Investor Report: Scarlet Letters Feb 8, 2008
The upshot: Even if you're intentionally buying real estate in a soft market because prices have dropped and look attractive for the long term, you may have to pay a new penalty -- 5 percent more up front -- just to get into the game. Published: February 8, 2008. (RealtyTimes)
Credit Repair Eases Home Buying Feb 8, 2008
REALTOR Magazine Online: The real estate professional's business support tool. YOUR INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE REALTOR.ORG/realtormag. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Consumer confidence down, report says Feb 5, 2008
Residents in South Carolina and Georgia are the most positive about buying real estate with 54 percent and 44 percent respectively saying it's a good time; and residents in Florida and Virginia are the most negative with 65 percent and 57 percent respectively saying it's a bad time to buy real estate. Job security remains strong in the Southeast, although down from levels seen in the first half of the year. (Rockmart Journal, GA)
Early birds could get property worm Jan 26, 2008
All at once, the recovery story stacks up, said Mike Prew, analyst at Lehman Brothers, adding that equity investors were seeing a cheaper way into property by buying real estate investment trusts at deep discounts. Mr Prew points to the three per cent stake the Singaporean government recently built in British Land as an example. (FT.com -- Markets)
Ready to take over the family business Jan 24, 2008
An accountant and lawyer by training, Greg started buying real estate for Applebee's restaurants when Marcus Corp. was in that business. In recent years, he's played a key role in major transactions including the sale of Baymont Inns and the acquisition of theaters from. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Not So Fast: Soap Gets in Your Eyes Jan 16, 2008
Because we perceived credit to be cheap, we took on more debt than we would ordinarily, buying real estate and expanding existing home equity through additions and renovations. Now we tell ourselves nervously that the Imelda Marcos--sized shoe closet and basement ice-hockey rink really did add to the value of the house, as we scan the horizon for any trace of a potential buyer. (FastCompany)
How a credit crunch may hurt the world economy Jan 10, 2008
The old watchword in buying real estate is "location, location, location." But troubles in the US housing market have rippled outward to become a problem without borders. Now the health of banks has become one of the biggest financial uncertainties for 2008. (Christian Science Monitor)
* Hsieh unveils policy on housing Jan 8, 2008
Slamming Taipei City's real estate policy, Hsieh said the bubble would burst when investors from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong stopped buying real estate in the capital. He proposed that the government release state-owned land for the construction of public housing to be rented to people above 25 years of age. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
China's anti-graft war puts punishment, prevention on equal footing Jan 5, 2008
These include many imaginative and lucrative arrangements that don't necessarily involve a pile of cash changing hands: accepting financial instruments as gifts; buying real estate or cars at artificially low prices; laundering bribes by gambling; doing favors in return for their own post-retirement jobs, and seeking gains through specially-related persons. The regulations then led to a judicial explanation that has helped convict officials who take disguised bribes. (Xinhuanet, China)
Former Thai Prime Minister Faces Arrest Dec 27, 2007
His wife Pojamarn is accused of illegally buying real estate from a government agency effectively controlled by her husband. The military-appointed government that succeeded Thaksin launched several investigations into his alleged corruption and have frozen millions of dollars of his family's assets. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Centro sell-off nears Dec 25, 2007
It is understood potential buyers will be interested in buying real estate funds operated by Centro, rather than underlying assets. First on the block could be the company's 50 per cent holdings in its $2. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
Owner of closet-building co. has New York style Dec 20, 2007
Avena finished school in 1981, moved to New York City and started bartending, acting and buying real estate. "At one point I probably owned 25 properties, and then I would bartend at night and audition during the day," said Avena. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Confidence in Newfoundland sets off home buying binge Dec 18, 2007
Clearly people see there's opportunity here, and people buying real estate believe there's something of substance happening, Mr. Wells said. Many recent home buyers are Newfoundlanders returning home from Alberta, Ms. Brophy said. (Globe and Mail -- National)
China's toddler tycoons Dec 4, 2007
"The basic rule is that a person who is over 18 years old is considered an adult capable of making adult decisions, such as trading in stocks or buying real estate," Ma said. "Anyone aged between 10 and 18 is considered a minor who can engage in certain civil activities suitable for his age and intelligence. For example, if a baby inherited a house from his grandparents and if he has a stable income when he is 16, he then has the rights for the disposal of the housing. Anyone under 10 years old... (Asia Times Online)
U.S. Buyout Kings Bet on China Nov 28, 2007
From buying real estate to financing technology firms to partnering with Chinese investors, some private-equity managers say, quite simply, that China is the future. With its economy expanding at four times the rate of that of the United States and with four times as many people, China has enough potential for explosive growth that it could dominate the investment scene for the next century, they say. (Yahoo News -- China)
The root of the matter Nov 2, 2007
If I didn t need the money, I d certainly be spending my time doing something I really love, like traveling, going back to school (again), working with the community, buying real estate and businesses, and leaving a legacy of wealth for my future generations. By 2CPTG. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
What Do I Invest In? Oct 30, 2007
Real Estate My No. 1 reason for buying real estate is my favorite pair of words, cash flow. My basic rule is to find a property where the monthly rent is greater than the monthly mortgage plus the monthly expenses. (Entrepreneur)
Sanity-Saving Rules for New Landlords Oct 27, 2007
"That does happen, but it's extremely rare. You should be buying real estate with the idea that you're going to hold it for five to 10 years. That will take you through a cycle of up and down.". Source: Boston Globe, Shira Springer (10/21/07). (Realtor Magazine Online)
Become a Landlord (Without Losing Your Shirt) Oct 22, 2007
"Anybody who buys something and says to you, 'I'm going to make a ton of money in two years and sell this thing' isn't being realistic. That does happen, but it's extremely rare. You should be buying real estate with the idea that you're going to hold it for five to 10 years. That will take you through a cycle of up and down.". Haddad ventured into the investment-property business in 1999, during a booming rental market in the Boston area. (Boston Globe)
Reply raises $4.5 million Oct 3, 2007
San Ramon-based Reply sells advertising aimed at customers who come to its Web site for information about buying real estate or cars. It was founded in 2001 and is led by Chairman and CEO Payam Zamani. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
Gone from frocks to real estate Sep 27, 2007
Gerry explained: "She's a compulsive buyer. That's her problem. Katie's selling shares because she's been buying real estate.". He explained how true love works in retail land: "When I first met her, we went to Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. That's the place to go when you're a star. That's where you go and get your outfits and you look better than anyone else. And she goes waltzing down the street - this is 20 years or more ago - and she goes, 'Darling, there's this shop and this lovely sales... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Vroom, Vroom Sep 27, 2007
0 on buying real estate: Yes, the national housing market is collapsing, but 10 cities may have bottomed out. The Associated Press on the penny: The one-cent coin will get a makeover in 2009 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Lincoln penny. (SmartMoney)
Real estate blogger taps into bursting market bubble Sep 25, 2007
Like many of the site's participants, Christiansen eschews buying real estate. Instead, the mental health counselor owns a mobile home on a rented site. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Stimson has buyer for Bonner houses Sep 22, 2007
ve been buying real estate since I was 18 years old, Cooney said. m a big believer in Missoula-area real estate. (Missoulian, MT)
The Next Attorney General, and the Next Sep 22, 2007
It's like buying real estate online. You may think you can trust the seller, but ultimately it's up to him whether your property sits on a beach or a toxic waste dump. (Human Events Online)
Victim 'female version of me,' accused murderer testifies Sep 12, 2007
How he became a millionaire early in his career by buying real estate. That he never really wanted to move to Richmond Hill, comparing it to "the Ozarks.". (Toronto Star)
Is Now The Time to Rent? Sep 7, 2007
" The problem with this analysis, as with all economic projections, is that we don't actually know what will happen in the future. Moreover, as the Times observes, counting on price appreciation has been a very good bet in the past few years in most metro areas -- whether it will also be a good bet in the next few years is unknown. If you look at many high-priced areas you can see that renting -- on the basis of today's costs -- is far cheaper than buying. For instance, in my area a $450,000... (RealtyTimes)
Credit woes pound some income trusts Aug 27, 2007
Pension funds have been interested in buying real estate assets, and that is expected to continue, he said. Because he also looks for high-quality business trusts with strong balance sheets, and growth in sales, profit and cash flow, he was recently buying units of Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund and Teranet Income Fund. (Globe and Mail)
more reader opinions Aug 5, 2007
Editor - The misfortune of the families speaks to the need for potential home buyers to educate themselves about the complexities of buying real estate ("Living the American nightmare," July 29). Purchasing a home is the single biggest transaction that most families will undertake and the significance of this should not be taken lightly. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Internet domain names return hefty profits Aug 1, 2007
Think of domain names "as analogous to buying spectrum in the wireless world or channels on television or buying real estate," said David Liu, managing director of Jefferies Broadview in Silicon Valley. Mike Zapolin and Andrew Miller, founders of Internet Real Estate Group, got into the domain business in 1998, buying beer. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
It's right in front of your eyes Aug 1, 2007
We have seen a big push of Europeans purchasing property in New York and other parts of the east coast as well as an increasing number of Canadians and Chinese buying real estate on the west coast ... We have seen a big push of Europeans purchasing property in New York and other parts of the east coast as well as an increasing number of Canadians and Chinese buying real estate on the west coast. (Townhall.com)
Online domain name game yields real profits for virtual brokers Jul 30, 2007
Think of domain names "as analogous to buying spectrum in the wireless world or channels on television or buying real estate," said David Liu, managing director of Jefferies Broadview in Silicon Valley. Mike "Zappy" Zapolin and Andrew Miller, founders of Internet Real Estate Group, got into the domain business in 1998, buying for $80,000 from a young man in Colorado, who they said used the website to post photos of inebriated people vomiting. (Boston Globe -- Business)
More > Jul 16, 2007
Much like the watchword in selling or buying real estate, Contreras' problems all center on location, location, location. "I need to work a little bit harder in the bullpen about location," said Contreras, after slipping to 5-11 for the season with a 5. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Situs spreading its wings Jul 14, 2007
The Delhi office will provide asset management services for clients with investments throughout India while the Berlin office will offer financial due diligence services to equity participants and investment banks as well as asset management services for firms buying real estate in Europe. The Situs teams in Tokyo, Los Angeles and Atlanta will primarily be focused on loan underwriting and real estate consulting services for undisclosed investment banking clients, according to Ralph Howard, chief... (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Billion-dollar bank Jul 11, 2007
"This transaction gives Amegy three branches that were already existing and up-and-running. There's no time lag and expenses associated with starting a de novo branch, finding branch locations and buying real estate or negotiating a lease," Thompson says. William "Tex" Gross, CEO of SAMCO Capital, agrees, adding that the transaction gives Amegy "an entrance into the good San Antonio market.". (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Is Housing In A Rapidly Appreciating City A Good Buy? Jul 9, 2007
Any time you think of buying real estate, think long term, buy for location and keep your home in great condition, and you'll be fine no matter what the market does. Published: July 9, 2007. (RealtyTimes)
Israeli company buys into Las Vegas Jul 2, 2007
Israeli property companies have been buying real estate abroad, seeking new sources of revenue. Last month, the Israeli tycoons Nochi Dankner and Yitzhak Tshuva agreed to develop a Las Vegas hotel and casino complex for between $6 billion and $8 billion. (International Herald Tribune -- Business Asia)
Monsieur Camembert Jun 23, 2007
Buying real estate is not the only time you can be gazumped. In 2004, Yaron Hallis, leader of Sydney's Monsieur Camembert, conceived of a show with Leonard Cohen material. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Matt Krantz on stocks Jun 14, 2007
Three important things: E T F - USATODAY.com. ASK MATT ABOUT STOCKS. (USA Today -- Money)
Don't believe the gloomy hype about real estate Jun 9, 2007
Unless one has a high tolerance for risky speculative investing, the "get-rich-quick" mentality should be avoided when buying real estate no matter where you are considering making the purchase. The North County San Diego homeowners market, on the other hand, is much easier to read precisely because it is a less volatile, low-risk environment that historically has been consistently favorable for medium- to long-term investors. (North County Times)
Facts about housing belie "good news" Jun 8, 2007
One notable reason may be the notion that buying real estate is a good investment. Developers, media and some scholars tell people housing prices will soar. (Xinhuanet, China)
Real Estate Sky Won't Fall: Here's Why Jun 7, 2007
Buying real estate isn't inherently risky. But it isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, either. (RealtyTimes)
'Pendulum has swung': Home investors get back into stocks Jun 6, 2007
By Matt Krantz, USA TODAY Buying real estate seemed a no-brainer five years ago. Cheap loans were easy to get. (USA Today -- Money)
Behind the TV networks' fall decisions May 20, 2007
5 million viewers and didn't make the top 50 he told the New York Daily News this week that it's "one of the most successful shows ever on television." Wouldn't that make you nervous buying real estate from this guy. Reader Reaction These discussions and our forums are not moderated. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
The boys are back in town May 11, 2007
"Angland's earnings are held in trust but he said: "I'll look at buying real estate so I don't waste it. "As for weight, Parr is the one constantly battling the bulge but says, "I enjoy riding so much it helps you do it"."If you are dirty about getting out of bed every morning, your weight goes through the roof," Parr said. "It would be nearly impossible, but if you enjoy it, it helps out a lot. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
False Affordability Can Undermine Home Ownership May 8, 2007
Knowledge is power when buying real estate. Leverage the knowledge and experience of real estate professionals who offer their services to ensure your home is truly affordable. (RealtyTimes)
Israeli company buys Times building May 1, 2007
Israeli property companies have been buying real estate abroad, seeking new sources of revenue. Last month Africa Israel said it became a 50 percent partner in the purchase of Manhattan's Apthorp Apartments, an early-20th-century icon in the Upper West Side neighborhood. (Newsday -- Business)
Taking tax advantage Apr 22, 2007
THOUSANDS of people are selling and buying real estate to take advantage of the Federal Government's change to superannuation tax. Financial planners say they have been flooded with people making inquiries about what they should do to gain maximum benefit from the change before the June 30 deadline. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
Marketing to single females Apr 20, 2007
She just published Homegirl, The Single Women's Guide To Buying Real Estate in Canada. Like Ms. Usher, she says condos have become the defacto property type for single women because of security issues. (Canada.com)
More single women entering homebuyers' market: report Apr 19, 2007
More single female homebuyers of all ages are buying real estate and taking on home repairs, according to a new report by Royal LePage. The Royal LePage Female Buyers Report said 30 per cent of single, never-before married women currently own their own homes, while 45 per cent of divorced or separated woment and 64 per cent of widowed women are homeowners. (Ottawa Business Journal)
UH-West Oahu tests the waters for a new 4-year curriculum Apr 17, 2007
For some students, shopping for college -- like buying real estate -- is all about location, location, location. And lower prices help, too. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Lennar Corp. dominates redevelopment in S.F. Apr 11, 2007
" Steve Meyers, a lawyer who represents redevelopment agencies throughout California, said that ideally a city is protected by the contract it signs with a developer. The reality is more complicated, he said, because officials find it hard to get tough on one project if they're depending on the same company to deliver on other projects as well. "It becomes more difficult to deal with a single operator if you've got an established relationship that you know involves multiple projects over a long... (San Francisco Chronicle)
The Market Doesn't Matter Apr 9, 2007
No one ever got hurt buying real estate at the wrong time. They have been hurt when forced to sell at the wrong time. (RealtyTimes)
Nurse who stole gets 17 years Apr 5, 2007
According to evidence heard at the trial, Cooper drained more than $400,000 from the 74-year-old woman's checking, savings and brokerage accounts, buying real estate and cars in both of their names. She also bought large-screen televisions, and paid for a meal at Red Lobster using Fox's credit card after her death. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
The Why and How of Consumer Education Mar 26, 2007
Jill is a person who would say that buying real estate today would be a bad investment ... Show how no one loses money buying real estate. (RealtyTimes)
Subprime Loan Meltdown Spreads, Engulfing Even Borrowers With Good Credit Mar 22, 2007
Some lenders say it's high time that buyers are discouraged from buying real estate with no money down. Could we have a little skin in the game from the borrower, please,'' said Rick Soukoulis, chief executive officer at LoanCity, a San Jose, California-based lender that stopped making mortgages last week to customers who want to borrow more than 95 percent of the value of their house due to the shrinking secondary market. (Bloomberg)
Diving Into Jamaica Mar 18, 2007
" That was a success, and she needed more rooms, so Jake's grew slowly, to its current size -- 36 rooms, many in cliff-side villas. In conjunction with the Peace Corps, Henzell helped Treasure Beach develop Breds, a community organization that uses a percentage of the money that comes from tourism to improve conditions at local schools. Some of that help is hands-on: After Hurricane Ivan struck, sending huge, salty waves into farmers' fields and homes, Henzell invited physicians who had... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
First-time homebuyer tips Mar 11, 2007
He also advises buying real estate only for "real" reasons: Dont get caught up trying to pursue hot markets. That is a good way to get burned. (MSNBC -- Business)
Real estate outlook good for 2007 Mar 3, 2007
Last week, I talked about the three main reasons for buying real estate: It's an investment, it's a tax deduction, and it's an inflation hedge. Now we'll look at timing such a buy, whether you're looking for a new or older home. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
What Your IRA Can't Do Mar 1, 2007
Fool contributor Dan Caplinger is buying real estate, but he'll keep it out of his IRA. He doesn't own shares of the companies and funds mentioned in this article. The Fool's disclosure policy has a "can do" attitude. (MSNBC -- Business)
Marketing, Customer Service Strategies for Dean Saunders' Businesses Feb 25, 2007
The industry was being driven by speculators: those who were just buying real estate for investment, he said. Saunders said that prices are being corrected. (The Ledger)
Commentary: Fortress Lowers Its Drawbridge Feb 23, 2007
Anyone buying real estate at a 5% cap rate must fervently hope that long-term interest rates remain dormant, as in Japan, while rental rates levitate for the next 20 years. Today, there are many leveraged buyout operators with $20 billion war chests, and they're still raising new money. (Forbes)
more » Feb 23, 2007
Buying a lottery ticket is completely a personal choice and is just as big a risk as the stock market, investing in bonds, or even buying real estate, might even be less risky. Many citizens of our state purchase lottery tickets, millions of them. (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
New York housing market humming again Feb 19, 2007
However, other factors may alter New Yorkers' renewed interest in buying real estate, including an expansion of the Iraq war, a changing employment picture or another terrorist attack. Yet, there is "cautious exuberance," according to Steven James, director of sales on New York's Manhattan island for Prudential Douglas Elliman. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Heebner's big bet Jan 30, 2007
Later it meant buying real estate with both fists and, later still, doing the same with energy stocks. Much more recently, Heebner has seized upon a new corner of the market: financial stocks. (Boston Globe)
