GayRealEstate USA

Efficient Home Cooling this Summer

By Jeff Adolph

Home Finances

As summer heats up and homes become harder to cool, many home owners often find that their energy bills become expensive and harder to manage. And, in this age of high petrol prices and living costs it makes sense to minimize on our expenses and save where we can so that our money can be better spent elsewhere. Plus, by being more energy conscious you are also helping to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the impact you have on global warming.

Here are some cost saving tips to keep you cooler this summer:

1) Turn Off Any Electrical Equipment - such as computer monitors and computers rather than leaving them in stand-by mode, and also turn off lights when not in a room. As, the extra heat these generate add significantly to the drain on your air-conditioning and other cooling devices, making your home warmer and harder to cool.

2) Clothes Dryers -  use a vast amount of electricity and also contribute to the heat within a home. If you must use a clothes dryer make sure the lint filter is cleaned out regularly to ensure the machine is efficient and use during the cooler times of the day.

3) Off-Peak Energy - if you have to use electrical equipment that uses a lot of energy, then use these devices during off-peak times to reduce your power consumption and minimize your energy costs.

4) Water Temperature - use cold water instead of hot or warm to wash your clothes as this reduces the cost of heating the water for washing and it also prevents heat from generating in the laundry area of your home, which may disperse into other areas and reduce your cooling efficiency.

5) TV's and Lamps - make sure that televisions and lamps are not located near air-conditioning thermostats as the heat they generate will often confuse your air-conditioner and it will stay on for longer trying to cool the room.

Source: McClatcy Tribune News Service (2008) Cooling Your Home Without Going Broke; available online  at http://www.seattletimes.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Home Finances

As summer heats up and homes become harder to cool, many home owners often find that their energy bills become expensive and harder to manage. And, in this age of high petrol prices and living costs it makes sense to minimize on our expenses and save where we can so that our money can be better spent elsewhere. Plus, by being more energy conscious you are also helping to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the impact you have on global warming.

Here are some cost saving tips to keep you cooler this summer:

1) Turn Off Any Electrical Equipment - such as computer monitors and computers rather than leaving them in stand-by mode, and also turn off lights when not in a room. As, the extra heat these generate add significantly to the drain on your air-conditioning and other cooling devices, making your home warmer and harder to cool.

2) Clothes Dryers -  use a vast amount of electricity and also contribute to the heat within a home. If you must use a clothes dryer make sure the lint filter is cleaned out regularly to ensure the machine is efficient and use during the cooler times of the day.

3) Off-Peak Energy - if you have to use electrical equipment that uses a lot of energy, then use these devices during off-peak times to reduce your power consumption and minimize your energy costs.

4) Water Temperature - use cold water instead of hot or warm to wash your clothes as this reduces the cost of heating the water for washing and it also prevents heat from generating in the laundry area of your home, which may disperse into other areas and reduce your cooling efficiency.

5) TV's and Lamps - make sure that televisions and lamps are not located near air-conditioning thermostats as the heat they generate will often confuse your air-conditioner and it will stay on for longer trying to cool the room.

Source: McClatcy Tribune News Service (2008) Cooling Your Home Without Going Broke; available online  at http://www.seattletimes.com

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Home Finances

As summer heats up and homes become harder to cool, many home owners often find that their energy bills become expensive and harder to manage. And, in this age of high petrol prices and living costs it makes sense to minimize on our expenses and save where we can so that our money can be better spent elsewhere. Plus, by being more energy conscious you are also helping to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the impact you have on global warming.

Here are some cost saving tips to keep you cooler this summer:

1) Turn Off Any Electrical Equipment - such as computer monitors and computers rather than leaving them in stand-by mode, and also turn off lights when not in a room. As, the extra heat these generate add significantly to the drain on your air-conditioning and other cooling devices, making your home warmer and harder to cool.

2) Clothes Dryers -  use a vast amount of electricity and also contribute to the heat within a home. If you must use a clothes dryer make sure the lint filter is cleaned out regularly to ensure the machine is efficient and use during the cooler times of the day.

3) Off-Peak Energy - if you have to use electrical equipment that uses a lot of energy, then use these devices during off-peak times to reduce your power consumption and minimize your energy costs.

4) Water Temperature - use cold water instead of hot or warm to wash your clothes as this reduces the cost of heating the water for washing and it also prevents heat from generating in the laundry area of your home, which may disperse into other areas and reduce your cooling efficiency.

5) TV's and Lamps - make sure that televisions and lamps are not located near air-conditioning thermostats as the heat they generate will often confuse your air-conditioner and it will stay on for longer trying to cool the room.

Source: McClatcy Tribune News Service (2008) Cooling Your Home Without Going Broke; available online  at http://www.seattletimes.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Retirement Trends

By Jeff Adolph

Retirement

As Baby Boomer's become older and begin to retire they are setting the precedent for a more active and fulfilling retirement. The Boomer's known as the 'active generation' are enjoying mountain biking, jogging, golfing and snowboarding, and are 'said to be starting a new trend called 'Retirement 2.0.'

According to experts retiring Baby Boomer's are looking for places that can satisfy their addiction to fun. Retirees are now searching for resort styled towns and complexes that offer many outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and hiking. And, many places like Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire are offering this type of lifestyle as retirees downsize their corporate lives and homes, and opt for something that is more me-centric.

Undoubtedly, this trend is going to see more resort styled retirement complexes built in the future that are surrounded by National Forest and other areas of the wilderness.

Main Story Source: PrWeb.com (2008) Trend: Retirement 2.0, The Boomer Generation is Redefining the Golden Years; available online at http://www.prweb.com

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Retirement

As Baby Boomer's become older and begin to retire they are setting the precedent for a more active and fulfilling retirement. The Boomer's known as the 'active generation' are enjoying mountain biking, jogging, golfing and snowboarding, and are 'said to be starting a new trend called 'Retirement 2.0.'

According to experts retiring Baby Boomer's are looking for places that can satisfy their addiction to fun. Retirees are now searching for resort styled towns and complexes that offer many outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and hiking. And, many places like Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire are offering this type of lifestyle as retirees downsize their corporate lives and homes, and opt for something that is more me-centric.

Undoubtedly, this trend is going to see more resort styled retirement complexes built in the future that are surrounded by National Forest and other areas of the wilderness.

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Home Owners Insurance: What You Need to Know

By Jeff Adolph

Home Finances

When you own a home it is important to have insurance that protects your investment from hazards, such as fire, and other potential threats that can reduce the value of your property significantly. Every year thousands of home owners neglect to invest in home owners insurance and this results in millions of dollars of damage being left un-repaired, and can even result in home owners losing their asset completely.

In order to save you money when taking out home owners insurance here are some excellent tips:

1) Increase Your Deductible - by raising your deductible by a few hundred dollars your premium will be reduced, and in many cases this will mean that you make a significant saving;

2) Home Safety Fixtures - often a home with safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke alarms, storm shutters and a security system are cheaper to insure, so be sure to mention these features if you have them when insuring your house;

3) Ask About Age Discounts - when a person is over 55 years of age usually discounts apply to their insurance and if your insurance company hasn't offered you an age discount then ask about one;

4) Content Insurance - if you rent then take out your own content insurance as it is highly unlikely that your landlord has any other insurance but property, where the house and fixtures are insured, and in the event of a disaster your goods and personal belongings will not be insured;

5) Insure Only the House - The land that the home sits on does not have to be insured as it remains after a disaster.Therefore, if you own a property you need only insure yourself for the replacement value of the home.

6) Ask About Flood and Earthquake Coverage - often floods and earthquakes are not covered by standard home insurance, therefore it is important that you consider these if you believe that you are likely to experience these natural disasters. Remember if you are in a flood prone area to take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program; and

7) Make Sure You Have Enough Cover - often home owners neglect to change their cover once they have taken out a policy and this means inflation and higher building costs are often neglected. Therefore, when it comes to making an insurance claim many home owners find that their insurance is inadequate to rebuild the same home that they originally had. To avoid this situation always take out a 'replacement value' policy to ensure that you can rebuild your home.

Main Story Source: Heartland News (2008) Home Owner's Insurance Tips; available online at http://www.heratlandnews.com

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Home Finances

When you own a home it is important to have insurance that protects your investment from hazards, such as fire, and other potential threats that can reduce the value of your property significantly. Every year thousands of home owners neglect to invest in home owners insurance and this results in millions of dollars of damage being left un-repaired, and can even result in home owners losing their asset completely.

In order to save you money when taking out home owners insurance here are some excellent tips:

1) Increase Your Deductible - by raising your deductible by a few hundred dollars your premium will be reduced, and in many cases this will mean that you make a significant saving;

2) Home Safety Fixtures - often a home with safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke alarms, storm shutters and a security system are cheaper to insure, so be sure to mention these features if you have them when insuring your house;

3) Ask About Age Discounts - when a person is over 55 years of age usually discounts apply to their insurance and if your insurance company hasn't offered you an age discount then ask about one;

4) Content Insurance - if you rent then take out your own content insurance as it is highly unlikely that your landlord has any other insurance but property, where the house and fixtures are insured, and in the event of a disaster your goods and personal belongings will not be insured;

5) Insure Only the House - The land that the home sits on does not have to be insured as it remains after a disaster.Therefore, if you own a property you need only insure yourself for the replacement value of the home.

6) Ask About Flood and Earthquake Coverage - often floods and earthquakes are not covered by standard home insurance, therefore it is important that you consider these if you believe that you are likely to experience these natural disasters. Remember if you are in a flood prone area to take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program; and

7) Make Sure You Have Enough Cover - often home owners neglect to change their cover once they have taken out a policy and this means inflation and higher building costs are often neglected. Therefore, when it comes to making an insurance claim many home owners find that their insurance is inadequate to rebuild the same home that they originally had. To avoid this situation always take out a 'replacement value' policy to ensure that you can rebuild your home.

Main Story Source: Heartland News (2008) Home Owner's Insurance Tips; available online at http://www.heratlandnews.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Home Safety

By Jeff Adolph

Residential Considerations

Many of us are guilty of overlooking safety aspects within the home and last month the home saftey council, a not-for-profit organization, declared it 'home safety month', in order to raise home safety awareness. This is attributed to the alarming number of deaths and injuries that occur in the home nationwide, every year.

President of the Home Safety Council, Meri-K Appay said, "Statistics show that home injuries cause nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits each year."

Even though 97% of Americans feel the safest within their home, most felt that the kitchen was the most dangerous area, followed by the stairs, bathroom, and garage.

In order to prevent injuries in the home the Home Safety Council suggest that you take the following steps to ensure your home is safer:

1) If you don't have smoke alarms install them as soon as possible, and then test them regularly;

2) Never leave anything unattended in the kitchen whilst it is cooking;

3) Never leave children unattended in or near filled baths, pools, ponds or even buckets;

4) Keep stairs and paths maintained, well lit and free of obstacles, and if you have small children use barriers to prevent falls;

5) Have an emergency evacuation plan and make sure all family members know how to escape the house in the event of a fire or other emergency;

6) Set all hot water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less to prevent accidental scalding, especially if you have small children; and

7) Always mark poisonous substances accurately and remove any other labels that may confuse someone as to the type of substance within in the bottle, jar or any other form of container. And, if you have children in and around your home make sure these substances are housed in a child-proof cupboard. 

For more information on home safety please visit www.homesafety.org because prevention is always better than a cure.

Main Story Source: homesaftey.org (2008) Safety Guide; available online at http://www.homesafety.org

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Residential Considerations

Many of us are guilty of overlooking safety aspects within the home and last month the home saftey council, a not-for-profit organization, declared it 'home safety month', in order to raise home safety awareness. This is attributed to the alarming number of deaths and injuries that occur in the home nationwide, every year.

President of the Home Safety Council, Meri-K Appay said, "Statistics show that home injuries cause nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits each year."

Even though 97% of Americans feel the safest within their home, most felt that the kitchen was the most dangerous area, followed by the stairs, bathroom, and garage.

In order to prevent injuries in the home the Home Safety Council suggest that you take the following steps to ensure your home is safer:

1) If you don't have smoke alarms install them as soon as possible, and then test them regularly;

2) Never leave anything unattended in the kitchen whilst it is cooking;

3) Never leave children unattended in or near filled baths, pools, ponds or even buckets;

4) Keep stairs and paths maintained, well lit and free of obstacles, and if you have small children use barriers to prevent falls;

5) Have an emergency evacuation plan and make sure all family members know how to escape the house in the event of a fire or other emergency;

6) Set all hot water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less to prevent accidental scalding, especially if you have small children; and

7) Always mark poisonous substances accurately and remove any other labels that may confuse someone as to the type of substance within in the bottle, jar or any other form of container. And, if you have children in and around your home make sure these substances are housed in a child-proof cupboard. 

For more information on home safety please visit www.homesafety.org because prevention is always better than a cure.

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Gas Prices and Real Estate

By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

Main Story Sources:Bierman, Noah and Blanton, Kimberly (2008) House Hunting in the Age of $4 Gas;available online at www.boston.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

Main Story Sources:Bierman, Noah and Blanton, Kimberly (2008) House Hunting in the Age of $4 Gas;available online at www.boston.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

Main Story Sources:Bierman, Noah and Blanton, Kimberly (2008) House Hunting in the Age of $4 Gas;available online at www.boston.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

Housing Swapping Net Style

By Jeff Adolph

New Trends

A new trend is emerging for those who are finding it difficult to sell their house, in what many refer to as a 'slow market'.

Basically, those who have a home they are wishing to sell list their details on a home swapping site, and the database matches two sellers based on their requirements; the sellers can then elect to arrange to trade properties, or not. For example - prospective swappers would include the location or school district they are seeking and the number of bedrooms and the type of facilities needed.

There are some 90+ home swapping sites on the Internet, today, these sites are continually growing and fast, as the trend catches on.

OnlineHouseTrading.com has over 40,000 listings across the nation, while Pad4pad.com, which was launched only 3 months ago has over 2,000 listings and is said to be growing by 30% per month, according to its founder, Greg Holt.

If you're considering home swapping as an option, here are some must know tips:

1) Mortgage Savvy - you will both need to close on the same day for mortgage approval, if you elect to take on new mortgages. If you elect to swap mortgages, you will need to have an adjustable rate mortgage where the fixed period has expired.

2) Find a Real Estate Lawyer - you need to make sure that all the paperwork associated with the house-swap is legal and that everything is accounted for, therefore it is advisable to enlist the help of a real estate lawyer.

3) Guarantee Your Purchase - always carry out the same property inspections and appraisals as you would if you were buying and selling a home using the conventional methodology. This way you know the home you are swapping your's for is of equal value and quality.

4) Site Listings - always make sure that any site you list with has privacy policies and states that they will not sell your name and details to a third party source, otherwise you may find that Realtors will call on you. Also make sure that you list with a site that has a one-off payment for listings rather than a monthly payment, as monthly paying sites may not be as legitimate as those asking for a one-off payment.

Main Story Sources: Andriottis, Annamaria (2008) Trading Places Maybe; available online at www.online.wsj.com

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By Jeff Adolph

New Trends

A new trend is emerging for those who are finding it difficult to sell their house, in what many refer to as a 'slow market'.

Basically, those who have a home they are wishing to sell list their details on a home swapping site, and the database matches two sellers based on their requirements; the sellers can then elect to arrange to trade properties, or not. For example - prospective swappers would include the location or school district they are seeking and the number of bedrooms and the type of facilities needed.

There are some 90+ home swapping sites on the Internet, today, these sites are continually growing and fast, as the trend catches on.

OnlineHouseTrading.com has over 40,000 listings across the nation, while Pad4pad.com, which was launched only 3 months ago has over 2,000 listings and is said to be growing by 30% per month, according to its founder, Greg Holt.

If you're considering home swapping as an option, here are some must know tips:

1) Mortgage Savvy - you will both need to close on the same day for mortgage approval, if you elect to take on new mortgages. If you elect to swap mortgages, you will need to have an adjustable rate mortgage where the fixed period has expired.

2) Find a Real Estate Lawyer - you need to make sure that all the paperwork associated with the house-swap is legal and that everything is accounted for, therefore it is advisable to enlist the help of a real estate lawyer.

3) Guarantee Your Purchase - always carry out the same property inspections and appraisals as you would if you were buying and selling a home using the conventional methodology. This way you know the home you are swapping your's for is of equal value and quality.

4) Site Listings - always make sure that any site you list with has privacy policies and states that they will not sell your name and details to a third party source, otherwise you may find that Realtors will call on you. Also make sure that you list with a site that has a one-off payment for listings rather than a monthly payment, as monthly paying sites may not be as legitimate as those asking for a one-off payment.

Home Buying Incentives

By Jeff Adolph

Innovative Realtors

According to reporter Luke Mullins of the U.S. News & World Report, the Californian real estate market currently have some interesting ideas to get buyers motivated.

The first incentive is a buy-one-get-one-free offer where Michael Crews Development is giving the buyers of a Royal View Estate home in San Pasqual Valley, a 2,000 square row home valued at US$400,000. The Royal View Estate homes are priced at US$1.6 million and above.

Dawn Berry of Michael Crews Development told 10 News in San Diego, "We thought  'why does it just have to be on Pop Tarts and restaurants?' Why not buy one home,get one free[?]"

The second incentive is based on the legalization of gay marriage where Californian Realtor, Wellford Realty in San Diego is enticing newly weds to buy homes in the region.

Yes, Wellsford Realty is a offering wedding reception or a honeymoon for same-sex couples wishing to tie the knot, and purchase a condo or home with the firm. Evidentially, lucky gays who take up the offer will receive a 33% rebate on commission.

Without a doubt Realtors are definitely innovative...

Main Story Sources: Mullins, Luke (2008) The Gay Marriage Home - Buying Discount and Luke Mullins (2008) Buy a Home, Get One Free; available online at www.USNews.com

Picture Source: Michael Crews Development and Microsoft Clipart Online

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By Jeff Adolph

Innovative Realtors

According to reporter Luke Mullins of the U.S. News & World Report, the Californian real estate market currently have some interesting ideas to get buyers motivated.

The first incentive is a buy-one-get-one-free offer where Michael Crews Development is giving the buyers of a Royal View Estate home in San Pasqual Valley, a 2,000 square row home valued at US$400,000. The Royal View Estate homes are priced at US$1.6 million and above.

Dawn Berry of Michael Crews Development told 10 News in San Diego, "We thought  'why does it just have to be on Pop Tarts and restaurants?' Why not buy one home,get one free[?]"

The second incentive is based on the legalization of gay marriage where Californian Realtor, Wellford Realty in San Diego is enticing newly weds to buy homes in the region.

Yes, Wellsford Realty is a offering wedding reception or a honeymoon for same-sex couples wishing to tie the knot, and purchase a condo or home with the firm. Evidentially, lucky gays who take up the offer will receive a 33% rebate on commission.

Without a doubt Realtors are definitely innovative...

Thinking of Building? Now is the Right Time According to Experts

By Jeff Adolph

Investment Opportunities

With building costs down many industry experts feel that now may be the right time to consider putting your new home dreams into action.

Allen E. Beals, of the Dow Service Daily Building Reports said, " Build now if you are going to build, for building prices will probably never be lower than they are today.'

Consumption of building materials such as granite, marble and other stones has decreased and this means that suppliers are competing quite fervently for business, hence the prices are being reduced to gain a portion of the market. For example - pre-fabricated granite has fallen by as much as 50%.

In addition to this, suppliers with a stock surplus are looking to reduce their inventory, and land has never been better priced, making it just ripe for the picking.

As Carl Heldman, a builder said, "In terms of finding land you want at a good price, this is the best market that I have seen in my 30 years of home building."

So, what are you waiting for? Now is the right time to build, build, build...

Main Story Source: Wilkening, David (2008) Time to Build that Dream Home; available online at http://www.housingpredictor.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Investment Opportunities

With building costs down many industry experts feel that now may be the right time to consider putting your new home dreams into action.

Allen E. Beals, of the Dow Service Daily Building Reports said, " Build now if you are going to build, for building prices will probably never be lower than they are today.'

Consumption of building materials such as granite, marble and other stones has decreased and this means that suppliers are competing quite fervently for business, hence the prices are being reduced to gain a portion of the market. For example - pre-fabricated granite has fallen by as much as 50%.

In addition to this, suppliers with a stock surplus are looking to reduce their inventory, and land has never been better priced, making it just ripe for the picking.

As Carl Heldman, a builder said, "In terms of finding land you want at a good price, this is the best market that I have seen in my 30 years of home building."

So, what are you waiting for? Now is the right time to build, build, build...

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Investment Know How

By Jeff Adolph

Investment Opportunities

According to John F. Wasik of Bloomeberg.com that nasty bubble that surrounded housing some time ago didn't burst in all the states. Wasik believes the areas of best investment are often not discussed as much as they should be, and these markets are virtually hidden.

The best way to locate these top performers is to look at the local economy, if jobs are continually being introduced this is usually a sign that business is booming, and a thriving market always has a strong economy, which is a guarantee that the housing market is strong.

As Wasik states, 'the most bountiful places for housing growth are where homes are reasonably priced and people are relocating there because jobs are being created.

The best gay zip-code markets at present are as follows:

• New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut;
• Lexington, Kentucky;
• Providence, Rhode Island; and
• Dallas, Texas;

Lexington in Kentucky is said to offer the best in terms of true housing bargains at present, therefore if you are considering buying as an investment or relocating this region may be worth considering.

Main Story Source: John F. Wasik (2008) Housing Bubble Didn't Burst Everywhere in US; available online at http://www.bloomberg.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

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© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

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By Jeff Adolph

Investment Opportunities

According to John F. Wasik of Bloomeberg.com that nasty bubble that surrounded housing some time ago didn't burst in all the states. Wasik believes the areas of best investment are often not discussed as much as they should be, and these markets are virtually hidden.

The best way to locate these top performers is to look at the local economy, if jobs are continually being introduced this is usually a sign that business is booming, and a thriving market always has a strong economy, which is a guarantee that the housing market is strong.

As Wasik states, 'the most bountiful places for housing growth are where homes are reasonably priced and people are relocating there because jobs are being created.

The best gay zip-code markets at present are as follows:

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Renters Beware - Fake Craiglist Scam

By Jeff Adolph

Renting Vs. Buying

Idaho's Treasure Valley is the first known case of fake Craiglist rental listings in the state, where the unsuspecting are instructed to wire transfer rental deposits to secure properties, which are advertised at well below the market prices.

As Idaho Statesman reporter Anne Wallace Allen stated in an article published by the paper this month, 'the would be renters were victims of a Craiglist scam that hijacked real estate adds by Meridian based property management company, ProCore.'

While the ads are of legitimate homes for rent the prices advertised are below market value.

Co-owner of ProCore,Kevin Sackett said he had started receiving calls about phony ads a week or so ago. Fake ProCore ads on Craiglist with the listing being copied from his site, but with the contact information altered to that of his wife, Susan. However,the link takes you to a Yahoo.com e-mail address that neither Sackett nor his wife set-up.

Sackett has pretended to be interested in a listing and sent the people responsible an e-mail asking for further details, and he even received a reply from the person posing as his wife, instructing him to send money via MoneyGram as a way of paying a deposit to secure the home.

The Better Business Bureau said they have tracked other cases elsewhere in the nation and were notified of fake ads in the Idaho region last winter, unfortunately they cannot do much to prevent such situations from occurring. This is because the scam artists protect themselves by using untraceable e-mails and transaction devices, such as Western Union and MoneyGram that often deposited funds in off-shore accounts that are outside of American Jurisdiction.

As Andrea Dearden of the Ada Country Sheriff's Office said, "Consumers have to protect themselves. Do your homework. Don't send a cashier's check or cash anywhere without knowing exactly where it is going or to whom. Once your'e a victim it's too late.

Tips to Avoid Rental Scams

1. Arrange to meet agents or landlords face-to-face and be sure of what your renting when replying to any classified ad.
2. Never send any money by wire transfer unless you know the account holder you are sending the money to.
3. Always protect your identity and never give out your personal details to anyone unless you know them and they have verified their credentials.

Main Story Source: Anne Wallace Allen (2008) Don't Fall for Craiglist Ads for Treasure Valley Rental Homes; available online at www.idahostatesman.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

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*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

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© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

By Jeff Adolph

Renting Vs. Buying

Idaho's Treasure Valley is the first known case of fake Craiglist rental listings in the state, where the unsuspecting are instructed to wire transfer rental deposits to secure properties, which are advertised at well below the market prices.

As Idaho Statesman reporter Anne Wallace Allen stated in an article published by the paper this month, 'the would be renters were victims of a Craiglist scam that hijacked real estate adds by Meridian based property management company, ProCore.'

While the ads are of legitimate homes for rent the prices advertised are below market value.

Co-owner of ProCore,Kevin Sackett said he had started receiving calls about phony ads a week or so ago. Fake ProCore ads on Craiglist with the listing being copied from his site, but with the contact information altered to that of his wife, Susan. However,the link takes you to a Yahoo.com e-mail address that neither Sackett nor his wife set-up.

Sackett has pretended to be interested in a listing and sent the people responsible an e-mail asking for further details, and he even received a reply from the person posing as his wife, instructing him to send money via MoneyGram as a way of paying a deposit to secure the home.

The Better Business Bureau said they have tracked other cases elsewhere in the nation and were notified of fake ads in the Idaho region last winter, unfortunately they cannot do much to prevent such situations from occurring. This is because the scam artists protect themselves by using untraceable e-mails and transaction devices, such as Western Union and MoneyGram that often deposited funds in off-shore accounts that are outside of American Jurisdiction.

As Andrea Dearden of the Ada Country Sheriff's Office said, "Consumers have to protect themselves. Do your homework. Don't send a cashier's check or cash anywhere without knowing exactly where it is going or to whom. Once your'e a victim it's too late.

Tips to Avoid Rental Scams

1. Arrange to meet agents or landlords face-to-face and be sure of what your renting when replying to any classified ad.
2. Never send any money by wire transfer unless you know the account holder you are sending the money to.
3. Always protect your identity and never give out your personal details to anyone unless you know them and they have verified their credentials.

Main Story Source: Anne Wallace Allen (2008) Don't Fall for Craiglist Ads for Treasure Valley Rental Homes; available online at www.idahostatesman.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

-----------------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

By Jeff Adolph

Renting Vs. Buying

Idaho's Treasure Valley is the first known case of fake Craiglist rental listings in the state, where the unsuspecting are instructed to wire transfer rental deposits to secure properties, which are advertised at well below the market prices.

As Idaho Statesman reporter Anne Wallace Allen stated in an article published by the paper this month, 'the would be renters were victims of a Craiglist scam that hijacked real estate adds by Meridian based property management company, ProCore.'

While the ads are of legitimate homes for rent the prices advertised are below market value.

Co-owner of ProCore,Kevin Sackett said he had started receiving calls about phony ads a week or so ago. Fake ProCore ads on Craiglist with the listing being copied from his site, but with the contact information altered to that of his wife, Susan. However,the link takes you to a Yahoo.com e-mail address that neither Sackett nor his wife set-up.

Sackett has pretended to be interested in a listing and sent the people responsible an e-mail asking for further details, and he even received a reply from the person posing as his wife, instructing him to send money via MoneyGram as a way of paying a deposit to secure the home.

The Better Business Bureau said they have tracked other cases elsewhere in the nation and were notified of fake ads in the Idaho region last winter, unfortunately they cannot do much to prevent such situations from occurring. This is because the scam artists protect themselves by using untraceable e-mails and transaction devices, such as Western Union and MoneyGram that often deposited funds in off-shore accounts that are outside of American Jurisdiction.

As Andrea Dearden of the Ada Country Sheriff's Office said, "Consumers have to protect themselves. Do your homework. Don't send a cashier's check or cash anywhere without knowing exactly where it is going or to whom. Once your'e a victim it's too late.

Tips to Avoid Rental Scams

1. Arrange to meet agents or landlords face-to-face and be sure of what your renting when replying to any classified ad.
2. Never send any money by wire transfer unless you know the account holder you are sending the money to.
3. Always protect your identity and never give out your personal details to anyone unless you know them and they have verified their credentials.