AIG Real Estate Deals May Impact Banks – Insurance News Net

AIG Real Estate Deals May Impact Banks – Insurance News Net
Copyright 2009 TheStreet.com, Inc.All Rights Reserved TheStreet . com March 30, 2009 Monday 12:40 PM EST SECTION: NEWS & ANALYSIS; Banks LENGTH: 126 words HEADLINE: AIG Real Estate Deals May Impact Banks BYLINE: Lauren LaCapra, TheStreet.com Staff

Judge facing misconduct charge also faces ethics complaint over real – Minneapolis Star Tribune
AUSTIN, Texas – A new complaint has been brought against the top Texas criminal appeals judge, already facing misconduct charges for not keeping her office open for a last-minute appeal before a man was executed. The new ethics complaint against

Which are the best questions to ask before making good real estate investments …

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Which are the best questions to ask before making good real estate investments …

If you are hoping to get rich buying real estate that keeps appreciating forever (hopefully ), then one question that might be relevant would be …

Where are the greatest real estate markets of today…

And another would be…

What are the chances that real estate in these markets will keep appreciating for a long, long time … long after you have crossed the Pearly Gates and started playing a harp

And if you are wondering whether real estate can keep appreciating for a long, long time, then it might help to consider the fact that nobody nowhere is making no more land … but population on the planet seems to keep increasing all the time. It’s another matter that the number of people in some areas seems to decrease while population in other areas keeps increasing. The overall trend is that population is increasing while amount of livable land doesn’t seem to be increasing at the same rate – in spite of so many condominiums and skyscrapers being constructed all the time.

Now, to answer our initial question – where are the greatest real estate markets of today – all you might have to do is see where the most condos and other developments are coming up, and the occupancy rates of the properties already there.

Does this seem like a surefire way to follow the herd? Maybe. But at least you will not be a pioneer following this strategy.

But what matters more may be this – which herd are you following? If it is the herd of smart property developers who have identified potentially lucrative markets and are helping the community by building good real estate, then you might actually be making a good move.

And where are the most condos and other residential property being constructed now?

Well, one place may be the Mexican Riviera … but there are lots of other areas too where condos are coming up in large numbers. Does this mean that these real estate markets are guaranteed to perform well? Well, that may not always true…

But the number of real estate developments may indicate a trend. When more and more people are moving into an area to live there, then the number of real estate developments tends to increase.

And why should people move to a new area to live in?

That might be a great question to ask. Because if there is a good enough reason for large numbers of people to move to a region to live there, it may indicate a real estate market that may appreciate for a significant period of time. And if a market appreciates for a significant period of time, then investments in real estate made there have a greater chance of proving very profitable…

And the reason why people should choose to move to a new place may be essential to answer our second question:

What are the chances that real estate in these markets will keep appreciating for a long, long time?

Why are large numbers of people settling in a new area? If this reason is good enough, then this trend may continue for a fairly long time … and it is long term positive trends like this that make real estate anywhere very valuable.

For instance, which are the fastest growing metropolitan areas? Why are they the fastest growing metropolitan areas? How likely are they to remain fast growing metropolitan areas? What types of jobs are being created in these areas?

It may be questions like these that can help make real estate investments very profitable.

About the Author

Gurubhakt is a writer and web content developer who loves writing about a wide array of topics. And one recent project is http://www.abeachfronthouse.com which discusses beach front real estate and vacation rentals at destinations from the Grand Cayman to Cannes.

Real Estate Investment Requires A Team

I had a hard time at first with real estate investment. One of the reasons was that I tended to be a “lone wolf,” trying to do too much myself. I’ve since learned that to really do well investing in real estate, you need to have a team of people you can trust and rely on. Here are some possible team members, and what they need to be on the team.

1. Real estate agent. A licensed agent with experience in the area you invest in and access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), can be a great help. If she is a seller’s agent, she can still ethically bring the best deals to you once she knows you’re a serious buyer.

2. Real estate attorney. This should be someone familiar with the laws and legal customs of your area, and have experience with the type of deals you intend to do (If you are buying rentals, she should be familiar with doing evictions, for example.)

3. Accountant or bookkeeper. Keeping proper books for real estate investments is getting more complicated with all the tax-law changes. Find someone that understands the law, and what you want.

4. Mortgage broker or banker. The first can offer many options, but the second can make the loan decision. Each has their advantages, and you could use both. In either case it’s important that they understand what you want (fast closings, lower interest, corporate loans?)

5. Appraiser. Not only can a good appraiser give you an accurate valuation of a property, but they should be able to suggest ways in which you can raise the value of a property. Use someone that will talk to you.

6. Inspector. In some areas it is easy to become an inspector with little experience. It’s best if you use one that is or used to be a contractor, so he can find the problems AND give you some idea of the cost of repairs.

7. Insurance agent. A good one will understand what you want, and find ways to save you money. Insure all your properties with one agent, and you’re likely to have discounts available, and better service.

8. Escrow officer. They will usually be with a closing company. Look for someone that’s efficient, and can explain things clearly to both sides. If he is confused by a slightly creative contract, he should educate easily or be replaced.

9. Cleaning person. Having a trusted person or crew ready means a fast turn around when you buy a rental or rehab project.

10. Property manager. Be sure that the company you hire has exerience, is responsive, and will have time when you call. A good property manager can tell you BEFORE you buy, what you should get for rent in a given area.

Real estate investment is less stressful and more profitable with a good team on your side.

About the author:
Steve Gillman has invested real estate for years. To learn more, and to see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com