.

    Pros

    • Since the mortgage company would like to get rid of the property as quickly as possible often the home is sold or auctioned at a price considerably lower than it’s market value. Often the house is sold only for what is owed on it.
    • Foreclosures often enable those who wouldn't be able to afford the home of their dreams a chance. Sometimes you can get a great property at a great price.

    Cons

    • Sometimes, especially at auctions, foreclosures are sold “site unseen.” Which means you could be buying a home with a serious number of problems. And in the end, the money saved getting the property could easily be spent in repairs.

    • This brings us to our second point. Often those being evicted know they are being kicked out of their home and destroy the place before they leave, which could create many fixer upper projects for the new owner.

    • If the address or neighborhood information is available, do a little research. Sometimes the house is worth less than the amount of money owed.

    • Beware of liens on the property, such as unpaid property taxes. Consider if the previous owner was unable to make the house payment; it is likely they were unable to make other required payments. If there is a lien on the property, the new owner may be expected by the state or county to pay these fees.

    House Flipping

    Flipping is old as real estate itself; however, with the astronomical rate that property values have grown to in the last 10 to 15 years, many amateur investors have gotten in on the flipping game. Often an investor will buy a rundown or foreclosed home and provide it with some much needed TLC. They will renovate and remodel, upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, floors and landscaping often in a short period of time. Then they will turn around and sell the house for a considerable profit. However, this is a risky business and there is huge window for failure. Just like gambling there is potential to win big, but there is also opportunity for great loss.

    Pros

    • If done correctly a lot of money can be made very quickly. Sometimes investors bankroll two or three times what they originally put into the property.

    • There is great potential for learning how real estate works and thus, some become experts and in some cases make a fulltime job of house flipping.

    Cons

    • This is a high–risk endeavor. Sometimes the cost of renovations, mortgage and time ends up costing more than your eventual profit margin.

    • Frequently these homes need a lot of work. For the best returns, kitchens, bathrooms and floors all need to be replaced. Some can get away with splashing on a coat of paint and calling it good, but these are not the people rolling in the dough.

    • Know if you can afford the property in advance. It doesn’t do any good to buy a house and sit on it for several months if you can't afford to make the payments not only to the bank, but to your contractor, landscaper and real estate agent. Make a plan before ever spending a dime.

    • Most flippers buy homes that are several years old and often they have unanticipated problems lying under the surface such as foundation cracks, termites or mold. Have a back up budget just in case renovations do not go as smoothly as planed.

    • Usually the investor has to pay the buyer and seller realtor commission.

    • Flipping a home too quickly may result in a tax audit. If the money made off a house flip does not immediately roll into a similar investment, ie. another house flip, your profit may be subject to a capital gains tax.

    Buying a Newly Constructed Home

    Although the concept is old, it seems many rural farmers are selling their land to large contracting companies. Newly constructed homes in newly developed subdivisions are a popular choice for those with children or starting families.

    Pros

    • Everything in the house is new. Since no one has used the appliances, walked on the rug, or tampered with the hot water heater, everything is still shiny and in top-notch shape.

    • Everything in the neighborhood is new. Newly developed subdivisions usually imply that new parks, schools and shopping centers will soon be built to create an all–inclusive community.

    • New homes are typically larger than existing homes. They have more bedrooms, bathrooms and square feet.

    • Contractors allow future owners to customize many amenities like countertops, flooring or stainless steel appliances.

    • New homes usually appreciate faster than existing homes.

    Cons

    • Everything in the house is new. Unfortunately, newer isn’t always better. Sometimes new products don't work as well, there are bugs and kinks even the manufactures and contractors are not aware of, and new owners are the ones writing nasty letters about how easily their new dishwasher clogs or how quickly the basement floods in a heavy rain.

    • New homes cost more. Although new homes are usually larger than existing ones, they also have a higher price tag than their existing counter parts. Not only are you paying for the lot and construction of the house, but the price usually includes subdivision development costs like water, sewer and roads.

    • Usually the finishing touches like landscaping and basements are left unfinished.

    Interest Only Loans

    With an interest only loan you only pay the interest on your home for the first five, 10 or 15 years of the loan, thus creating lower payments for the first few years you’re in the home. This often allows people to get into homes they typically wouldn’t be able to afford with a traditional mortgage loan.

    Pros

    • Payments are significantly lower in the first few years of ownership. Therefore, you can afford a more expensive home at a cheaper price.

    • Your payments are 100% tax deductible for the term of your interest payment.

    • Paying lower payments early can free up money to invest and place into the home later.

    • If you are able to sell the home within your interest period, usually five or 10 years, and the home has appreciated, there is the possibility of getting a return on your investment.

    Cons

    • After your interest period is over your house payment could double once you start paying the principal.

    • There is the possibility of being upside down on your home if it doesn’t appreciate or the market levels out. Then you owe more than the home is worth.

    • The technicalities of the loan could be confusing for the average, everyday person. There are a lot of details and loopholes that favor the bank or mortgage company, not the homeowner.

    Reverse Mortgages

    These mortgages are only available to seniors over the age of 62 and they have to have their home completely paid off. These work like a backwards loan. The mortgage company will assess the house and pay you what it is worth in payments, a lump sum or credit. You do not have to pay it back as long as you continue to live in the home. This includes if you move or die.

    Pros

    • There are no monthly payments to a bank or mortgage company. The loan doesn’t have to be paid back as long as you continue to live in the house.

    • You don’t need an income to qualify.

    • The homeowner retains full ownership of the property and can stay in the home as long as they want. No one will try to kick them out or acquire the house.

    • The money from the house can be used to help pay for medical bills, prescriptions or property taxes. These are all necessities to the elderly, but difficult to maintain on a fixed income.

    • If the reverse mortgage is taken out late enough in life, the equity may help pay for in-home nursing care.

    Cons

    • This option is only available to the elderly.

    • As the equity in the home decreases the debt increases.

    • The loan must be paid in full when the last borrower dies, sells the home or moves.

    • If you have to go into a long term care facility, the home would need to be sold, the loan would have to be paid back first, and whatever is left would then go to your care. Sometimes, this amount may not be enough to provide for the highest standard of living.

    • Receiving money from the home may have tax consequences and may affect eligibility for federal or state programs.

    • When the resident dies the loan must be repaid by the remaining family as a payable debt.
    While none of these ideas are new, many are gaining momentum and becoming more popular with first time buyers, young couples and the elderly. The trick is to be careful what you wish for, because the genie’s fine print may trap you in the bottle in the end.

    Resources

    AARP. (2000). Be a Wise Consumer, Driver Safety, Managing Money, Home Modification - AARP. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/

    Barta , P. (2005). RealEstateJournal | 'Flipping' Property Can Be Risky Business. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.realestatejournal.com/columnists/housetalk/20030228-barta.html

    eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow. (2000). How to Buy a Foreclosed Home - eHow.com . Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.ehow.com/how_111013_buy-foreclosed-home.html

    flippinghousetips. (2006). Flipping House Tips, Ideas and Secrets. Retrieved March

    Determining Your Home's True Value
    You’ve probably heard that real estate professionals establish home prices based on the sales prices of comparable properties in the immediate area. Real estate agents have access to computerized databases that list the size, features, amenities and selling prices of every property in the country for decades.Generally, the agent locates comparable properties with about the same square footage within a few blocks of your home. The comparable properties need to have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and usually have similar features. Your home’s price is based on the selling price of those properties.That’s true…but of course, it’s more complex than that.Every home is unique. Even in an entire subdivision of nearly identical homes designed and built by one company, the homes will have differences in amenities and features. Some are more expensive options that the homebuyer added on during construction, like granite countertops or whirlpool tubs. Other amenities may have been added later, like built-in shelves, a sunroom or a hot tub. The art of home pricing comes into play in knowing what value to assign different amenities.Keep in mind that almost every home has some amenities, but not all amenities are equally valuable. In general, upgrades to kitchens and baths increase the home value more than other add-ones such as a fireplace, skylight or wood floors.Full attics with ceilings over 7 ft.,
    the amount of money owed.

  • Beware of liens on the property, such as unpaid property taxes. Consider if the previous owner was unable to make the house payment; it is likely they were unable to make other required payments. If there is a lien on the property, the new owner may be expected by the state or county to pay these fees.

    House Flipping

    Flipping is old as real estate itself; however, with the astronomical rate that property values have grown to in the last 10 to 15 years, many amateur investors have gotten in on the flipping game. Often an investor will buy a rundown or foreclosed home and provide it with some much needed TLC. They will renovate and remodel, upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, floors and landscaping often in a short period of time. Then they will turn around and sell the house for a considerable profit. However, this is a risky business and there is huge window for failure. Just like gambling there is potential to win big, but there is also opportunity for great loss.

    Pros

    • If done correctly a lot of money can be made very quickly. Sometimes investors bankroll two or three times what they originally put into the property.

    • There is great potential for learning how real estate works and thus, some become experts and in some cases make a fulltime job of house flipping.

    Cons

    • This is a high–risk endeavor. Sometimes the cost of renovations, mortgage and time ends up costing more than your eventual profit margin.

    • Frequently these homes need a lot of work. For the best returns, kitchens, bathrooms and floors all need to be replaced. Some can get away with splashing on a coat of paint and calling it good, but these are not the people rolling in the dough.

    • Know if you can afford the property in advance. It doesn’t do any good to buy a house and sit on it for several months if you can't afford to make the payments not only to the bank, but to your contractor, landscaper and real estate agent. Make a plan before ever spending a dime.

    • Most flippers buy homes that are several years old and often they have unanticipated problems lying under the surface such as foundation cracks, termites or mold. Have a back up budget just in case renovations do not go as smoothly as planed.

    • Usually the investor has to pay the buyer and seller realtor commission.

    • Flipping a home too quickly may result in a tax audit. If the money made off a house flip does not immediately roll into a similar investment, ie. another house flip, your profit may be subject to a capital gains tax.

    Buying a Newly Constructed Home

    Although the concept is old, it seems many rural farmers are selling their land to large contracting companies. Newly constructed homes in newly developed subdivisions are a popular choice for those with children or starting families.

    Pros

    • Everything in the house is new. Since no one has used the appliances, walked on the rug, or tampered with the hot water heater, everything is still shiny and in top-notch shape.

    • Everything in the neighborhood is new. Newly developed subdivisions usually imply that new parks, schools and shopping centers will soon be built to create an all–inclusive community.

    • New homes are typically larger than existing homes. They have more bedrooms, bathrooms and square feet.

    • Contractors allow future owners to customize many amenities like countertops, flooring or stainless steel appliances.

    • New homes usually appreciate faster than existing homes.

    Cons

    • Everything in the house is new. Unfortunately, newer isn’t always better. Sometimes new products don't work as well, there are bugs and kinks even the manufactures and contractors are not aware of, and new owners are the ones writing nasty letters about how easily their new dishwasher clogs or how quickly the basement floods in a heavy rain.

    • New homes cost more. Although new homes are usually larger than existing ones, they also have a higher price tag than their existing counter parts. Not only are you paying for the lot and construction of the house, but the price usually includes subdivision development costs like water, sewer and roads.

    • Usually the finishing touches like landscaping and basements are left unfinished.

    Interest Only Loans

    With an interest only loan you only pay the interest on your home for the first five, 10 or 15 years of the loan, thus creating lower payments for the first few years you’re in the home. This often allows people to get into homes they typically wouldn’t be able to afford with a traditional mortgage loan.

    Pros

    • Payments are significantly lower in the first few years of ownership. Therefore, you can afford a more expensive home at a cheaper price.

    • Your payments are 100% tax deductible for the term of your interest payment.

    • Paying lower payments early can free up money to invest and place into the home later.

    • If you are able to sell the home within your interest period, usually five or 10 years, and the home has appreciated, there is the possibility of getting a return on your investment.

    Cons

    • After your interest period is over your house payment could double once you start paying the principal.

    • There is the possibility of being upside down on your home if it doesn’t appreciate or the market levels out. Then you owe more than the home is worth.

    • The technicalities of the loan could be confusing for the average, everyday person. There are a lot of details and loopholes that favor the bank or mortgage company, not the homeowner.

    Reverse Mortgages

    These mortgages are only available to seniors over the age of 62 and they have to have their home completely paid off. These work like a backwards loan. The mortgage company will assess the house and pay you what it is worth in payments, a lump sum or credit. You do not have to pay it back as long as you continue to live in the home. This includes if you move or die.

    Pros

    • There are no monthly payments to a bank or mortgage company. The loan doesn’t have to be paid back as long as you continue to live in the house.

    • You don’t need an income to qualify.

    • The homeowner retains full ownership of the property and can stay in the home as long as they want. No one will try to kick them out or acquire the house.

    • The money from the house can be used to help pay for medical bills, prescriptions or property taxes. These are all necessities to the elderly, but difficult to maintain on a fixed income.

    • If the reverse mortgage is taken out late enough in life, the equity may help pay for in-home nursing care.

    Cons

    • This option is only available to the elderly.

    • As the equity in the home decreases the debt increases.

    • The loan must be paid in full when the last borrower dies, sells the home or moves.

    • If you have to go into a long term care facility, the home would need to be sold, the loan would have to be paid back first, and whatever is left would then go to your care. Sometimes, this amount may not be enough to provide for the highest standard of living.

    • Receiving money from the home may have tax consequences and may affect eligibility for federal or state programs.

    • When the resident dies the loan must be repaid by the remaining family as a payable debt.
    While none of these ideas are new, many are gaining momentum and becoming more popular with first time buyers, young couples and the elderly. The trick is to be careful what you wish for, because the genie’s fine print may trap you in the bottle in the end.

    Resources

    AARP. (2000). Be a Wise Consumer, Driver Safety, Managing Money, Home Modification - AARP. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/

    Barta , P. (2005). RealEstateJournal | 'Flipping' Property Can Be Risky Business. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.realestatejournal.com/columnists/housetalk/20030228-barta.html

    eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow. (2000). How to Buy a Foreclosed Home - eHow.com . Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.ehow.com/how_111013_buy-foreclosed-home.html

    flippinghousetips. (2006). Flipping House Tips, Ideas and Secrets. Retrieved March

    The Least Marketing You Can Do - and Still Have a Successful Small Business
    Why do small business owners get such poor results from their marketing? You can sum this up in three reasons: They don't know what to do, or they don't know how to do it. Sometimes, even when they know both of these, they just don't do it!Not marketing is bad for business.Marketing is by far the most misunderstood aspect of small business. Many people think it's selling, which it isn't. Some people avoid doing marketing, because they fear it's too pushy and will make them feel needy. Nothing could be further from the truth.If you love your business and love your customers, you can love marketing. After all, it's just talking to people you love about something you love, which is your vocation.Convinced? OK, maybe not yet. Let's take a look at the three elements of marketing that are the absolute minimum you can do and still have a successful business. Marketing is about creating awareness in your target audience. Unfortunately, most people don't have psychic powers to sense that you are out there, available to help them.Instead, we have to make them aware of ourselves. And then, we need to communicate to them in a way that lets them know how they will benefit from whatever we do.So the first piece of this is a target audience. Since I don't like the idea of shooting my audience with an arrow or a bullet, I prefer the term
    and often they have unanticipated problems lying under the surface such as foundation cracks, termites or mold. Have a back up budget just in case renovations do not go as smoothly as planed.

  • Usually the investor has to pay the buyer and seller realtor commission.

  • Flipping a home too quickly may result in a tax audit. If the money made off a house flip does not immediately roll into a similar investment, ie. another house flip, your profit may be subject to a capital gains tax.

    Buying a Newly Constructed Home

    Although the concept is old, it seems many rural farmers are selling their land to large contracting companies. Newly constructed homes in newly developed subdivisions are a popular choice for those with children or starting families.

    Pros

    • Everything in the house is new. Since no one has used the appliances, walked on the rug, or tampered with the hot water heater, everything is still shiny and in top-notch shape.

    • Everything in the neighborhood is new. Newly developed subdivisions usually imply that new parks, schools and shopping centers will soon be built to create an all–inclusive community.

    • New homes are typically larger than existing homes. They have more bedrooms, bathrooms and square feet.

    • Contractors allow future owners to customize many amenities like countertops, flooring or stainless steel appliances.

    • New homes usually appreciate faster than existing homes.

    Cons

    • Everything in the house is new. Unfortunately, newer isn’t always better. Sometimes new products don't work as well, there are bugs and kinks even the manufactures and contractors are not aware of, and new owners are the ones writing nasty letters about how easily their new dishwasher clogs or how quickly the basement floods in a heavy rain.

    • New homes cost more. Although new homes are usually larger than existing ones, they also have a higher price tag than their existing counter parts. Not only are you paying for the lot and construction of the house, but the price usually includes subdivision development costs like water, sewer and roads.

    • Usually the finishing touches like landscaping and basements are left unfinished.

    Interest Only Loans

    With an interest only loan you only pay the interest on your home for the first five, 10 or 15 years of the loan, thus creating lower payments for the first few years you’re in the home. This often allows people to get into homes they typically wouldn’t be able to afford with a traditional mortgage loan.

    Pros

    • Payments are significantly lower in the first few years of ownership. Therefore, you can afford a more expensive home at a cheaper price.

    • Your payments are 100% tax deductible for the term of your interest payment.

    • Paying lower payments early can free up money to invest and place into the home later.

    • If you are able to sell the home within your interest period, usually five or 10 years, and the home has appreciated, there is the possibility of getting a return on your investment.

    Cons

    • After your interest period is over your house payment could double once you start paying the principal.

    • There is the possibility of being upside down on your home if it doesn’t appreciate or the market levels out. Then you owe more than the home is worth.

    • The technicalities of the loan could be confusing for the average, everyday person. There are a lot of details and loopholes that favor the bank or mortgage company, not the homeowner.

    Reverse Mortgages

    These mortgages are only available to seniors over the age of 62 and they have to have their home completely paid off. These work like a backwards loan. The mortgage company will assess the house and pay you what it is worth in payments, a lump sum or credit. You do not have to pay it back as long as you continue to live in the home. This includes if you move or die.

    Pros

    • There are no monthly payments to a bank or mortgage company. The loan doesn’t have to be paid back as long as you continue to live in the house.

    • You don’t need an income to qualify.

    • The homeowner retains full ownership of the property and can stay in the home as long as they want. No one will try to kick them out or acquire the house.

    • The money from the house can be used to help pay for medical bills, prescriptions or property taxes. These are all necessities to the elderly, but difficult to maintain on a fixed income.

    • If the reverse mortgage is taken out late enough in life, the equity may help pay for in-home nursing care.

    Cons

    • This option is only available to the elderly.

    • As the equity in the home decreases the debt increases.

    • The loan must be paid in full when the last borrower dies, sells the home or moves.

    • If you have to go into a long term care facility, the home would need to be sold, the loan would have to be paid back first, and whatever is left would then go to your care. Sometimes, this amount may not be enough to provide for the highest standard of living.

    • Receiving money from the home may have tax consequences and may affect eligibility for federal or state programs.

    • When the resident dies the loan must be repaid by the remaining family as a payable debt.
    While none of these ideas are new, many are gaining momentum and becoming more popular with first time buyers, young couples and the elderly. The trick is to be careful what you wish for, because the genie’s fine print may trap you in the bottle in the end.

    Resources

    AARP. (2000). Be a Wise Consumer, Driver Safety, Managing Money, Home Modification - AARP. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/

    Barta , P. (2005). RealEstateJournal | 'Flipping' Property Can Be Risky Business. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.realestatejournal.com/columnists/housetalk/20030228-barta.html

    eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow. (2000). How to Buy a Foreclosed Home - eHow.com . Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.ehow.com/how_111013_buy-foreclosed-home.html

    flippinghousetips. (2006). Flipping House Tips, Ideas and Secrets. Retrieved March

    The Basics of Ecommerce Web Site Design
    Ecommerce web site design is similar to traditional web design, but requires a few more bells and whistles to handle financial transactions. This doesn't mean that you should be intimidated by the process and not build web sites that are capable of ecommerce transactions; it simply means that you may need to study this aspect of site development before getting started.To begin, it is a good idea to read up on ecommerce web site design. This will help you understand how ecommerce site development differs from regular web site development, and will also help you to build web sites that accomplish their desired purpose.Ecommerce SecurityOne of the most important aspects of ecommerce web site design is security. You need to make sure that your visitors can safely and securely input their most sensitive information into your payment system. To build web sites that are secure, you will need to protect pages with the encryption of SSL or Secure Socket Layer. Your web site host should be able to help you with this portion of site development and will most likely be able to sell you a digital certificate.Visual AppealVisual appeal is another important aspect of ecommerce web site design. Competition is fierce on the Internet. If you want to build web sites that stand out from the crowd, they must be visually appealing. An attractive site will be more likely to draw customers,
    nt costs like water, sewer and roads.

  • Usually the finishing touches like landscaping and basements are left unfinished.

    Interest Only Loans

    With an interest only loan you only pay the interest on your home for the first five, 10 or 15 years of the loan, thus creating lower payments for the first few years you’re in the home. This often allows people to get into homes they typically wouldn’t be able to afford with a traditional mortgage loan.

    Pros

    • Payments are significantly lower in the first few years of ownership. Therefore, you can afford a more expensive home at a cheaper price.

    • Your payments are 100% tax deductible for the term of your interest payment.

    • Paying lower payments early can free up money to invest and place into the home later.

    • If you are able to sell the home within your interest period, usually five or 10 years, and the home has appreciated, there is the possibility of getting a return on your investment.

    Cons

    • After your interest period is over your house payment could double once you start paying the principal.

    • There is the possibility of being upside down on your home if it doesn’t appreciate or the market levels out. Then you owe more than the home is worth.

    • The technicalities of the loan could be confusing for the average, everyday person. There are a lot of details and loopholes that favor the bank or mortgage company, not the homeowner.

    Reverse Mortgages

    These mortgages are only available to seniors over the age of 62 and they have to have their home completely paid off. These work like a backwards loan. The mortgage company will assess the house and pay you what it is worth in payments, a lump sum or credit. You do not have to pay it back as long as you continue to live in the home. This includes if you move or die.

    Pros

    • There are no monthly payments to a bank or mortgage company. The loan doesn’t have to be paid back as long as you continue to live in the house.

    • You don’t need an income to qualify.

    • The homeowner retains full ownership of the property and can stay in the home as long as they want. No one will try to kick them out or acquire the house.

    • The money from the house can be used to help pay for medical bills, prescriptions or property taxes. These are all necessities to the elderly, but difficult to maintain on a fixed income.

    • If the reverse mortgage is taken out late enough in life, the equity may help pay for in-home nursing care.

    Cons

    • This option is only available to the elderly.

    • As the equity in the home decreases the debt increases.

    • The loan must be paid in full when the last borrower dies, sells the home or moves.

    • If you have to go into a long term care facility, the home would need to be sold, the loan would have to be paid back first, and whatever is left would then go to your care. Sometimes, this amount may not be enough to provide for the highest standard of living.

    • Receiving money from the home may have tax consequences and may affect eligibility for federal or state programs.

    • When the resident dies the loan must be repaid by the remaining family as a payable debt.
    While none of these ideas are new, many are gaining momentum and becoming more popular with first time buyers, young couples and the elderly. The trick is to be careful what you wish for, because the genie’s fine print may trap you in the bottle in the end.

    Resources

    AARP. (2000). Be a Wise Consumer, Driver Safety, Managing Money, Home Modification - AARP. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/

    Barta , P. (2005). RealEstateJournal | 'Flipping' Property Can Be Risky Business. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.realestatejournal.com/columnists/housetalk/20030228-barta.html

    eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow. (2000). How to Buy a Foreclosed Home - eHow.com . Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.ehow.com/how_111013_buy-foreclosed-home.html

    flippinghousetips. (2006). Flipping House Tips, Ideas and Secrets. Retrieved March

    Are You As Dumb As I Was About Sales?
    How dumb is dumb? When I was young, I never thought I would end up in sales. In fact, someone told me that most salespeople end up in sales when they are looking for a real job and can't find one. Many salespeople fall into sales and can't make the cut because they don't fit the mold. What is the salesperson mold?The Salesperson Mold I thought salespeople came from the same mold. They all had above average looks, great smiles and presented themselves well. I thought salespeople had an easy life and they didn't have to work hard for their business. I actually thought that business just came to them over the telephone or by them just stopping in for an order. I also felt that salespeople had low ethics and you shouldn't trust them.What Children Think About Salespeople If you ask children in grade school what they want to be when they grow up, you won't hear them say - "I want to be a salesperson!" If they did, we would probably try to discourage them. Most children want to become doctors, teachers, nurses, firemen, policemen or truck drivers and maybe super heroes. Being a salesperson is NOT on the list of jobs kid's dream about.Why I Was Dumb About Sales Professional salespeople do not fit the mold of what kids and people think. The reality is that selling is a very ethical profession. Selling is like being a doctor who listens and searches for pain to relieve. A
  • The homeowner retains full ownership of the property and can stay in the home as long as they want. No one will try to kick them out or acquire the house.

  • The money from the house can be used to help pay for medical bills, prescriptions or property taxes. These are all necessities to the elderly, but difficult to maintain on a fixed income.

  • If the reverse mortgage is taken out late enough in life, the equity may help pay for in-home nursing care.

    Cons

    • This option is only available to the elderly.

    • As the equity in the home decreases the debt increases.

    • The loan must be paid in full when the last borrower dies, sells the home or moves.

    • If you have to go into a long term care facility, the home would need to be sold, the loan would have to be paid back first, and whatever is left would then go to your care. Sometimes, this amount may not be enough to provide for the highest standard of living.

    • Receiving money from the home may have tax consequences and may affect eligibility for federal or state programs.

    • When the resident dies the loan must be repaid by the remaining family as a payable debt.
    While none of these ideas are new, many are gaining momentum and becoming more popular with first time buyers, young couples and the elderly. The trick is to be careful what you wish for, because the genie’s fine print may trap you in the bottle in the end.

    Resources

    AARP. (2000). Be a Wise Consumer, Driver Safety, Managing Money, Home Modification - AARP. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.aarp.org/money/revmort/

    Barta , P. (2005). RealEstateJournal | 'Flipping' Property Can Be Risky Business. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.realestatejournal.com/columnists/housetalk/20030228-barta.html

    eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow. (2000). How to Buy a Foreclosed Home - eHow.com . Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.ehow.com/how_111013_buy-foreclosed-home.html

    flippinghousetips. (2006). Flipping House Tips, Ideas and Secrets. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.flippinghousetips.com/

    Glink, I. R. (2006). Buy New Home or Existing Home? - Pros and Cons of Buying New Construction . ThinkGlink, Inc. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.thinkglink.com/Buy_New_Home_or_Existing_Home.htm

    Lamoreaux , S. (n.d.). Using a Reverse Mortgage. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/using_reverse_mortgage.htm

    Max, S. (2005, March 7). The pros and cons of interest-only loans. . Cable News Network LP. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://money.cnn.com/2005/03/07/real_estate/financing/interestonly/index.htm

    (2006, February 15). Record of Achievement - Expanding Home Ownership. Retrieved March 12, 2007, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/achievement/chap7.html

  • HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
    <a href="http://www.hubyou.info/article/131724/hubyou-Real-Estate-Trends-The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Jumping-into-the-Housing-Market.html">Real Estate Trends- The Pros and Cons of Jumping into the Housing Market</a>

    BB link (for phorums):
    [url=http://www.hubyou.info/article/131724/hubyou-Real-Estate-Trends-The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Jumping-into-the-Housing-Market.html]Real Estate Trends- The Pros and Cons of Jumping into the Housing Market[/url]

    Related Articles:

    Email Marketing - How to You Create Trust With Your Subscribers?

    SEO - Article Marketing is Out – Link Baiting is in

    How Well Is Your Website Designed to Sell?

    Bookmark it: del.icio.us digg.com reddit.com netvouz.com google.com yahoo.com technorati.com furl.net bloglines.com socialdust.com ma.gnolia.com newsvine.com slashdot.org simpy.com shadows.com blinklist.com