Buy Property

MONEY Magazine: Buying property with family or friends - Oct. 21, 2005 Web CNN/Money Home News Markets Technology Commentary Personal Finance Autos Real Estate Real Estate SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT | SUBSCRIBE TO MONEY | Buying property with family or friends Is it a blessing or a curse? The right due diligence makes all the difference. October 21, 2005: 4:10 PM EDT By Gerri Willis , MONEY Magazine Top things to know Are you ready? Lining up cash Picking a team The hunt Closing the deal For sellers only NEW YORK (MONEY Magazine) - John D. Rockefeller once said that "a friendship founded on business...is a good deal better than a business founded on friendship." He might have added: "Except in real estate." That's because some of the most successful real estate companies have started as alliances of friends and family. Orange County, Calif. megadeveloper the Irvine Company was created in the 19th century by James Irvine and his son. Donald Trump's dad Fred taught his Apprentice plenty about the family biz. Chicago real estate guru Sam Zell credits much of his success to his longtime partnership with his college pal, the late Robert Lurie. (Old John D.'s spawn didn't fare too badly either with a family venture in the 1930s called Rockefeller Center.) To be sure, if you're just starting a real estate project, you'll find it difficult to resist the temptation to bring in friends and family as partners and investors. After all, those are the people you know and probably trust the most. But how do you avoid the seemingly inevitable "Dallas"-style dramas? 1. Trust but verify Even if she's your sister or cousin, you should investigate a would-be partner's finances before doing business with her. Handy Web sites like Intelius.com and Public-records-now.com can help you unearth basic background info like tax liens or bankruptcy filings. Ask her to share a copy of her latest credit report. Talk to her former business associates. To avoid ill will, tell her from the get-go that you'll be prying -- and invite her to do the same with your background. If she balks, calmly explain that such precautions will only make for a stronger team, suggests Nicole McAllister of the University of Southern California's Lusk Center for Real Estate. "Remember, this is business." 2. Share a vision It's critical that you and your partners agree to common goals before you buy. Will you renovate that apartment house to a level that would make a Hyatt Regency manager blush? Or do you want to rent the property "as is"? Is the goal long-term cash flow or cashing out quickly? Many partnerships founder on these simple points. 3. Get it in writing Lawyers and their contracts can't prevent every calamity, but a written agreement -- think of it as a prenup before your partnership marriage -- can prevent headaches (and heartaches) for you and the family or friends who invest with you. At the very least, an operating agreement will force you to plan for the unexpected, including death, divorce or a change of mind. You must also spell out exactly what happens if one of your partners wants to sell. Establishing a contingency plan "gets everything on the table," says Philip Davis, a C.P.A. and principal at accounting firm Kauffman & Davis in Boston. "It's like going to a therapist." 4. Hire strangers Unbiased advice is essential for all involved. Brooklyn real estate broker Tammy Shaw knows plenty about the business, but she says she'd never have bought her brownstone with family without professionals at her side. "Build a team ahead of time -- an attorney, mortgage broker or banker, and contractor," she suggests. "They have to be people all of you feel comfortable with." 5. Be an open book Garry Klein, co-founder of real estate fund Highpoint Equities in Scarsdale, N.Y., knows both the hazards and huzzahs of working with friends and family. He started buying real estate nearly a decade ago with his buddy Jeff Gault; family members have been a big source of capital ever since. "The upside is that these people know you and know what you're about; they cut you more slack," he says. "The downside is these are people you're going to see at Thanksgiving dinner." Klein shares thorough, detailed investment results every six months. Ultimately, success depends on your own ability to find good deals and execute. Friends and family can make a newcomer feel more comfortable, but you'll need to adopt professional practices for your effort to really pay off. ____________________ Gerri Willis is host of CNN's Open House. Write her at real_assets@moneymail.com . For more articles on Real Estate, subscribe to MONEY Magazine . 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 Follow the news that matters to you. Create your own alert to be notified on topics you're interested in. Or, visit Popular Alerts for suggestions. Manage alerts | What is this?

home mortgage loans, including

FRB: Understanding the Home Mortgage Process Where to Shop and What to Look For Skip to content The Mortgage Application Process Understanding Your Rights to Fair Lending Directory of Federal Agencies Mortgage home Once you have found the home of your choice, you may think that your shopping days are over. Actually, only the first phase has been completed. Next comes finding a mortgage and payment terms that fit your budget. Where you shop and what you look for are important. You might start by looking for a mortgage at the bank where you have your checking or savings account. But don’t limit yourself. A wide variety of institutions make home mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, commercial banks, mutual savings banks, and mortgage companies. The mortgages these institutions offer will have varying features. One way to find the creditor with the most attractively priced loan is to look in your local newspaper; check to see if it publishes a shoppers guide to mortgage credit. These shoppers guides are available in many localities and can be used to identify the lenders with low rates. But, basically, the way to find the loan with the most attractive terms is to shop around. You should have in mind some of the things to look for in a mortgage loan. For example, what types of loans are available from a given institution? Does the lender make privately or federally insured or guaranteed loans? Some lenders offer mortgage loans backed by a federal agency such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans). Loans that are not government-insured are called conventional mortgages. Insured mortgages may be more attractive than conventional mortgages in some ways--such as lower down payment requirements. But they may be more restrictive in other ways; for example, they may be available only for certain kinds of homes, or for properties whose value is below a specified price. Other factors important to your mortgage decision are the length of the loan and the down payment required by the lender. The longer the term and the larger the down payment, the smaller your monthly payments will be. The interest rate is important too, and in some cases the amount of the down-payment will influence the interest rate that you pay (the larger the down payment, the lower the interest rate). In addition, mortgage loans may have interest rates that will stay fixed for the life of the loan (fixed-rate mortgages), that may change (adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs), or that represent a combination of fixed and variable rates (convertible mortgages). The initial rate of an ARM is generally lower than the rate available on a fixed-rate mortgage; but remember, the rate may change during the lifetime of the loan. Don’t hesitate to ask the lender how one loan differs from another, how the different features of the loan will affect the mortgage, or whether your chances to qualify would improve if you made a higher down payment. When you're shopping around, you will find that some home mortgage lenders have special programs to assist veterans and low-income or first-time homebuyers. Ask the lender if such programs are available. Home | Brochures Accessibility To comment on this site, please fill out our feedback form. Last update: June 21, 2001

House Rent

Pezenas house rental, Herault, Languedoc, rentals France 7 IMPASSE DES SELLIERS PEZENAS, HERAULT, LANGUEDOC, FRANCE FRANCE VACATION RENTALS HOUSE FOR RENT PEZENAS NEAR MONTPELLIER, BEZIERS, AGDE SLEEPS 2 RESTAURANTS NEARBY ANTIQUE STORES, MARKETS, SHOPS ARE THERE MORE THAN THE TWO OF YOU? RENT ANOTHER HOUSE IN PEZENAS - MAISON PEZENAS (SLEEPS 4-6) Enjoy staying in this sunny and bright house close to shops, and the market, in the pretty village of Pezenas, well known for Moliere who lived and performed here, as well as its antique stores, artists galleries, and numerous old buildings, that have been often used as backgrounds for period films. The Mediterranean beaches from Cap d'Agde to Sete are 20 minutes away, where one can dine on oysters plucked nearby. DETAILS OF ACCOMMODATION 7 Impasse des Selliers is an old home in the heart of Pezenas within easy strolling distance of shops and restaurants. It has three common walls with neighbours. Within the past five years the home was substantially renovated and modernized. The house faces South and is bright and sunny. The entrance level has a garage (NOT usable) with a washing machine and WC and basin. The stairs from the entryway lead to the combined living, dining and kitchen areas. The kitchen is referred to in France as an American kitchen. It is well equipped with ample counters, an electric oven, a butane cooktop, microwave and coffee maker. This level has a nice French door and tiny balcony. The living room has a small stereo , TV and video . The dining area features a beautiful round table that will easily sit six. The floor in this area is hardwood. A second flight of stairs leads to the top floor where there is a s eparate WC, bathroom with large tub and hand held shower as well as a basin. The bedroom is well proportioned with a double bed , walk-in closet and lovely armoire. There is also a French window in this room. The floors are carpeted. This home is ideal for couples who want to base themselves to enjoy the fabulous areas "behind the sun soaked Mediterranean beaches". Bedroom Kitchen Short walk to bakery Living dining kitchen area Pezenas House is short walk from galleries, shops Map showing location of rental in Pezenas PEZENAS The County of Pezenas, covering 32 villages, was established in 1362. In addition to being a taxing authority there has always been economic activity among the towns in the immediate area as well as teaching, traditions and festivities. The large Pezenas market attracts visitors from all around the area. The town population is about 8000 increasing with tourism in the summer months. It is situated in the large and flourishing Languedoc winemaking area. In addition to being a great base from which to explore, the town itself is a treasure trove of history. The local tourist bureau will provide the visitor with everything needed for extensive self guided tours which will include many fine old homes, the Ghetto, and the old quarter which is rich with interesting shops, restaurants as well as history. There are numerous restaurants and bars for dining SURROUNDING AREA What an area to explore! Languedoc-Rousillon is France's "other" Mediterranean province. The area has the rugged sun drenched vineyards as well as miles of sandy beaches. From Roman ruins to the famous Canal du Midi the area is historically fascinating. Montpellier is now one of the most dynamic and progressive cities in France. The easily accessed and handsome cities of Narbonne, Beziers and Peripignan are all worth a visit as well as coastal towns such as Collioure and the amazing Cathar castles in the Corbieres and medieval Carcassone. Nimes and the Pont du Gard are an easy drive. You can easily venture in to Provence and visit Avignon and Arles plus a host of small villages that are essential France. Save time to visit and try some the best and most reasonably priced wine in France. St Chinian and Faugeres are well known but Belles-Eaux in nearby Caux is also wonderful. 7 IMPASSE DES SELLIERS, SLEEPS 2 DISCOUNTS OFFERED FOR MULTI-WEEK RENTALS Payment is based on Euro Value - £GPB and $ are only approximate Rentals will be from Saturday to Saturday. A 150 Euro deposit is due 90 days in advance to hold the booking. Final payment is to be made 60 days in advance plus a 100 Euro damage deposit. The damage deposit will be refunded after departure. If you cancel your booking and I am able to rent for your booked period, all monies will be refunded. There are no extra charges for linens, towels, electricity and cleaning after departure. Payment in Euros is preferred. WEEKLY RENTAL £ GBP $ US EURO JULY, AUGUST £290 $610 €485 JUNE, SEPTEMBER £270 $490 €390 MAY, OCTOBER £228 $415 €330 REST OF YEAR PRICES FOR LONGER LETS AVAILABLE EXCLUDING ELECTRICITY £197 $358 €285 Interested? Contact Bill Cassan at desselliers@southfrance.com Tel (1) 604-734-1498 ARE THERE MORE THAN THE TWO OF YOU? RENT ANOTHER HOUSE IN PEZENAS- MAISON PEZENAS (SLEEPS 4-6) Bill Cassan 420 Hudson St NW Unit 12 Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1P4 Canada Tel 250-833-0118 [ South France Guide | Languedoc Sights | Canal du Midi Guide | Vacation Rentals advertise your house for rent

real estate listings. Search

Century 21 Real Estate: home buying, home selling, financing and property listings. español Put My Century 21 to work for you, simply register your email address and create a password. Once you're registered, you'll be able to • save property descriptions • store your search criteria • file agent information • build a custom library Find out more or register now! Already registered? Sign in . -- Welcome to Century 21 Real Estate Century 21 Real Estate is your online resource for home buying, home selling, financing and property listings. Whether it's a house, condo, or any other type of property, we can assist you with your real estate needs. Search for Properties Looking to buy a new home, condo or any other property? Search thousands of properties in our real estate listings. Search Property Listings » First Time Homebuyers Guide » View Our Buyer Service Pledge » International Century 21 Real Estate LLC is part of the largest real estate referral network in the world - with over 110,000 brokers and sales associates in over 30 countries and territories. Access our world offices today» Sell a Property Let our real estate agents create a customized marketing plan to sell your property. List your Property » View Our Seller Service Pledge » View Mortgage Rates View current mortgage rates, apply for a home equity loan, crunch numbers with home mortgage calculators and more! Apply for a Mortgage Now» Use Our Mortgage Calculators » Find an Office or Agent Find and contact a CENTURY 21 Office or Agent to handle your real estate needs. Find an Office or Agent » Quick Vote! Your vote counts! Let us Know Where do you spend the most time? Bedroom Living Room Kitchen Bathroom Dining Room ©2005 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. All rights reserved. Information appearing on this site has been produced by or obtained primarily from Century 21 Real Estate LLC and its representatives and from CENTURY 21 franchisees. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the broker information, sales associate information, listing information or other information provided by our franchisees appearing on or through this site. Such information has been provided by independent third parties who are solely responsible for such content. Certain conditions and restrictions apply to System promotions. Terms and Conditions of Use.

Sell House

Home Selling Advice - Get the House Ready to Show - House Selling Tips  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Home Buying / Selling > How To Sell a House > Getting it Ready to Sell > Home Selling Advice - Get the House Ready to Show - House Selling Tips Home & Garden Home Buying / Selling Essentials 10 Things Home Buyers Shouldn't Do Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers "Must-Do" Tasks Before You Sell How to Buy a Home, Step by Step For Sale by Owner Advice Articles & Resources How To Buy a Home How To Sell a House Celebrity & Historic Credit Reports & Scores Design & Remodel Home Maintenance Inspections & Appraisals Investing & Foreclosures Modular & Manufactured Mold, Radon, Lead, etc. Mortgage Advice Moving & Relocation Real Estate Careers Real Estate For Sale Vacation Homes Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Home Buying Books Foreclosure Books Mortgage Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Home Buying / Selling newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Home Buying / Selling Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Home Selling Tips How To Sell a House Showings, Should You Stay Or Go? Passing Your Home Inspection More Home Selling Advice The Importance of Curb Appeal Should You Offer a Home Warranty? Giving the Buyer Possession Before Closing Home Selling eCourse Home Selling Materials Delivered Once Weekly Related Blogs Mortgage Fraud Blog The Real Estate Blog The Money Pit Most Popular Modular and Manufactured Homes Finding Your Best Place to ... Home Buying Don'ts First Time Home Buyer Tips Before You Sell Your Home What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Related Topics Home Repair Architecture Credit / Debt Management Housekeeping Landscaping Home Selling Advice: Get the House Ready to Show From Janet Wickell , Your Guide to Home Buying / Selling . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Make Sure it's Your House they Come Back to for a Second Look Here's a critical bit of home selling advice: don't even think of putting your house on the market until you've taken a close look at its condition. You usually only have one shot at impressing potential home buyers, so take some time now to prepare the house for showings and you might be rewarded with a faster sale and a higher offer. Home Prep Basics Everything from floors to windows must be spotless, including the oven and other major appliances. Skylights should be crystal-clear, too. Do not forget to make bathrooms shine! Kill the offensive odors. They're the first thing buyers notice, and often a permanent turnoff. Eliminate Clutter: Put away small kitchen appliances and other items that are sitting on countertops and tables. Remove photographs and other small items from table-tops. Organize closets and cabinets. Outside Tasks Clean the drain gutters. Buyers nearly always comment if gutters are full of leaves and it makes them question other maintenance issues. Store or organize items that make the yard look messy. Make your front entry inviting. Decorate it, paint the door, or buy a new door. It's the first look at your house, so make it a good one. If the Home Is Vacant Vacant homes often home buyers with a blast of stale or mildew-laden air, and once buyers smell mildew, they are out the door. During cold months, the interior of a house without heat always feels colder than it is outside. Leaving the heat or air conditioning running while a home is on the market reduces odors and makes the house more inviting. Keep the lawn and landscaping tidy, even if you have to hire someone to do it. That's a start, but you're not finished yet. Take your prep work to the next level if you want to be ready for buyers. 1 2 Next Important disclaimer information about this About site.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Oprah's Life Vacation Ideas Shop Safely Online VIDEO: Craft Rooms VIDEO: Christmas Traditions What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews