Dallas Appraiser L.L.C. wants your help and commentary on our Real Estate Blog

Title: 

Search Engine Marketing for Real Estate

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1213

Summary:

Real estate agents and brokers have been sometimes been unfairly painted as being indifferent to new technologies and business methodologies such as SEM. While it's true that much of your business relies on personal connections and face-to-face communication, real estate agents — like all business savvy professionals know that personal connections only get you so far. And in today's increasingly competitive market, you need to go very far.

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

Let us attempt to demystified Internet marketing and give a brief overview of its main components; search engine marketing, search engine optimization, and affiliate marketing. This week we're going to look at ways that real estate marketing with a special focus on search engine marketing (SEM) can benefit you; the real estate professional.

Real estate agents and brokers have been sometimes been unfairly painted as being indifferent to new technologies and business methodologies such as SEM. While it's true that much of your business relies on personal connections and face-to-face communication, real estate agents; like all business savvy professionals know that personal connections only get you so far. And in today's increasingly competitive market, you need to go very far. SEM can help you expand your reach by promoting your business and expanding your sales pipeline across the Internet.

Using search engines has become one of the most popular activities on the Internet, second only to email. But with millions of websites and billions of web pages, potential homebuyers need a tool that can sift through this clutter to find the realtor websites relevant to their search. Thanks mostly to the techniques pioneered by Google, search engines have become remarkably effective at providing results that are highly relevant to the term or phrase the user searches on. But to be relevant, you have to be found.

The importance of being found

You may have great inventory, a fantastic local clientele, and a snazzy new website, but if your business website doesn't show up on the first two pages of Google (or Yahoo, MSN, or Ask Jeeves), you're not getting the exposure you need to remain competitive. Studies have proven what most Internet users know already ; people generally do not look past the first two pages of search results. And with over 71% of homebuyers initiating their home search on the Internet (according to the National Association of Realtors), you can't afford to miss out on all of those active buyers.

As we mentioned last week, SEM is a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes search engine optimization (SEO) and sponsored listings. Purchasing sponsored listings is a surefire way to get your website to the top of the results page quickly; without waiting for the results of a comprehensive SEO campaign. Identifying right keywords is crucial for the success of SEO / SEM campaigns.

But using the major search engines is just a part of an effective SEM strategy. A lead tracking system lets you make more money off of your website with far less work, and an email marketing campaign keeps your prospects and clients up-to-date while positively setting you apart from your competition.

Sponsored (paid) listings

Sponsored, or paid listings are a great way to get fast visibility on the major search engines. Also called pay-per-click, (PPC) sponsored listings are those that show up at the top of search engines such as Google in a blue box or in a column along the right side of the page. These results are clearly labeled "Sponsored listings." The more popular the keyword, the more paid listings come up.

Google AdWords is by far the most popular sponsored listings program, mainly because the Google network is used by 80% of all Internet users. The AdWord program allows you to create your own ads based upon the keywords most relevant to your business. You can also choose to have Google write the ad for you for an extra fee. And not only do you can choose for your ads to show up on the Google results page, they will also show up on sites in the Google Network, such as AOL, EarthLink, Blogger, and HowStuffWorks. When someone clicks on your ad, you pay Google a pre-determined fee.

Here's how AdWords and other programs like it work:

1.You determine what keywords are most relevant to your business (eg, "Brentwood real estate" "Full service mortgage brokerage" "Buy and Hold properties").

2.Decide how much you can spend on the campaign. Once your budget is used up, the campaign will end, or you will increase your budget.

3.Your ads start running within minutes after you submit your billing information. You can easily keep track of your ad performance online to see how certain words are performing against others.

While sponsored listings are the best way to get high rankings quickly, they are no substitute for a thorough SEO campaign. Again, we'll be going into more detail about SEO in next week's FAN.

Lead tracking

While most real estate agents have a website, not all are making money off of them. Sponsored listings and SEO can help attract leads, but to truly get the most out of SEM, you will want to develop a lead tracking system to target the customers and prospects most likely to be interested in your services.

Lead tracking can help your real estate business become stronger by attracting quality leads. Lead tracking brings both short- and long-term benefits to your company – giving you instant access to information about each sales prospect while also helping to streamline and manage the sales process. Lead tracking will help you gain a critical edge on the competition by:

1.Providing better service to prospects and existing customers

2.Improving time management

3.Providing valuable marketing information that improves strategic planning

Lead tracking not only helps you attract more customers, it also tracks your return on investment, so you know exactly how much each lead is worth, how many leads convert into transactions, and your overall return on investment in your advertising dollars.

Fidelity Assets offers a lead tracking solution tailored to the specific needs of those in the real estate business. All leads that are generated from that campaign become your exclusive leads. We do not sell them to anyone else. All leads come directly to you from people who are searching for homes right now to buy and/or sell on the Internet in the areas where you serve.

Email marketing

So now you have high rankings on the search engines and lead tracking is bringing in numerous high-quality prospects. Now what? Email marketing is the icing on the SEM cake; it impresses your prospects by allowing you to send them valuable information on the market and it helps you to stay fresh in their minds. Maybe your prospect is an old client, a walk-in from your last open house, or someone who found your website through an Internet search. No matter who they are, you can increase your chances of selling to them if you occasionally send up-to-the-minute real estate news, buying or selling strategies, or developing trends in the market.

Fidelity Assets can set up an effective email marketing campaign that saves you time and increases leads. We can provide content for your emails and help you to expand your mailing list; automating a formerly laborious task that often fell by the wayside. We can even send out holiday and birthday greetings on your behalf. Learn more about our marketing service here.

Title: 

Saved by a Home Inspector

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372

Summary:

Inspection is a must when you buying a home. Your real estate agent can help you to find a right inspector for your house or real estate before closing. RememberÖ. a good inspector will save you thousands to hundred thousands of dollars by just taking few hours to inspect your future house.

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

Hiring an inspector is not just one of the buying a home processes. It is one of the most important parts of buying a home. You, as a home buyer, need to pay for an inspection which means the inspector works for you! The inspector will find problems of the real estate you are about to purchase, if there is any. Remember, buying a home is one of the biggest investments and few hundred dollars will help you to make a secure decision.

Inspector checks plumbing, electricity, water, furnace and the general build of the home, and finds any problem in the house for you before you close the deal and move in. Inspector will make sure that everything is built up to standard and that it won't cause problems.

A good inspector will save you thousands to hundred thousands of dollars by just taking few hours to inspect your future house. He or she will even teach you how you can change things needed to be changed. That is why you really want to spend some time to find a good inspector to come home.

Most of the time, a real estate agent has a specific inspector that he or she like to work with. You also can find a right inspector on your own and have him or her to inspect the house. Again, you just make sure that the inspector really works for your best interests and gets his or her job done right, if you do not want to move into the house with potential replacements which could cost you a fortune.

Buying a high value home at the lower price is one of the ways to get your money worth by investing in a real estate. When you are house hunting, you will want to the rule applies immediately. A right inspector can help you to prevent from the hidden problems which will cost you a lot later. Working with inspector determines and defines the quality of the home and can help you to get the best deal in the end. Make sure to find a right inspector and have him or her to look through the entire house before you sign the final papers at closing.

Title: 

Save Thousands of Dollars and Feel Great Doing It

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473

Summary:

In a falling real estate market, many people are either unable to sell their homes, or they're holding on to a house that's worth less money now than when they bought it. If you are in a similar position and not sure what to do, why not consider donating the property to charity?

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

In a falling real estate market, many people are either unable to sell their homes, or they're holding on to a house that's worth less money now than when they bought it. If you are in a similar position and not sure what to do, why not consider donating the property to charity? 

While this may sound like a radical idea, it can actually save you a great deal of stress, energy, as well as thousands of dollars. 

The stress that comes with owning an unproductive property can be immense, as you continue to make monthly payments and perform regular maintenance on a home that is losing value. You're paying property taxes and other bills each month, the costs of which you know you won't recoup through a sale. 

By donating your property to charity, you can free yourself from this burden. No more will you have this albatross around your neck; you will be free to put your monthly payments towards more productive investments like new real estate purchases or setting up a retirement fund. 

Selling your home for less than you paid is more than just expensive, it's depressing! After all the hard work you've put into a property, you want someone to appreciate it and to make a fair offer. Especially in today's market, selling can be a long and arduous process that yields less than desirable results.

When you donate your home, you are given an immense tax break. This tax deduction is based on your home's current value on the market. You will also save money on real estate commissions if you decide to donate rather than sell. Normally you would have to pay broker fees for both your real estate agent as well as the buyer's agent. In addition, there are costs for home inspectors, lawyers, and miscellaneous closing costs. In many cases you end up in a better position financially when you donate your home to charity than you would if you endured the lengthy selling process.

You are also able to donate a home while still living in it. By making a "life estate," you benefit from the tax break, get to enjoy your home, and when you pass away, the title is transferred to the charity. 

Not only can giving your home away save you money, but it can also make you feel great. Helping others is one of the most satisfying things we can do as people. Knowing that your home will go towards a good cause will leave you feeling fulfilled and relieved. Charities have the option to sell the home themselves, or to use the property as it stands. The home may even go to a needy family who need a roof over their heads. While tax breaks are nice, you should never underestimate the power of offering a helping hand.

Title: 

Mortgage and Real Estate Information for Debtors

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453

Summary:

If you owe money and have a below average credit score you may find it difficult to get a mortgage loan. In view of these facts, you may find interest in asking a qualified real estate agent help you find a home. These agents have a database full of houses that stream from land contracts, bad credit approval, and so on. The real estate agent may help you find a home you can buy despite how bad your credit maybe.

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

If you owe money and have a below average credit score you may find it difficult to get a mortgage loan. In view of these facts, you may find interest in asking a qualified real estate agent help you find a home. These agents have a database full of houses that stream from land contracts, bad credit approval, and so on. The real estate agent may help you find a home you can buy despite how bad your credit maybe. 

If you have outstanding debt, the lender will inquire about your credit history and debts incurred. The lender will ask if you have any outstanding loans, and if so, what amount do you pay monthly. In other words, if you have car loans, you will need to supply the balance owed and the amount paid monthly toward the loan.

Lenders will ask about credit card debts. If you reply yes, then the lender will ask how much do you pay monthly. Overall, the lender will ask how much monthly do you spend on incurred debts that come from your pretax salary on credit card repayments etc.

You will need to answer questions pertaining to assets, which includes cash on hand. The underwriters will investigate information relating to the questions. For example, they will examine and ask, "What is the estimated amount in your banking account?" How much funds will be available in your account after you have paid closing fees, down payment costs, and other fees applicable to mortgage loans. Do you have a saving account?

The lender will ask how much cash do you intend to apply to the loan. The lender may ask also if the down payment is money coming from your pockets. If the answer is no then the lender will ask where the money is coming from...

Loan Purpose 

The loan purpose is of interest to the lender. Accordingly, you will respond to questions relating to the purpose of the loan, which includes, are you refinancing a current home, or are you an innovative buyer?

Refinancing Mortgage 

If you respond to the question pertaining to the loan, letting the lender know that you intend to refinance a current home with the money lent; the lender will ask, "Do you require cash at closing to repay debts? Of course, the question that follows will be, "How much" cash will you need to pay the debts in full?

Property Purpose 

The lender will require information pertaining of the home's purpose. Do you intend to use the home for work or dwelling? Is the loan intended to invest in the property?

Type of Property 

The mortgage lender will also need to know if the home is duplex, condominium, or single-family housing.

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Must known facts about tax liens.

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445

Summary:

In most jurisdictions, when a property owner is late on paying real property taxes, the county or municipality will issue a tax lien on that person's property, and after certain stages it property bring up for the auction as a tax lien certificate.

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

A tax lien is a legal claim filed in court by a government agency against a person or business owing taxes. Tax liens normally attach to money or property to pay the taxes. A list of tax liens properties on which the taxes has not been paid are kept at the county courthouse along with the proper and complete documentation to avoid any legal problems afterward.

Every year properties are taxed for their value and every year plenty of people fail to pay their taxes on time, incurring taxes and plenty on themselves either due to the financial issue or they just misplaced the tax bills. If you are late to pay your dues then the government seeks investors to balance their budget. Tax Liens can be filed for income taxes, unemployment taxes, sales taxes, real estate excise taxes, Social Security or disability taxes. Once the tax lien is paid, papers are filed with the courts, affirming the discharge of the property.

Many investors invest their assets in the hope that they will be getting huge profit through it but in spite there lies some awful fact which must be known especially (if you are a investor) in order to avoid any complication, one disaster discussion of investment can wipe out your whole capital and your enthusiasm from all this kind of investment.    

The first step should be of building a profitable portfolio of tax liens to your self only to decide the basic purpose of your tax lien investment. Developing a portfolio will surely answer your most critical question like why do I want to invest in tax liens in the first place? Also your reason for investing will determine what type of investment will be best for you.

With the passage of time the tax lien auctions business got huge popularity, most probably because of the abrupt turning of the real estate market and worst jumping down of the stock market which has remained unstable for some time thus compel investor to see some other ways through which they can get a healthy positive outcome with huge benefit. Although profit in tax liens is slow but still it is a hidden secret to the investors. Investing in tax liens assures that your capital will go towards something that is profitable and with a set time period where you can anticipate realizing your profit. Only you have to learn the fundamental principals which are golden and yet very essential to acquire hefty profit. Also try to get more and more knowledge to strengthen your foundation in tax lien business, which could be done through the acquaintance with the property laws, ordinance and so on.

Title: 

Mortgage Note Buyers - Who Are They and How Can They Help You?

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482

Summary:

Knowing your options when selling your owner-financed note to a mortgage note buyer, can help to make it a "win-win-win" situation.

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

A Mortgage Note Buyer is simply a person that can get you a lump sum of cash quickly for the future payments you are scheduled to receive.

 

So if you took back a mortgage or seller financed your home or property when you sold it and are receiving payments, you will be given a fat check in place of those future payments.   

 

The note buyer will then receive the monthly payments instead of you, without any changes for the person making those payments. This is a very simple and easy process.

This is referred to as the "cash flow" industry.

The "cash flow" industry was created by the forces of supply and demand, and it has now filled the void left by traditional lending sources such as banks.

Why do they do this - What's in it for them?

Mortgage note buyers and the companies they work with or for are all about the investment portfolio or long term wealth. 

 

It is profitable for them to collect payment streams that bring them in a consistent cash flow every month.  The difference between them and you is that they have thousands of these payment streams coming in and it adds up for them.  They also don't mind waiting long years to collect these payments.  It's a good investment. 

Mortgage note buyers can get you cash for:

    * Owner-Financed Mortgage Notes

    * Land Contracts

    * Contracts for Deed

    * Deed of Trust

    * Trust Deed

    * Promissory Notes 

Some note buyers work nationwide and some work a smaller targeted area.  They are all different.  Some work with many types of properties and some only with single-family residences.  Here is a list of the types of properties many mortgage note buyers work with:

    * Single Family Residences

    * Duplexes

    * Condos

    * Town Homes

    * Apartment Buildings

    * Commercial Buildings

    * Land (improved or unimproved)

    * Mobile Homes with Land 

*Not all mortgage note buyers work with every item listed above, so check to make sure they can do the type of deal you require.

A good contract note buyer will have many programs available to suit your needs in selling your future payments.  Whether you want to sell all, or just part of your future payments. Some options include:

 

   1. Full Purchase - The purchase of all of your future payments for one lump sum of cash.

   2. Partial Purchase - The purchase of a specified number of your future payments for a lump sum of cash now. 

   3. Split Payment Purchase - The purchase of a specified monthly amount. 

The options are truly unlimited.

 

In conclusion, a mortgage note buyer's main goal is to create a "Win-Win" situation that gets you the cash you need, when you need it.

 

Want to consolidate credit cards, pay for college tuition, take a well deserved vacation, purchase a new or second home, or invest in other opportunities?  Well if you are collecting payments on a seller-financed note a Mortgage Note Buyer can help you fulfill those dreams.

Title: 

Real Estate Investing Guide: The Difference Between Income Tax And Property Tax

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615

Summary:

As the name suggests, income tax is tax that is deducted from your income. When tax is imposed on incomes of companies, then this may be called corporate tax, profit tax, or corporate income tax. Tax from the earnings of an individual is usually charged from his total income. In terms of real estate investing, income tax comes in when you are profiting or having income from your property. Property Tax

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

Just like in any other business, real estate investing would require you to pay different kinds of taxes. Two of which are income tax and property tax. To know the twists and turns of real estate investing, you should know what these taxes are, when do you pay them and their difference.

Income Tax

As the name suggests, income tax is tax that is deducted from your income. It is charged on the financial income of people, corporations or further legal entities. There are different systems of this kind of tax coupled with different degrees of incidence. Charging this kind of tax can be proportional, progressive or regressive. 

When tax is imposed on incomes of companies, then this may be called corporate tax, profit tax, or corporate income tax. Tax from the earnings of an individual is usually charged from his total income. But in the case of corporations, the tax is usually charged from the net income of the corporation.

In terms of real estate investing, income tax comes in when you are profiting or having income from your property. For example, you have invested in a piece of land and leased it, then you would have to pay income tax from the income you get from your rentals.

This includes your gross income or all amounts that you received as rent. Rental income is considered to be any payment that you received for the use or the occupation of your property.

However, the positive side effect of charging income tax in real estate investing is that you can deduct different expenses of renting property from your total rental income. Generally, the rule is that you deduct your rental expenses during the year in which you pay them. 

Expenses that you can deduct include advertising, cleaning and maintenance, utilities, insurance, taxes, interest points, commissions, tax return preparation fees, travel expenses, rental payments and expenses on local transportation.

If you are a taxpayer under cash basis, you usually report your rental income on your return in the same year that you constructively or actually received it. You fall under this category if you report income the same year that you receive it, despite the month you earned it. 

Property Tax

In real estate investing, you also pay property tax. This is also known as millage tax. Property tax is said to be an ad-valorem tax, where a property owner pays depending on the value of the property being charged.

There are basically three different kinds of property. First is land, then your improvements to the land, such as buildings; and last but not the least, personality like manmade objects that are movable. 

Real property, real estate and realty are all terms used to pertain to the combination of improvements and land. In real estate investing, the taxing authority usually requires or does an appraisal of the property's monetary value, and then tax is assessed in ratio to the value. 

If you really want to get into real estate investing, then you should know what form of property tax that is used in the municipality you are investing in.

One common mistake that real estate investors make is their confusion between special assessment and property tax. These are actually two different forms of taxation. One is an ad-valorem tax, which highly relies on the property's fair market value for justification, while the other highly depends on a special enhancement that is called a benefit for its justification.

In real estate investing, the rate of your property tax usually comes in percentage form. To calculate your property tax, you multiply the assessed value of your property with the mill rate and then divide them by one thousand.

Title: 

Real Estate Investor Question:  Rehab and Sell, or Rehab and Keep?

Word Count:

739

Summary:

One way of looking at the question of what to do with property after it's bought and rehabbed.  The numbers might surprise you!

keywords: #DFW, #Tarrant, #Johnson, #Dallas, #home_appraiser, #home_appraisal, #Property_appraiser, #home_value, #real_estate_appraisal, #Appraisal, #Appraiser, #Home_ownership, #equity, #REO, #foreclosure, #property, #Home, #House, #Real_Estate, #money, #hard_money, #Loan, #Mortgage, #Refinance, #contractors

Article Body:

Here's another awesome question I received from my discussion board.  The question; Why bother keeping property after it's rehabbed?  Why not sell it after the rehab and GET PAID!

Of course, the first questions that you must answer is how emergent is your need for quick cash?  You can likely generate the most SHORT TERM cash by selling a freshly rehabbed house.  But, you will give much of it away in taxes come next April.

If you keep it, you stand to make more!  You will also enjoy some great benefits while you own it such as cash flow, a tax break, and MORE cash with the future appreciation.  You can still pull some nice cash a few months after buying it when you refinance (post rehab) the property from your hard money (at 70% loan to value) to long term financing (at 85% or 90% loan to value).

The short answer is an investor is going to make considerably more money by hanging onto a property after it's rehabbed.  There is a downside to it.  You have to be a landlord, and you have to decide if you want to do that.  I don't think it's too bad as long the landlording is done correctly.

Let me illustrate the difference in overall money between rehab and sell, and rehab and rent investing with this example;

Let's say appreciation rates are 5% in your town and the average price of a freshly rehabbed property in the neighborhoods investors buy in is $100,000. Let's also say there is Bill and Fred. 

Bill sells his properties after rehabbing and makes $15-18,000 per house. Good boy Bill!

Fred keeps his rehab projects and cash-out refinances, pulling out around $10,000 per house within 3-6 months of ownership.  (Fred trades his 70% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio hard money for long term, 30-year mortgages at a lower interest rate with an 85-90% loan to value ratio.  He pockets the difference between what it costs to pay off the hard money and the new mortgage less closing costs.  This works out to about $10,000 per property.)

Bill (rehab and sell) makes a great living. Ten houses per year is $150,000-$180,000 per year...nice jingle! The downside is that Bill has to keep rehabbing to keep making that living year-after-year and pays taxes on all that money as regular income (ouch!).  So his $150,000 per year is in reality somewhat less.

Fred (the rehabber) also makes a great living. Ten houses per year makes him $100,000 or so in tax free, spendable cash. But, Fred controls a million dollars in real estate and it's going up in value year after year.  Also, Fred pays no taxes on that money he gets from the cash-out refinances.  It's part of a mortgage, so must be paid back, therefore is not income!  I love that part!

Let's look at what Fred's doing more closely.  

Let's say Fred bought 10 houses valued at $100,000 each, owes $90,000 on each one (after the 90% cash out refinance), so he controls $1,000,000 in property. If he keeps them 5 years (assuming a low appreciation rate...which is pretty conservative):

Purchase year - 10 houses x $100,000 = $1,000,000 

Year 1 - Same 10 houses X $105,000 = $1,050,000 

Year 2 - Same 10 houses X $110,250 = $1,102,500 

Year 3 - Same 10 houses X $115,762 = $1,157,620 

Year 4 - Same 10 houses X $121,550 = $1,215,500 

Year 5 - Same 10 houses X $127,627 = $1,276,270 

Essentially, Fred makes an extra $50,000 per year for keeping 10 properties. After owning them 5 years, if he sells, he puts $276,000 in his pocket. 

Remember 

- Some parts of the country will appreciate much faster than 5%.  Heck some places properties will double in value in 5 years.

- No tax benefits of keeping the property is included here. That equates to thousands of dollars in real income.

- This is ONE ten-house year. Let's say you want to "top out" at owning 30 houses. Well, in just a couple of years your buying will slow down to a trickle and you'll start selling and cashing out of properties. I mean, how many ten-house years to you need to string together before you are set for life?

- What if you hold these houses 10 years?  The numbers get pretty exciting.

If you're like me and you don't want to do this for too many years, then holding properties for a few years makes a lot of sense, especially if you don't have much personal money invested in them. 

So what of poor old Bill?  Chances are, Bill will satisfy his need for short term cash, then start holding property.  What do you think?

Title: 

Preventing Garden Invasions

Word Count:

356

Summary:

I never really thought of weeds as being evil, but occasionally a plant finds its way into your garden and refuses to leave. It turns into a stubborn house guest, spreading its roots through every available patch of dirt, and paying no heed to existing plants in their quest for dominance. You'll spend an entire season pulling and possibly even spraying, but eventually you'll see them rearing their ugly heads, almost in defiance.

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I never really thought of weeds as being evil, but occasionally a plant finds its way into your garden and refuses to leave. It turns into a stubborn house guest, spreading its roots through every available patch of dirt, and paying no heed to existing plants in their quest for dominance. You'll spend an entire season pulling and possibly even spraying, but eventually you'll see them rearing their ugly heads, almost in defiance. 

Ridding your garden of these invasive plants is not just a personal peeve; these pests can smother native plants that provide food and habitats for birds and insects. There are approximately 50,000 non-indigenous species in the United States that have created damage and losses totaling about $137 billion per year. This has become a genuine concern in the State of Oregon, so much so that The Oregon Zoo and the Three Rivers Land Conservancy are publicly campaigning to remove certain invasive plants. 

The Oregon Zoo has pledged to remove 20 percent of six of the invasive plants on their property, with a goal of removing 90 percent within 10 years. The culprits they are focusing on include English Ivy, Himalayan blackberry, butterfly bush, traveler's clematis, Japanese knotweed and drooping sedge. 

The Three Rivers Land Conservancy in conjunction with the West Willamette Restoration Partnership, local businesses, government organizations and 15 neighborhood associations is working to create a Backyard Habitat Certification Program. Their intention is to educate and provide incentives to homeowners to rid their yards of ivy, blackberry, knotweed and traveler's clematis, along with garlic mustard and periwinkle. 

Part of their program will involve home visits, handouts, workshops and a three-part certification program that provides signs, gift certificates and event tickets. Incentives are increased based on the percentage of invasive plants removed by homeowners, and the amount of re-planting of native plants. Their goal is to remove ivy from trees in 300 acres and 90 percent of the six plants in 50 acres. 

Although a labor intensive solution, the best fight against invasive plants is to pull them out, and keep on pulling until they stop coming up. They need sunlight to survive, the less they get, the harder it is to perpetuate.

Real Estate - The Ladder of Investment

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Making an investment of any kind doesn't just mean handing over an extra set of hundred dollar bills. With every large investment, there are specific rules and processes that are defined in order to ensure that your money will be going to the right place.  If you are investing in real estate, you will want to know what initial investments will be.  

If you have found a home and are beginning a process for buying the home, you will begin to make some initial investments soon after the first contract is signed.  Most real estate investments will require a down payment, which includes a set amount of money towards the person that is selling the home.  This will then be put on your credit towards the investment that you are making.  If you have extra money set aside, you will want to put it in the down payment, as this will make a difference in your investment later on and can help with final approvals for the loan that you are receiving.  

Another set of investments that you will be making is for any extra costs from the team that you have built.  For example, a home inspection will usually cost a small amount of money.  There may also be extra fees linked to the lenders paperwork and other things that are related to things such as the contract.  Every person that is working with you will receive a commission or part of the investment that you are making in the beginning.  

Before you begin house hunting, make sure that you know about the initial investments and how it will affect your bank account. Setting aside a specific amount of money for your first home, or knowing how much to include in a down payment after buying a second home will help you to make the right investments from the beginning.  You will want to make sure that you walk into your dream home with enough money to get you completely in the door.