History isn’t always repeated, but when it comes to real estate investing, many bet on Sam Zell’s past history. In the 1990’s, he gained the nickname “grave dancer” by buying and profiting on distressed properties. And, worldwide, distressed properties are definitely in the news now. So, real estate investors everywhere pay attention to what Sam Zell says, such as in a recent CNN interview: “Brazil is the number one country in the world for investments.”

There is a lot going on in Brazil, whether it be government or private sector housing investment and construction. The government’s $18 billion stimulus plan for building affordable housing is keeping a great many home builders busy. Couple that with a 5 percent cut in Brazil’s Selic interest rate, and you have a pretty positive climate for real estate. Real estate financing is where Sam Zell says the country needs to place its emphasis. His privately-held firm, Equity International, has taken an interest, with a large stake in home builder Gafisa SA. According to an article at the Wall Street Journal Online, half of Equity International’s invested capital and 70% of its investments’ market value is in Brazil. (more…)

There’s some money to be earned buying and selling real property, especially REOs, or real estate owned. These are real properties foreclosed by banks and unredeemed by the former owners within the allotted redemption period. Therefore they are now assets owned the bank and may be sold to interested buyers, the former owners included, at usually prices relatively lower than those in the regular real estate business. So the profit potential can be substantial for the intrepid broker.

However, dealing with banks on the matter of REOs can be very frustrating: banks are often terribly painful where REOs are concerned. When a REO property goes for sale, it is usually sold through bidding. The list of REOs is published or posted and a minimum bid is indicated for each piece of property as well as the end date of the bidding. The interested buyer then submits his bid for that property, not knowing if there are competing other bids or none at all. (more…)

When a real estate mortgage lapses due to non-payment of the amortization, the lending bank may foreclose on the property. The owner therefore has two optional courses of action: simply pay the outstanding amount and redeem the property; or sell the house then pay the outstanding balance, in order that he may derive something from the proceeds. When the first option is not possible, which is the better option, then the second option becomes vital. This is where the pre-foreclosure short-selling of the property becomes an avenue of benefit to the owner.

Pre-foreclosure is that time when the payments have not been paid, but the bank have not as yet initiated foreclosure proceedings to obtain the property and satisfy the mortgage. Short sales is when the bank is convinced to accept an amount less than that owed on the property, in order to liquidate the receivable quickly. Short-selling is thus very similar to buying off the mortgage from the bank, but at a ‘discounted’ rate. (more…)

Foreclosures on mortgaged properties happen quite often, but banks and owners do not desire such for simple reasons. The owner will lose his property, while the bank gains something it does not want, nor know what to do with. To forestall such an event, short selling may be the answer to benefit all parties concerned. But it is quite a hassle to do.

Short selling involves much physical work and paper pushing. Even if someone else handles the negotiations, phone calls and paperwork, there is still much labor and some possible frustration in store for the unprepared broker or agent. However, as in many things, there are always ways to make a success out of it. The first requirement is the willingness and desire to help the homeowner. (more…)

The National Association of Realtors (NAR), and their Florida State Association announced home price and sales information for the second quarter in Florida. The headline or sound bite is that prices are down even more, but sales are beginning to increase, perhaps signaling a change in market direction. We can hope they’re right, and there is some evidence to support it. Taking the tax incentives, low prices and low interest rates into account, if you have money or the ability to borrow, Florida is certainly a market that’s inviting your investment.

An article at Realtor.org, quoting Paul Sullivan at the New York Times, puts a really positive spin on the Florida market. Here are the high points:

• Greg Rand, managing partner at Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, says that the state’s prospects are good with 78 million baby boomers entering retirement. (more…)

There’s some money to be earned buying and selling real property, especially REOs, or real estate owned. These are real properties foreclosed by banks and unredeemed by the former owners within the allotted redemption period. Therefore they are now assets owned the bank and may be sold to interested buyers, the former owners included, at usually prices relatively lower than those in the regular real estate business. So the profit potential can be substantial for the intrepid broker.

However, dealing with banks on the matter of REOs can be very frustrating: banks are often terribly painful where REOs are concerned. When a REO property goes for sale, it is usually sold through bidding. The list of REOs is published or posted and a minimum bid is indicated for each piece of property as well as the end date of the bidding. The interested buyer then submits his bid for that property, not knowing if there are competing other bids or none at all. (more…)

Buying property is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Starting the process is often daunting, but by choosing the right location, size and time as well as ensuring quality and affordability, you will reduce the chances of making costly mistakes. Keep the following in mind when buying a property:

1. Location

The location of a property might possibly be the single most important aspect to consider when purchasing a house. How many times have you heard the saying that buying the right property in the wrong neighbourhood is worst than buying the wrong property in the right neighbourhood? The importance of your choice of location lies in the fact that once you’ve purchase the property, the location is the only factor that you can’t change. It is therefore extremely important to make the right decision. (more…)

Denmark is located in southern tip of Scandinavian countries in Europe. Denmark is in the plateau region of Europe. Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and popular location to find rental apartments. The vast majority of people living in Denmark rent their accommodations. Rental houses are expensive. However, they are cheaper in Copenhagen as compared to other European cities such as, London or Paris. Denmark is one of the countries to live in, with its scenic view, plush green fields, humble and peaceful environment. People visit Denmark mostly to spend some time to relax or to spend summer time. As the employment rate in Denmark is low, the crime rate is also low.

Tips on Renting in Denmark:

To keep the procedure of acquiring a rental place in Denmark, an individual should keep the following tips in mind:- (more…)