Archive for July, 2010

A Guide to Buying Property in Florida

Moving to the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida or buying property there for rental is a dream for many people; the weather is almost tropical and there are miles of stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Florida also boasts fantastic city life, with more attractions than anywhere else in the United States. It also offers convenient access to UK airports and the UK itself is a mere eight hours away.

 

As a result of the property slump in the US, property developers have been facing difficult market conditions in which to sell their properties. Many US citizens are choosing to hang on to any investment capital they may have or simply cannot release the equity with which to invest in property. Coupled with the dollar’s poor performance against the pound, the market is ripe for UK investors who wish to buy property in Florida at very reasonable prices.

 

Currently, there are no restrictions on UK citizens buying a house anywhere in US. However, there are restrictions as to how long a person can spend in the US. Thorough research into the residency laws and how they apply to your particular circumstances can pay dividends. Green cards and work visas are not always as straightforward to get hold of as you might first think, so it is worth checking out how likely you are to be granted one before even considering buying property in Florida.

 

Then there is the location to be taken into account. The Atlantic coast offers some of Florida’s most desirable and, consequently, expensive locations yet there are still some bargains to be found in the current economic climate. The Atlantic coast covers the areas of St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Florida Keys and Key West. Doing some research into the areas you are most interested in will allow you to become familiar with the local property markets and increase your awareness of where the best bargains are to be found.

 

Another key aspect to buying property in Florida is to familiarise yourself with the buying process, which is markedly different to the system used in the UK. Property in Florida is listed on a central database that is available to all estate agents, removing the need to visit individual agents. Estate agents (realtors) tend to work as the buyers or seller’s agent, so it is worth trying to find a realtor with experience of dealing with British purchases.

 

Once the price is agreed, the buyer usually makes a goodwill deposit before a formal offer is made in the form of a purchase contract. Once it has been signed, it is legally binding, although most contracts have a clause allowing either party to withdraw within specific circumstances. A 10% deposit is then paid into an escrow account. A title insurance company can then check public records and insure the property against any third party claims. Once this has taken place, the outstanding balance can be transferred into the escrow account and completion can be finalised.

 

This example has only dealt with a direct purchase. In the event that a mortgage is needed, more legality comes into play that can trip up anyone unfamiliar with the legal intricacies of US property law. It is often a better idea to hire the services of an overseas property specialist and use their experience and expertise to ensure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible.

31376 Don Juan Avenue, San Juan Capistrano, CA


For more information about this property, please contact First Team Real Estate at 866-938-5812. View all our videos at www.youtube.com Company website www.firstteam.com MLS ID S605541 Unique home in historic Mission Hills, near Mission San Juan Capistrano. Constructed in 1928, this remodeled home contains separate living quarters, each with private entrance, garage and patio. Main residence has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a den. Additional unit has 1 bedroom, 1 bath, dining, living, kitchen, and laundry. ideal for In-Laws quarters, returning family members or income property. Zoned and permitted R2 home.

Give Me Ten Minutes and I’ll Make You Better at Real Estate Investing

Okay, ten minutes is a guess. You might absorb what I have to say and thereby become better at real estate investing in less time if you’re a fast reader.

Shall we get stared?

Acknowledge the Basics

Real estate investing involves acquisition, holding, and sale of rights in real property with the expectation of using cash inflows for potential future cash outflows and thereby generating a favorable rate of return on that investment.

More advantageous then stock investments (which usually require more investor equity) real estate investments offer the advantage to leverage a real estate property heavily. In other words, with an investment in real estate, you can use other people’s money to magnify your rate of return and control a much larger investment than would be possible otherwise. Moreover, with rental property, you can virtually use other people’s money to pay off your loan.

But aside from leverage, real estate investing provides other benefits to investors such as yields from annual after-tax cash flows, equity buildup through appreciation of the asset, and cash flow after tax upon sale. Plus, non-monetary returns such as pride of ownership, the security that you control ownership, and portfolio diversification.

You’ll need capital, investing in real estate does have risks, and investment real estate can be management-intensive. Nonetheless, real estate investing is a source of wealth, and that should be enough motivation for us to want to get better at it.

Understand the Elements of Return

Real estate is not purchased, held, or sold on emotion. Real estate is not about love; it’s about a return on investment. As such, prudent real estate investors always consider these four basic elements of return to determine the potential benefits of purchasing, holding on to, or selling an income property investment.

1. Cash Flow – This is determined by the amount of money collected from rents and other income less operating expenses and loan payment. Furthermore, real estate investing is all about the investment property’s cash flow. You’re buying income stream, therefore be certain that the numbers you use to calculate cash flow are truthful.

2. Appreciation – This is the growth in value of a property over time, or future selling price minus original purchase price. The fundamental truth to understand about appreciation, however, is that real estate investors buy the income stream of investment property. It stands to reason, therefore, that the more income you can sell, the more you can expect your property to be worth. In other words, make a determination about the likelihood of an increase in income and throw it into your decision-making.

3. Loan Amortization – This means a periodic reduction of the loan over time leading to increased equity. Because lenders evaluate rental property based on income stream, when buying multifamily property, present lenders with clear and concise cash flow reports. Properties with income and expenses represented accurately to the lender increase the chances the investor will obtain a favorable financing.

4. Tax Shelter – This signifies a legal way to use real estate investment property to reduce annual or ultimate income taxes. No one-size-fits-all, though, and the prudent real estate investor should check with a tax expert to be sure what the current tax laws are for the investor in any particular year.

Do Your Homework

1. Form the correct attitude. Dispel the thought that investing in rental properties is like buying a home and develop the attitude that real estate investing is business. Look beyond curb appeal, exciting amenities, and desirable floor plans unless they contribute to the income. Focus on the numbers. “Only women are beautiful,” an investor once told me. “What are the numbers?”

2. Develop a real estate investment goal with meaningful objectives. Have a plan with stated goals that best frames your investment strategy; it’s one of the most important elements of successful investing. What do you want to achieve? By when do you want to achieve it? How much cash are you willing to invest comfortably, and what rate of return are you hoping to generate?

3. Research your market. Understanding as much as possible about the conditions of the real estate market surrounding the rental property you want to purchase is a necessary and prudent approach to real estate investing. Learn about property values, rents, and occupancy rates in your local area. You can turn to a qualified real estate professional or speak with the county tax assessor.

4. Learn the terms and returns and how to compute them. Get familiar with the nuances of real estate investing and learn the terms, formulas, and calculations. There are sites online that provide free information.

5. Consider investing in real estate investment software. Having the ability to create your own rental property analysis gives you more control about how the cash flow numbers are presented and a better understanding about a property’s profitability. There are numerous software solutions to choose from online.

6. Create a relationship with a real estate professional that knows the local real estate market and understands rental property. It won’t advance your investment objectives to spend time with an agent unless that person knows about investment property and is adequately prepared to help you correctly procure it. Work with a real estate investment specialist.

There you have it. As concise an insight into real estate investing as I could provide without boring you to death. Just take them to heart and you should be fine. Here’s to your investing success.

Barrios Cerrados – AMARYLIS – Club de Campo – Buenos Aires


Un bosque muy cerca para el reencuentro con la naturaleza Amarylis es un club de campo situado en un maravilloso bosque centenario de 45 hectáreas, en el que se contempla el desarrollo de un emprendimiento con 134 lotes, 58 townhouses, un exclusivo hotel con spa y restaurant y áreas de esparcimiento y deportes. Los 134 lotes de Amarylis van desde los 1500 a los 2200 m2, con un costo aproximado desde los u$s 37 el m2. Los townhouses de 2 y 3 ambientes, construidos en ladrillo, piedra y madera, con amplios ventanales y equipadas con todo el confort, tendrán una superficie que irán desde los 50 m2. a los 75 m2, los que se encuentran en un sector de 2,5 hectáreas en el que predominan grandes pinares.

A Guide To Buying Property in the Costa Del Sol

While it is probably most famous for its vibrant nightlife and booming tourist industry, there is another side to the Costa del Sol that has been attracting investors and second-home buyers for many years. Behind the glitz and the glamour, the Costa del Sol also plays host to traditional little Spanish villages, secluded bays, tranquil and breathtaking scenery and classic, cobbled streets.

 

The Costa is one of the warmest parts of Spain, tempered by a cooling sea breeze. There are around 320 days of sunshine per year in this region with temperatures averaging at around 24?C in the off-peak months and rising into the thirties during the summer. The tourist industry has taken advantage of the longer strips of beach, but has had to overlook the smaller, more intimate bays that are known mainly to the locals. Further inland are the mountain villages (pueblos blancos) that are instantly associated with a more traditional Spain. Many property buyers are purchasing property here, either to integrate themselves into the local community or to own a secluded property that presents a real investment opportunity.

 

Buying property in the Costa del Sol offers its own set of variables, particularly in light of the deregulation of the real estate industry in 1999. Before you consider buying property in the Costa del Sol, there are a few aspects that are worth researching.

 

Since the deregulation laws were passed, hundreds of agencies have sprung up, with the majority of them being unlicensed. Thankfully, in 2003 the government passed legislation requiring all businesses to clearly display the registered name and address of the company. By looking at their websites, you will be able to see which agencies comply and which do not.  You will also be able to see which agencies are registered with the professional associations of GIPE and API. These authorities ensure their members adhere to strict codes of practice, offering protection to clients. If an agency doesn’t display its business address or is not affiliated to either GIPE or API, then continue searching.

 

It is also worth checking to see if an agent is a member of the Costa del Sol Property Index; members will have access to a central database of properties and other members in those areas. This means that they can find all the property in the Costa del Sol that match your requirements by simply making a quick call to the other independent licensed agencies. This saves you time and money, as you don’t have to see lots of different agents to access all the properties available.

 

Once you have found a property, you will then need the services of a Spanish lawyer. You need to find on before you sign any contracts. A Spanish lawyer will usually charge around 1% of the sale price of the property and handle the financial aspects of the purchase.

 

There are variations in the legal system that makes the Spanish system very different from that of the UK. In order to avoid pitfalls, you need to do as much research as possible. Alternatively it may be worth hiring the services of an overseas property specialist. Overseas property specialists will have experience and expertise in the property industry, as well as a pool of contacts and connections to help the purchase of your property in the Costa del Sol run as smoothly as possible.

Investment Property: Taking Advantage of Rising Rents

Rentals have continued their upward climb down and are predicted to go even higher as certain factors that kept the rental market healthy continue to have an impact on the rental figures in the UK. According to figures from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the demand for rental accommodations has continuously increased due to the stabilisation of property prices and the tightening of mortgage lending conditions. This bodes well for the property investor looking to add to his investment property portfolio.

Where to buy investment property

Buying a property despite the credit crunch may seem a disadvantageous move. However, according to investor 1st Asset, there are two markets that a property investor can look to. 1st Asset states that properties located in super-prime locations such as west London are worth considering. Areas that are set to receive major new investment boosts are likewise considered by the company as an excellent option. An example is east London which is being primed for the 2012 Olympics. For you to be able to take advantage of these areas, it’s best if you get in the market quickly before the spotlight is directed at these markets and before buyers start to move in and prompt the increase of property prices.

Advantages of buying today

If you’re looking to make a property purchase, today is a good time to go ahead with it. The reason? Stamp duty amongst many other things. Recently, the one per cent stamp duty threshold was increased from £125,000 to £175,000 for a period of one year. Because of this, many property buyers had the opportunity of paying lower stamp duty and significantly lowering transaction costs – which of course translated to considerable savings. Another good reason to buy today is the emergence of the buyer’s market and therefore, the abundance of affordable properties. The current property climate has led to a rise in the number of repossessed properties, which are often sold cheaply.

What investment property to consider

With the increase in rents, it becomes sensible to invest in a buy to let investment property. It’s true that the media is painting buy to let properties as investment vehicles to stay away from. However, the Council of Mortgage Lenders recently expressed its belief that the media representation of the fall of buy to let company Bradford & Bingley is erroneous. The media portrayal of the firm was thought to have caused a furore among many in the industry. CML released figures for the first half of 2008 that showed a lower proportion of buy to let mortgages in arrears of more than three months compared to residential mortgages. Apart from that, CML data indicated no difference in the rate of repossessions.

When buying an investment property for conversion into a buy to let, you should consider obtaining it at a price below its true market value to enable significant savings from the day of purchase. Acquiring a BMV property is possible by finding sellers motivated enough to agree to sell for lower than the market value of their properties – some define this as the price an estate agent could reasonably expect to achieve within three months of marketing the property. Once you have found such a property, you’ll be able to take advantage of 100% financing from several private property investors ready to finance your investment.

What are the returns from letting property?

According to the Association of Residential Letting Agents, gross returns vary between 7% and 10% and will be lower for pricey properties. ARLA adds that the average rental return in Britain today flits around the 10% mark with the capital appreciation expected to match, if not surpass, inflation for the immediate future. As a general rule, the gross rents should range between 130% and 150% of the monthly mortgage payments.

Investing in property today may be regarded by some as unfavourable. But if you do your homework, make the necessary preparations and invest for the long term, you can be on your way to a successful and thriving career in property.

11/2/2007-Part 1 Jim Rogers Interview On Bloomberg


Visit www.PhilDeCarolis.com to sign up for my free weekly newsletter that includes Economic and Real Estate updates or for more Peter Schiff videos and real estate advice from an experienced Investor Let me help you protect and grow your wealth NOW before it is too late. Contact me right away for a referral to my own personal broker with Euro Pacific Capital that can advise you on the purchase of precious metals (Gold, Silver, etc..), Commodities And/Or Foreign Dividend paying stocks to hedge against rising prices and your loss of hard earned wealth. Join me in preserving your savings so that we can utilize our retained purchasing power to purchase Discounted/Cash Flowing California Real Estate Assets at the bottom of this downturn for pennies on the dollar that will rise in value dramatically during Californias’ next cyclical inflationary real estate bull market.

A Fast Turnaround in Real Estate Investing

If you know what you are doing then real estate investing can be the most effective, and profitable, way to invest your money long term. But what about real estate investments for the short-term, quick return investor? In today’s real estate market many people are shying away from real estate investing because it seems like everyone is getting foreclosed on and making a profit in real estate is impossible. You have to remember that real estate investing, just like the stock market or any other investment, is cyclical. Yes the market is down right now but that is only after many years of a boom in the real estate market that created many new millionaires and added to the portfolio of already established real estate investing experts. So you can rest assured that the U.S. economy, and the real estate market, will make a comeback. If you really look at it, logic would suggest that it will make a huge comeback and if you want to be part of that initial windfall then the time to get involved is now.

Just like any other investment real estate investing is risky so always know that there is a risk to investing in real estate. But the chances that your real estate will appreciate in value are very good over time. It is just a matter of how long you can afford to wait. What you should be doing is scouting out properties to invest in because right now many prime pieces of real estate are available for prices that they may never be available for again. Homes that you never thought you could afford could be bought off the foreclosure market for a fraction of their original cost and held by you to be sold for a profit later. But what can you do in the interim to quickly increase the value of that home and maximize your profits even more? It is called house flipping.

Flipping Is The Fast Money Maker

Flipping a house means that you purchase a property at a price that is significantly below its assessed value, fix it up, then sell it for a profit. In a normal real estate market this is the best way to make fast money in real estate investing. But in a market like this you have to be a little smarter with your real estate investing and realize that flipping is still the way to go but the cycle will take a little longer than it does in a good market. A house flip that would normally take weeks you may have to hold on to for months in this market, but with the rate of foreclosures so high, and the possibility that the government may give large tax breaks to people that buy foreclosed properties, the return in nine months or so could be very large.

Normally in a house flip you would buy a house in need of repair because those are the ones that have depreciated in cost but not necessarily in value. You would do the repairs and then put the house on the market for a large profit. If you take the time to become a little savvier with real estate investing then you can use this current mortgage crisis to become a house flipper that invests in foreclosed properties, fixes them up and then waits for the upturn in the market to sell them at a huge profit. The only variables you need to contend with is how long before the upturn and can you afford to hold the properties while you wait for the market to recover? If you can come to grips with months of holding costs then this may be the perfect time to make your money in real estate investing and you can add value to your real estate with the quick house flipping technique of fixing up the property to add even more value.

Rochmond Condos: Evergreen – 6191 Buswell Street


Rochmond Condos Video Trailer For: Evergreen 6191 Buswell Street Richmond, BC Canada To view information for all Condos and Townhouses in Richmond, British Columbia Please visit: www.condorichmond.com The Official Website of Networkofcondos.com

Rochmond Condos: Evergreen – 6191 Buswell Street


Rochmond Condos Video Trailer For: Evergreen 6191 Buswell Street Richmond, BC Canada To view information for all Condos and Townhouses in Richmond, British Columbia Please visit: www.condorichmond.com The Official Website of Networkofcondos.com

Buy Foreclosed Properties At affordable Rate

In case, you are craving to purchase property, nothing can be better than foreclosed properties. The real state assessors would be the best guides to direct you in this case, if you do want to buy foreclosed properties. After all, nothing can be better than it.

The repossessed or sealed real estate properties are called as the foreclosed properties. These properties are repossessed from those mortgage or loan borrowers who were not able to repay the taken loan or mortgage in the needed time limit. The loan under consideration would have been taken from either the government or any kind of financial institutions such bank. It would be intelligent to buy foreclosed properties when the down season is going on. This is because the rate of these foreclosed properties at such time would be lower and more affordable for purchase.

On the contrary, there are hundreds of real estate investors who also take benefit of this down market time. They basically purchase the foreclosed properties during this time and then re sell it again when the market prices have gone up. With this kind of investment, the investors are able to gain marginal profits and make their revenue. Apart from these investors, even those who want to earn regular monthly and stable income can involve themselves in purchasing and reselling phenomenon. The buyer’s market is nothing but the down market because of the cheaper features available and that too, proving to be very economical. The foreclosure options are definitely very lucrative which has thus, given rise to the number of investors and customers.

Taking into consideration the current recession stricken time, the foreclosure properties investment is very lucrative and beneficiary for the purchase of the real estate investments. But at the same time, in order to buy the foreclosed properties, one should also look into other details like the cost of maintenance and repairing of the property. If it seems to be very high, it will be better to look out for other property options.

In a nutshell, the investments in the foreclosure properties is a lucrative and worth investing domain to look forward into.

Repossessed Properties: How to Make the Most of Them

Are you a property investor looking to acquire bargain properties? Then repossessed properties are worth looking into. Gaining popularity with many individuals, repossessions are convenient ways for investors to grab good bargains. With repossessions in the UK soaring since the beginning of the year, investors have numerous opportunities to make the most of these properties.

Benefits of buying repossessed homes

Sophisticated investors look to repossessed properties as the best type to invest in. This is because buying repossessed homes offers a number of benefits for property investors:

* Below market values (BMV). Most often you can obtain repossessed properties for prices less than their real market worth. Acquiring a property for 20% below market value is best achieved when you are able to successfully deal with motivated sellers. Due to reasons like repossession, divorce or bankruptcy, they resort to a speedy sale to enable them to resolve their financial dilemma.

* Savings. Repossessions can be acquired at a cheaper price compared to other properties. Thus you can set aside a significant amount of money which you can use towards buying another property. But you have to be certain that you buy only properties that have genuine equity and value. Property auctions are one of the best places to find a repossessed property. Of the number of properties sold at auctions, 20% are repossessed properties. New-builds in particular are going for an average 26% below the initial purchase price. I have seen some in Birmingham go for 50% below the initial purchase price!

* Best way to grow your portfolio. Since you can acquire properties cheaper through repossessed homes, you can develop your portfolio at a faster rate thereby allowing you to grow your empire quickly. To ensure that you won’t have to carry out expensive renovation work, have a surveyor examine the property before purchasing it.

How to generate profits from repossessed properties

Property investors who want to make considerable profits in their investment properties – on top of the profits made when buying BMV – may want to consider investment properties such as buy to lets. The market for buy to let homes offers great opportunities to earn profits. This is because the percentage of the UK population opting to rent has increased in recent years – and the numbers are predicted to increase in the next few years.

Another way to take advantage of the property market is to buy properties and rent them out for the long-term. You can also refurbish a repossessed property and sell for a quick profit. But if you want to truly want the best option, why not buy a property in its pre-repossession stage?

By seeking and buying from distressed sellers on the verge of losing their home to repossession, it’s not only you who benefit but also the seller. When you offer a quick sale, you are able to help the vendor prevent a repossession. At the same time, you can obtain the property at a lower price than when you bought it through conventional means.

By taking advantage of repossessed properties, you guarantee yourself a solid way of making significant profits. And due to the substantial growth in the number of repossessed properties, you now have an expansive array of property to select from. Just make sure you select them carefully.

How to Start Real Estate Investing and Hit the Ground Running

This article covers six dynamite real estate investing tips intended to help anyone just getting started in real estate investing to successfully launch and hit the ground running with real estate investment property.

1. Develop the Correct Attitude

To stand a chance of succeeding at real estate investing, foremost, you must understand that real estate investment is a business, and you will become the CEO of that business.

As your first order of business, then, it’s crucial to develop the correct mind-set about investment real estate and be able to make this distinction between buying a home and investing in real estate:

“You buy a home to live and raise a family; you buy real estate investment property to pay for the home, live comfortably, and raise your family in style”

As one very successful real estate investor said, “Only women are beautiful, what are the numbers?” In other words, you will not succeed at real estate investing until you acknowledge that it’s not curb appeal, amenities, floor plan, or neighborhood that should turn you on or off to the investment opportunity; what counts most is the property’s financial performance.

2. Develop Meaningful Objectives

A meaningful set of (realistic) objectives that frames your investment strategy is one of the most important elements of successful investing. Yes, we may all desire to make millions of dollars from real estate investing, but fantasy is not the same as expressing specific goals and a method on how to achieve it.

Here are some suggestions:

How much cash are you willing to invest comfortably? What rate of return are you hoping to achieve by making the investment in real estate? Are you expecting instant cash flow, looking to make your money when the property is resold, or merely looking to achieve tax shelter benefits? How long are you planning to hold the property before you dispose of it? What amount of your own effort can you afford to contribute to the day-to-day operation of running the property? What net worth are you hoping investing will help you to achieve, and by when would you like to achieve it? What type of income property do you feel most comfortable owning, residential or commercial, or does it matter?

3. Develop Market Research

If you’re new to real estate investing, you undoubtedly know little about investment real estate in your local market. So, do market research to learn as much as you can about income property values, rents, and occupancy rates in your area. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to recognize a good (or bad) deal when you see it.

Here are some good resources:

(a) The local newspaper, (b) A local appraiser, (c) The county tax assessor, (d) A qualified local real estate professional, (e) A local property management company

4. Run the Numbers

I can’t stress enough the importance of running the property’s cash flow, rates of return, and profitability numbers. Remember, real estate investing is a business, and as the CEO of your investment enterprise, you’ve got to know what you’re buying, especially if you’re trying to determine which of several investment opportunities would be the most profitable.

You have two options:

(a) Invest in real estate investment software. This will enable you to discover for yourself the investment property’s cash flow and rates of return, and create your own analysis reports. Plus, by running the numbers yourself, you gain a broader understanding of real estate investing nuances, and in turn might be less likely to fall victim to the wiles of someone with little concern about how you spend your money.

(b) At the very least, work with a real estate professional that has invested in real estate investment software and can calculate, present, and discuss the property’s financial data with you.

5. Develop a Relationship with a Qualified Real Estate Professional

Working with a qualified real estate professional is a great way for beginners to get started with rental property investing because an astute professional can acquaint you with local market conditions, recommend a property that meets your investing objectives, and discuss strengths and weaknesses about specific property performance.

Here’s a warning, however: Work with a real estate person who understands investment real estate.

Be sure the agent has a firm grip on key financial measures inherent to real estate investing, knows how to measure profitability and rate of return, has the ability to present the data you need to make wise investment decisions, and, most importantly, shows a genuine interest in how you spend your money. The last thing you want to do is to get involved with a real estate agent that would throw you under the bus just to make a commission.

Here’s a good way to interview for an agent. Ask them for the property’s cap rate and then request an APOD. If their response (even to these basics) is to stand there looking at you like a deer into the headlights of a car, find another agent.

6. Start Investing

Hopefully, this has given you some insight into real estate investing, highlighted a few things to make you a more prudent real estate investor, and perhaps alerted you to a couple of things that should be avoided.

Okay, that does it for us, now it’s time for you to get started. Here’s to your success.

Richmond Condos: Garden City Residences – 9188 Cook Road


Richmond Condos Video Trailer For: Garden City Residences 9188 Cook Road Richmond, BC Canada To view information for all Condos and Townhouses in Richmond, British Columbia Please visit: www.condorichmond.com The Official Website of Networkofcondos.com

How to Add Other Income Streams to Your Property Business.

Find a, as yet unexploited, niche and add it to your portfolio of businesses argue the business GURUS. Property experts have talked about multiple income streams. But, almost all of them agree that the best niche is the one with hungry buyers with money to spend.

Rich footballers wanting best properties is a niche market to go far. Offer your services to advise them on buying their residential property as well as advising them on creating an investment property portfolio for them. Here is a step by step guide to help you exploit this largely untapped market:-

1)Do some research and find out where the celebrity footballer’s property hotspots are. This information will give you an insight into the type of property that your potential clients are looking for or want. As a general rule, celebrity footballers want access to commuter routes, airports and their stadium. 15 minutes drive from the stadium is a reasonable guess and a good starting point. For a main residential home, the above is a wish list to bear in mind.

2)In regards the investment portfolio, advise them on development deals that are currently available. An example of a good deal will be, 30 apartments ready for building, buy the lot now at 25% discount, they will be ready in 2 years’ time for occupation and all being well their value will have appreciated by 50% over the two year time span. Alternatively, I have a deal on my table; 12 houses, apartments and flats in total, the developer wants to move on to the next site, these are discounted by 23% if you buy the lot now. These deals can be scattered all over the world.

3)Having established a basic understanding of the market in terms of the preferred geographical locations you need to devise a service package for your clients. Your service package details your offer. Here is an example for:-

” Rich portfolio UK Ltd is a property sourcing/acquisition service designed exclusively for celebrity footballers. This is an all inclusive platinum service and starts with your instructions. Based on your requirements, we go into the market, find properties that meet with your pre-defined selection criteria, short list those that meet your requirements closely, arrange a suitable time for you to visit and view these properties. Once you have decided on a property or a number of properties, we negotiate a fair price for the property or properties on your behalf, instruct valuers to provide a survey/valuation. Finally, the legal work; we have a panel of specialist property solicitors to act for you or you can instruct your own solicitors at the end you just list your contact details “

4)How do you advertise? Personal introductions are the best referrals you will ever have. If you have purchased any property for celebrity clients before then ask them for personal introductions. If you were working on creating a portfolio/service package ensure that you include a testimonial from your previous clients. Celebrity testimonials will really add value to your business, service as well as your credibility.

5)In the absence of personal referrals, contact the stadiums, ask to speak with the team manager and explain your reasons for wanting to arranging a time. Such an inquiry may help you reach the team or they may suggest a way of reaching your target audience. If all else fails then ask the stadium staff for assistance they may suggest that you put your business card in the information pack which the players are sent every season.

6)When you start to get business via your own efforts or through recommendations. It is advisable to take detailed instructions from your clients of their requirements when you first meet with them. Prepare a template in advance of the meeting and just fill in the gaps at the meeting. Work on finding suitable properties as soon as possible. Keeping your clients informed of your work at every stage is a key in establishing and developing your business relationship with your client. Be professional in your conduct and approach. Ask your clients for their preferred method of communications when you first meet with them and then ensure that your keep to the agreement with your client.

This article is about adding an income stream or a number of income streams to your business. Property advisers typically charge 2% of the purchase price of the property. Your USP (unique selling point) is that you negotiate good prices which are well below the asking price of the property and therefore your service pays for itself. Once you establish a working relationship with a celebrity footballer, you will generate an occasional but nonetheless a substantial revenue stream from the purchase or even sale of their main residential property and secondly from advising them on their investment portfolio on an ongoing basis.