Real Estate Investing

Bob Bruss Real Estate Center An Audio Message from Bob Bruss Subscribe to Bob's Weekly e-mail update and get this Free Report: 2005 Realty Tax Tips: 8 Chapters of Tax Savings for Homeowners and Investors First Name: Primary E-mail Address: >> Order Bob’s Special Real Estate Reports only $4.95 each! >> Ask Bob a Real Estate Question >> Subscribe to Bob’s Newsletters NEW REPORT! “Foreclosure and Distress Property Profit Secrets” >> Order Why pay upwards of $300 per hour for real estate legal, tax or investment advice? Bob Bruss, America’s most trusted real estate expert, offers Special Reports on a wide range of real estate topics for less than $5.00 each! Bob’s columns appear in over 150 newspapers across the country, including the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle. Bob draws on more than 25 years of real estate writing, teaching and investing to bring you unbiased information that will help you make smart real estate decisions. Click above & get a free 6-month newsletter subscription! Bob's Notebook SIX KEY REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATION TIPS FOR BUYERS, SELLERS Determining other party's motivation paramount to success The year 2005 has been very good for most property owners and realty sales agents. Home sales prices appreciated handsomely in most communities and the sales volume of new and resale homes were near-record. But 2006 promises to be more "normal" as mortgage interest rates slowly rise, resulting in a modest new home construction volume decline with a corresponding residence market value appreciation and sales volume slowing. Having been through many real estate market ups and downs over almost four decades, both as an investor, sales broker, and realty writer, I've learned that success in a slowing real estate market requires paying greater attention to negotiation skills. NEGOTIATE WITH PEOPLE WHO WANT TO NEGOTIATE . As a lifelong student of real estate negotiation techniques, because there is always more to learn, I've discovered it usually is a waste of time to attempt to negotiate with people who are not highly motivated to make a change. Most experienced real estate agents hate the situation when a home seller lists their desirable property for sale with a top price but they really don't have a good motivation for selling. These sellers often have the attitude "If we can get our price, we'll sell. Otherwise, we won't sell." Their homes often take "forever" to sell. But in 2005, many homes sold for above their asking prices because buyers wanted to purchase more than sellers wanted to sell. A strong motivation for many buyers was to beat the long-predicted rise in home mortgage interest rates. The result was a "seller's market" in many communities with more qualified buyers than motivated sellers. However, as the number of residence listings for sale has risen recently and is expected to continue rising in early 2006, especially after the customary holiday 2005 year-end lull in home sales, many real estate economists are predicting a more normal balance of motivated sellers and buyers. The result should put a premium on negotiation skills for home buyers and sellers, as well as their realty agents, to conclude successful sales. HOW TO ACHIEVE A SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION . Whatever your role in a home sale, as buyer, seller or realty agent, you can't ask too many questions. Of course, the best negotiators inquire in a friendly manner interjected with compliments. Here are the six key questions to get answered for a successful home sale negotiation: 1. WHY IS THE SELLER SELLING THIS LOVELY HOME? One way or another, successful home buyers and their realty agents need the answer to this key question so the buyer can make a purchase offer which meets the seller's needs (of course, buyers should leave out the word "lovely" if the place is a dump!). As a long-time investor in rental houses, and my personal residences, I always try to tailor my purchase offers to meet the seller's needs (and mine too). For example, several years ago I bought a house from an elderly lady who was retiring. So I offered her 10 percent cash down payment and a 90 percent seller carryback mortgage to provide for her retirement income. When she saw my offer and how much she would receive from my payment each month, she accepted (although the listing agent previously told me she wouldn't carry back any mortgage financing). Another time a listing agent told me the retired sellers of an "el dumpo" house were living in a boarding house and needed cash. As a result, I figured they wanted an all-cash sale so I arranged 100 percent financing at a community bank. The sellers immediately accepted my low purchase price offer for cash. 2. WHAT WAS THE HOME SELLER'S PURCHASE PRICE? Buyers who don't find out the answer to this key question, either from the listing agent or their buyer's agent, are at a severe negotiation disadvantage. Here's why: If the seller purchased the home many years ago for a low purchase price compared to today's market value, that seller has lots of negotiation room. However, if the home seller bought within the last few years for a price not far from today's market value, there isn't much negotiation flexibility. Of course, if the seller has a high-motivation reason for selling, as disclosed by the answer to the first question, even a recent home buyer is often willing to sell in a quick sale for close to the seller's purchase price. Such a situation is an ideal candidate for the buyer to take over payments on the current mortgage with the lender's permission. 3. DOES THE OTHER PARTY HAVE A TIME DEADLINE? This is a question both home buyer and seller should ask of their realty agent. To illustrate, if one party has a job transfer, then purchase or sale of the home can be very important. But if the seller is moving to a retirement residence, time usually isn't so critical. However, if the seller already bought another home and needs to sell the current home to produce the down payment, then closing time is ultra-important. As experienced real estate agents know, the worst home buyers and sellers are those without any time deadlines. Those folks can take forever to make decisions. 4. HAS THE SELLER OBTAINED A PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTION REPORT? Today's smartest real estate agents suggest their sellers obtain a professional inspection report at the time of listing the home for sale. Then the seller is fully aware of most home defects and can either have the defect repaired or fully disclose it to prospective buyers, thus averting future lawsuits. Sharp home purchasers, and their buyer's agents, understand this trend. When a buyer is seriously interested in a house, always ask if the seller has already obtained a professional inspection the buyer can review before making a purchase offer. Even if the seller has obtained customary professional inspection reports, smart buyers should always include in their purchase offers a contingency clause for the buyer's approval of their own inspection report obtained at the buyer's expense. Most states now have some form of required seller disclosure statement revealing known home defects. However, many sellers are not aware of all their home's defects, or they might "forget" to disclose a defect. The old days of "caveat emptor" (let the buyer beware) have disappeared. Today, the new rule seems to be "let the home seller beware of the buyer and his lawyer." 5. WHAT IS THE BUYER'S MOTIVATION TO PURCHASE MY HOME? Just as home buyers need to know the seller's reason for selling, to create a harmonious negotiation situation, home sellers should ask why the buyer wants to purchase. Of course, there are many home purchase reasons. However, if the buyer has indicated a key reason why that particular house is under consideration, such as its great condition, outstanding school district, or need to move in quickly, the seller can use that information to enhance their negotiation position. 6. ASK AN OPEN-ENDED QUESTION, SUCH AS WHAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE MAKING A DECISION? There are many variations of this question home sellers and buyers can ask, especially of their real estate agents. To illustrate, a home buyer might ask their buyer's agent "What else should I know about this house?" Or the seller might ask their listing agent "If you were in my situation, would you accept or counteroffer the buyer's purchase offer?" SUMMARY : When negotiating a home sale, sellers and buyers can't ask too many questions to enhance their negotiation position. The prime reason is to determine how motivated the other party is to buy or sell. If there is weak motivation, you aren't in a strong negotiation situation. However, if the other party is highly motivated, then you are in a strong circumstance to negotiate your strongest price and terms. More details are in my special report, "How to Become a Super-Successful Real Estate Negotiator," available for $5 from Robert Bruss, 251 Park Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 or by credit card at 1-800-736-1736 or instant Internet PDF delivery at www.bobbruss.com . Back to top © 2005 Inman News Home | Real Estate Reports | Real Estate Newsletter | About Bob Bruss | Site Map

Real Estate Agent

EAC Real Estate Innovations - NSW Property for Sale, Rent and Lease - Red Square Home For Sale For Rent Open For Inspection Auctions Recent Sales Find An Agent Email Alert Realtor Magazines Personal Agent Homes | Units & Townhouses | Land | Rural | Commercial | Development Sites | New Listings | Virtual Tours | View my Tour Property highlights for 2005 Solid fences offer best protection Check out your house Kool House! Resources > Buying > Selling > Investing > Consumer Information > Auction Results > Home Loan Centre Services Directory -- Explore EAC > About EAC > Find an Agent > Red Square > Realtor Online > Multilist > Contact EAC Buy Rent List up to 5, seperated by a comma Search surrounding suburbs Property Type House Unit/Villa/Townhouse Residential Land Rural Commercial Bedrooms 1 or more 2 or more 3 or more 4 or more 5 or more 6 or more $ 100 k < $ 150 k $ 200 k $ 250 k $ 300 k $ 350 k $ 400 k $ 450 k $ 500 k $ 550 k $ 600 k $ 650 k $ 700 k $ 750 k $ 800 k $ 850 k $ 900 k $ 950 k $ 1.0 M $ 1.5 M $ 2.0 M $ 3.0 M $ 4.0 M $ 5.0 M $ 150 k $ 200 k $ 250 k $ 300 k $ 350 k $ 400 k $ 450 k $ 500 k $ 550 k $ 600 k $ 650 k $ 700 k $ 750 k $ 800 k $ 850 k $ 900 k $ 950 k $ 1.0 M $ 1.5 M $ 2.0 M $ 3.0 M $ 4.0 M $ 5.0 M $ 5.0 M > Search Quick Search Enter Listing Number Email Alert Services > Red Square > Property Data > Street Maps > Pocket Agent > Web Services > Stationery > Printing > Training Red Square User ID Password | Advertise with us | Feedback | Legal | Privacy EAC Real Estate Innovations is the largest independent Real Estate group in NSW. We have Property for Sale, Rent and Lease in NSW. Real Estate Sydney, Real Estate Wollongong, Real Estate South Coast, Real Estate Central Coast, Real Estate Newcastle, Real Estate The Hunter, Real Estate Port Stephens, Real Estate Forster, Real Estate Coffs Harbour, Toormina, Sawtell, Real Estate Far North Coast, Real Estate Ballina, Real Estate Lismore, Real Estate North West NSW and Real Estate Western NSW. Red Square Software powered by eNeighborhoods WyldFyre. Property Data, Sales Results, Sales Data, Auction Results and Real Estate Statistics with Street Maps. Electronic Real Estate Forms. Pocket Agent for the Pocket PC

Home For Sale

RE/MAX | residential and commercial real estate Residential Home Page Property Search Luxury Home Search Find an Agent Find an Office Real Estate 101 Mortgage Tools Moving Assistance Commercial Home Page Commercial Property Search Find a Commercial Agent Find a Commercial Office Commercial Wants Why RE/MAX Commercial Inside RE/MAX Home Franchise Opportunities Become an Agent News & Events Corporate Relocation Corporate Information Welcome to RE/MAX , home of real estate's most experienced and professional agents. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX. "Everybody Wins" A new book gives homebuyers and home sellers their first in-depth look at the world's most successful real estate network. "Everybody Wins: The Story and Lessons Behind RE/MAX" is an independent view of the history, culture and leadership of the organization that revolutionized the real estate industry. MORE Children's Miracle Network Susan G. Komen Foundation RE/MAX Worldwide Select your Country United States Canada Antigua / Barbuda Anguilla Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Belgium Belize Bonaire Botswana Bulgaria Caribbean Cayman Islands Central America Chile Croatia Costa Rica Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Estonia Europe Germany Central Germany East Germany North/West Germany Southwest Germany Bayern Greece Guam Guatemala Honduras Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Luxembourg Mauritius Malta Mexico Namibia Netherlands Nevis New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Oman Panama Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Saudi Arabia Scotland Singapore Slovakia Southern Africa Spain St. Barth St. Croix St. John St. Maarten/St. Martin St. Thomas Sweden Switzerland Turkey Turks & Caicos United Arab Emirates UK Midlands UK London UK North UK South U.S. Virgin Islands Venezuela Wales Zambia remax.com en español RE/MAX Mainstreet | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact RE/MAX © 2005 RE/MAX International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The RE/MAX franchise network is a global real estate system of franchisee owned and operated offices and their affiliated independent professionals. RE/MAX affiliates lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production. RE/MAX International is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act. Please select from the menu above

Texas Land & Cattle

Texas Land & Cattle Steak House - Austin, TX, 78717 - Citysearch 7 BOC Spa & Beauty: 7 days till voting begins -- New to Citysearch? Sign In · Help · Dec 29 2005 Home Restaurants Bars & Clubs Hotels Shopping Spa & Beauty Movies Events See More Categories » Search Business name, category, and/or keyword Search restaurants only Search by name only Address, city & state, or zip | Neighborhood Address, city & state, or zip | Neighborhood Address, city & state, or zip | Airport Address, city & state, or zip | Attraction Select a Austin Neighborhood Arboretum Bergstrom Airport Buda CedarPk/Leander Downtown Austin East Austin Georgetown Hill Country Hyde Park Lake Travis North Austin Northeast Austin Northwest Hills Oak Hill Round Rock/Pflugerville San Marcos South Austin Southeast Austin Tarrytown Travis Heights University of Texas - Austin West Austin West Lake Hills Select an Austin Airport Select an Austin Attraction My Locations Add/edit locations Recent Locations Clear recent locations Save to My Citysearch Printer Friendly Version Home · Restaurant · Profile Texas Land & Cattle Steak House 14010 N Hwy 183 Austin, TX 78717 (512) 258-3733 Cross Street: Lakeline Mall Drive Editorial Profile A Southwestern chain serving tender steaks in a bustling, family-style eatery. Read More | User Reviews (2) 9.2 Overall Recommended About our ratings Ratings feedback Send to a Friend Find a date Evite your Friends Restaurant Info Cuisines: · American (Traditional), Steakhouse Price: · $$ Payment: · American Express · Discover · MasterCard · Visa New! Mobile Biz Center Book a flight , get biz news , or locate WiFi hot spots . Learn More Own this business? » Enhance or edit your listing See something wrong? » Suggest a correction Things to do nearby: 14010 N Hwy 183 Austin, TX 78717 · Restaurants · Hotels · Bars · Movie Theaters · Department Stores · Shopping Centers & Malls · Grocery Stores · Pharmacies · Florists · Banks Related Searches · Austin Restaurants · Austin American (Traditional) Restaurants · Search anything in Austin · Search Yellow Pages in Austin · Search other Cities · Browse Austin Editorial Lists Citysearch Editorial Profile -- By Tara Fatemi Quick Results in Austin, TX Search Results 1 - 3 of for " " No results for " " found. Close this window Overall Offers and Discounts Overall Offers and Discounts Overall Offers and Discounts View all results A Southwestern chain serving tender steaks in a bustling, family-style eatery. Editorial Rating: Recommended The Scene Dark wood accents, a Western motif and a large fireplace decorate the bustling, sprawling restaurant. Decibel levels manage to remain quiet enough for conversation. Service can be inconsistent, despite a large staff. The Food Texas onion strings features tangy and spicy pale-pink dipping sauce combining liquid smoke, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce. The average smoked sirloin nachos are served with generous amounts of refreshing pico de gallo and jalapenos. The succulent signature pepper-smoked sirloin lives up to its reputation with its well-absorbed flavor. A side of chili, however, is tasteless and lukewarm while under-cooked, bitter spinach is smothered in butter. Two 8-ounce, mesquite-grilled pork chops are spicy-sweet with a peach glaze coating the tender meat exquisitely. The accompanying sweet mashed potatoes are delightfully creamy. Jack Daniels pie is strong, chunky and topped with vanilla ice cream. Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch. User Reviews What users are saying Prompt seating: yes Make reservations: no Romantic: no Good for kids: yes Good for groups: yes Write a review and share your thoughts with other users. Great Food that won't break the budget Posted by leafsfan2028 on 05/24/2005 I have visited this location several times and can't wait to go back. If you like steak, order the rib eye. It is outstanding. I made the mistake of changing gears last time I was there and went with the t-bone, whihc was good, but the rib eye is out of this world. Service has always been favorable. Overall user rating: Highly Recommended Was this review helpful: Yes or No | Request removal of this review » Read all 2 reviews Related Editorial Content Dog-Friendly Austin We've sniffed out the city's best spots for a full day of doggie nirvana. So grab a leash and lap up the fun. Downtown Walking Tour The must-dos of downtown. Campus Living Check out what the kids are up to these days in the shadow of the University of Texas at these cool campus area bars and shops . 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Texas Land Title Association

Advanced Solutions International | Texas Land Title Association Advanced Solutions International | Texas Land Title Association Membership Associations Unions Clubs YMCA Museums Association Management General Membership Fundraising Event Management Media Commercial Government Products > Industry Solutions > Membership Ten Years Later, the Texas Land Title Association Continues to Benefit and Grow With Its iMIS System “ iMIS has continued to be a useful software tool for us over the last 10 years because ASI has focused on understanding the specific needs of associations,” stated Leslie Midgley, Executive Vice President at the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA), ASI’s first iMIS customer. TLTA feels that the needs of associations have changed and as technology has advanced, ASI has responded to those changes and advancements with enhancements and new products. “They (ASI) have made it their business to respond to user feedback by updating the software to better serve the needs of their users,” added Midgely. In fact, TLTA has received more than 12 upgrades of iMIS and have upgraded from iMIS LAN to the Microsoft SQL version in the last decade. The TLTA is a non-profit state trade association that represents over 600 Texas title insurance companies, abstract companies and title insurance agents that are engaged in the transference of title to real property. “With iMIS , they have been able to capture an overwhelming majority of the market share for Title companies in Texas through education, advocacy, and other valued services,” stated Mark Jones, President of enSYNC Corporation, the TLTA authorized iMIS Solution Provider. The Flexibility to Handle Growing and Changing Needs iMIS has been particularly useful to the TLTA in managing their meetings and educational programs. “ iMIS allows us to plan a meeting from start to finish without using a lot of different software programs,” stated Midgley. In the area of membership, iMIS has allowed them to keep better track of information about their members. “Over the years, we have determined that we need to store more and more data, and iMIS has allowed us the flexibility to expand and change.” Authorized iMIS Solution Provider, enSYNC Corporation, provides support to TLTA for their iMIS system. They have been an integral part of TLTA’s satisfaction and success with the product. “Both Mark Jones and Clark Jones are great to work with and are always there to help us solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Currently, they are working with us to increase our skills with report writing using Access and Crystal and to help us utilize more of the features that iMIS offers,” commented Midgley. “ iMIS is still meeting the business needs of the organization after 10 years, that really says something about the greatness of the product,” summed up Jones. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy © 2005 ASI, Inc. Site designed and developed by ASI Web Services Group , managed by iMIS Content Manager.