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HDFC Coops – The Best Deal in New York City Real EstateHave is been frustrated with high prices for apartments in New York? Well here's the good news? If you have ever wanted to live in the city of New York at an affordable price, well, look no further.

If you are eligible, can be found only address the most in big cities of New York.

HDFC Coops, know a little 'niche in the real estate market in New York, represents ‘the last big deals’ in New York City.

Often these cooperative apartments selling for 40% -60% below comparable regular there Coop or Condos for sale.

HDFC's (which stands for the development of housing? & Finance Corporation) have been used for many years, but until it is in recent years, increasingly people are discovering these incredible offers.

They are only available in the city of New York, even though there may be other programs in other cities that are similar.The Story City HDFC'sHDFC cooperatives are sponsored coop apartments which offer many of the benefits of a regular apartment, but also certain restrictions on the purchase and who often have a ‘flip tax’ on sale.

An HDFC coop for coming to one of a couple of possible reasons.

They may have been originally a rental building that was abandoned by an owner or the owner has had to back taxes or water and then lost the building to the city.

The city also rehabilitated the building, training on the property of tenants, set the Coop to be financially self-sufficient, and then sold the apartments to current tenants for $ 250 each.

S?? , ?? vero, $ 250! The premise is that instead the city is a landlord, have formed a group of owners who care about their construction and their future.

It 'been a great success of the system.

Generally over the years, these cooperative HDFC changed hands between friends or relatives for very cheap prices.

In the past several years, some brokers with foresight have made the value Coops they represent, at the time of being sold and more professional, much more high prices were realized for the owners.

BenefitsThis has benefited both the buyer and the seller of an apartment HDFC.

A seller has now achieved a lot more money than you ever thought possible, and have the chance to realize their dreams.

Many vendors HDFC cooperatives are going to move to the suburbs and buy a house or taking a dream vacation, buy a nice car and live a better life.

Remember, the original owners were HDFC cooperatives l?? because usually lived in a run down neglected building to get $ 150,000-up to $ 500,000 for one of these apartments that they paid only $ 250 for a huge windfall .

The buyer is the possibility of owning a piece of the city of New York, one of the most expensive housing markets in the world for a fraction of the price of regular or Coops Condos.

Very often, HDFC cooperatives sell for $ 400 – $ 600 per square foot where as cooperatives and condominiums in New York can sell for $ 900 – $ 3000 per square foot.

This is obviously a huge difference.

HDFC not think these are bad because the neighborhood is many of these are at the forefront of New York City neighborhood, the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Lower East Side, and Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

DownsideDoes sound is too good to be true? Well, is not too good to be true, but you must qualify to buy.

In many cases, to qualify to purchase and HDFC coop, it is necessary to make less than 120% of area median income.

In 2008, this number is the $ 64,500 for the buyer and $ 1 73,725 for 2 buyers in a family and $ 82,950 for 3 customers for a family.

Alternatively, some buildings, according to the laws by the Coop, have limited income to purchase based on a multiple of annual maintenance and utility charges that the apartment is.

In both cases, usually the company management and / or the Board of Directors of the coop will be adjusted gross income of your previous 2 years tax returns.

In addition to a restriction of the income to buy, many HDFC Coop have a ‘flip tax’ when you sell.

Typically, this flip tax is calculated as a percentage of the profits you make.

Profit is defined as the selling price and the purchase price.

The flip tax might be the most low of 5% , and can vary up to 85% of its profit.

Clearly it is necessary to take into account these factors and depending on the flip tax is the Coop, the price and value of the apartment pu?? vary considerably.

SummaryWe have seen that an HDFC co-operation is a great opportunity to own a piece of the ‘Most large cities in the world’ at a fraction of the price of other cooperatives and condominiums, but with a restriction that comes to buying and selling you often have to give a portion of your profit to the coop and / or city.

Tips when buying or selling a HDFC CoopFind a broker, which includes the rules and restrictions of HDFC Coops.

There are many intricacies to the process and whether the buyer or seller is not adequately qualified, you may find yourself wasting a lot of time only to find it is not possible to buy or sell the apartment.
Source (thanks to ezinearticles.com)

Regulation RESP is the most important change in the composition of services or real estate industries since the inception of the RESP.

The beginning of the new regulation will lead to a redefinition of the strategies for sales and marketing for your business.

What is RESP? Real Estate Law, the procedures for the resolution (RESP) it was first established with the aim of standardizing the purchase of residential real estate.

The first significant reform is coming in 1996, that the high level of information to consumers and further streamlined some processes loan.

There are participants in a real estate transaction that does not RESP impact.The key principle underlying the new regulation is RESP for the benefit of consumers in virt of the cost savings and greater disclosure of loan costs, loan terms and settlement.

Regarding the reduction in costs, HUD is using the simple premise that the economy ‘price shopping = competition = more low prices.’ On the side of the equation disclosure, HUD is the philosophy that greater coherence between the rates and conditions of the loan application through the settlement will result in a more informed, prepared, committed and consumers.

HUD is also an objective of maintaining a competitive market for all settlement services providers.The major components of the final rule RESP include: ? Modifications and expansions of the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and HUD-1 forms.

? Yield spread premiums to pay a lender for a loan must now be credited to the borrower at closing.

? Clarification on the definition of requests Use.Other important features of the new regulation includes a request to make public the agent / underwriter split awards on the settlement statement.

The lender is also responsible for the care of any violations of tolerance within 30 days of closing of the loan RESP d?? to us in this Regulation a new definition of each which is ‘Title Services’.

The implementation period for all parties to be using the new GFE and HUD-1 forms is ‘by no later than 1 January 2010 ??.

It 'clear that most banks are taking a slow approach to the implementation of new forms – that their time to restructure business processes accordingly, before they can move forward with this application.

The new GFE and HUD-1 forms will result in radical changes in the industry.

All settlement services, including title agents, settlement agents, lenders, brokers and Realtors, to adopt new procedural, operational and legal practices.So, what do you do? We recommend you start today, if you have not already done so, the adoption of measures RESP Ready your path.

Know the whole organization with the new regulation, as each will help your organization become more willing to adapt the regulatory RESP becomes even clearer in the process of adoption.

Also, be sure to discuss the implications of the reform RESP with your customers.

To stay on top of more recent information and a debate on the implementation of RESP, you may want to visit www.RESPAready.com on a regular basis to participate in discussions, communicate with other users who are members, and Share your views and gain access to industry thought leaders in an interactive environment driven by the community.
Source (thanks to ezinearticles.com)

Poised on the top of the mountain real estate in 2003, it is difficult to see much change in the Minneapolis real estate market over the past five years.

While the bubble is burst and it certainly is not more of a market vendor, as key elements in the long term value of real estate in Minneapolis as an investment and the quality of life available to residents is not changed.

Even after five years of change, the world real estate in Minneapolis is still a place to buy a house for you and your family.2003 it was a banner years for the housing market in the United States.

In Minnesota, 39,440 people have been active in real estate and leasing industries, with an annual payroll exceeding $ 1,237,000,000.

Clearly, the real estate it was profitable for sales professionals involved in the booming market.

Sellers have received bids for the wars their homes.

Case could not be built fast enough to meet the exceptional demand for houses in market.Over the next two years, the strength of 'economy and the real estate market has caused lenders to start granting loans and adjustable rate mortgages more people could afford.

Practical loan obtained very loose as bankers were caught in the frenzy of the housing market.

Add the risk of real estate speculation and the equation is soon became clear that some growth in the housing market is built on shaky ground.Builders and lenders wanted to continue the exponential growth of the past year, and by 2006, is became clear that too many new houses were sitting unsold on the market.

New home construction is down to a stop in 2007, and because manufacturers have not been able to obtain new homes sold, the value of houses across the country began to fall.

Analysts have called for the adjustment of the price inflated sales prices over the past years, but simply of property as they saw their value in less investments.Once dust settled in 2008, however, a homeowner who realized their homes even though he had lost some 'value, their houses were still solid investments.

In comparison with the performance of stocks and 401Ks, home equity is the place to put a solid hard earned money for those who are willing to maintain the houses until the economy began to rise speed.While the last five years Minneapolis real estate have been filled with drama, something of a smart investor realizes: at current prices in the housing market make this an ideal time to buy.

Homes and condominiums that were once out of reach financially are less expensive, and now ready to be purchased.

Moreover, the influx of a time that now they want a house to rent houses instead of paying too inflated and financially dangerous mortgages makes this an ideal time to go rent the property.

Rentals are a great way to invest and make money in the future the current economy to guess who it is, but one thing is certain: Minneapolis real estate is one of the best ways to invest in its future.

Over the long haul, it is safe to pay, thanks to the strength and future of cities, schools, trade and the entrepreneurial spirit of its inhabitants.
Source (thanks to ezinearticles.com)

Chandigarh is been among the first cities of India and is also the capital of the state of Haryana and Punjab.

Cia has made this city a vital area for expatriates, diplomats together to become a nucleus of NRI's.

Since Chandigarh was planned city, all the buildings here was on par with environmental standards.

In addition to this pollution and hygienic living conditions are not entertained here, and all manufacturers had to adhere to these property factors.Chandigarh were seeing huge growth and this is the case in spite of restrictions on the construction here.

The strict rules of the government continue to exist, but property developers here have found a new way to expand the real estate sector.

All new developers have focused here on the construction of modern apartments and condominiums.

All these constructions are also expanded many new areas of the city.The thriving property industry in Chandigarh it was largely to meet the growing needs of the population in Chandigarh.

Most new buildings have been here in areas like Mohali and Chandigarh-Patiala road.

The expansion of property here is concentrated on the construction of luxurious apartments and bungalows.

But these are the buildings that provide the best facilities for potential buyers.Most apartments in Chandigarh are offered at interest rates and EMI options.

Therefore the demands for real estate in Chandigarh is offered to potential buyers at reduced rates.

These apartments are made in conformity with the standards of modern life.

These homes to provide services such as pools, community halls, gymnasiums and other benefits related to potential commercial buyers.Also have increased the rates of property in these areas due to the emergence of multinational corporations and expanding governmental sectors.

This has forced many small developers to transfer to other sectors.

In recent years, the benchmark for rents is increased with most rents ranging from 100 percent in the past one year.

Area 8 and the other business sectors have witnessed this boom market in Chandigarh is most.Property been emerging in the suburbs and the registration number of the land was made a high of all time.

Although this sector has witnessed a collapse between, is successfully re-emerged and its lost momentum.

The state government had earned Rs 88.38 crore in stamp duty and registration fee in Chandigarh periphery.The real estate boom here has provided for the benefit and potential buyers and also property developers.

The Chandigarh? Real Estate? Market should grow with the increased demand in the northern sector.

Chandigarh is also the hub of some sectors and the industry is also expected to grow here.

The property rates for the commercial sector is expected to grow, if more multinational companies set up their bases here.

The expansion of cities, districts and other areas, have more space for the expansion of real estate and more options for buyers.
Source (thanks to ezinearticles.com)

‘Today, being a seller, is just that – sell houses and move forward.

Running a business where you have all the cost is running a business.

‘(Lee Woodward, CEO of Real Estate Academy).

In other words, the two should not be confused.If there was a prize for the most controversial and widely debated topic in real estate today, that the premium would probably go back to the topic of pay structures in an attempt industry.In to gain direction and understanding of the issue, a number of important industry leaders gathered in a room recently in The Leader conference, hosted by renowned sales trainer and business visionary, Lee Woodward.

Lee is joined in the conference with a single line-up of professional leadership, which, over two days, face-to-head high, a number of key issues facing real estate industry leader today.

In this way, it was not so much to be given the answer, but more an open forum where participants were encouraged to contribute and be open to a variety of views on many thought-provoking guide issues.Extensive research is been made before the conference in order to develop an interactive study that formed a key part of the day.

The purpose of the survey it was to extract information about anonymous delegates from a large representative sample of our industry leaders.

The survey showed that in terms of salary structures, the average sales commission is 41 – 43%.

Despite the media and even if, as anticipated, pay structures proved to be a topic of great variance in opinion and controversy.

It has provoked much discussion and debate among conference participants and our panel of speakers: Lee Salce (Phillip Webb Real Estate) Anthony Toop (Toop & Toop Real Estate) Mark McCleod (Ray White) Peter Mumford (McGrath) Si ?? is certainly clear from our audience response that the majority share a discomfort that attempts are made regularly by other agencies to attract their offers to sell with ridiculously high rates.

The fact is this – these are not representative of a bargain, as anyone who is in over-supply of 60% is provided with no support.

They must pay for each that paper and ink to all the tools of marketing and prospecting.

41 – 43%, a salesperson is provided with the necessary infrastructure to move forward with the job of selling houses.

Cia All the above and they are nothing more of a contractor of a business that pays for its office space.As Lee Woodward said, ‘do not be fooled by these huge commissions offered.

You have to ask you – this is the real deal or is a fake address because 100% is not nothing for nothing.

‘Another interesting point of view on the issue of wage structures are more aligned with the people and performance issues such as culture, leadership and support.It 'interesting to note that in our research, those leaders who have rated their work as morale was high even better levels of retention of staff, despite the offer structures.People media commission and performance of experts and the director of RealChange, Sadhana Smiles, said that there is a misunderstanding that the salary is the number one reason to remain in employment, especially in real estate.

Research has shown that people choose to stay for another reasons.According of Sadhana, people today want the security, support, recognition, opportunities, culture and lifestyle.

The price, product and service are no more the main points of difference, because all those.In offer another poll, conducted by Manpower, Generation Y employees (under the age of 25) were invited to vote, in order of importance, the elements that were important to them in a job.

The results were as follows: 1.

Culture2.

Team3.

Style4 management.

Flexibility5.

Conditions6.

SalaryWhen asked if there should be the same address for each vendor, Sadhana is the answer was a clear ’s?? .

She qualifies this view, saying that people inevitably talk with each other and one of the rules that you feel you must have in order to avoid the discontent is your salary structure.If interrogated by an employee about it, suggests Sadhana the following response: ‘As an entrepreneur, I am not willing to change my trading standards, however we can offer: (list of other advantages to working with you, as a way of life, fuel cards, exclusive area, the its database, the health fund contributions).

‘ Sadhana's views are shared by Bradley Brown, CEO of award-winning multi Fletchers in Victoria and a contribution to the conference by recording a double-CD audio, power of people, a copy of which is provided to all participants.

In audio, Bradley shares his views on many issues of leadership, including pay structures, which he said are the same across the board at Fletchers.

Operating on a commission for each staff member also has the possibility to participate in a bonus system so if an annual target is met, the travel agent is rewarded with an incentive that is considered very in his organisation.According Bradley, ‘the pay is far beyond just a pay packet.’ He is considered that his people do not want the most high commissions without the support.

'It is the complete package that later.

‘ Too often, principals are held hostage by their beginning sellers.

E 'of vital importance not the' all eggs in one basket '.

?? must ask the question – what would happen if you leave? From an external point of view, one thing that was clear from this argument is not There's a simple solution to the problem of pay structures.

In my opinion, there clearly needs to be more focused on profit for the company and less of an individual on the pay structure.

E 'also of culture, training, career is going and where the organization as a whole.

Keep is simple and transparent that it seems to make more sense.

Perhaps some 'work must be done to determine the actual payment to an agent desktop.

What is the real cost of having a vendor? It 's just when you have the answer you It can really determine how much the seller needs to bring in assets for a return on investment.To summarize the results of the general debate at the Conference Leader payment, it is concluded that anywhere between 40 and 43% would be appropriate for a Board of real estate sales, provided that adequate support, infrastructure and opportunities are made available.
Source (thanks to ezinearticles.com)

Only two or three years ago, some of the hot products that we have been able to offer accommodation at affordable prices, as it was this condo conversion community, cos?? popular in Miami and Broward counties.

It seemed the best deals available, developers of assistance by offering office space for the officers of mortgage companies and banks, so they can directly assist their customers to ensure loans.These were the happy times of 100% financing, with developers assuming all costs of closing, numerous ‘incentives’ as the payment of the first six months or first year of condo maintenance fees, ‘upgrading’ the converted with stainless steel appliances Condos , redo the floors, toilets, is the name it.The condo conversions are basically rental property or a couple of hundreds of apartments that are purchased by a developer.

Going through legal procedures, requests for physical work on the property, which allow investors to change the legal status of community leases from one to many of the private property ‘condominium units.’ Starting around 2000/2001, this is one of the markets for manufacturers more warm and real estate investors.

Properties purchased at an average price of $ 60,000 or $ 70,000 per unit, (this is just an example), would be sold at prices hovering at $ 200, 'sa $ 250 and even more.

Commissions paid to real estate agents have been interesting and all seemed quite happy with the situation.

The key elements were put together organizations from developers to market and sell their products, such as cos?? surprising complacency of lenders.Buyers seemed happy.

Buyers have signed developers' contracts to make a small deposit, which often left room for the mortgage contingency, after 30 days.

But in general, everything moved smoothly and new homes have been happily occupy these units to thousands.

Everyone thought that was a wonderful way to ‘realize the American dream of a house property’.

This is going on up until the end of 2006, dragging with the first month of 2007.Fast forward to November 2008.

I get a call from a potential client who wants to be shown a block.

I review the list and discover which is located in a condominium conversion in Pembroke Pines, that it was quite popular at the height of the ‘bubble’.

In 2006, a bedroom with two units in this community is being sold at around $ 250,000.

The potential buyer has emphasized three lists in most of the same complex.

All four units are short sales or bank owned Foreclosures.

I created the projections and to meet my client place.

I immediately noticed a profusion of signs on the number of units: ASTE mainly posters, notices of foreclosure, real estate ‘for sale’ signs.

It seemed almost everything cia that it was for sale.

I show the Condos and many of them, close the door on the back, the little ant mounds have been the sign of blight and abandonment.

Some of these units have not been occupied for months, as demonstrated by the carpet and bathrooms.The area is comfortable, the general condition of the buildings is a good thing.

There's what is wrong? The actual asking price varies between about $ 90,000 to $ 110,000.

After talking with the list of agents, I have the impression that they had not received too many offers and my feeling is that these places could go down or even less than $ 80,000.

This is about one third of each who were a little 'selling more than two years ago.

Incredible? Not quite.

This is the point.Who pu?? afford these modest $ 80,000 house? Traditionally, and as per the criteria of Fannie Mae, someone whose family income in pounds gross monthly $ 3000.

(Not more than 28% of gross income can be dedicated to pay for the monthly mortgage, insurance, taxes) When were valued at $ 250,000, this week was supposed to be $ 7,000.

Otherwise, buyers could be in trouble sooner or later.

But no one is been carefully apparentlyAnd this is the real problem.People that pu?? afford only $ 80,000 houses, live in homes of $ 80,000, but having to pay $ 250,000 mortgages.Consequences? Many choose to flee.

not only because they feel cheated, but Why do only enough money to pay for a $ 80,000 home.Did you get it yet? Strange? As in most commercial transactions, when someone loses, someone wins.

Let's analyze the this.The real winners: – Investors who have bought property and rented a large converted Condos at the beginning of the ‘boom’, has sold very quickly, with high profits.

Often, after some improvements, and large quantity of documents, convert rents previously estimated at 60 or $ 80,000, which in units sold at $ 200,000 and more.

These apartments have been giving a fair return on their investment, the previous owners, who have gained the possibility of cash on the value of their property after many stagnant years .- Other winners: Mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, valuation, which received fat fees and commissions.

In the second and third phase of this ‘bubble’, things gradually changed.

Developers have started to increase their commissions to attract Realtors, frantically organizing easy loans, and put together all sorts of creative ‘incentives.’ Those who is transferred developers fast is able to sell.

The rest is blocked by a large percentage of their condominiums, and therefore their financing banks began to worry.

The last stage is quite recent: the banks foreclosed on dozens of property developers, or at least on the high percentage of unsold units.Of course, due to various situations I can not generalize and simplify.

Many evaluation, Realtors, mortgage brokers, banks were the beneficiaries, while is lasted.

They had worked with these developers who have experienced most of the big losers profit.The? – Those who bought the house and walked away, leaving the bank to foreclose their mortgages, experienced an irreparable damage to their credit that the compromise for a long time, their capacity to purchase a new home .- Real estate investors, who have purchased property, hoping to get rich by ‘flipping’ in the short term.

Many of them are banks foreclose.

They sometimes paid for the mortgage, taxes, maintenance and taxes.

At some point, have given .- The banks and mortgage lenders, of course, that retrieve only a small percentage of their claims .- Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and others who bought these mortgages the GSE .- Buyers of All bonds and other real estate related securities, which could be foreign banks, a hedge fund, a fund of a sovereign country rich in oil, or a investor.Who Singapore is guilty? A key element is the acceptance by lending institutions to unreasonable increases in assessment values, which had no basis other than speculation.

It can explain anything that a house built 30 years ago, increases of 300% in value in one or two to three years.

It can validate anything it.Of course, that the process of feeding on itself, causing construction costs of inflation, but this was not sufficient to justify the incredible increase in the assessments.

Banks have taken the word of evaluating the data for granted, ignoring common sense.

It 'was enough for two properties in the same neighborhood had sold for unusually high prices and speculative to allow an expert to use in its ‘benchmarking’.

And from that moment on, every home in the area would automatically be the beneficiary of a new value on the basis of this ‘analysis’ and cos?? forth.Banks would not object on the obvious fallacy, and originating loans must folli speed.

Buyers who have never saved a penny for a payment, have been granted the houses could not afford, thanks to the negative-amortization loans that let them live in their new home for a couple of years, until it is the inevitable happened .

Of course, mortgage brokers, agents, lenders, all it would be long and perhaps encourage these assessments.

Which of these ‘non-income verification’ loans? Nobody has doubts about the fact that sometimes they can be the perfect tool for deception, fraud and misrepresentation? Complicated? Collusion? How many have heard objections from Fannie and Freddie, the most experienced institutions in the United States? on this subject? How many voices of reason from Wachovia, Countrywide or Bank of America? Their leaders were too busy showing their shareholders their prodigious short term the financial statements, and even more their prodigious cash bonus, ignoring the fundamentals.It was a vicious circle without end and madness, that the results we are experiencing now.
Source (thanks to ezinearticles.com)

Chewing the CUD of Buyers Remorse So we are under contract and that everything is going as planned.Charlotte NC real estate has continued to remain on the market the top five nationally …

the prices of 6-7 years ago and …

The Lender offers abound …

Larry is on top of things and the closure seems to be a walk in park.Then from scratch, home buyers get the blues, and start worrying about warts is appear.How could happen? They were all excited just a week ago.

Paths around the source of remorse, I have planted seed.In find their exuberance to spread the word that he had found a Curmudgeon.

Some people like to rain on other people parade.Seems that an expert has given advice on Darth buy a house and all the evil that supposedly brings.

My clients have acted as if they had seen a horror movie night before.Time to right the ship.

After an hour of rehashing all the reasons why choosing the right Charlotte home and emphasizing the value that they started to relax.

They said that the whole process it was a little 'emotional and I am sorry for dumping on their doubts about me.

I told them that that happens and is part of my job.

I also told them if they were relatives of questions that could give me a call.Is there as something well-intentioned Curmudgeon? Maybe ….

but better to have all the information before them pro trade.And buyers? …

They close? ?? bet! Just like in the film, which in turn, by way of CN sunset.So Warning Notice of free …

next to one ear more near you! The moral of this story: if you want advice on the purchase of a house, will not have to go far.

There is a ton of free advice.

Its everywhere.

Unfortunately, some of it can not prove to be very valuable.There are people who have read to buy real estate, and other theorists, who are ready to pipe in.Then, are the intentions and the friends who bought a house a couple of years ago, eager to tell you what we know of course do.Of family always know best, even if they live in another state.There is a reason why we have heard this phrase repeated year after year: ‘you get that cia you pay for ‘Free advice is of little or no bond, but is certainly capable of leaving you vulnerable to misinformation, and at worst, the feeling of pain just to listen to Aunt Mame.So today is the word.

..

‘Professional’ How professional is said to cost? The answer is: How much is the cost, if you do not use Real Estate Professionals advise.So here is my professional real estate advice to anyone preparing to buy or sell a property.

(and it is free!) Find a local Realtor (r), which has good credentials.

This person will have the local market knowledge and experience of advice and guidance.

Go alone, with post-it notes filled with advice, certainly risk the outcome desired.
Source (thanks to ezinearticles.com)

Are you a Texas Veteran and are you considering buying or refinancing in today’s market? Buying or refinancing a home is a decision that takes both careful thought and planning. Most prospective homebuyers put an extraordinary amount of time into selecting just the right home or deciding whether or not to refinance. Have you considered that selecting the right loan is just as important? If you qualify for a Texas VA home loan, you owe it to yourself and your family to consider the advantages and the differences between conventional and VA home loans.

Obviously, the biggest consideration is the down payment. Conventional loans require a minimum down payment of 3%. But in today’s market, banks and lending institutions are requiring as much as 10-20% down. In light of the increasing defaults, lender’s seek to minimize their risk. Backed, by the Federal government, VA home loans eliminate both the lender’s risk and the borrower’s down payment thus providing the only 100% financed loan program. An excellent starting point in considering your loan program!

And then there’s the dreaded PMI (private mortgage insurance). Customarily, when a borrower finances more than 80% of the home’s value, the borrower pays PMI increasing the size of their monthly payment. Again, backed by the Federal government, VA home loans do not require PMI eliminating that expense.

We all are aware that today’s rates are among the lowest in US history. Although conventional loans are offering all-time low interest rates, lenders are offering even lower interest rates to qualified VA borrowers. Since VA Loans are backed by the Federal government (repetitive, I know) the lending institution’s risk is minimized and their willingness to provide lower rates is maximized. Simple math tells us that a lower rate plus no PMI equals lower monthly payments. A conventional loan with a higher interest rate plus PMI equals a higher monthly payment. Which would you choose? If the answer still isn’t clear, take a look:

And let’s not forget that the qualification standards for each loan type are very different. Because of the government guarantee, lending institutions assume less risk and have less stringent qualification standards with a VA home loan.

Based on all this information, a VA home loan or refinance is a smarter and easier choice for qualified Veterans. Are you a qualified Veteran? Let’s take see:

VA Loan Military Service Eligibility Requirements
Wartime Service
WWII     9/16/1940 to 7/25/1947
Korean     6/27/1950 to 1/31/1955
Vietnam     8/5/1964 to 5/7/1975

You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged honorably. If you served less than 90 days, you may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability.

Peacetime Service
7/26/1947 to 6/26/1950
2/1/1955 to 8/4/1964
5/8/1975 to 9/7/1980 (enlisted)
5/8/1975 to 10/16/1981 (officer)

You must have served at least 181 days of continuous active duty and been under honorable conditions. If you served less than 181 days, you may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability.

If you are a Veteran and interested in a home loan, Lone Star Financing has dedicated consultants specializing in VA Home Loans ready to assist you in selecting the perfect loan. They will work with you through the home buying process and insure that you maximize the government assistance with your Texas VA home loan.

RISMEDIA, June 1, 2009-One of the significant contributors to short-term voluntary turnover (defined as less than 90 days) is mismatched expectations of new-hires. Exit interviews consistently find many applicants’ stated reason for short-term, voluntary turnover centers along the lines of: job demands were different than expected. Although in some instance this is nothing more than a handy excuse for quitting (e.g., actual found more desirable job, etc.) it occurs frequently enough that it must be a considered a legitimate and significant contributor to undesirable and controllable turnover.

Another often cited contributor to short-term turnover, concerns the manner in which new-hires are integrated into new positions – informed of job duties and expectations, educated/trained on critical job duties, etc. In short, how new hires are on-boarded into a new organization and potentially unfamiliar job responsibilities creates a major first impression of the company and new-hires own estimation of longer-term success. Agent hiring is no exception to the trend seen in other industries.

• Many Brokers prefer to highlight the potential for unlimited financial rewards rather than discuss average first year earnings across the industry/within the Brokerage.
• Likewise, the challenge of constantly prospecting for quality listings and time spent with potential buyers that lead nowhere are seldom major topics of discussion during recruitment activities.
• Similarly, the extent to which Agents are responsible for self-learning how to succeed is often addressed in a less than direct and candid manner – “being your own boss” always sounds more appealing than “sink-or-swim”, which is still the case at many Brokerages.

By their very nature, successful Brokers and Sales Managers have great sales skills. Unfortunately, those finely tuned skills often hamper successful recruitment and hiring efforts.

Companies with best-in-class recruitment and hiring processes view the process as a mutual selection process. Brokers need to obtain sufficient information on applicants’ skills and work orientation factors to believe the applicant has a reasonable chance of success in the career. Likewise, applicants need to know enough about the job to make an informed decision about their chances of success and likely satisfaction with the career. Although neither party is obliged or well served by highlighting every single potential negative or shortcoming that may be relevant, honest discussion of potential challenges needs to be an important part of any recruitment and selection processes.

Glen Jaffee is the vice president of AlignMark, Inc.For more than 30 years AlignMark has been a leading provider of innovative organizational effectiveness products and services. For more information about AccuRecruiter, Real Estate Simulator, or iNTELAGENT, visit www.alignmark.com. Glen Jaffee can be reached at gsjaffee@alignmark.com.

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RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

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RISMEDIA, June 1, 2009-For those of you using Google Analytics, I’m sure that you find the information there to be in-depth and valuable to you in analyzing the sources for visitors to your site and the paths they take on the site once they’re there. But Google Analytics provides much more, including bounce rates, visitor loyalty, time on site, how many pages they visit, how long they stay on each, which pages they enter on, and from which pages they exit the site.

These statistics help us to formulate content for our sites, as well as to make changes for the better. With the ability to see which search phrases or keywords bring visitors, and the pages they arrive at when using them, we can see if those pages are effective at keeping visitors on the site and encouraging them to take a look at other information, pages or posts on a blog. If a certain page gets great incoming traffic from certain searches, but the visitor leaves from that page very soon after arrival, we know that we need to improve that page’s content, as well as placing internal links to relevant content to move them deeper into the site.

There are now some new abilities that can be added to Google Analytics, but we should always be aware of the costs and time trade-offs for these new tech tools. Are they going to return on our time and money investment with a value we can quantify and track? A great many real estate professionals should also look at their current technology adoption level, and be careful to adopt the tools that will bring the greatest rewards quickly. Let’s look at two new add-ons to Google Analytics for the number crunchers among us.

Tracking Phone Calls With Google Analytics - We’re not talking about online VOIP phone calls here. We’re going to track regular offline phone calls, using a service from Mongoose Metrics. Using this service, you get a toll free number, or several, to use for your marketing in any media you like. A Google Analytics tracking code is provided, and you create a hidden Web page on your site where you place that code.

When someone calls the number, the service places a visit to this special Web page so that Google can track it with the code you placed there. Each phone call becomes a unique visit that is tracked in your Google Analytics account. The cost for this service begins at a low of $35/month, and is based on service levels and how many numbers you need. Toll free and local numbers are available. An added service is phone call recording at no extra charge.

How might this service help you? Google Analytics has given us very deep and detailed tracking and reporting capabilities for our website or blog visits. Using this service, we can carry over this analytic power to regular phone calls. Tracking of where our calls originate, not only geographically, but also by which advertising media, helps us to improve our return on investment from marketing. If we also track conversions to clients who generate commissions, we get a clear picture of the value of different marketing campaigns, and we can make improvements or cancel those that aren’t effective.

Track Live Chats With Google Analytics – Live Person offers a service that allows the user to track live chats in their Google Analytics account. Once a prospect has been engaged in an online chat, this service allows you to:

-Track keywords and campaigns that generate the most live chats with your agents or staff.
-Report on the characteristics of the people who use online chat to reach your business, including their geographic location.

As with the phone call tracking, knowing how we got that visitor to the live chat, where they are physically located, and if these chats lead ultimately to transactions is valuable information. Technology is giving us a great deal more power at lower costs to plan and execute effective marketing in-house.

The question becomes whether and when these two tools are going to be a good return on investment for each individual real estate professional or brokerage. And, the answer could lie in what technology tools you already have in place. If you’re not already maintaining an effective lead generation Web presence that is converting to business, then get that in place first.

The very first online priority for the future success of the individual real estate professional, and for the brokerage, is a website, blog or both that have comprehensive and useful IDX search and lead generation tools in place. If you aren’t happy with the business being generated by your Web presence, look first to its improvement. Then move on to more sophisticated technology tools.

Peyman Aleagha is the founder and President of RealtySoft.com. RealtySoft provides real estate professionals with affordable Real Estate Website Design (http://www.realtysoft.com), Real Estate Print Marketing and Free IDX (http://www.realtysoft.com/freeidx.php) & MLS Search solutions.

For more information, visit www.realtysoft.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

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