Sunday, 29 September 2013

Fountainwood Homes For Sale and Real Estate in Georgetown, Texas

Features of Fountainwood Homes

Oak trees and country views surround homes in Fountainwood real estate. 5-car garages, pool rooms, fire pits, gas stoves, double ovens, crown molding, covered back patios, plantation shutters, and large rooms are just some of the many features of homes in Fountainwood real estate. The average home in Fountainwood community is on a one-acre lot, has a backyard that opens up to Lake Georgetown, and is priced at $120 per square feet. Homes in Fountainwood sell for somewhere between the 200s and 500s, making them a relatively affordable subdivision. 78633 is the zip code for homes in Fountainwood, in Georgetown, Texas. Highways such as I-35 and 195 easily connect to Fountainwood community homes.

Fountainwood Real Estate

Since its major growth, Georgetown now has several shopping centers and restaurants. Baskin Robbins, Applebee's, Monument Café, Café on the Green, Catfish Parlour, Plaka Greek Café, and IHOP are tasty places for residents of Fountainwood real estate homes to eat at. Sally Beauty Supply, Sephora, Best Buy, Petsmart, Office Depot, Sprint, Mercedes Benz, and the Candle Factory are close by these homes as well. HEB features fresh produce, fast lines, and a wide selection of food. Residents of these homes are only a few minutes from HEB! Round Rock Premium Outlets, Thousand Oaks, Georgetown Antique Mall, and Williamsburg Village Center are a short drive away from homes in these homes.

Fountainwood Homes for Sale

The city of Georgetown has grown over the years into a great place that can now provide for every need of its residents. Residents here can enjoy a relaxing day at Lake Georgetown by simply walking outside. At the lake they can fish, boat, swim, and picnic. Jim Hogg Park is off of the lake and offers boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic tables. Cowan Creek Golf Course is close by for golf lovers of those living in these homes to enjoy. Parks like Russell Park are also close to homes in this community.

Georgetown Real Estate

Georgetown Independent School District serves over 10,400 students in the Williamson County area. This is a great school district for your children to attend school. There are 16 schools in GISD. Students of homes in this community attend Jo Ann Ford ES, Douglas Benold MS, and Georgetown HS. Georgetown is close to growing cities like Austin, Leander, Round Rock, Lake Travis, and Pflugerville, where colleges and universities are rampant.

Saturday, 28 September 2013

Magnetic Promotional Calendars and Real Estate - Why They Work So Well Together

Realtors and Real Estate agencies nationwide are struggling in today's economy. The industry is down approximately 50 percent. Do you know what that means? It means that half of the people are still buying and selling homes and properties. The challenge that you as a Realtor have, is to draw those buyers and sellers to you instead of your competition. Advertising is the answer. "How can I justify the expense of advertising in this dry spell?" The answer is "How can you NOT justify it?" If people don't know you are there, they aren't going to pick you as their agent.

But There Is More

Since many other agents will unwisely cut back on their advertising budgets, you will have less competition. Your advertising message now has a greater chance of being seen by potential customers. Think of this extreme example. If every other agency stopped their marketing campaign, but you continued, you would be the only game in town. Obviously the other agencies might get repeat business from previous customers, but that would happen regardless of the economy and whether or not you had a marketing campaign in progress.

It Does Not Take A Lot Of Money

One of the most successful marketing strategies for Realtors is the calendar. The magnetic calendars are, of course, the most popular. They are inexpensive and effective. Depending on how much of your budget you elect to invest, you can get magnetic promotional calendars for less than 30 cents each. The beauty of a calendar is that they last for a long time. A year, actually. People use calendars on a daily basis, and each time they do, they see your information. It's not like those "in your face" TV ads or the obnoxious radio spots that get played over and over (for thousands of dollars a month, I might add) that do more to annoy than they do to promote. The exposures they provide are more subtle, but no less effective. They provide a subliminal message that kicks into gear when the person decides to buy or sell. "Honey! Get the phone number of that Realtors off of the calendar that's stuck on the fridge, will you?"

Magnetic Is Best

There are lots of calendar types, but the magnetic calendars have proven to be the ones that are seen the most. That's the whole idea of a promotional product, right? Desk calendars get covered up, wallet calendars are seen only by the wallet's owner, and wall calendars are often relegated to a spot that is out of the way due to their size. The magnetic calendar ends up on the fridge at home, the metal cabinets in the workplace break room, on a mechanic's toolbox, on the cash register at the local pizza place, or on computer cases in the office. There, they get seen by many people who are all potential customers.

Find a reliable source of magnetic promotional calendars and start attracting all of those buyers and sellers who are looking for an agent to represent them.

Friday, 27 September 2013

Changing Careers From Home Office Real Estate Agent to Internet Millionaire

I can show you how to turn your home office into an internet money maker and help you market your real estate office as well.

Real estate agents working from home that have fallen prey to the down-turn in the market may already have the expertise to have their own on-line business. You can start a new business with the expertise you have learned or used, in having a home based real estate office.

The concept of working from home, was brought on by a number of things. Number one was probably the high cost of renting your own office, either on your own or from the Broker. With the advent of the computer age, agents found that much of the "legwork" was now being done by computers, so why not set up an office at home and reduce your costs. You could pretty much do all your work from home, and customers would not be able tell, nor would they care!. Thus the Home office was now an accepted practice.

Tax advantages are significant when you have a home office. Home office entrepreneurs are able to write off many things that they use on a daily basis at home. There are many books and online sites that outline these tax advantages.

Unfortunately the down-turn in has forced many agents to look for another career or something to supplement their dwindling incomes from the real estate bust.

The Good News is that if you are a home-based business owner or agent, you already have the basic knowledge and tools to become your own inter-net marketing guru.

1. You know that your computer is your best partner
2. you probably have used videos to market your properties and yourself
3. you know some tax advantages
4. you know that you have to work at your business to be successful, and only you can do that

With the right support structure in place, on-line marketing can be a huge moneymaker. If you have the desire to succeed and use some of the expertise you already have, then the sky is the limit. I can introduce you to the most structured inter-net business available. You do not have to be a real estate person to use this business, but your background can surely help.

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

A Skill All Sellers and Real Estate Agents Should Master

I read articles and hear of difficulties real estate agents have on selling homes. Many of the complaints are regarding the home inspection findings for when the buyer requests a lot of items repaired or improved and in regards to appraisals and if the appraisal showed any issues. It has amazes me sometimes at how poorly some people react to difficulties. Here are some tips to help agents get over these situations.

I hear agents make this statement of something similar to this occasionally at the home inspection so I am certain it goes on many locations. I hear them state "There will be nothing found of concern at the home inspection". This sets up unrealistic expectations and sets up the buyer for shock and disappointment for when items are found.

Every home has issues. Issues range some a few small items to large number of concerns. The concerns can also be minor or more major issues that will be expensive to correct. What every real estate agent needs to be able to do is to let the buyer know that things will be found at the home that they may want to have repaired or improved upon.

The old phrase: "To be forewarned is to be forearmed" is very true. People who know that something is going to found or that something is going to occur is better mentally prepared to deal with it appropriately than those who without warning hear of a concern. Agents, sellers and buyers should all expect there to be concerns. This will prevent disappointment and more stress. It should be in every agents mind that they should forewarn others to avoid large disappointments and unnecessary stress.

The presentation of the home inspection report is also a skill that agents should master. When an agent presents or discusses a home inspection report with the buyer that agent needs to be calm. If the agent is nervous or upset that sends signals to the buyer that are not desirable.

I had a home buying client of mine change real estate agents and select a different home to buy because the real estate agent was nervous about a water leak near the furnace. The buyer felt the uneasiness from the agent and thought that the agent may be hiding something. The buyer backed out of the deal.

Buyers need to be fully informed of the condition of the home they are considering to purchase. Agents that recommend thorough home inspectors and are able to present and discuss the home inspection report are far better able to close sales and create increased trust. With these factors those agents will close more sales and earn more referrals.

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

401K and Real Estate Investing - A Simple Wealth Strategy

Here's a simple wealth strategy you can easily implement by using your IRA or 401K and real estate investing.

Step One- Roll your funds into a self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account)

The first thing you need to do in order to combine your IRA or 401K and real estate investing is to roll your available funds over into a self-directed IRA. This is nothing more than a regular IRA account administrated by a company that allows you to determine specifically how and where the money is invested.

A Self-directed IRA, also known as a Checkbook IRA, allows your funds to be placed into a checking account, giving you far more flexibility and "liquidity" than with typical retirement accounts. You can then use the funds by simply writing a check, combining your IRA or 401K and real estate investing.

There are several sources and providers of self directed IRA accounts. Use online search resources for assistance in locating them. One such company, highly respected for combining your IRA 401K and real estate investing, is Equity Trust Company.

Step Two- Determine your investing criteria

Before you start using your IRA or 401K and real estate investing together, it's important to think through your investing criteria. What kind of real estate investor do you want to be? Do you have the temperament and financial resources to hold and rent property, or are you better suited to quick-turn real estate? Does rehabbing suit you, or are pretty houses more in keeping with your skills and abilities?

These are vitally important questions, and the time to ask and answer them is before you start using your IRA or 401K and real estate investing.

There are lots of online resources for helping you make these kinds of decisions. I've written another article that can help you determine which type of investing is right for you. You can find it at Best Income Opportunities.

Once you've determined the type of investing you're suited for, you'll know what types of properties fit that criteria, and you'll be ready to start using your IRA or 401K and real estate investing.

Step Three- Locate a property that fits your investing criteria

Now is the time to hunt for properties that fit the investing criteria you've established for yourself. When you're just beginning real estate investing. I would stick to single family homes and small multi-units (1-5 units). Leave the larger apartments and commercial properties until after you've gotten your feet wet in IRA / 401K and real estate investing.

Find and work with a good Realtor who can help you locate properties that work for you. Look for value in your real estate investing... in other words, buy for well under retail. Buying value is the secret to success in this business, and builds instant equity.

Step Four - Let your Account Administrator walk you through the first few transactions

The companies that administrate self directed IRA accounts know their business well. They have a vested interest in helping you succeed with IRA or 401k and real estate investing. Make use of their expertise and let them hold your hand through the first few purchases you make. They will help you avoid landmines you would never see otherwise.

You will need to follow the specific rules for IRA or 401K and real estate investing, and one of those rule is that all monies paid related to your property must come from the self-directed account. That means that every expense, no matter how small, must be written out of your self-directed IRA checkbook. Also, the property must be bought, sold, and held under the self-directed IRA.

You can see from these two examples that the rules can be complicated, although not so complicated that you should let it stop you from investigating this exciting and lucrative investing niche. After all, by combining your IRA or 401K and real estate investing, you can watch your nest egg grow exponentially, while avoiding the tax man's big bite.

That's it... four simple steps to building wealth using the incredibly powerful combination of your IRA or 401K and real estate investing. As it says on the shampoo bottle in your tub... lather, rinse, repeat!

Now, go make more offers!

Monday, 23 September 2013

5 Steps to Your Dream Home Using Real Estate Property Listings

Real estate property listings are a great tool that you can use to browse all of the homes on the market in your neighborhood. But what should you do once a particular property or perhaps a few properties have caught your attention? What is needed to transform a picture in the paper into the home that you drive home to every night? The following 5 steps will help you turn a listing into your home:

1. As you probably already know first hand, some properties that seem ideal in listings fall terribly short in person. So, the first step that you need to take is to actually drive by the homes that have caught your attention in real estate property listings. Scratch off the ones you don't like.

2. Once you have zeroed in on a couple of properties, you will need to set up appointments to see them and ask questions. Keep in mind that you don't always have to deal with the agent on the sign in the front yard. Your agent can show you all of the houses you want to see regardless of who represents them.

3. Make a reasonable offer. Again, your agent will help you with this.

4. Next, you will need to arrange for inspections. Your agent will probably take care of all of this for you while you focus on financing. But you will have to make decisions regarding the results of the inspections.

5. After everything is in place, you can close on the property and move in. This usually happens about 30 days after you place an offer. If someone is living in the home, you may have to wait a little while before you take possession of the property.

Real estate property listings can tell you a lot about a property, but they serve only to introduce you to the homes for sale in your area. If you want to purchase a home that caught your eye in a listing, you will have to follow the above steps.

Sunday, 22 September 2013

You and Real Estate Investing

Investing in real estate is one of the greatest ways to spend your hard-earned savings. Although some people might tell you that you have just doomed yourself by doing such a move, many experts would probably applaud and praise you for your decision. It is because according to them, now is the perfect time to try real estate investing or REI.

Because of the recent housing bubble and the ongoing economic recession, prices of real estate have gone down significantly. Although such a scenario paints an ugly picture of the country's current financial status, it provides investors with the opportunity to obtain great and nice-looking investment properties at very affordable prices. So if you want to get your hands on such lovely but inexpensive houses, then you should invest in real estate now.

There are three common ways to invest in real estate. The first method is by flipping houses. Flipping is the act of buying and quickly selling properties for profit. Investors usually purchase undervalued houses before selling them at a slightly marked up price. Contrary to what some people, believe, this type of REI is not against the law. Flipping is considered illegal only when it involves mortgage fraud or when an investor colludes with appraisers to inflate a property's market value.

As the name implies, rehabbing homes if the process of buying and fixing up a distressed house before selling it at a higher price. While most rehabbers hire contractors to help them renovate a property, there are some who carry out the repair job on their own.

Such a move, however, is considered risky by some investors because you can't entirely be sure that the buyer will be satisfied with the amount of effort you put on the property's repairs.

The third method is to wholesale houses. Wholesaling in the real estate business is basically the process of placing a property under contract and then selling the said contract to a third party.

According to many wholesalers, this type of REI is risk-free. Because you're not really buying a property, you don't need to have cash on hand or obtain loans. Thus, you don't have to worry about losing money in this business.