Posts tagged: moving in dubai

Venetian Island homes are among the finest luxury real estate options that can be found within South Florida today. If you are looking for the opportunity to live within a waterfront home that is found within a first-class community within the region, you should definitely learn more about these outstanding real estate options and the actual community in which they are located.

The community in which Venetian Island homes are located is comprised of six man-made islands which include Biscayne Island, Di Lido Island, San Marino Island, San Marco Island, Belle Isle, and Rivo Alto Island – all of which are located between the city of Miami Beach and Miami proper which enables residents of the community to experience the best of both worlds.

Each of the islands are connected via the Venetian Causeway which is one of the leading primary areas which many of the community’s residents and visitors go to in order to go for a stroll, exercise, walk their pets, or simply gaze out at the beautiful surroundings.

All six man-made islands offer a selection of Venetian Island homes which are often waterfront properties that are set upon large lots of land with spacious backyards and boating docks. Being luxury real estate options found within South Florida, property buyers can also look forward to first-class facilities found right on the property which include swimming pools and other recreational options that a lot of people seek when looking for real estate properties.

Needless to say, the captivating views that the community has to offer stands out as being one of the main reasons why wealthy individuals are so inclined to purchase Venetian Island homes from today’s property market. Aside from the actual selection of beautifully designed and fully functional homes, many have come to find the grand splendor of the community’s surroundings to be truly worth their while, especially in the case of people who are looking to find the most peaceful community settings that are available within South Florida today.

Since Venetian Island homes are included in the luxury real estate sector of the local market, interested property buyers should keep in mind that the price range for these options can be relatively more expensive than usual properties. As of the second week of October 2012, the median sales price for luxury homes within the community was $5.05 million.

If you would like to find out more about the availability of options found within one of South Florida’s most amazing waterfront communities, you should contact a real estate agent that specializes in Venetian Islands real estate for more information.

For Sale by Owner

The toughening home market in Ontario is making it tough for real estate agents to sell any kind of real estate. Scotiabank has reported a slowdown in home resales in 2008 and prices have dropped. It is definitely a buyer’s market as economic growth has slowed, and people are looking to cut out realtor fees wherever possible.

FSBO.com’s home index recently revealed that on average, FSBO properties were on the market for just over three months and sold for 95% of the asking price. The average amount saved on real estate commissions totaled more than $10,000. That’s a big incentive to move to do-it-yourself real estate sales.

Not that it’s easy for homeowners to sell their homes without the assistance of a realtor. Finding the right buyer with the right price still requires some marketing savvy and a lot of work. The level of knowledge about home marketing has improved dramatically, some of it due to television shows and books that have proliferated on the topic of flipping properties. From remodelling to sales psychology, many people are able to prepare their home and show it to buyers.

Homesellers and buyers are finding that real estate deals can be made without having to pay realtor fees. The question of marketing though is an issue they struggle with. Without having the realtors listing service and an agent funnelling active buyers to their home, how do go about making contact with lots of buyers?

If you’re selling a cottage in Muskoka, Haliburton, or other rural Ontario towns, there may not be any street traffic so posting a sign on the lawn may not generate any serious offers. Other marketing and advertising vehicles will be needed.

Visibility on The Search Engines is Key to Selling Homes today

The Internet is critical to successful selling these days and it is in real estate as well. Search engines, do it yourself sites, and news sites all offer great visibility to homebuyers and sellers. Even the major real estate companies rely on Google to connect with buyers and sellers. The real estate companies draw significant traffic through Google from people interested in everything from real estate, to mortgages to for sale by owner listings. Fortunately, a few web sites show up at the top of the search listings and they are well visited. You definitely want to be advertising with these sites if the cost is sensible and if they will serve single homeowners. Some real estate Web sites won’t.

For Sale by Owner isn’t a new idea. Services to help sellers cut out expensive realtor fees have been around for some time. For these services to be successful, the companies Web site needs to show up in the search engine rankings. A few Home for sale by owner enterprises have their own print magazines which can extend reach into localized markets in small Ontario towns. When you combine that reach via print and via the Web search engines, the overall ability to connect buyers and sellers is strong. These services are often low priced and can help sellers save significantly on realtor commissions.

FSBO services often provide a package of services for a fee that may include a listing in print magazines, web site listings, and various documents along with signs for placement on street locations. Visibility is everything, and these packages may give you all the coverage and help you need to sell your home well. Some will even guarantee that you’ll sell your house or they’ll return the service fee.

Some of the documents include tips on how to prepare the house and stage it for viewing. Check out firms that offer For Sale By Owner listings. The low price may surprise you especially since they offer a very unique service that realtors do not want you to use.

Homeowners, and their real estate agents, are often confronted with many relevant decisions and/ or options. One of those is deciding when staging a home may be called for, and when it is might not be necessary. This is a balancing act, especially when utilizing the skills and expertise of a professional stager, because of the expenses/ costs involved. Therefore, the decision should not be taken lightly, because, for most, their house represents their single largest financial asset. In my over a decade, of being a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, in New York State, I have witnessed the amazing benefits, quality staging, has delivered, as well as realized, the circumstances, where staging was not worth the expense! This brief article will review 5 reasons, selling a house, might benefit from being staged.

1. Doesn’t show well: The reality is, some houses show far better, than others! Sometimes, the way it already is decorated, works well. Perhaps it only needs a little de – cluttering, or moving around. However, there may be instances, when certain rooms or areas, require a potential buyer to have a little imagination, which might benefit from staging. I once listed a lovely house, and was unable to stage it, initially, because there was a tenant in it. When the tenant moved out, and it was staged, it sold the first weekend!

2. Odd – sized or shaped rooms: Is there something about a particular room, which might make a potential buyer, have difficulty appreciating it? Is the size and/ or shape, a challenge? Then, it’s time to seek, at least some sort of partial staging!

3. Warm – up a space: Does the house have any spaces, which negatively impact, the beauty of the rest of the home? How might this space be transformed from a negative, to a positive, or at worst, neutral scenario? Some areas of a house, just need something, to warm – up, the space!

4. Buyers without imagination: Although wise buyers possess the imagination and talent, to visualize what might be, and prioritize what we refer to, as the bones, of a house, many do not have this quality! Staging is an important tool, to combat buyers without imagination!

5. Attract more buyers: The Realtor has done several Open Houses, and there have been a number of viewings, yet the house, hasn’t sold, and much of the feedback, speaks about some cosmetic feature of the property. Doesn’t it make sense, one might potentiate the possibilities, and attract more buyers, after professional staging!

Home staging is not for every situation, but is often, a valuable tool! Discuss this with your real estate agent.

1. Looking for houses and looking for apartments are two completely different animals and require different approaches. In apartments there is always another one available next week. In homes, each one is unique, and once leased it’s gone. That’s why being prepared is so especially important when you need a house. That’s particularly true in higher end or well located homes.

2. Remember, you can’t open the door to view the place without a REALTOR or the owner present. Thank goodness for the MLS (multiple listing service) which should be using to find you that perfect house. Pick the areas of town that you might want to live in and then search the database for available houses in your price range. You should eliminate about 80% of homes for one reason or another just by doing this. The remainder will be you and your realtors focus.

3. Unlike apartments, homes will require substantial deposits and they don’t accept checks or cash. They will want certified funds, (money order, cashiers check) so you may need to budget. Contrary to popular belief, most homes are owned by people like you and I and not big shot investors. They are looking for people who will pay on time and not tear the place up. Can you blame them! On the one hand, they can be picky, but unlike many apartments, they are often realistic in their expectations. Each landlord will have different requirements and as a rule the nicer the place the more closely they will look at your overall credit score. REALTORS must work with each individual landlords requirements, as well as comply with the law.

4. Very few REALTORS lease, mostly because the the commissions are so low and there’s so much more work involved when compared to leasing apartments or selling homes. So when you find one that does specialize in leasing they are an enormous an en in your search for a new home Please understand, They are not tour guides. It’s very important that you be prepared. Homes lease very fast, especially nice or well located properties It gets very competitive out there .So, when we look:

1. Have all parties (lease signers) to the property at the same time to look.

2. Have your funds ready and be prepared to make a decision.

When should I start looking

Remember, apartments and homes require different strategies. You should begin by studying the different houses available to you online no sooner than 30 days before you want to move. This will give you a feel for what’s available in a given area. BUT there is no point in looking because, unlike apartments, Landlords will not hold a home for you for more than a week or so. What you look at today will be long gone in a month. It is best to seriously consider places( to physically look) to rent only about two weeks before you intend to move Unless specifically stated for pre-lease, landlords usually take the first qualified applicant with the earliest move-in date. This is why you must be prepared with your deposits and you must be ready to make a decision. The vast overwhelming majority of people prefer living in a house or duplex over an apartment. That’s what makes it so competitive.

Management companies handle most of the properties and they are typically closed on week-ends. Of course you can look on week-ends but may not be able to do anything application wise. Sometimes, that’s a good thing, it gives you some breathing room to think. If you happen to be from out of town be sure and give yourself enough time.

Always have a backup “stuff happens” agents forget to remove the listing from the MLS, it gets leased sight unseen, the owner changes his mind about moving. Like I said,it’s not like looking at apartments. Again one more reason, being prepared is so vitally important.

What about my pets

Many people move into a home so there dog will have a yard. However ,many landlords don’t accept pets in their house. The MLS will usually spell out pet policies and the deposits normally run $300 to $500 . Sometimes they let you split it up. Typically they like smaller animals under 25lbs or so, but this can vary quite a bit. and because it’s so individualized, It may depend on your credit and of course a credible case by your agent. If you have a pet, it is pointless to look at homes that wont accept them. You do not want to tie up a grand or so of your cash and lose a week only to be denied because you failed to mention your dog.

Why you should use a REALTOR to find your next home.

1. While, It’s true, driving around looking at homes for lease or sale may be a national pastime, please understand, many of them are occupied. If the garage is closed and the drapes drawn, you may not be able to tell. Peering in someone’s bedroom window is usually a very bad idea and if they have a big dog… well…. I know I wouldn’t want to be on that bus.

2. You can’t open the door and if you call off the sign then your on yet,.. another agents schedule,( ” I’ll be right over, let me just pick up the kids at school and drop this movie off at Blockbuster”) It is infinitely easier and obviously smarter to have one dedicated person there and able to open each and every door today for you.

3. The MLS has virtually every property for lease in your city. By looking and doing your homework online beforehand and talking with your REALTOR you can eliminate 80% of properties that don’t work for you. That will save you hours of mindlessly driving around. and especially eliminate the problem of missing the street where the perfect house for you is located .

The system a realtor uses to find you the perfect home is sound, efficient, and will save you a lot of time, money and frustration. Plus it’s fun and interesting! However, it requires a whole lot of work on the realtors part. Please be considerate of your REALTOR. They work on commission only.

If your house has been on the market for many months without receiving any offers, what might be the problem? Of course when the economy is down, houses do not move as quickly. But right now the housing market seems to be coming back. Many houses are moving quite quickly. If you are frustrated by the lack of interest shown in your house, perhaps you should consider the following suggestions.

Is your house competitively priced? Today many houses are selling quickly because prices are still down and interest rates are at an all time low. This is not a good time to be asking more for your house than its true market value. Buyers have many house options and most couples will not overpay for a house — even yours!

How do you know if your home is priced fairly? The method used by most real estate agents is to compare your house with similar homes that were sold in your neighborhood. It is important not to compare apples with oranges. If your house is a ranch you cannot compare it to a two story home. Comparable houses should have approximately the same square footage and lot size, the same number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and should be approximately the same age and construction.

Oftentimes the homes that sold did so for a range of prices. For instance, your agent may tell you one house sold for $200,000, while another sold for $250,000. When that happens you should look at the two homes and compare other features. For instance, the higher priced house may have had an updated kitchen with new appliances, new hardwood floors and perhaps a finished basement.

The lower priced house may have had none of those. You may think you can automatically price your house at the high end of the price range. If your house has all the same new features you probably can. However, if your house is more like the lower priced house, then you need to face reality.

Should you make improvements on your home to bring up the price? Yes and no. You don’t want to spend $50,000 on a new kitchen and a finished basement if all you are going to get back is your initial investment. However, there are improvements you can make that offer you a good return.

Curb appeal is very important. Make sure your lawn is in tip top shape and it is mowed and edged. Flower beds should be weed free and freshly mulched. Bushes and hedges should be trimmed and no debris should be found in the yard.

Fresh paint is an inexpensive improvement, but will make a big difference. Also, make sure you deep clean hour house from top to bottom. If for some reason you are not able to do this, spend a few hundred dollars and have professionals come in and thoroughly clean everything.

If your house is priced right, and everything is sparkling, fresh and clean, your house will sell. Before you get frustrated and do something rash, follow these few simple suggestions and then watch all of the new interest as potential buyers view your home.

The direct impact of financial crisis on mortgage industry, it is observed that there are so many foreclosures and reduced price homes are available in the present real estate market. These Foreclosure homes and low priced homes are available to the world. However, the vacation homes surrounding the Disney and Orlando are the hottest one in the real estate market. This is the great time to invest on these vacation homes because you can purchase these homes at reduced price now, after some years it will give good returns on your investment.

Everyone would like to purchase vacation home in this Disney area, because of the tourist in this area is still flooding, when it comes to accommodation, their first choice is these homes. There are so many hotels and motels are in this are, they are too much expensive for a common man. However, the privacy is more important when you are visiting this place. These Orlando homes will definitely protect your privacy and comfort of your home. Especially, these homes are offering personalized swimming pool, rooms for indoor games, latest technology made Televisions and the best furniture for your needs.

And the important one is the kitchen;the facilities in this kitchen will save you money instead of eating in restaurants. So everybody would like to eat in the kitchen. And also it is the best place for home gathering.

There are so many varieties are available in vacation homes like Davenport and Orlando homes and many more for your needs. These homes are placed in minutes away from all the major attractions like Disney theme parks and many more. Due to the present situations, these homes are in very high demand and lot of competition. However, you can purchase these Orlando homes with the help of esteemed real estate agent in this Florida city. You can select the best home depending upon your size of the family.

There are some well established, experienced real estate real estate agents are available in this city. With their professional service, so many people are interested to purchase these Orlando homes at low prices. However, if you want to know more information, you need to visit their web site. From that web site, you can obtain valuable information and daily listing, foreclosures and Multiple listing services.

Everyone who wants to buy a home wants to get a good deal. This can often be accomplished by looking at HUD-owned homes. There are many HUD homes for sale in Georgia.

What is a HUD home?

• HUD homes are properties that were insured by FHA (the Federal Housing Administration) and the owner could no longer make payments on the property (due to medical issues, job loss or other factors).
• The lender can file a claim with FHA for the balance due on the mortgage and then conveys title to HUD.
• HUD homes are one to four unit residences and are found in nearly every county in Georgia.

POINT ONE: In order to purchase a HUD home in Georgia, investors or owner-occupant buyers must work with a HUD-registered real estate agent. However, buyers may search the database of homes available with HUD by going to their website. A HUD-registered agent is required to make an offer in Georgia. Each home has a list price and an as-is price. The as-is price is the value shown by the FHA appraiser. The list price is the price that HUD is asking for the property. Sometimes these two prices are the same, but many times the home is listed at less than its current appraised value.

POINT TWO: In Georgia, a HUD registered agent will show you the property, assist you in coming up with a good offer and submit the offer through the online HUD bidding system. Offers are not made on the traditional Georgia contract, but rather on the HUD electronic bidding system. The contract is a basic one page form, but how your offer is structured makes a big difference in whether it is accepted or not.

POINT THREE: All HUD homes are sold as is in Georgia, but HUD does recommend that buyers get an independent home inspection done before purchasing any property. Most of the time, HUD will not make any repairs to the home, so you should take any required repairs into consideration before making an offer. This way, you can factor these items into your offer price. Always get a home inspection!

POINT FOUR: Most HUD closings happen within 45-60 days of the contract being accepted. HUD gives a priority to owner-occupant buyers, however there are many HUD homes that are available for investor buyers as well.

POINT FIVE: For an owner-occupant buyer who is obtaining FHA financing, there is a special program available currently (2009) allowing the buyer to put down only $100. Since there are no longer “zero down” mortgages available, putting only $100 down is the next best thing. There are also special programs for buyers who are teachers, firemen and policemen. Georgia buyers have a lot of great options when purchasing a HUD home!

POINT SIX: Some properties may need work done to them to be insurable for FHA financing, and sometimes HUD offers an escrow account to complete these repairs after closing. HUD typically provides a 15-25 page Property Conditions Report to the buyer which outlines the condition of the property as determined by an inspector hired by HUD’s 3rd party vendor in Atlanta (currently PEMCO).

The process of buying a HUD home is a very streamlined process that can be completed without a lot of hassles. It is essential to work with an experienced Georgia HUD registered agent who understands how the process works and can meet the required deadlines.

A small home can pack a super-sized punch when it comes to reducing a house’s environmental footprint. Energy-efficient, sustainable homes tend to be smaller homes, which inherently have less square footage inside and less acreage outside. The inside costs less to heat, cool and light, leading to less energy consumption, and a minimal-sized lawn-if any-needs minimal maintenance, reducing emissions and contributing to a much healthier environment. But there’s more to a “green home” than meets the eye.

A green home does not need to look as if it was built for the year 2100. In fact, many green homes look, from the outside, like other homes going up in new subdivisions. But on the inside and some unseen places on the outside, these abodes are unusual. Features such as rainwater capturing systems, a roof designed for solar installation, carpeting made of recycled materials, and wind power are just a few ways that a house is built with the environment in mind.

The greenest of the green are residential homes built to be certified to the highest standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Conforming to the standards provided by the U.S. Department of Energy Building America Program, LEED has long been used for commercial and government buildings, but home certification is a relatively new phenomenon. One way that a green home is defined is its rating as being at least 40 percent more energy efficient than standard-code homes.

For the pure sake of building cost, smaller homes are the most likely to be built as “green” homes. Many of the systems that are constructed as eco-friendly are not cheap, and the fewer solar panels and the smaller self-sustaining heating and cooling systems equate to a smaller build-out budget. The elements that make a home a green home have dropped in cost over the past several years, but constructing a basic LEED-certified house still runs about $3,500 more than it would cost to build a regular house. The highest-level LEED-certified home costs about $29,000 more. The smaller the home, the less expensive the process. The same concept applies to existing-home renovations or “greening up” an older home.

One example of a company that successfully merges the concepts of “green” and “small” is seen with Tumbleweed Tiny House Company founded by Jay Shafer. Shafer started building small homes out of his concern about the impact a larger house has on the environment. More than 10 years later, these “tiny” portable homes not only minimize square footage, but the green homes are fully insulated with double-pane windows and an adequate heater.

More and more homebuilders are greening the American Dream. It is suggested to verify a builder’s credentials by asking for their ANSI-approved ICC-700-2008 National Green Building Standard certification (see http://www.nahbgreen.org for more information). Check out these builders online:

Atlas Home Contractors, atlashomecontractorsinc.com
BPC Green Builders, bpcgreenbuilders.com
Castalia Homes, castaliahomes.com
Dominion Homes, dominionhomes.com
Grady O Grady, gradyogrady.com
Integrity Builders, homesbyintegrity.com
Jurenka Custom Homes, jurenka.com
Ondra Home Building, ondrahomebuilding.com
RC Green Builders, rcgreenbuildersaz.com
Summit Custom Homes, summitcustomhomeskc.com
Zero Energy, zeroenergyllc.com

To install or not to install?

This question is at the forefront of debates concerning the management of nursing homes. At present, the issue of whether or not to put security cameras in nursing homes and where these should be placed is extremely controversial and is far from resolved.

Merits of Installing Security Cameras in Nursing Homes

The most important argument in favor of security cameras is their deterrent value against abuse and substandard care. These security cameras have been given the moniker “granny cams” and are said to be a positive step in reducing the potential for elderly abuse. Experts believe that granny cameras could singlehandedly restore public confidence in nursing homes because they give family members instant access to recently stored footage. They can, thus, closely monitor the well-being of their parents or grandparents.

Security cameras retail for at least $630 and may go up as high as $1,590. On top of this, there is a $20 monthly fee for accessing the server and another $10 monthly to upload images via a data-only line.

Drawbacks of Installing Security Cameras in Nursing Homes

Not surprisingly, the strongest opposition to the use of granny cams comes from the industry itself. Nursing-home operators and staff consider video surveillance a needless invasion of privacy. They fear that security cameras would make it so much harder to retain good staff and attract new ones. Moreover, they believe that use of security cameras will compromise a patient’s dignity, particularly when bathroom and bathing activities are filmed and then reviewed by security. Another argument used is the additional expense. After all, a nursing home would need not just one, but several, security cameras distributed in strategic places throughout the nursing home.

The Debate Continues

While not trifling, however, the costs of purchasing the equipment and the installation expense are comparable to the cost of updating housekeeping, food, or recreation services. This means that the purchase and installation of security cameras should be treated as necessary an overhead cost as staff salaries, for example.

Additionally, experts believe that security cameras help nursing home operators minimize their legal responsibility should an employee or a nursing home resident be found guilty of abusive behavior. By having digitally captured evidence on hand, nursing home owners can thereby reduce unnecessary and groundless litigation.

At present, a dozen state legislatures are actively considering passing the granny-cam legislation. Existing laws mandate that an operator must inform the staff ahead of time of the presence of cameras and their respective placements. Otherwise, video surveillance may be considered illegal. There are no law expressly prohibit the use of security cameras. What prevents their wide use, however, are practical barriers in the form of pricing and vehement opposition from the nursing-home industry.

So, to install or not to install security cameras?

Nursing-home operators vehemently answer “no” while experts openly advocate their mandatory use. If you are a nursing-home owner, the added institutional cost would mostly likely make you cringe. If you are one of the many in search of a nursing home for a loved one, your answer to this question should dictate your choice of nursing homes. However, do not make it your only consideration. Check the facility’s history of deficiencies and citations from formal regulatory inspections.

It will be very difficult for this controversy to be resolved speedily because it is an issue that hits too close to home. It simply is not possible to put a price on safety, or negotiate dignity.

For a more cozy and warm ambiance while on a vacation, try to rent vacation homes instead of lodging in hotels. Whether you will be travelling with the whole family or travelling alone, whether you will be travelling for pleasure or for business, vacation homes can make you feel more comfortable and at home. If you are a newbie in renting vacation homes, here are some tips that you might want to follow.

Plan as early as possible.

Once you have decided where to go and what to do, jumpstart your search for a vacation home to rent. Avoid last minute reservations since they will cost you more and may strain your budget. If possible, plan and make a reservation as early as six months from your vacation date.

Look around and ask for referrals.

In these days, you can rely on the internet to look for vacation homes to rent. There will be a lot of online postings of homes that you can rent from different places. Aside from this, you will also be able to read feedbacks from previous clients. This will give you an idea about how good (or bad) the accommodation is.

If possible, try to look for a house to rent with a good locale. Although this may cost much, at least you are getting the best from what you paid for. You can also try to ask from your friends or neighbours if they can refer a good vacation house to rent.

Read and understand the contract before signing.

The contract is an agreement between the home owner and you, which would include details like who pays for the bills for the utility, phone and cable. Also, this would include who will be responsible for housekeeping. There are those home owners that have regular cleaners come by to take care of the house, while some would leave this responsibility to the renters.

Take note of the important details as well such as the furniture and basic facilities inside the house such as the heating system or air conditioning system. Get the contact number of the owner so you can contact him immediately for urgent concerns.

Document the area upon arrival.

This may take some effort from you, but it may save you from problems in the future. Upon arrival, take a photograph or video the area, especially in areas where there is damage so you can avoid argument upon checking out. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Check and recheck before checking out.

Before giving back the place to the home owner, walk around the area with him to ensure that everything is where it is supposed to be. Run through the bills that you have paid to avoid confusion or paying for them twice. Through this, you can assure the home owner that you have taken good care of his property.

Renting vacation homes for starters may be handful, but through careful planning and early booking, problems can be avoided. Nobody wants to be stressed out while on a vacation.