Real Estate Advisor asked:




The National Association of Realtors (NAR) conducted a survey to identify the typical profile of homebuyers and home sellers. The most recent findings were published in NAR’s 2006 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report. This article focuses on the profile of a typical home seller based on the NAR report.

According to the report, the median age of a home seller is 46 years, which is older than the typical home buyer’s age of 41 years. Home sellers have a higher income than homebuyers with a median household income of $83,200 in 2005, as compared to $71,800 for homebuyers. Home sellers being older than the typical home buyer are less likely to have children under 18 living in their home, and are more likely to be married-couples.

On average, homeowners sold their property after 6 years of ownership. Approximately 13% of homeowners are first-time home sellers.

According to the report, the most common reasons why homeowners sell their current home is the need for a larger home, or to move closer to friends and family, or to relocate. Older home sellers (ages 65 and above) were more likely to sell their current homes because they wanted to downsize to a smaller home. Younger home sellers (ages 44 and below) were more likely to sell their home because they wanted larger home.

The median sales price was found to be more or less at par with the listing price. According to the report, the median sales price in 2005 was 99% of the median listing price. An average home stayed on the market for 6 weeks before it was sold.

Real estate professionals continue to play a major role in successful home selling. The percentage of home owners who used the services of a real estate agent or broker to sell their homes was 84%. Of these, 80% sold their homes by using an agent or broker exclusively. For Sale By Owner (FSBO’s) accounted for 12% only.

The major factors that influenced home sellers to choose their real estate agents were – Agent’s reputation (35%), honesty and trustworthiness (21%), agent being a friend or family member (15%) and knowledge of a neighborhood (11%). About 44% of sellers chose their agent based on referrals from friends or relatives and 30% based on previous experience with an agent. Home sellers report great satisfaction with their real estate agent; 82% of them said that they would use the same agent again or recommend their agent to others.

The Internet continues to be the major marketing tool of home sellers with 88% of recent home sellers having listed their homes in the local multiple listing service (MLS). More than 50% of home sellers used yard signs and open houses.

If you are considering buying or selling a home, condo or any other type of real estate, be sure to seek out the services of a knowledgeable real estate agent to help you with this complex transaction.

Seth Willis Jr. asked:




What It Offers

It is very advantageous for businessmen to invest in Oregon real estate because it is a state that is known for its great and varied entertainment and sport offerings, its scenic landscapes as well as its commendable economy.

Geography

Oregon is found in United States’ Pacific Northwest region and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on its west. Its western part also boasts of the state’s share of mountain ranges. Oregon’s landscapes are so diverse that they provide endless discoveries to those who wish to know more of the area’s bounties. It has thick forests, glaciated volcanoes that are magnificent in its ruggedness and a beautiful coastline. The state also has its bounty of prairies, semi-arid scrub lands and deserts.

Climate

If you plan to buy Oregon real estate because you want to live in the area, you will be experiencing mostly a Pacific Ocean climate, especially at the state’s west. Although generally mild, Oregon’s climate also has its periods of extreme hot and cold weather because of the diversity of its landscapes. Because of this, residents of the state could expect really perfect weather in the summer for basking under the sun of the state’s coastline as well as getting the best out of balmy winter nights.

Winery

One of the notable things to know about the Oregon state is that it is third among the wine-producing states in the United States in 2005. This is because Oregon is home of 303 wineries. The state produces the kind of grapes that are known in the Burgundy and Alsace regions of France, which are known for their wine-making. This is due to the climate and soil of the state that are similar to these French regions. The landscapes of Oklahoma are not the only features of the state that are diverse. This diversity also applies to the state’s economy.

The state is also known for producing topnotch agricultural products and is considered as among the top producers in the nation. It is also not far behind when it comes to lumbering, highly technological industries and large corporations. Salmon fishing as well as tourism is also very strong in the state. To add to its allure, the state is also a favorite location for film shoots. With this diversity, it is not hard to imagine that Oregon real estate must also be booming in the state. By just looking at the state’s economy, investing in its real estate is a viable opportunity that many investors would want to get into.

Education

Even the education offerings of the state are also very alluring because there are seven public universities that are supported by Oregon University System. Not only will the kids of those who want to buy into the Oregon real estate get good elementary and secondary education, they are also provided with great choices for college education. There are even private colleges and universities to choose from the state as well as private schools.

The Oregon state is not only a state that would entice any tourist; it is also a place that would attract quite a number of would-be residents. Investing in Oregon real estate would be very feasible for any businessman because the allures of the state will ensure great and fast returns to one’s investment.

The Apartment Dude asked:




All in all, apartment parking lot etiquette seems like it would be simple…right?

Wrong.

After observation over many years of my various apartment communities’ parking lots, I have come to the conclusion that not everyone may have knowledge of the rules, regulations, and general niceties that come with sharing a massive parking lot.

We’re here to help. There are some very simple ideas and tips to follow when parking at an apartment community that can make storing your vehicle easier for you and the residents around you.

Assigned Parking- One thing to always be aware of is if a community has assigned parking. Lots with awnings, usually are marked with numbers and these are assigned to particular residents of that apartment. You should avoid parking in these spaces at all costs. Even if you notice that no one ever seems to park in space “107″, you should park in your assigned spot. Parking in the wrong assigned spot can cause a domino effect of residents parking or the assigned resident might even call to have you towed. So pay attention and park in your own spot or general shared spaces…not the assigned ones.

No Double Parking- I assure you that parking your car at an angle and taking up more than one spot will do you more harm than good. This action is more likely to anger other parkers who can’t find a space, which can end in your car being towed or worse. Sure, your tricked out Honda Civic is a really great car, but keep it in one space please.

Private Property- Remember that the other residents’ vehicles are their own private property. Be respectful of this and try not to lean on, sit on, or damage someone else’s vehicle. You should also keep in mind that vandalism is unacceptable at all times for any reason. Even if you are really peeved at that double parked Civic, vandalism is NOT an option and is prosecutable by law. There are sometimes security cameras and a good number of witnesses around at a community, so be respectful of other resident’s property.

Slow it Down- The speed bumps that are found throughout the drive aren’t made to be jumps. The speed bumps are their to slow you down. Remember that there are often families with kids that live in apartments too. Kids, animals, adults, and other cars can dart out into the drive or around the corner. If you are going to fast, you might not have time to react and can cause a really bad accident or worse. So, please, slow it down.

Accidents Happen- We all know that from time to time accidents happen. Whether you bump another car while opening your car door or some other accident, be a responsible resident and leave your information on a piece of paper under their windshield wiper or if you know which apartment they live in, drop by and let them know what happened. Trust me, its better to let them know this way than to have them find out it was you from another witness or worse…the law.

If every single resident were to follow these very easy and respectful rules when parking at their communities, parking would be a simple and headache free endeavor.

(Oh and never park in a handicap space unless you have a handicap pass or sticker)

Sam Huntington asked:




There are many things to consider when seeking to rent a Fayetteville NC apartment. The convenience of the location, how much you can afford to spend and, if you have children, the local school districts are all something you must consider. There are many different apartments for rent in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Prior to going apartment hunting, ask yourself how soon you wish to move in, how much you expect to pay and how long you wish to stay. Although most rentals require a one year lease, others have short term leasing available.

The Woodstream Apartments is an apartment complex located on Woodstream Trail in Fayetteville. Renters can lease the apartment for six months or one year and there is a $100 deposit required on new rentals. The Woodstream Apartments are close to Fort Bragg and Cape Fear Medical Center and many people who work in the medical center live here.

This Fayetteville NC apartment complex has a swimming pool and tennis court for the residents. Each unit includes a dishwasher, garbage disposal and refrigerator as well as air conditioning and ceiling fans. Prices are very reasonable for both one and two bedroom units. There are excellent laundry facilities in the building.

Another Fayetteville NC apartment complex that has one to three bedroom apartment is Tamarack on the Lake Apartments located on Pine Lake Drive. Tamarack on the Lake apartments offer a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, high speed Internet, air conditioning, ceiling fans, walk in closets, a dishwasher and garbage disposal as well as a microwave and refrigerator. One of the nicest things about this Fayetteville, NC apartment complex is that each unit has a washer and dryer hookup in the unit.

Tamarack on the Lake Apartments can be leased for short term leases starting at three months, making this the perfect Fayetteville NC apartment for those who are looking for a place to stay while shopping for a home in Fayetteville. You can even bring your dog and cat as this is a pet-friendly apartment complex. In addition to the many amenities, there is even a full tennis court, clubhouse and swimming pool for residents. You can even rent a fully furnished unit for a short term stay.

Crescent Commons is another Fayetteville, NC apartment complex that has many fine features. Crescent Commons apartments also offer short term leases and have one to three bedrooms. The spacious, air conditioned units have ceiling fans, high speed Internet, walk in closets, dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, refrigerators, an in-unit laundry room and a private balcony. The Fayetteville, NC apartment complex also has a large swimming pool, club house, fitness center, playground and even a business center. Many people relocating to Fayetteville, NC make the Crescent Commons their temporary home.

The Crescent Commons apartments are pet friendly and the rent is very reasonable, especially when you consider the size of the units and all of the amenities that are included. They are an ideal place to live in this charming, southern city.

No matter what type of Fayetteville, NC apartment you seek, there is one to suit your needs. Whether you are looking to stay long term, or only a short while, Fayetteville has many different apartments available to rent. Fayetteville is a beautiful city and many people who relocate to the area stay in an apartment so they can spend time looking for the perfect home. Whether you plan to live in a house or rent an apartment, you will be glad to call Fayetteville, NC your home.

Jim Ryan asked:




When it comes to buying or selling a house, you need to have confidence in your realtor. The same rule goes for the residents of the Orange County as well. You need to choose an Orange County realtor who has sufficient knowledge as well as experience in the real estate business.

Irrespective of the ups and downs in the economy, you are sure to find people needing to sell or buy real estate. The current spate of foreclosure gas introduced a variety of opportunities for the real estate buyers, but at the same time, the foreclosure market can turn out to be a real source of frustration if they don’t have an Orange County realtor by their side.

Similar to any other real estate market, the Orange county market has been also influenced by the rise in foreclosure real estate properties that have been put on sale. At the same time, you will find a number of local pockets where the trend has continued for the prices of homes to rise. At this juncture, the need of a realtor comes into play. He can clearly identify between the hot as well as fairly hot markets and help you to make the right decision. A good realtor agent is one who us loyal to this customers no matter how the local real estate market responds to the economic factors. Foreclosures have retained the real estate market of the Orange County buzzing and irrespective of the changing economy of the nation; the real estate industry will continue to go on.

Real Estate Advisor asked:




Being in a safe community is one of the most important factors that buyers consider when purchasing a home, condo or any other type of real estate. So where are America’s most secure places to live? The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has released its third annual ranking of top 20 ‘Most Secure U.S. Places to Live’.

Bert Sperling, a database expert with http://bestplaces.net, compiled the Farmers rankings based on data from 379 U.S. municipalities. Factors such as crime statistics, unemployment rates and risks of environmental hazards, terrorism threats, natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, were taken into consideration.

The communities were divided into three groups – large metropolitan areas (above 500,000 residents), mid-size cities (between 150,000 and 500,000 residents), and small towns (fewer than 150,000 residents).

According to the survey, the most secure community to live in the U.S. among large metropolitan areas are the adjacent communities of Boise City and Nampa (both in Idaho), which topped all large metro areas. Located among the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the area has one of the lowest unemployment rates and enjoys a wonderful climate.

Among the Mid-size cities, those with a population between 150,000 and 500,000, the safest community to live is Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces was the first among mid-size cities in low unemployment rate and favorable climate categories.

St. George in Utah topped all small cities with populations of 150,000 or fewer in the survey. The city has 110,515 residents who enjoy a mild climate, clean air and low annual precipitation. It also has the lowest crime rates of all the 379 communities surveyed. St. George stands first in employment rate among the 138 small towns in the Farmers study.

The following are top 20 communities of America’s most secure places to live among large metropolitan areas, mid-size cities and small towns:

The top 20 safest communities to live among the large metro areas are:

1. Boise City-Nampa, Idaho

2. Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine

3. Las Vegas-Paradise, Nevada

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

5. Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, California

6. Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazelton, Pennsylvania

7. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, California

8. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, Maryland

9. Syracuse, New York

10. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, California

11. El Paso, Texas

12. Albany-Troy-Schenectady, New York

13. Rochester, New York

14. Buffalo-Niagara Falls, New York

15. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks- Ventura, California

16. Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, New York

17. Nassau-Suffolk, New York

18. Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pennsylvania

19. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Connecticut.

20. New Haven-Milford, Connecticut.

The top 20 safest places to live among mid-size cities are:

1. Las Cruces, New Mexico

2. Rockingham County-Strafford County, New Hampshire

3. Huntington, West Virginia.-Ashland, Kentucky

4. Bellingham, Washington

5. Burlington-South Burlington, Vermont

6. Lynchburg, Virginia

7. Medford, Oregon

8. Prescott, Arizona

9. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, California

10. Binghamton, New York

11. Provo-Orem, Utah

12. St. Cloud, Minnesota

13. Fargo, North Dakota

14. Hagerstown, Maryland -Martinsburg, West Virginia

15. Olympia, Washington

16. Charlottesville, Virginia

17. Chico, California

18. Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, Washington

19. Manchester-Nashua, New Hampshire

20. Duluth, Minnesota

The top 20 safest communities to live among the small towns are:

1. St. George, Utah

2. Bend, Oregon

3. Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, Virginia

4. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

5. Ithaca, New York

6. Morgantown, West Virginia

7. Logan, Utah

8. Winchester, Virginia

9. Harrisonburg, Virginia

10. Idaho Falls, Idaho

11. Madera, California

12. Glens Falls, New York

13. Wenatchee, Washington

14. Bangor, Maine

15. Lewiston-Auburn, Maine

16. State College, Pennsylvania

17. Billings, Montana

18. Cumberland, Maryland

19. Lewiston, Idaho

20. Pocatello, Idaho

If you are looking to settle down in any of these great cities, contact a good real estate agent who will help you purchase the home or condo of your choice.

Peter Menkin asked:


Thursday, June 12, 2008

One of “older” poems,

On Contemplation and about my Apartment in Mill Valley, California USA

This tells of contemplative prayer, the experience of rising like a hawk, or soaring, as does the hawk. God comes closer to humankind, humankind comes closer to God. That seems an unusual statement in our times, nonetheless, the Lord is here whether we know it or not.

I moved from the apartment on the third floor as place of viewing the hawks and place of prayer, to an apartment on the third floor at the other end of the building, place of viewing the hawks and place of prayer. I don’t seem to see hawks so much anymore, yet I believe there is a soaring sense of beauty in prayer. God is near, often.

It is almost summertime here in Northern California. We have a heat wave. 92 today.

Apartment on the Third Floor

by Peter Menkin

This apartment, top, third floor

one among hawks who build

nests

has sun. This

room gets afternoon light;

morning, too, streams

in creating simplicity.

The hawks sit in the

trees, communing.

The world goes on, in steel

complexity.

Warm, here just roof above,

and

among the trees in

company of hawks

who nest. One hawk

sits

on a branch, lit by engaging

moments of

sun; spring newness amid

the gray manmade

world that impedes yet connects

the eternal life.

Thank you morning through

daylight to night,

bright stars for a promise

of goodness.

God.

Witnessing the light.

I remark to you of



divine moments.

We enter mansions heavenly, just flesh

and spirit.

Ascending.

Audio reading by aspiring poet Peter Menkin is here: http://www.archive.org/details/ApartmentOnTheThirdFloorByPeterMenkin

Andy Asbury asked:




Disclosure:

Disclosing whether a property is haunted or not can work for or against the seller. Some buyers are specifically looking for a residence with a ghostly presence, while others would turn tail and run at such a suggestion. Either way, if a seller knows something about a property and fails to disclose it, they are setting themselves up for a possible lawsuit. In some states, a seller must disclose whether a death has occurred on the property within the last three years.

Information that a home may be haunted can affect the value of the house and most certainly should be mentioned, since it’s doubtful the buyer would make that discovery on his own before purchasing. The rule of caveat emptor, or buyer beware, can be used as an argument when the possibility of a home being haunted was not disclosed prior to a sale. Even if the owner has no solid evidence, if he cannot deny the existence of ghosts, it is enough for a court to declare a contract void and have the deposit returned.

Value: Generally a home suspected of being haunted is priced according to fair market value, and then adjusted depending on buyer interest. Such was the case with a Nottinghamshire property purchased in 2007. The family thought they had found their dream home when they bought Clifton Hall, a 52-room country estate dating back to the days of William the Conqueror.

The structure appeared innocent enough, until the family moved in. After enduring months of ghostly voices and bloodcurdling screams, the owners enlisted the aid of paranormal investigators. Even science couldn’t intervene and the hauntings continued. Unable to share their home any longer with these creepy tenants, Clifton Hall was put up for sale about one year later for £2.75m, and almost £1m less than they originally paid. The property was finally sold, but never returned to its status as a residence, and is currently being utilized as a conference centre.

Haunted houses may take longer to sell:

Actor Nicholas Cage, knowingly purchased the old Lalaurie Mansion in New Orleans’ French Quarter in December 2006 for $3.45 million. Built in 1832, this home was the scene of horrible violence and is known for its paranormal activity. Although the Cage family spent time in the house, they never stayed overnight. In the fall of 2008, the actor put it back up for sale for $3.55 million, and it remains unsold as of the writing of this article.

In some cases when there is a history of well publicized violence, homes don’t even get listed. Such was the case In St. Catharines, Ontario, where the home of serial rapist and killer Paul Bernardo, was bulldozed and sold as an empty lot. On the other hand, home of Sharon Tate, the scene of the Manson Family murders, was sold at full value. The new owner tore it down and rebuilt a new mansion on the prime real estate site.

Although most people would not actively search out a haunted house, there are those who consider a such a residence a bonus.

An ad on the site for San Diego Paranormal Research states:

“The San DiegoParanormal Research Project will teamed up with your Professional Licensed Real Estate Agents to assist with the buying and selling of allegedly Haunted Houses and property throughout the United States. We will also handle requests for regular houses.”

Apparently there is a market for haunted houses, and they will assist you in locating one that is truly authentic. Various hotels and inn’s often gain publicity and added business from advertising the fact that their establishments are haunted.

The Cashtown Inn, built in 1797 was the scene of many deaths during the Civil War. The current owners make no effort to hide this fact and advertise such specials as “Ghosts of Gettysburg Weekend Investigation Package with MARK NESBITT and his Investigative Team,” where guests can actually attend a ghostly investigation. During “Catch the Spirits Weekend,” guests receive special tours of the Inn, including the basement, and learn about the ghostly happenings in the area.

Tabitha Naylor asked:




When people think about their 401k, they consider a lump sum of money that has been put away for retirement. In fact, most people completely forget about their 401k until income tax time. Creative real estate investors, however, have figured out that their 401k’s and real estate investing have a mutually beneficial relationship.

So with that being said, you are probably wondering how a savvy investor can use one for the other.

The easiest way that 401k and real estate investing can work together is through the ability to take out a loan against a 401k. The primary objective with real estate investing is to use little or none of your own personal money to fund the investment. Since you are allowed to borrow against your 401k, you can use this to finance part of your investment. When the deal closes, you will receive the amount you borrowed and then some. You can then easily pay back the loan without affecting your 401k. So, basically, it’s like a short term loan you make against yourself. You have access to the funds needed for investing, it doesn’t technically come directly out of your pocket, and when you finally cash in your profits, you simply pay yourself back.

There are some things to note about this method of investing, however. First, you should know that there is a cap on the amount you can borrow against your 401k. This amount is usually $50,000. However, it can be less, depending on the amount of money you actually have in your 401k. Another thing to note is that the real estate you purchase through this method is not eligible for the mortgage-interest tax deduction. There are no tax benefits when you use 401k to finance a portion of any real estate related transaction.

Another option for is to put the money into an IRA, or individual retirement account. Sometimes this is not allowed, but it if is, you will have more flexibility on what you can do with the money. You might receive a penalty for moving your money from your 401K. However, the penalty is usually worth considering given the benefits you would receive through real estate investing. Just keep in mind, the main objective is to only borrower the money for a certain period of time. As you wrap up each deal, its imperative that you repay yourself, and only hold onto the remainder of the profit.

If you are weary of the risks involved, there is a safer way to invest in real estate by using your 401k. Some plans offer the option to invest in real estate investment trusts. These trusts consist of companies that buy and sell real estate, which is a much less risky way of investing in real estate. It also requires less work on the part of the investor since the trust companies are the ones actually doing the real estate investing.

Most people are unaware of the many possibilities that exist by using their 401k’s to invest in real estate. It is a creative way for investors to make a profit in real estate without actually using their own money. The best part about it is that there are both safe and risky ways of investing with this money to yield a profit. The decision you make is one entirely of personal preference.

Jackie Riggins asked:




“People feel like you’re trying to move them out of the house before it’s even sold,” says Jackie Riggins, CEO, Property Staging Consultants. “All we’re asking them to do is pack up early. Yet, they don’t want to let go. The bottom line is that if they’re not willing to go through the process, they’re not that willing to sell the home. The sellers have to be totally motivated to do this.”

They might be a bit more inclined to do so, however, if there were an easier way. PODS (Portable on Demand Storage), whose containers are used to store part or all of a home’s belongings during a move or while the home is listed on the market. PODS & Property Staging Consultants work to create a Buy Ready home through staging and storing the items. The items are then housed off-site at a PODS Storage Center. PODS is now in 48 states. Belongings can be stored as long as the homeowner needs.

“I tell my clients to pretend that they’re camping for six weeks-keep in the house what you can’t live without,” advises Jackie Riggins. “Then, move your personal belongings out to the PODS container one room at a time. Take your time with it.

“Homeowners offer way too much ‘eye candy’-distractions,” adds Jackie Riggins. “Prospective buyers need to be able to see the floors, for example. They need the house to be totally free of personal belongings. I explain that they should pretend that they’re having a big garage sale-room to room. Finish one room at a time; mark the boxes then transfer them to the PODS container.”

The real key, says Riggins, is to move extra pieces of furniture out to container. “Big pieces-like an armoire & clutter, eat up square footage,” she explains. “So, if we can minimize those items, it looks like there’s more space.

What’s so helpful-especially when it comes to those larger pieces-is that PODS brings the container directly to your home, explains Jackie Riggins. “They bring it to you-and that’s huge,” she says. By setting up the container in the driveway, homeowners are given time to allow Property Staging Consultants to come in do the Consultation Report©, then come back to complete the Staging process.  Property Staging Consulants  packs up for you. This way it’s easier to get your house ready to show.  Once this is completed they must go through their items, and load everything in the POD.

Especially with the cost of fuel in today’s economy, Jackie Riggins says PODS makes more sense than ever. “When PODS and Property Staging Consultants work together who needs to rent a truck and do it yourself,” says Riggins.  We are both here for the homeowner and Property Staging Consultants have set the standards in home staging.

Jackie Riggins says there’s no better way to get a home sold faster and for more money than to de-clutter and hire a Property Staging Consultant to come make your home stand out amongst the competition.