At some time or another, just about everyone will have a roommate. It’s a great way of lowering expenses as well as having a consistent source of social interaction. However, there are a few things to be mindful of when selecting and living with a roommate. This brief guide addresses many of the crucial points one must consider when looking for a roommate and more importantly, when living with one.

You have to fully understand your expectations to begin with. What exactly are your current objectives? Next, think about what you are searching for in a roommate. Because you’ll be sharing living space with this individual, you should treat it as a major decision. Ask your friends, family members and co-workers whether they know of anyone searching for a roommate. In the event that doesn’t work, you can also find websites online that specialize in roommate matching. Whatever means you choose to utilize in your roommate search, it’s important to trust your own intuition. Should your gut tell you that something doesn’t feel right, proceed to the next prospect.

Be certain to talk about lifestyles and personal preferences honestly. You don’t want to discover that your roommate practices his electric guitar every night until 3 AM after the fact, do you? Ask questions. Learn how frequently they clean up after themselves, if they smoke, have pets, anticipate bringing over a boyfriend or girlfriend, and so on.

Confirm that your roommate is able to pay their own share. Apartments in Austin usually require that renters or their guarantor have a verifiable income equal to at least three times the monthly rent for the apartment in question. Avoid getting snagged in the “I was planning on finding a job this week” scenario. It’s important to verify that your prospective roommate has enough income or family support to pay their share of the rent and the household expenses.

Be very clear on the house rules. Exactly how will the rent end up being divided? 50/50, or does the individual using the master bedroom pay out more? Precisely what are the household bills and in what way will they be split? Always be clear on usage and furnishings. Should you have a brand new sofa and don’t really want your roommate eating there, be clear in advance. Decide on how the housework will be divided. Don’t simply expect 50/50. Other people might not be as neat as you are.

Whose name will be on the actual lease contract? The lease holder will be ultimately responsible for having to pay rent as well as paying for any damages to the apartment. All Austin apartments require that anyone living in the apartment who is over the age of 18 be on the lease contract. However, if you find yourself in a situation in which your roommate is not on the lease but pays half of the bills, you have to consider what will happen in the event that they decide to move out early? Do you have an emergency fund or other means to pay the rent until you find another roommate?

Don’t hesitate to discuss the small things. Whether it is which way the toilet paper goes on the roll or how the kitchen utensils fit into the drawer, the small things at times have a way of growing to be big things if you’re not vigilant. Remember, most disputes generally get big and unpleasant whenever one person does something which upsets the other person, and the other person neglects to ever bring it up until it simply drives them insane and they blow up in a fit of rage. Don’t allow it to get that far! It’s important in any partnership to have decent communication skills. Discuss things before a situation gets unmanageable.

In the end, living with a roommate is much like any other interpersonal relationship. If you focus on selecting someone who has similar lifestyle, values and interests, you are much more likely to have a happy home that you look forward to returning to every day. Remember that the typical lease term offered by Austin apartments is six to twelve months. If you spend a bit of time choosing the right candidate and keeping the lines of honest communication open, those months can fly by and you may even find yourself looking forward to signing your next lease!

Fortune Coast Show apartments Bao’an Shenzhen


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When you are house or apartment rental hunting, many people have fallen in love with a place then moved in. After all the hard work of getting all your stuff in place do you discover that this new abode of yours, isn´t exactly the answer to all your rental apartment or rental house dreams. A lot of people fall into the trap, excited by the thoughts of living in a new apartment or house. These renters tend to overlook some important details.

Some of these details include: just a month after you move in, you discover that your neighbor upstairs likes to play bowling in the hallway in the middle of the night or those thick plaster walls you were so happy with, block your cell phone signal.

Do not despair. There is a quick and easy list for you to follow when apartment rental hunting. By following these tips you will be able to find a house or apartment rental which will fit perfectly for you.

The Lease

• Is there a security deposit? Are there any move in fees? Many larger houses and apartment buildings limit the days and hours when new residents can move into a rental apartment or house. This is to limit the disruption to other residents.

• Are the utilities included with the house or rental apartment?

• Are the lease terms flexible? Some larger houses and apartment buildings offer options such as six month or 12 month leases.

• Is the house or rental apartment rent controlled?

• Is there a broker’s fee?  The fees for house or rental apartments are common in cities such as New York.

Amenities

•  What´s the cell phone reception like? When you are house and rental apartment hunting, be sure to take out your cell phone and walk around the property to test the signal.

• Is there off-street parking available? If so, how much does it cost? On-street parking is another option. This works out cheaper but be sure to check if you need to register your car or if you have to buy a resident parking sticker.

• Does the house or apartment have extra storage? Sometimes if the closet or storage space is small, some buildings have extra storage for a fee.

• Is the laundry on site or in the house or rental apartment unit? Do the washing machines look new or look worn out? What kind of system do they use, a card system or coins?

• Does the house or rental apartment have air conditioning? If not, is it allowed to install air con units?

• Does the kitchen have appliances like garbage disposal, a stove, a refrigerator or a dishwasher? Are they new?

• It´s a good idea to bring along a tape measure so that you can measure the rooms and doorways.

• Are pets allowed in the building? If so, are there any fees to be paid.

The Neighborhood

• What is the access to public transportation like? Sometimes an ad might say that the rental apartment or house is “close to the subway/bus”, its better to walk it yourself to see exactly how far it is.

• Is the house or rental apartment far away from grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, drugstores, discos, bars or cafes?

Building

• What type of people live in the building? Is it full of college students or retired people?

• If the ad says the house or rental apartment is “walk-up”, that means there are no elevators. This might be of concern if you have a lot to move or if you have some oversized furniture.

• It´s a good idea to visit the house or rental apartment during the evening when more of the residents are more likely to be home. What is the noise level like?

• If you need work done, how fast is the landlord to respond?

Ask these questions, and you will surely find a rental apartment or house that suits you and your lifestyle perfectly. Are you into keeping it real estate …? A good place to start house or apartment renting hunting is www.keeping-it-real-estate.com. We have a lot of houses and apartments for sale and for rent. Happy hunting!

Los Angeles apartments – Rancho Los Feliz apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA. Get into the swing of things! Call 866.881.3490 or Visit www.apartments.com for apartment prices, pictures, videos, floorplans, availability. Ask about our Special MOVE-IN Lease one of our selected Studio or Efficiency floor plans by February 28 and receive one month FREE RENT and with your good credit, a Security Deposit moves you in. Call now for details. Nestled amidst five acres of thriving trees, abundant foliage, shady walkways and meandering streams, Rancho Los Feliz is a private tropical oasis offering many first-class amenities. Enjoy a golf course view from select spacious apartment homes featuring vaulted ceilings before exercising in our 24 hour state-of-the-art fitness center. Afterwards, relax in our heated pool, read a book in the library or surf the web in the Internet Cafe. Trendy Silverlake and Los Feliz are located just outside your door; home to a great night life and many unique restaurants and shopping experiences! Charming Atwater Village and Glendale are just minutes away providing additional dining, movies, entertainment and the well known Glendale Galleria for your shopping experience. Rancho Los Feliz is located on Los Feliz Blvd. near the 5 freeway where you’ll enjoy easy access to Griffith Park, Downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood and other major freeways. Welcome to your private paradise! www.rancholosfeliz.com We now price our apartment …
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A Property in Antalya, Turkey is not only a financial asset but whether it is a house, home, condo, land, or apartment, villas, it can also be a place to live, raise children, vacation, or an investment for the future Knowledge is said to open doors. This is literally true when it comes to buying a property in Antalya. To become a property owner in Antalya, you need to know where and how to begin the property buying process.

There are several factors and parties involved in a real estate transaction in Antalya such as real estate agents at Turkish-Property-World.com, appraisers, real estate attorneys, among others.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN ANTALYA

One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples’ lives is the purchase or sale of a home or investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate.

Real estate brokers and sales agents in Antalya Turkish-Property-World.com have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their communities. They know which neighborhoods will best fit clients’ needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws in Antalya and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers.

When selling property, brokers and agents arrange for title searches to verify ownership and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which they agree to the details of the transactions and in a final meeting, the new owners take possession of the property. They also may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do.

Before you go around looking at properties in Antalya, meet with your agent at Turkish-Property-World.com to get an idea of the type of house, home, condo, apartment, villas, or land you would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much you can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract, which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to the buyer. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties that interest them.

Once the buyer and seller have signed a contract, the real estate broker or agent in Antalya must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. The agent in Antalya must make sure that any legally mandated or agreed-upon inspections, such as termite and radon inspections, take place. In addition, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent ensures they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. Loan officers, attorneys, or other people handle many details, but the agent must ensure that they are carried out.

Real estate agents in Antalya Turkish-Property-World.com who sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate require knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents in Antalya who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the region’s transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker in Antalya must know how to meet the client’s particular requirements.

APPRAISERS / VALUATION IN ANTALYA

When buying a Villa in Antalya it is important to find the actual market value to evaluate the right price to pay for acquiring it. In order for you to obtain an accurate value it is important to use the services of a real estate appraiser like Turkish-Property-World.com. Real estate appraisers in Antalya are specialists in estimating the value of real property. Real property consists of land, buildings, and natural resources such as water, oil, or minerals. Estimates of value, known as appraisals, are made when property is bought, sold, assessed, taxed, condemned, insured, or mortgaged. They may also be required in divorce actions, when partnerships are dissolved, and when property is listed as a business asset.

Real Estate Appraisers in Antalya Turkish-Property-World.com prepare a written description of the property and make an estimate of its value. They may complete standardized checklists as they evaluate the property and the neighborhood in which it is situated. Appraisers in Antalya obtain land values from county sources and sales information about nearby properties. They also examine the income records and operating costs of income properties. Appraisers in Antalya estimate building replacement costs using building valuation manuals and professional cost estimators. They also verify legal descriptions of property with county records, measure the property and compare the measurements with the legal descriptions. They draw land diagrams and note conditions and special features of buildings. Appraisers in Antalya analyze and evaluate the data and prepare a written report outlining methods by which the fair-market value was estimated.

TITLE / DEED IN ANTALYA

Title in Antalya is a legal term for a bundle of rights in a piece of property in which a party may own either a legal interest or an equitable interest The rights in the bundle may be separated and held by different parties. It may also refer to a formal document that serves as evidence of ownership. Conveyance of the document may be required in order to transfer ownership in the property to another person. Title is distinct from possession, a right that often accompanies ownership but is not necessarily sufficient to prove it. In many cases, both possession and title may be transferred independently of each other. In the real estate industry in Antalya, the legal instrument used to transfer title is the deed. A famous rule is that a thief cannot convey good title, so title searches are routine (or highly recommended) for purchases of many types of expensive property (especially real estate). In several counties and municipalities in Antalya, a standard Title search (generally accompanied by title insurance) is required under the law as a part of ownership transfer.

REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYS / SOLICITORS IN ANTALYA

Whether you are moving house or want to find a better mortgage deal in Antalya, you need to appoint an attorney to look after your legal interests and ensure everything progresses to completion without a hitch.

Real Estate attorneys in Antalya represent homeowners, home buyers, home sellers, and landowners in a variety of transactions and disputes involving residential property — including home purchases, foreclosures, neighbor disputes, zoning compliance, land use, and much more.

In order to pass the title of a property, a deed with a proper description of the land must be executed and delivered. This is where you need an attorney. The state governments Tapu Office govern realty transactions by having passed statutes and common laws to regulate how titles pass from owner to owner. A lawyer in Antalya can help you with the day-to-day specifics of ownership transaction and other aspects and concerns you may have.

There are many different areas and aspects that lawyers handle, including: Agricultural Law, Buy Sell A Home, Commercial Property, Construction, Condemnation, Landlord / Tenant, Mortgage Matters, Zoning.

MORTGAGE SERVICES IN ANTALYA

If you need to finance the purchase of a house, home, condo, apartment, villas, or land in Antalya, Turkish-Property-World.com can help you as a qualified mortgage professional. They will search the market for a product that best suits you and offer advice on a range of mortgages, including exclusive products available through our mortgage advisors. The key to sourcing a good deal is having full access to the market. For that you need a broker, someone with experience and knowledge of the market in Antalya.

INVESTMENT PROPERTY IN ANTALYA

Real estate in Antalya that generates income or is otherwise intended for investment purposes rather than as a primary residence. It is common for investors in Antalya to own multiple pieces of real estate, one of which serves as a primary residence, while the others are used to generate rental income and profits through price appreciation. The tax implications for investment real estate in Antalya are often different than those for residential real estate. As for all property rental, the benefits of a buy-to-let house, home, condo, apartment or land in Antalya for the landlord can include a stable income from rental receipts, as well as an accumulation of wealth if house prices go up over time.

The main risk involves leveraged speculation where the landlord takes a loan to buy the property, with the expectation that the house can be sold later for a higher price, or that rental income will meet or exceed the cost of the loan. In the best outcome for the landlord, he will have benefitted from the use of the lending banks money indicating that he has allocated the capital more efficiently than professional investors could have done. If the landlord cannot meet the conditions of their mortgage repayments then the bank will seek to take possession of the property in Antalya and sell it to gain the loaned money. The broad popularity of buy-to-let investments in Antalya has made a large number of new landlords and is a component of a risk that forms a systemic threat to the banking system in Antalya.

BUYING FORECLOSURE / REPOSESSED / BANK OWNED PROPERTY IN ANTALYA

It’s no longer a secret that you can pay considerably less than fair market value for a home if it is in foreclosure in Antalya. Finding the right property, however, makes all the difference. A lender or government agency will foreclose on a property in Antalya if a homeowner is unable to make his or her mortgage payments on time. Because these organizations are not real estate brokers the property in Antalya usually goes to auction and is sold to the highest bidder to try and recoup as much money as possible. Often, the goal for these lenders is to just break even and get their money back.

Like most investments, however, there are risks to purchasing a foreclosure house, home, condo, or apartments at an auction in Antalya. Each state has different laws and procedures, which you must be mindful of before submitting a non-refundable down payment. We don’t want to see you get burned on a property because of a quirky loophole or lose your shirt because you didn’t inspect the property beforehand.

Buying foreclosures in Antalya has its drawbacks, but also offer big profits for buyers and investors. Lots of savvy home buyers want to hit the jackpot and buy that foreclosed house, home, condo, or apartment in Antalya, many of which are often under-priced. When banks price foreclosures under the comparable sales in Antalya, multiple offers or bids are often the response. This means you could be up against stiff competition for that bank-owned home.

MOVING / RELOCATION IN ANTALYA

Firstly, even before talking with a mover in Antalya, decide what household goods will be shipped and what will be sold or given away. Call or email the movers in Antalya you are considering for the job and ask for an estimate. Get involved in the estimating process and try to meet with the relocation consultant to survey your home and prepare a written estimate. Ask each prospective mover in Antalya how long his or her estimate is valid for and question whether the estimate is a binding or a non binding. Never accept an estimate over the phone and do not consider using a company that offers you this service. Check the reliability of the moving company in Antalya. inquire about the company’s complaint record and how these complaints were resolved. Ask your friends, family and neighbors for recommendations and advice on movers.

BUYING LAND IN ANTALYA

Land costs drop in the country. The further away from the city, the cheaper the acreage. Many people buy land because they want to build a custom home to their own specifications..
Factors to consider before buying land:

Zoning Requirements :
Check with local authorities in Antalya to determine zoning ordinances and whether you can build the type of home you want before committing to buying the land.

Utilities :
Water is important. Not all water is potable. Sometimes water rights don’t “run with the land,” which would mean you could not dig a well. It can be costly to bring electricity, telephone or cable services to the property if they are not already established nearby.

Appraisal :
In Antalya, It’s common to pay cash for land. If you’re not planning to finance the land purchase through a conventional lender, which will require a lender appraisal, then obtain your own appraisal to determine an appropriate price before making an offer. Comparable sales are sometimes difficult to find when buying land.

DEVELOPERS IN ANTALYA

In their most fundamental role, commercial real estate developers, serve as an intermediary between the construction companies that build the buildings and the businesses that use them. Developers in Antalya often help businesses that provide the optimum value in functionality, location and cost. They leverage their real estate and construction expertise as they coordinate with construction companies on behalf of the tenant businesses. In this way developers ensure that newly constructed spaces meet the client businesses’ needs. Real estate developers in Antalya are often property managers as well, and keep operations running smoothly by maintaining the facilities, allowing their tenants to focus on driving profits. By bridging the gap between builders and users, real estate developers pay an extremely important role in controlling unnecessary expenses and improving efficiency and effectiveness for all parties involved.

The most influential real estate development companies in Antalya go beyond this role. The best real estate developers in Antalya are visionaries, looking years – even decades – beyond today’s world to determine what buildings will be needed, and where. They imagine a commercial building, an industrial park or shopping mall, or even an entire commercial district in a currently undeveloped area by looking into the future and projecting what tomorrow’s businesses and consumers will need. At their finest, real estate developers in Antalya are entrepreneurs who seek out opportunity and drive it to reality, and in the process grow our communities and our nation. Tomorrow’s manufacturers, distributors, retailers and employers will have a home because today’s real estate developers had the daring and vision to foresee their needs.

BUYING PROPERTY OVERSEAS

The opportunity to purchase property more cheaply and easier overseas has lured many potential buyers to overseas locations. Choosing the right financial institution to finance your overseas property purchase could ultimately save you money and time. Some of the major banks and lenders for instance have overseas branches and partners so you can borrow against an overseas property and organize transactions and paperwork with ease. However, some banks and lenders will not accept an overseas turkish property as security.

FINANCE SOLUTIONS FOR OVERSEAS PROPERTY PURCHASE

If you are arranging finance to purchase a property overseas then you will have to take into account the exchange rate on currency transfers. Exchange rate fluctuations may result in gains and losses of around 10 per cent which will in turn impact on your purchase costs and the profit you would make on the sale of the property. Buying when the exchange rate is favorable would more than likely place you in a better position for any future sales of the property.

LAWS AND TAXATION FOR OVERSEAS PROPERTIES

The laws governing the sale and purchase of property particularly to foreign nationals will vary in every country. And if you are purchasing an investment Property in Turkey, you will need to ensure that you understand your legal obligations as a landlord. There may also be an array of taxation issues that need to be dealt with in your home country and the taxation office in the country where you intend to make the purchase.

CURRENCY TRANSFERS

If you are buying property overseas, whether as an investment, a holiday home or as part of a permanent relocation plan, you will probably have to pay for it using foreign currency. The cost of buying property overseas can be higher than in your home country; you may have to pay estate agent fees, for example, and higher legal fees. So it is even more important that you get the maximum amount of foreign currency possible. You will also want to protect your money against possible adverse exchange rate movements, which may mean that your home currency will buy less foreign currency.

When using a currency transfer institution make sure they can offer you the following services:

· Market expertise to get you the best exchange rate available, saving you money

· Fix an exchange rate today that will be valid up to two years in the future, so you will know exactly how much foreign currency you will get and that you can meet your property purchase commitments with no shortfall

· Use the most reliable international payment method available, ensuring that your funds are transferred as quickly and securely as possible

· Experienced staff who is accessible to you.

· Low or no receiving charges. Receiving charges deducted from your funds before arrival in the beneficiary account.

MOVING ABROAD

With the abundance of cheap global flights and the joy of the internet allowing us to explore the world from the comfort of our own home and dream about visiting far flung places, it seems that more and more of us are actually planning on moving abroad at least for a few years in a bid to broaden our horizons and experience different cultures and ways of life.

· Finding a Home

Getting accommodation sorted out will be a priority when you move abroad. Even if you’re expatriating for good, consider renting real estate before committing to purchase so you can learn about which locations are best and which best match your own personal property preferences. You can often find short term rentals over the internet before you go and these will allow you to have a base from which to begin a proper hunt for the perfect home.

· Keeping a Home

If you already own real estate in Antalya what are your plans for it while you’re away? Will you leave it empty, rent it out or even sell it. Your decisions may depend on whether your plans for a move abroad are temporary or permanent of course Turkey real estate is usually a great asset to hold on to, but keep in mind that whether you keep it or sell it will have a certain taxation implication, from income tax due on rent earned to capital gains tax due on a house sold.

VACATION HOMES IN ANTALYA

When buying a vacation home in Antalya you need to weigh the pros and cons of the second investment. A vacation home in Turkey is great to read about and dream of and maybe even invest in, but you have to do your homework and make sure it can turn into a profitable and enjoyable investment.

· You have to analyze whether you can afford the second home or vacation home in Antalya, especially if you only intend to spend a limited portion of the year occupying the premises.

· Vacation or second home owners in Antalya need to consider leverage on financial power, preset and negotiated terms set by the law, fraction ownership of the market cost, limited usage of rights to the property and regulatory approval.

· Buying a vacation home in Antalya for investment purposes can be a good decision. One great thing in this way of investing is that it may be a way to have an additional income for you and your family while you get to own a property for leisure as well.

· This is quite simple; first you need to purchase a vacation home that best suits your needs in Antalya. You will take out a mortgage and you will know how much money you will have to pay for it per month. Then you may rent out your vacation home in Antalya, where the payment for the rentals should be more than your monthly mortgage payment to gain profit.

· If your purchased vacation home in Antalya has great appeal, more people are willing to pay higher rentals and this will mean a bigger margin of profit for you. Also, you can live in your vacation home for free at times when it is vacant.

· If you can make enough money out of renting your vacation property in Antalya at a given period, then you will never have to pay mortgage using your own money since it becomes self liquidating. But be sure that you have enough money just in case your rentals fall.

· There are some investing tips to help you manage your vacation home in Antalya. One is for you to have a clear and achievable investment goal. You should ask yourself if owning a vacation home in Antalya contributes to your overall investment goal. You should also be willing to take on the accompanying risk and sacrifices for eventual financial success.

· Refine the investment target for your prospective vacation property purchase in Antalya if you cannot clearly state your goal. Lastly you should never allow your ego to outweigh an objective analysis concerning a vacation property investment, meaning you may like a particular vacation property in Antalya so much but remember that the purchase should be sensible, otherwise you may regret your acquisition. To be sure, you may ask real estate expert in Antalya to check on the property value.

· Investing in vacation properties in Antalya has many benefits and bad consequences as well. You should look forward to the day that you will pay it off. When this day comes, whatever rental payment you get from your renters, will go straight to your pocket and you can start another vacation property purchase. So why not start today and enjoy the benefits of a vacation home in Antalya. Go around and see what is available and check with you bank for a loan facility.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT IN ANTALYA

If you are an absentee owner the it is a sensible decision to hire a property manager to ensure the well keeping of your investment in Antalya. One important role of the property manager is that of liaison between the landlord and/or the management firm operating on the landlord’s behalf and tenant. Duties of property management in Antalya include accepting rent and, responding to and addressing maintenance issues.

The duties of the property manager in Antalya may also include managing the accounts and finances of the real estate properties, and participating in or initiating litigation with tenants, contractors and insurance agencies. Litigation is at times considered a separate function, set aside for trained attorneys in Antalya. Although a person will be responsible for this in his/her job description, there may be an attorney working under a property manager. Special attention is given to landlord/tenant law in Antalya and most commonly evictions, non-payment, harassment, reduction of pre-arranged services, and public nuisance are legal subjects that gain the most amount of attention from property managers. Therefore, it is a necessity that a property manager in Antalya be current with applicable municipal, county and state laws and practices.

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Lincoln Square 254


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Come tour the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago with Your Windy City Guide.

Come tour the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago with Your Windy City Guide.

You intend to buy a horse property and you probably plan to do breeding. Or maybe you just have a strong love for horses, like me. So it is best to know beforehand a few but important issues to enjoy a future life in common full of fun with these wonderful animals. After all, you and them are gonna live together for a long time.
In the case of horses houses or horse properties, the actual house where you are going to live is of course important. But you should pay a little more of extra attention to the placewhere your horses will be and the amenities the property should offer.

Keep in mind barn’s size

Size of the barn would be the main issue here. Does it have ample space for all your horses, tools and hay bales?
Are the compartiments for each horse comfortable enough? Ideally you will have a horse every 2 acres of pasture land.
Also keep in mind the location of the barn in relation to your house. Eg: is it next to where you will be living or across the road? Does this bother you at all?

Another important item: the water supply system

The basic water supply system has a creek and a well and also pipes to transport the water towards the barn and to water troughs.
But here comes a very important aspect: waste water and sewage. The dirty water from having washed your horses and the sewage system must be efficientely disposed according to local zoning regulations. Consult this with your local authorities and avoid serious legal claims.

The pastures

You need to carefully check if the pastures of the property are in good conditions. It would be a big investment to improve the existing grass if this suffers from a bad quality. Plus, a good maintenance of the land is essential, take into account that you will need a good water system supply in order to keep the grass growing and is high quality.

Access to the horse property itself

The roads should be well maintained for when the weather turns bad like a strong snow. This will prevent problems to carry items to the barn.  There should also exist a space for parking trailers and slopes for when bad weather approaches.
Just for the sake of your horses, it is not advisable to have a house on inclined terrain. This will only cause, in the long term, health problems for them, specially in their legs.

Legal permits for your horse property

Because horse properties are legally classified as a specific use make sure to have the mandatory permits that are needed for owning this kind of equestrian real estate. 

Once all the above items are checked and you are ready to make your new horse property, you can even start thinking about decorating your new home with fancy fences and appropriate theme furniture if you like!

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Exciting real estate investments in central Florida … yeah, I think I’m ready for that!


Image by Ed Yourdon
Note: this photo was published in an undated (Oct 2010) Everyblock NYC zipcodes blog titled "10025."

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Wikipedia informs usthat the 96th Street subway station, right across the street from my apartment building, "was part of the original IRT subway and opened on the inaugural date of October 27, 1904."

Though I sometimes feel quite old indeed, I can reassure you that I was not here to witness that inauguration. If I had been there, I’m sure I would have been amazed — for Wikipedia says that at the time, the station served as the "terminus" of express subway service. Adventurous pioneers who really wanted to venture into the wild frontier as far north as 145th Street (not quite as far as today’s Yankee Stadium) had to be content with the fact that the express trains turned into local trains for the rest of the journey north of 96th Street.

In any case, the station continued being used in its original form for quite a long time — until July 2006, when Manhattan Community Board 7 approved an million renovation of the station. The renovation was initially conceived as a response to the Americans with Disabilities Act, and it was planned as a more-or-less straightforward construction of an elevator on the east side, and the west side, of Broadway. But that turned out to be a dead-end; for while the elevators would have carried disabled riders two stories down below the street, they would still have had to climb up one flight of stairs to reach the track level. So a more elaborate plan was eventually developed, which involved constructing a train-station-themed central "headhouse" between 95th and 96th Street, in the median area between the uptown and downtown lanes of Broadway — with staircases and elevators leading directly to the track/platform below. And that required cooperation and approvals from both the Transportation Department and the Parks Department (which "owns" the median space between the uptown/downtown Broadway lanes) and god only knows how many other bureaucratic agencies….

I had just moved into the neighborhood when all of this began, and wasn’t really aware of what was going on. But it became evident in the fall of 2007, when construction began … I live on the 21st floor of a building diagonally across the street from the construction, so it became a daily ritual to observe the state of construction, and the progress (or apparent lack of progress) each morning when I got up to get my first cup of coffee. I knew that it was difficult for the architects and construction crews to carry out the project while the subway was still in full operation, but I didn’t realize just how much of a burden it was; just recently, one of the architects told me that the entire project could have been finished in half the time if they had had the luxury of shutting down the entire station while they were working on it.

Though it seemed forever, the construction is now on the verge of wrapping up, in the fall of 2010. The new headhouse opened on April 5th of this year, and the second of the two walkways from the 96th entrance was opened right around Labor Day. More importantly, there are now trees and plants and shrubbery along the east and west sides of the "plaza," though it will take another 10-15 years for the trees to really take root, spread their branches, and provide shade and cover for the whole area.

On a recent "guided tour" of the subway station, the architects told us that one of the "themes" of the design effort was to make the 96th station look like an old 19th-century train station; hence the curved archway motif. They also wanted to create a sense of "permanence"; hence the use of granite stones for the walls and the walkways. And they wanted to create a sense of transparency, so that the subway station would not be seen as a dark, solid obstacle separating the east side and west side of Broadway; hence the extensive use of windows and access to light.

The photos in this set come from three separate "visits" (that is, photographic visits; I "visit" the subway station almost every day to ride the train uptown or downtown). On one visit, on a sunny mid-day Saturday, I simply sat on one of the "stones" that provides a resting space for visitors and tourists, set my camera to wide-angle, and pointed it in the general direction of people walking by; of the 600 photos that I took, roughly 30 were worth uploading. On a second occasion, I participated in a guided tour of the renovated station, conducted by the architects and the artists who provided some wonderful artistic decoration inside the station. And on the third and final occasion, I sat on the concrete mini-wall at 96th Street, and took 400+ photos of people rushing in and out of the station, from which I was able to extract about 30 interesting "keepers" to upload…

There will probably be more photos in the future, as I return to take pictures of what’s going on; but hopefully this initial batch will give you an idea of the situation…

Folly Beach is one of the most affordable options for buying beach real estate in the Charleston area, and you will find a large selection of homes for sale in a wide range of prices.  I’ve organized some of the more popular condo and townhouse communities below by price so that you can get a good idea of what you can afford in your price range.

Under 0,000:  Mariners Cay is one of the most popular condo options in this price range.  These are townhouse-style homes are marshfront, and the gated community has amenities such as a marina and dock facilities, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.  Marsh Winds is also a good option, and it is located near Mariners Cay (just before you go over the bridge to the island).  These condo buildings have elevators, which is a plus especially if you plan to use the home for vacations.  There is also a swimming pool, and many of these condos have screened porches that overlook the marsh.  Pelican Pointe Villas is a little further out from the beach (located just across from the Piggly Wiggly grocery), but these are some of the newest (and most affordable) options for condos at Folly Beach.  These also have good marsh views as well as screened porches.  Pelican Pointe Villas also has a community pool.

0-600,000:  In addition to upgraded units in Mariners Cay, you’ll also see in this price range some newer townhouse options.  Back Bay has the newest townhouses available at Folly.  Turtle Bay has a pool as well as boat facilities.  Waters Edge town homes are set up more like houses that have been divided down the middle, meaning that all of these are end units.  Buyers generally like that these have more of a “house” feel to them with added privacy.  All three of these communities are located at the back of the island (the marsh side), so they’re only about a 6 block walk or bike ride to the beach.  Palmetto Pointe sits on its own little island within a few minutes’ drive outside of Folly Beach.  These two story condos have incredible views, nice upgrades, plenty of privacy, and good boat facilities.  All of the communities I have recommended in this price range have marshfront homes, but the listing price generally reflects a unit’s proximity to water (and views).  So, some of these may be directly marshfront, while others have more of a marsh view.

0-800,000:  Towards the upper part of this price range, you will start to find beachfront condos.  Many of these will be in the Charleston Oceanfront Villas, which has a pool and elevator.  This is an unbeatable location because these are about as close to the Folly Beach Pier and the downtown section of Folly as it gets.  Pavilion Watch also has a good selection of condos in these prices.  This community is located just across the street from the beach, and many of these have beach views.  Although Pavilion Watch is not beach front like Charleston Oceanfront Villas, you will find that they are more affordable options and have a comparable location otherwise (to downtown and to the pier).  Folly Creek Place is also a good option – especially if you want to avoid some of the traffic associated with living on the island.  These have marsh views on both sides of the townhouses (which is quite rare) and good dock facilities with boat lifts.  In this price range, you can also find nicer units in Palmetto Pointe and Waters Edge.

0,000+:  If you are looking to buy a home over 0K, I recommend houses rather than condos and townhouses.  Although it is possible to find houses for sale in the lower price ranges, they usually amount to little more than cement block cottages.  It is really only in the 0+ range that you can buy a good single family home – and one that can be used as a vacation rental to offset some of your costs.  On the other hand, you can certainly find condos and townhouses in this price range at Folly Beach.  However, know that if you buy one of these, you will be buying at the top of the condo and townhouse market.  As far as appreciation is concerned (and in addition to potential rental income), it simply makes a better investment to purchase a house rather than a condo or townhouse when you reach a certain price range.

A short intro on the facts about buying Real Estate in the Fiji Islands
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Lincoln Square 112


Image by darrowwest
Come tour the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago with Your Windy City Guide.

Come tour the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago with Your Windy City Guide.

Round Rock, Texas, conveniently located just north of Austin, is a superlative place to relocate. Whether you are looking for a fabulous place to live or whether you want a progressive place to super-charge your career, Round Rock has it all. Round Rock offers a highly educated workforce, a very business-friendly culture, and easy access to major corporations such as Dell, Inc., who choose to call Round Rock home. If you want to enjoy a superior lifestyle, Round Rock also offers quiet and clean residential streets, beautiful homes, outstanding schools, and a high standard of living.

Round Rock Means a High Quality of Life

While the most recent ACCRA Cost of Living analysis gives the nation an average index score of 100, Round Rock enjoys a low 89.5 score. You don’t have to be a statistician to realize that Round Rock boasts one of the lowest cost of living scores among the country’s high tech communities. What this means, quite simply, is that the standard of living in Round Rock remains high while the cost of living in the city is kept low, providing Round Rock residents with exceptional value.

Round Rock Means Excellent Housing

While you may have to shell out a minor fortune to enjoy a pleasant home in Austin, Round Rock housing costs are roughly 8% less than the housing costs in Austin. In addition to savings, home buyers in Round Rock enjoy outstanding quality and plenty of variety. The Round Rock real estate market supports a number of housing options, from mid-range homes to starter properties all the way to showcase luxury estates and even golf course communities. Whatever you are looking for, Round Rock can offer you a housing option you will be proud to call home. Plus, Round Rock is well planned so that many homes are close to schools, parks, and other amenities. Take a stroll down Round Rock’s tree-lined streets and meet some of the friendly neighbors and you are sure to see why so many home buyers covet beautiful Round Rock homes.

Round Rock Means Business

Round Rock is an excellent place to do business – and the city is always working to create a more pro-business atmosphere. Currently, more than 1/3 of Austin-Round Rock MSA residents 25 years of age or older hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, making this region the second most educated work force in the country. In addition to exemplary workers, Round Rock also boasts a robust and diverse economy that features light manufacturing, high tech companies and financial businesses. No matter what your industry, Round Rock can help you take your career to the next level.

Progressive Round Rock government works hard to keep business taxes low to encourage economic development. Tax breaks are readily available for many businesses, and, of course, Texas has no corporate or personal income tax. Unlike many other regions of the nation, Round Rock is proud to offer excellent living and unbeatable business opportunity. You can find it all right here in Round Rock.

Lion’s Gate Bridge


Image by JoeWorldTraveler
From Prospect Point. This is where I purchased a 8 dollar soybean burger, and couldn’t get a side salad to substitute for the fries. Gah. Oh, yes, pretty bridge. Lots of people live over there, including Hugh Jackman. The local tour guides must get a kickback from real estate agents.

So, you are looking for the perfect apartment in Manila. However, do you know where to get one? You have to make a plan. Here are some tips on how you can find the right apartment smooth and easy.

Make a list

Before you set out on your hunt, make a list of the things you expect in an apartment. Are you looking for hardwood floor apartments in Manila, studio type apartments or fully furnished units? Where do you want to live? Do you have a specific location? Are you looking for an apartment that is close to businesses, malls and schools or apartments in Manila located at the suburb areas?

This does not mean you really have to be specific, just set out priorities to make the search process easier.

Budget Range

There are many apartments in Manila that will surely fit your lifestyle, priorities and needs but not all of them can easily fit your pocket. So, determine how much you can afford. That means, having to factor in your expenses and determining if you can afford the lifestyle in a specific location.

If you are renting, do not choose an apartment that is way over your paycheck. Be sure that your paycheck will not only go to your rent. You need to have some extra cash for your other needs.

Search online

There is no doubt that the fastest way to find an apartment is through the internet. There are many real estate portals that feature a wide range of apartments in Manila. You can also make your renting or buying of apartment in Manila effective by partnering with Umbrella Online Real Estate.

Umbrella is the leading Philippine Real Estate firm which features thousands of apartments in Manila from affordable studio type units to luxurious fully furnished apartment units. You can check them out at http://www.umbrellaonline.com/.

Visiting the apartment and meeting the neighbors

This is the last and final step in looking for the right place you want to call home among apartments in Manila. Visit the apartment to see if there are still repairs you need to do before moving in and try to make a good impression with your future neighbor too!

noyé


Image by Gil Calmon
For the first time in the history of the Venice Biennale, two national pavilions will merge to present one single exhibition. The Danish Art Council‘s Committee for International Visual Arts and the Nordic Committee are honoured to announce that the artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset will curate both the Danish and the Nordic Pavilions at the Giardini, with a show titled ‘The Collectors’ stretching across the two neighbouring venues. Together with a selection of invited international artists, Elmgreen & Dragset will transform the existing architecture of the two pavilions into domestic settings, and invite the audience to be guests in a homely ambience. Here, dining rooms and bedrooms, furniture, fireplaces, a stained glass skylight and the artworks nestled within the households will reveal the uncanny stories of various fictional inhabitants, their obsessive characters and their diverse lifestyles.

The public will be guided on a tour by a real estate agent through a ‘For Sale’ Danish Pavilion, and will be told the story of the Ingmar Bergman-style family dramas that used to haunt this house. A long swimming pool will lead the visitors to the neighbouring Nordic Pavilion – a flamboyant bachelor’s pad. Inside they will encounter the domestic remnants of the mysterious Mister B, and be met by a group of young male hustlers sipping vodka tonics in an environment that could be a case study house motif taken from a David Hockney painting.

As the title of the show indicates, the curators will approach the topic of collecting, and the psychology behind the practice of expressing oneself through physical objects. Why do we gather items and surround ourselves with them in our every day lives? Which mechanisms of desire trigger our selection? The selected artworks, alongside the interior design, kitchenware, clothing and even a collection of flies, will compose the complex narratives of this double exhibition. Through the house décor and the collection of artworks, the garments in the wardrobes, the porcelain in the kitchen and the books in the library, the identities of the fictional inhabitants, their passions and melancholy, will emerge piece by piece.

‘The Collectors’ is not a group show in the conventional sense. The pavilions will undergo a radical reconstruction, and more than twenty artists and designers of all ages, ranging from established to emerging ones, will contribute to creating a different kind of exhibition format, one that will appear closer to a film set than a conventional art display. The curators aim to establish a unique atmosphere of intimacy with their staged exhibition – one that can run counter to the official spectacle and formal nature of the Biennale – and, in close collaboration with the participating artists and designers, they hope to circumvent all the usual competitive aspects of the larger art even

“Dripping Springs, Texas was established in 1853 by three local families. In the time since then, it has gone on to become one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas Hill Country, and is now popularly referred to as the “”Gateway to the Texas Hill Country”". It’s no wonder that more and more buyers are looking for Dripping Springs homes. This region of Texas simply offers unparalleled value, natural beauty, that old-fashioned family community, and a real history. Plus, Dripping Springs Real Estate hasn’t risen to the ridiculous home prices that’s a fact of life in so much of Texas Hill country. It is still possible to buy a reasonably affordable family home here, and enjoy all the wonder and beauty that this area of the state offers.

Dripping Springs homes also offer superlative value because they are located ideally close to some of the major attractions of the area. The city is only 15 miles outside of Austin. A quick trip on US Highway 290 West gets you to Austin, one of the cultural, artistic, and educational centers of the region. If you want to commute to Austin but don’t want to pay for the high property prices in the city, Dripping Springs real estate is an ideal choice because it allows you to have a haven outside the big city.

Dripping Springs homes are also attractive for many city slickers because the town has remained largely rural. There are number of ranches available and many people here raise exotic animals such as antelope, llamas, buffalo, as well as more traditional farm animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The small-town atmosphere and the wholesome country living make Dripping Springs real estate a true refuge for many people looking to escape the congestion, crime, and discomfort of city life.

At the same time, Dripping Springs homes aren’t remote, the way that many rural centers tend to be. Homeowners in the area have easy access to the services and retail centers they need, while families like the fact that the acclaimed Dripping Springs School District has its schools in the area.

Since the city was incorporated in 1981, over 100,000 ft.² of commercial and retail space has been built in the area. Recent plans to include large big box stores will mean that this city’s population of over 1600 will have even easier access to necessary services and products. Plus, all the recent development has meant that Dripping Springs real estate, more than ever, is a wise and valuable investment for the future. As more development occurs in the area, home prices will go up, making this an ideal time to buy.

Dripping Springs homes range widely, from newer built homes, to mature properties. Whether you want a ranch, single-family home, a rental property, or lots to build your own personalized custom home, Dripping Springs can deliver. You can even buy properties in one of the new master planned communities. These communities — which include Pulte’s Highpointe, The Preserve, and Beltera — offer stunning new homes, all the latest amenities, and a real community feel.”

Sky up and down


Image by Neil Armstrong2
Carson, CA
Rain overflow accumulates and is guided away from the city surface roads. This is usually empty as LA doesn’t get much rain. This amount of water is from less than 1" of rain over 10 hours ago. Imagine if we had 1 foot in a day…..bubble, bubble, gulp, gulp..

“South Austin real estate is among the most prized and valued real estate in the city of Austin. South Austin homes include everything from pre-World War II single-family homes to master planned developments which include large executive homes, to older properties and modern condos. Whether you’re looking for modern living or wish to find a mature property with lots of character, South Austin real estate can help you find what you’re looking for.

South Austin homes are in demand, partly because of their diversity. Here, you can find family homes and new developments that cater to the family, as well as condos that are perfect for executives and young professionals. There are also historic communities which are perfect for retirees or older families.

In addition to plenty of housing choices, South Austin real estate also offers a wonderful lifestyle and one of the most exciting communities in Texas. Austin has plenty to offer just about anyone. Home buyers who buy South Austin homes find themselves part of an eclectic community which is generally known as “”the oasis of Texas.”" South Austin consists of about one million people who come from a wide range of cultures and ethnic heritages. Here, you can sample foods, cultures, arts, and crafts from around the world in your own backyard.

Although South Austin is part of Austin, which is currently the second fastest growing community in the region, the community itself appears more close-knit and small-town than the large city would suggest. This area of Austin is filled with a vibrant mix of young people and highly educated and skilled workers. This area of Austin is also known for its arts and cultural heritage. Here, you will find art, artists, dancers, actors, and much more. Museums, live music shows, and street theater are part and parcel of living in this community. Many home buyers are attracted to South Austin real estate appreciate not only this rich cultural and artistic community, but also the fact that South Austin homes place them within reach of one of the most highly regarded school districts in the area. The Austin Independent School District has been awarded 14 National Blue Ribbons and five Texas State Blue Ribbon to commend its commitments to excellence in education. More than 76,000 students are part of the school district. In addition, South Austin also boasts St. Edward’s University and the Texas School for the Deaf.

Buying South Austin Real Estate places you on the doorstep of excellent dining, exciting cultural and live events, excellent education, and beautiful homes. If you want to live in a city that is thriving yet still offers friendliness and hospitality that Austin is known for, this area of Austin is sure to please. The small-town ambience and friendly attitude of many of the residents mean that it is quite common to find neighbors chatting with each other after dark or taking relaxing strolls along the many historic streets of this area of the city. South Austin homes provided superb value as well as a wonderful lifestyle that is sure to please.”

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The real estate around Camelback Mountain is impressive!


Image by Take A Hike Arizona

The location of your Miami commercial real estate, especially if it’s a retail space, is critically important. The profitability of your business will be useless if it is located in a humdrum area of the city. This is why checking out the property you’re planning to lease and studying its location is crucial for your marketing efforts. And to help you choose the right location for your retail property, here are some helpful considerations.

Nature of the business 

The nature of your business will most likely include the type of products or services you’re offering. This will also initially dictate the perfect location for the Miami commercial real estate property you’re looking for. Not all type of goods is suitable for every location. Specialty goods, for instance, are very hard to place since they demand a specific set of consumers. 

When it comes to selling your products or offering your services, you should also take into account easy access. Your shop must be easily accessible to your customers in order to help them make a purchase quickly. 

Type of customers 

You must also consider the customers you’re trying to reach when choosing the location of your Miami commercial real estate property. When visiting a specific location, don’t forget to do your research on the local demographics and the local demand for your product. You can easily do this by talking to other retailers in the area, going to the city or state’s chamber of commerce. Also, remember to keep in mind several contributing factors, including age, income and general preference. 

Visibility and traffic 

These two are two of the most important parts of commercial real estate leasing. How else can you attract potential buyers if you don’t choose a location that receives a significant amount of visit and traffic from the community? But you should also choose the right traffic. 

The best way to determine if the area receives enough traffic is to drive by it at different times of the day. It is also crucial for the area to be served by public transportation, and provide adequate parking for customers. And while you’re driving by, see to it if the property is indeed visible from various locations. 

Competition 

Other businesses in the area can help or hurt your own venture. So when choosing a Miami commercial real estate property, pay attention to its neighboring businesses and determine which of those can improve your business, return-of-investment wise, and which can pose potential dangers. 

Mark Michael Ferrer 
Miami Commercial Real Estate