real estate agents Money

Feds probe real estate agents - Apr. 22, 2005 Web CNN/Money Buying & Selling Investment Property Home Improvement Million $ Life Financing Best Places SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT | SUBSCRIBE TO MONEY | Feds probe real estate agents Money magazine investigation shows Justice Dept. looking into anticompetitive practices. April 22, 2005: 5:27 PM EDT By Jon Birger, Money Magazine NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Did you pay your real estate broker too much? The U.S. Department of Justice may be set to turn Tulsa, Okla. into a test-case for ending the stranglehold 6 percent commissions have over the real estate brokerage business. MONEY has learned that Justice's Antitrust Division is gathering information on the bully tactics that full-commission brokers in Tulsa allegedly use against their discount rivals to discourage commission-cutting. The probe follows other recent efforts to spur competition in the real estate industry. According to a copy of a Justice Department subpoena obtained by MONEY, federal investigators are seeking information on "possible anticompetitive conduct in the provision of real estate services in the Tulsa area" as well as "documents related to refusal to cooperate on real estate transactions." An Antitrust Division spokeswoman confirmed the existence of the investigation but declined to provide additional details. Al Unser, executive director of the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors said: "We received a CID [civil investigative demand] from the Justice Dept. and we have responded." Economists who study real estate, such as the University of Cincinnati's Norm Miller, believe anti-competitive behavior is the primary explanation for the persistence of the 6 percent commission. J.D. Smith and Bob Meyer are two Tulsa discount real estate agents who say they were interviewed by federal investigators. They say the investigators wanted information on full-commission agents' alleged refusal to show home-buying clients properties listed by discount brokers -- a tactic known as boycotting. Boycotting exploits the one major weakness of the multiple listing service. The MLS's upside is that it centralizes all homes for sale in a single electronic marketplace that can be accessed by all agents -- and these days by Web-savvy consumers as well. The downside is that brokers must depend on one another to help sell their homes, and that discourages them from undercutting each other's commissions. While boycotting the listings of discounters is generally considered an antitrust violation -- if undisclosed, it's also a breach of fiduciary duty to clients -- industry insiders are well aware that boycotting goes on, even if they claim not to condone it. For Smith, the Feds' investigation comes a year or so too late. His realty business on the brink of ruin, Smith recently abandoned discount brokerage and went back to charging 6 percent. "In one week," Smith said, "I've had more showings and more offers from other realtors than I had in the previous two months." The Tulsa investigation is part of an ongoing Antitrust Division foray into the sharp-elbowed realty world. In March, the Antitrust Division sued the Kentucky Real Estate Commission over a state law that prohibits real estate brokers from offering commission rebates to consumers. More recently, Assistant Attorney General R. Hewitt Pate sent letters to lawmakers and regulators in Oklahoma and Texas, urging them to reject proposals that would effectively prohibit brokers from engaging in limited-service or fee-for-service realty -- such as listing a home for sale on the multiple listing service for a flat fee of $500. Bruce Hahn, chairman of the American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance, argues that state prohibitions on rebates and fee-for-service discourage competition and inflate commissions paid by consumers. "We've talked to Justice, and we think what they're doing is tremendous," he said. E-mail Jon Birger at jbirger@moneymail.com. The Hot List Most profitable renovations How risky is your 401(k)? Big new tax credits for hybrid cars More Real Estate How to buy and build on rural land Most overvalued housing markets When booms go bust... contact us | magazine customer service | site map | glossary | RSS | press room OTHER NEWS: CNN | SI | Fortune | Business2.0 = Money subscribers = Premium content -- * - Time reflects local markets trading time. † - Intraday data is at least 15-minutes delayed. Disclaimer © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Terms under which this service is provided to you. privacy policy Reprints of site stories are available. Top Stories Most overvalued housing markets Risks to the economy in 2006 Which was the worst ad of all in 2005? After the ride, a rest Hilton brands reunite after 40 years YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS Real Estate Antitrust Division Corporate Governance Oklahoma or Create your own Manage alerts | What is this?

Home Loan Program DISASTER

Information on the VA Home Loan Program Information on the Home Loan Program HomeOwnership Education for First Time Buyers Am I Eligible for a VA Loan? Property Management Construction and Valuation Lenders & Servicers Contact VA Loan Guaranty Service Forms Loan Guaranty HomePage VBA HomePage VA Homepage If You Owe VA VA Monitoring Unit Loan Production Specially Adapted Housing Information on the Home Loan Program DISASTER ADVICE FOR VETERAN HOMEOWNERS Thinking of Buying, Selling or Refinancing a Home These short videos explain what you need to know as a Veteran. Pamphlets on the VA Home Loan Program On-line copies of VA Home Loan Pamphlets. HomeOwnership Education for First Time Buyers Valuable information for first time homebuyers from the Ginnie Mae HomeOwnership Center. Frequently Asked Questions Answers to questions most frequently asked about the VA Home Loan program. About the Loan Guaranty Service The VA Loan Guaranty Service is the organization within the Veterans Benefits Administration charged with the responsibility of administering the home loan program. See an independent evaluation of the Loan Guaranty program here: Final Report / Final Report Appendices Information on Specially Adapted Housing for disabled veterans Click here for information on the Special Adapted Housing program for certain seriously disabled veterans. VA Regional Loan Centers Addresses, telephone numbers & websites of our Regional Loan Centers. Contact VA Loan Guaranty Service E-mail Loan Guaranty Service VA Approved Lenders Find a VA approved lender in your home town area using our E-lenders nationwide query. Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans Have interest rates fallen since you obtained your VA loan? Do you have an Adjustable Rate VA loan that you want to convert to a fixed rate loan? The IRRRL program, also called the VA streamlined refinancing program, may be for you. No appraisal or underwriting is required and a certificate of eligibility is not necessary. If You Have Trouble Making Your Payments If you have a VA loan but are having trouble making your mortgage payments, it is very important that you take steps to avoid a foreclosure. VA may be able to help. Information for Elderly Homeowners Information for Elderly Homeowners covers Reverse Mortgages, Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans, and Home Equity Fraud. VA Direct Home Loans for Native American Veterans Living on Trust lands VA direct home loans are available to eligible Native American veterans who wish to purchase or construct a home on trust lands. Information on the Home Loan Program / Am I Eligible for a VA Loan? / Property Management Construction and Valuation / Lenders & Servicers / Contact VA Loan Guaranty Service / Forms Loan Guaranty HomePage / If you owe VA / Monitoring Unit / Loan Production / SAH Disclaimer / Privacy & Security Statement / Freedom of Information Act Contact the VA / VBA HomePage / VA HomePage This page has been accessed since February 16, 2003. Reviewed/Updated: September 28, 2005 (kt)

Land Loans Lending Area

Real Estate Loan main page Home | Search | Sitemap | Contact Us | Your Privacy | Reorder Checks Credit Cards | Account Aggregation | Mortgages | Buy Stocks | Online Banking About Us Join Us Save with Us Borrow from Us Invest/Insure with Us Your Rates Your Tools Your Business Borrow from Us Auto Loans Consumer Loans Credit Cards Real Estate Loans Apply now Rates 80/10/10 Mortgages Adjustable Rate Mortgages Construction Mortgages Fixed Rate Mortgages Flexible Mortgages Home Equity Line Of Credit Land Loans Lending Area Refinancing Zero Down Mortgages Payment Protection Whether you are buying a new home or you've decided to remodel, as a member of Redstone Federal Credit Union, you have access to many different low annual percentage rate loans and refinancing options. At RFCU, we provide you with the financial resources you'll need and the personal service you've come to expect. Take a look and please feel free to contact our Real Estate Department for more information. We'll be happy to help you decide what type of loan will work best for your particular needs. Real Estate Lending Area Click here to locate the geographic area that our real estate lending area covers. 80/10/10 Mortgages A great way to finance your new real estate purchase and have cash on hand to make improvements, renovations, or add that personal touch. Learn more.. Adjustable Rate Mortgages With our Adjustable Rate Mortgages, you can reap the benefits of our low interest rates. Learn more... Apply Now Construction Mortgages Ready to build on your dream property? Here's the best way to make it happen. Learn more... Fixed Rate Mortgages Sometimes change is good. When interest rates go up, well, let's just say you'll wish you had a Fixed Rate Mortgage with RFCU. Learn more... Apply Now Flexible Mortgages When a low down payment is what you need, we offer two types of Flexible Mortgages. Learn more... Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC) Hey, it's your money, put it to good use with a HELOC. Learn more... Land Loans It's a buyers market and we provide you with options of how to acquire the perfect land to call your very own. Learn more... Refinancing Are rates lower today than when you first purchased? If so, you may consider refinancing. Learn more... Apply Now Zero Down Payment Mortgages Need your cash for something other than a down payment? With our Zero Down Payment Mortgage, it's possible! Learn more..

Buy Property

British Expat: Expat World: Moving to Spain: Buying Property in Spain - the Rights Group glossary British Expat Magazine | British Expat Forum | British Expat Country Forum | British Expat Classifieds | British Expat Mail | British Expat Shop British Expat Tax Havens Banking Anonymous ATM Cards BVI IBC Panama Company Gibraltar Company News, humour and information for Brits worldwide! Sitesearch powered by Web British Expat BE HOME PAGE EXPAT WORLD Resources Bulgaria France Germany Ireland Malta Poland Spain Moving to Spain English Lessons Features Switzerland Bahrain Cambodia China India Indonesia Israel & Occupied Territories Korea Malaysia Singapore Thailand Turkey Australia Fiji New Zealand Samoa Canada Costa Rica Mexico USA Botswana Ethiopia Ghana Malawi South Africa Tanzania Tunisia Uganda ABOUT BE Spain > Moving to Spain > Buying Property in Spain - the Rights Group glossary Buying Property in Spain - The Rights Group's Glossary of Property terms by Mark FR Wilkins Our colleagues at Overseas Property Professional have reported that Britons have spent £12 billion on second homes over the last two years, based on new statistics from the UK Office for National Statistics. Apparently, Britons are spending £6 billion a year on the purchase of second homes a staggering £4 billion more than two years ago. We at The Rights Group felt it would be useful to put together a glossary of terms that we use every day but which may be a little alien to would-be property purchasers in Spain. We are constantly striving to increase the level of information available to Northern Europeans who may be attracted to the idea of buying in Spain but who may equally be daunted by the press in recent months, which has portrayed our market as a den of thieves. It's not, particularly if you approach it with your eyes wide open seeking advice and assistance early in your quest for your dream property and making certain that the professional advice you receive is wholly independent. We see this as a "living" glossary, so if you come across words and phrases that could usefully be added please let me know at mark@therightsgroup.com . We hope you'll find it useful. Abogado Lawyer Adosado - Semi-detached or town house Aire acondicionado Air conditioning Agua Water Agua potable Drinking water Albañil - Bricklayer Alfombra - Carpet Amortización - Depreciation, Redemption Antigüedad(es) / Tienda de Antique/Antique shop Aparcamiento - Parking Arquitecto - Architect Armario Cupboard, wardrobe Asesoría Económica Accountant, Financial adviser Balcón Balcony Banco/cuenta de/tarjeta de - Bank/bank account/bank card Baño Bath/WC Barbacoa Barbecue Basura - Rubbish bins and rubbish taxes Bombilla Light bulb Buzón - Mailbox Caja de Ahorros - Savings bank Calefacción central Central heating Campo - Countryside Cargas Land charges registered against the property Carpintero Joiner Casa unifamiliar - Detached house Casita - Cottage Certificado registral - Certificate showing debts attaching to a property Chalet Villa Cocina Kitchen Comedor Dining room Comunidad de propietarios Committee of property owners Constructor - Builder Construido - Built area, of property Construir - Build Contable Accountant Contrato de Compraventa Privado - Property sales contract Costa del Sol Sun Coast Costa de la Luz Coast of Light Costa Blanca White Coast Corriente - Electricity Cortijo - A country property inland with farming roots Cuarto de Baño - Bathroom Cuenta de Banco - Bank account Documento privado - Private document Documento público - Public document Dormitorio - Bedroom Ducha Shower Duplex Apartment over two floors Ebanista Joiner Edificio Building Electricista Electrician Escayolista - Plasterer Escritura - Deeds of ownership Escritura pública de compraventa - Title Deeds Euribor Variable interest rate set by European banks Fontanero - Plumber Finca Farm house or small estate Fin de Obra Formal Completion of Works on a new property Fuente - Fountain Garaje - Garage Gas Butano Butane gas, often used for cooking and water heating Gestoría Specialists used to obtain official authorisations, permits and licences Habitación A Room Hipoteca - Mortgage IBI: Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles - Property tax levied yearly Impuesto extraordinario sobre el patrimonio - Wealth Tax - extraordinary tax on assets Impuesto sobre el Incremento del Valor de los Terrenos - Tax on the increase of land value Impuesto sobre el patrimonio - Capital gains tax Incremento de patrimonio A Capital gain Inmobiliaria/agente - Estate agent Inversión en terreno - Land investment ITP Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrionales - Property Transfer Tax of 7% levied on all re-sale property IVA VAT Jardn - Garden Ladrillo Brick Libre de cargas Debt free Libro del edificio - Documents from the promoter when building is finished Licencia de obra - Building permission Licencia de prima ocupación Licence to occupy a completed property Limpiadora Cleaner Luz - Electricity Madera Wood Mármol - Marble Martillo - Hammer Metros cuadrados Square metres units floor area is measured in N.I.E. - Identity Number for Foreigners required for a property purchase Notario - Notary records the legal details of property and land sales Nota Simple - Certificate from Property Registry Obra nueva - Document certifying a new building Oferta vinculante - Bank document specifying mortgage conditions Ordenador Computer Pago en efectivo - Cash payment Parcela - Lot or plot Pestillo Door lock Pintor - Painter Piscina - Swimming pool Piso - Apartment Playa - Beach Plusvalía - Municipal Capital gains tax on the sale of property Poder Power of Attorney Pozo - Well Préstamo Loan Préstamo con techo Loan with variable interest with fixed minimum and maximum Préstamo hipotecario - Mortgage loan Pueblo - Town or village Puerta - Door Registro de la Propiedad - Register of Property Ownership Representante fiscal Foreigner's official tax representative Resale Property A second hand property, already registered at the property register in Spain. Residencia - Residency permit Residente - Resident Sala, salón - Lounge Se vende or en venta - For sale Se alquila For Rent Sevillana - Electricity company Seguro de amortización de préstamos - Loan repayment insurance Seguro Multirriesgo Hogar - House insurance Señal Deposit or down payment Solar - Lot for building Sótano Basement Subasta - Auction Tarjeta de Banco - Bank card Tasación - Independent valuation of property Tasa de cambio Exchange rate Tasadores Official Bank Valuers Techo - Roof Teja - Roof tile Terraza - Terrace Terreno - Land, plot of land Terreno en venta - Land for sale Terreno para construir - Building land on the Costa del Sol Tipo de interés - Rate of interest Título de propiedad - Deeds stating the ownership of property, date of sale etc. Trastero - Storeroom Valor Catastral - Assessed value of property for tax purposes Vidriero Glazier Yesero - Plasterer Yeso Plaster Compilation © Mark F R Wilkins 2005 (Marbella) Mark F R Wilkins The Rights Group SL email: mark(AT)therightsgroup.com website: www.therightsgroup.com tel.: +34 600 343 917 +34 952 930 435 Other links in this section Buying Property in Spain - the pitfalls! Why are property prices going through the roof? Relocation, Relocation, Relocation - Deciding to Move Buying Habits and New Hot Spots What made me up sticks? Relocation, Relocation, Relocation - Arriving in Spain Relocation, Relocation, Relocation - Checklist for a move to Spain Relocation, Relocation, Relocation - Sun, Sea and Risk The Rights Group Guide - How to Avoid... Part 1 Expat Websites in Spain Other relevant BE pages English Lessons: The Bonk On The Bitch English Lessons: A Lesson At Christmas English Lessons: The Pain In Spain English Lessons: Get Into The Bit English Lessons: Strong Arms And The Law English Lessons: Tiptoe Through The Tutus English Lessons: Chicken Chests And Cheeps English Lessons: Never Forget Lesson Number One English Lessons: Lesson Number One English Lessons: May And Daisy, Sam And Ella Canada for Brits: Property Canada Property: A Land of Opportunities Expat Resources: Property Tax: Let Property Property: UK Property Links Property: Investing in property Property index Expats Near You: Spain Spain Features: Fiesta Fireworks! Spain Features: Siesta in the Sierra Spain Features: I'm Turning into a Nomad (Part One) Spain Features: I'm Turning Into A Nomad (Part Two) Property: Selling your home in the UK Property: UK Buy to Let Spain Features: Hiring a Car in Spain Spain Features: Renting a Villa - Tips Spain Features: Having a Baby in Tenerife Spain Features: Feria at Sierra de Yeguas Spain Features: Renting a Villa Spain Features: Learning Spanish Spain Features: Shopping in Spain Spain Features: Timekeeping in Spain Back to Top EXPAT SERVICES Webmail Newsletter Send free eCards Buy BE stuff! BOOK NOW Flights Top Deals Hotels Holidays Published by British Expat Ltd © 2000-2005 All rights reserved Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms & conditions Privacy policy | Security policy | Morality policy | Advertising policy | Contact us Powered by Typo3 with additional scripting by ICi Technology Many thanks to sillyart.com for the "man with suitcase" logo

Investment Property

Investment Property Databank IPD Home About IPD Portfolio Analysis Services Events Indices and Market Information Indices for Derivatives Online Services -- Pan-Europe Canada Denmark Dutch Social Housing France Finland (IPD Compliant) Germany Ireland Quarterly Italy Japan (Consultative Index) Netherlands Norden Norway Portugal South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland UK Annual UK Monthly UK Residential UK Forestry UK Let Land Pooled Property Fund Indices Multi Country Index Spreadsheet National Indices Follow the links on the left to view indices in pdf format, summaries of the results, or download the complete history for each country. IPD has already started work to add Italy and Japan to the list of countries covered - and is running preliminary studies in several others. Click here to download the Consultation release of the IPD Pan-European index, which measures the combined results of 11 countries. New - the IPD Multi country index spreadsheet - click here for more information Index results - league table Total Return 2000 Total Return 2001 Total Return 2002 Total Return 2003 Total Return 2004 Ireland 28.7 8.2 2.3 12.7 11.5 Portugal 10.8 13.1 13.8 10.0 10.6 UK 10.5 6.8 9.6 10.9 18.3 Sth. Africa 11.1 10.5 9.6 15.3 23.4 Denmark 10.2 11.4 9.4 7.3 6.3 Netherlands 16.0 11.4 8.8 7.1 7.7 Canada 12.0 9.2 8.8 8.4 12.9 France 14.2 9.7 8.6 8.1 10.1 Spain - 9.1 8.2 8.3 11.5 Norway 12.8 10.8 7.0 7.6 10.4 Germany 5.4 5.6 4.1 3.2 1.3 Sweden 21.9 4.6 2.4 0.9 5.8 Switzerland - - 5.7 5.1 4.9 Japan* - - - 4.2 Italy - - - 10.4 9.5 * Consultative Index Total Returns % 1 St. John's Lane London EC1M 4BL Tel: +44 (0)20 7336 9200 Fax: +44 (0)20 7336 9399 Privacy Policy | © 2005 IPD Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Home | About IPD | Portfolio Analysis Service | Events | Indices and Market Information | Indices for Derivatives | OPD Designed by Webrepro