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Archive for February, 2010

Short Sale Approval: Steps for Working with Mortgage Lenders

Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Simon Volkov asked:




Short sale approval occurs when banks allow borrowers to sell their property for less than the balance due on the mortgage note. The primary goal of short sales is to minimize lenders’ financial losses and prevent the property from falling into foreclosure.

Short sale approval is based on many factors and varies by lender. Unified criteria include: properties cannot be in foreclosure; borrowers owe more than the home is worth; and borrowers cannot own assets which can be used to satisfy the mortgage note.

The biggest mistake borrowers make is procrastinating about contacting their lender when they become delinquent with payment. This usually stems from embarrassment or fear. Believe it or not, lenders do not want your property. They are in business to make money, not manage properties. Most are willing to work with borrowers and devise a plan that is beneficial to both you and the lender.

The short sale process typically takes between four to nine months. Much depends on the bank’s caseload, number of lenders involved, and ability to locate a buyer. The process becomes more burdensome when borrowers hold a second or third mortgage against the real estate.

Borrowers will work with a loss mitigator assigned through their lender. Mitigators do not make final decisions on short sale approval, but can be instrumental in helping obtain a successful outcome.

Loss mitigators are overwhelmed with work. They are oftentimes verbally abused by frustrated, stressed-out borrowers. If you want an edge on obtaining short sale approval, be nice to your mitigator. Organize financial records and provide requested information in a timely fashion. Take time to thank the person for assisting you through this difficult process. As they say, you catch more flies with honey.

Banks generally require borrowers to submit a short sale packet consisting of a variety of financial documents. Expect to provide bank, credit card and investment statements, previous years’ tax returns, tax or creditor liens, list of income and expenses, spousal or child support orders, and property tax and homeowners’ insurance receipts.

Lenders oftentimes request borrowers to submit a short sale hardship letter outlining events which caused them to become delinquent. The hardship letter is a crucial element toward obtaining short sale approval. It should be crafted with care and include dates of events which took place. Events might include loss of employment, death of a spouse or child, divorce, or chronic illness.

Many banks require borrowers to have a sales contract in hand before authorizing short sale approval. Others grant time to list the property through a realtor to locate a buyer. Borrowers can save time and money by selling to real estate investors.

Today, investors are particularly interested in foreclosure and short sale real estate because these properties are sold below market value. Use the Internet to locate investors in your area or ask friends, family, realtors and banks for referrals. Some investors purchase real estate across the nation, so if you are unable to locate a local investor look for nationwide investors.

Investors oftentimes purchase distressed properties with cash in order to obtain a lower purchase price. Everyone knows cash is king and lenders are generally more receptive to working with buyers who have cash in hand.

The Next Step in Real Estate Web Marketing

Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Susan Zanzonico asked:




Web savvy Realtors are paying less attention to the latest trends in online real estate, and more attention to tools and marketing methods that are already well-established. That’s because developers and users are starting to agree that the most useful web 2.0 tools have already been developed – the challenge now is using tools to their fullest potential. Professionals with this approach have a better chance of increasing their web presence, and putting a solid strategy in place for the next true wave of Internet development.

The first step in this process is figuring out which of the new online real estate tools will prove the most useful over time. Many agents might choose to test all the products they know, but the most efficient method for this could also be to simply check what everybody else is using. The sheer volume of real estate sites out there, and the variety of different tools being used, makes it easy to surf and compare.

At this point, the best and most popular tools seem to be listings maps, blogs, search engine friendly design, and social networking sites. Many real estate marketing campaigns have these elements, but not many use them to their full potential. For example, it remains to be seen exactly how tools like blogs and listings will be combined, although the potential is definitely there. As real estate pros begin to identify and develop this list, they’ll emerge with a set of reliable and dynamic web tools.

Real estate professionals developing their own websites also need to know which real estate media and national listings websites are going to stand the test of time. Cooperation with these websites will be important for agents looking to gain national exposure, but these agents must be selective to avoid having listings and networking profiles in too many places, before the top sites emerge.

Knowing the elements of an effective real estate marketing campaign is important, but learning how to use these tools will prove more useful for Realtors in search of a long-term solution.

Factors That You Need to Consider When Making Modern House Plans

Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:




If you are thinking about modern house plans then you need to consider several factors as art, science, and design of building. Modern house plan is an art, which is based on several design patterns such as building environment , town planning, urban design, landscape architecture etc. this will include micro level construction to details level of construction, these modern house plans are build on advanced architectural technology.

Modern house plans may include modern architectural designs, which are run by creative design patterns such as space, volume, texture, light, shadow, materials etc. A house plan may include several architectural design aspects such as construction, engineering, design etc. Mathematical and scientific calculation is necessary to carry out such modern house plans.

A modern home plan is as creative as making art works, which is focus on several house plans such as rich floor plan that makes use of space for grand rooms. Give a personal touch to your modern house plans by designing libraries, studies, master bedrooms, guest rooms, kitchens, patios as well as your bathrooms.

Modern house plans in not an easy thing to do because it depends on several internal factors of the home such as light colors, terra cotta tile roofs etc. A modern house plan can be of different styles and formats for instance if you choose Mediterranean style of house plan then it is perfect home plan choice for large family gatherings and entertainment.

If you are looking for your modern house plans then it can be defined by something, which is different, means it is based on modern efficiency with timeless style, grace and quality at affordable price.

The beauty of modern house can be defined by different forms and styles such as narrow lot, mountain slope or hillside, a beach or a standard lot etc. a modern house plans represents elegancy and efficiency of your character.

You can design your own modern house by giving new touch to old one; this can be done by using ultra modern layout and amenities inside the house. Modern house plans are affordable according to every budget without decreasing blend elegance, grace and modern efficiency.

Most of the modern house consultants provide excellent services for their customers, which includes meeting expectation for every client. Each of their modern house service is unique and it includes open floor plans, custom styled features, abundant amenities in a broad rage of styles and sizes of modern house plans.

Most of modern house planers are using software tools such as 3D home architect, which is useful to draw sketches of your modern home, you can take help from modern house consultants, they are specialized in their areas such as luxury house plan, modern house plans etc.

Most of the modern house planners are working with automated softwares such as Computer aided design (CAD), computer aided engineering (CAE) etc, so you can design your own CAD or CAE files and send them to modern house consultants for modifications.

A modern house plan enables you to save your considerable amount of your labor and money. Modern-house plan consultants will work with you to get permit and construction of your dream house. They will take your house plan in any format and make a complete primary design which will includes all plans, elevations and typical sections etc.

Homes for Rent Miami, Fl

Saturday, February 27th, 2010
lazyurl asked:




Find your next home by searching our homes for rent in listed in our database. Tenants, our simple details page provides complete property descriptions, a Miami FL map and photos. You control your Miami homes for rent search from our list and index. As you browse through the matching Miami rentals, you can print those listings including the details. Additionally, a map of the area is included in the printout. We have accumulated many rent houses from owners in the Miami Florida area and surrounding cities.

If you have any suggestions for improving your experience on ForLeaseByOwner.com, please send us an email. Our homes to rent listings can be narrowed by rent amount, beds baths, and date availability. View apartment in Miami listings on ForLeaseByOwner.com including photos and detailed information for the area. We are gaining new listings each and every day. We have recently added google maps and mapping functionality so the rental property property appears on the local maps allowing you to see where apartment are physically located.

This allows you to visually see the rent homes relative to each other as well as map directions to and from the location. Looking for a rental house in Miami Florida? Search our website free. No email or registration is required to view Miami FL homes for rent. We are fast and free for potential renters in Miami. Identify those houses for rent Miami options for your next move. ForLeaseByOwner.com is certain that you will find your next home using our website.

We have made it easy to find ads or post ads for Miami home rentals. Start your search now or list your vacancy now. Search instantly using our easy criteria menu. Narrow the listings by price, bed, baths, and date. As you view apartment rentals Miami listings, you will have detailed descriptions and up to 10 photos which have been uploaded by the owners. We will be adding school information and local demographics soon. We are fast and free for potential renters in Miami. Identify those houses for rent Miami options for your next move. If you have any suggestions for improving your experience on ForLeaseByOwner.com, please send us an email. View apartment in Miami listings on ForLeaseByOwner.com including photos and detailed information for the area. We are gaining new listings each and every day.

Property Owners in Miami Florida:

Looking to find your next tenant for your house rentals. List it with ForLeaseByOwner.com. We can send you email updates of new listing and indexes to help you recognize and notice your next place to live. Sign up now for this free service. When searching to a new area, it is best to learn as much as you can especially when you are moving. Our website, ForLeaseByOwner.com offers you a great deal of information. Looking to find your next tenant for your house for rent. List it with ForLeaseByOwner.com. We have accumulated many homes for rent from owners in the United States and and other countries throughout the world. Our rent houses listings can be narrowed by rent amount, beds, baths, and date availability.

Your rent homes listing can include up to 10 photos and include a detailed description. Join our mailing list to receive free email alerts and information for Miami rentals, rental property Miami, Miami rental, and apartment in Miami ads and classifieds that property managers and home owners post on For Lease By Owner . Com. We have recently added google maps and mapping functionality so the home rentals property appear on the local maps. The neighborhoods and surrounding cities offer additional areas to ascertain, catch, come across, and come upon your next place to live. This is a wonderful community with ample cultural and social activities. These local resources could help you discern identify the ideal area of the city to move into.

5 Reasons to Invest in Barcelona Property in 2010

Friday, February 26th, 2010
David Brydon asked:




The Iberian lifestyle is one of fun, sun and relaxation – many European foreigners decide to retire in Spain and the adjoining islands, and there is a high number of second homes owned by foreigners, too. The Catalan Capital of Barcelona is no exception, offering stunning architecture and landscapes, nestled on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea. And it’s not a bad bet for a property investment for 2010. Here are five reasons why.

 

Number one would be for the business potential. Real Estate Company Cushman and Wakefield produced their annual report into Business Cities in Europe, and in 2009 Barcelona has leapfrogged the “capital of Europe” Belgium into fourth spot. The city is a serious contender for many businesses opening or expanding, meaning it’s citizens are becoming more and more affluent as they look to find a property.

 

In the same report by Cushman and Wakefield – widely regarded as the authority on such matters, the city of Barcelona was voted as the number one destination for quality of life in employees. This brings us to number two: Quality of life as a destination for foreigners. Companies looking to relocate their offices or even freelancers or people looking for a change of scene in the workplace can rest assured they’re making a great choice in destination and will likely be upgrading from their current location.

 

As if this was not enough, a third thing to convince you would have to be the commitment of Barcelona City council to the urban investment and planning. The city is constantly changing for the better with the new line 9 metro linking the business and Port of Zona Franca and even the city’s airport to downtown Barcelona due to open in Spring 2010 and the ongoing 22@ project in Poble Nou promising to be a platform for the biggest companies and intelligent minds of the city to lay their base.

 

At number four would have to be Barcelona’s fantastic transport links. Given its position in Europe, there are many low-cost flights arriving to the city’s main airport which has recently opened a huge new terminal, with it increasing the number of long haul direct flights and eliminating the need for travellers to change at Madrid. There is also the Ave Fast Train, linking cities within Spain in remarkable speeds and even offering a full refund if the rain is more than 30 minutes late. The proximity to the Pyrenees Mountains means ski season is just a few hours away, and if you prefer country hiking, inland Catalonia will fill your boots (pun intended!). There are also more cruises arriving in Barcelona than ever before, with them bringing a huge injection of cash through the tourism.  

 

Culture and Heritage are surely worth a mention and make number five another great reason to invest. Barcelona is a city steeped in history, with some amazing architecture and museums, as well as an incredible nine UNESCO world Heritage Sites. Immersing yourself in another culture, bilingual too, can only enrich your decision to invest in Barcelona property. An added bonus is the current buyers market means there are some real bargains to be had, too. Contact a reliable Real Estate Agent for details.

Why You Should Know Home Selling Prices – And How to Find Out What They Are

Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Brian Shelton asked:




Fact: The single most important factor in selling your home quickly is the selling price that you set.

Fact: Houses that are priced at more than 10% to either side of the average recent home selling price in their area will sell more slowly or not at all.

Fact: Setting the right price for your home for sale requires more than just knowing your tax evaluation.

Those are all undisputable facts about home selling prices that any Realtor or real estate agent will happily confirm. Choosing a home selling price is more than a matter of wishful thinking, or deciding how much you want to make.

There’s an old Realtor’s saying: Never buy the nicest house in the neighborhood. You’ll never get the money that it’s worth when you sell. No matter how much more than other homes in the area your house is worth, you’re unlikely to find a buyer willing to pay more than about 10-15% more than the average home selling price of other homes in your neighborhood.

If you price your home too high for the location, whether it’s because the house is worth it, or because you have a mistaken idea of its value, it will likely linger on the market. And the longer it’s on the market, the less likely it is to sell for its original asking price. Both Realtors and buyers will start assuming that ’something must be wrong’ with it.

You can avoid the whole situation by setting the right home selling price in the first place. There are a number of ways to settle on the selling price that’s right for your home.

Consult a Realtor

Since selling homes is their business, Realtors are more likely than anyone else to know the best selling price for a home in your neighborhood. Realtors will use their knowledge of local home selling prices to make a recommendation for the best price range for your home. You’re not bound to accept it, but it’s what you’re paying her for, after all.

Check Recent Home Selling Prices Yourself

Keep an eye on classifieds and home for sale listings, and note which ones sell and for how much. Follow up with research at the county

Registrar of deeds office, or online at your county’s web site. You can also get a free valuation suggested home selling prices for your property at web sites that offer free online appraisals.

Get Your Home Professionally Appraised

It will cost you between $200 and $300 depending on where you live, but it is the most accurate way to determine the value of your house. That will help you determine a good price by allowing you to compare it with home selling prices in your area and make adjustments.

Whatever method you choose to find the value of your home, remember that the key is adjusting the value to set a home selling price in line with your neighborhood.

Property for Rent in Dubai

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Ahmed Juma asked:




Moving to a foreign country can be intimidating and finding the best place to rent can be daunting. Dubai’s expatriate population is steadily increasing and demand for rental properties is high. Unfortunately for tenants, this has resulted in skyrocketing rents. Approximately half of UAE residents spend about 30% or more of their salary on accommodation expenses. Despite the costs, most expats, mainly in the UAE for short-term work contracts, opt to lease rather than invest in the real estate market. To the relief of many of those looking to rent property in Dubai, the government has imposed legislation stipulating that any rent increase shall not exceed 7% of the annual lease price. There are also several new property developments underway that should take some pressure off the market in the near future.

Housing allowances are typically part of the expat package. Although in the past companies would cover the bill for the entire rental amount, the trend now is for expats to be allocated a certain percentage of the total yearly accommodation cost, with the rest being paid for out of their salary. Other fees to bear in mind when renting include a security deposit (refundable at the end of tenancy if the rental is deemed to be in good condition by the landlord), possible car parking fees, monthly utilities, municipality charges (typically 5% of the lease), and a 5% commission fee if the services of a real estate agent are used. Maintenance and repairs of the property are covered by the landlord. Tenants are not allowed to make changes to the structure of the property inside or out without the permission of the landlord.

The lease will often be drawn up between the landlord and the tenant’s company / sponsor. If an expat signs the lease himself he must have a residence visa or at least a letter from his employer stating that a visa is in process. The normal duration of a lease is one year. Unlike in many countries where rent is paid on a monthly basis, in Dubai the entire year’s rent is paid upfront, most commonly with 2 or 3 checks. For example, in the case of bi-annual payment, the first 6 months of the lease are paid for immediately with a current dated check, while the remainder of the year is paid for with a post-dated check. (Short-term furnished monthly accommodation in Dubai is available but it is often more costly.) It is important to understand that once the lease is signed, the tenant is tied to the contract. In order to terminate the lease the tenant would need permission from the landlord. That being said, the rental laws in Dubai actually favor tenants. Landlords cannot force a renter to leave without a very good reason (such as wanting the property for their own personal use). Even if the lease is only for a year, as long as the tenants do not break any aspects of the contract, the lease is presumed to be renewable. The Municipality has a special section set up, the Dubai Rental Committee, to oversee any disputes between landlords and tenants.

After cost, location is probably the biggest factor in determining where to rent. Dubai is split in two by the Creek with Deira (or “Old Dubai”) on one side and “New Dubai” on the other. The decision for where to rent is based on factors including accessibility to work, schools, shops and hospitals. Some of the most popular locations to rent include: Garhoud: located near Dubai International Airport and offering low-rise apartments and townhouses at reasonable rents.Mirdiff: a newer development consisting mainly of villas located past the airport.Bur Dubai: located near Bur Juman Shopping Center and offering reasonably priced apartments.Downtown Deira: reasonably priced low-rise apartments are readily available in this neighborhood, although if work or schools are located on the opposite side of the creek the traffic can be a nightmare.Satwa: a nicely located area situated between Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai and Jumeirah, offering low-rise apartments and reasonably priced villas. It is believed that zoning regulations will change for Satwa in the near future allowing development of high-rise buildings.Jumeirah / Umm Suqueim: ideally situated near parks, the beach and schools, this is probably the most popular area for the European and Local communities, offering upscale villas and townhouses.New Dubai Developments: including The Greens, Arabian Ranches, The Lakes, The Meadows, Emirates Hills, and Dubai Marina and located near Dubai Internet City. Many offer gated, family friendly communities with access to swimming pools and other recreational amenities.

Those searching for Dubai rental property can find extensive listings in the local classifieds or direct from property developers such as Alpha Properties, Arenco Real Estate, Cluttons UAE, Better Homes, or Century 21. The search for the perfect place to lease can be time-consuming and may seem overwhelming. Understanding UAE rental laws, using only a reputable real estate agent, and investigating the best possible locations are all part of making the hunt for an apartment or villa in Dubai successful.

First time home buyers find lowest interest rates and housing prices in 8 years

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Tegan DeClark asked:




Marco Island, FL. May 27, 2009  — It’s the best time in eight years for buyers to get into the property market according to the latest sales statistics.  This has taken housing affordability in the US to levels not seen since 2001. A combination of depressed housing prices, record low interest rates and the government homebuyer’s credit has recently improved sales for single family homes.

Distressed properties, such as foreclosures accounted for just over half of all transactions in March. Current average home prices in historically exclusive areas such as Southwest Florida are dramatically down, the average sale price of a single family home last month was $486,418 compared to $1,039,786 in February 2005

The government is giving a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers who purchase a home before December 1, 2009. To qualify, the buyer must not have owned a property in the three years prior to purchase.

Long-term mortgage rates have hit record lows recently with 30 year fixed rate at 4.79% and 15 year fixed rate at 4.51%

The recent incentives have given homebuyers a break, which might have otherwise have put off the American Dream. Many are seeking the cheapest properties on the market, which in boom areas, is comprised primarily of foreclosures, short sales, bank-owned properties and distressed sellers.  In addition, the inventory levels are dropping, with the nationwide inventory at 9.8 months.

Bronwyn Jones from Independent Brokers Realty on Marco Island has seen a dramatic increase in new buyers since January.  “We have had at least a 50% increase in clients interested in foreclosures, especially bank-owned.  Interest in condos have dropped, due to the difficulty in obtaining financing with the new lending restrictions.” Many first time buyers are turning to other options in order to own a home “Seller financing is a popular option, as well as some bank-owned foreclosures are offering excellent low rates for financing”

First time homebuyers who are taking advantage of the buyers market are getting younger too. 45% of buyers purchasing a primary residence in 2008 were under the age of 35, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors.

This is all positive news for economy but, be warned, if buyers have not purchased anything within the next year, they will probably wish they had.

Living in Bangkok Condominiums

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Wantanee Khamkongkaew asked:




Located in central part of the country along the low flat plain of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is the largest as well as the capital city of Thailand. The cultural, educational, and political center of Thailand, Bangkok is one of the top tourist destinations in southeastern Asia, with a range of fabulous attractions such as Chitralada, Royal Grand Palace, Erawan Shrine, the temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, the Bangkok National Museum, and the Bangkok University Art Gallery.

Apart from being a popular vacation spot, Bangkok is considered the backbone of the country’s economy. For instance, the Stock Exchange of Thailand is located in Bangkok. Further, a large number of commercial banks and financial institutions have been headquartered in the city. Further, the cost of living in condominium is exceptionally low.

Above all, when compared to other Asian cities, Bangkok is a safe place to live in. Perhaps for these reasons, people prefer to live in Bangkok. Living in Bangkok is not only a great way for tourists to discover the great attractions of the place but also an excellent choice for those who want to settle here permanently, since it is strategically located center to almost all prominent Asian countries.

Like any other Asian cities, Bangkok provides a range of accommodation options to choose from, such as, budget villas and bungalows, single detached homes, and luxury apartments and flats coupled with a host of peerless amenities and facilities. Along these accommodation options, condominiums are also considered a great choice to live in Bangkok. But, this type of accommodation is quite different from other accommodation types.

A specialty of condominiums is that they possess dual nature, ie, a condo owner has full control over his unit. But, the owner is required to share the cost and expenses incurred for the common facilities of the property, like passageways and lobbies. In the case of condominiums, the owners are required to follow the rules and regulations formulated by condominium association. Nowadays, condominium units found here matches with the design and style of those units in some of the hi-fi Asian cities like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Depending upon the budget, lifestyle, tastes and requirements of the people, a multitude of condo units are now available in Bangkok. Some of the most popular forms of condominiums available in the city are apartment, townhouses, and single detached homes. No matter it is of any type, a condo unit in Bangkok mostly comes with comfortable bedrooms with adjustable beds, expansive living rooms, fully equipped kitchen with superb dining area, and sophisticated bath area with uninterrupted water supply.

In luxury type condominium units, facilities such as parking areas, fitness room coupled with gym facilities, laundry, Jacuzzi, separated male and female saunas, pools, and meeting rooms are included. Additionally, many of the condominium properties come attached with areas exclusively for children like kids pool and playground. Mostly, luxury condo units are located in such posh areas of the city as Sukhumvit, Sathora, and the Central Lumpini areas.

Living in a Bangkok condominium offers a host of benefits. One of the major advantages is that it is affordable. You can become a part of the unique community by living in a condominium in Bangkok. Low maintenance is another prime benefit of Bangkok condominiums. Advantages also include safety, as there are a lot of people around, there may not be chances for theft and robbery.

Above all, condominium life allows you to utilize a range of facilities such as pool, library, and elevators. Apart from these, condominiums are considered a long term investment. Understanding the importance as well as the benefits of Bangkok condominiums, many foreigners now invest in condo units. Further, a condominium is the only type of asset that can be legally owned by a foreigner in the country. Even a special law has been formulated for purchase of condominiums, known as the Condominium Act of Thailand (1999.)

With a myriad of real estate consultants, realtors and property builders in the scenario, buying or renting a condo unit in Bangkok is no longer a tedious process. In addition, since many of them have them have their own websites with details regarding the nature of the property, expected price or rent, amenities available and pictures of the condominium, buying or leasing a condo unit has now become quite convenient.

Worry-Free Calgary Condo

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Carlos Montes asked:




With Calgary metro condo sales accounting for almost 91% of total residential home sales, you’d think there would be no need for incentives. However, the 940 new condo listings from August 2009 were 21 per cent lower than the prior year when listings totaled 1,186.

Everyone has felt the pinch, including well known Calgary condominium developers, Anthem Properties. They were commended for their agressive undertaking to develop waterfront property along the Bow River. Not only the largest condo project in history, this prime downtown real estate suffered from contamination and required over $10 million dollars dedicated for clean up, before they could even break ground.

This multi-year project includes three highrise towers and five podiums of 1,000 units in total plus retail space. Waterfront is located in an incredible downtown Calgary location convenient to shops, restaurants, jobs and local parks. The quality condos are equipped with high quality Sub Zero appliances, Caesarstone counter tops and hardwood floors.

In the summer of 2009, over 100 condo units at Two Waterfront were drastically reduced in price. One bedrooms dropped from $300,000 to $249,000 and large two bedroom condos came down $187,000 in price. After selling 60 condos in 60 days, you would think that the developers would be content with that response. They still felt that although there was strong interest in the property, consumers were still reluctant to commit to purchasing.

Recently, Anthem Properties announced a new worry-free program to encourage fence sitters to take the plunge. If a prospective buyer hasn’t sold their existing home by the time they take possession and move into their Waterfront condo, then Anthem Properties will purchase their home at a pre-arranged price.

Calgary builders aren’t the only one’s tantalizing buyers with incentives. In Toronto, the condo capital of North America, only 917 units were sold in the first three months of 2009 – the lowest since the same time in 1996, and down from the average 4,000 units sold in subsequent quarters. Added to the lack of consumer interest, is the impending harmonized sales tax in 2010 that will add another 8% to the price of a new home.

To stimulate sales and combat what could possibly cause a dangerous glut in new home sales, developers are offer discounts of up to 20%, as reported in Urbanation Inc. Over 60% of major builders are also offering perks that include free parking and reduction in mortgage rates. Experts feel that these incentives are not enough and lower price per square foot may be what it takes to boost sales to the levels they require.

With regard to the harmonized tax, new homes priced under $400,000 will be exempt from the tax, but that only effects 70% of the market. Compounded with the harmonized tax, Toronto has created their own version of a land transfer tax, in addition to the existing provincial required tax (we’re at 3 taxes in Toronto now), you could easily see another $8,000 tacked on to the price of that $400,000 home.