http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/before-buying-a-house-in-california.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/before-buying-a-house-in-california.html Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
1. Selecting a real estate agent- If you select the right real estate agent to help you buy, you have done half the job. A good real estate agent will guide you through the entire process of home buying, particularly the financial ones and will make the experience much easier for you. An agent is well- acquainted with all the important things you will want to know such as the neighbour hood, safety, the quality of schools etc. of a particular place you may be considering. And the best part is- you don’t have to pay the agent anything, the seller has to make the payment.

2. Inspecting the home-It is always a good idea to hire an independent professional home inspection service before you buy a house in CA. It is a visual examination of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems inside the house by a professional. This includes a general home inspection such as roof, termite, foundation, drainage, walls, windows, doors etc.


3. Disclosure statement- California law says that a seller should provide the buyer the complete real estate transfer disclosure statement before selling a house. This lists many features about the house, the land, the area where the house is located. This statement must disclose the structural defects or other problems about plumbing, electrical etc., if any.

4. Know about RESPA-The US department of Housing and Urban Development administers several regulatory programs to ensure equity and efficiency in the sale of housing. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) protects buyers by mandating a series of disclosures that prevent unethical practices by mortgage companies and provides information about real estate settlement services to the buyers.


5. Types of loan-There are different types of loans to choose such as fixed rate, adjustable rate, balloon payment, negative amortization. Here you need the help of your real estate agent.

6. Closing costs-In CA, you can expect to pay for the following charges, called closing costs at the time of purchase of your home.
a. loan origination fee
b. processing fee
c. appraisal fee
d. document preparation fee
e. closing fee
f. title insurance

7. Assistance program for first time homebuyers-Although many people can afford a mortgage payment and associated costs, the thought of coming up with a substantial down payment often restrict them from buying. Charity organizations and federal institutions are there to assist them.


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American Agent Online is the pioneer of Online Real Estate Agent Chat Services. You can visit our site and chat with any number of agents registered in a zip code. This article is issued in public interest.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-laws-in-florida.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-laws-in-florida.html Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500
1. No Discrimination in housing: It is against Florida law to discriminate in the sale, rental, financing or provision of real estate brokerage service in the appraisal of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin or family status. Persons who believe they may have been discriminated against one of the above factors should contact the Florida commission on Human Rights to determine if they are eligible to file a complaint under the Florida Fair Housing Act.
2. Records of Deeds: In Florida, real estate records are kept in each county. It is important that new buyers must record their deeds at the public record office, located in each county courthouse. Recording a deed gives notice to the whole country that a particular piece of property has been sold.
3. Tenancy in Common: In Florida, tenancy in common is a form of co-ownership. They share the right to possess, sell or encumber the property. Unlike joint tenants, tenants in common do not have the right of survivorship. If one of the owner dies, his/her interest will be transferred to their heirs.
4. Joint tenancy:In Florida, although it is a common way for a husband and wife to own a property, there is no requirement that joint tenants be married to one another. Each individual owner in joint tenancy has a right to sell, encumber and possess the entire property. When one joint tenant dies, his/her interest in the property is automatically transferred to the remaining joint tenants. This transfer of ownership is known as right of survivorship.


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American Agent Online is the pioneer of Online Real Estate Agent Chat Services. You can visit our site and chat with any number of agents registered in a zip code. This article is issued in public interest.




Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/ask-your-real-estate-agent-these-questions.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/ask-your-real-estate-agent-these-questions.html Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
There are certain key issues you should discuss with your agent before considering.

How much experience do you have in this business -This does not mean that new agents are not valuable. What matters most is their training. In fact, freshly licensed agents have more time for you to concentrate.

What will be your strategy for my needs-Buyers should expect their agent to have a plan to help them find their right house within a stipulated period. They expect their agent to have good information about each property and every thing related to it like professionals who will be helpful in inspection and financing. Sellers, on the other hand, expect their agents to sell their house in a good price.

Can you provide any references-Before deciding on any agent, you must ask to provide references. Even new agents have references from the previous employers.

Do you have enough time to devote for me-If the agent is working with several buyers at a time, it will be difficult for him/her to devote much time for you. The success of your transaction depends on regular communication.

How will you help me getting other professionals-Your agent should be able to provide professionals like mortgage brokers, lenders, and home inspectors.

What will be your price-Generally, real estate agents charge a percentage from either the seller or buyer, they represent. A listing agent may charge more.

What happens if I am not satisfied with your services-If, after a certain period, I realise you are not good enough for my needs, will you cancel the agreement? What is your company’s policy about cancelled agreements?

Last, but not the least, why you think I am going to choose you-A good agent will not hesitate to answer this. Most customers want their agents to be good communicators, honest, punctual and friendly.

Once you have found the right real estate agent to represent you, help him get you the best deal.



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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-websites-virtual-tours-and-its-importance.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-websites-virtual-tours-and-its-importance.html Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Virtual tour can also contain ‘hotspots’, which when clicked provide either textual information or a link to your website. A virtual tour can have a single panorama, several linked together through hotspots. They can be used on websites, CD-ROMs or multimedia kiosks.

Virtual tours are used extensively in real estate industry. It allows a user to view a property or a house from different angles while he/she is on-line. Currently various industries use such technology for marketing their product or service. Some websites even allow their visitors to navigate virtual tours by clicking on maps or floor plan. You can move easily between rooms and obtain an overall picture of the property.

Currently, real estate agents and brokers use virtual tour in their websites to make it popular and attractive. They use it as a marketing tool. A real estate website should be filled with content, which is relevant to homebuyers, sellers, and images, which will help visitors to visualize. Properties with virtual tour in the internet have been proven to increase visitors, driving sales and attracting more vendors to their door.

As we all know the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’, so is virtual tour. It provides the customer with a complete view rather than segments. Virtual tours can help you sell your property quickly and easily by giving the property the maximum exposure.

Virtual tour saves time of prospective buyers. A buyer can take a look of the property from the comfort and convenience of his or her own home. 24 hours a day, without the time, cost, and inconvenience of travelling-a buyer can surf the net.

By transforming the photographic image from a flat, two-dimensional world to a 360-degree virtual reality view, virtual tours allow the visitors to explore the property online as if they were there.

Benefits-
1. Give your customer more complete visual information
2. Make your property standout in a competitive online market.
3. Increase your customer’s confidence in your property.
4. Saves time.
5. Hassle-free, no need to interact with non-buyers.



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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/know-these-before-buying-a-house-in-california.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/know-these-before-buying-a-house-in-california.html Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
1. Budgeting-Budgeting for a CA home is the first most important step. There is no point wasting time and energy in house hunting before you know what you can afford. Therefore, the first step is to assess your finances.

2. Get pre-qualified for loan-Banks, mortgage lenders finance loans and mortgage brokers process them. Fill-up an application with all documents, and see how much you will get as loan and what is the processing cost. Compare and bargain between different mortgage brokers.

3. Consult your lender, if you have a bad credit-Your lender is able to advise you, whether your credit history will prevent you from qualifying for a loan or not and what are the alternatives.

4. Different mortgage types-With so many options available for CA mortgage loan types, it is important to determine if you are a risk taker or prefer more stability in financial dealings.

5. Down payment-It varies with the type of loan you are taking. Many down payment programs exist in CA. Consult your lender for assistance.

6. Closing costs-It varies from transaction to transaction, from area to area. These are the charges for services related to the closing of your real estate transaction. These include escrow fees, property tax, homeowners insurance, loan originating fees, title policy insurance etc. You can get a loan for financing the closing costs.

7. Mortgage interest rate-As you start shopping for a home loan, CA mortgage interest rates will become an important factor in your new home’s affordability. If rates are high, it is wise to take an adjustable rate of interest, since subsequent rate drops will reduce your monthly payments. If rate of interest is low, take a fixed rate to protect yourself against the possibility of rising.

8. Special programs for low/moderate income homebuyers-These loans are available through private lenders, as well as local and state housing agencies in CA.

9. Government loans-Apart from conventional loans, this includes Federal Housing Administration (FHA) fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans and Veterans Administration (VA) fixed rate mortgage loan.

10. Points-A point is a loan origination fee or commission. Some lenders charge lower interest rate with high points. Compare between various lenders while shopping home.

Before you make your mind to buy a house in CA, go with these points in detail to avoid inconveniences later.



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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/buy-and-sell-real-estate-agent-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/buy-and-sell-real-estate-agent-online.html Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
So what is the biggest benefit of hiring a real estate agent online? Before you can answer to this question, you need to consider whether you are a buyer or a seller. If you are buying a home, the biggest benefit of working with an agent is their experience. They not only have the experience of helping you find properties in your desired area, but they also have the experience of negotiating. On the other hand, the service of an agent for a seller includes finding potential buyers, marketing, negotiations, closing procedures and much more.

A recent survey reported that most property buyers now prefer to search property online with online real estate agents. It is less stressful and takes less time. You can find and compare real estate agents, research home values, and view homes for sale online. Here the process is very simple. Simply submit your profile telling whether your house is for sale or you wish to buy one. The online real estate agents will submit their proposals to help you sell or buy a home. Then it will be easier for you to choose one. Your selected agent or broker then help you market your home for sale to get top dollar or help you find homes for sale. This is the best way to be in touch with world’s virtual real estate market through online real estate agents.



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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/issues-in-real-estate.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/issues-in-real-estate.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
What affects all real estate markets together are the interest rates. There is no single barometer to measure the entire housing industry in US.

So, while statistics calculations and economic factors are relevant, equally important is using one’s common sense. We must keep our eyes wide open and take a look around and see what is happening. Talking to real estate agents, investors and lenders in a particular area can be a big help to access a market.

These are certain issues one must consider while dealing in real estate.

One major issue facing corporate real estate managers is how to effectively manage the real estate assets in the current market environment.

Secondly, real estate agents provide information about utilities, zoning, schools etc. But two common issues a buyer faces while buying are-
i. Will the property provide the right environment we want for a home?
ii. Will the property have a good resale value when we are ready to sell?

Another important issue that any buyer/investor faces is the legal issue. Real estate laws vary from state to state. One must consult an attorney licensed to practice law in the state in which the property is located.

At times, the property a buyer is seeking is available but not properly advertised. It may take you some time and effort to search for and locate the right property.

The important issue of finance. We must know our financial reserves plus our borrowing capacity. If we know about our current savings, income and debt, then we can take help from lenders; banks and mortgage companies, which offer some choices according to your financial capability.

In America, some real estate association and commissions have sponsored regulation that require all real estate brokers to provide a minimum level of services which forces sellers to buy services they do not want or need.

There is the issue of rebates on transaction fees. Some states in America allow rebates of commissions or fees on real estate transactions but some states have legislated regulations which prohibit rebates.

Next is the issue of consumer participation. The consumer federation of America released a study that real estate boards and commissions are dominated by real estate practitioners and they recommended greater participation by consumers; which is opposed by practitioners – this works against the interest of ordinary buyers and sellers.

Last but not the least, a lot of hoopla has been floating around in the news media about the ‘bubble’ theory of real estate and that the real estate market is going to burst – this may have a psychological impact on the potential buyer or seller.


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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-professionals-in-california.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-professionals-in-california.html Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Generally, real estate professionals in CA include real estate agents, realtors, mortgage broker, and mortgage lender. Buyers and sellers more often need them at the time of buying or selling.

1. Real Estate Agents
A Real estate agent is either a person or an organization whose business is to market real estate on behalf of clients. There are buyer’s agent, seller’s agent and dual agents who work for both seller and buyer. Their main function is to look for suitable houses, negotiate price and terms on behalf of both, and prepare a standard purchase or selling contract.

2. Realtors
They work with their customers to define their needs and identify suitable alternatives. They are the total real estate solution providers starting with identifying the property to closing the deal.

3. Mortgage Broker
These professionals have specialized in the entire loan processes and help their customers in getting the best loan to fit their needs. They are either companies or individuals who work closely with mortgage lenders to provide a wide variety of loan schemes to their customers. They act as a mediator between mortgage lender and customer. They are ready to assist you with your lending needs. They will help you through the process and requirements-from home inspection to insurance.

4. Mortgage Lender
They are the companies who actually finance the loan to the customers through the brokers. In the past, lenders were almost banks and saving& loan associations. Due to their limited options in lending, many different types of lenders have joined in this field. Today, most mortgage bankers act as wholesale lenders. They offer loans at a lower rate of interest than banks. Mortgage brokers deal with these lending institutions that have wholesale loan department for their customers.

Hence, it is a team work of all agents, realtors, brokers and lenders to provide better service to their customers. By effectively using their own resources, they can co-ordinate with each other.


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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-agent-in-texas.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/real-estate-agent-in-texas.html Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Texas is a very big state, nearly 900 miles from east to west, with dramatic diverse landscapes and over 500 cities to explore. This remarkable state is organized into seven regions, each with its own Texan personality. Texas real estate comprises of Texas homesites, farm and ranch properties, riverfront properties on the Colorado River, fine custom homes and commercial properties in different counties inside Texas.

People who are involved in active buying and selling of real estate properties to earn commission are realtors or real estate agents. There are many real estate agents working inside Texas to help people in buying, selling or relocating a home.

A good agent will first listen to your needs, desires, and will help you find a dream home. Customer satisfaction will be their first priority. They will also help the customer to sell their home for top dollar and in a timely manner. Again, if someone is moving to Texas, the agent will assist him/her in collecting the information; they need and make their transition as smooth as possible.

Role of a real estate agent in Texas;

1. Help you find the right community
2. Negotiate on your behalf
3. Schedule inspections, closings, and document review
4. Ensure all deadlines are met
5. Provide consultation services during transaction

Unless specifically contracted, all real estate agents in Texas are seller’s representatives, since the seller pays the commission and the selling agent is acting on behalf of the listing broker. Many present themselves as buyer’s agent, but there is no legal relationship unless a specific contract is signed between buyer and the real estate agent. There are many licensed real estate agents in Texas. If you want to purchase a home and wish to use an agent, then you can hire an agent to represent your interests. That makes him a buyer’s agent.

In Texas, second home sales have been increasing over the last few years with more people becoming second homeowners. Over 40 percent of homes sold were second homes. Healthy rise in home prices have contributed to this development in the second home market. With the help of real estate agent, who have a proper knowledge of these kinds of properties, you can relax a bit. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, the professional real estate agent you select, always plays an important role. Therefore, a real estate agent is one of the most useful resources for a real estate investor.


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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/should-i-choose-a-real-estate-agent-or-a-realtor.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/should-i-choose-a-real-estate-agent-or-a-realtor.html Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
What Is The Difference Between An “Agent” and a “Realtor?”
The words ‘real estate agent’ and ‘realtor’ are used interchangeably but there is actually a difference between the two. A real estate agent is salesperson licensed by the state, and given legal permission to represent consumers in the sale of, or purchase of homes on the open real estate market.
A Realtor is a real estate professional who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) - a key supporting real estate organization. The NAR offers ongoing education, legal information, contractual updates, information on governmental regulations affecting the real estate industry, etc. Realtors might consist of appraisers, property managers, loan officers, and brokers. Therefore, not all Realtors are real estate agents.

Is One Better Than The Other?
Some Realtors have lots of success in helping consumers, while some Agents struggle to satisfy their clients. At the same time, many Agents can be extremely efficient, while some Realtors can find themselves unsuccessful. Association with any national organization can’t guarantee anything. Some people prefer Realtors because they have a preference due to the national accreditation of NAR. Also, all Realtors must comply with the standard set by NAR, which in part gives the client some additional assurance of ethical conduct.

What Are The Qualities Of A Great Real Estate Professional?
It’s important that you select a qualified agent that you feel comfortable working with. Choose a person who has worked with someone you know, or a person who has a positive reputation within the community. A high quality real estate professional will make your transaction as smooth as possible and be forthcoming and honest about the details. That person will ask you questions, listen to your answers and recognize what you’d like to accomplish. Then will guide you towards obtaining your goal in a strategic, organized and successful way.


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Richard H. Brazil, Jr. wears many hats; Broker, Agent, Businessman, Mentor... Inventor. Being a part of the Real Estate Industry for 20 years, Brazil has seen technology evolve and grow exponentially over the years. In April 2007 he filed a patent, and founded the American Agent Online Corporation a breakthrough technology that enables customers locate and chat with real estate agents LIVE in Real Time.Click here to check out.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>