Archive for May, 2010
Coronado, San Diego, Real Estate Market Trends, Single-family Homes, Mid Year Analysis, 2006
The community of Coronado is located on the central coast of San Diego County. This 13.5 square mile peninsula is accessible via the famous Coronado Bay Bridge, by water ferry from Downtown San Diego, or through Imperial Beach via highway 75.
The real estate and homes for sale in Coronado are some of the most expensive properties in San Diego County. The number of homes sold in a particular year is relatively low. For example, during the period from January through July 2006, approximately 64 single-family homes sold. Approximately 79 homes sold for the same period in 2005. The price of homes in Coronado varies widely from moderately priced small cottages to multi-million dollar estates.
One method to analyze pricing trends for a particular community is to evaluate the median and average price of homes for a particular month, and compare that data against the same period last year. What follows is a comparison of the median price and average price of homes for the past seven months (January through July 2006), compared against the data for the corresponding time period in 2005.
The median price of homes represents the point at which half the homes are above a particular price point, and half the homes are below a particular price point. The average price of homes is calculated by adding up the sales price of all homes sold in a particular month, and dividing that value by the number of homes sold.
The median price of homes in July 2006 was $1,505,000, compared to $1,481,250 in July 2005, which represents a 1.6% increase. The average price of homes in July 2006 was $1,795,179, compared to $1,603,214 in July 2005, which represents an 11.5% drop. Approximately 7 homes sold in July 2006 and 14 in July 2005. In summary, the data was mixed for July 2006, with the median price posting a small increase and the average price dropping 11.5%.
The median price of homes in June 2006 was $1,775,000, compared to $1,570,000 in June 2005, which represents a 13.1% increase. The average price of homes in June 2006 was $1,998,860, compared to $1,778,214 in June 2005, which represents a 12.4% increase. Approximately 15 homes sold in June 2006 and 21 in June 2005. In summary, the data provides evidence that there was an upward price trend in June 2006 compared to the same period last year.
The median price of homes in May 2006 was $1,200,000, compared to $1,390,000 in May 2005, which represents a 13.7% drop. The average price of homes in May 2006 was $1,576,429, compared to $1,615,692 in May 2005, which represents a 2.4% drop. Approximately 7 homes sold in May 2006 and 13 in May 2005. In summary, the data provides evidence that there was a downward price trend in May 2006 compared to the same period last year.
The median price of homes in April 2006 was $2,250,000, compared to $1,450,000 in April 2005, which represents a 55.2% increase. The average price of homes in April 2006 was $2,667,200, compared to $1,731,524 in April 2005, which represents a 54% increase. Approximately 10 homes sold in April 2006 and 7 in April 2005. In summary, the data provides evidence that there was a significant upward price trend in April 2006 compared to the same period last year.
The median price of homes in March 2006 was $1,650,000, compared to $1,780,000 in March 2005, which represents a 7.3% drop. The average price of homes in March 2006 was $2,219,667, compared to $1,774,667 in March 2005, which represents a 25.1% increase. Approximately 15 homes sold in March 2006 and 9 in March 2005. In summary, the data was mixed for March 2006, with a drop in median price and an increase in average price.
The median price of homes in February 2006 was $1,185,000, compared to $875,000 in February 2005, which represents a 35.4% increase. The average price of homes in February 2006 was $1,327,000, compared to $1,011,667 in February 2005, which represents a 31.2% increase. Approximately 5 homes sold in February 2006 and 3 in February 2005. In summary, the data provides evidence that there was an upward price trend in February 2006 compared to the same period last year.
The median price of homes was $1,700,000 in January 2006, compared to $1,531,500 in January 2005, which represents an 11% increase. The average price of homes in January 2006 was $1,599,000, compared to $1,717,750 in January 2005, which represents a 6.9% drop. Approximately 5 homes sold in January 2006 and 12 in January 2005. In summary, the data was mixed for January 2006, with a jump in median price and a decline in average price.
So what does the above data tell us? Overall, there was a 19% decline in the number of homes sold during this period from 2006 to 2005. Besides that, the Coronado real estate market is very hard to characterize because of the limited number of homes that sell every month, and the wide variation in home prices. The median and average prices fluctuated substantially depending on whether or not very expensive homes sold that month or not. Prospective home buyers should seek the advise of an experienced real estate agent to help them understand the micro pricing trends of homes in their price range.
Real Estate NEW Townhouses for sale south of Boston, MA
Nestled in a serene, quaint and natural setting Village at Ames Pond is a premier location for homebuyers 55 or better seeking the conveniences of true maintenance-free living, architecture that combines modern efficiency and luxurious open living space and first-floor master bedroom suite. Amenities include: central air, central heat, central vacuum, security system, hardwood/tile flooring, gas log fireplace, one/two attached garage, granite counters and more. Village at Ames Pond offers easy access to major highways, shopping centers and recreational areas.
The Property Law That Will Affect Your House Sale
Buying a house was never really designed to be a fun process. Any enjoyment you get from it will probably come from looking at different properties and picking where you want to live for the next few years.
After you have found your perfect home, it’s time for property law to swing into action. The process of getting the purchase legally completed is called conveyancing, and it can be pretty complicated.
You could do it yourself in theory. But most people just hire someone to do it for them, either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. Here’s a handy property guide into the whole process, how to pick the right person who understands property law, and how it will affect you.
Picking the right legal representative is essential to making your house purchase as smooth a process as possible. If you already have a solicitor you know and trust, ask if their firm does conveyancing, or if they can recommend someone.
Solicitors are regulated by the Law Society and covered by a hefty indemnity insurance policy, in case they make a mistake that leaves you out of pocket. That’s the upside – the downside is that they may see property law as boring work. It’s certainly not as exciting as some other types of law. Some solicitors use conveyancing to keep a good cash flow in the business, but don’t place a high priority on it.
If you want a guaranteed expert, then turn to a licensed conveyancer. These people are not fully qualified solicitors, but they have studied and understand property law and the process of buying and selling a house. All they do day in day out is house transactions. And that means they could be more focused than a general firm of solicitors… although if any legal problems outside of the purchase process crop up, they will have to refer you to a solicitor for help.
Conveyancers also tend to charge a little less. Fees from some firms can be as low as a couple of hundred pounds, whereas solicitors tend to charge a bit more. If you want the biggest bargain you can get and you’re not bothered about seeing someone in person, there are now internet conveyancing firms.
Don’t forget that there are extra charges on top of their fees. These typically include search charges, a land registry fee and any stamp duty on the property.
So once you’ve picked the right person to guide you through the maze of property law, and you’ve had an offer accepted on a property, the process begins.
Your legal representative will look over the draft contract drawn up by the seller’s solicitor. It will state the particulars and conditions of the sale. They will also make a series of enquiries related to issues such as boundary disputes, restrictive covenants and rights of way on the property.
The seller will be sent a property information form to fill out. This should tally with what you think you’re buying, including fixtures and fittings.
And of course your solicitor or conveyancer will obtain the title deed and land registry certificate, and do the relevant local searches. They will also check the seller does actually own the property and isn’t bankrupt!
Once this has been finished you will be advised to sign the draft contract, exchange it, and arrange for completion (usually the day you move house).
There’s a lot to be across. And while you could do it yourself to save a few quid, there’s a lot of property law to navigate, and you might be better off hiring an expert to do it for you.
Eviction Day: Foreclosure Crisis Forces Man From Home
In the third quarter of 2008, more than 700000 Americans faced foreclosure — a new and troubling record. While mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced last month they would temporarily halt foreclosures and evictions from Thanksgiving to Jan. 9, the moratorium is likely to affect only a small percentage of homeowners. On a cold December morning, ANP witnessed an increasingly common, but rarely documented, tragedy: someone being evicted from his home.
7 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Agent
Some people choose to use a real estate agent and some people choose to go it alone. One thing I have noticed over the years is that a number of seasoned investors looking in a new city will seek out a good agent while novice investors will frequently go it alone. I have even had a number of successful real estate agents seek out my help when they are moving to our city. Why do some of these seasoned investors choose to work with an agent? Below is a list of 7 benefits of using an agent.
1. Understand potential restrictions of the property. I recently heard a story from a friend at the city development office in Austin Texas. A couple had saved up for their retirement. They wanted to retire and live out in the hill country. They went to the foreclosure auctions. At the auction they purchased a lot for 500,000. It had great views and they were going to build their dream house on it. They had researched the lot before the auction and found it was zoned SFR which means a single family residence can be built on it. After purchasing the lot they started plans to build their retirement house. At this time they discovered the lot was in the 25 year floodplain. My friend at the city development office explained that the lot could not be built on and was basically worthless.
2. Know about new developments that might affect a properties value. A good realtor will know of proposed new developments that might affect different properties in which a buyer is interested. Whether these developments are positive or negative can be valuable information when weighing different housing options.
3. Find potential problems with a property. It is always a good idea to have a home inspector look at a potential house. However, a Realtor is a good first line of defense to see if a house has inherent problems. A Realtor that can know about common problems, such as foundation or electrical, that affect a particular neighborhood.
4. Understand contracts specifics. Whenever you buy or sell a house you are entering into a large personal transaction. It helps to have someone on your side that deals with these types of transactions on a daily basis. A Realtor can help you understand contracts and can explain what is typical for your area. The most common pitfall into which I see unrepresented buyers fall is to become involved in an atypical contract that is not to their benefit. For instance a seller will sign an offer that has an option period that is 4 times longer than what is typical. A buyer might put in offers on multiple properties with long option periods. The buyer will wait and see if the market appreciates. If the market has appreciated the buyer buys the house at now and undervalued price. If the market has gone down the buyer walks away.
5. Misperception of a benefit of going it alone. Buyers frequently think that by not using a buyers agent they will get a better deal from the seller. In most situation the listing agent asks for 6 percent from the seller. If a buyer comes with an agent the listing agent splits the 6 percent with the buyers agent. If an unrepresented buyer comes the listing agent keeps the whole 6 percent. On the selling side, For Sale By Owners (FSBO) often think they are saving alot of money by avoiding a listing agent. Nationally, FSBO homes sell for 14 percent less than agent listed homes in the same neighborhoods. In addition alot of FSBO’s still end up having a buyers agents involved. There is also money spent on advertising. Since an agent has experience marketing homes the agent often can spend money more effectively on advertising. Agents often know which advertising sources produce the most potential buyers.
6. Save time when looking for listings. Looking for listings without an agent can take up large chunks of time. When looking with an agent you can see several homes in a few hours. When going it alone you have to call the listing agent for each house and wait at the house for the agent to arrive and open up the house. In addition agents often know houses which are not listed or may have already identified potential problems with a particular house of interest.
7. Insure Security. When a home is listed with a broker, agents coming to the house have to usually log in. This allows the listing agent to keep a record of every party coming into the house. Since their business is on the line, agents are more likely to protect the house from damage or theft. For a variety of reasons, it is generally not a good idea to have random people you do not know come into your house. Often sellers simply have a phone number, but that phone could be their house, a friend’s house, a pay phone, or even a stolen phone.
Searching for a home can be stressful and difficult but it can also be fun. Whether you choose to look for a home on your own or with a Realtor its a good idea to be a extremely careful when you seek out your dream home.
Surrey Townhouses: Gillis Walk – 15188 62A Avenue
Surrey, BC Canada To view information for all Condos and Townhouses in Surrey and North Delta, British Columbia Please visit: www.CondoSurrey.com The Official Website of NetworkofCondos.com
Global Property Market Ripe for Investment
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world”.
This advice has motivated many to invest in property as it is considered a solid, trusted and reliable lifetime investment. Many Britons, through successful property investment abroad, have come to enjoy increased financial independence. Such investments were once thought of as a ‘preserve of the wealthy’ but easier access to credit allowed many to start small and build successful property investment portfolios abroad.
Portugal, France, Spain and the US have long been hotspots for many Britons seeking a vacation home or a lucrative financial investment. The UKs partcipation in this market, however, is slowing as a result of the credit crunch, which makes it difficult for many buyers to get an international mortgage or a property finance deal.
In Portugal, a top ten destination for UK property investment, development and inquiries continue at a steady pace, but British partcipation has slowed since September. The Times reports that British investors and individual buyers are “waiting longer before they take the plunge”. But this has not stopped Portugese development. There are currently 15 projects under construction with several others expected to commence shortly. At the moment, investment in Portuguese property is coming mainly from Russia, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
Italy has always been a favourite for property investment as well. The country’s new Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has indicated that he intends to come through on his campaign promise to abolish the country’s main property tax. This would likely improve Italy’s property investment climate. Linda Travella of Italian property agents Casa Travella stated that “When people look to buy abroad they rarely take into consideration such things as Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax”. These can make a big difference in the long-term value of their investement. In Italy, after five years of ownership, the owner would no longer be charged capital gains tax on their property. This makes the country ripe for foreign property investment, she argues.
The trend continues in the Caribbean as well where development projects and investment are continuing steadily. As indicated in the Global Property Guide last month, “The depreciation of the US dollar against major currencies such as the British pound and the euro, has made Caribbean properties more attractive from a European point of view”. Countries that are linked with the US dollar are becoming much more affordable, allowing European buyers to access prime beachfront property at significantly lower rates. While the prices may still be considered high for many, the Guide continues, “Caribbean properties are now considerably cheaper than coastal properties in Mediterranean Europe”.
The global property market is becoming much more affordable in the wake of economic and political change. Whether the UK economy will allow residents to take advantage of these changes remains to be seen.
Carl Sagan’s Cosmos: Life on Jupiter
In 2005 I worked on a project to update some of the fx sequences in Carl Sagan’s seminal series Cosmos. For this sequence I did all the shots on Jupiter. I started with the original matte painting and tried to recreate the creatures as closely as possible. It was a very rewarding experience.
Real Estate Tidbits: Gardens More Than a Labor of Love
Green Happiness
“He who plants a garden, plants happiness” is an old saying. However, things have changed a lot nowadays. Today, the proverb could be thought of as “He who plants a garden, plants money!” When it comes to selling a house, landscaping is an important factor that determines the value of the property. Real estate gurus believe that gardens around a house can contribute more than 10% to the total value of the property. Moreover, the houses with attractive gardens, particularly mature trees, are easily saleable when compared to the other houses with limited or underdeveloped landscaping. Investing a little time in tending your garden can really pay dividends when it comes to selling your home.
Enjoying Green
Houses with gardens around them are excellent choices for those who wish to enjoy time outside, while not travelling far to do so. It is always refreshing to open the door and go out into the garden and smell the flowers, plants, and trees. Most of us spend less time enjoying the greenery in public parks and sanctuaries since they are becoming more scarce and because of urban sprawl are often far away. Since most of us will never have a chance to visit the tropical rain forests of Central America why not invest a few dollars and house and have your own piece of nature right outside your door?
Green can be healthy
Plants not only contribute value to the property, but gardens also have great health benefits. The health benefits of gardening are impressive. According to medical experts, gardening is a great exercise for legs, shoulders, arms and neck. Gardening also helps to strengthen the joints in our body. Recent researches indicate that gardening lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol levels and also prevents diabetes and heart diseases. Gardening is also an ideal physical exercise for people who want to reduce their weight. Gardening helps to burn fat and as an added bonus, creates some healthy, organic fruits and vegetables for your entire family to eat.
Green in real estate
Based on a recent survey or property owners, it was noted that 95% of residential homeowners and 86% of commercial property owners believe that good landscaping adds more value to their properties. Also real estate brokers around Austin think that merely having a garden is enough to attract the buyers. Moreover, gardening has lots of benefits like offering a healthy body, fresh air, a fresh mind, fresh food, bringing birds, attracting butterflies, sustaining beneficial insects and added value to your property. Finally, gardening and makes your property look its best. So plant gardens around your home and grab the sure ticket to quick and valuable resale!
Girard Pointe building site – 3D tour of townhouses in Philadelphia
Credits: Virtual 3D building and site tour by arie@schinnar.com of BIMarchitects (Made It Rich music track composed by Vincent Varco; site furnishings from Google 3D warehouse) Marketing: Tali Marketing and JDT International. The Flats at Girard Pointe is a JDT International, LLC development consisting of seven single-family homes located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. The townhomes were manufactured by PennLyon, a leading manufacturer of custom residential modular homes—www.pennlyon.com. Five unique floor plans are offered, designed for eco-friendly city living. Each three-story residence has an 8 ft high full basement, and is accentuated by aesthetic facades and modern finishes. For additional information contact: www.girardpointe.com. Location: 1221-1233 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 Property Owner: CRL2 Associates, LLC. Architect of Record: Leonard J Ciccotello, AIA. Sales office: Star Real Estate Group.
The Property Search for Home Buying and Selling Process in Singapore
Singapore is situated between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, just north of the equator. It is located at the convergence of a number of major sea-lines. It is a densely populated country with about 12,000 people per square kilometer. In the 1960′s, a vast urban renewal program was launched which virtually replaced all of the country’s slums with modern dwelling units. There was a property and real estate boom following the renewal program.
Singapore is among the world’s greatest commercial and trade centers. It has a large modern seaport and airport. Trade and commerce has been historically the chief source of revenue. Singapore exports locally produced goods such as telecommunications equipment, computers, petroleum products, plastics, rubber products, oil drilling machinery, and processed food and beverages. Singapore depends on others for most of its food requirements. Singapore’s chief trading partners include Japan, the U.S, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
A number of companies offer residential property guide, renting procedure and property search listings, and information directory for emigrants living or relocating to Singapore. A property search report will assist you in finding the right solutions for the many questions that arise during the home buying and selling process. When you are armed with the right information, an experienced real estate professional can guide you to reaching your goal of selling your home fast for the best price. Dedicated property search specialists assist you in purchases, sales and rentals. They are committed to provide the ideal background for buyers and sellers alike, helping you successfully negotiate through each stage of a property transaction.
It is important to fix the search criteria before you launch the property search in Singapore. There are a number of homes and properties on the market in Singapore and you can search online by entering your own search criteria. It is a good idea to search for property online with the help of professional software. Several professional software exist to assist you to determine accurately the cost of buying a home.
The property search enables you to find the most reputable locations for residential sales in Singapore. Property search experts assist clients in identifying land and developing the land. A successful property search helps you identify specific market positions for the property and after careful study of market trends, suggest the most effective means to sell the property at the best price.
If you are looking to buy a property or apartment in Singapore, ensure that you understand all the pitfalls associated with the process of buying. Selecting a good real estate agent is the first step involved. Find an agent who is familiar with the area and type of land you have in mind. Ensure that the agent belongs to a reputed real estate organization and is also a licensed member of a real estate association. Discuss your property requirements and location preferences with him. This will help him find the best suited property for you.
Property searches also help you ensure that the seller is the real legal owner of the property. It is imperative that you request for proof of ownership when you are making the purchase. Ensure also that the seller is legally eligible to sell the property. If the owner of a private property mortgaged to a bank is incapable of toping up the shortfall on his bank loan, the bank would not allow him to go through with the property transaction. Property searches also assist you in finding a viable bank loan.
A meaningful property search takes into account things such as the distance to work places, hospitals and schools. It also helps you determine transportation and shopping facilities. Also keep in mind the places that you visit regularly and your family’s lifestyle. Property searches also help you determine the size of the property and the number of bedrooms you need. It also takes into account facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and other recreation facilities. Once you have decided on the location and size of the property, consider how much you will be able to spend. Also keep in mind other expenses that come with buying or renting a home. It is important to provide your agent with accurate information on your financial status.
Number Properties GMAT Strategy Guide, 4th Edition
- ISBN13: 9780982423844
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
The Number Properties Guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the properties and rules of integers tested on the GMAT. Learn, practice, and master everything from prime products to perfect squares.Each chapter builds comprehensive content understanding by providing rules, strategies and in-depth examples of how the GMAT tests a given topic and how you can respond accurately and quickly. The Guide contains a total of 161 ‘In-Action’ problems of increasing d… More >>
Women Drive Real Estate Purchases
Women are working more, earning more and buying more than they ever did. Consequently, they have a significant influence on the American economy in general, and the real estate industry in particular.
The collective buying power of US women accounts for about 85 % of all consumer purchases. When it comes to purchasing patterns, women are estimated to make 94 % of home furnishings decisions, 91 % of new homes purchase decisions, and 89 % of travel decisions.
Women’s earnings have accelerated over the last few years and they have emerged as the Chief Purchasing Officers in their households. According to IRS data, women constitute 39 % of the top wealth holders in the country. This means about 2.5 million women possess a wealth of $4.2 trillion put together. Notably, the IRS estimates that by 2050, 42 % of these women will be single or widowed. The IRS further estimates that more wealth is bound to be accumulated among women.
Another growing trend that emerged in a December 2006 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was that about 22 % of homes purchased between July 2005 and June 2006 were by single women who were in the 25 to 34 age range. Women accounted for a record number of 1.76 million home purchases (1 in every 5 homes), a significant increase from 14 % a decade ago. Women’s growing success in their careers, higher education, financial independence and a desire to build an early nest on their own, are some of the reasons that have spearheaded this home buying trend.
Among the vast demographic spectrum in the real estate industry, women have become a force to reckon with. Real estate agents are increasingly taking note of their female clients and the power they wield in home buying decisions. By the influence that they bring into play in home buying decisions, women form a significant and growing market that simply cannot be ignored.
If you are considering buying a home, condo, or any other real estate, be sure to seek out the services of a local real estate agent to guide you through this complex process.
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op,Condo, or Townhouse
Product Description
What should a prospective homeowner consider when shopping for a co-op, condominium, or townhouse? Finances, availability, and lifestyle considerations are only parts of the equation, and it’s important to think about all the factors before making a decision. This book is a comprehensive yet accessible guide to the particular challenges and benefits to buying, owning, and living in these homes, and gives readers the vital information they need on: * finding the … More >>
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Co-op,Condo, or Townhouse

