Real estate...the LONG TERM investment.

By Doc Schmyz

Have you heard these "bits of advice"????This is not a good time to look at property investment? Now is not a good time to invest in the stock market? Now is not a good time to buy oil futures? We have heard this from every "GURU" on the nightly news. Just because everyone is screaming it...does not make it true. Now is the time to go against the flow of popular opinion and buy an investment. The risk must, however, be a reasoned one and never spend the rent money on risky things.

If you are willing to move against the flow you must seek out deals and only buy bargains. Property investment is great because you can feel the permanence of your investment and over time real estate has proved itself to be a solid money maker. Contrary to all the latter day negative gearing you need to make sure of a positive cash flow. Rents must give a return on investment. Simply put.... you do not buy at silly prices you buy only when the figures give you a return.

With the current feeling of uncertainty, buying bargains is not difficult. Foreclosures are not nice for anyone to deal with and being a buyer at a foreclosure or mortgagee sale can make you feel very uncomfortable and even intimidated. These properties do have to be sold though and foreclosures will work to an investor's advantage. Its just bargain shopping on a bigger scale.

You don't have to work with just foreclosures. Many people got into the property investment business over the last few years with the promise of easy profits and now feel worried and insecure with mortgages over their family homes or repayment bills that will not lessen in the near future. They just want to quit the game no matter what and will take a loss to set themselves out. Just do not make the same mistake they made. Do the math!! Get a return on your investment. Lastly have the right mind set which is to buy for the long term. Property investment is a long term game and very lucrative over a long period. Just make certain that you are happy and secure with a long term investment and you will really cash in when the next real estate price surge hits. Whenever that might be. - 23226

About the Author:

Doc Schmyz has worked with investors all over the US. He built a free free website shares Real estate investing information for all over the US. Find Real estate investing information by state

Collaborating With A Seller Broker As A First Time Homebuyer

By Alexandria P. Anderson

Many first time home buyers end up working with a subagent, otherwise known as a seller's agent and it's important to understand that these agents are working on behalf of the seller, not the home buyer. Seller's agents are hired to represent the seller and bring the buyer to the deal, but they do work on a commission and have certain rights and responsibilities towards the buyer.

Each state may have distinctive regulations when it comes to home buying. Similarly, the national law has certain prohibitions relative to it. As suggested by the author of the book "100 Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask", home buyers must make an effort to read thoroughly all the documents such as agent's forms and disclosures before signing to fully understand the services being offered. There are several things that a seller's agent may or may not be allowed to do in your favor:

The seller's agent can provide you with detailed pricing lists of comparable homes in the area. These are often called 'comps' and are a compilation of similar homes in the neighborhood, listing information and their list prices. This information ensures that you are not offering, or being offered, an unreasonable price when it's time to negotiate.

The seller's agent cannot tell you which home to choose when you are still deciding. Even though it's the seller's agent's job to sell you the home they are commissioned to sell, they do not have a right to 'push' their home over another in question. If you like two homes and the broker is working with both sellers, they cannot persuade you to purchase one over the other; the decision is ultimately yours to make.

The seller's agent cannot point out defects in the home. The seller broker cannot say anything that would influence your decision to purchase, or not purchase the property. Any material hidden defects can be disclosed, but you will need to conduct your own research to find out if the home is in good condition.

The seller's agent cannot make suggestions on the best offer for the home. It may be tempting to ask the seller what price you should pay for the property, but they cannot legally offer this information at any time during your communications. The seller broker has certain obligations to the seller, so this information may impede on that relationship.

The seller's agent can consult you about future clients. Seller's agents can rightfully request that they be referred to your circle of friends and family members in the same way that they will do all the things to make sure you will have a pleasant home buying experience.

In home buying, it is essential to remember a few important things. It is a fact that seller brokers facilitate the home buying process. However, this does not always translate to giving you all the benefits in the purchase of your new home. So it is necessary that you conduct your own research and find a real estate agent who can assist you or help you address your home buying concerns. - 23226

About the Author:

Alexandria P. Anderson is a licensed Minnesota Realtor that helps people to find and purchase Plymouth Townhomes as well as Plymouth Lofts in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.