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

Title: 

Ceiling Fans - Are you a Fan?

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326

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You might have seen them in restaurants and hotels: those large fans, fixed to the ceiling, that rotate and keep the whole room cool

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Article Body:

You might have seen them in restaurants and hotels: those large fans, fixed to the ceiling, that rotate and keep the whole room cool. But have you ever considered getting one for your home?

Maybe you thought that a ceiling fan would be too expensive, or too difficult to install, but that is a common misconception. Really, ceiling fans are competitively priced with the best freestanding fans, and installing one is about as difficult as putting in a new light fitting. Additionally, you might not have realized that ceiling fans are also useful in winter: as warm air rises, they can blow it down again, thus saving on heating bills.

The average home ceiling fan rotates about three times per second on the highest speed setting, for safety reasons. To rotate faster, as industrial fans do, the fan would need to have sharper blades, which poses an obvious health hazard. Still, three complete rotations per minute is not that slow, and larger fans especially can really make their presence felt.

One thing to consider, if you are thinking of getting a ceiling fan, is getting one with a light integrated. As the fan will be taking up a space on your ceiling where there used to be a light fitting, it can be good to have a light as part of the fan, so the room does not end up dark. Do not worry about having to leave the fan on just to use the light, as they can be turned on and off separately.

Another common fear with ceiling fans is that they might fall down and injure someone. However, if you think about it, have you ever seen a lamp fall down from the ceiling? It is very unlikely that you have, because things that are fixed to ceilings have to be fixed up to certain safety standards, with failsafe mechanisms to keep them from falling down even if one of the connections breaks.

Title: 

Can You Make Millions in Real Estate?

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444

Summary:

There are several shows on television that feature people buying properties and then flipping them after minor repairs. Many people make a profit doing this, but if you really pay attention, you will often only see what the house could make the owners. The shows often leave out when and for how much the home sold for.

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Article Body:

There are several shows on television that feature people buying properties and then flipping them after minor repairs. Many people make a profit doing this, but if you really pay attention, you will often only see what the house could make the owners. The shows often leave out when and for how much the home sold for.

Many of the richest people in the world started out in real estate. That's why real estate investment is so popular. But what are some essential things you should know before jumping into real estate?

1. Know how market timing works.

This means that you need to not only research how market cycles work, but that you need to sit back and watch them for yourself. The fact is that markets go up and markets go down. A lot of successful investors aren't looking for a three-month buy and flip. They buy when the market is low and sell when it is high.

2. Know how to analyze real estate numbers.

You have to be able to identify all of the factors that are affecting your profit.

There are four major parts of real estate investing: cash flow, appreciation, loan reduction and tax benefits. You need to understand how the four factors work together to produce a rate of return.

Real estate isn't simply making you a profit when it appreciates. And it isn't necessarily loosing money when it depreciates.

3. Know the economics in your area.

You have to look beyond the simple growth of the neighborhood you are investing in to the overall health of the city, state and country. For example, if interest rates are rising, you need to understand that borrowers are being cut out of the market.

The six aspects of economics you must understand are: mortgage interest rates, affordability indices, supply and demand, demographic information, commercial real estate and the job market.

It helps potential investors to take classes in both macro and micro economics. Macro will help the investor understand the large forces that impact real estate, such as recessions, national interest rates, war and demographics. Micro will look at individual sectors and focus on the local real estate market, such as local disasters, local recessions, unemployment rates, supply and demand, new housing starts, housing for sale and types of vacancies.

There is a lot that you need to know before you jump into being a real estate investor. Yes, if you are just buying and fixing up and selling one house, you have the potential to make money. But if you plan to do this as an investment, you need to obtain the necessary education. Otherwise, you are gambling with your money.

Title: 

Buying A Home - Zoning and Architectural Review Board Restrictions

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325

Summary:

When you buy a home, you need to be aware of the various things that can limit your control over the property. This is as true for finished lots and single family homes as it is for townhouses, condos, and apartments. It is a good idea to understand these limitations before you buy, so that you can decide whether you are willing to live with them or not. After you buy, it is too late; you are stuck.

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Article Body:

When you buy a home, you need to be aware of the various things that can limit your control over the property. This is as true for finished lots and single family homes as it is for townhouses, condos, and apartments. It is a good idea to understand these limitations before you buy, so that you can decide whether you are willing to live with them or not. After you buy, it is too late; you are stuck.

Zoning

In most jurisdictions, zoning limits how a piece of property can be used. There are many variations of residential zoning. In some, no business activity is permitted. Some allow business activity but no signs. In some, no commercial vehicles can be parked regularly.

Some residential zones permit only a single dwelling per quarter acre, per acre or per ten acres. Most limit the owner’s ability to subdivide land. Some allow only single family dwellings while others allow high rise apartments. Still others allow apartments, but limit the height of apartment buildings. Many do not allow mobile homes.

Some jurisdictions have ‘overlay districts’ in addition to zoning. These are common in areas with many older buildings and a community desire to preserve them. Additions to homes of this type are obviously restricted, but restrictions regarding the location, style, height, and even whether they are allowed at all or not, also applies to fences, sheds, walks, gates, and similar ancillary structures.

Fredericksburg, Virginia has a forty block ‘historic district.’ Residents of this area must follow normal zoning rules. However, they must also submit an application to the Architectural Review Board for any changes to the visible exterior of their homes. This can be a surprise for some new homeowners in the area.

You can find detailed information about zoning, overlay districts and the like fairly easily. Simply visit the courthouse for the county in which the property is located or ask your real estate professionals for assistance.

Title: 

7 Steps to Becoming a Dynamite Real Estate Agent

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384

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Most real estate agents want to be extremely successful.  Goals are set and then the hard work begins to reach those goals.  So what steps can you take to skyrocket your success as a realtor? Here are 7 powerful steps that will get you on the road to success.

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Article Body:

Most real estate agents want to be extremely successful.  Goals are set and then the hard work begins to reach those goals.  So what steps can you take to skyrocket your success as a realtor? Here are 7 powerful steps that will get you on the road to success:

1. Realize your Potential

In order to succeed as a real estate agent, you need to see that you have the potential to reach your goals.

2. Do Not Look Back

Everyone has failures or mistakes from the past.  To have success in the real estate industry, you need to learn from those past mistakes and learn valuable lessons from them.  After doing so, simply move forward and make better, more educated decisions from the lessons learned.

3. Dare to Dream Big

To succeed as a realtor, you need to have big dreams and aspirations.  Be honest with yourself as to what you want out of life and what you want to give of your life.  Allow your mind to dream and think big!

4. A Powerful Business Plan

Create a powerful business plan that will organize your strategies.  This plan will be the blueprint to your success.  The business plan should include prospecting, listing strategies, prospect follow up techniques, networking ideas, and ways to boost customer loyalty. 

5. Do Not Give Up

To reach success as a real estate agent, you must persevere through difficult times.  Even Thomas Edison had to learn this.  When he was inventing the incandescent light bulb, it took him more than 10,000 times to get it right.  Keep striving even when the challenge seems to be overwhelming.  

6. Have an Unstoppable Attitude

You need to have determination in order to succeed as a realtor.  Be wary of close friends or family members that feel it would be better if you focused your attention in another direction or career.  Uphold your unstoppable attitude, determined to succeed.

7. Stop Complaining

You might think there is no correlation between complaining about you difficulties and success, but there is in fact a connection.  When you spend time complaining about the obstacles you are facing in you real estate career, you're wasting so much time being negative that you are actually missing out on chances to move your career forward.  Don't think of challenges as problems, think of them as opportunities.

Title: 

7 Shortcuts to Internet Home Buying

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804

Summary:

Searching for a home is becoming easier every day with more access to web sites across the country; Realtor.com is the king of real estate listings. There are real estate company sites such as ColdwellBanker.com and Remax.com where you can access the local affiliates and all their listings in the US, Canada, or International. Or a little back door play is to go to the state board of realtors where they list all the local realtor boards and the local MLS sites like NTREIS here in North Texas.

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Article Body:

Searching for a home is becoming easier every day with more access to web sites across the country Realtor.com is the king of real estate listings. There are real estate company sites such as ColdwellBanker.com and Remax.com where you can access the local affiliates and all their listings in the US, Canada, or International. Or a little back door play is to go to the state board of realtors where they list all the local realtor boards and the local MLS sites. 

1.Realtor.com - The number 1 real estate web site bar none. It is comprised of all the local MLS realtor board listings. It has all the visual and virtual tours and more photos than the local MLS systems allow. Local real estate agents will pay to get good positioning on the webpages for advertising when their local area is requested you see them first or at least in the top six. You can also request information about any of the listings on the site and you will normally receive a response within 24 to 48 hours from the better agents. One draw back is that realtor.com is sometimes 3 to 5 days behind the actual listing date.

2.ColdwellBanker.com - The number 2 real estate web site. Has easy access to its real estate listings around the world. The ‘Personal Retriever’ feature allows you to enter in your criteria and will notify you of any updates or new listing you can select to have the emails sent daily or weekly. Coldwell Bankers ‘Lead Router’ system is state of the art in high tech features when you request information on any of their listings your request goes one stop and then directly to the agent’s phone who listed the home. During normal business hours you should get a return call within minutes with all the up to date information directly from the listing agent. No other real estate company or lead source has anything that approaches this system. 

3.Remax.com - The number 3 real estate web site behind ColdwellBanker.com. Still has a long way to go your basic site allows you to search listings has local information available from the local franchise sites. Does not approach anything like the ‘Lead Router’ or ‘Personal Retriever’ of ColdwellBanker.com. You can get easy access to their Remax listings.

<b>4.Realtor Pay for Leads Sites ñ</B>These companies sell you to real estate agents and mortgage brokers. You log on to the web site select the city and the zip code where you want to buy or sell a house and enter all your required personal information. The agents who have paid for you at $200, $400, $600 per month or $40 to $80 per lead decide based on your zip code and price range if they want to work with you in buying or selling a home. The pitch to you is that you pick the agent and there is a little truth to that because you do get to chose between 2 or 3 agents. The fact is that many people filling out all this personal information do not get to choose an agent at all. The agents don not take the leads because you are either buying or selling in the wrong price range or zip code. <i>Its one of those little steering or redlining things that slips under the federal and state government’s radar.</I> 

5.Realtor Association and MLS - Searching local realtor associations by entering a search by state for realtor association this will bring up the state association and all the local associations within the state. Then you will have access to the public side of the local MLS. Some are now directing you to Realtor.com to see the listings.

6.All the Other Sites - Miscellaneous sites, sale by owner sites, agent sites, smaller real estate company sites, local company sites all have useful features but can not give you everything you are looking for. 

7.Your Real Estate Agent - When you get down to working with an agent, the internet savvy agent will have all you need. They will set you up on a <i>VIP Buyer or Seller program</i> very similar to Coldwell Banker’s ‘Personal Retriever’ and your access to your agent will be better than ‘Lead Router’ because you will have all of the agents contact numbers. 

Searching for your home on the internet can be easy if you take your time and donít get sucked into any on-line site that sells you and your information to the highest bidder. Remember local Chambers of Commerce, School Districts, and City web sites have great information about the local area. Keep a file in your favorites of all the websites you find useful.

Title: 

Ways to get the accurate market value of your property

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410

Summary:

Generally people tend to have a common misconception that market value and appraised value are same. But they are not same. The market value is almost similar to an appraisal, but it differs because a certified property appraiser does not carry it out. It is always advisable to appoint a real estate agent, realtor, or broker to update you on the current market value of the properties in Maryland. A market value can be defined as the true worth of your property when it is compared to the similar

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Article Body:

It is very important to know the ‘accurate’ market value of your real estate in Maryland. There are two ways in which one can determine the exact market value: one is through property appraisal and another is through comparable market value analysis. Usually these 2 methods are used in combination with each other in order to a make a sale price for the seller or offer proposal for the buyer.

Generally people tend to have a common misconception that market value and appraised value are same. But they are not same. The market value is almost similar to an appraisal, but it differs because a certified property appraiser does not carry it out. It is always advisable to appoint a real estate agent, realtor, or broker to update you on the current market value of the properties in Maryland. A market value can be defined as the true worth of your property when it is compared to the similar houses of similar specifications. It is the price that the house would get if it were to be sold at that point in time.

The market value of a real estate property in Maryland is highly influenced by the property’s condition, the year when the property is on sale, and how urgently the owner wants to sell the property.  It is very necessary to compare the value of your property with the other properties in the market before putting it up for sale. This way of comparing is known as Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). You should use the Comparative Market Analysis to help you get a better view of the market value of your property in Maryland.

Comparative Market Analysis is done by the real estate agent, realtor, or broker. They evaluate sales of equivalent properties to generate an informal estimate of the real estate property’s market value in Maryland. Making a good approximation of the market value of your property is important when you are putting the property for sale. Doing this will give a good value for you to work with, when setting the initial sale price of your real estate property in Maryland. 

Finally, getting the accurate market value of your real estate property in Maryland is very necessary, as this is the only way in which you can know the ‘true worth’ of your property.

For More Details On Real Estate Investment do not be afraid to call a professional like a realtor or home appraiser 

Title: 

Vacation Home Sales Are Up

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525

Summary:

The move to buying a second home overseas is gaining popularity, and many retirees are looking to Mexico, Costa Rica and even further afield for their beachfront properties. Many of these prime retirement areas are experiencing a strengthening realty market, thanks to (our) foreign investment.

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Article Body:

The move to buying a second home overseas is gaining popularity, and many retirees are looking to Mexico, Costa Rica and even further afield for their beachfront properties. Many of these prime retirement areas are experiencing a strengthening realty market, thanks to (our) foreign investment.

However, if you are thinking it is too late for a bargain in a prime retirement area, you could be wrong! Some areas are still booming, and even though we have been reading of a downturn in realty, some areas are holding steady. The question is why?

Everyone wants to invest in solid realty, but what is the secret? How to choose a viable asset? Is there a secret to being a successful in real estate investing? It is always a gamble, investing money will always have some risk, but you can investigate the odds! 

For instance, when buying real estate try to project what the future market will be and buy the type of home that will be in demand for a few years to come. This is where you have to take into account not only the economic climate but also the demographics of our society. 

For most realty investors, the demographics are obvious in at least one area. The largest population of retirees will be approaching retirement age in a few short years. For people investing in real estate, or wanting to buy a home that keeps its value, this could be an indicator of what to buy. At least one type of home that will be in demand will obviously be the 'retirement choice' type of home and in a retirement choice environment.. 

Condos are very popular. This means that a condo may be a good investment for now, as many of the 'baby boomers' will be thinking of buying one in about five years time, when they reach 65 - and retire. (Baby boomers were all born in the first year or two after World War II). They account for a very large part of the population. One theory is that they will be the last generation to have a generous pension, and can therefore afford to splash out on a retirement home. Beach front towns and resorts are already experiencing an increase in sales. 

Since retirement equals house move there should be a large inventory of homes for sale in 2011; this is when the baby boomers reach 65. Many people pursue their life dream upon retirement, and perhaps go and live in a warm sunny climate, by the beach, or in the mountains. Either way, it involves buying and selling a home.

Prime retirement areas (including areas in USA) are experiencing above average sales. Buying a retirement home before retirement is the ideal situation. You can always rent it out, or just take your vacation there; it is easier to finance it before the salary must be given up and the pension kicks in. If you are a baby boomer it is good sense to get in the vacation housing market now. 

You can still buy a home and expect it to be a sound investment in many of these choice retirement and vacation areas.

Title: 

VASTU AND FENG-SHUI QUESTION AND ANSWERS - RealAcres

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823

Summary:

QUESTION Can I have a fish tank in my living room for wealth and success ?

ANSWER No. Fish tank cannot be placed where you like., it is not advisable to

have a fish tank in your living room. Please check with a Qualified Vastu & Fengshui

Master before  placing a Fish tank in the house.

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QUESTION If my flat is built in 1987 and my main door faces North, is my flatprosperous ?

ANSWER From the year 1984 to the year 2003 , any house or flat that sits at the south and faces the north and has the main door at north has a very good fengshui house till the year 2003. However the external topography will also playa part to the family's  health and wealth. However, if , the house or flat have also been checked by a Vastu & Feng-shui Master, then this gives them enhanced SUCCESS.

QUESTION Can I have a fish tank in my living room for wealth and success ?

ANSWER No. Fish tank cannot be placed where you like., it is not advisable to

have a fish tank in your living room. Please check with a Qualified Vastu & Fengshui

Master before  placing a Fish tank in the house.

QUESTION Can I hang a metal wind chime in the house?

ANSWER It is not advisable to hang metal wind chimes in any sectors of the house as certain sectors can attract spirits to your house when you place them there. Please check with a Qualified Vastu & Feng-shui Master for placement of 

Wind-Shimes.

QUESTION My office table is opposite the main door is it Good or bad ?

ANSWER The table should never be opposite the door as the energy coming in once the door is opened, will hurt you. Hence it is better to have the door at a corner of your office room if possible. Also the table should not be such that your back is towards the table.

QUESTION I have a RED colour paint in the bed room is it good.?

ANSWER The red co lour is an element of fire and it makes a person very aggressive and bad tempered. Always use light colors in the bedroom.

QUESTION Is it important to check the FENG-SHUI and Vastu of the House before

buying or after buying. ?

ANSWER It is advisable to get the house audited by a Qualified Vastu & Feng-shui Master before buying so that the there is no need for any majour changes to be done later on . But if you already have a house and you are living in it then too its equally important to get it inspect by a Qualified Vastu & Feng-shui Master who will guide you with his knowledge on how to keep the energies in the house proportionally balanced thus providing you with a better quality of life and enhanced success.

QUESTION How can Vastu & feng-shui cure negative energies and promote

happiness?

ANSWER Vastu and Feng-Shui can definitely cure negative energy and promote happiness. These ancient and valuable sciences aim at generation,

accumulation and flow of Positive energy through correct placement of objects

and balancing your house or shop with the help of various Cures, symbols and

remedies ( crystals , wind-chimes , pictures .. etc ) thus promoting happiness.

QUESTION I need to place an air-condition in my room since the summer season

is approaching , where shall I install it ?

ANSWER An air conditioner is a fire element as it runs on electricity therefore the

best placement is south and south west but it can placed in most good energy

areas.

QUESTION Do Vastu and feng-shui really work or is it just a psychological

satisfaction?

ANSWER YES . Vastu and Feng-shui is not a farce but a SCIENCE. The rules of Vastu and Fengshui are truth and laid down many thousand years ago. And you will be surprised to know that as per The Ramayana the complete city of Ayodhaya was designed and constructed by MANU a leading architect of that time in full conformity as per the principles of Vastu-Shastra.

Vastu-Shastra also has references in the period of Gautham BUDDHA and also the ROMAN EMPIRE.

QUESTION Are new houses better than older houses?

ANSWER A newer house is always considered better since it has no past occupants. The result is less persistent energy of past occupants. These are just a couple of advantages of the newer house. But there are many older homes that still have good energies, even better than the new homes since most new homes

are  not build as per VASTU.

QUESTION Whatís the best color to paint for the exterior of a house?

ANSWER Each direction has an element and its corresponding color. If the external color were painted according to the direction of the house and it element then this would prove productive and enhance the overall luck of the house.

QUESTION What is the ideal place for keeping safe/money in the house

ANSWER North is the ideal location to keep money and valuables in the house.

 QUESTION How do I get started? ñ www.realacres.com

ANSWER    You can simply register at our site www.realacres.com and provide us with all your details and we will fix up an appointment with our Vastu Fens-shui consultant

Mr AMIT LAMBA who will visit your place and do a complete vastu assessment.

Utilizing a Real Estate Investment for Passive Income

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You don't need a million dollars to get a real estate investment and to begin making a living.  In fact, it is real estate that could lead you to getting the million dollars.  If you want to work your way into a residual or passive income from real estate, then following a few specific rules can help you make your investment into your fortune.  

If you are thinking of beginning a real estate investment, you can start by finding one property that only needs a little fixing and can be used for other purposes.  There are several foreclosures and other types of programs, such as rent to own opportunities.  This will give you the ability to make a small investment in order to get a large profit from what you make.  

No matter what type of investment you make, it is only a matter of time before you begin to profit off of the investment.  Any source will tell you that real estate will naturally build wealth over time.  Because the economy and market continues to change and increase, real estate will also continue to increase.  No matter what type of real estate investment you make, you can expect to begin profiting for an income that won't make you work anywhere else.  

When you begin your income, you can begin making a residual or passive income.  This allows you to make money simply by owning property in a variety of places without having to do the work that is involved with the property.  Things such as rental properties can help you to put money in your pocket without you making an effort to go to work.  

If you want a change in pace in your career, then you can begin by investing in a place and beginning to build income off of it.  Real estate investment is a great way to begin putting income in your bank without having to work long hours and labor at a job that doesn't offer as many benefits as the real estate business.  

The Different Types of Video Conferencing Systems for your Real Estate Business

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Video conferencing systems have evolved. There is one there that can surely fit your budget and specifications. To help you along the way, here are four of the types that are being used to day by government offices and private corporations. 

These are namely telepresence conferencing system, integrated conference room system, set top video conferencing system and desktop conferencing system. Let us discuss each of them.

The telepresence system literally enables you to be in a meeting with other people located in other places. There are two types around. One is the portable or roll about and the immersion that is room based. 

This type of system consists of a high definition codec coupled with flat panel screens and high definition audio. The price tag for those who are interested will be from $60,000 to $300,000 each which depends on the size and capabilities of what you decide to purchase. 

But the most common used is the integrated room conferencing system that is used by offices and in some schools. There is a centralized location for the codec and the associated hardware. It also comes with a main camera, displays and peripheral video sources with multiple features. It is much cheaper than the first one mentioned as this is available from $10,000 to $100,000 each. 

Set top video systems are designed to sit on a monitor. They are small and are easy to move around should this be needed in another room when you are conducting a meeting. It is quite affordable given that vendors usually sell these from $3,000 to $20,000 a piece.

The last is the desktop video conferencing system that is the cheapest one around and used by people working at home or keeping in touch with friends and family members. The system is priced between $250 to $400 each and despite its size, you are still able to do voice, video and application sharing. 

For those who donít to shell out cash, you can download software like Skype or Yahoo Messenger. You just need to buy the camera that has a built in microphone. 

When you buy any of the four types of video conferencing systems  mentioned, a technician that works for the vendor will set this up for you. Once installed, it is very easy to operate because it is user friendly so you donít have to worry about anything when this has to be operated. 

Videoconferencing systems have a lot of benefits to the user. For one, you donít have to travel anymore if you want to speak to someone face to face when you can have the meeting done in the conference room. 

This of course amounts to savings since you donít have to pay for airfare, traveling expenses and you no longer have to deal with the stress associated with travel. 

So which video conferencing system should you get? This depends on the size of the room, the number of participants per site, the system or format you will be calling, its data capability and the preferred system integrator to put this all together.

Once you are able to figure that out, it will already be easy for you to shop for the right one that your company will be using for the long term.