Tips for Investing in Real Estate

Polski: Punta Cana beach, Dominicana (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We all know that in times like these real estate investments can be the best bet for future gains. After all, how much money can you put up for equity or solid precious metals like gold and silver? If you have disposable income that you want to keep rolling, real estate is the sector you should be looking at. In case the real estate market in your resident country does not seem promising enough, there are foreign real estate investment options to explore. India can be a likely choice, considering the real estate sector is booming in most parts of the country. You can consider buying properties in Boisar or Pune, if you don’t have enough capital to buy a lavish apartment in Mumbai. India welcomes foreign investment and the investment laws here are pretty straightforward as compared to some Western countries. Another apt option may be the Dominican Republic. Places like Punta Cana in the country are making their mark on the investment map lately. 

Regardless of where you decide on investing your hard-earned cash, we can safely presume that you are either going to hold on to the property for some years after which you can put it on sale for a substantial profit margin, or instantly put it on the rental market to earn a parallel income. In both cases, the investment is not going to be used personally. This is where most investors make a mistake. They buy the property that they would want to stay in, rather than concentrating on a property that their target market requires. For example, if you have always lived in a house, that’s what you would gravitate towards investing in, forgetting that today the economical situation makes it hard for a majority of the population to buy big homes. Most buyers are looking for apartments or condos that offer security, maintenance and other perks without having to bear the expenses of everything single-handedly.

Studying the market is essential before any real estate investment. Decide on a target buyer market and take things further, as this will give you a clear idea about what neighborhoods to look at, the rough budget figure, etc. The kind of investment you are considering should be looked at as a business plan. You may want to plan out a three year or five year investment strategy. This will give you an idea about where to invest, your financial liabilities after investment, and the future profit prospects. Location is one of the key ingredients for a profitable real estate investment. For instance, if you are buying properties in Boisar, your target market is single families that work in the industries nearby or in Mumbai. This means that your priority should be to invest in 2 bedroom apartments that can be rented out. Also, these apartments should ideally be close to the train or bus stations for easy commute and better connectivity.

While in many cases simply letting some real estate agencies know that you are interested in renting the property out to individuals or families is enough, there are times when the investor needs to advertise to get the right tenants. In case you do not believe in having a middleman take away a percentage of your profit, placing advertisements in local newspapers may be a good available option. Most newspapers carry such ads for nominal charges, although we suggest employing a good real estate agency especially if you are a non-resident of the State. Many smart investors believe in furnishing the properties with basic necessities to ensure good rent. While this is not a compulsion, it may be a good strategy to adapt. 

Jeffery G. Thacker is a freelance writer for the http://www.mirchandanigroup.com/ . Being an American he often concentrates on blogs and articles about the real estate market in the US, however recently he has written quite a few informative pieces about properties in Boisar and other localities in India. Jeffery is a sportsman at heart and enjoys playing lawn tennis, billiards, soccer and baseball.

The ABCs of Property Buying

Property market (Photo credit: Alan Cleaver)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to invest in your dream home and then about the whole process of making it from an unfurnished flat to a living space of your dreams? Ever calculated the hours of sweat that would go into making your apartment into a space that reflects who you are? Or have you probably wondered about the most basic questions as to what is the most basic step into entering the field of property buying? Or what are the steps that lead you to transform your mental image of the perfect house into concrete reality? These are the questions that probably are the most popular on online real estate sites and construction blogs. 

Firstly, to buy any good property, be it residential or commercial, it is fundamentally important that you span through every option available in your budget. The estate market has become so vast that it can cater to any kind of property whims and fancies that its customers harbor in their hearts. So you could choose from a luscious apartment, to a grand flooring duplex that could be the perfect medium to share those beautiful life time memories with your loved ones. If you are a simple bee that go for the ultra modern and chic homes that are made up of the warm feel of teak wood under the soles of your feet. If you are in the mood to splurge look at those wonders that are termed as indoor swimming pools, on a less grand scale, maybe a Jacuzzi might suffice.

Secondly, after deciding on the most ideal space according to your convenience, make sure you are surrounded by a locale that has the most basic features in it. These include hospitals, grocery marts, libraries, the police stations, subways or bus stops. Make sure that your surroundings are as favorable to you as the space that you have picked up to compose into the house of your dreams. It is very essential that all these basic amenities are now located in your area of residency since they form a very important part and parcel of your day-to-day living.

Some of the best leading real estate companies are now focusing on advancing the options available on the residential market. They want to make living a one of a kind experience and they want to do with style. Their clientele has become much more choosy and individualistic in their preferences, demanding for spaces that reflect their own perspectives of modern life. This group of consumers is the one that have transformed the living space from a mere four wall phenomena to a much more complex notion of luxury and style, also of personalized reflections of memories that are converted into state-of- the art pieces which are timeless in their creations.

Whatever you need to make that space your dream home, at every step there is too much that is offered as help. Sift through your options wisely. Make the most of whatever is laid before you as your eyes feast through the perfection combinations of interiors that will match that ideal mental image of a home. The property world is no longer a short walk down the lane, rather it has become one those long strolls into the woods that is made up of so much variety. Invest your capital very carefully and if you are indulgent, indulge in some of the best. Your dream home will occur every two years, so this once in a lifetime opportunity should not slip by without its festive commemoration.

Bio: Roy is a free lancer writer of http://www.thewadhwagroup.com/ and currently he is doing online research on the projects in Mumbai.

The 6 Best Places For Seniors To Retire Abroad

When making plans for retirement many people choose the regular places like Florida, Arizona, or North Carolina. These are great places but you are limiting yourself. Maybe it's time to consider finding a retirement destination abroad.

If you are considering such a dream, you will have to do a whole lot of research. If you are a bit of an adventurer you may find overseas living intriguing. As you do your research you will find many web sites, media outlets, authors, and bloggers who can help you find what's best at a reasonable price.

I have put together a list of a few countries that came up repeatedly, as great places to live.

In the European community there are several places you already know about and a few you would be surprised at as choices.

France.
Here you will find the food and culture center of the world. France was rated as superior in the 2012 International Quality of Life Index. Their health care is also rated as very good. On the downside they do have high taxes, a difficult bureaucracy, and high prices. So it's better to find yourself a place outside the larger cities where your Qrops Pensions can give you greater benefit.

Turkey.
Though on the edge of the European landscape, they consider themselves more Western than Middle Eastern country. Soon to become part of the European Union they are one of the top growing economies in the region. You can find retirement destinations in the mountains or at the seashore.

Italy.
Who could argue about Italy being a great place to retire to. You have the great food, culture, and the Mediterranean weather is very attractive to visitors. The best bargains are in the southern areas and again staying in the country side is going to save you a lot of money. Like most metro areas you will be paying a premium for city life.

In the Central and South American countries you have your pick of warm and tropical destinations.

Mexico.
Being the closest destination to the U.S. and already popular with retirees for its money saving standard of living, Mexico is a great choice. In Mexico, you will find modern and up to date health care near big cities. Many retirement and vacation communities have been providing a relaxing life under a warm sun and tropical weather for many years.

Costa Rica.
A small country in Central America that is already the home to many people that have chosen the laid back life style. It has a good economy and a stable government that encourages the foreign dollar to its shores. Retirement income and real estate profits are untaxed, combine that with lush beaches and country side living, you have a perfect destination.

Panama.
Another small country that wants to attract the foreign investor and retiree. The currency is tied to the U.S. dollar, there are retiree discounts, and favorable tax treatment on income and new homes. Mostly a rural spot with no major metropolitan areas, so traveling for major health care may be necessary. The weather is also warn and tropical.

This is only a short list of all the possible destinations to retire at. You need to consider other obstacles to living abroad like language, government stability, and living standards. These and many other things need to be considered for such a big move. 

Living overseas is going to give you the adventure of your life. It takes a certain mindset to leave you home country and live abroad. Maybe after a while you may become homesick. There is much to consider in living overseas. 

Do your research and take a vacation to your destination and see if it is all you thought it would be. There are many financial challenges when living abroad, that's why it is best to have offshore financial advisors helping you build a successful financial plan. Good Luck.

3 Awesome Tax Apps for Android

Taxes (Photo credit: Tax Credits)

When it gets closer and closer to tax time, stress comes into play more and more. Everyday nearer to the deadline just means more paper work, more digging up financial records and receipts, more hassle from the man. Sometimes it gets to be too much. Some people even bypass all the stress by hiring tax preparation professionals to do all the work for them, but unfortunately some people do not have the money to do that. But, with the way technology has advanced, preparing taxes has perhaps not been any easier than it is now. With the use of an inexpensive, or even entirely free, tax app that is compatible with your smart phone and personal computer, preparing taxes can be a breeze- no professional help needed. 

The best tax apps are intuitive and easy to learn and use. Some offer a no frills approach, while others go deep into the information and get you the best results. In the end, it all really depends on what kind of taxes you are looking for- whether you are going for a complicated tax filing, or whether you are just looking for the simplest solution available to you. The Android phone in particular offers a wide variety of tax apps that can ease the stress of tax season and make your life a much more enjoyable experience in the process. Here are some of the most awesome tax apps available on the Android: 

Awesome Tax App #1. TaxAct Central 

This app will transfer information automatically from your personal computer to your Android phone, and vice versa. Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the TaxAct Central app for the Android. It provides you with a checklist of everything you need to get done before the tax return deadline, lets you check the status of you return, has a tax calendar with live updates and reminders, a tax glossary that defines terms for you and many more very useful features. 

Awesome Tax App #2. TurboTax SnapTax 

TurboTax is one of the leading names in the tax preparation business, and for good reason. This app allows you to take a picture of your w2 form and submit it electronically without all the hassle. Then it just asks you a few questions, and just like that your tax return is filed. 

Awesome Tax App #3. H&R Block Tax Central 

This app will pretty much answer any and all questions you have in regards to your personal taxes, tax law and tips on how to prepare your taxes properly and efficiently. 

Calvin H. works as a full-time freelance writer. His work can be read on numerous news and arts blogs, community newspapers in the Pacific Northwest region of the country, lifestyle magazines and on various web forums. The freelance lifestyle makes for a messy tax season, which is why he uses these apps as much as possible when the deadline looms largest. Click here to learn more about what software solutions Powered by Sharefile can do for you.

Spread Betting on Oil

Gas prices in San Diego. OMG! (Photo credit: slworking2)

Oil is without doubt by far the most commonly-traded commodity in the world. It is used for fuel and in the manufacture of plastics. Unless you are filthy rich and can trade futures, possibly the best way to trade in oil is by spread betting. Oil is one of the many spread betting markets offered by Cantor Index. 

Oil is priced per barrel, with a barrel containing 164 litres, although oil now never sees the inside of a barrel and is transferred directly to and from vessels. In the last century, a goodly number of people have made enormous fortunes from oil, such as the billionaire, J. Paul Getty, and oil could well be the first thing a person trades when they open a spread betting demo account. Oil cost $10 per barrel in 1998, but almost $100 per barrel today. Experts have sometimes predicted that the price would rise to $200 a barrel. 

If a commodity is to be valuable, demand for it must exceed supply – there must be scarcity. This is not true of oxygen, but it is very true of oil. It is scarce and rapidly becoming more so. Prices are sure to rise in the long term. 

In the short term, however, there can be significant fluctuations in the price of oil of as much as 150 points a day. There was a surge in interest in commodities in the first quarter of last year when uncertainty in the Middle East caused oil to rise in price to more than $100 a barrel. The oil spill from BP's Deepwater Horizon facility in 2010 killed 11 people and was the largest ever accidental oil spill at sea, causing the price of oil to decline immediately afterwards. Oil is subject to weather trends, with hurricanes disrupting production. More oil is used in cars in summer and in heating in winter. The credit crunch has sent the price of oil downwards. Oil is inversely related to the price of the dollar and positively to the price of gold. 

The supply of oil can also change for political reasons, as the countries of the OPEC cartel, which produces two thirds of the oil in the world, demonstrated in 1973 when they placed an embargo on the sale of oil to the United States, Western European countries, Rhodesia, South Africa and Japan in response to the United States' assistance to the Israeli military in the Yom Kippur War. The Arab Spring led to reduced supply of oil, most notably by Libya. 

The media strongly desires high oil price stories because they sell newspapers. Predictions can be self-fulfilling prophecies: talk of high oil prices causes high oil prices. Specific occurrences of which anyone spread betting on oil should be aware include OPEC meetings and the release of US oil inventory figures every Wednesday at 3:30pm.

10 Money-Conscious Things to Do Before Selling Your Home

The process of selling your home can be very difficult, and is made even harder by the current housing market. While you may not be in the best position to get the highest value for your home than in the past, you can still get a good price and a smooth sale completed by working through a checklist of things that you need to do before going to market; this can range from getting an accurate valuation of your home, through having a marketing plan in place, getting the right professionals to help you sell your property, and making repairs to rooms and the structure of a house. 

1 - Valuation

To get an accurate valuation, you’ll need to check what price other houses in your area have sold for recently - this can be checked with the Land Registry service. You can also look at what the resale value of the land around your property is, and what potential profit could be gained by a new buyer in a few years time. Estate agents can help you to reach these estimates; surveyors are, however, needed to provide a better estimate of your home’s value. 

2 - Having a Marketing Plan 

If selling with an estate agents, discuss with them how they are planning to market your property. Are they using traditional methods like marketing in their shop window or through local papers, or are they focusing on marketing online? Alternatively, you can opt to market your property by yourself online - this will save money, but may take longer than working with an estate agent that knows your local area. 

3 - Getting the Right Solicitors 

In order to sell your home quickly, you’ll need to get the right solicitor for your property - ask around and compare local solicitors. The best solicitors will be able to handle legal fees, draw up deeds, and pay off your mortgage with the proceeds from a sale. 

4 - De-Clutter 

To make your home appealing for visits, de-clutter as much as possible; go from room to room and be ruthless about what you’re getting rid of. Old mobile phones and electronics can be sold for scrap or resale, while bulk boxes of DVDs and books may be sold online for a small profit. 

5 - Make Essential Repairs 

It’s necessary for you to boost the value of your home by making essential repairs - check wiring, fix roof leaks, and clear out gutters. Similarly, replace loose or cracked flooring, and reseal areas of the bathroom that are showing significant wear and tear.

 

6 - Deep Cleaning 

In most cases, it’s worth investing in a professional cleaning company, who can do the tough jobs that you've been putting off; these jobs might include deep cleaning carpets, and removing tough mold and other damage. 

7 - Have a Moving Out Date 

While it’s important to not arrange to move out and be stuck with your property without a buyer, have some kind of deadline to work to for moving out. This date can change, but should be a motivational tool for the house selling process. 

8 - Fix up the Front of Your Home 

First impressions are important with properties, so make sure that you trim back front gardens, replace rotten wood, and repair any damage to walls or windows before you begin having visits; this shouldn't cost too much money, but can enhance your home’s value. 

9 - Compare the Market 

Keep a close eye on the state of the housing market, as well as what properties are selling in your local area; an estate agent can advise you on how to best approach the market, while maintaining a focus on how the market’s changing online can help you to work out the best selling time and marketing strategies. 

10 - Have a Schedule 

Maintaining and updating a schedule will help you to avoid leaving vital repairs and legal issues to the last minute; have dates lined up for when you want viewings to start, and for when contracts absolutely have to be signed. 

Author Bio: Liam Ohm writes about how your home and your finances are so closely intertwined, from how a Wet Room can be a good financial move to choosing the right solicitors. Having a plan in place is also extremely important and should be the first thing you do when deciding to sell your home.